Thinking About New Tubes

[The Guitar Nerd]

I know Mesa recommends purchasing tubes from them to ensure they run in the correct operating ranges & as I understand, the amps don't have BIAS pots. I have no problem purchasing from MB but they're out of stock on, it appears, all but one variant of their 6L6 tubes & to be honest, I don't know which ones to purchase anyhow (445, 443, 442 etc). I'm wanting to retube both my Mark VII and my Multiwatt Triple Rectifier. They're also out of stock on their 12AX7's.

I know some Tube Dealers sell tube sets that are 'specifically for' particular amps, but are these really within Mesa's operating specs? I usually set BIAS myself but I'm new to Boogie & as some things are a little different, just wanna make sure I'm getting the best sound possible.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[bandit2013]

There are some NOS Mesa tubes you can find. STR454 are the SED =C= 6L6. They sound great in the Mark VII. The STR441 Mesa tube was not all that bad either. However I have not ventured into Non Mesa branded tubes on the Mark VII.

As for the MW, I have a 2018 model Dual Rec. Have yet to find a power tube l like in that amp other than the stock STR440 that came with it.

You do not have to buy direct from Mesa as you can find the Mesa tubes at most places that sell the gear: Sweetwater, Guitar Center, American Music Supply, zZounds, Musicians Friend (same place as guitar center). Even Reverb has vendors that sell Mesa tubes. Getting into non-Mesa branded tubes is not difficult. Just indicate what amp it is used in, and what type of distortion you want. You can state the specific color code on the tube, they may be able to get close. I have not explored the standard tubes from other resources for the Mark VII or MWDR. I have with the Royal Atlantic and the Mark V but they were SED =C= tubes and much harder to get and overpriced.

 

[The Guitar Nerd]

I’ve got some preamp tubes for the Mark VII on the way, should be here on Thursday. Meanwhile, I’ve got a line in a pretty good deal on a Badlander. Not sure if I’m gonna pull the trigger, gotta really think about it. But I think I’m leaning in that direction…