First tube amp, need help please!

darkentity · Dec 20, 2009

Hello everyone,
I recently purchased a triple rec. off ebay, got it few days ago. I hooked it up to my 4x12 cabinet, turned it on, waited for the tubes to warm up, and when I wanted to go off standby, boom! I saw a flash behind the amp and now it doesnt power on. One of the rectifier tubes is blown for sure, and the fuse looks a lil black. Shouldn't it go on without one rectifier tube? Did I damage it? Im really upset. Does anyone know what went wrong and what do I have to do? Please help!

thunda1216 · Dec 20, 2009

your rectifier tube blew, and caused the fuse to blow. Replace the tube and the fuse (I would replace them both - they are inexpensive). You need both rectifier tubes to be good for the amp to function.

ty

darkentity · Dec 20, 2009

Thanks man, thats what I thought! Can I replace the 5u4g tube with 5u4gb?

stokes · Dec 20, 2009

Yes,a 5U4,5U4g or 5U4gb are all interchangeable.

darkentity · Dec 21, 2009

How about 6L6s? there are a bunch of different types. Can I mix em?

stokes · Dec 21, 2009

You can use whatever 6L6's you like,so long as you can either check the current draw to be sure they are in the right range or buy them specifically to be "safe" in your amp.Dont know if the amp is still under warranty,but if so,Mesa will void your warranty if you let them find out you used tubes other than theirs or GT's,so to avoid their void,make sure they dont find out.But in any case dont just put any old 6L6 in your amp,if you cant check/adjust your bias you have to go with tubes that are pre sorted to match Mesa's specs.Most tube vendors can do that for you these days.