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The MESA/Boogie 12AX7 preamp tube is a premium-grade, high-gain preamplifier tube that provides a smooth and balanced response across the tonal spectrum. Recognized as an extremely lively, open and expressive tube, the 12AX7 is a crucial component in crafting the final tone of your vacuum tube amplifier. Located early in the circuit, the 12AX7 determines how clean or saturated, layered or massive the high gain will be—not to mention all the tonal shades in between, like clipped, overdriven and crunch sounds. The 12AX7 delivers the stability and gain required for extraordinary distortion sounds while also providing the sensitivity and brilliance needed for some of the world's most detailed and crisp sounds, as well as the subtleties of the in-between gain ranges. Get the MESA/Boogie 12AX7 preamp tube at Guitar Center and elevate your tone to new heights.

Premium Components for Premium Tone

As a premium tube from a premier brand, the MESA/Boogie 12AX7 is constructed with premium components to provide peak performance and tone. The 12AX7's construction allows it to withstand the high voltages required to properly amplify an electric guitar signal without compromising tone. Its durable components are built to last through many hours of use, providing consistent tone and performance gig after gig.

High Gain and Sensitivity for Depth and Clarity

The MESA/Boogie 12AX7 provides the high gain and sensitivity required for crafting full, saturated distortion tones while also delivering the nuanced clarity needed for crisp, detailed clean and overdriven sounds. Its high gain structure allows for a wide range of tones from clean to overdriven to heavily saturated. The 12AX7's sensitivity and lively response provide depth and dimension even at high gain settings.

Compatible With Most Tube Amplifiers

The MESA/Boogie 12AX7 will work with most tube amplifiers that utilize 12AX7 preamp tubes, allowing you to elevate your tone with a premium upgrade. Its balanced performance works equally well in both MESA/Boogie and other tube amp brands. The 12AX7 has become an industry standard for high-gain preamp tubes due to its musical, expressive character and ability to handle high plate voltages, and will provide an upgrade in any compatible amp.

MESA/Boogie 12AX7 Preamp Tube

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4.29

7 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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Reviewed by 7 customers

  • Low noise tube

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byJoe

    fromTampa

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I'm not sure where this tube was made. It doesn't look like a JJ tube. However it has very low noise and a good tone. Seemed less muddy than a JJ 12ax7.

  • Going broke on Mesa Tubes

    2

    submitted13 years ago

    byPat Schaeffer

    fromKlamath Falls, OR

    Straight scoop, no propaganda...when these tubes work they sound great...thus the 2 stars instead of 1. My new (last year) Mesa Boogie Mark V goes through Mesa tubes at such an alarming rate I have to quit using them (free or not)...they simply don't hold up. Now, the Mesa guys will tell you their tubes are the best and are rated to within 5% of specification vs. the typical 10% of spec' for other tubes. Doesn't matter if you have to replace them every 2-3 months, you're da#?&ed! Some of the tubes I've been sent exhibit infant mortality, in other words, DOA! This is the heart of the problem: an American company with a good reputation that is complacent, arrogant and no longer listens to its customers. Get 'em if you like the brand name, but if you're a practical musician you'll look elsewhere. Cheers!

  • Surprising.

    5

    submitted13 years ago

    byBryant Seavey

    fromOntario, CA

    I've been through a fair share of tubes. Based on previous recommendations, I've tried Groove Tubes, JJ, Muller, and several others. These surpass them all. I'm running an Epiphone Valve Jr. mini stack and I play mostly blues and classic rock. You have no idea how much my tone improved after switching from sovtek and electro-harmonix. My tone is tighter, raw, and sounds awesome on the high end with soloing. Definitely recommend, but not for those who seek a more vintage tone.

  • good but not great.

    3

    submitted15 years ago

    byctl

    fromnorth carolina

    These tubes are good but not great.They give out plenty of tone but vintage tone is not there.If your looking for plenty of gain then this is it.

  • good tubes

    5

    submitted15 years ago

    bythe brizzle

    frommo town

    i like these tubes, i use them in my b52 at 100 head and they make my amp "come alive" my old tone was stale, but these preamp tubes make my amp jump. I play heavy music and these tubes get the job done. im happy with them. i also use a 12at7 for my phase inverter, also a mesa tube. good stuff.

  • Like a brand new amp!!!

    5

    submitted15 years ago

    byShane Young

    fromHawthorne, Nv.

    I didn't realize just how good my Mesa sounded until I installed these tubes!!! A new set of preamp tubes makes all the difference! My amp sounds amazing on stage now!!!

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Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byRandomGuy

    fromDenver

    Will these work in a fender blues deluxe reissue

    Will these work in a fender blues deluxe reissue

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, they will

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked bychief fluffydog

    fromPalm Bay, Florida

    Where are these tubes made?

    Where are these tubes made?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The MESA/Boogie 12AX7 is U.S. made.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byJerome

    fromS.C

    Will this tube work in my Rocktron taboo head

    Will this tube work in my Rocktron taboo head

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes