Eurotubes Mesa retube kits.

[rpdz]

Has anyone retubed a Triaxis and/or 2:90 with the Mesa retube kits from Eurotubes? If so, what do you think of them?

 

[disassembled]

I think JJ's are an acquired taste but definitely worth checking out. The preamp tubes are advertised as being linear instead of the more common mid scoop found in some other tubes as far as EQ goes. JJ's pre tubes are sometimes bad when it comes to microphonics so you have to be careful.


For the power tubes:

I have had quite a few give me problems with random noises and cured the problem by switching to Ruby 6L6's or Tung Sol 5881's.


Instead of only shopping with Bob at Eurotubes I suggest that you check out dougstubes.com as well because he stocks many different brands of tubes and can give you a nice mix to suite your tonal needs. I have a mix of tubes in my Mark IV and will try mixing them up in my Triaxis as well. Definitely check out the Tung sol and EI tubes.


Greg

 

[gezza]

Hello rpdz,

I did a search here for Re-tubing a Triaxis.

I found many threads here. Timberwolf has many Posts about this.

He strongly recommend the following.

V1 - 12AX7
V2- 12AT7WA
V3 - 5751
V4 - 12AX7 Different to V1 as they blend together.
V5 - 12BZ7 0r 12AX7

looking at Eurotubes they have the high gain/low output set.

it is similar, but still very different.

It is suggested that the mix above yields far greater results.

The Idea is to tame V2 and V3 and keep them under control, V1 works on it's own, then it also mixes with V4, so that was the reason for 2 different tubes as you will get a better contrast.

I have order 3 out of the 5 tubes above. V2, V3, V4.

I was also lucky enough to get NOS.

They also strongly recoomend NOS as they are far superior, but bloody hell are they expensive.

So the tubes should arrive Mon/Tue, as soon as they do I will let you all know.

Hope this helps,

Gezza.

 

[rpdz]

Thanks guys! I will definately check out your suggestions.

 

[leadfootdriver]

I've been working with JJ's for about 5 years now. I've purchased from Bob exclusively. I think they are great, and I don't plan on using anything else anytime soon.

ECC83S's are very clear, and articulate tubes. I was running ECC803S's for a while, which are nice, but they aren't as clear as the regular 83S's. And long plates are more delicate and microphonic.

I recomend the High Gain option for sure. I've had the best reliability with all JJ's.

Here's a TriAxis/2:90 clip I recorded today with some seasoned JJ pre and power tubes. I actually need new power tubes because 1 channel isn't a tight and bright as the other. My preamp tubes are at least 2 years old, but I do have the high gain selected tubes in the gain stages.

I've tried using 12at7's in various positions, and thought it was cool for awhile, but you lose gain, and although your sound gets tighter, it gets thinner because of the lack of saturation. You'll miss the juicy gain before to long. Besides, the TriAxis was designed for all 12ax7's.

this is just a high gain rhythm backing.
http://home.comcast.net/~leadfootdriver/tits.wma

 

[gezza]

hey leadfootdriver,

Great clip,

I am only going by what I have read here. I hope they are right.

I have ordered my Tubes, So I will experiment when I get them.

I also have 3 - JJ High Gain Matched and graded 110/110. I did have 4, I seem to have lost one some where.

I did notice when I was using them, the cleans seem to be a bit over driven.

I did notice that V1 and V2 with the JJ seems just a little bit too much.

I now have JJ V1 and Old Philips 12AX7 in V2 much better, but there does seem to be a bit too much treble there, but that could be an EQ setting.

So when I get them I will painstakingly play all day, to get this right.

Gezza.

 

[rpdz]

leadfootdriver,

That clip sounds killer! Thanks for the response. :!:

 

[meemawuk]

Really liked that rhythm tone Leadfootdriver!

 

[leadfootdriver]

Your welcome guys. Just tryin' to help. This stuff is a journey...

BTW, I run EL34's in the Class A slots of the 2:90. It gives the sound more deffinition in the mix.

 

[rpdz]

Leadfoot-

How long have you been using EL34's in your class a slots? I've been thinking about trying this, but Rich Duvall at Mesa advised against it.

Thanks.

 

[leadfootdriver]

Leadfoot-

How long have you been using EL34's in your class a slots? I've been thinking about trying this, but Rich Duvall at Mesa advised against it.

Thanks.

PLENTY long. Mesa prolly goes through a lot of dorks that do customer service. I've talked to clowns on there recently, and they had no idea what they were talking about when I had questions other mesa preamps. He only knew about Rectifiers which tells me he was prolly about 22, and didn't knok dick about mesa's amp history.

Anyways, just call or write Bob/Eurotubes. He'll tell you it's cool, and he'll get you the right set to make it sound great.

BUT make sure you know which slots are what because the newer 2:90's are a bit different from the old. On mine (older) the class a's are all' the outer tube sockets.