Wanting to experiment with preamp tubes, ? about positions.

scott7d · Jan 18, 2010

I'd like to do some preamp tube swapping and experiment with the tones. I am clear on what the positions are, but one thing I can't find, is what characteristic of the amp each position effects. For example, V1 may change the tone of channel 1, V2 may change the tone of channel 2, ETC, ETC.

Is there some sort of official chart that lays all that out, or any of you know just with your general knowledge? Thanks!

madryan · Jan 18, 2010

scott7d said:
I'd like to do some preamp tube swapping and experiment with the tones. I am clear on what the positions are, but one thing I can't find, is what characteristic of the amp each position effects. For example, V1 may change the tone of channel 1, V2 may change the tone of channel 2, ETC, ETC.

Is there some sort of official chart that lays all that out, or any of you know just with your general knowledge? Thanks!

In every boogie and most amps V1 is going to affect all channels and it'll have the most impact on your tone. V2 will be next in line but not nearly as prevalent as V1. Also, the PI (V7) will affect the feel of the amp quite a bit.

I'd find some nice quiet reliable tubes (9th gen chinese or something) for the bulk of the preamp and then swap different tubes through V1 till you find what you like best. I'd also toss a nice NOS 12AT7 in the PI (V7)

lesterpaul · Jan 18, 2010

there IS a lot more going on in this amp, pre amp wise,than previous mks....grab some of your fave tubes,a half case,and tell the wife to go shopping for the afternoon..its a lot going on,esp. if you use more than your "metallica" setting-I spent a few hours honing in on what really changed it vs. what didn't..sorry,didnt take notes,just know that I had a good time..(And I know a few of the stock puppies came out...!)

eudaimonia02912 · Jan 19, 2010

There is an official chart. It's page 62 of the manual, which can downloaded here (in case you lost yours): http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/user_manuals.htm

phyrexia · Jan 19, 2010

I had seven NOS preamp tubes in mine for a while. I have pared down now. If you change V1, 2, and 3, you will significantly change the sound of your amp. So I have a Mullard, two Tung Sols, and the rest are stock. I like it a lot this way.

Anonymous · Jan 20, 2010

lesterpaul said:
there IS a lot more going on in this amp, pre amp wise,than previous mks....grab some of your fave tubes,a half case,and tell the wife to go shopping for the afternoon..its a lot going on,esp. if you use more than your "metallica" setting-I spent a few hours honing in on what really changed it vs. what didn't..sorry,didnt take notes,just know that I had a good time..(And I know a few of the stock puppies came out...!)

excellent advice!!!!! after trying different combinations i had replace V1 TS, V3 TS, V5 TS and V7 EH.... kept the stock power tubes. I had tried different brands of power tubes which included : tung sol's 6L6Gc, svletana's 6l6 GC, TAD's 6L6 GC-STR and JJ 6L6 GC but for some reason i love the growl that the stock power tubes produce

the only thing i'll advice you to do is to get really use to the amp before changing any tubes :wink:

good luck