Lone Star Special Rectifier tube

[The Boogie Man]

My LoneStar is about 4 yrs old now. I thought it would be a good idea to replace the tubes.
I purchased the power tubes from Mesa, replaced them with no problems. I then purchased a rectifier tube 5y3 GT from Mesa.
I installed it and every thing was great for about a week.
I turned my amp on one day and the fuse blew... :shock: I replaced the fuse and tried again.
This time I watched the tubes. The new rectifier tube shorted out so I installed the old tube and everything was fine.
I called Mesa and they sent me another 5y3GT. I installed it and it was fine for about 3 weeks and it blew.
I replaced it with my old tube and every thing was O.K. Another call to Mesa :x
Has any one had this kind of problem with Mesa tubes??
I am not sure I want to try and trust another Mesa rectifier tube... Any other place to buy quality tubes???

 

[212Mavguy]

This is a chronic problem with that amp. There are several ways to get around that problem, if you go back a page or two on thread topics you will find quite a few posts on this. Basically the amp uses too much current in 15 watt mode for the kind of 5y3 Mesa sources. So you can use a vintage or NOS 5y3, (preferably military type) or a vintage 5v4. However, if Mesa finds out you have been using a non Mesa labeled tube they will void that amp's warranty. From what I understand from reading here in the past Mesa has a mod which will take care of the problem of blowing Mesa labeled 5y3 tubes as well, requires a visit to a Mesa Certified tech to do that one.

 

[stokes]

Get yourself a 5V4,they are easy to find at good prices,save your Mesa 5Y3 in case you have to send the amp to Mesa for any future warranty work.Dont tell them you used the 5V4,and your warranty is safe.

 

[The Boogie Man]

Thanks for the info..
I read the other posts on this issue.
I am now educated on the problem