Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

[y2stevo]

Hi Guys,

It's been a very very long time since i've been around here :guilty:
Hope all is still well

Just today I went to try out a Mesa Express 5:25 (not the new plus version) from a guy selling it not too far from me, Unfortunately it had some cutting out issues at loud volume so he's getting it fixed under warranty but it sounded so sweet, exactly the kind of amp I'm looking for at the minute.

I'd like to pick your brains about what pedal to use in the effects loop as a volume boost.
Like I said, ideally i'd love the Plus version (which has footswitchable solo boost on each channel) but to buy new over this side of the pond they are about €1000 more than what I can get this amp for.

I'd like to go with a pedal with true bypass to avoid any colouration between the pre and power amp sections when off.

I'm thinking a true bypass Graphic or parametric eq which would give me more options to shape the tone.
Any recommendations of such pedals?

Much Appreciated
Thanks

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

Right now I really like the Voodoo Lab Giggity. It's basically a "more" pedal.

 

[y2stevo]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

I'll see if I can find somewhere that stock the Voodoo lab stuff in Ireland,

The guy selling the amp got back to me today to say it was a dogey EL84 which was put in after a recent service so shuold have it soon
I have a GE-7 that i'll try out first to see how it affects the tone when off

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

That doesn't surprise me at all. Mesa's EL-84's appear to be very ****ty IME. The manager of the Mesa shop even said so himself. ("They don't really make good tubes any more, so we have to go with these.") Combine that with the fact that Mesas tend to be tough on tubes, and you had better carry plenty of backups if you use an EL-84 Mesa. My Express Plus wasted (internally shorted out) three EL84's within the first six months. The fourth set replaced under warranty seems to be holding...for now.

As for flat boosts, I'd get the LPB-1 in the classifieds that is being sold for $25. If I didn't already have my SD Pickup Booster, I'd definitely snag a used LPB-1. Good, basic, inexpensive flat booster.

 

[richard parker]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

I used a GE7 in a loop for a solo boost. Worked fine.

 

[y2stevo]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

Unfortunately I went up to have another test of the amp and It initially had a low level rattle even at low levels, we played around with it for another hour or so making sure the power and pre tubes were seated ok. It got progressively worse and by the end sounded like high pitched ringing, i guess microphonics?
I'm a little bummed out by the amp now and the previous comments and commecnts in general about el-84s is starting to put me off this amp

 

[Inder_Cine_Mann]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

i love my MXR 10 band in the effects loop

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

I've never played the pre plus models but a while back I tested both the 5:25 and 5:50 Plus Combos. I was shocked at how much fuller and better the 5:50 sounded than the 5:25 (Both with matched settings and at 25watts). I don't know if it was a combination of things: tubes, enclosure sizes, or speakers (5:25 V30 and 5:50 Mesa Black Shadow) but after 20 minutes or so it was pretty clear to me which one was the winner. Just an fyi for you guys... The new Express Plus Amps have a middle wattage (15w on the 5:25 and 25w on the 5:50). Just wanted to share my experience with the series of amps eventhough it was with the newest models.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

To each his own. I thought the pre-Plus 50 sounded far worse than the 25. Both sounded fine, but the 25 was far less bland/stiff. I got the 25 (regular), but ordered it right at the changeover, so ended up getting a Plus instead. However, now that the 50 has a 25W class A mode, I'd probably go that route, and just use it at the middle setting as a matter of course. I love class A, and it's just what 6L6's need to open them up and loosen them a bit.

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

Well theres some upgrades on the new ones (better clean channel, additional wattage selection, 5 band eq). Maybe you'd think differently if you played one (or maybe not). It all comes down to personal preference....

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

I'm very familiar with the F line, Express line, and Express Plus line. From the Express to the Express Plus, there are no tonal changes on the regular settings, only added features. You obviously like a stiffer amp and I like a looser one. That's why they make two models. There is no "winner."

 

[y2stevo]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

Theres a shop about an hour and a half drive from me with the express plus 50 which I might try out, the option of 5w 25 and 50w is definitely appealing :b)

 

[GuitarGuy503]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

I'm very familiar with the F line, Express line, and Express Plus line. From the Express to the Express Plus, there are no tonal changes on the regular settings, only added features. You obviously like a stiffer amp and I like a looser one. That's why they make two models. There is no "winner."

Don't be a prick. I was not implying that the 5:50 would be the clear "winner" for everyone. I was implying that it was clearly the winner to me from my experience.

 

[SoCalSteve]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

I recently acquired a 5:25 1x12 combo (non + model).

What a great amp! Way better cleans than my Budda 18 and like the Drive sound more. Really love this amp.

Anyway, I've found that this amp works great with your guitar's volume knob. You may not need a solo boost.

Even in Burn mode, keeping the gain below 12:00 you can get a nice crunchy rhythm tone with you guitar's volume pot around 6-7 then turn it up for leads. Works great like this.

BTW, did I mention that I love this amp?

 

[MetalManiac]

Re: Back from the dead - Mesa Express solo boost options

The NOS/OS EL84 is one tube thats not totally price gouged, that is, you can find good deals on a set. I got some Russian Old Stock but tested ones for my Little Bassmate for relatively cheap.