Retubing a dual recto, advice needed

willashland · May 3, 2008

Hey guys, I just bought a 2005 dual rectifier from ebay, which has the original tubes in it as far as I know. I was thinking about getting a set of backup tubes since I'll need them soon, but I had a couple questions -

1) From what I've read on the forum, I think I'm going to get GT 12AX7's and
JJ 6L6GC's. Does this sound like a good mix? Also, any suggestions on some 5u4's?

2) Is it risky/dangerous to retube an amp yourself? Lots of people on the forum seem to do it, so I don't think I would have any problems. I have decent knowledge of electronic components and what's involved, but is there somewhere on the site where the re-tubing process is spelled out, step by step?

Thanks everyone!

domct203 · May 3, 2008

Tube choice is so opinion-ated, and it's really up to what works for you and your setup.

You mentioned GT12AX7's for the pre-amp. Which GT's? (-C, -M, -R, -R2, -R2).

Changing pre-amp tubes is just plug-and-play.

Power Tubes need to be selected for use in a Mesa amp. Make sure whoever you get your tubes from knows this. If you get your power tubes from GT, get them in the #4-6 range and you should be fine.

JJ 6L6GC's are OK, and are rugged as well. IMO the SED =C= are a better choice but you sound like you perfer the JJ's.

Even with a non-adjustable fixed bias amp like your Recto, a Bias Probe is a good investment. IMO it's still a good idea to at least check the bias at install and again at around 30-50 hours to see if any tubes "drifted".

I've heard good things about the EH 5U4GB. If you are changing these simply because they are 2-3 years old you may want to reconsider that. I had the same Mesa Rectifier tubes in a Triple Recto for over 5 years (and 4 power tube changes) with no issues. Rectifier tubes generally don't lose performance over time, they will either work, or not work at all.

Some other places for tube shopping:
Doug's Tubes
Doug Preston has a good selection of many different brands and types. He's got a basic Recto setup that IMO is a great place to start with in the preamp. He also carries JJ's. Doug is who I get my tubes from.

For the ultimate in variety go to KCA NOS Tubes.

For Strictly JJ tubes, there's EuroTubes.
Stay away from anything "Integrated".

All of the above vendors can pick tubes to run correctly in your Rectifier. There are some Biasing video's on EuroTubes website as well. Even though you can't adjust the bias, it's a good idea to check it.

Remember that there are LETHAL VOLTAGES inside your amp. Make sure you educate yourself before you try anything with your amp.

Good Luck,

Dom

Silverwulf · May 3, 2008

Before I answer, I'll need a little more info:

1. What type of music do you play?
2. What bands have similar tones you like?
3. What type of pickups do you use?
4. What type of cab/speakers do you use?

Those would change the suggestions I would likely give you.

willashland · May 4, 2008

domct203 said:
Tube choice is so opinion-ated, and it's really up to what works for you and your setup.

You mentioned GT12AX7's for the pre-amp. Which GT's? (-C, -M, -R, -R2, -R2).

Changing pre-amp tubes is just plug-and-play.

.................

Good Luck,

Dom

Why can't every forum have members like this? I asked a question and got a fat chunk of advice to chew on. Thanks a lot Dom, the wisdom is much appreciated.

willashland · May 4, 2008

Silverwulf said:
Before I answer, I'll need a little more info:

1. What type of music do you play?
2. What bands have similar tones you like?
3. What type of pickups do you use?
4. What type of cab/speakers do you use?

Those would change the suggestions I would likely give you.

I use mainly an Ibanez RG with Dimarzio dual coils, a stock Fender Tele (would like to upgrade pickups though,) and a Charvel with the stock pickups, which I love.

I want to be able to play anything, at least attempt in good taste as much as is possible with this amp.

Tonal range is the key here. I'm not trying to copy other tones, but I'm looking for diversity and quality. To me, it doesn't matter if I have In Flames'esque distortion, as long as it's true and kicks ass. I would strive to get good tones for, mainly, semi-distorted almost alternative stuff, great vintage distortion, balls-out heavy metal chunk, and I would like a good variety of cleans, too, with sweet harmonic overtones on the only barely dirtied cleans.

Although variety and quality are the main things I'm looking for, I'll still name some tones I like. Paul Gilbert's shredding tones (Ibanez w/ Dimarzios, Laney amp, and ADA MP-1), AC/DC, Beatles' British JCM overdriven tones (I don't expect to accomplish that with this amp though). For cleans, bluesy BB King cleans, Smashing Pumpkins/mew sparkling, sometimes twangy cleans good enough for the best country music.