If Mesa Boogie was the ONLY amp manufactuer on the Planet, would you be happy

[Dr. Tweedbucket]

..... playing one of their amps and cabs?


I'd have to say yes! ... why yeS!! I would!

While they are not my favorite and some of the amps have mysterious sweet spots that you have to find :huh .... they have such a wide varity of amps over the years and I've enjoyed owning several different models, some for years at a time. I could enjoy playing a Heartbreaker, or Lonestar Special or Blue Angel or early leather wrapped Dual Rec head, or Tremoverb or MKIII or Subway Rocket .... Some of their cabs are just freaking awesome too! I'd be digging one of those 80s mesh grilled, IN YOUR FACE half back 4x12 or 2x12 cabinets too ..... :red Thankfully we have many different amps from many different manufactures to choose from, but Mesa stands out in my book as a jack of all trades type.

[dr.morton]

It depends.

If it would be the only amp company ever known to mankind I cannot mis what I don't know.

If it would be the last amp company left I would miss all the other flavors.

It's like with pinballs: Stern doesn't make up for Bally, Williams, Sega etc.

[rydia is hot]

I'm kind of lukewarm about Mesa--for me. Goodness knows enough people get killer sounds out of them.

One thing about the "Mesa-is-the-last-amp-standing" scenario that is interesting is that with so many options on those amps, every guitarist in the world could be using a Mark V, and there would still be unique tones.

[Strat]

yes.

[midnightlaundry]

:munch

[Randy Van Sykes]

no.

[kimock]

Where'd you get the idea I was unhappy?

[cvansickle]

I'm hooked on Mesa, been using their amps since 1996. The Stiletto Ace head is my current amp and it's here to stay.

[Release]

Absolutely

[TimH]

Yup. I could cover all my needs with a Mark V, Rectifier and ElectroDyne.

[dunara]

I might be, but Randall Smith sure wouldn't. He'd have nowhere to look for ideas to patent in his own name.

[rmconner80]

Eventually i'd find myself knee-deep in hit making sounds instantly and no-compromise footswitchable performance!!!

[HughesP]

I've really wanted to like mesa boogie amps, and have owned a few, but I've never really found one I loved.

Perfectly usable though, and if they were the only manufacturer, I might be playing one... or maybe I'd just build my own amp, since I'm just a guy in his garage and not a "manufacturer". Lol.

[Don A]

As much as I like my Mesa amp, I enjoy my 5E3 clone and Vibrolux reverb as well. I have not heard a Mesa amp that does what these amps do so my answer is no.

[theaxedoctor]

NO! I do like the lonestar special and the tremoverb, but generally I think that mesas, at least modern mesas all have a pretty similar tone. Not that its a bad tone, but it doesn't do much for me.

[MRCHILL4]

For 30 years I keep coming back for more. Lord knows I have tried many others. Nothing else will do it for me. If you know what you're doing, ain't nothing else like em'.

[kmcmichael]

no
I have only had one. It was a MarkIIC I believe. I paid a LOT of money for it in 1978. I tried very hard to like it. I was not succesful.

[forum_crawler]

I would be happy, but wouldn't like the prices.

Mesas are pricey as it is, with all the competition and they still command a nice chunk of change (worth every penny) so I imagine they would be much more expensive if there was nobody to compete with.

[CharAznable]

If the prices were the same, yes, I could be happy.

I could accept an endorsement deal and it wouldn't be hypocrisy.

I feel the same way about Fulltone.

[Flyin' Brian]

I would, but my back wouldn't.

[jeffm725]

no
I have only had one. It was a MarkIIC I believe. I paid a LOT of money for it in 1978. I tried very hard to like it. I was not succesful.

If it was a Mark II at all, in 1978 it HAD to be a Mark IIA. The very first Mark II's starting hitting the market in the second half of 1978. The IIc was a couple years later.

[redddog]

Hell no.

A world without Fender, Marshall and Vox is a dark, sad world.

[Dog Boy]

I might be, but Randall Smith sure wouldn't. He'd have nowhere to look for ideas to patent in his own name.

Link?

[MRCHILL4]

no
I have only had one. It was a MarkIIC I believe. I paid a LOT of money for it in 1978. I tried very hard to like it. I was not succesful.

One of the biggest regrets I have is getting rid of the one I had. I have some old recordings that I did with that amp . It sounded thunderous and amazing. I wish I still had it :(

[beckerman]

Had my Road King for almost 10 years now while others have come and gone. I also drool every time I see a Lone Star Special at a great price, so YES, I would be happy.

[alvarete]

Hell yes.

[ronmail65]

It depends.

If it would be the only amp company ever known to mankind I cannot mis what I don't know.

If it would be the last amp company left I would miss all the other flavors.

It's like with pinballs: Stern doesn't make up for Bally, Williams, Sega etc.

:agree
What he said...

[wodka]

Probably. I have a Lonestar and I can get almost any sound out of it except metal.

[Stratobuc]

not even close

[remocity]

nope

[tele_jas]

I could live with a Boogie and be happy. They have a flavor for just about everyone now. I'll take a TA-30 1x12 combo to go please!

[evets618]

I might be, but Randall Smith sure wouldn't. He'd have nowhere to look for ideas to patent in his own name.
You should read the history of a certain T. A. Edison.
To say nothing of the estimable Scot, James Watt.
"For twenty-five years, the Boulton & Watt company had a virtual monopoly over the production of steam-engines. Watt charged his customers a premium for using his steam engines."
I'm no historian, but I find it doubtful that Watt was the only guy with the only steam engine.
For good or ill, that's how patents work. You file first, you win.
You are free to sue if you've been ripped off.

[2HBStrat]

Based on my experience, no. While I haven't played all of their amps, I have yet to play one that I liked the sound of.

[EZchair Picker]

I could live with a Boogie and be happy. They have a flavor for just about everyone now. I'll take a TA-30 1x12 combo to go please!

Absolutely!

My favorite amp regardless of brand for sure.

[JP]

Give me a acoustic over a Mesa - No Tone, any day.

[JB Eckl]

Give me a acoustic over a Mesa - No Tone, any day.

Um... ?

[JB Eckl]

Well, I certainly have stopped thinking about amps since getting an LSS. But if I were told I could get a Mk V, a Stiletto, an ElectroDyne, a LoneStar Classic with 6L6's, an Express 5:50 and a TL, I promise I would not want for tone in any circumstance imaginable.

So I guess that's a yes?

[Lublin]

In my experience, hell no.

[HerrRentz]

Yep.

[TeamJA]

never played one...

so, sure.

[Cussion]

I think I could do well with my original Super 60 (Mk1)
Don't even need pedals when I play through that wonderful amp. It's just perfect.

[motormenace]

Yes. As long as they reissued their old amp or made a twist on them.

I would totally dig them if they could give me one of the following...
- Twin channel Blue Angel 4 x 10, with Progressive Linkage and reverb and tremolo on each channel, and a master volume.
- A 2 x 12, 50 watt Rectoverb combo with more of a Fender spring reverb sound with the ability KT66's, KT88's, 6550's.


.......oh yeah, that would be the good stuff!!!)

[distorted noise]

sure

[/13guitarman]

No, no

[wsaraceni]

i think some of the best amps ever built were built by boogie

I'd be happy with any of these
mark I
mark IIC+
Early Dual Rectifier with the MARK III x-former (actually played one. way better than my 3 channel dual rec was)
Maverick

although, i'd be much happier if it was a company like Komet or Dr Z as they have more of what i look for.

[gillman royce]

Afraid not.

[Neptical]

As a proud owner of two Mark IIIs, you decide. ;)

[Lucidology]

Yep ... own a Mark V, a Lonestar Classic with 2x12 & my current favorite,
a Lonestar Classic with 1x12 ...
Have owned an Express 5:50, ED & Stiletto which I've since either traded in or sold ...

[tiktok]

I'd be pretty much okay--95% of what I've played in the last fifteen years has been Mesa, and the diversity they have now covers pretty much all the bases for me.

[harpinon]

I could live with a Mark IV

[Kardula]

I could live with it but I wouldn't be happy

[Waxhead]

..... playing one of their amps and cabs?


I'd have to say yes! ... why yeS!! I would!

While they are not my favorite and some of the amps have mysterious sweet spots that you have to find :huh .... they have such a wide varity of amps over the years and I've enjoyed owning several different models, some for years at a time. I could enjoy playing a Heartbreaker, or Lonestar Special or Blue Angel or early leather wrapped Dual Rec head, or Tremoverb or MKIII or Subway Rocket .... Some of their cabs are just freaking awesome too! I'd be digging one of those 80s mesh grilled, IN YOUR FACE half back 4x12 or 2x12 cabinets too ..... :red Thankfully we have many different amps from many different manufactures to choose from, but Mesa stands out in my book as a jack of all trades type.


As much as I love Mesa's the answer is NO.
Only reason is they're far too expensive in Australia.
$5200 for a Mark V
Over $5000 for a Roadster
Over $4000 for a Lonestar Classic

the absurd mark up here is a running sore for Mesa Corp.
And they won't do what Egnater do and provide a voltage switch on the back for 110v and 240v power supply.
That way I can't even import a cheap Mesa Head from the USA.

[kd2024]

I had a .22 Caliber.... sold it for a Mark III..... sold it for a Mark IV..... Sold it within the last year when I realized that I liked my vintage Fender Bassman better...

Now that said, I would LOVE to have a Lone Star....

[Coldacre]

I'd take up the drums

[Shark Sandwich]

I might be, but Randall Smith sure wouldn't. He'd have nowhere to look for ideas to patent in his own name.

:rotflmao

[Redhouse-Blues]

Absolutely, I think they are the best amp's around. I love my Express 550 212 and I'm getting ready to buy a RA-100. The only thing I want to do first, is try Mark 5 before I pull the trigger.

[In Absentia]

As much as I love Mesa's the answer is NO.
Only reason is they're far too expensive in Australia.
$5200 for a Mark V
Over $5000 for a Roadster
Over $4000 for a Lonestar Classic

the absurd mark up here is a running sore for Mesa Corp.
And they won't do what Egnater do and provide a voltage switch on the back for 110v and 240v power supply.
That way I can't even import a cheap Mesa Head from the USA.

Is that $5000 AUS or USA?

[jwri9790]

stupid question is stupid

[shakerAU]

No. To many knobs!!

[slagg]

NO!!

[mds]

I'd miss the heck out of my Fenders, but I could live in a Mesa only world. I tour with two of them (ED and an old DC-5) and they're great. I'd probably want something smaller like the TA or one of their other low watt offerings, but they make great amps.

[LSchefman]

I could be happy with a Mk V all day, any day. The same could be said of lots of Mesas I've owned over the years, or played.

This doesn't take anything away from my TRs or Roccaforte. They're each good in their own way, and I could live happily ever after with any one of them.

[bkd_guitarist]

Interesting thought. I'd miss other amps, but I believe I could be quite content with a Lone Star Classic, a Tremoverb, and a Mark IV.

[willyboy]

My answer, after having gone through two Mesa rigs, would have to be NO.

All the Mesa's I have played through all have a similar feel no matter what model. Eventually I had to move on. I still have my Roadking combo which sits unused and I used to have the Quad Preamp, Simulclass 2:90 Power Amp, and a 1/2 open back metal grill 4x12 (what a beast!)

Much happier with my Badger30.

[aflynt]

Only if in this hypothetical reality Fender, Marshall and Ampeg had existed and produced all their classic amps in the '50s and '60s. Without them I doubt I would have ever picked up the guitar in the first place and it's quite possible I wouldn't even exist.

-Aaron

[analogmike]

I'm a vintage amp snob but I have played a few Mesa Boogie amps at friends houses and was surprised to find very useable clean tones. One was a 50 caliber I think. No problem if one of those was the only amp made.

[SG_Seth]

After playing the boutique and vintage game while looking down on mesas, I am now the owner of a Mark V stack. The tones, usability and versatility make this the best amp I've owned. I now happily live in a universe where mesa is all I need.

[snacker]

i'd be ok with that as long as they were making some vintage style models

[DcM]

All I need is some tasty waves, a cool buzz, a Mark V or Recto and I'm fiiine. :banana

[GrecoVee]

:omgAbsolutely Not!

[AbstractLunatic]

Sure. Why not? Presumably, I wouldn't know of any other amp. Also, I have not had any difficulty finding usable tones on any Mesa amps when I've tried them in stores. I think the cleans are good enough but realistically, my "clean" tone is dirty anyway. The only complaint I have is the amps are heavy.

Just to clarify, are we living in an alternate universe where Mesa Boogie is the one and only manufacturer that has ever existed?

[wizard333]

Sure. They have great feature sets, and I mod them to sound how I want anyway.

[cratz2]

I think the Trans Atlantics are pretty neat for what they are... as long as you don't have three out of five of the original amps to compare the TA to...

I've always been able to get tone out of the Lonestar Special that make me happy... probably even more so with a speaker swap, but again, the real things are noticably better but less versatile.

So, yeah... I could happily live with a Mesa... but I'm glad I don't need to.

[TD_Madden]

Based on the question, and it being the only choice, I guess I'd HAVE to.

I really don't care for them now, but then I have many choices...

[semi-hollowbody]

not at all...I have gotten too used to fender tube amp cleans...I havent played a lot of mesas, mostly in GC, and I dont care for the cleans...

However, some inginuitve peeps would start modding them to get "fendery cleans"...

[macmax77]

if there is only one choice, how would you know if you are really happy?

[Jimi D]

The last four amps I bought were all Mesas, and I still own three of them (Mark V, TA-15, MiniRec - and love them all!!)... so, yes!

[blueswah]

I've been told some of their new ones in the TA series cover Vox and early Fender Tweed sounds.
If this is true they have a lot of ground covered.
So Yes, I would continue to be happy if they were the only amp mfg on earth (saying "continue to be" as I am already happy).

[big mike]

..... playing one of their amps and cabs?


I'd have to say yes! ... why yeS!! I would!

While they are not my favorite and some of the amps have mysterious sweet spots that you have to find :huh .... they have such a wide varity of amps over the years and I've enjoyed owning several different models, some for years at a time. I could enjoy playing a Heartbreaker, or Lonestar Special or Blue Angel or early leather wrapped Dual Rec head, or Tremoverb or MKIII or Subway Rocket .... Some of their cabs are just freaking awesome too! I'd be digging one of those 80s mesh grilled, IN YOUR FACE half back 4x12 or 2x12 cabinets too ..... :red Thankfully we have many different amps from many different manufactures to choose from, but Mesa stands out in my book as a jack of all trades type.

No, but I could be fine on a Mk1 or Mk2 and a couple pedals.

Or a maverick.

If I have to go current, I'd probably be fine on a lonestar.

but I'm never happy or I wouldn't have so many amps now...nor would you tweedy!

[jads57]

I currently use a Nomad 55 1x12, and a Nomad 100 1x12 for larger venues. Have owned just about every know amp under the sun including 2 real Dumbles. I still haven't found a better bang for my $ yet!

[Soul Man]

No.

[UncleLarry]

Yes.

[UncleLarry]

I would of liked to see this thread as a poll.

[Mesaleebob]

Yes.

I have other amps that I like better for certain things, but no other company I know of has the range of Mesa. If the same question had been about Marshall, I would have to say no because I would never be happy enough with my clean tones. If it had been about Fender I would never be happy enough with my distorted tones.

There may be some companies out there that can claim the same range, I just don't know who they are.

[AceBSpankin]

I run 2 Mesa Lonestar Special in tandem!! And have owned/played many other Boogies,Marshalls,Fenders,Peaveys, in stock and modified forms. I don't even look at other amps anymore,really! Really I don't, well I didn't for a long time!! I Love Mesa Boogie, but I would't want everybody to have my Killer tones!! So No, options are good!!

[pbradt]

I have all my amps, so I'd be fine with it. If I could only have a Mesa Boogie, I'd quit playing guitar.

[mds]

... If I could only have a Mesa Boogie, I'd quit playing guitar.

Really? You'd quit? Playing through a Mesa is such an awful experience you'd stop playing guitar? :huh

[pbradt]

Really? You'd quit? Playing through a Mesa is such an awful experience you'd stop playing guitar? :huh

Yes. Don't like high-gain buzz machines at all.

I know a guy who makes a Lonestar sound great, but I sound like shit through it.

[mds]

Yes. Don't like high-gain buzz machines at all.

I know a guy who makes a Lonestar sound great, but I sound like shit through it.

They make a ton of amps that aren't high gain buzz machines.

[franksguitar]

I love my Mk III blue stripe, and my V-twin and had a .22 caliber I loved but used to cut out despite extensive benching new filter caps and full diagnostics sold it. But I also love my Fenders & Marshall & my Traynor too. Each amp has it's own voice. Only one manufacturer idea is ludicrous.

[Joe Gamble]

Sure! I went through many Mesas in the mid-nineties (Tri-Axis/2:90, Blue Angel, Trem-O-Verb, Mark IV, Mark IIB) but then enjoyed many years of playing vintage Fenders, Marshalls, Bogners, a Two Rock and many more. Came back to Mesa in '08 with a LSS and just loved it. Supplemented that with an Electrodyne for about a year and now I'm using a Mark V.

I understand many people don't dig Mesa and am fully aware of the reasons why they don't enjoy them. For about 12 years I would have lumped myself into that group. Now, for whatever reason I get along with them really well. I find that (especially with the amps they have been releasing in the last decade) my sound is the most pleasurably consistent (and easy) it's ever been both live and on recordings. Really happy with Mesa.

[mds]

... Only one manufacturer idea is ludicrous.

Clearly. Haha.

[billfoma]

You bet I could be happy! Blue Angel for my fender tones, Maverick for more Voxy sounds, Stiletto for the Marshall, and a Dual Rec for the high gain sound. Top that all off with a Road King just for giggles.

[Waxhead]

Is that $5000 AUS or USA?

Well Aussie $ is worth 1.02 to 1.05 US dollars these days so doesn't make much difference.
I saw a little TA-15 head in my local store yesterday for $3200 and their one Mk V head was $5800 - I kid you not :(

Unfortunately at that price very few people in Aust will ever own a Mk V :huh

[kd2024]

I forgot to mention the TransAtlantic! I am trying to decide between that and a Tweaker 40 as my next amp purchase! (I already have the Tweaker 15 and a Rebel 20).

[mitchanator]

I would be very happy. I love the boogie sound they have an amp for every sound in my opinion.

[fjblair]

Sorry to say I've never played through a Mesa that I can recall.

[crzyfngers]

works for me. mkI rules.

[pbradt]

They make a ton of amps that aren't high gain buzz machines.

But they don't make any that sound like a 5E3 Deluxe or a 5F4 Super. Those are my gigging amps.

So, I still say I'd quit playing guitar before I used a Boogie.

[Lucidology]

But they don't make any that sound like a 5E3 Deluxe or a 5F4 Super. Those are my gigging amps.

So, I still say I'd quit playing guitar before I used a Boogie.

Many of their amps have great tweed settings Peter ...
(like in the Lonestar series)
capable of power cutting with real tweed type of break up ...
not virtual at all... but real time actual tube break up & tone...
No modeling whatsoever ...

The kind of stuff that I will never use on their amps ...lol

[jjp]

That is a tough call! I love my LSS, and in fact, to date, it is the amp that I have consistently liked more than any other. I love my 75 SFPR, and there are so many other great amps out there. But for versatility, and build? Mesa is hard to beat. If I needed a desert island amp, my LSS would be it.

[mds]

Well Aussie $ is worth 1.02 to 1.05 US dollars these days so doesn't make much difference.
I saw a little TA-15 head in my local store yesterday for $3200 and their one Mk V head was $5800 - I kid you not :(

Unfortunately at that price very few people in Aust will ever own a Mk V :huh

My god. I'll buy one for you and ship it too you. Taxes can't be THAT bad, can they?

[mds]

But they don't make any that sound like a 5E3 Deluxe or a 5F4 Super. Those are my gigging amps.

So, I still say I'd quit playing guitar before I used a Boogie.

I've definitely never heard a 5E3 sound from a Mesa. I still contend that playing guitar without an amp is better than not playing at all. Perhaps I like playing guitar more than you do. ;-)

[pbradt]

I've definitely never heard a 5E3 sound from a Mesa. I still contend that playing guitar without an amp is better than not playing at all. Perhaps I like playing guitar more than you do. ;-)

Not at all. I have my amps. They do what I want them to do. I'm very pleased I don't have to make the choice.

[Rod]

After owning 4 boogies I have say that it's not my sound... However I would probably very happy with an Electrodyne... being in the Marshall side of. Tones

[pbradt]

Many of their amps have great tweed settings Peter ...
(like in the Lonestar series)
capable of power cutting with real tweed type of break up ......

The kind of stuff that I will never use on their amps ...lol

I'm still not buying one.

[Waxhead]

My god. I'll buy one for you and ship it too you. Taxes can't be THAT bad, can they?

Hey thanks for the offer but I'd still have the power voltage issue of conversion to 240v.
Wud have to buy a bulky and expensive voltage converter and lug it around everywhere.
A pain in the A & not worth it.

I spent $2800 on a 5:50 in Aust 3 yrs ago, wud LOVe a Mark V but can't justify over $5000 for an amp.
So went for an Egnater Rebel 30 head for $750 imported from the USA as a 2nd amp.
They have a voltage switch on back for either 240v or 110v.
Not as great as a Mesa but close :)

There are no import taxes in Aust on US made products over $1000.
And over $1000 it's only 10% on the amount over $1000.
That's not the mark-up issue.
The cause is the extortionate profiteering by the official distributors of Mesa products in Aust.
And obviously Mesa could exercise price control over their Aust distributors if they chose too.
They have chosen not to for over 30 yrs so I blame Mesa Corp.
It's a similar situation in every country outside the USA & Canada

[mds]

Not at all. I have my amps. They do what I want them to do. I'm very pleased I don't have to make the choice.

I know. I'm just kidding. The OP's post was set in a world with one amp manufacturer, so you theoretically wouldn't have any amps at all.

[rokpunk]

i loved my MKIII years ago, but i hate the duel rec that we have at the shop. it frightens me to play it it's so damn loud and crunchy.