Mesa Boogie Roadster Head-----Help/Information

[NorCal-Mesa]

I just picked this up and I really like it allot. I hear allot of folks state that its got a darker sound. I don't find that so much as a warmer sound to the recto family of tones. Some said to brighten the amp up I need to change the V1 pre amp tube to a Tungsol. Has anyone done this and if so how where the changes to the amp?

 

[bendo]

I put tungsol's in V1 of all of my Mesa. It takes the harshness out, and has a smoother tone. Gain is still high.

It's a good choice.

 

[LithiumZero]

The TS did wonders for my roadster. I highly recommend it

 

[NorCal-Mesa]

Wow thanks allot for info, do I just need to order one pre amp tube to work the modern channels? And is it just V1 your re tubing? And what tube socket is V1? :wink:

 

[bendo]

I put a Mullard 12AX7 in V2 and try to find a quiet long plate Mesa 12AX7 for V3. All 3 (including the TungSol) are long plate designs. I find they give a fuller smoother tone. Less glassy. Std Mesa 12AX7 in V4 and a JJ 12AX7 in V5. This is for a Single Recitifier, but the pre-amp is quite similar on all Recitifiers.

V1 is the first on the left looking from the rear. There will be a plate on the inside of the head case that has a tube map on it.

You can also pull the manual from Mesa's site for the RoadKing (Roadster manual does not have a tube map). The RoadKing tube map is identical to the Roadster minus the extra power tube set and rectifier tube.

 

[knotts]

I've done it as well and highly recommend it. I had the same questions when I got my roadster. The V1 is the closest to the input jack.

 

[NorCal-Mesa]

Ok so do I just replace v1 ?

 

[knotts]

Yes, but keep it handy. I'm not sure if you are under warranty but I believe that Mesa voids the warranty of your amp if you use other manufactures tubes. Just something to keep in mind before you do this. If one day your amp breaks and you bring it in for warrantied repair, you'll probably want to switch the Mesa 12AX7 back into the V1.

You may need to remove some of the power tubes or rectifier tubes to get to the V1 out. Just pay attention to the pin orientation of when you pull it out. Unlike the power tubes, there is no plastic guide pin to help align the tube.

 

[Traumatized]

I was thinking about doing this as well. Glad I came across this thread.

 

[NorCal-Mesa]

Wow that was a great change for the better thanks allot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im sure if my tone got more clear or if it opened up the amp more!!! Is this change suggested for other Mesa amps?

 

[knotts]

Wow that was a great change for the better thanks allot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im sure if my tone got more clear or if it opened up the amp more!!! Is this change suggested for other Mesa amps?

I have heard others say that they do this for all of their Mesa amps and they like it better. I haven't done it with my Lonestar, but I have no reservations. I just haven't been playing it since it got my roadster.