NEw Tubes for my Mini Recto

[dmraco]

I am in the market for some new tubes. Questions:

Is it true MEsa tubes are just renamed JJs??

Anyone use any other combo in their Mini? I have heard the Tung Sol really rock. I am happy with my tones now but open to other suggestions.

Thanks

 

[mandoismetal]

Mesa has been known to re-badge different brands of tubes.

I know they've used JJ's and Ruby's in the past.

I have tried Tung-Sol 12AX7's and liked them a lot more than the JJ's/Groove Tubes I had before in a Mark IV.

They were a bit silkier and brighter. I'm speaking strictly about the lead channel under heavy gain saturation.

I did not spend enough time in any of the other modes to comment with confidence.

For your power section (EL84), I would suggest the following:

http://www.thetubestore.com/Tubes/EL84-6BQ5-Tube-Types/Preferred-Series-7189-Premium-EL84

I hope this helps!

 

[KiwiJoe]

I am in the market for some new tubes. Questions:

Is it true MEsa tubes are just renamed JJs??

Anyone use any other combo in their Mini? I have heard the Tung Sol really rock. I am happy with my tones now but open to other suggestions.

Thanks

I'm not one to replace tubes 'till they need replacing, but from what I've read the Tungsol 12ax7 in V1 is supposed to be the hot ticket in terms of bringing the amp to life. Do a search here of "Tungsol V1", and there should be plenty of threads addressing that subject.

 

[dmraco]

Thanks. The amp is about 18 months old and the tubes are really starting to hiss and crack under high load. Same sound my Orange dual terror makes when they need replaced. I think I will just go withthe pre-amps 1st.

Thanks for the feedback. From what I see the Tung Sol may be worth a try.
Being I am new to MESA..what does V1...V3 mean? I assume it is the pre-amp tube locations. Any issue with replacing all with the same type of tube or is it better to mix-n-match?? I know it has FIVE pre-amp tubes. I have always swapped them ALL out on my ORANGE. Is MESA different?

 

[Jethro Rocker]

You can keep the same or mix n match. Mesa does NOT make their own tubes, there are only about 5 manufacturers in the world making tubes to my knowledge. The tube layout is designated as V1 - V5, your manual has an excellent description of them - V3 being tone stack, V4 Phase splitter, etc. It can be fun switching different tubes around for subtle differences in tone. Your power tubes are likely culprits as well if you a lack of power and thin sound. Often I've had crackly issues when the PI tube (V4 in this case) is going. I am currently using an old stock Mullard made in GT Britain tube in V1 and various old or new stock in other positions. I haven't tried my Tung Sol in V1, maybe I'll do that as well. Have fun!!!

 

[mandoismetal]

Depending on your style, Mullards may be another good choice as previously mentioned.

Mesa has been known to relabel Ruby's and JJ's. I don't know if they have rebranded any other tubes AFAIK.