Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

astrozombie

KatyPerryologist
A friend owns a mesa stilleto (which I use quite often live), he is being offered a "rectoverb" for it, he is unsure whether he should ask for cash in the deal.

what do you guys think?
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

just in case a rectoverb is a 50watt amp... if the stilleto is 100watts I'd ask for money
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

regardless of wattage, rectoverb will run from $600-$1200 on used market, where as stilleto typically runs more. That said money should be involved, however I prefer the rectoverb it's amazing
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

Totally different beasts man. The stiletto is vintage brit sounding on roids. The Recto is high gain modern beast.

I wouldn't move the stiletto.
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

I think the Rectoverb is more versatile, if that matters. It also sounds fatter and warmer than the Stiletto. Rectoverb may take EL34's too depending on the version, if that is an important aspect of your friends tone.
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

It also sounds fatter and warmer than the Stiletto..

I disagree. I've owned both, and the Rectoverb might have more gain and sound more brutal when scooped, but I've always found the Stiletto to be lightyears ahead in terms of warmth and organic feel, as well as body. It's a question of figuring out how to dial it in. The Rectoverb sounded more aggressive, but more sterile. Both great amps, but for different goals.
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

Nah, Recto's are the hardest amps to dial in, so the default high gain scooped mids sound make it easy to pigeon hole them. LOT'S of other tones in those amps.
The Stiletto is Mesa's attempt at a British Marshall style semi high gain rock amp. Warm and fat is the last thing that amp is. It can be organic all it wants, but it will never be as fat as Recto.
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

Nah, Recto's are the hardest amps to dial in, so the default high gain scooped mids sound make it easy to pigeon hole them. LOT'S of other tones in those amps.
The Stiletto is Mesa's attempt at a British Marshall style semi high gain rock amp. Warm and fat is the last thing that amp is. It can be organic all it wants, but it will never be as fat as Recto.

I guess we hear different things. Like I said, I've owned and gigged both, but that just stands to prove you need to spend time with an amp to see what you dig. That's what I suggest you friend should do. Cheers! :friday:
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

How can I tell the Trident form the Deuse just by looking? They both look the same.
How close to the Mesa "high Gain " sound is the 'fluid drive' amx gain channel on the Trident?
My next amp will be a Mesa , either a Mark, or probably a Tremoverb or Trident.
Some crazy low prices for used Mesa amps around here.
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

The Deuce has two swords in a "X" position on the front.
The Trident has the same two swords, with an added sword standing between them like a "t"
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

The Deuce has two swords in a "X" position on the front.
The Trident has the same two swords, with an added sword standing between them like a "t"

Oops, yeah, I knew that, I meant, how can I tell the stage II trident from the stage 1?
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

There will be II next to the input jack.
Stage I is more vintage voiced like JCM 800 gain levels.
Stage II has a more saturated modern gain.
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

they are heads.

I'm not going to go and say the stilleto sounds bad... but I wouldn't say it's my dream amp either. It doesn't have that metal "chunk" train blazing on it's tracks kind of solid "click".

It does sound great for stuff like AC/DC, Deep Purple, etc... but it's not blowing my mind when I go through the gain options.

The recto is the version that takes the other kind of tubes as well.
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

I like the Stiletto. I find it a little more in your face than the Recto. Not very subtle and probably better for balls out rock or punk... or pretty much anything where you want the guitar to sit front and centre. Good amp if you're into trading leads between the guitar and vocals.

The Recto is a little more laid back. It's got the massive sound that turns a palm mute into an event. I find it a little easier to use because it sits back in the mix more and tends to sit under the vocals.

That said, the Rectoverb is known for having a fairly noticeable switching lag so it might be worth checking out first to see how much it bothers him.

I like (and own) both. Two very different amps that are great at very different purposes.
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

I love my Stiletto Trident. Its more vintage voiced a la jcm 800 , but is very versatile. The rectoverb sounds great but is more modern sounding to my ears. I have a few clips. Not really rock per say but it sounds great. I boost my lead channel with a BB Preamp and it really turns it into a beast. That said, keep the Stiletto. I have been debating on retubing it with some 6CA7 Power tunes and some high gain ECC83S's for V1, 2, 3 and a standard ECC83S for V4 and a balanced ECC for V5. That should push a little more gain when I push the lead channel in 50w mode.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5QcrOyA1iw&feature=g-upl

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjLRMtrh7B8&feature=g-upl
 
Re: Mesa Stilleto Vs Rectoverb

I like the Stiletto. I find it a little more in your face than the Recto. Not very subtle and probably better for balls out rock or punk... or pretty much anything where you want the guitar to sit front and centre. Good amp if you're into trading leads between the guitar and vocals.

The Recto is a little more laid back. It's got the massive sound that turns a palm mute into an event. I find it a little easier to use because it sits back in the mix more and tends to sit under the vocals.

That said, the Rectoverb is known for having a fairly noticeable switching lag so it might be worth checking out first to see how much it bothers him.

I like (and own) both. Two very different amps that are great at very different purposes.

best way to describe the sound I love.
 
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