Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

[Maximusgordon 2.0]

I havent played to many Mesa amps, but the ones i have played have been the newer ones, nice, not incredible but still had a unique and cool sound. I know that Mesa/Boogie was in the 70's and 80's more boutique quality, but now is more budget consciencious. So I would assume that there older "modern high-gain" stuff would still have the same sound, but be higher quality amps? I have secured suffucient funds to buy a new amp by taking ever shift i can get at work (and some graduation money! ) and might be interested in getting a Dual Rectifier head. So, are the earlier Rectos better sounding than the newer ones and why? What era or era's sound best? Sure I would prefer the flexablity of the newer three-channel Rectos (plus there easier to find) but Id much rather have a great sounding two channel amp than a good sounding amp with more options... Any help or information anyone might have on the subject would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Max

 

[Robert S.]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

Mesa Boogie has managed to keep both their tone and their built quality consistant over the years.

They are still built like tanks.

I have only played on a few of the Mark series combos and I have owned several Mesa Rack mount pieces. I have demo'ed the Recto heads but I'm not up on them enough to give you the finer points on them. Try a few out and see what you think. As long as you find the tone you're looking for, you'll be good to go.

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

I´ve thrown V-twins (including mine) and Bottle Rockets against concrete walls for demonstration purposes.... my 50:50 Power amp is mildly beat because I´m a klutz and it wasn´t in a rack the first week (stepped on the fuse-holder, broke it off, same with the right presence knob)... But it all still works without any problems

Longevity is definitely not an issue with Mesas, if you didn´t **** it up by doing something you shouldn´t have, it ´s working fine

I personally recommend a Single rectifier or a used Trem-O-Verb.... I personally prefer the tone of the 2 channel preamp (Although I´m not really a fan of any of the Rectos), and 50 watts (especially Mesa watts, which always seem about 30% louder to my ears and most others I´ve talked to) should be more than enough untill you´re really starting to gig hard and big.... If of course that´s already the situation, then an older Dual Recto (2 chanel) would be my tip

You may also want to look into the option of a used Triaxis and Stereo 2:90 (or Dyna-Watt 20:20) cPre/Power setup.. The Triaxis is by far the most tonally flexible of the Mesa preamps, and the newer ones with the Rectifier Board come more than close enough to a real one IMO.

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

I've had my Mesa for 2 years and I seriously love it. Great sound, high quality and pretty versatile i think. It's hardly a one trick pony.

 

[Stringmachine]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

The quality of Mesa should not be of any consern to you. They are all built extremely well, and the Recto's shouldnt be any different. I have only played the first recto's that came out and they are good. Just not my cup of tea anymore.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

MESA's are EXTREMELY versatile if you don't mind tweaking alot, and the build quality is as good as anything I've ever seen regardless of price. My new Rivera is extremely well built, but my MESA F-50 though less expensive was/is a better amp for build quality. It's "overbuilt".

I like the Recto's, neat amps IF Ya tweak 'em. I've no pref for the various versions. But If I was to get another MESA it would be a Stiletto..at first I didn't care for it, but with some tweaking that amp really came alive.

Just don't suck the mids and turn the bass, treble, and gain past 1 oclock and you'll be fine with a Recto

 

[some_dude]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

The older two channel amps are a little darker and a little smoother. The newer three channels tend to have a more bright, aggressive edge to the tone, plus they cut through live a little better.

As to which is better....tone is subjective. I've read posts of people dumping their 3ch Duals for the 2ch models, and I've read posts of people dumping their 2ch models for 3ch models.

 

[some_dude]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

Here's a better discription than mine.....

I pretty much agree with NoGlassNoClass. The 2 channel heads are a little warmer sounding due to there being not as much presence. It's a subtle issue though.

This is my interpetation of the 3 channel heads:

The cleans are pretty good on them. The pushed modes sounds pretty good as well.

The 2nd channel is supposed to be voiced toward what the older 2 channels were, but it's a tad bit different. It's not quite as smooth, but it gets the job done. The Raw and Vintage modes sound better to me than the channel cloning options on the 2 channel heads.....especially the Vintage mode.

The 3rd channel has a lot more presence and is more in your face than the older 2 channel versions or channel 2 on the three channel heads. I was able to get some cool Classic Rock tones in the Raw mode with some whacky EQ settings (don't ask me what they were because I've completley forgotten them). The Vintage mode sounds pretty good on this channel as well and the Modern is no holds barred Modern Recto.

There is a little bit more saturation to the preamp gain structure on the 3 channel heads due to the added presence and voicing of the preamp and power amp.

I have an early 90's 2 channel Triple Rectifier and have owned every incarnation of the Recto. I wouldn't discredit the 3 channel heads for anything. They have their attributes and do certain things better than the older 2 channel heads and it's vice/versa. It all depends on your preference and what vibe of the Recto that you want to go after.

The main overall factor is that they're all Rectos. They're just different shades of the color. I like the 3 channel heads as well.

Dale

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

That´s exactly the difference I hear in the 2ch vs. 3ch debate

 

[sooperunkn]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

I'm happy as hell with my 3 channel Dual Recto. When you think about it... for $1500 brand new you get a hand-built-like-a-tank amp with great tone and versatility. 3 channels/8 modes to choose from!! I use all 3 channels and each has their own voice and purpose in my playing.

Channel 1 (Pushed mode) - Light touch gives good clean tones, dig in a little and some grit comes to the surface

Channel 2 (Vintage mode) - I call this my Marshall channel... awesome for grindy rhythm parts and bluesy leads

Channel 3 (Modern) - I mainly use this for nice saturated/sustained/compressed lead tones. I also use it for even heavier rhythm parts.

Step on the "Solo" button on the footswitch and any of the above can suffice for lead parts. With this setup I have absolutely no need for any sort of an overdrive or distortion pedal.

Rock on.

 

[Dankerella]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

Don't get a single recto - it doesn't work in a band situation, at least for me. Got drowned out no matter what setting, and sounded pretty bad fully cranked (which really surprised me).

If you like value, you may want to wait until Carvin unveils their V3 100-watt three-channel head.

 

[DeadSkinSlayer3]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

Don't get a single recto - it doesn't work in a band situation, at least for me. Got drowned out no matter what setting, and sounded pretty bad fully cranked (which really surprised me).

If you got drowned out in a band setting with a single recto cranked, you're either deaf, or your other guitarist has a triple recto with 4 cabinets.

I'd say something was wrong with that amp, or you scooped the hell out of the mids.

 

[shreder75]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

why would you need a mesa if you already have a Splawn? those things are NASTY!

as a personal preference, I've had several mesa amps and didn't like the tone of any of them...

I'll gladly pay you tuesday for your quickrod today~! lmao

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

I agree with everything stated here, except for Dankerella's post. Shreder75's reply kinda perplexes me as well. :biglaugh:

DANKERELLA: If you can't be heard with a 50W tube amp, there's something wrong with you and/or your band!! :laugh2: :laugh2:

SHREDER75: If what you said should be taken seriously, you first have to be taken seriously. And it's really hard to do that when you claim that you've owned several MESA's and didn't like any of their sounds. Who in their right mind buys such a product without first falling in love with it? :smack:

 

[milkbone]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

I found a BIG plus for Mesa is their customer service and support. Absolutely the best in my expieriences.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

I found a BIG plus for Mesa is their customer service and support. Absolutely the best in my expieriences.

Oh, absolutely. It's always a complete pleasure to speak with them. The best in the biz.

 

[shreder75]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

I agree with everything stated here, except for Dankerella's post. Shreder75's reply kinda perplexes me as well. :biglaugh:

DANKERELLA: If you can't be heard with a 50W tube amp, there's something wrong with you and/or your band!! :laugh2: :laugh2:

SHREDER75: If what you said should be taken seriously, you first have to be taken seriously. And it's really hard to do that when you claim that you've owned several MESA's and didn't like any of their sounds. Who in their right mind buys such a product without first falling in love with it? :smack:

let's see...I was young and stupid and I was buying it because a) I could afford it and b) I was buying it because of the name and who uses them...'all these pros use them so I should dig it!'...wrong...I've had several tube amps and I'm happier with my current rig than I've been with any of the previous stuff...

I was infatuated with the name and the press and all the touting that goes along with those high ticket items...you've never been hyped up on something only to bring it home and be totally disappointed with it? if so, I envy you..

anyway...I had a tri axis with a simul 2 90 that I was never truly happy with..so I got rid of that and got a triple recto..and I wasn't happy with that....before that I had a peavy 5150 that I was never really happy with either...

my mesa gear never had enough balls to my ears and was always overly brittle...and the low end was always loose and farty...

I'm a regular noodler in guitar centers...I've pluged into stilettos, dual rectos, triple rectos...I don't know why I do, cause I'm never really happy with them...and I move onto something else for my noodling needs..

anyway..sorry I seemingly insulted your obvious love of mesa products....last time I checked, tone was a personally subjective thing...

as far as being taken seriously....I let my playing, not my words, do the talking...

 

[Guitarist]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

let's see...I was young and stupid and I was buying it because a) I could afford it and b) I was buying it because of the name and who uses them...'all these pros use them so I should dig it!'...wrong...I've had several tube amps and I'm happier with my current rig than I've been with any of the previous stuff...

I was infatuated with the name and the press and all the touting that goes along with those high ticket items...you've never been hyped up on something only to bring it home and be totally disappointed with it? if so, I envy you..

anyway...I had a tri axis with a simul 2 90 that I was never truly happy with..so I got rid of that and got a triple recto..and I wasn't happy with that....before that I had a peavy 5150 that I was never really happy with either...

my mesa gear never had enough balls to my ears and was always overly brittle...and the low end was always loose and farty...

I'm a regular noodler in guitar centers...I've pluged into stilettos, dual rectos, triple rectos...I don't know why I do, cause I'm never really happy with them...and I move onto something else for my noodling needs..

anyway..sorry I seemingly insulted your obvious love of mesa products....last time I checked, tone was a personally subjective thing...

as far as being taken seriously....I let my playing, not my words, do the talking...

Sorry, I didn't mean for it to seem like a "Mesa-ologist" coming to quick defense when bad word was spoken... that wasn't my intention.

But, your origional post lacked the detail that you're second post had about your experience's with Boogies. So you can't exactly blame me for questioning your sincerity. No hard feelings, OK?

 

[shreder75]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

Sorry, I didn't mean for it to seem like a "Mesa-ologist" coming to quick defense when bad word was spoken... that wasn't my intention.

But, your origional post lacked the detail that you're second post had about your experience's with Boogies. So you can't exactly blame me for questioning your sincerity. No hard feelings, OK?

now why would I lie unless I was a recently fired, disgruntled, out for revenge, mesa employee....lmao...

it's ok....no worries =)

 

[MDS]

Re: Mesa/Boogie quality questions... amp guys come hither!!!

I've had my Mesa DC-5 for about 10 years. Absoutley awesome amp. It has never not performed to my expectations and I've used it A LOT. I don't know why, but my amp sounds better then the Rectos and Mark IV's I've tried in almost any situation. I love this thing. I've used it for Blues, Jazz, Rock, Funk, Shred, Metal, etc. etc. and it just plain kicks ass. I did a session once with a bunch of surf guitar stuff and the Verb wasn't springy and pingy enough for that, but it is a hell of an all around workhorse amp. I do wish it had more footswitchability, though. I've been eyeing the Nomads or Mark IVs just for footswitchings sake.

I originally got into Mesa becuase of the metal tone. I was a young shredder in the early nineties and just had to have that growling, disembowel the first 5 rows tone. Mesa's had that more than anyone at the time, IMO, so I bought it. I was suuuuuuper lucky to find that as I dragged it to sessions and gigs playing all sorta of different styles that it held up in so many situations.

I highly recommend Mesa as a company and an amp. There are tons of great amps out there, but Mesa provides a combiniation of tone, versatility, and build quality at an amazing price that I've rarely seen matched by anyone.

Good luck!

Mike