Is it worth re-tubing a Mark IV?

[Herbie the Rad Dorklift]

Reason I ask is because I literally have no idea! :lol:

I'm not unhappy with my sound, but would a re-tube with better tubes make it even better?

If so, which do you recommend?

Don't just link Eurotubes or whatever, because I have no idea what's good or not :lol:


Thanks.

 

[ANIMATED SUSPENSION]

'Better' tubes is subjective. New power tubes will always tend to sound better than well used ones that's for sure. Some 12ax7's have more/less gain or more/less 'bite' but most can be compensated by tweaking the amp. What make/type of tubes are in it and how many hours use have they had ? You can make more of a difference changing strings regularly and raising and lowering your pups to be honest !!!! :shock:

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

I was thinking about it for the longest time, swapping all the tubes for other brands, etc., but after a small change, I'm sticking with the stock tubes. There is nothing wrong with them, and they are VERY reliable.

I DID, though, swap two of the 6L6s for Mesa EL-34s, and I am in heaven. The amp is a monster now, ESPECIALLY at band levels. Cuts like a knife, and has a tight and sharp crunch that the 6L6s just can't do. HIGHLY recommended if you're going for hard rock and metal tones.

For me, it turned the amp into a whole new beast, and I REALLY love it. Gave 3 weeks before I posted anything, so it wasn't just a honeymoon...the Mark IV slays with the tube combination.

 

[Herbie the Rad Dorklift]

I just have stock, had the amp for 2 months-ish.

I was thinking of putting 2 EL34s in. I played a Stiletto and I really liked it

 

[Platypus]

I just have stock, had the amp for 2 months-ish.

I was thinking of putting 2 EL34s in. I played a Stiletto and I really liked it

Try the EL34's... but you're not going to get a Stiletto tone out of it unfortunately; different beasts.

 

[Restless Rocks]

It seems there are lot's of people who are interested in selling tubes these days but I've used stock Mesa's in my own amps for years and they sound great (of course theres are some expensive NOS varieties that may be a slight improvement; I have both) and have always been extremely reliable. When I walk on stage reliability is a very high priority. And also as has been said the subtle differences in many tubes can be compensated for by simply tweaking the tone and gain controls.

 

[ANIMATED SUSPENSION]

I think I'm gonna swap the outer two tubes to EL34's too, gives you the best of both worlds I think !! The closest you'll get to a Stiletto tone in this case is in Class A where just the EL34's are operating giving 50 watts output a la Stiletto Ace. Makes me laugh when people rave about the reissue Tung sol 12ax7's, my MKIV came with a mixture of Electro Harmonix and Tung sol tubes all branded Mesa/Boogie 'Russian 2' !?!?! I've swapped them around and there is no sonic difference whatsoever !! 8)

 

[Mystic-Creations]

My power amp tubes were feeling some wear and tear after about 8 month's, preamp v1 as well. Swapped out all 5 preamp tubes, 2 6l6's and 2 el34's and I have not been this satisfied yet. Really an amazing combo, seriously try them out. Nothing wrong with stock Mesa tubes, they are great imo. Not to mention what the amp was meant to use....I like keeping things stock as much as possible.

 

[Boogiebabies]

It seems there are lot's of people who are interested in selling tubes these days but I've used stock Mesa's in my own amps for years and they sound great (of course theres are some expensive NOS varieties that may be a slight improvement; I have both) and have always been extremely reliable. When I walk on stage reliability is a very high priority. And also as has been said the subtle differences in many tubes can be compensated for by simply tweaking the tone and gain controls.

For Sale:

Four Matched STR-415's - Brand New in Box - Blue Label - $ 650.00

But really, you are right on the money. I could never see using NOS in a gigging amp. One bump and there goes your investment. I have been just as thrilled from a crappy quad of Chinese STR-420's or STR-425's as I have NOS.
You just never really know what the amp is going to sound like. I find it's easier to just work around what you have, or can get that's priced within reason and tested. I prefer the tube to be $ 12.00 when it goes all Tesla on me. I'll leave the NOS for special occasions, like weddings and funerals. :shock:

 

[STUART]

Back in September 1984 the STR 415 tubes sold for $14 each (shipping extra) :shock:

Now where's my flux capacitor Marty ??

 

[Herbie the Rad Dorklift]

If I were to swap 2 6L6s for EL34s, which would I swap?

 

[Herbie the Rad Dorklift]

If I were to swap 2 6L6s for EL34s, which would I swap?

Just had a flick through the manual.

I swap the outer 2 to EL34s, then I can have a blended sound in Simul Class, but if I swap to Class A I get a British overdrive right?

 

[ANIMATED SUSPENSION]

Yes, a more British tone, but only 50 watts output !!

 

[mule#1]

It seems there are lot's of people who are interested in selling tubes these days but I've used stock Mesa's in my own amps for years and they sound great (of course theres are some expensive NOS varieties that may be a slight improvement; I have both) and have always been extremely reliable. When I walk on stage reliability is a very high priority. And also as has been said the subtle differences in many tubes can be compensated for by simply tweaking the tone and gain controls.

For Sale:

Four Matched STR-415's - Brand New in Box - Blue Label - $ 650.00

But really, you are right on the money. I could never see using NOS in a gigging amp. One bump and there goes your investment. I have been just as thrilled from a crappy quad of Chinese STR-420's or STR-425's as I have NOS.
You just never really know what the amp is going to sound like. I find it's easier to just work around what you have, or can get that's priced within reason and tested. I prefer the tube to be $ 12.00 when it goes all Tesla on me. I'll leave the NOS for special occasions, like weddings and funerals. :shock:

I just ordered a quad of 425 tubes from Boogie. I like the tone so much better than the 440 stock tubes. The highes are definatley tapered. Read the Mesa tube chart as it describes their tone perfectly. Very thick and rich.