Something wrong with a power tube...??

[RocknRory]

Ok so I was playing my Mark V at home and the volume was decent for home use. I was playing on channel 3 and while playing my volume just dropped a little. I knew it was probably a power tube so i looked at the tubes and the 2nd tube from the right was BRIGHT orange. I switched to channel 1 and the volume was fine but channel 2 and 3 were lower. Channel 1 was on 90w and 2 and 3 were on 45w. I turned standby on, waited 2min and started playing again and everything was fine, volume all good.

I'm wondering if this will cause future problems and if I should contact Mesa? What a weird problem. I know the tubes normally glow blue, but this tube glows a little more blue then before, not sure if that means anything. Everything sounds normal.

 

[JOEY B.]

Any tube with the plates glowing BRIGHT ORANGE is not a good thing. Switch your amp to 10 watts on all of the channels (which will only use the two leftmost power tubes) to safely play your amp until you can contact your Boogie Dealer about some replacement power tubs. I would DEMAND a replacement set of power tubes or a total refund of the amp purchase, if I were you.

 

[eudaimonia02912]

Sounds like a dying power tube to me. If you've had it for less than six months, call Mesa and they'll send you a replacement for free.

 

[RocknRory]

Alright, I'll keep it on 10w for now, besides ive been taking a liking to 10w and cranking the master volume to MAX for full tube saturation and its amazing. I'll call up Mesa tomorrow and tell them what happened and have them send some tubes over. My warranty for tubes still has 4 1/2 months left so they should cover it. Thanks. Btw I actually just sent the warranty card in a few days ago, so will I have to wait until they receive it until I can get it covered? Im assuming yes, if so thats alright.

I might try buying some 6L6's from dougstubes and see how they change it compared to Mesa's, anyone try that? I know everyone raves about EL34's, but I'm completely happy with 6L6s for now and love the thick low end they bring to the table, thanks.

 

[EtherealWidow]

No dude. This isn't a problem. It's just a very minor short. My Express did it when I first got the amp. It's been about 6 months and I still haven't had a problem. The manual addresses these. You did the right thing. Just do the same thing in the future. Turn it off and then on again. No need for new tubes.

 

[JOEY B.]

No dude. This isn't a problem. It's just a very minor short. My Express did it when I first got the amp. It's been about 6 months and I still haven't had a problem. The manual addresses these. You did the right thing. Just do the same thing in the future. Turn it off and then on again. No need for new tubes.

Minor shorts will eventually turn into major meltdowns. I personally would not want to hang a mirror behind my amp so that I watch out for those "minor shorts". Maybe I'm just paranoid :?: .

 

[Old BF Shred]

No dude. This isn't a problem. It's just a very minor short. My Express did it when I first got the amp. It's been about 6 months and I still haven't had a problem. The manual addresses these. You did the right thing. Just do the same thing in the future. Turn it off and then on again. No need for new tubes.

Minor shorts will eventually turn into major meltdowns. I personally would not want to hang a mirror behind my amp so that I watch out for those "minor shorts". Maybe I'm just paranoid :?: .

I agree....never seen a tube "red-plate" that "came back to like" problem free. It's life will be shortened. :shock: