Must every tube be the same when retubing?

azazelsmight · Jul 22, 2007

Just a question.. when looking through the different tubes, i see that there are many (el 34's for example) and i was wondering if when you are retibing, would all your powertubes have to be the same? I have a 3 channel triple rec, and i want to know if they all have to be the same powertubes, or if there are different versions of the EL34, can I pair them off, such as, XXCCVV

XX being one type of EL34 pair
CC and VV subsequently being differnt but paired.

Possible? or not recommended?

Jak0lantern01 · Jul 23, 2007

Power tubes should be matched pairs or quads. The only Mesa amp I've seen that can simultaneously use two different kinds of tubes is the Mark IV, and the different tubes have to still be matched (EL34 to EL34 and 6L6 to 6L6). Mismatch at your own risk. Pre-amp tubes are a whole different story and are more flexible to swap around.

azazelsmight · Jul 25, 2007

Oh i was under the impression anyways that tubes are paired by proximity to eachother.

THere were different kinds of EL34's taht groove tubes made, and i was wondering if X is a type of EL34's and C is a type of EL 34s and V is another type, could they be placed like this

XCVVCX

Jak0lantern01 · Jul 25, 2007

You would want matched pairs or quads, etc. What amp are you running? If you go to a tube vendor (I prefer Doug's tubes, some like Eurotubes) or contact them, you'll find a lot of info and products. If you need to re-tube, call Doug's direct, I'm sure he can answer all of your questions regarding your tubes and set you up with a good selection for a solid tone.

Timbre Wolf · Jul 26, 2007

Power tubes are used in matched pairs in your 4-EL34 amp. As long as the pairs are properly matched for the amp, it does not matter if you have two different brands. In other words, brand-A/A plus brand-B/B pairs will work fine, as long as they're in the range for the fixed bias.

- Thom