Anyone own / used one of these? What is ownership like?
Always been a bit scared of them as I’ve always thought of Mesa’s as the ultimate high gain machine but I’ve been reading/hearing about them commending their great clean capabilities. I’ve never considered one until now and apart from the reputation of the lone star I know zero about the brand to be honest.
ive seen a used on in a shop today and noticed one on eBay for a nice price just a smidgeon above the budget I have for a new amp and I’m having major thoughts about taking the plunge. It just looks like a desirable premier bit of kit, especially when it’s sat next to a fender 68 DRRI in the shop.
i ultimately want a clean amp. Always had a soft spot for fenders, not so much vox’s though (although the 1x12 AC30 is looking like a good sensible option for what I’m seeking)
Apart from me probably needing a new spine lugging this about is there any reason to stay away from these. They seem, in terms of values against other MB’s, a bit cheaper. Are they entry level in Mesa Boogie terms or a bloody good amp of its own merit?
Comments
They are basically Mesas attempt at a more Marshally flavour of amp. Out of all the Mesa amps I think they divide opinion the most. Some people complain they are too bright. A lot of people love them and hail them as Mesas best ever amp. Just do a google search and you will see what I mean.
There is a guy local to me who has gigged one for years and he sounds great through his. I have heard it live on many occasions and it sounds great across the board, both clean and dirty.
Too bright is fine for me! I can work with that. I assume these have absolutely massive headroom for pedals just by looking at the build quality.
If you play a Strat you will find it far too bright but works perfect with a Les Paul ;anyway that's what the Tone knob is for.
Stilettos are noticeably brighter than either a Lone Star or an Electadyne, but still tameable. Cleans are very good and work nicely when adding in some reverb, delay or just left dry. I love the gain channel on the Fluid mode - and pushed with a fuzz and afore mentioned P90s, sound brill. Like any amp new to a user, bit of fiddling to dial it in, but when it is... mmmmm.