MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

[Axl H]

I have been thinking of saving up for a combo, when I aint gigging at big places. The Marshall is too loud for that. But I have been looking at these, and heard one for a short while. It sounded great, especially because I dont like the thin, buzzy and sterile Rectifier distortion.

I like sounds like the old MkIIC+, MkIII etc.

And the 5:50 seems to have these sounds pretty good imo, but I tried it for 5mins so thats why I am asking.


And you all probably know what I play, 80s rock ala Whitesnake. The sound on the 1987 album is my favorite guitarsound, and I am pin-pointing for something like that.

Might this amp be the ticket for my use?


EDIT: I need in this amp:
Channel switching, both clean and dirty.
FX Loop
12" speaker..

Other suggestions are good too.

 

[Motorcop71]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

I have been curious about these amps too. I haven't had the chance to play one yet. Sykes's tone on that Whitesnake album is absolutely HUGE!!!!

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

The 5:50 is a helluva combo, I demoed one and came really close to buying. The only reason I didn't buy it on the spot was b/c the shop wanted $1350 and wouldn't come down. I liked all the different tones available from the express, and I didn't really spend a lot of time messin with the knobs. I did like the amp, but only played it on the 5w setting and it was still really loud.

Since you're into the whole marshall thing, you might wanna check out orange amps. I ended up with the rocker 30 combo after playing it. I really like the thick crunchy distortion the orange has over the mesa. The mesa is more versatile, but I really dig the tone of the orange, even at low volumes. If you want a really simple great sounding amp that covers blues rock to metal very well, the orange is awesome. If you want a jack of all trades, the express is a better. If I had to do it again, I'd probly still buy the orange, it suits my style perfectly.

I suggest going to all the local shops and playing everything you can afford. Try to narrow down the list before you go so you know what you're looking for.

 

[edsmith]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

I replaced my Deville with one this past Thursday. PM if you want more info.

 

[Axl H]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

The 5:50 is a helluva combo, I demoed one and came really close to buying. The only reason I didn't buy it on the spot was b/c the shop wanted $1350 and wouldn't come down. I liked all the different tones available from the express, and I didn't really spend a lot of time messin with the knobs. I did like the amp, but only played it on the 5w setting and it was still really loud.

Since you're into the whole marshall thing, you might wanna check out orange amps. I ended up with the rocker 30 combo after playing it. I really like the thick crunchy distortion the orange has over the mesa. The mesa is more versatile, but I really dig the tone of the orange, even at low volumes. If you want a really simple great sounding amp that covers blues rock to metal very well, the orange is awesome. If you want a jack of all trades, the express is a better. If I had to do it again, I'd probly still buy the orange, it suits my style perfectly.

I suggest going to all the local shops and playing everything you can afford. Try to narrow down the list before you go so you know what you're looking for.

Great review bro, thanks.


I actually want this combo to be more MESA like, just not Recto like.

This kinda sound http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqb5EcU65IQ


Edsmith --> Thanks mate, I will write to you in a few hours.

 

[edsmith]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

Great review bro, thanks.


I actually want this combo to be more MESA like, just not Recto like.

This kinda sound http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqb5EcU65IQ


Edsmith --> Thanks mate, I will write to you in a few hours.

The 5:50 does not sound like their recto. You have to try it in both modes. 5w mode is thinner but very sweet. It has a nice little break up. My favorite is 50w mode. I suppose you can get something of a rectoish tone if you really try. The sound is smooth in every respect.

 

[Dan-ola]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

How did the 5:25 compare to the 5:50? I dont need 50 watts for where I play, fo sho... I know it is a 10" speaker and not a 12" but Mesa 10" usually still sound really powerful... I need to bring my guitar one day and try one, the factory is like 4 blocks from my office! :34:


Dano

 

[lex666]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

The 5:50 does not sound like their recto. You have to try it in both modes. 5w mode is thinner but very sweet. It has a nice little break up. My favorite is 50w mode. I suppose you can get something of a rectoish tone if you really try. The sound is smooth in every respect.

+1

the 5:50 doesn't sound like a recto, but I don't think it was supposed to. the 5:50 is a great sounding amp, with surprisingly great sounding cleans.

I'd spend more time trying it out. Even bring your own axe to the store...

 

[ksmith63]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

i was initially impressed by the cleans. the distortion was a little buzzy but i was playing at super low volume.

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

Great review bro, thanks.


I actually want this combo to be more MESA like, just not Recto like.

This kinda sound http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqb5EcU65IQ


Edsmith --> Thanks mate, I will write to you in a few hours.

Sounds like the 5:50 is right up your alley, go try one out. I didn't really get any recto sounds outta the one I tried, I wasn't going for that tho. I did get some really nice thrash metal tones and a good singing lead tone outta it on the higher gain side. I wish I had played with the cleans a little more, they were pretty good from what I remember, a lot better than my orange at least.

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

anyone seen a 5:50 head yet?

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

bump

 

[micp33]

Re: MESA/Boogie 5:50 opinions

Hi,
I recently replaced a Recto with this amp for many of the reasons listed by you and others.

There is not a bad sound in it. I've used mine on modern rock gigs and just started using it for a country/roots gig and it's excellant. I pair it with a Recto
1 x 12 extension cab for bigger clubs and it'll hang no problem.

It is definitely voiced toward more "traditional" sounds whereas, I felt my Recto was only suited for modern rock/metal gigs. Put the contour on (and leave it there...) and play around with the mini toggle settings and you can easily get four usable sounds from each wattage setting. I'm very happy with mine!

Good luck
Mic