Soon to be a Mark V Owner! Need some guidance.

[RasAlGhoul]

Hey guys,

Found a decent deal on CL for a Mark V Head.
Just wanted the seal of approval from you experts before I go and get it.

Some information on the head:

1. Head is 3.5 years old with about 1 year left of warranty on it.

2. I asked about the state of the tubes, and he said that two of them are new. The rest are stock. Shouldn't all tubes be replaced all at once? This hints to me that maybe the tubes may be dying soon.

3. Seller stated that he has gigged and played with it a lot, but the unit seems to be in pretty good physical condition judging from photos.

4. Footswitch was serviced last year. May or may not be a problem.

The asking price is pretty fair, and I get to go check it out in person.
What are some specific things I should be watching out for to ensure the amp is pretty pristine?
Does it seem like I will need to have all the tubes replaced in the unit?

Thanks guys, excited to hear what you guys say.

 

[barryswanson]

Yeah if it was me I'd just put a set of new tubes in it so you get the full tonal awesomeness of the amp. Otherwise you'll be wondering if this is as good as it gets .

 

[OryCheyne]

What Barry said.
Try each setting (goes without saying), switch switches, full range the pots, and make sure you play it loud etc.

 

[screamingdaisy]

Shouldn't all tubes be replaced all at once? This hints to me that maybe the tubes may be dying soon.

Depends why the one pair was replaced. If a single tube has a mechanical failure and starts red plating I usually just replace that pair.

Does it seem like I will need to have all the tubes replaced in the unit?

FWIW, the power tubes in my Mark V are the originals from 2009. I've popped in new ones and they sound the same so I put the old ones back in. Still going.

If I were in your shoes I'd buy a new set of power tubes and a rectifier tube, swap them in just so you know you're starting with optimal sound, and keep the old ones as spares. The preamp tubes won't need to be replaced unless there's something wrong with them.

Lastly, I wouldn't talk about the tubes too much during the sale. I've bought a couple amps off people because they "no longer liked the sound of the amp" but didn't know enough to understand the tubes were worn out.

 

[RasAlGhoul]

Sound advice guys, thank you.

May have to request for the guy to lower the price a bit if I am gonna invest in some new tubes.
Right now the price is sitting at $1550.

I guess the reason I'm concerned about the tubes cuz others out there are selling it for the standard 1.7 - 1.8k but with replaced tubes. Been trying to find be patient and find a good deal.

 

[screamingdaisy]

IMO, sometimes (many times?) "recently replaced" means "not old enough to sound like complete ****".

Atleast this guy is being honest with you.

 

[tele_jas]

I've been guilty of only changing 2 of the power tubes before (in a 4 power tube Mesa).

I currently play at 45w and that only uses two of the tubes..... So, theoretically I could play those until they get weak and replace just those two (or swap with the others)?

I've had 6L6 amps and the power tube will last quite a long time, but each tube is different. I've had new tubes go out in a week and old tubes sound great after 8 years.

Preamp tubes don't need replaced unless you're having any problems with them being microphonic or noisy.... Or if you are a tube nerd and just like trying different preamp tubes (like I've been known to do).

But usually, when I buy a used amp I plan on replacing the power tubes ASAP... It's always best to be sure.