One never needs to exchange preamp tubes because they hardly ever fail. The only reasons for exchanging them are a sudden microphonic susceptibility or you simply wish for more/less gain in a certain position (V1 and/or V2).
I bought the second version from some kid at work that didn’t realize what kind of killer pedal he had for $100. I’d had my eye on buying one for a year before that for $300 new. This was 25 years ago. I still use and love it.
I bought the second version new and have the original power supply. It is an unusual voltage but it it not like you can't find other power supplies that won't do the trick. I used mine to create drive channels for my old ampeg vt-40 (Kinda of like a Fender Super Reverb) which I played strictly clean. Really loved the Blue channel and also dug the clean channel. The red channel was always too thick and smooth for me at anything above 10 o'clock. ("Horses for courses" though. I am a blues player.) The blue channel sounded great with a tube screamer in front of it too. It is a full preamp and not an overdrive pedal. It can record direct and lots of people loved it for that. Changing out the tubes definitely changes the gain structure despite how it may be doing so. Mine has been in the closet for years since I sold that ampeg and there it will probably stay despite its coolness. Friends of mine remember the blue channel and ask for me to break it out once in a while.
Mateo, what do you mean by unusual voltage? Like 15 Vac? I m asking cause my unit has the original PS also and it reads 15VAc on the multimeter. Thanks!
Ive found a 12at7 tube for the clean is my go to choice. The left tube is for blues and solo the right for clean channel. I thought someone would find this helpful. I love the clean channel and always have it on.
+Joel D Thanks for that info. I took out the chinese 12ax's that it came with and put in NOS RCA 12ax's in there. Changed the sound a lot. More warm with the tube overdrive and crunch. I have some NOS 12at's too so I will try your idea.
There are more versions of these two pedals than is said here. I have a V2 - looks like a V1 but has the adjustment pots underneath. I've also seen a plain flat metal case version. Edit: sorry, didn't realise you can take the metal foot plate cover off, leaving a flat plain case.
I use mine (I have the original supply too (I bought mine new once) with the Thomann Harley Benton Powersupply. Works great. Powers everything on that pedalboard.
shnobel Hi! Could you the same democomparison on bass guitar? Ben sheperd from soundgarden used these as his main drive on bass you see. Would be awesome!
To me they sound almost identical. Maybe it's the difference in the tubes (brand or age) but the newer one sounds a little better to my ears. I found one for sale but I'm not sure if I really want it or not. Is it hard to find or get a power supply for these?
One thing they forget to tell you is you need the 'Mesa' power supply to operate it...if you're going to buy one, you better make sure you get the power supply, or you're screwed!
Yes but only if you push the preamp tubes and power amp tubes. Meaning you gotta crank it. So an attenuator between your power amp and cab is the way to go.
One never needs to exchange preamp tubes because they hardly ever fail. The only reasons for exchanging them are a sudden microphonic susceptibility or you simply wish for more/less gain in a certain position (V1 and/or V2).
I bought the second version from some kid at work that didn’t realize what kind of killer pedal he had for $100. I’d had my eye on buying one for a year before that for $300 new. This was 25 years ago. I still use and love it.
No better one out there... mine.s moded so I can acces all three modes from the pedal and not the toggle switch. Thank you Randall S.!
I have a third footswitch instead of the rectangle button on my V1, is that the same thing you are describing?
I bought the second version new and have the original power supply. It is an unusual voltage but it it not like you can't find other power supplies that won't do the trick. I used mine to create drive channels for my old ampeg vt-40 (Kinda of like a Fender Super Reverb) which I played strictly clean. Really loved the Blue channel and also dug the clean channel. The red channel was always too thick and smooth for me at anything above 10 o'clock. ("Horses for courses" though. I am a blues player.) The blue channel sounded great with a tube screamer in front of it too. It is a full preamp and not an overdrive pedal. It can record direct and lots of people loved it for that. Changing out the tubes definitely changes the gain structure despite how it may be doing so. Mine has been in the closet for years since I sold that ampeg and there it will probably stay despite its coolness. Friends of mine remember the blue channel and ask for me to break it out once in a while.
Mateo, what do you mean by unusual voltage? Like 15 Vac? I m asking cause my unit has the original PS also and it reads 15VAc on the multimeter. Thanks!
I bought the first one around 91, 92.. gigged it for years, .still sounds great, .you build a tank of a pedal, its gonna last
I have the second version,if you plug a 12in guitar speaker into the headphone jack you can use it as a practice amp, and it rocks!
Ive found a 12at7 tube for the clean is my go to choice. The left tube is for blues and solo the right for clean channel. I thought someone would find this helpful. I love the clean channel and always have it on.
Joel D Thanks for that info, I am intending to try different valves on my Mk2.
+Joel D Thanks for that info. I took out the chinese 12ax's that it came with and put in NOS RCA 12ax's in there. Changed the sound a lot. More warm with the tube overdrive and crunch. I have some NOS 12at's too so I will try your idea.
Switching to 12ax7 vtwin got high gain? I mean, it’s possible make have metal like mettalica, judas...? Thks.
i have the second version for over ten yrs,i love and allways have
There are more versions of these two pedals than is said here. I have a V2 - looks like a V1 but has the adjustment pots underneath. I've also seen a plain flat metal case version. Edit: sorry, didn't realise you can take the metal foot plate cover off, leaving a flat plain case.
Great video! Very thorough & I really like the tones you get. I guess I have to spend a little more time with mine.
Mine was the second version and was really cool with 2 12ax7 GT
second one is a littlle roundy and less harsh. Maybe as you said it's because of the old tubes. I have the oldest one version and i love it))
yes i ve got the both too..amazing pedal
I use mine (I have the original supply too (I bought mine new once) with the Thomann Harley Benton Powersupply. Works great. Powers everything on that pedalboard.
Hello, i have not used the Triaxis, maybe one of these days i will do a demo of the Gmajor 2
I have an even older version, the V-2, it's the same as your early one but says V-2 where yours says V-Twin.
Old one sounds better !
Warmer and meatier indeed.
im confused mine says v-2 but it has the bigger logo no extra switches on the back and early serial number of 181
Still have my Version 1 but don't use it very often.
Great review, thanks
v.1 win
Odd. My pedal is like the one on the left (no panel access, larger logo), but my serial number is V2-000758 and the pcb is inked V2....
I think they had some transitional units, with the old knobs :)
shnobel
Hi!
Could you the same democomparison on bass guitar? Ben sheperd from soundgarden used these as his main drive on bass you see. Would be awesome!
Blimey. Crème de la Crème.
I have an version that says V-2 pre amp. Any idea why mine is different from either of these? Mine does not have the sensitivity controls on the back.
what is the signal path ?
To me they sound almost identical. Maybe it's the difference in the tubes (brand or age) but the newer one sounds a little better to my ears. I found one for sale but I'm not sure if I really want it or not. Is it hard to find or get a power supply for these?
No two tube amps sound exactly the same, they say.
I have the version one, but it has the clean gain and the switch at the back!!! How can it be?
Nice saturation....♫♪♫
The left sounds more comfy, the right one sings.
So, mine is a version 2? Or a version 1 plus? Thanks for your reply!
Have you used the Boogie triaxis? ... When are you going to do TC G-major 2?
that delay is using and time?
One thing they forget to tell you is you need the 'Mesa' power supply to operate it...if you're going to buy one, you better make sure you get the power supply, or you're screwed!
how can you compare when the settings are different between pedals?
How can you even tell on the left pedal? It’s literally next to impossible. I’ll bet you have three nipples.
shnobel,
Where can I buy the Mesa Boogie V 2nd Version? I would like to buy a brand new one. Thanks,
Don't think they make em anymore pal.
This preamp is biased at high voltage (something like 470v).
It s @270vdc at the plates
second version a bit more shrill... first morer smoother and el cremier
can this thing deliver something similar to the Dual Rectifier's channel III?
Yes but only if you push the preamp tubes and power amp tubes. Meaning you gotta crank it. So an attenuator between your power amp and cab is the way to go.
So mine was a first gen.hmmmm
shnobel :D
first one sounds way better!!!
Sounds about the same.
Both too expensive IMO
250 quid secondhand ... bargain i would say.
Another demo with echo ....,geez... can anyone actually play lead without it anymore...
.
Shut up