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MESA 400 REPLACEMENT TUBES

#41
I just scored a Mesa 400 in great condition - and with the Mesa shock mount rack, thank you very much! - off ebay, so suddenly this thread becomes much more pertinent to me! :p

hoodadoo, what did you end up doing (if anything) about tubes?

And for those of you who have tried both 6L6's and 6550's in a Mesa 400, can you tell me how the two options compared?

Thanks, Tom.
 
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#43
i_got_a_mohawk said:
pics?


( nice one btw )
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Here are pics from the ebay listing:

e3_3.jpg


c8_3.jpg


cf_3.jpg


c5_3.jpg


9b_3.jpg
 
#47
paulie said:
Volume 1 and 2 are pre volumes.. but I wouldn't try and run it like an SVT. The 400+ doesn't sound that great overdriven.
The case isn't as big as it looks - a 400+ with sus4 case weighs about the same as an old SVT without a case.
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cool arent the channels on the 400 the same tho (unlike 400+) , or it is just a case of Bright and Normal?

and, well, fair enough about the weight
 
#49
i_got_a_mohawk said:
cool arent the channels on the 400 the same tho (unlike 400+) , or it is just a case of Bright and Normal?

and, well, fair enough about the weight
Click to expand...

It is my understanding that the two channels are voiced slightly different. I just won this yesterday, though, so it will be a while before I can report back.

Tom.
 
#50
paulie said:
The 400 takes 6 x 6550s and the 400+ has 12 x 6L6s. I don't think you can interchange these types across the different amp models.
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It is my understanding that while the 400 was designed for 6550's, you actually can run 6L6's (though I will probably retube it with 6550's).

Tom.
 
#51
Masher88 said:
The guy at Tube Depot didn't recomend JJ/Tesla tubes for a Mesa 400+. he said the voltage across the plate was very low compared to some of the other tubes (Sovtek and Electro-Harm). At first I thought it was a sales pitch to get me to buy more expensive stuff, but The Sovtek 6L6WXT+ tubes were cheaper than the JJ's. He said one of their staffers has a 400+ and has been thru all the tubes in the joint and the Sovteks worked best in the Mesa. Told me the JJ's would work, but the output wouldn't be as high as other tubes. I ended up with Sovteks for my power section and Electro's for my Pre's. I guess I'll find out how they sound tomorrow!!! I can't believe Mesa wants 450 bucks for thier "brand" of tubes :eyebrow:
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The Sovtek 6L6WXT+ is the same tube Mesa uses rebranded at the STR430.
 
#52
paulie said:
Dunno for sure about how the channels are voiced on a 400.
I haven't tried a 400 myself.
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My 400 came in (in great shape, except for one broken tube), and it included the original operating instructions. Here is what it has to say about the channel voicings:

"CHANNEL ONE
Input 1 and Volume 1 offer a high headroom preamp which you might find preferable for active type basses. The gain is slightly lower than Channel 2 and the tonal personality is somewhat different. The Pull Bright switch built into Volume 1 can be great for funk bass as it accentuates the harmonics above the Treble control region.

CHANNEL TWO
Input 2 and Volume 2 recreate the classic sounds of the D-180, predecessor to your Bass 400. The gain is slightly higher and may be better suited for traditional basses than Channel One. But be certain to sample both Channels because their tonal personalities are both very usable with very interesting differences. It is even possible to pre-set the two channels and footswitch between them using our seperate A-B Footswitch box."

Tom.
 
#54
I am still curious to hear from anyone who has used both 6L6's and 6550's in their Bass 400. What sonic differences did you encounter?

Also, does anyone other than me think that the 400 sounds more clear, open and articulate than the 400+, which sounded more girthy, and bottom heavy? I have tried the 400+ in three different stores, and the 400 only in my home, so that's not apples to apples, but I was able to use some of the same cabs that I heard in the store (but different basses).

Tom.
 
#59
The Reflecktor/Svetlanas are a nice addition. I haven't gigged with the retubed amp yet (that comes tonight), but holy crap, this head seems to have ALOT more power now. Through a Berg NV610, its deep, punchy, and LOUD.
 

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