Mesa Boogie Stiletto & Lonestar - need info on versions

[Lavely]

I'm considering trying out a Boogie Stiletto head, but it seems there are different circuits floating around, in addition to different versions (Ace, Deuce, etc.). Can someone enlighten me?

Is the same true for the Lonestar amps?

Lavely

[Lt_Core]

I a bit about the Stiletto series. I'm no expert but here goes:

Mesa released the Stiletto series as their EL34 answer to Marshall. Marshall-esque type sounds with the benefit of Mesa's fluid drive mode.

Mesa released the Stage 2 series, I believe, in 2006. 5 out of 6 modes were revoiced, to help accommodate high-gain lovers and to clean up some of the cleans. Not an expert here but that's a quick summary.

Stiletto Ace 50W Head (Ace series only available with Stage 2 voicings)
Stiletto Ace 1x12 combo (with V30's)
Stiletto Ace 2x12 combo (with V30's)
Stiletto Deuce Stage 1 50/100W head (discontinued)
Stiletto Deuce Stage 2 50/100W head
Stiletto Trident Stage 1 50/100/150W head (discontinued)
Stiletto Trident Stage 2 50/100/150W head

Ace info at:
http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/stiletto/ACE/stilettoACE.htm

Stiletto/Trident info at:
http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/stiletto/stilettoDeuce-Trident.htm

[monkeyodeath]

the lonestar classic was updated this year with a 10-watt setting. otherwise they've been the same since inception.

[pjrhd28]

Don't know if this is what you were asking, but:

There are two Lonestars. The Lonestar Classic (LSC) is powered by 4 6L6's, or you can put 4 El-34's in it. The Lonestar Special (LSS) is powered by 4 EL-84's.

I have both; while the amps design and layour are similar, they sound completely different. The LSC has tons of headroom, its big, dark, "Fendery", LOUD and works great with single coil or humbuckers. The LSS is bright, jangly, without a lot of headroom, and perhaps a little brittle. ITs magic with single coils but difficult with humbuckers. With the LSC, you're always trying to dial the high end in; with the LSS, you're trying to dial it out.

If you can ever A/B the two, the differences will become obvious in about 5 minutes.

Both have reverb per channel, two channels with an extra level of gain on the second channel (called "Drive"), and a "solo" function that gives another level of boost. Perhaps the best thing about the amps is the ability to dial in the wattage (per channel, by the way). With the LSS, you can run it a 5, 15, or 35 watts and with the newer LSC you can run it at 10,50 or 100 watts (older LSC's were just 50 or 100 watts).

IMHO, they are just amazing amps. I think my LSC is slowly becoming my number 1 over the LSS, a Carr Slant 6V, two Victorias and A Vibro KIng. I have the head that I run with a Carr open back cab with Eminence Patriot speakers and its just about perfect.

A used LSC with only the 50/100 watt option in the $900-$1100 range has got to be on the short list of the best deals out there.

[Lavely]

So, the only difference between an Ace and a Deuce is the 100W setting on the Deuce? I certainly don't need the 150W of the Trident.

I guess the Lonestar is pretty easy - the Classic is what I am seeking.

Lavely

[Lt_Core]

So, the only difference between an Ace and a Deuce is the 100W setting on the Deuce? I certainly don't need the 150W of the Trident.

I guess the Lonestar is pretty easy - the Classic is what I am seeking.

Lavely

Yes, Deuce has a 50W setting or 100W setting. Mesa amps are more powerful than most others, and they always rate their wattage numbers low, IMHO. My F-50 combo is so frickin' loud, I can't image a 100W or 150W Mesa amp. Especially since our band uses in-ear monitors, don't need that much stage volume.

[Lavely]

One more question - how do I know if a Deuce is a Stage 1 or Stage 2? If I am buying one used, I will want the most current Stage 2 voicings.

Lavely

[fusionbear]

It will say Stage II on the face panel of the Duece. I own an Ace, and I prefer it to the Duece and it is still a scary loud 50 watts with NOS Seimens EL34's in it....

[Miles]

My favorite amp in the world is the 2007 Lonestar Classic 2x12 combo.

Big, beautiful, nasty, heavy sounding, warm, raw, bright tones, dark tones, fat tones...they're all there.

The high end is there, but it must be found. Really sharp tone lovers would prefer the stiletto.

[mesanatic]

One more question - how do I know if a Deuce is a Stage 1 or Stage 2? If I am buying one used, I will want the most current Stage 2 voicings.

Lavely

The Ace is the shining star of the Stiletto series and projects the best British voicing IMO. As stated it only comes in Version II. You want II.

The LSC is sweet and with the new 10 watt setting I no longer have to weigh features between it and the LSS. Fantastic amp.

The Stiletto and LSC are so different you will know immediately which you want when you play them.