Myles - thanks millions - I've been lurking for the last few weeks, and have soaked up tons from your discussions. One of these weekends I need to make it down your way for one of your Saturday clinics.
I've just traded for a used Mesa Boogie Mark IV, and am thinking of retubing, but it doesn't appear to have original tubes, so I was wondering what advice you can offer for tube slots. My musical styles are predominantly classic rock, contemporary rock, with a little of everything in between, from country to pop. The tubes I'm considering, aiming for a quiet amp in the higher gain settings, smooth, but crunchy, gain (if that makes sense), not too bright, to the point of being brittle, but chimey enough, with complex harmonies, are as follows:
V1 (input/tone recovery stages)
Telefunken ECC83, JJ/Tesla ECC83-S, Mesa SPAX7
V2 (3rd gain-rhythm/5th gain-lead/FX return)
Sovtek 12AX7EH, Mullard CV4004
V3 (1st lead hi-gain/reverb return)
??? 12AT7, Sylvania ECC83/12AX7, Mullard ECC83
V4 (2nd lead hi gain/reverb send)
Phillips NOS JAN 12AT7WC, ??? 5751, Sovtek 12AX7EH
V5 (Phase Inverter:
GE NOS JAN 12AT7WC, RCA 12AT7, or RCA 5751
I'd be interested in hearing what you (or anyone else, for that matter) has to offer for discussion on these choices. Most of the selection is based on internet research, and not actual tone tests, other than the Sovtek 12AX7EH's which I liked the tone of, but had a little trouble with hissing in higher gain settings, as well as the lead tones were somewhat grainy.
The amp currently has GrooveTube GT6L6S (4's), and Mesa 12AX7-A/ECC83's in it. the Groove Tubes are replacemetns, I'm sure, but the 12AX7's may be originals. the amp appears to be about a 1992 vintage, but I haven't confirmed the serial # dating, yet (anyone know a website to check date of Mesa's, based on serial #'s, BTW?)
Thanks again for all your help - I've learned more here in the last few weeks than the last couple of years!
