Tube Rectifier V. Solid State Rectifier

[Zepp88]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

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]

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]

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

 

[g3rmanium]

Hm. I have two vintage Marshalls but they use diode rectifiers.

The Rocktron Piranha I play now is solid state.

The little Silvertone I have has a tube rectifer but it has no gain whatsover.

 

[Drew]

This is kind of a Mesa Dual Rectifier specific question, dude.

 

[g3rmanium]

This is kind of a Mesa Dual Rectifier specific question, dude.

Ah.

Maybe Mike should have mentioned that

 

[Zepp88]

No actually it is kind of a general question to see what you guys prefer and to get tips and hints from. Does have to be Dual Rectifier specific.

I started this thread as a general discussion really, not another of my "god damnit help me tube gurus!!!!!!!!!" threads.

Ah.

Maybe Mike should have mentioned that

Party On Johann

 

[Drew]

Ah.

Maybe Mike should have mentioned that

I've never seen that smiley, that rules.

I stand corrected- i figured you were asking about Rectos since 1.) you were playing one, and 2.) it's the only amp I'm aware of where you can switch it both ways.

 

[Popsyche]

I have both types of amps and I use the solid state loaded ones mostly. I don't ever turn them up loud enough to make use the natural inabilities of the tube rectifier.

I know what you are talking about. The best sounding rock type amp I have ever played was a REAL fender 1959 Bassman, and you can really hear the difference best in something like that! The thing just sings!

 

[g3rmanium]

I started this thread as a general discussion really, not another of my "god damnit help me tube gurus!!!!!!!!!" threads.

I hear most of the component changes in simple circuits. Not sure if Rectifiers classify as simple circuits.

 

[Matt Crooks]

On the RK:

I use the ss for rhythms with one pair of 6L6s and one pair of EL34s. For leads I use both pairs of 6l6s and the tube rectifier.

 

[Zepp88]

Bumping this thread for an update, rise Lazarus!

So, I just got the GZ34 rectifier tubes: They rule.

Nice tight and aggressive like a SS recto, with the warmth of the Tube recto. When you switch from the GZ34's to the SS it sounds harsh, cold and fizzy in comparison.

Recto owners, try these tubes!!

 

[7StringofAblicK]

about once a year I get a hankerin' to use tube rectifiers - other than that I'm a diode kind-of-guy