Mesa Boogie Mark VII Retube Kits

The Mesa Boogie Mark VII is another Mesa amp that is very versatile. The different combinations of power tubes that can be run is almost endless. The kits we offer here are the most distinctive in tonal character, forged from many years of research. Every kit is configured to provide a specific sound/experience.

All our Mesa Mark VII Retube Kits include power tubes that are hand selected to run perfectly in Mesa amps. We have extensive hands-on experience measuring the fixed bias points in these amps and what grade of tubes will achieve optimal performance.

The default power tubes for all of our Mesa Boogie Mark VII kits are the JJ 6L6GC’s. These tubes follow the classic 6L6GC sonic archetype with big lows, smooth mids and crystalline highs. What sets them apart is their low end clarity, mid-range detail and very clear highs without being overbearing or harsh.

Other 6L6 family options include the JJ 5881’s. The JJ 5881’s are a Classic 23 watt 5881 in a traditional stubby bottle. “Jangle” for days and a very warm full tone. Right in-between the JJ 6L6GC and the JJ 6V6S in power. If you’re looking for that early-breakup “tweed” era character these are it.

And then then there is the EL34 family of tubes. The fixed bias in the EL34 mode is a bit hot for the JJ E34L’s and KT77’s, these tubes naturally draw more current. However you can use the Power Tube drop down to select the JJ EL34’s, the JJ EL34II’s, or the JJ 6CA7’s. The JJ EL34’s are known for their mid range bloom and have a slightly looser feel when compared to the E34L’s. The JJ EL34II’s are not as aggressive as the E34L, but they are a little fuller in the lows and low mids than the EL34’s. The JJ Big Bottle 6CA7’s have big lows (on par with the KT77’s), an emphasis in the lows mids, and very round/natural highs. This gives the tube a very thick and round character that’s as close to crossing a standard EL34 with a 6L6 as you can get.

The Standard Retube Kit is as close to OEM as possible. Maintaining the amps stock level of headroom and gain while providing a warm but even handed overall sound. The kit includes one matched quad of JJ 6L6GC’s by default, one Balanced JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V5, farthest from the input jack.) and Four Standard JJ ECC83S’s for V1 – V2 – V3 – V4.

The Gold Pin Retube Kit uses the JJ ECC83S Gold Pin variants to provide a smoother, creamier, and more singing overall sound. This option is less aggressive and has less “teeth” when driven hard. If you like a classic raunchy gritty overdriven tone, we recommend looking to the Standard or High Gain option. If sweet, open, and more refined is what you’re after this kit will do it. The kit includes one matched quad of JJ 6L6GC’s by default, one Balanced JJ ECC83S Gold Pin for the phase inverter (V5, farthest from the input jack), and four Standard JJ Gold Pin ECC83S’s for V1 – V2 – V3 – V4.

The High Gain Retube Kit uses our hand picked high gain selected JJ ECC83S’s. If you’re looking for maximum crunch and grind this is where you want to be. Sonically this setup is very similar to our Standard Retube Kit but with a little extra gain on tap. The kit includes one matched quad of JJ 6L6GC’s by default, one Balanced High Gain JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V5, farthest from the input jack) and four Handpicked High Gain JJ ECC83S’s for V1 – V2 – V3 – V4.

The SRV Retube Kit uses the JJ 5751 in the V1 position. The JJ 5751 is a purpose built low gain 12AX7/ECC83 substitute. Stevie famously used these to eek out a little extra clean headroom, and you can too. Expect about a 25% reduction in gain, which is like having an extra click on the dial before breakup sets in. Great for clean players and pedal users. The kit includes one matched quad of JJ 6L6GC’s by default, one Balanced JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V5, farthest from the input jack),  three Standard JJ ECC83S for V2 – V3 – V4 and one Standard JJ 5751 for V1 (closest to input jack).

The Gold Pin SRV Retube Kit uses the Gold Pin tubes for a smoother richer tone. The kit includes one matched quad of JJ 6L6GC’s by default, one Balanced Gold Pin JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V5, farthest from the input jack),  three Standard Gold Pin JJ ECC83S for V2 – V3 – V4 and one Standard Gold Pin JJ 5751 for V1 (closest to input jack).

The ECC803S V1 Option Retube Kit uses the Long Plate JJ ECC803S in the V1 position. The JJ Long Plate ECC803S has a little lower gain with big thick mids and a little more sparkle in the highs. The kit includes one matched quad of JJ 6L6GC’s by default, one Balanced JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V5, farthest from the input jack),  three Standard JJ ECC83S’s for V2 – V3 – V4 and one Standard JJ ECC803S for V1 (closest to input jack).

The Gold Pin ECC803S V1 Retube Kit uses the Gold Pin tubes for a smoother richer tone. The kit includes one matched quad of JJ 6L6GC’s by default, one Balanced Gold Pin JJ ECC83S for the phase inverter (V5, farthest from the input jack), three Standard Gold Pin JJ ECC83S for V2 – V3 – V4 and one Standard Long Plate Gold Pin JJ ECC803S for V1 (closest to input jack).