It is currently Tue Mar 17, 2020 5:33 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2011 7:13 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:08 pm
Posts: 2889
I'm rebuilding a mesa nomad 55 2x12 UPS broke.

The power tubes were smashed as well and it has the EL34 option, I was thinking that the EL's might sound a bit better in the high gain settings.

I don't know why anyone would buy a mesa for clean any way !

I know you guys well let me slide on the mesa thing, knowing I'm Fender down to my toes.

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Sat Mar 19, 2011 3:07 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sun Oct 21, 2007 1:44 pm
Posts: 521
Location: Memphis, TN
Mesa's are great amps. They even have some good clean tones. I'd love to own one. Since you are a Fender guy, I'd say the 6L6's would hit closer to home. But, if you are after mid to high gain tones, I'd choose the EL34's. Or, better yet, try 'em both and see which one you like best.

_________________
2010 American Deluxe Strat Sunset Metallic - Lindy Fralin Blues Specials in the neck and middle, Dimarzio AT-1 humbucker in the bridge.
PRS Custom 22 with solid rosewood neck
Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne 1x12 combo
DRRI


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 5:56 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:08 pm
Posts: 2889
Like I said I'm a fender guy this one will have a new home.

I heard it said you either like the mesa sound or you don't, this one does have the real nice celestion's that were made in england in it, it has a great AC/DC overdriven sound to it.

Thats what makes me think of going with the EL34's with this amp its a matter of flipping a switch to make the change.

Any way I know I can count on my Fender Peeps for some advice.

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 12:14 pm
Offline
Rock Icon
Rock Icon
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:20 pm
Posts: 9640
Location: Indiana
Hi blues bondsman,

IMO I think that the 6L6s will give you a better clean "Fendery" sound, and more versatility in all three channels, still having great drive/distortion. The EL34s will give a better "Marshally" distortion sound and not as good on the clean, and not as versatile in different channels. I found this in the manual, perfect description of what I'm trying to say about the difference in sound. :idea:

"Nomad 55 and 100 models incorporate a bias select switch to enable you to use the stock compliment of 6L6 power pentodes or switch safely to one (or two) pair of EL34 type tubes. Switching from the stock 6L6 harness will revoice the entire amplifier with a distinct emphasis on upper harmaonics and a top end spread that may be preferred for certain styles. The 6L6s provide the most balanced response across the wide spectrum of sounds possible in the three channels, but some amazing and different sounds are possible with the EL34s and at some point we suggest experimenting with these tubes...especially in the studio! The multi-track domain puts less emphasis on channel switching versatility and more on specific, identifiable sounds so that any global compromise is not a problem. The EL34s tend to work best in all three channels when they are used in conjunction with lower GAIN and higher MASTER or OUTPUT control settings....turning up the power amp showcases their classic response best."

http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/Nomad%20Manual.pdf

_________________
---> "The amp should be SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED before you do this!" <---

Por favor, disculpe mi español, no se llega a la práctica con mucha frecuencia.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 8:12 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:08 pm
Posts: 2889
Sure, however if I'm going to put this up for sale at a local Music store (A fender dealer) would ya think I might be better off not trying to sound fenderish ???

Any way, I think I have my self talked into trying the EL34's if for no other reason to have a listen myself, the last EL 34 amp i had was a few years back and I got rid of it pretty fast.

Might just be a head banger looking for a high gain tube amp to trash (I Hope) !

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 8:28 pm
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star

Joined: Tue May 18, 2010 7:34 pm
Posts: 6911
keep that amp. everybody needs a lil boogie in their lives anyways.

_________________
63supro
"The good thing is in a club situation, most of the patrons are trashed and really can't tell the difference."


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 7:45 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:38 am
Posts: 4333
Location: Tennessee
I bought a Boogie 60w 1x12 in 1985,and never cared much for it,to me it never sounded like a Fender no matter what tubes were in it,so I don't think it's going to hamper your sale for sounding too Fender like...although I could be wrong.
My son gigs with it some now and can tweak some good tones out of it,where I never could....but it will blow the windows out of a building!


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:20 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jul 03, 2010 2:18 pm
Posts: 6544
Many moons ago a friend had this Mesa Boogie 50-Caliber amp that came with special requirement Sylvania 6CA7 (STR-416). Those had to be some of the most powerful, killer EL34-type tubes I've ever heard. And that includes comparing Hiwatts loaded with original Mullard EL34 or GEC/MOV KT-77's. The amp had this BIG Ampeg VT-22 like tone. The era that used 7027A power tubes.

Tube looked like photo is link, except the tubes had a pinkish-grey ceramic base. If you should ever have a chance to try this tube... :D

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/m ... -117231313


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: Sorry Non fender Mesa question 6l6 oe EL34 ???
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:57 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Tue Jul 17, 2007 3:08 pm
Posts: 2889
After pricing the el34, It looks like the only budget way to go is Groove tube 6L6's

I had to re crimp nearly every pot on the mesa, granted its 21 years old and was gigged a lot.

never had to do that on any Fender and a bunch were way older than that.

The cabinet is a half lap joint with no finger joints at all.

Not what you would expect considering the original cost of these amps.

I guess thats why Fender is where it is today, Leo had it right, build it to last !

The mesa should be good for another 20 years as long as UPS keeps its hands off of it.

_________________
Keepn' the Blues Alive

2004 50th Ann. Limited edition AMSE Stratocaster
2017 50's Baja Telecaster BSB

1968 Bandmaster with 2X12 cab C-rex speakers
VHT Special 6 Ultra combo

Visual Sound Route 66
Cmatmods Signa Drive


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 9 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: