Trying to replace tubes in my Mesa Boogie(first timer)

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jackryan

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Currently trying to replace my power tubes in my Mesa Boogie Mark 3, the serial number matches a Mark 3 but I haven't been able to find what the exact model is.
The old tubes in it were Groove tube 6L6B that have 8 pins and I just got done JJ 6L6C tubes and noticed they only have 6 pins. I'm trying to find the exact type of tube I need and don't wanna plug them in a ruin anything. I found a chart that says the Groovetube 6L6B is the same as a Sovtek 5881WXT but from the images of those they appear to only have 6 or 7 pins also
Anyone know what exact tubes I need?
I'll post pictures of the tubes and amp head, thanks!
 

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I seem to recall that some mfgrs left the N/C pins on the tubes. But with a 6l6 2 of the 8 pins have no function.

  1. N/C.
  2. Heater.
  3. Plate.
  4. Screen Grid.
  5. Control Grid.
  6. N/C.
  7. Heater.
  8. Cathode.
I reserve the right to be incorrect :)
 
Currently trying to replace my power tubes in my Mesa Boogie Mark 3, the serial number matches a Mark 3 but I haven't been able to find what the exact model is.
The old tubes in it were Groove tube 6L6B that have 8 pins and I just got done JJ 6L6C tubes and noticed they only have 6 pins. I'm trying to find the exact type of tube I need and don't wanna plug them in a ruin anything. I found a chart that says the Groovetube 6L6B is the same as a Sovtek 5881WXT but from the images of those they appear to only have 6 or 7 pins also
Anyone know what exact tubes I need?
I'll post pictures of the tubes and amp head, thanks!
 
Mine came with Mesa 6L6GC STR420. Technically ANY 6L6 will work. The different types have slightly different sounds to them. It's not likely to burn anything out before blowing the fuse.
 
The tubes you got should be fine, hopefully you bought them as a matched set. Just make sure you line up the plastic guide notch on the tube with the notch in the socket, and you should be good to go.
 
By the serial number your amp should be a 1986 purple stripe Mark III long head hundred. That's the model.
Even though I don't see a purple stripe on the chassis near the power cord.

60/100/simulclass
Reverb
EQ
Long or short head
Color revision, black, blue, green, purple, red
Those are the options. A Mark III may have any combination of them.

I recommend that you stick to Mesa output tubes to ensure they are within the designed bias range of the amp, as it does not have adjustable bias. What you have will work.

The missing pins are not used. Don't sweat it.
 

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