Falling In LOve With My Trem-O-Verb All Over Again

[critter74]

A few years ago I bought a early production Mesa Boogie Trem-O-Verb 2X12 combo in perfect playing and cosmetic condition.

However a few months after getting it, it seemed to develop this very pronounced noise that was independent of the channels Gain or Volume. I took it to 2 different techs, swapped tubes, blah, blah, blah, all to no avail.

I started to really just resent that amp. Even more so because it was an amp I had always wanted (I've been a very long time Mesa fan owning about 5 different Mesa amps as well as the Tri-Axis at one point). Every once in awhile I would plug it in and that f***ing noise would just kill the mood. I even lost a car taking this amp to one of the techs (transmission froze up on Hwy 132).

Alas, I thought this amp was cursed. It was even compounded buy the fact that these 2 techs, very good well respected techs, could not find an issue. One even offered to, free of charge, keep it and go through it once again with a fine tooth comb, though he felt his findings would be the same. I thanked him, but declined. I felt like a crazy person.

Anyways, one day I have to take my wife to the Oakland airport. I decide I'm going to drive the extra 75 minutes to Mesa Boogie and have them look at it, the very people who created the damn thing.

At first my heart sank- They said the noise was somewhat normal, and the amp was in impeccable shape. However the tech, along with some basic tune-up work, re-soldered all the grounds, replaced some LDR's, made an adjustment on the FX loop as well as using some other components to help tame the noise, etc, etc, etc.

I got my amp and was very, very cautiously optimistic.

So after having it now for 3 days I am ecstatic! This is the amp I thought I was buyinmg. This was the Mesa I have wanted for so long. The "noise" that was so annoying is barely audible now. The gain channel just has that rich tone and palm mutes have that THUMP that poeple want (well people looking for such a thing). The cleans are gorgeous. The Blues channel, when cranked and some mids cranking give a great Marshall sound.

This Trem-O-Verb is fantastic. The best of the Dual Rec series by far.

I am in love once again with the amp I have had such a tumultuous relationship with...

[teveinsene]

I never have played the tremoverb but seems like they are a well loved amp, I will get me one some day. Good used prices too. Glad you got it figured out.

[moosewayne]

Good to hear the problem is solved.
I have a feeling there is a Tremoverb in my future.

[stephen sawall]

Mine is going no place....

[High Gain Junkie]

I had one for years and had a real love/hate relationship with it...but I'd sure buy another one if I could! One of Mesa's finest amps ever.

[Fenderosa]

I have had my Tremoverb since around 95/96 and never really bonded with it until recently. I find I like it best playing dirty on the clean Channel. I have to crank the master between noon and full up to get a good sound. For years I never could dial it in, but I feel as if I cracked the code. It works much better with my SG than my Stratocaster.

[mude]

Used to have one as well. Sold it and a bunch of other good heads when I went largely to combos, but it was a killer amp. Enjoy!

Evan.

[TNJ]

I had a '94 212 combo.
Sounded FANTASTIC with everything.

One drawback for gigs...TOO FREAKING HEAVY...so out the door she went.

S.
j

[JacieFB]

I have had my Tremoverb since around 95/96 and never really bonded with it until recently. I find I like it best playing dirty on the clean Channel. I have to crank the master between noon and full up to get a good sound. For years I never could dial it in, but I feel as if I cracked the code. It works much better with my SG than my Stratocaster.

Secret weapon of any DR, in my opinion. Well done.