When Should I Re tube My Mark V?

[paulg2uk]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to know when should I be thinking about re tubing my Mark V? Is it every year for power tubes and every couple of years for preamp tubes? I can't remember.

I've had it for a couple of years now and not had any problems at all. Not had to re tube since I bought it. But have noticed the last few couple of rehearsal's mainly this week where I can feel it start to lack a bit of something . Don't get me wrong it's plenty loud but lacking a little tone if that makes sense. It's hard to explain unless your playing thru it.

So I thought it's probably time to re tube with some new power tubes. which can't hurt right?

Cheers

Paul

 

[domct203]

Preamp tubes can last many years. If you like how the amp sounds, and there is no crackling/whooshing noises etc leave them be, with the exception of the PI (V7). Change that with every power tube change.

I play at band volume 15-20 hours a month & change my power tubes about every 18 months.

Dom

 

[paulg2uk]

Preamp tubes can last many years. If you like how the amp sounds, and there is no crackling/whooshing noises etc leave them be, with the exception of the PI (V7). Change that with every power tube change.

I play at band volume 15-20 hours a month & change my power tubes about every 18 months.

Dom

Thanks for the reply. Just out of interest why do I need to change the V7 tube when I change the power tubes? I can't get on boogie's site to download the manual I think the server is down.

Cheers

Paul

 

[domct203]

While you certainly don't have to, V7 is your phase inverter and part of the Poweramp.

I was told some years ago it's good preventive measure.

Dom

 

[paulg2uk]

While you certainly don't have to, V7 is your phase inverter and part of the Poweramp.

I was told some years ago it's good preventive measure.

Dom

Good to know thanks again. What about the rectifier tube should I swap that out as well?

 

[domct203]

IME rectifier tubes either work, or they don't, and last a very, very long time.

Do you rely solely on tube rectifier? I only use it occasionally, and figure my 5U4GBs will outlast me LOL.

FWIW I put NOS Tung-Sol 5U4GBs in my Roadster quite a few years ago and they show no signs of fatigue. Same for the Raytheons in the MKV. I went with those NOS tubes on the reccomendations of my tech for a strong reliable rectifier tube that should last forever, and doesn't cost a fortune.

Dom

 

[paulg2uk]

IME rectifier tubes either work, or they don't, and last a very, very long time.

Do you rely solely on tube rectifier? I only use it occasionally, and figure my 5U4GBs will outlast me LOL.

FWIW I put NOS Tung-Sol 5U4GBs in my Roadster quite a few years ago and they show no signs of fatigue. Same for the Raytheons in the MKV. I went with those NOS tubes on the reccomendations of my tech for a strong reliable rectifier tube that should last forever, and doesn't cost a fortune.

Dom

I'm not sure If I'm using the rectifier a lot. I don't use the reverb on the amp which seems to be when you can turn that on or off. Probably a good idea to carry a couple of spares just in case which I do anyway plus a set of power tubes and a couple of preamps too. So it's really just the power tubes that can be replaced for now. That should restore any tone or power that might be lost?