Mark V with EL34's is a WINNER!

[rocknroll9225]

Just popped them in and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. I was honestly surprised too, because it seemed like I was actually getting more bass from the 34's than the 6L6's, somehow. And the bass that was there was punchier. Everything just seemed brighter, but in a good way, not in a harsh ice-picky way. Channel 2 also sounds like how I've always wanted it to sound but I couldn't quite get with 6L6's. And everyone says that the cleans suffer with EL34's but honestly they sounded just as chimey as ever. I'm completely sold.

 

[SteveO]

I bounce back and forth, but the EL34s are in there 90% of the time.

 

[screamingdaisy]

I bounce back and forth...

Same here.

I thought I preferred 6L6s for the longest time but finally settled on EL34s when I decided to commit to using channel 2 as my rhythm channel and dedicate channel 3 to lead.

 

[mule#1]

I popped a set in and loved them. When I played with the band I found I preferred the 6L6 especially for clean. However I didn't
put much adjusting from the settings I had so I plan to do more. I liked the tight crunch and tight low end,

 

[ricorocks]

Well i had El34 's in my "V" and found that they were awesome. compressed and very saturated , great for high gain work with basswood and alder bodied guitars, but i prefer 6L6's with mahogany guitars for some reason, seems to me that there's more cut, definition and clarity with mahog...and 6L6's. the El34's and Mahog guitars ruin the Mahog tone in my opinion.......thoughts

 

[mule#1]

I play all Gibson's so maybe that is why I put the 6L6's back in :lol:

 

[ricorocks]

Exactly, 6L6's just give more punch clarity and definition with mahognay woods. :wink:

 

[Andre Oliveros]

Im using EL34 since two months, i didn't say nothing to my band mates, first rehearsal was like " hey Dre, your amp sounds bigger" jajajaja that was from my bassist, my opinion its simple, the EL's just put your guitar in front of everyone jajajaja, i love both in the V but the main difference to me was in band situation im more in front, i used an Orange and a JCM800 both EL34, before the Mesa i like the cleans a lot, with 6L6 to me them just give more bottom, but my settings are very fat anyway, its cool you can use both one more reason to say Mark V its the amp.

 

[jeff5]

Can you combine EL34s and 6L6 like you could in the IV or is it all one or the other?

 

[hank66]

Couldnt agree more. Just made the swap and I love it. Less dailing and more playing.I liked the 6's for clean stuff but for high gain, the 34's seem alot more balanced. Better mids without the dogwhistle highs.u

 

[huje]

Just popped them in and I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. I was honestly surprised too, because it seemed like I was actually getting more bass from the 34's than the 6L6's, somehow. And the bass that was there was punchier. Everything just seemed brighter, but in a good way, not in a harsh ice-picky way. Channel 2 also sounds like how I've always wanted it to sound but I couldn't quite get with 6L6's. And everyone says that the cleans suffer with EL34's but honestly they sounded just as chimey as ever. I'm completely sold.

Which EL34 tubes did you put in ? I put some JJ el34 in, and I really like the Mesa stock 6L6 better.

 

[67mike]

I tried Mesa EL34's last night in the Mark V.....


Not sure what to think......they really increased the highs with my amp especially on the clean channel....definately lost some bottem end.

Swapped the 6L6's back in......