Replace all 5 preamp tunes in a Mark IV?

[MarkIVwidebody]

Getting conflicting opinions about just swapping lead gain stages or all at once. I want more gain and was wondering what all new tungsols would do.

 

[ANIMATED SUSPENSION]

More gain from a MKIV ??? :shock: What tubes are in it currently ??

 

[dmt]

1. If youre gonna get new tubes invest the extra money in NOS
2. Do some research on 12AX7 preamp tubes and learn something
3. Use a boost pedal for more tube gain

 

[CudBucket]

1. If youre gonna get new tubes invest the extra money in NOS

-100

 

[MarkIVwidebody]

1. If youre gonna get new tubes invest the extra money in NOS
2. Do some research on 12AX7 preamp tubes and learn something
3. Use a boost pedal for more tube gain

This is called doing research. Why be so smart-assed about it? I have all stock Mesa tubes. The preamp tube info is contradictory and anecdotal. Too much of it is based on preference. Actually I just boosted it with a Line 6 Uber Metal pedal and it sounds a little fuller which is what I was trying to do. You guys remind me of Harmony Central. All critical and not much on the help side. I guess I got what I need so flame away....I don't care about internet tough guys with 10,000 posts and all of that bullshit.

 

[MarkIVwidebody]

1. If youre gonna get new tubes invest the extra money in NOS

-100

-100 LOL classic. Yep, just a matter of preference. A lot of people think those are over-rated. I'm leaving the preamps alone but I ordered some Ruby 6L6 (set of 4) to see what they do and because my friend got a Mark IV head on ebay today with mis-matched tubes.

 

[MrMason]

More gain from a MKIV ??? :shock: What tubes are in it currently ??

I'm thinking that's the first version? My friend has a MK IV and it DOESN'T have a lot of gain. Maybe the second edition ones have more?

 

[Esromeron]

Depending on how old your stock tubes are, I don't think you will see too much of a difference with the Ruby's if the mesa's are relatively new. I really suggest getting a few different preamp tubes and switching them in and out of different slots to get a feel for what each sounds like, and also a feel of what you like in each slot. At around $10-$15 each its easy enough on the wallet to do.

Also about using the Line 6 Uber Metal pedal as a boost, I really would not recommend this as this pedal is not intended as a clean boost. It's a distortion pedal which is different than an Overdrive pedal. Overdrive pedals will also give a much smoother and fuller sound, I really suggest a Maxon OD808 or an Fulltone OCD.

But, by you saying that you want more gain from a Mark IV, and that the Line 6 Uber Metal made the sound "better", makes me think that maybe the amp may not be for you, and that a Recto would suite your ears better. Anyway, good luck on your quest for ultimate tone!(From my experience I'm pretty sure it never ends :lol: .)

 

[6L6C]

Depending on how old your stock tubes are, I don't think you will see too much of a difference with the Ruby's if the mesa's are relatively new. I really suggest getting a few different preamp tubes and switching them in and out of different slots to get a feel for what each sounds like, and also a feel of what you like in each slot. At around $10-$15 each its easy enough on the wallet to do.

Agreed!
Maybe a nice preamp package from Doug www.dougstubes.com , he will provide you with a nice mix.