Is it just me, or is Mesa really putting out the goods?

[daemon barbeque]

Re: Is it just me, or is Mesa really putting out the goods?

Many Mesa amps do not fill my tonal needs ,except the Mark IV/V and the new Stiletto Ace. But their amps are well build, and problems occur not as often as by other companies.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Is it just me, or is Mesa really putting out the goods?

Two thousand dollars is a huge amount of cash. You can get all tube Marshalls for under a thousand that will stand by you gig after gig just as well.

Mesas are expensive, yes; and not for everyone. Even so, they cram a lot of value into their amps.

I've owned vintage Marshalls and Fenders and Peaveys and Mesas. Hands down the best made amps of that group are the Mesas.

Factor in their overall desireability (which) keeps resale values high; and their low maintenance--the Mesa gives you more. That's VALUE.

Bill

I've also owned amps from all those makers, and nothing compares to the mesa. I'm not just talking reliability, but features and options. Some people don't like their amps for it, but you can litterally tweek every facet of your sound on a mesa, and the controls are super responsive. Compare this to, let's say, your average fender or marshall, and you get many more tonal options out of your amp.

Another thing I really like about mesa that often doesn't get enough credit is their cabs. I've played many cabs over the last 6 years or so, and mesa cabs deliver the goods. My 2x12 rect cab being pushed by 30 watts will drown out my co guitarist's 50w marshall into a 4x12. Why? I don't know. All I know is it sounds **** good.

 

[LReese]

Re: Is it just me, or is Mesa really putting out the goods?

I've owned Mesa's in the past. A dual recto Solo, V-twin (long gone), 50/50 (which I still use weekly). Nothing else I tried in stores impressed me, except a subway blues. 3 months or so I got a Mark IV. I avoided getting a Mark series for the longest time... just because...

But I got to say it was nice with 6L6 tubes, but I really like it with JJ 6V6 power tubes. In fact, I have not turned on any of my other amps (other than the 50/50 for wet/dry/wet). I'm no longer a metalhead, though I do occasionally try to play a few of the old licks.

I'm coming to the conclusion that I need to downsize my setup... The Mark IV combo and 2 Flat range powered speakers. For effects, a compressor, buffer and a TC Nova system (which I'm buying today - I think).

 

[LtKojak]

Re: Is it just me, or is Mesa really putting out the goods?

Two thousand dollars is a huge amount of cash. You can get all tube Marshalls for under a thousand that will stand by you gig after gig just as well.

If you're even trying to compare Marshall with Mesa in the reliability dept., it can only mean you've never ever toured with a Mesa.

In 1987 I've bought an used MarkIIc and I've made an average of 180 shows a year for about seven years. Never failed me once. EVER!

In 1995 I sold it to a friend of mine after having it retubed and serviced. He doesn't tour as often as I did, but he still has it and to this day never failed him either. Still going strong and sounding great even with 14-year old tubes!

No other amp I've ever owned could top that.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Is it just me, or is Mesa really putting out the goods?

If you're even trying to compare Marshall with Mesa in the reliability dept., it can only mean you've never ever toured with a Mesa.

In 1987 I've bought an used MarkIIc and I've made an average of 180 shows a year for about seven years. Never failed me once. EVER!

In 1995 I sold it to a friend of mine after having it retubed and serviced. He doesn't tour as often as I did, but he still has it and to this day never failed him either. Still going strong and sounding great even with 14-year old tubes!

No other amp I've ever owned could top that.

That a story right there. I hear a lot of guys your age (my dad's friends and all that) with similar stories about the earlier Mark series.

It's cool to see, when so many companies are bashed for not making products like they use to, that some brands seem to get better with time.