Re: Best mesa boogie models secondhand on the second-hand market
Mesa does so many suitable combos, but heads can be harder to find. The good news is...there are many models that can work for you. And there are many different shades to the amps...some VOX-like, some more Marshall-y, others Fender-y. Many will cover more than one style. Mesas are versatile amps. Even the mighty Rectos can get bluesy.
The one series I probably would not recommend is the Nomad Series. I think their gainier tones can get a little fizzy, and there are amps that have better cleans. If you do, I'd suggest the Nomad 45, or the big 100 if only for it's graphic EQ.
You mentioned 6V6s and Mesa does have a handful of amps that can use 6V6s. They are the Mark V, the Mark IV, the Heartbreaker, the Blue Angel for starters. Many of their amps can use either 6L6s or EL34s by a simple switch on the rear panel. And many Mesas have switchable power levels. The Simul-Class version of the Mark III and the Mark IV use 6L6 tubes but you can use EL34s in the Class A sockets. This is my preferred configuration.
If you CAN'T find a head, then I would look at one of the small platform 112 combos, like the Mark III, Mark IV, DC-3, etc. The trick with these is using them with a Mesa 112 Thiele cab, preferably with the EVM speaker. Mesas have been historically mid-focused amps...the ported Thiele cab adds that big bottom-end back into the mix. It raises the controls up to waist level and creates a potent and powerful 1/4 stack with a small stage footprint than can take on bigger rigs.
Some thoughts on specific amps....
I like the Mark III, one of Mesa's simpler amps. Get a fully-loaded version with the reverb, EQ and Simul-Class. I have three, and basically use the recommended sweet spots in the Owner's Manual. My first Mesa was a Mark III, and I sold all my vintage Fenders and Marshalls shortly after.
More finicky is the Mark IV. A better R2, better efx loop and more power levels and controls that can really change the feel of the amp. I have my settings, and use it live, but this is a GREAT amp for tweaking in the studio.
Every guitar I have used with either of these Mark amps has sounded good. Both are good pedal platforms. I prefer Mesa crunch and lead tones over 99% of the dirt boxes I've tried.
I also have a DC-3 112 combo. The DC Series has Mark IV cleans, and Recto gain in the lead channel. The -3 is only 35 watts, 4xEL84, but sounds bigger. I also like the bigger 50-watt DC-5, and the DC-10 is a monster.
The F-Series are about as simple as a Mesa gets. They come in 15, 50 and 100 watt versions and the preamp takes direct aim at the Fender amp cleans, with the lead channel tone one expects from a Mesa amp. Does not have as many switching options, so...simpler.
My Maverick 212 is one of my favorite amps to gig with. It's also a 4xEL84, but runs in Class A and sounds very different than my DC-3. I like to use it on top of a Horizontal Recto 212 cab. There's a definite AC-30 vibe, but I've found Twin Reverb and Plexi tones too. Very liquid feel with the tube rectifier and tighter with the diodes; less gain than most Mesas.
The Heartbreaker is another versatile amp with both Fender and Marshall influences. I keep looking for a good deal on one. The Electra-Dyne can be either 6L6 or EL34s and rock on either side of the Atlantic. One of Mesa's simpler amps, it has one of the best clean tones I've ever heard. If I hadn't bought a Mark V, I might have bought one. A couple of friends have TA-30s and love them. Randy Smith loves designing EL84 amps. These have VOX cleans, yet still have Mesa lead tones.
The Lonestars...again, if I didn't have the Maverick, a Special would be on my Grail list, and but for the Mark V I have, I'd go for the Classic. Fantastic amps.
The Express and Express+ amps are kind of descendents from the F-Series. Good all-around amps, a few less features. I like the EQ feature of the Mark Series amps, and this is one of the great features of the Plus. A totally professional amp, great for the bar-band player who might have three or four different projects.
I have my personal favorites that I own, and then I just lust for the others, lol! How do you choose? Buying used, you'll just have to wait for what's available. Your best bet is to play as many as you can, to see what flavor you like best...what features you want. Some have a SOLO boost. Some have switchable loops. The overall master OUTPUT LEVEL is nice. For simplicity, start with a Maverick or F-Series. You want to fine-tune your settings? You'll love the Mark IV. (The Mark V is probably out of your price-range.) The rest fall in-between.
When you find one to try, download the Owner's Manual from their website and familiarize yourself with the controls. Reading the manual is a must for these amps.
And if you have questions, call Mesa's Customer Support people. They want you to buy a new amp of course, but they have answers on the older amps too. Also, check out the Boogie Board Forums.
Let me know if I can help.
Bill
