Fender_Punk
BerriesAndCreamologist
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
There's Mesa amps that go for under $1,000 on e-bay. Get one of those.
There's Mesa amps that go for under $1,000 on e-bay. Get one of those.
Amp that does Mesa tone
- Thread starter lex666
- Start date
Binnerscot
Well-known member
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
I have heard a few terms like "poor man's Mesa" referring to a couple of amps here and I own one of them and have played the other - they aren't even remotely close to the Mesa sound, any Mesa sound.
They are not bad, but they are a different sound.
I have heard a few terms like "poor man's Mesa" referring to a couple of amps here and I own one of them and have played the other - they aren't even remotely close to the Mesa sound, any Mesa sound.
They are not bad, but they are a different sound.
Animal
Well-known member
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
The cheapest way you're going to get an authentic classic Mesa tone is to get a Mesa Studio Pre. The circuit is based on the Mark IIC amp and does clean to scream in spades. It does gain all the way up to classic Metallica and Dream Theater. Doesn't quite do the recto thing, but you can certainly make it chug.
On Ebay they usually go for around $300:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Stu...ryZ43374QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
For a little bit more you could also look into a Quad Pre which also has the Mark III circuit in it. Super versatile:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-QUA...ryZ43374QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
The problem is also getting a power amp to complete the equation. You could snag up an old Peavey Classic 6L6 poweramp for less $200. I've got a Quad Pre-amp running into a Peavey Classic 50/50 EL84 poweramp, and while the result is very much on the bright side, the voice of the preamp shining through is pure Boogie.
The cheapest way you're going to get an authentic classic Mesa tone is to get a Mesa Studio Pre. The circuit is based on the Mark IIC amp and does clean to scream in spades. It does gain all the way up to classic Metallica and Dream Theater. Doesn't quite do the recto thing, but you can certainly make it chug.
On Ebay they usually go for around $300:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Stu...ryZ43374QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
For a little bit more you could also look into a Quad Pre which also has the Mark III circuit in it. Super versatile:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-QUA...ryZ43374QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
The problem is also getting a power amp to complete the equation. You could snag up an old Peavey Classic 6L6 poweramp for less $200. I've got a Quad Pre-amp running into a Peavey Classic 50/50 EL84 poweramp, and while the result is very much on the bright side, the voice of the preamp shining through is pure Boogie.
3
34029324079
Guest
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
you should get a single recto for $800! Most amps cost that much, dont be a douche and go solid state unless that is you!!
you should get a single recto for $800! Most amps cost that much, dont be a douche and go solid state unless that is you!!
Usurper666
New member
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
When I first started playing in 1985 everyone said, "Don't get a Marshall, they are too limited and have reliability issues, get brand x, it sounds just like a Marshall..." So I tried a few different amps and after years and a couple thousand dollars I now own a 1982 Marshall 2204 and couldn't be happier! I wanted the Marshall sound, and that's what I should have bought in the first place. Save yourself the pain, if you want the Mesa sound get a Mesa and be done with it. OR, get an MI Audio Tube Zone and stick it in front of your current amp until you can afford a real Mesa.
Cheers,
CJ
When I first started playing in 1985 everyone said, "Don't get a Marshall, they are too limited and have reliability issues, get brand x, it sounds just like a Marshall..." So I tried a few different amps and after years and a couple thousand dollars I now own a 1982 Marshall 2204 and couldn't be happier! I wanted the Marshall sound, and that's what I should have bought in the first place. Save yourself the pain, if you want the Mesa sound get a Mesa and be done with it. OR, get an MI Audio Tube Zone and stick it in front of your current amp until you can afford a real Mesa.
Cheers,
CJ
anewdefguitarist
New member
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
yea man, single rectos are going for less than grand. hell, even brand new they're only like 1300!
yea man, single rectos are going for less than grand. hell, even brand new they're only like 1300!
PFDarkside
of the Forum
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
Lex, what Mesa tone are you looking for? You still haven't chimed in if it's the Mark sound, Recto sound, Lonestar sound or other?
Either way, save up and get the amp you really want. I decided to eat Ramen noodles for a couple months to afford my Mesa, but man am I glad I got it instead of the Peavey or Traynors I was looking at. Not that they would have been bad, but I got what I wanted in the end. Also, an amp is something you'll have forever, get what you want and you won't have to replace it.
Lex, what Mesa tone are you looking for? You still haven't chimed in if it's the Mark sound, Recto sound, Lonestar sound or other?
Either way, save up and get the amp you really want. I decided to eat Ramen noodles for a couple months to afford my Mesa, but man am I glad I got it instead of the Peavey or Traynors I was looking at. Not that they would have been bad, but I got what I wanted in the end. Also, an amp is something you'll have forever, get what you want and you won't have to replace it.
lex666
New member
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
I really want that recto tone. I sampled a few other less expensive Mesa amps a while back (see old thread). I tried the Rectoverb (combo) a 5:50, and the Roadster head. I instantly fell in love with the Roadster (of course). I liked the 5:50 more than the Rectoverb (surprisingly) but the 5:50 didn't sound anything like the Roadster. I haven't had the opportunity to test drive the F50...
I've explored several options about how to come up with the dough. I could sell my current amp, my Marshall TSL602 with a TSLC212 cab, but I really like this amp and don't want to part with it. On the other hand, the Roadster would be able to take its place and I wouldn't need it anymore... I don't have the space for 2 half stacks anyways... But I'm quite attached to this setup. I've invested lots of time and money just to get this far...
I would trade in some guitars, but I can't see myself parting with any of them, they're all gems.
Maybe I'll just wait a while and see if anyone puts a Roadster on fleabay. I agree, any Mesa wanna be wouldn't be good enuff.
I really want that recto tone. I sampled a few other less expensive Mesa amps a while back (see old thread). I tried the Rectoverb (combo) a 5:50, and the Roadster head. I instantly fell in love with the Roadster (of course). I liked the 5:50 more than the Rectoverb (surprisingly) but the 5:50 didn't sound anything like the Roadster. I haven't had the opportunity to test drive the F50...
I've explored several options about how to come up with the dough. I could sell my current amp, my Marshall TSL602 with a TSLC212 cab, but I really like this amp and don't want to part with it. On the other hand, the Roadster would be able to take its place and I wouldn't need it anymore... I don't have the space for 2 half stacks anyways... But I'm quite attached to this setup. I've invested lots of time and money just to get this far...
I would trade in some guitars, but I can't see myself parting with any of them, they're all gems.
Maybe I'll just wait a while and see if anyone puts a Roadster on fleabay. I agree, any Mesa wanna be wouldn't be good enuff.
guitarded
New member
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
I got my A series Mark IV off ebay for around 1150.....
I got my A series Mark IV off ebay for around 1150.....
guitarded
New member
Sludgenutz
New member
Re: Amp that does Mesa tone
The Mesa .50 Caliber + (in head or combo version) can be had for $500 all year long on ebay.
The vertical recto 2x12 (usually with V30's) can be had for $350-$400 on average.
Harmony Central has reviews.
The Mesa .50 Caliber + (in head or combo version) can be had for $500 all year long on ebay.
The vertical recto 2x12 (usually with V30's) can be had for $350-$400 on average.
Harmony Central has reviews.
