Modded Peavey 6505+ vs Mesa Nomad 55 FIGHT

[Falloffthebonetone]

Quote from my bandmate: "You're going to have to play between both these heads for me. I can't make up my mind... One advantage of the Peavey is that I can hear myself way better, but I kinda feel the lack of expression with the amp's tone. The Mesa has more flexibility because of the extra channels, switches and knobs too, but I don't find myself using them too much..."

What would you do?

The 6505+ has an amazing reputation as a flagship amp for rock and metal but, is considered by many to be overrated and maybe even a little bare bones compared to many other modern amps on the market. This particular version has been modified for a smoother gain break up and more low end with less noise.
The Mesa Nomad is the black sheep of the Mesa family (didn't satisfy the loyal customers, didn't bring any new ones in): Not voiced like a typical Mesa, recall issues due to improper sized knobs and more, discontinued, etc. But many people who are not fond of the typical Mesa sound and/or love to tweak around with their amps a lot tend to find the thing to be remarkable, giving it kind of a cult following.

My dude loves both. Really into mid heavy amps that smash their way through mixes and can push gain like nobody's business.

the Reigning Champ vs the Dark Horse

 

[Johtosotku]

Re: Modded Peavey 6505+ vs Mesa Nomad 55 FIGHT

For balls out metal I always love a 6505. It does what it needs to do with minimal fuss. If it can do it all with just the knobs and switches it has, how would it benefit from having more?

I haven't tried that Mesa, so I can't help with it.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Modded Peavey 6505+ vs Mesa Nomad 55 FIGHT

I would go the peavey.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Modded Peavey 6505+ vs Mesa Nomad 55 FIGHT

Comparing a modded 100-watt amp to a stock 50-watt amp? Doesn't seem very fair...

Make sure you've got good tubes in the Mesa. (Well, in the Peavey, too.) They do respond to using different brands of tubes in the various preamp sockets. Some of my amps have four different brands of preamp tubes. For the big bottles, I'd go with either Mesa branded 6L6s, or Winged C/SED power tubes. (The latter are getting spendy and hard to find.)

I would download the Nomad's Owner's Manual from the Mesa website and very carefully review the information. Try some of the recommend settings and make sure you're dialed into the sweet spots; also, it's CRITICAL that you have the correct balance between the CHANNEL MASTER(S) and the overall OUTPUT LEVEL.

If you are struggling with it, "The Boogie Board" is a great resource for all things Mesa.

And don't be afraid to pickup the phone and call the Mesa Customer Support guys. They have always been very helpful when I've called. And who knows...they just might have a mod for your Nomad that would "...kick it up a notch!"

Finally, don't let yourself get intimidated with all the knobs and switches. I've dialed in my Mark IIIs, and my Mark IV and Mark V, and I very rarely ever change from those basic settings. And believe it or not, a lot of guys that use Mesas never use all three channels. And guys use them differently. Some guys only use Clean and Lead on the Mark III and never use R2; some only use R2 and Lead. Sometimes I use the R2 channel for leads with my LP and 335 (2HB guitars) and then use the hotter lead channel for solos with my G&L Legacys. And for crunch rhythms, I'll use a dirt box in front of the Lead channel.

Another thing to think about: do you like 100-watt amps, or 50-watt amps? I'm a big amp guy, and I like those dynamics. Many guys prefer a cranked smaller amp. It's just a preference, neither is right or wrong. You may just be learning that you're a big amp guy.

So there are lots of options, but if you're willing to put the work in, you may find some great tones in the Mesa. If you're not, the Nomad is an amp that can easily frustrate you.

Best wishes!

Bill

 

[Koreth]

Re: Modded Peavey 6505+ vs Mesa Nomad 55 FIGHT

It used to be that the Nomad 100 was the most favored of the line because of the graphic EQ offerd additional tone shaping capability, especially the ability to pull out the oft complained about excess mids with the classic 'V' shape. Now that Mesa offers their classic graphic EQ in a pedal, it might be worht trying one of those in the effects loop. It won't sound exactly the same as the EQ's output stage actually doubles as the FX-loop buffer/driver stage, but it should get you close. Another EQ pedal of your choice might also work here as well. Finally, I'll mention that there's a few mods for the Nomad documented on the Boogie Board that you may or may not find useful.

Another thing to consider, is which do you feel works best for the the sound the band as a whole is shooting for? A tone that you're not 100% about in isolation may what fits perfectly once the drums, bass, singer and other instruments enter the mix.

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Modded Peavey 6505+ vs Mesa Nomad 55 FIGHT

The most important advice for any Mesa is ready and then reread the owners manual as the controls usually don't respond the same way as most other amps.

 

[Diego]

Re: Modded Peavey 6505+ vs Mesa Nomad 55 FIGHT

Yikes. Modding an 6505+ for even more bass?
I tried one through a Recto 4x12 and I had to dial bass back actually.
I love the simplicity of the 6505+ so I'd take it.