01-12-2013, 04:20 PM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Mesa Boogie Problem
Hey guys, I just bought my first tube amp. I picked up a Mesa Boogie Rectorverb series 2 and love it, but I am having a slight problem. I am having trouble getting gain/distortion from it. I am playing an ESP LTD EC-1000 with an EMG 81/60 configuration and can't get any distortion. Most people I've talked to said I should get plenty of distortion with the gain set at 12:00, but it is more like a soft crunch. To get a good distortion sound, I have to crank the gain almost all the way to max.
Here are my settings Gain - ~3:30 Treble - 2:00 Mid - 11:00 Bass - 12:30 Pres - 11:00 Master - 12:00 I have been playing at lower volumes, but when I do turn it up, there is some distortion, but not a lot at my settings. I think I might have to replace the preamp tubes. I am not quite sure how old this amp is and if the previous owner/owners ever replaced them. All the preamp tubes are the stock Mesa 12AX7A's if that helps anything. Should I get new preamp tubes? Thanks! |
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01-12-2013, 04:26 PM
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#2 | |
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Doesn't speak guitar
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Traffic Town LA
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I have the gain nearly maxed on my mark V. It's normal for that amp. Not sure on yours.
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01-12-2013, 05:20 PM
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#3 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
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From what people have told me, I should not have to max out my gain. It is a single rectifier.
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01-12-2013, 05:31 PM
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#4 |
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loves cheesecake
Join Date: Dec 2009
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you're on the lead channel right?
sounds like it might be tubes.
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buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo. |
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01-12-2013, 08:02 PM
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#5 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
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I'd start with the tubes. If it's not that you might just have to crank it more, and get a pedal for when you can't crank it.
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http://cdn.gs.uproxx.com/wp-content...s/2012/05/v.gif |
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01-13-2013, 02:34 AM
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#6 |
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The Name's Devon! ;)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Marrietta, Ohio, USA
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Which Channel are you using?
I would say it wouldn't hurt to do a full retube if you bought it used. I would put new preamp tubes AND new Power Tubes in it.
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My Rig: Moser Bastard V - Pups: Bridge Epi Les Paul Standard - Pups: Bridge Neck Egnater Vengeance - JCA24S w/WGS Retro 30s - ZW-45 Crybaby - MXR 10-Band EQ - ISP Decimator (^Those are links^  )
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01-13-2013, 02:44 AM
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Doesn't speak guitar
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Traffic Town LA
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Its worth mentioning Mesa Boogies are fixed non-adjustable bias. Plug and play for the power tubes.
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01-13-2013, 02:41 PM
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#8 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Ya, I am on the lead/dirty channel with the modern setting on. I will try cranking it up tonight and see if that's the problem. If not, what are some good high gain preamp tubes? |
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01-13-2013, 05:20 PM
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Doesn't speak guitar
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Traffic Town LA
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Quote:
JJs are great for the money. Tungsols are a bit thin, however can brighten a dark amp.
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01-14-2013, 09:09 PM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Thanks! I don't think my preamp tubes have ever been changed. I emailed Mesa Boogie and my amp is 10 years old so I think changing them could help tremendously.
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