Mesa Blues and a tube question

[Don O]

Well my Mesa Fillmore 50 took a dump. Has a weird distortion and mini volume swell on all channels. I took a brand new 12AX7 and rolled through V1 to V5 with no effect. Interestly, even though the label inside says to use Mesa tubes to retain the warrant, the V1 I took out was a Sovtek. WTF?

I realized I didn’t have any 6L6 GCs. The question is on the Mesa branded tube, it has 6L6 GC and then below it has STR440. In looking at Mesa branded tubes there are 6L6 GC but with various STR (443, 445, 440). What does the STR number represent?

 

[Clockworkmike]

Special Tube Request!

 

[Clockworkmike]

Sometimes it was refered to as Special Test Request too back in the day. Basically means it's a spec they asked for during the build. Like a 6L6 that says STR418 would be a 6L6 for a combo amp where they hang upside down.

Lots of Mesas that said STR were actually just Sovteks that Mesa requested specially hence the STR

 

[Thatbastarddon]

Yep STR440 is a Mesa classification from their selection of tubes. They’re the same spec line that came in my Dual Rec.

 

[67plexi]

This is what Mesa is using for 6L6GC now.

TAD 6L6GCM STR REDBASE - MATCHED PAIR

Price is for a Matched Pair. The TAD 6L6GCM-STR REDBASE is the latest 6L6GC designed and built to claim to be the best 6L6 type tube ever manufactured. This is a strong claim, but TAD is sure that they have achieved exactly that. In terms of sound, the TAD 6L6GCM-STR REDBASE produces the powerful

tubedepot.com

 

[Don O]

Are the Mesa STR specs available? I would be interested in what they specified differently. The 440s are $150 a set and what Steve posted are only $90 a set. And these Mesa tubes all hang down.

 

[syscokid]

The 440s are $150 a set…

This must be the “supply in demand” price!!!!

Unfortunately, these are not in stock yet:

Mesa 6L6 Tubes, STR-445 Matched Pair Duet

The MESA STR-445 is a 6L6 that shares some qualities of a 6CA7 in that it has tight, articulate low-end for excellent bass definition along with beautifully balanced mids and a chiming top-end that cuts without harshness. It’s a great choice for our Rectifier Series to tighten low-end, add...

www.humbuckermusic.com

 

[syscokid]

Actually, the 440s might have been discontinued. Maybe Gibson had something to do with it! Sound Pure in North Carolina still has new ones for $60 a pair:

Mesa Boogie 6L6 STR 440 (DUET) Vacuum Tubes For Amp

The MESA 6L6 STR-440 is our very best overall 6L6 - It is a premium grade, US equivalent and our tube of choice in the production of all new Mesa 6L6

www.soundpure.com

 

[Don O]

This must be the “supply in demand” price!!!!

Unfortunately, these are not in stock yet:

Mesa 6L6 Tubes, STR-445 Matched Pair Duet

The MESA STR-445 is a 6L6 that shares some qualities of a 6CA7 in that it has tight, articulate low-end for excellent bass definition along with beautifully balanced mids and a chiming top-end that cuts without harshness. It’s a great choice for our Rectifier Series to tighten low-end, add...

www.humbuckermusic.com

Well that’s certainly a good deal! I signed up to be notified when in stock.

 

[syscokid]

Well that’s certainly a good deal! I signed up to be notified when in stock.

Yeah, lots of shameless opportunists out there…

 

[Don O]

Actually, the 440s might have been discontinued. Maybe Gibson had something to do with it! Sound Pure in North Carolina still has new ones for $60 a pair:

Mesa Boogie 6L6 STR 440 (DUET) Vacuum Tubes For Amp

The MESA 6L6 STR-440 is our very best overall 6L6 - It is a premium grade, US equivalent and our tube of choice in the production of all new Mesa 6L6

www.soundpure.com

Might call them later today !

 

[Thatbastarddon]

Well that’s certainly a good deal! I signed up to be notified when in stock.

There may be something going on there…they have no Mesa tubes listed as “in stock” that I clicked on…

 

[Don O]

I added these guys to my do not buy from list.

 

[syscokid]

There may be something going on there…they have no Mesa tubes listed as “in stock” that I clicked on…

Which link are you referring too?

 

[Thatbastarddon]

Which link are you referring too?

Sorry, the one in the quoted post, @ Humbucker Music. (Of course, the link didn’t come with the quote because he had quoted you sir )Every Mesa power tube link I selected shows “out of stock”, including the full re-tube sets.

 

[67plexi]

Since Gibson owns Mesa no tubes in stock the higher the STR number the better rating
in the past the EL34 STR 450 NOS Siemens dimple top I use those in my MK3 and Trainwreck Express Amps

It's my understanding that the EU has put a 35% tariff on Russian tubes

The Tube Amp Doctor red base tubes are China made 6L6GC and EL34

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MB6L6D--mesa-boogie-6l6-power-tubes-matched-duet

 

[Astral Traveler]

They’re vi n stock here: Tubeset for Mesa Boogie Fillmore 50

 

[Don O]

They’re vi n stock here: Tubeset for Mesa Boogie Fillmore 50

But that’s like $250 US, ouch !

 

[Astral Traveler]

But that’s like $250 US, ouch !

Yes, but it’s for the complete set, not just power tubes.

 

[Don O]

Yes, but it’s for the complete set, not just power tubes.

Got it. Didn’t read the fine print