Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

McLaughysSN

McLaughysSN

New member
Hey guys,

Right now I have a Mesa Tremaverb and I loved the thing at first. It still is a great amp but its just not doing it for me anymore. I'm looking to swap it today at a local shop (they are like trading with friends so I usually make out on top).

So here's the low down on the Mesa.
Cons:
-Dirty channel seems sub-par at best for the hype mesa gets.
-This 2x12 combo feels like a water logged motor home when your carrying it up the stairs.
-I'm a pedal guy so trem isn't needed though verb is esential (the mesa verb is ok but leaves something to be desired)

All of this in light I was thinking of going with a Twin Reverb or other wel known clean amps. I need an amp with a GREAT clean channel. The dirty channel (if there at all) wouldn't be used much as I rely more on the pedals for a more refined sound.

So want I need in the trade is:

-Good solid reliable amp
-Possible head and cab for easier lifting up stairs, but not priority
-Great clean channel
-High wattage around 100 give or take
-Takes pedals well
-TUBE! ..of course
-Around the 1200-1400 range (if its head and cab, both must be covered in the budget)


Thanks a million guys.. the keys are ready, im just awaiting your suggestions :eyecrazy:
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

What do you need in terms of a dirty sound, even with pedals? Specifically, what kinds of music will you be playing with the amp?

For instance, you can put any OD pedal you want in front of a Twin and it will never work very well for metal. The sound of that amp just isn't suited to it.

You might be better off with something that, while it can do clean well, has some inherent girth to it so it can be more appropriate for rock music, like a Bassman or something.
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

Welp..

I play on two fronts. I do play metal which I use a line 6 uber metal with an EQ to get a really tight sounding distortion. Its more like a modern death metal or hardcore sound. I play that with a double cut LP. Then I play in more of a ambiance/indie project with a tele. With that project I use mostly cleans with a dynacomp driving the amp a little, and used the Mesa dist. which gave a crunchy sound.

Im going to be taking my tele and uber metal with me to try out amps. I figure they'll have plenty of LP's I can pick up.
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

That's a good idea.

I'm just saying that, even though you don't need a lot of preamp gain from your amp (since you get it from a pedal), a lot of amps just aren't going to get you into good metal territory based on their poweramp designs and speakers. You need something with a respectable amount of girth to the sound, even if it is clean.
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

Well a Tweed Bassman Reissue is a killer amp - it can get nice and raunchy when cranked, too.

Then you have the used stuff that can be had cheap...

The all-tube Laneys are really cool and are constantly selling for < $600 on Ebay. You'd have to ask one of the Laney fans here about which ones are the best.

Just about any Sovtek head you get your hands on is going to work great, and I've seen Sovtek Mig 50s and Mig 100s sell for under $400.

With either of those you'd still need a cab, but you'll be well within your budget.
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

I checked out a Fender Super sonic. I thought he cleans were great as was the verb.. the high gain channel was easy to use, so in the 5 minutes I played with it, I dug it. I was looking to replace my ol MkII.

Ended up with a pair of Blues Jrs, because I wanted to go stereo. Eventually I want a pair of Deluxe Reverbs.

Edit: I think the Super Sonic is only 60 watts, so that may not do what you need. Do you really need 100 watts? Seems like a lot of guys are backing off power wise. Helps with weight.
 
Last edited:
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

Just called my local store and a GC not too too far. The local shop doesn't haven't as much a selection right now (they're hit or miss depending on who's been in there). GC is willing to go a straight trade for the Mesa for a '59 bassman reissue 4x10 combo. Its only 45 watts but i figure I can cover it with a PA and some tweaking.

Im thinking hard on this one...

As far as Laney and sovtek, I've owned both. The sovtek was great with a POD in front but thats not what I'm going for.
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

McLaughysSN said:
Just called my local store and a GC not too too far. The local shop doesn't haven't as much a selection right now (they're hit or miss depending on who's been in there). GC is willing to go a straight trade for the Mesa for a '59 bassman reissue 4x10 combo. Its only 45 watts but i figure I can cover it with a PA and some tweaking.

Im thinking hard on this one...

As far as Laney and sovtek, I've owned both. The sovtek was great with a POD in front but thats not what I'm going for.
Click to expand...

Only way to know would be to go play it. Try it out and be ready to walk out if it doesn't just grab you.
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

The T Verb is a great all around amp for guys who need a lot of different tones....sounds to me like you are looking for one KILLER tone. The only advice I can give is to sell the Mesa outright......cash will go farther in the store than a trade. I don't see why you couldn't get a grand for the Mesa on Ebay or Craigslist. Good luck. :)
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

Have you thought about contacting Doug at Doug's Tubes and seeing if a re-tube would get the sounds you're looking for? For <$100 it might totallt transform your amp. I know it did on mine...
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

Fellas... I am in LOVE with the bassman.. made it out of GC with a straight trade and I think i ripped them off because.. holy S***...

Its the '59 reissue bassman brand new... I'm speachless... I need a beer...


:friday:


Pics up of the whole rig later :)
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

McLaughysSN said:
Fellas... I am in LOVE with the bassman.. made it out of GC with a straight trade and I think i ripped them off because.. holy S***...

Its the '59 reissue bassman brand new... I'm speachless... I need a beer...


:friday:


Pics up of the whole rig later :)
Click to expand...

WOW! Awesome!

I'm glad you were able to find what you wanted so quickly!

I think those '59 tweed Bassman reissues sound awesome. Every time I've played through one I've just been knocked out by the purity and depth of the tone.

Anxiously awaiting pics!
 
Re: Not happy with Mesa, Ideas?

sosomething said:
WOW! Awesome!

I'm glad you were able to find what you wanted so quickly!

I think those '59 tweed Bassman reissues sound awesome. Every time I've played through one I've just been knocked out by the purity and depth of the tone.

Anxiously awaiting pics!
Click to expand...

This is devoted to you my friend.. I forgot about the bassman for awhile.. I was gasing for one a long time ago

Sorry about the shotty quality.. i was doing laundry and taking pics

100_2822.jpg


100_2826.jpg


100_2823.jpg


100_2821.jpg


100_2825.jpg


100_2824.jpg


I'm loving it
 
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