FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Mesa Boogie Subway Blues

Question:
I have a Mesa Boogie Subway Blues...It is the older version with the dual inputs and no half power jack. I use the thing in mostly low volume situation...does anybody have schematic or hints for me on adding the half power jack like the new ones have? Also it is getting pretty noisy and has developed a hum...I am going to get new tubes tommorro...anybody got any hints about which power tubes (2 EL84's) and pre-amp tubes (4 12ax7's) would be best?

Answer:
I have one of them, I have been using Amperex JAN 12AX7's and NOS GE EL84's been holding up the best so far. The close proximity speaker in the small cabinet *really* shakes up everything.(Not recommended for blasting classic rock) I also use a reactive load for half power (made from and old flyback core and Teflon coated wire. and 2 other types other things As far as quiet preamp tubes go it like a lottery, no matter what pretested silkscreend *orange or red brand* some are farmered out clanky and noisy when the rejection rate was to high on the batch. Try to get a guaranteed Mesa 12AX7 STR for V1, (first preamp) they are usually good out of the box 95% of the time.