Mesa's policy on using non-Mesa tubes and voiding warranties

[screamingdaisy]

So far as I know it only voids the warranty if a non-Mesa tube somehow damages the amp.

 

[ToneAddictJon]

That's why, if using non mesa tubes, you put the mesa tubes back in before shipping it or taking it to an authorized repair shop for warranty work

 

[tetsubin]

That's why, if using non mesa tubes, you put the mesa tubes back in before shipping it or taking it to an authorized repair shop for warranty work

How are you gonna explain the damage in the amp with two fine tubes in there? Or do you keep damaged spare Mesa branded tubes? Clever.

 

[ToneAddictJon]

It's not how I explain it, it's how they explain it
Never admit anything is your fault, first rule of thumb when working with warranty work, or cops :twisted:

 

[Storm]

I'm sure they would be on to the old tube switcheroo trick and have measures in place to protect themselves.

Ciao ...

 

[Abhorred]

See, as tempting as this approach is, I just can't get behind it. By trying to mask what was, for all rights and purposes, a mistake the company (in this case Mesa) specifically warned you against, it just takes time and resources away from those who followed the instructions to a T and still need help.

Now, I don't agree with Mesa's approach to tubes, but since they get to write the rules on their own products it's only fair to accept when you haven't followed them. Besides, why would you want to mess around with a company that provides such otherwise good customer service? Don't bite the hand that feeds you, or something.

As well, as Storm mentioned, they likely have some pretty quick ways to determine if they're being BS'ed with regards to tube-related warranty claims.

Just my two cents...

It's not how I explain it, it's how they explain it
Never admit anything is your fault, first rule of thumb when working with warranty work, or cops :twisted:

 

[Restless Rocks]

See, as tempting as this approach is, I just can't get behind it. By trying to mask what was, for all rights and purposes, a mistake the company (in this case Mesa) specifically warned you against, it just takes time and resources away from those who followed the instructions to a T and still need help.

Now, I don't agree with Mesa's approach to tubes, but since they get to write the rules on their own products it's only fair to accept when you haven't followed them. Besides, why would you want to mess around with a company that provides such otherwise good customer service? Don't bite the hand that feeds you, or something.

As well, as Storm mentioned, they likely have some pretty quick ways to determine if they're being BS'ed with regards to tube-related warranty claims.

Correctomondo!!!!! What goes around comes around and it's you that has to live with your karma.

 

[Mr_You]

Makes sense to me. They have no control over a tube brands testing process before it gets to a customer and put into one of their amps which could result in damage.

 

[ToneAddictJon]

I'm sorry, but of all the tube amps I've owned, I've never seen an amp damaged by a tube!! I've seen tubes blow and I've seen them die, but I've never seen an amp be hurt by a tube, as long as the amp is built properly the fuse will blow and nothing will get hurt. They are the only amp company I know of that have that "rule" and I don't like their tubes, so how is it, that someone should pay x amount for an amp, and not be able to adjust something simple like tubes to get the tones they want out of it? I agree they have great customer service, but I think you guys are going a little overboard on biting the hand that feeds you, cause you are the hand that's feeding their business.

 

[recto-robbie]

I agree whole heartedly with you on that, although I would assume if they found out problems arose because of other tubes, they would somehow get out of helping you out. I also cant imagine any particular problem happening to the amp because of tubes other than possibly buying some totally mismatched tubes or cheap problematic tubes, but again I dont know sh!t about them really.
What I do know is Mesa charges way too much for, what I consider for the most part cheaper relatively poor sounding tubes. Its all great for them because im sure they make one hell of a mint on them. I have wondered what their actual profit from selling their rebranded tubes comes out to every year,,, I bet it would be staggering.
Anyways I always make it a point to buy tubes from only two very reputable dealers who know what they are doing,, I trust them and have used many of their tubes in a few boogies and some peaveys which need no biasing and never have I had any problem with any of them,, matter of fact the only thing different usually is a much better sound.
Even though I know and understand their policies I have a hard time accepting the fact I need to use their tubes,,, I love swapping them around when im looking for a different sound or something new and personally cant imagine not being able to do that. I know its somewhat of a chance ,, but its deffinatley a chance im willing to take because like many of you who have tried different tubes know the incredible sound possibilities they offer in your boogies.
I must say that I hope using different tubes doesnt come back and bite me on the *** someday but I have spent enough time and money on boogie amps to feel a bit loyal to them and I hate to say it,, if they decide not to help out a loyal customer,, then I will need to make a choice.

 

[Barry]

I think everyone is selling rebranded tubes are'nt they ? They are all importing them from pretty much the same places . Im not knocking your take on them but mesa isnt doing anything that the rest of tube sellers are'nt doing .As a matter of fact i think some of the smaller tube buyers probably owe some gratitude to mesa . the fact that mesa buys lots of tubes they can help keep the the tube makers QC up a bit . I think with a company like mesa one of the biggest considerations for them is to have a durable tube . It cant be easy keeping the the suppliers honest on the quality all the time . Im not saying mesa's perfect but i do think they try to find the best tubes they can . How would you go about it if you were buying that many tubes a year from a supplier ?

 

[Murphy Slaw]

I'm with Tone Addiction on this one. I picked up a pair of Fender branded 6V6's for my Blue Angel recently for spares. It still has the stock Boogie tubes, but I got em' cheap, and Fender Deluxe Reverbs use them, and I figured they're just tubes, eh? They're spares.

I was reemed here, somewhere, for even considering them. "You need to re-bias".... Huh?

Horse ****.

Good tubes are good tubes.

Good power tubes last for years. Good preamp tubes last for decades.

I've gigged tube amps since the 70's and have NEVER had an amp biased. This is NOT rocket science. It's very, very old technology, that's why we love it. Swapping tubes for a certain tone, be it NOS, or whatever, is what makes it fun.

Besides. I don't own anything under warranty.

Yuk, yuk.......

Best of luck.