Can I Use My Express Plus 5:25 head in Tokyo?

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suede11

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Moving from Texas to Tokyo, Japan soon and taking my beloved Express Plus 5:25 head with me.
Anyone know if the lower voltage there will hurt the amp?
I believe Tokyo voltage is 100v 60Hz.
I play through a Lonestar 23 cab (1x12 w/ MC90 speaker) if that matters.
I sent an email via the Mesa website a while back but never heard anything.
Figured someone here might know.
Thanks all.
Wade
 
I would call Mesa Boogie and talk to a person with this question.

Japan is 100Vac and 50Hz. The US is 120Vac and 60Hz. some places run closer to 115Vac

Main concern will be that the Power Transformer may not handle 50Hz. It could overheat due to a lower impedance at 50Hz, it can draw more current than at 60Hz.

Could be some risk the tubes due to bias and operating voltage being lower by 20%

How long will you be in Japan? Might be worth having the power transformer swapped out.
 
Thanks b00g. You're right. Tokyo is 50Hz, my mistake.
Yes, I will call them. Probably best to get the official word anyway.
I was hoping the lower voltage might allow for some tasty tones otherwise only achievable with a Variac etc, but I definitely don't want to hurt the amp. (Or myself. :shock: )
I'll post their answer here for future reference once I get it.
 
I talked to Chris at Mesa today.
He said I would need to get a step-down voltage converter.
Said 500 watt model would be enough.
He also said I could have the head converted for lower voltage, but I'll be returning in a couple of years and don't want to alter the amp itself.

Amazon has converters for under $40.
I'm sure I can find others as well.
Should be good to go!
Thanks all.
 
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