tube recomendations for my mark iv ?

[nighttrain69]

right now the amp is laoded with all TAD 6l6gc powertubes TAD pre tubes, but i bought the head used and have no idea how old these tubes are.. plus i have no idea about the TAD brand other than google reviews ( rebranded groove tubes ) ? idk...

 

[Ventura]

Nice avatar.

The TAD are typically rebrands of high grade chinese when it comes to preamps. Outside of this, and from what I know of long standing Mesa users on this board, one typically wants to re-load with Mesa branded glass. I know the Mesa bottles and pres are just the same as well - rebranded something-or-others, but it seems to be that their glass works best in their heads. Any Mesa dealer can get the tubes for you in one fell swoop.

Hope this helps.

And ya, typically, owners of tube heads can pick and choose various other tubes to make things happen differently within their amps. But to the best of my knowledge, Mesa is Mesa and needs to stay Mesa.

Cheers,
Mo

 

[SBlue]

Nice avatar.

The TAD are typically rebrands of high grade chinese when it comes to preamps. Outside of this, and from what I know of long standing Mesa users on this board, one typically wants to re-load with Mesa branded glass. I know the Mesa bottles and pres are just the same as well - rebranded something-or-others, but it seems to be that their glass works best in their heads. Any Mesa dealer can get the tubes for you in one fell swoop.

Hope this helps.

And ya, typically, owners of tube heads can pick and choose various other tubes to make things happen differently within their amps. But to the best of my knowledge, Mesa is Mesa and needs to stay Mesa.

Cheers,
Mo

I agree with what Ventura is saying.
When I got my first Mesa head, a Mark 2b, I've brought it to the Hollywood Mesa Store for a re-tube and tune-up. When asking John(amp tech and manager, I believe) what tubes would work best in that particular amp he told me to bring him whatever tube I wanted, but usually Mesa tubes do work best on Mesa amps. I've decided to go with the Mesa tubes.
The amp sounded incredible after leaving the store, but I've decided to try a few NOS glasses anyway, since I have a pretty decent stash. The Mesa tubes are back in the amp, and they're the ones staying there.
After that, 3 more Mesa amps. All three went to the Hollywood store for a tune-up and all of them left with brand new Mesa tubes.
I trust Hollywood Mesa crew, and got to tell you, those guys know what their doing.
Mesa tubes for my Mesa amps.

 

[glassjaw7]

JJs and Ruby sound great in Boogies. JJ's QC seems to be non-existent as of late so I'd avoid them. I'm running Ruby 6L6s in mine and I'll check again to see what pres I'm running. It sounds godly. Went with what Greg (lolzgreg) included with the amp when I got it from him and haven't looked back. Perfect tube compliment.

As far as Mesa branded, I can't say for the Mark, but when I got away from Mesa tubes with the recto, my tone improved dramatically!!! The stock tubes Mesa used in that case were not the best choice. They sounded cold, buzzy and shrill. I retubed with JJ and had rich warm tone with definition. That was years ago though, and I haven't used JJs in a long time.

 

[nighttrain69]

thats a good one ha mo.
thanks for the input boys, i was thinking the same thing about just going with mesa tubes. im sure lots of different tubes / different variations will work ..it seems as mesa heads are designed with the charcter of their tubes so ill pick up a full set and see how it sounds .if im unhappy im sure dougs or laura can suggest a set...
and if ya like that one mo ,check this one out..

 

[blackba]

I like the TAD 6L6GC's so I would probably keep those. For preamp tubes get a few Tung Sol RI, JJ, and EH to mix with your TAD tubes and try swapping them around and testing, you should find what works best for you. The first time I retubed my mark IV, I went with all JJ's. That was a huge mistake as I have since found out that in general I don't like JJ preamp tubes, I learned that a few is okay as long as I mix and match them with others.

As I remember I have =C= 6L6's in the outer slots, JJ 6L6's in the inner (generally run the amp in half power) and preamp tubes I had a mix of EI, RCA, and GE.