Re-tubing a Mesa Triple Rectifier with EL34s

[BeZo]

Does anyone have any experience with this experiment? My guitarist needs to re-tube his amp, and I think EL34s might help him get the tone he's after. Has anyone put EL34s in their Recto?

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

From my experiences with Rectos (a BUNCH, and all kinds over the years), they always sounded fantastic with EL-34s. This goes especially for the more recent iterations. The extra push in the mids and cut in the low end really helped the tone and (maybe even more importantly) feel of the amp. In comparison, the only rectos I liked with 6L6s were some of the older ones (an older small logo head and a Rackto).

So, in conclusion, HIGHLY recommended.

Eric

 

[1meanplexi]

Can you bias these things???? I know that Mesa had something where you bought their tubes with the same values hence no biasing. Not sure but quite curious on that.

 

[Marshall Freak]

There's a 6L6/EL 34 switch on the back of the amp. I very much prefer rectos with EL34s, I would recommend it. Maybe pull 4 tube out of one of the other amps around and try it before you buy a quad?

 

[RJF]

Tons of people run 34's in rectos.

I am one of those, I run a set of winged C 34's in my Pre 500 recto. In my rev F I run two KT88's and two KT66's. That is the setup IMHO.

 

[fretout]

My Revision D came loaded with all EL34s, and in that particular amp, I liked the 6L6 a lot more. I tried EL34s in my 3 channel Triple I used to have, and I liked them better in it. Just make sure you select the "EL34" setting on the slider on try back of the chassis.

Also, FWIW, I used all =C= EL34s.

 

[jsp]

I only use EL34's in my Roadster.

 

[acalaf]

I would not recommend it. My triple came with el34's and it was too loud and too many mids. 6l6's give the extended highs and lows that make the triple shine. This is where the amp excels. Reducing the highs and the lows of the amp makes it very average sounding. Other amps do mid focus better than the recto, but no amp does the wall of sound like the recto. for that, you need 6l6's.

 

[glassjaw7]

I prefer rectos with EL34s or KT77s. It gives the voicing a little more warm mid crunch but the clean tones suffer just a little. It also adds some clarity and takes away some of the buzzy top end. The 77s are a great choice for the recto because it gives you characteristics that are right in between 6l6 and EL34. Another cool option for tightening up a recto is to use GZ34 rectifier tubes.

If your buddy likes the somewhat boomy stock recto sound and fizzy, sizzly high end , then he might want to go with a hotter set of 6L6. There is something to be said for the huge, crushing stock recto grind. If you like that, stick with 6L6, or if you want the amp to sound a little more focused and pull of better rock tones, try el34s.

Listen to the difference between the 6505 and 6534 and you'll get an idea. The difference in tubes is very similar with the rectos.

 

[RJF]

I would not recommend it. My triple came with el34's and it was too loud and too many mids. 6l6's give the extended highs and lows that make the triple shine. This is where the amp excels. Reducing the highs and the lows of the amp makes it very average sounding. Other amps do mid focus better than the recto, but no amp does the wall of sound like the recto. for that, you need 6l6's.

Couldn't disagree more. The recto is already a bassy, loose sounding amp that is somewhat scooped in the mids and buzzy on the top end. EL34's cut some of that low end slightly, helping it tighten up a little, bring out a stronger mid range making the amp cut through, and maybe tame the highs just a hair.

 

[guitarman967]

I have a sextet of mesa branded winged C ' s EL34 's in the classified section for a killer price if you friend is looking to go that route.

 

[jsp]

I would not recommend it. My triple came with el34's and it was too loud and too many mids. 6l6's give the extended highs and lows that make the triple shine. This is where the amp excels. Reducing the highs and the lows of the amp makes it very average sounding. Other amps do mid focus better than the recto, but no amp does the wall of sound like the recto. for that, you need 6l6's.

Couldn't disagree more. The recto is already a bassy, loose sounding amp that is somewhat scooped in the mids and buzzy on the top end. EL34's cut some of that low end slightly, helping it tighten up a little, bring out a stronger mid range making the amp cut through, and maybe tame the highs just a hair.

Yeah, they definitely do not lack the "wall of sound" sound with EL34's. Recto+EL34's+boost=huge sound, but tight enough for fast, tight-handed rhythm playing.

 

[blacksunshine]

Can you bias these things???? I know that Mesa had something where you bought their tubes with the same values hence no biasing. Not sure but quite curious on that.

They are fixed biased. You just need to make sure your tubes are all matched, and you have the 6L6 / EL34 switch in the correct position