Tube Rectifier V. Solid State Rectifier

Zepp88 · 08-02-2007, 08:32 AM

Yesterday at practice I noticed my amp was feeling stiff, it started pissing me off so I switched to the tube rectifiers. This felt AWESOME, there was also plenty of natural compression depending on how I played, and things were less harsh, notes sang more, and harmonics jumped out of the speakers.

The downside is, it wasn't as aggressive or "there". I have the stock 54UGB tubes, they're also probably old.

So, what kind of Rectifiers do you guys prefer? If tube rectifier, what tubes do you prefer and why?

noodles · 08-02-2007, 03:40 PM

I have a Roadster, so both. I use the diodes for rhythm, to get that tight, aggressive sound, and tubes for lead, to get a more organic, singing sound.

Zepp88 · 08-02-2007, 03:42 PM

Well, I've got a 2 channel dual so I have to choose!

I'd love to have that feel of the tube rec but still keep it aggressive....sounds like an oxymoron

Krunch · 08-02-2007, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noodles

I have a Roadster, so both. I use the diodes for rhythm, to get that tight, aggressive sound, and tubes for lead, to get a more organic, singing sound.

Ditto for me with the Roadking. I run all 6 tubes (diode is the only option) for my rhythm for maximum tightness and I run my lead channel at 50 watts, 2 EL34s with the rectifier engaged. I also use the recto tubes on my clean channels.

Are you still using the Mesa recto tubes? If so, the big wierd shaped ones or the short 6L6 shaped ones?

Zepp88 · 08-02-2007, 03:49 PM

Mesa tubes, 5U4GB or something like that. They are more 6L6 sized.

What do you guys think about the GZ34 tubes? They are supposed to have a bit less sag

Drew · 08-02-2007, 03:51 PM

I've got the single, so solid state only for me.

I never felt like the tube rectifier made a huge difference when I played with them in GC's, but then again I never really opened one up until I bought myself a Single and ran it through a Hot Plate, so I suspect it's another volume thing.

Krunch · 08-02-2007, 03:56 PM

I've done very little research on rectifier tubes. I've been content with the 5U4GBs that Mesa uses, so I really can't help much. I used to have the big wacky shaped 5U4s in mine (they were stock when I bought my RK) but they were replaced with the short ones when I sent it in for repairs. It's been a while but I remember liking the big ones more. I think the short ones are tighter and a bit less saggy, but I think the others sounded better.

Shaman · 08-02-2007, 03:57 PM

For me, it depends on my mood and the tone I try to achieve.

Sometimes I want a smoother tone, I go with tubes, sometimes I want to have an aggressive articulate tone, then I go with diodes.

I love 'em both, but for different things. That's the sweet part, you have both!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zepp88

Well, I've got a 2 channel dual so I have to choose!

I'd love to have that feel of the tube rec but still keep it aggressive....sounds like an oxymoron

Tube rectifier->bold->red channel->modern

That should do it

Adamh1331 · 08-02-2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zepp88

Mesa tubes, 5U4GB or something like that. They are more 6L6 sized.

What do you guys think about the GZ34 tubes? They are supposed to have a bit less sag

5U4's..if you think those are to spongy or mushy the GZ34's will fix that and they still keep the rectifier tone without the mush and its what i use

Zepp88 · 08-02-2007, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamh1331

5U4's..if you think those are to spongy or mushy the GZ34's will fix that and they still keep the rectifier tone without the mush and its what i use

Cool, I might pick up a pair of those sometime

View Poll Results: Tube or Solid State Rectifier?
Tube Rectifier	8	42.11%
Solid State Rectifer	11	57.89%
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll

08-02-2007, 08:32 AM	#1
Zepp88 hates fanboys. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: A Technological Deadzone Posts: 8,768 Real Name: Mike Main Seven: Schecter C7 Blackjack Main ERG: I haven't felt the need.. Rig: MP-1>50/50>Vader Thanked: 66	Tube Rectifier V. Solid State Rectifier Yesterday at practice I noticed my amp was feeling stiff, it started pissing me off so I switched to the tube rectifiers. This felt AWESOME, there was also plenty of natural compression depending on how I played, and things were less harsh, notes sang more, and harmonics jumped out of the speakers. The downside is, it wasn't as aggressive or "there". I have the stock 54UGB tubes, they're also probably old. So, what kind of Rectifiers do you guys prefer? If tube rectifier, what tubes do you prefer and why? Withersoul - Monolithic Epic Doom Metal M.W. Tremblay.com

08-02-2007, 03:40 PM	#2
noodles I'm your huckleberry • Super Moderator • Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 17,587 Real Name: Dave Main Seven: KxK V7 - The Emo Killer Rig: Roadster/GMaj/4x12 Thanked: 290	I have a Roadster, so both. I use the diodes for rhythm, to get that tight, aggressive sound, and tubes for lead, to get a more organic, singing sound. Noodles Division: American Metal without the suck. sales@kxkguitars.com "Somewhere along the way, the Straight Talk Express lost some wheels..." --Barack Obama on John McCain

08-02-2007, 03:49 PM	#5
Zepp88 hates fanboys. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: A Technological Deadzone Posts: 8,768 Real Name: Mike Main Seven: Schecter C7 Blackjack Main ERG: I haven't felt the need.. Rig: MP-1>50/50>Vader Thanked: 66	Mesa tubes, 5U4GB or something like that. They are more 6L6 sized. What do you guys think about the GZ34 tubes? They are supposed to have a bit less sag Last edited by Zepp88; 08-02-2007 at 03:50 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

08-02-2007, 03:51 PM	#6
Drew Fear the Polo! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 21,267 Real Name: Call me Ahab... Main Seven: 1991 Ibanez UV7PWH Main ERG: Sherman 5-string bass Rig: Mesa Recto-verb 50 Thanked: 141	I've got the single, so solid state only for me. I never felt like the tube rectifier made a huge difference when I played with them in GC's, but then again I never really opened one up until I bought myself a Single and ran it through a Hot Plate, so I suspect it's another volume thing. "...and everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon."

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08-02-2007, 03:42 PM	#3
Zepp88 hates fanboys. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: A Technological Deadzone Posts: 8,768 Real Name: Mike Main Seven: Schecter C7 Blackjack Main ERG: I haven't felt the need.. Rig: MP-1>50/50>Vader Thanked: 66	Well, I've got a 2 channel dual so I have to choose! I'd love to have that feel of the tube rec but still keep it aggressive....sounds like an oxymoron

08-02-2007, 03:56 PM	#7
Krunch Krunch SMASH Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Fredericksburg, Va Posts: 440 Main Seven: 2027X w/M7 Main ERG: RG2228 Rig: Roadking -> Orange Thanked: 7	I've done very little research on rectifier tubes. I've been content with the 5U4GBs that Mesa uses, so I really can't help much. I used to have the big wacky shaped 5U4s in mine (they were stock when I bought my RK) but they were replaced with the short ones when I sent it in for repairs. It's been a while but I remember liking the big ones more. I think the short ones are tighter and a bit less saggy, but I think the others sounded better.

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Tube Rectifier V. Solid State Rectifier