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Post by JesusLovesGreatTone on Oct 29, 2009 13:39:25 GMT -7
So twice now i've had tube issues...one was a rectifier and this time it was a power tube going out, but both times it was when I was experimenting with drive pedals and pushing them harder than normal. Am I pushing my amp too hard with my pedals? I keep the volume around 8:30 and have the brake lite on 4...I know, I know...but it's a small church . I also have a tube question...I know I need a matched quartet...or at least a pair of matched duets for the rati. How closely should they match? Would I be okay assuming that an "unmatched pair" of like-rated JJs would be close enough? I just hate that I have to replace two tubes now because one went out. Don't get me wrong...i still appreciate the fact that it's self-biasing! Thanks!
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Post by foxx on Nov 2, 2009 15:34:20 GMT -7
NO, you need matching pairs or quads. It is not a good idea to mix em up. The matched pairs can be very different from one another, like GT#4's as a pair and #7's as the second pair. So, if one tube dies, you need exactly that # to make another funtional pair. Others can jump in here if I'm wrong, but I wouldn't try it unless Doc or an expert says to do so. I played my Rati the same way for years, pushing with pedals. It's only a bit hard on the preamp tubes is what I thought. Rectofiers go bad, and maybe pushing it causes a "weak" tube to be exposed. That amp really needs to get above 10:00 to get the power tubes working. That's why I had to sell mine, great sound, but very loud. I have a Ghia now, and can turn it up to 10:00 without going deaf.
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Post by rcrecelius on Nov 3, 2009 8:11:22 GMT -7
If you're pushing the amp that hard, why not go ahead and turn it up a little? Correct me if I'm wrong but a Mazerati with the volume set low as you are describing would definitely get louder when you push it with a pedal. I run my Mazerati pretty loud, around 1 oclock on the volume knob so if I have the level of my pedals set too high, it doesn't get much louder, just more saturated.
About the power tubes...I think it is OK to use say 1 pair of 5's and 1 pair of 6's but don't go mixing it up between "pairs"...besides, if that 1 tube has been in there long enough to go bad, chances are the others have too. Do yourself a favor and put a brand quad of matched EL84's in there and you'll most likely be amazed at the difference.
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Post by JesusLovesGreatTone on Nov 3, 2009 9:59:07 GMT -7
Thanks guys! I went ahead and changed them all out with GT Golds and they sound great. I usually don't push my drive pedals very hard, but it just so happened that these two times when i was experimenting with stacking different pedals, that's when I had issues. It's only happened twice and the results weren't really the same, so it could be coincidence. I was just curious if it could be a cause so I don't end up expeimenting myself into more tube purchases .
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jake
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by jake on Apr 26, 2010 18:57:59 GMT -7
I've always pushed my rati with dual pedal setup , and never had a prob. , tubes last 9 mo. to a year , I change all seven out at one time , it's only $100.00 bucks per year , and well worth the tone.
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