Just got a T-verb w/ broken tubes - HALP

[Freddie WizZzard]

As stated in the topic, after waiting a month dealing w/ several flaky sellers finally found a good deal on a T-verb but the postal service messed up shipping.

One of the two rectifier tubes is shattered, had a heck of a time cleaning it all up.

Tubes are as follows:
(4) Mesa brand 6L6's
(1) Mesa brand rectifier tube still intact
(6) 12AX7's, 1 says Groove Tubes, I can't see the other ones

Some of the tubes have fingerprints on them. Also the 6L6's look blackened on the top, which I'm not sure if normal or a sign of needing to be changed.

I'm wondering, what is the fastest way to get this amp up and safely running? I'm sure this is going to need a full retube but before I drop the cash on a full set I want to get a rush delivery of 1 tube if possible. Can I do this? I was thinking of getting this rush ordered while I wait on a full set from Mesa.

http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Groove-Tubes-Gold-Series-GT-5U4-GZ32-Rectifier-Tube?sku=212227


Will this work good enough for now? Any alternatives to a set through Mesa? I've heard rumors that Mesa's brand of tubes isn't all that great. This is my 1st tube amp and my 1st post on this board so bear w/ me if I've posted on the wrong board/broken any rules. Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-FW

 

[stephen sawall]

The tube with black is more than likely bad. I would not guess what is good or not from a post.

Since you bought this with out playing it ..... I have no idea if it worked before you got it and what may or not be wrong with the amp.

Make sure you have the switch on the back NOT set to tube rectifier .... I think you can run it without the rectifier tubes in it. Better wait till someone confirms this.

This is why I never buy anything without playing on it or knowing the seller.

 

[jamme61]

I just bought an ebay TOV, The seller refunded some money for the repair. I know you can run the amp without the rec tubes but, make sure it's switched to solid state on the back. I would replace all the power tubes to be safe. Mesa tubes are fine IMHO, also, Bob at eurotubes.com, sells JJ's that will run in your amps factory set bias. Did the seller say the tubes were good? Dosen't really matter, after getting banged around from shipping, who knows (better safe then sorry). I hope it works out for you, I love my TOV, good luck.

 

[stephen sawall]

http://thetubestore.com/

http://www.dougstubes.com/

http://www.tubedepot.com/

http://www.eurotubes.com/

http://www.groovetubes.com/

There is many more ......

I recommend getting them from MESA.... make sure who ever you get them from know what amp you are using.

 

[Freddie WizZzard]

Thanks for the replies. Upon further inspection, there was a loose 12AX7 tube in the back that wasn't even in; just rolling around. Prongs looked a little warped etc. 3 different brands of preamp tubes: Groove Tubes, JJ's, and Marshalls. I'm wondering if that configuration was deliberate or if the guy just put any old spares in there just to get rid of it.

According to the manual, there should be 6 spaces for preamp tubes but I only see 5 and an odd metal cylinder where it looks like the 6th would be. This is at the slot marked V1. At this cylinder is a philips screw.
What the heck is this metal cylinder? It's definitely not a tube and I don't know what to do with it, if anything. Sorry I don't have a way of taking a picture of it but if needed I can borrow a digital camera from somebody.

Given the inconsistency of the brands and conditions of the tubes (all of them not just preamps), I've removed them all and getting ready for a full set of new ones. Where I get them from is still yet to be decided.

Thanks in advance

 

[94Tremoverb]

The metal cylinder is a shield for V1. Turn it to remove it - it's quite stiff, or at least it should be if the rubber o-ring hasn't decayed, and there's a notch where it comes out.

The fastest way to get it running (if you haven't already) is to switch it to Solid State Diode mode. You can run it with or without the rectifier tubes in this mode, it doesn't make any difference. If you want to test the rectifier tube you've got, you can try it in Vacuum Tube mode but don't crank the amp right up - one tube won't handle the full current, although it will be fine at lower volume. You could also pull two power tubes and run it at half power, which is OK even turned up with one rectifier, but it isn't necessary just to make sure the tube is working.

 

[mikey383]

The tube with black is more than likely bad. I would not guess what is good or not from a post.

Just because it's black at the top does not mean it's bad. If it's WHITE, then it's definitely bad. Tubes are coated with barium oxide, which turns white when exposed to air. Black doesn't mean anything, other than it may have been hot at one time.

Make sure you have the switch on the back NOT set to tube rectifier .... I think you can run it without the rectifier tubes in it. Better wait till someone confirms this.

You can run without the rectifier tubes, just make sure it's set to diodes. Like '94 said, you can test the one rectifier tube with all the tubes in place, but it won't handle high volumes.

A mix of tubes probably means either the previous owner did like most of us do and mix preamp tubes to get a certain sound, or he haphazardly threw in anything he could that would work.

 

[stephen sawall]

If you only use two power tubes .... it well change the ohms. Read up a bit about this before you do it.

 

[Freddie WizZzard]

I'm really gonna need new tubes now. Broke the other rectifier tube trying to remove it. The notched bottom was in the socket but managed to get it out. I underestimated how little headroom those rectifier tubes have and didn't remove the top grille.

I've ordered a full set of power/preamp/rec tubes but in the mean time I really want to get this thing roaring.
I'd like to try this in silicon diodes mode. I still have all 4 of my 6L6's and 5 12AX7's. V1 is still shielded.
If some preamp/power tubes may be bad (I'm not at my house and cannot examine which ones yet), will it pose a risk/break my amp if I use these? Should I just wait for my new tubes to come in?
Also I'll be running it on a Marshall 1960a w/ 4 Celestion G12T-75 12" speakers. What should my ohm settings be at? any other settings/precautions I should know about?

 

[stephen sawall]

When you fire it up just keep a eye on it and make sure it is not doing anything strange. More than likely all you may do is blow a fuse if there is a problem. Good idea to have a few spares anyway.
Just match the amp and cab ohms. I think that cab is 16 ohm.

If the old tubes are good .... keep them as spares. .... and remember "new" tubes sometimes have problems also.

V1 makes the biggest difference in tone and feel. Even tubes that look identical in every way sound different. So a few different tubes in V1 can help fine tune your sound.

 

[Freddie WizZzard]

Successfully running in solid state mode. Not doa. Feels good man. 8)

Running 16 ohms.

Not experienced enough to dial in good tones just yet, it's all trial and error right now. i'm just astounded at the pretty lights and loud sounds. (Green jewel light looks sick).
Full set of Mesa tubes on its way from Mesa themselves. Can't wait man.

Thanks a bunch for the replies
-FW

 

[stephen sawall]

That's great.

Mesa manuals are very well done .... It is a great tool for getting to know the amp ..... if you do not have it ...

http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/Tremoverb.pdf