Why do people think Mesa tubes are overpriced???

[elvis]

I read the same argument over and over: Mesa tubes are overpriced. Mesa recommends only Mesa tubes so they can rip off amp owners.

When I buy tubes (usually at local stores), there are 2 or 3 brands available, and Mesas are the least expensive ones they carry. They seem to be good tube for a reasonable price.

Where are you guys getting good tubes that are much cheaper than Mesa, or much better tubes for the same money as Mesa?

 

[dmcguitar]

people like to buy different tubes from dealers that sell random tubes that are "hand picked for specific amps" and you can get them much cheaper that way.

im with you, they seem average in price.

 

[TimeSignature]

Correct me if Im wrong please.

But, arent Mesa poweramp tubes just Ruby tubes with the Mesa logo and a higher price tag? Maybe that is why?

 

[Scary]

I buy them if for nothing more than keeping my warranty valid. I'm more important to use Boogie power tubes because of the fixed bias, i've heard. Not sure if the pre-amp tubes really need to be Boogie or not.

Now that i'm in a position to re-tube my Mark IV (post warranty), i'm considering other options such as the Winged =C= type 6L6. I'd hate to damage the amp though.

 

[elvis]

When I do see Ruby tubes for sale (not very often in the stores near me), they are no less expensive than Mesa.

Overall, anybody who tests tubes, either for matching or general health, uses it as a way to add value, and therefore price. There are some REALLY expensive tubes out there.

Maybe they're cheaper online? I don't know who to trust online for this sort of item (not that I trust the stores, but at least what I see is what I get.)

 

[TimeSignature]

Example

Both matched duets. Both MusiciansFriend.com
$44.00 Mesa Boogie EL34
$29.00 Ruby EL34

Similar pricing for 6L6's.

If they are the same tubes I could see why people would have a problem with that.

 

[thinskin57]

i just completely retubed my tremoverb which isn't cheap to do. JJ was the cheapest brand that i could trust. WAY cheaper than mesa, BUT- mesa warranties their tubes for six months. maybe they factor the warranty into their pricing? i almost went w/mesa for that reason, but then i remembered that i'm not playing as much these days so the warranty didn't sway me like it would have when i was active in my band. if i were rehearsing two or three times a week, plus weekend gigs, i'd definitely pay extra for the piece of mind and go with the mesa tubes.

 

[elvis]

Thanks, TimeSig. That IS a big difference. Not so much different at the store, but I guess the discounters can sell Rubys cheap, while Mesa won't let them carry their stuff at all. Good to know.

I'd ask how well the Rubys work, but that would be foolish :wink:

 

[LerxstLee]

Example

Both matched duets. Both MusiciansFriend.com
$44.00 Mesa Boogie EL34
$29.00 Ruby EL34

Similar pricing for 6L6's.

If they are the same tubes I could see why people would have a problem with that.

Why is it you left out, All Power tubes sold at MF.com have ratings you can pick from EXCEPT ruby tubes?
Let me think, sure ruby's are fine tubes that are matched in duets and quads, except you cannot pick a bias
point. So if you think saving $15.00 bucks for a set that might be (1) cold running (incorrect)(2) medium (correct for a mesa)
(3) hot running(incorrect). Well if they are incorrect you can send them back and pay 20% restocking fee.
Try rolling the dice again, 1 in 3 you will get a correct set i.m.h.o., or just buy the mesa for a few bucks and
have correctly matched tubes with a warranty.

How is guessing a set or a quad is in anyway cheaper, well I guess that is your point, they are cheaper, they just
might not be within mesa amp specs, but hey they were cheaper.

This is not about what tube anyone likes it was why do people say mesa is more expensive.

I might not even use mesa tubes, yet if I did I would surely pay for a set that has my "number" on them.

 

[Old BF Shred]

I don't think Mesa tubes are overpriced......not cheap, but not outrageous, either.
They are well tested and seem to be very reliable. I just think there are better sounding tubes, IMO.

For example, I like the =C= SED (for a el34, anyway) quite a lot and they cost slightly more than Mesa.
They do have better clarity, IMO, however, and that is what you pay for.

I have the original Mesa el34's that came with my Ace and they still work perfectly. I keep those as a backup only as I prefer to run the SED's as my first choice.

Mesa tubes do offer a good value, all things considered, and you always know they will work in a Mesa amp without worry. 8)

 

[droptrd]

Im not sure if mesa rebrands all of their tubes, but I know that some of the are. I know they test their tube well. So does Dougs Tubes and Eurotubes. So does tube depot and the tubestore.com for that matter. Doug tests his tubes well IMO and does not mark up his tubes the way mesa does. There is a markup, though it sometimes is slight. I just choose to support the small business tube suppliers as I am a small business owner myself.

Damn the Man! :lol: