Boogie LoneStar vs all else?

[Osensei]

First let me say I just got myself a little Marshall DFX series practice amp for bout $160 or so. Man what a little practice amp! It gives me all the little tone variations I like.

Now however, I'm looking for something in a gig worthy combo. So I recently tried the Boogie LoneStar. Wow! This little Boogie combo can blow me off the stage man! I think I can play this thing in my house and use it as an air conditioner instead of my central air unit!

Unfortunately, Boogies seem to be beyond my monitary reach for now. Can anyone recommend something that's comparable that doesn't have such a heavy price tag. Stylistacally, I'm looking for something that I can play that ranges from clean traditional Jazz to Classic Rock and Fusion.

 

[Tom M]

Re: Boogie LoneStar vs all else?

Are you looking at the Special or the Classic?

This is a relatively new model, and even the prices on eBay are still kind of high.

 

[Osensei]

Re: Boogie LoneStar vs all else?

No, it wasn't the special. But it really doesn't matter. Pricewise none of the Mesas in the LoneStar series came in under $1,500.

Fender is my second choice but all they had in stock was Bassmans and Twin Reverbs. Plus I don't think Fenders are as hotrodded as the Mesas. Not a lot of features on those Fenders and I'm not a effects pedal kinda guy. I'm one of those ppl that believe that the amp needs to do the work and not pedals. I'm also an avid glow (tube) freak. Maybe if they had a Deluxe or Vibralux.

It would be great if I could get a Marshall combo or stack that could get the same types of tones my Marshall practice amp is putting out. How do the new Marshalls stack up with the other amps I've mentioned. I tried them but didn't have time to dial in the tone I was looking for.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Boogie LoneStar vs all else?

Find a used Mesa Mark III Simul-Class, eq, reverb combo with the 112EVM speaker. A DC-5 is a good lower powered alternative. The Heartbreaker, Nomads, F-Series amps all have good features--find the flavor you like.

The new Fender Super Sonic is one of Fender's best offerings in years--the first Fender tube amp I've ever heard with great clean tones AND a pretty darn good OD channel. I'm not going to trade my Mesas in on one, but I liked it.

The Marshall DSL 401 combo is certainly loud enough to gig with, and has a really great snarling tone. You can also find used Marshall TSL 601s, 602s or the top of the line TSL 122s for less than a new Lonestar. Clean tones are the best Marshall has ever done, and the Crunch and Lead channels grind and sing like a Marshall should.

Lots of good amps out there these days. Personally, I love my Mesas, and sometimes I can't imagine using anything else.

Good luck with your quest!

Bill

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Boogie LoneStar vs all else?

Check out the classifieds on The Boogie Board

http://forum.grailtone.com/

I really liked the Special when I tried it....didn't care for the Classic...but yeah, they're still pricey.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Boogie LoneStar vs all else?

Get a used Mark 3 or Mark 2B
but the distortion won't be as tight

A used JSX combo would also be a really good thing to do what you described.