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Mesa Boogie Replacement Valves / 5881-HARMA MESA SELECT AKA MESA 5881 STR 425
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All prices contained on this page are exclusive of VAT. This is currently charged at 20% and is payable by the UK only.
Watford Valves have been supplying specially tested valves for Mesa Boogie amplifiers for over 25 years. To help you maintain the sound we have now put a picture of the original factory item next to the Mesa label item to help you identify the valves in your Mesa.
Mesa normally gave a separate STR number to each valve which would normally indicate a different factory. Recently Mesa have given the same STR numbering to valves from different factories. To aid your identification we have given the valve a type number, type 1 type 2 etc.
What makes WV Mesa Select valve ?
Our matching process as stringent if not more so with valves matched on plus-or-minus 2 mA of current. Just like Mesa, valves that will reduce power or not be within the range of your amps optimum performance will not make the grade. Just like all Harma output valves our Mesa select valves also undergo our own unique real world burst testing. The burst testing process involves a series of varying timed electrical signal bursts. This runs the valves under the same stress conditions that they will meet in your amplifier. We have spent over 25 years helping Mesa owners maintain their amps factory sound without compromise on testing and selection.
The Mesa 5881 STR 425 is the is the Harma 5881 which Mesa source from the Reflector/Sovtek factory in Russia.Mesa normally gave a separate STR number to each valve which would normally indicate a different factory. Recently Mesa have given the same STR numbering to valves from different factories. To aid your identification we have given the valve a type number, type 1 type 2 etc.
What makes WV Mesa Select valve ?
Our matching process as stringent if not more so with valves matched on plus-or-minus 2 mA of current. Just like Mesa, valves that will reduce power or not be within the range of your amps optimum performance will not make the grade. Just like all Harma output valves our Mesa select valves also undergo our own unique real world burst testing. The burst testing process involves a series of varying timed electrical signal bursts. This runs the valves under the same stress conditions that they will meet in your amplifier. We have spent over 25 years helping Mesa owners maintain their amps factory sound without compromise on testing and selection.
This valve can be identified by 4 notches in the wafer thin base. Two rounded holes in in each side of the plate. Double flying saucer getter with double support.
So here you are buying a selected Harma 5881 which is not branded Mesa Boogie but has the Original Harma 5881 markings selected by us.
We have been supplying specially selected valves for Mesa Boogie for over 25 years and have a huge library of their original factory source and test specifications.
To help you identify your valve we have put a picture of the Mesa valve against the Factory item. So when order a Harma 5881 Mesa Select AKA Mesa 5881 STR 425 you will receive a Harma branded 5881 tested and specially selected to work perfectly in your Mesa Boogie.
Watford Valves Mesa select valves undergo our own unique real world burst testing. The burst testing process involves a series of varying timed electrical signal bursts. This runs the valves under the same stress conditions that they will meet in your amplifier. All out put valves are then dual matched by us on current and gain. This will ensure that you get the best selected valves available
Mesa Boogie says
The Mesa 5881 STR 425 is a Russian military grade 6L6 that was designed with an emphasis on rugged durability and consistency, capable of handling high voltage requirements. It produces a thick, rich tone with tapered highs that lends itself to styles of jazz, fusion, some blues or any style where tapered highs and a full round tone are desired - If you find your amp to be too bright with standard 6L6's, the 5881 may be your passion
Watford Valves says
There is no doubt that the Harma 5881 is one tough item as is the same original NOS item the Mesa used in some of its iconic amps. The Harma 5881 Mesa Select supplies the same feel, same tonal quality, same performance as the original and is for those of you who want that thick rich tone of the 5881 STR 425 .
Paul Bacon Says
Here is Guitarist Paul Bacon email on fitting the Harma 5881 in his Mesa
"I just want to say how pleased I am with the Harma 5881 valves. I have had problems with the Mesa branded valves ever since I bought my Mesa Express 5:50 Amp. All the Mesa branded STR440 valves developed a rattle and added an annoying harmonic hum to the amplified guitar sound after a short time.
I replaced the Mesa valves each time but the problem would repeat.
I spoke to Watford valves who were very helpful, and suggested some Harma 5881 valves as a replacement. I have used the new Harma 5881 valves in my amp for many months now and the amp remains free of any tube rattle and harmonic interference. ****Problem solved****"
Thank you
Paul Bacon
Substitute in: F-50, F-100, Solo 50, Rect-O-Verb, Dual Rec, Triple Rec, Roadster, Road King, Mark I, Mark IV, Lone Star, 2:50, 2:90, Recto 2:100 & Bass 400+
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