MESA Boogie Mk I

[lescarr]

Has any one here played through a Boogie MkI Reissue I tried one a a local shop and it sounded great. Unfortunately i didn't have the time to really put it through it paces. I've developed a pinched nerve in my neck and has made my left hand slightly inoperable, temporary situation I hope, so it limited how much and how well I could play. Anyway feed back would be helpful I owned a cybertwin and ended selling that at a great loss I don't want to end up up doing that again. The Boogie was listed a $1300 I don't doubt the quality. I just would like thoughts on versatility. I know Amps can't be everything for everybody. But I enjoy a wide range of music, I have decided to learn blues and its variations I use my Blues Dlx. Jr' for that and would like some thing for Rock i.e. classics and newer stuff.

 

[JeffB]

Re: MESA Boogie Mk I

Has any one here played through a Boogie MkI Reissue I tried one a a local shop and it sounded great. Unfortunately i didn't have the time to really put it through it paces. I've developed a pinched nerve in my neck and has made my left hand slightly inoperable, temporary situation I hope, so it limited how much and how well I could play. Anyway feed back would be helpful I owned a cybertwin and ended selling that at a great loss I don't want to end up up doing that again. The Boogie was listed a $1300 I don't doubt the quality. I just would like thoughts on versatility. I know Amps can't be everything for everybody. But I enjoy a wide range of music, I have decided to learn blues and its variations I use my Blues Dlx. Jr' for that and would like some thing for Rock i.e. classics and newer stuff.

Sorry to hear about your injury

If I were going for versatility from MESA I'd go with a LoneStar/LoneStar Special. Good blues, twang, and "classic" rock sounds and not much more $ than the MKI.

MKIV & the Stiletto are very versatile too..but more $ (well the MKiV is.. Stiletto is head only and costs about the same as the LS combo, but you'll need a cab, so...)

 

[lescarr]

Re: MESA Boogie Mk I

I went to MESA Website and saw their selection I did read about the Lonestars they looked interesting I will think about them. I kinda liked the MkI or MkII as well because of size (good things come in small packages) and have read on Harmony central that some have connected the combo to a cabinet and used it much like a head. I read only one bad complaint there and the guy said the speaker "farted" whatever that means or sounds like?

 

[some_dude]

Re: MESA Boogie Mk I

I was just looking at your gear and music choices...the MkI makes for a great blues and blues rock type amp. It has a nice and fat lead tone, and a great mild overdrive that can sound clean when played light, then gives a thick breakup as you play chords or come onto the pick a little harder.

If you're looking for a modern distortion this isn't the right amp for you.....but if you're looking for a slightly darker sounding blackface Bassman with a bit more "Oomph" you just might love this amp.

Also, check out the Lonestar. I haven't played one, but from what I heard it's a little brighter than the MkI.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: MESA Boogie Mk I

No experience here- just relating hearsay:

I've heard the Lonestars can be difficult. I don't know anything about anything, but just relating what I recall about them.

 

[lescarr]

Re: MESA Boogie Mk I

Im' shure that MkI will fill the bill when it comes to lead, rythm and chords are another consideration since I do mostly solo playing I need to be able to achieve clean as well. As for modern distortion I don't think I'll need it at this time. Mabey I will find another smallish Amp for that purpose. I should have never sold my Deluxe Reverb it was very clean sounding with a older JBL speaker (giant magnet) both from the 70's
not a CBS Fender though I believe.
I don't understand what golden boy means by difficult?
Splane Pleeeese!

 

[Al.C]

Re: MESA Boogie Mk I

I have owned a MK 1, MK ll, MK lll. The only one I still have is the MKll. The main problem with the MkI is it has no footswitching. You have a separate input for the clean and overdriven channels. I tried an a/b box but it didn't work (my brother explained why but I have forgotten.) Second problem is that it is LOUD, even if you have the 60 watt switch. The MKII is in my opinion a much more versatile amp. Similar lead tone as the MkII, great clean tone and footswitchable. Problem is they are rather collectable, that said I did pickup mine on e-bay for $900. It was in a rather worn cabinet but I switched it into my MKIII hardwood cabinet and I plan on keeping it for a long time. MKI's can usually be had on e-bay for considerably less.

 

[HamerPlyr]

Re: MESA Boogie Mk I

I have owned a MK 1, MK ll, MK lll. The only one I still have is the MKll. The main problem with the MkI is it has no footswitching. You have a separate input for the clean and overdriven channels. I tried an a/b box but it didn't work (my brother explained why but I have forgotten.) Second problem is that it is LOUD, even if you have the 60 watt switch. The MKII is in my opinion a much more versatile amp. Similar lead tone as the MkII, great clean tone and footswitchable. Problem is they are rather collectable, that said I did pickup mine on e-bay for $900. It was in a rather worn cabinet but I switched it into my MKIII hardwood cabinet and I plan on keeping it for a long time. MKI's can usually be had on e-bay for considerably less.

Agreed. A Mark I is usually something that really appeals to the guys who are Boogie devotees (like me) or who are looking for one particular tone. I have a Mark II and I think that it would come closer to what you're looking for in an amp. I, too, have owned one of each of the Mark series, and I would opt for a Mark IV simply for all of the versatility.

 

[lescarr]

Re: MESA Boogie Mk I

Thanks too all. Will go either Lonestar series or Mark series lets see what they cost maybe a good used on will do the trick weight is no a problem but size is a consideration