Boogie lovers dept. [Archive] - Telecaster Guitar Forum

telesavant

June 19th, 2009, 02:19 PM

Oooh, oooh, oooh oh, i think i 've done something awkward to myself looking at them boxes !! :grin:

When i ordered the amp i specified 'hardwood' but am pretty sure back then you were not offered a choice, i don't remember being asked. Your open/closed one looks very, very similar, especially the top panel, is that koa ?

ooooh, they look nice together don't they ?

My Hardwoods are Walnut....four of which are select reserve, and four of which are premium select private reserve with each foresome being cut from the same plank....enabling continuous grain around the cab. Your's looks like premium select private reserve....gorgeous grain!!

telesavant

June 19th, 2009, 02:22 PM

Nice amps guys.

I have a couple of Boogies.

A mid 90's Dual Rectifier rackmount and a Blue Angel head.
Very different amps- the Rackto gets the most use as it is part of my rock rig.
Nice Rigs octatonic!!....I can hear them from here!!

sprokett

June 25th, 2009, 12:12 AM

no pics but I still keep my heartbreaker head glowing and movin the air out of a genz-benz gflex 212 cabby

BigMike

July 1st, 2009, 05:09 PM

Hey John...
Here's my Boogie Baby...

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/539/Boogie_2.JPG

Old Cane

July 1st, 2009, 05:17 PM

I guess I bought this in about '83 used.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p23/oldcane/New%20Builds/Daphne_finished010.jpg

ac15

July 1st, 2009, 05:30 PM

A Blue Angel fan here. It's the 2x10 combo and I've put in Jensen P10Q's. Found it used and cheap three years ago and it's still going strong. It's my #1.

The Blue Angel is very nice. I recently sold mine to finance the purchase of another amp that more or less covers the same ground (but with a different flavor). I'd consider getting one again in the future if I could find it in the head version. I had the 4x10 combo and it weighed about 70 pounds. My back would hurt just from looking at it.

Big John

July 2nd, 2009, 03:14 AM

See ................ why would any sane man even think of buying any of this tweed covered, sub 10W 'boutique' pooh pooh ?

Nice looking pickguard BigMike ! :wink:

tiktok

July 2nd, 2009, 02:01 PM

tiktok, do you think you might have a problem ?, yuk yuk yuk.

Once we get a bit bigger i'm all for sneaking over to the 'Dr *' group and causing a ruckus !!

My problem is a shortage of hardwood cabinet models. THE Boogie look in my book.

telesavant

July 2nd, 2009, 02:13 PM

My problem is a shortage of hardwood cabinet models. THE Boogie look in my book.

In My experiences....they'll make a hardwood counterpart for any model they produce...if they can get planks to suit....all of mine are custom made to my specs...a very customizing friendly company...if you go to the top...Jim Ashow....V.P. of the company and also designed a good deal of the cabs they produce. They've always risen to any challenge presented.

tiktok

July 2nd, 2009, 04:47 PM

In My experiences....they'll make a hardwood counterpart for any model they produce...if they can get planks to suit....all of mine are custom made to my specs...a very customizing friendly company...if you go to the top...Jim Ashow....V.P. of the company and also designed a good deal of the cabs they produce. They've always risen to any challenge presented.

I know! But even I'd have trouble being the first man with a $1200 Subway Rocket!

I keep waiting for a hw/wicker MkI or III to show up locally.

telesavant

July 2nd, 2009, 05:03 PM

I know! But even I'd have trouble being the first man with a $1200 Subway Rocket!

I keep waiting for a hw/wicker MkI or III to show up locally.

If it's custom work....the cab alone would probably be $1200.00...if you're lucky. Private Reserve...way more!! Wicker is a $200.00 option in and of itself. The IIc+ is the model I'd be on the lookout for...I had my IIB's modded with the IIc+ conversion and they opened up considerably...and they sounded great in the first place!! Though any 60 or 100 watt MK is tops in my estimation....and the best deal going in the preowned market.

tiktok

July 2nd, 2009, 06:00 PM

If it's custom work....the cab alone would probably be $1200.00...if you're lucky. Private Reserve...way more!! Wicker is a $200.00 option in and of itself.

I remember looking into it at the time, and it was $600 to upgrade the SR. Who knows what they're up to now.

I'm a simple man though, so something like this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180375360441&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:Watchlink:middle:us) would do just fine.

http://i.ebayimg.com/02/!BVYNL6!Bmk~$(KGrHgoH-DcEkJw2KwwWBKSOCRZWw!~~_1.JPG

scouse2000

July 2nd, 2009, 07:21 PM

telesavant

July 2nd, 2009, 09:05 PM

Hi all. The Boogie looks fantastic. Just as a bit of info for you. A company in Auckland NZ (i think they were Cleft Industries) were making exact replicas of Boogies calling them Rockit amps I had a Rockit superlead Mk v.) which, if memory serves is exactly the same as the Boogie. Wood cabinet, 5 band Eq. and it was fitted with a RCF 12" speaker. it also had a switch to bring in or out a additional set of tubes to go from 75W to 130W. It was so well made it was bullitproof... But i remember thinking at the time that the sound was a bit harsh. so the guy that built them replaced the 12" with a 15" (yes it did fit) and the sound was trimmed down a bit.
They were about half the price of a Boogie in NZ

Love the Boogie.

If they were exact replicas of a Boogie MK combo.... a 15" wouldn't fit....see post #13 above...the 4 hardwood "short chassis" combos pictured were custom made by Boogie 3" taller than stock to accomodate EVM 15Ls. The stock width remains and the 15" fits like a glove. Boogie did make a "long chassis" and a combo to match that accomodated a 15", but that that combo was huge with the longer 22" chassis and unliftable.

scouse2000

July 2nd, 2009, 11:42 PM

telesavant

July 3rd, 2009, 05:43 AM

Hi Telesavant.

As far as i can remember the cahange over to the RCF 15 just required the removal of the front baffle, and the install of a baffle with a 15" hole. The speaker was lowered in the 15 (as in closer to the bottom of the cabinet as opposed to the speaker being in the middle) this was to allow clearance from the transformers and valves. The change over was done while i waited. and I would say it was about 1982-83.

Hello scouse2000; The cab that fellow made HAD to be larger than an "exact replica" of a MK Boogie...as you can see the "extension cab" on the left was made to the exact dimensions of a 1-12" MK except for a straight front...but the baffle was cut to fit an EVM 15L...If anyone can see where a 100 watt MK head would fit....I'm all ears.

The combo on the right shares the exact dimensions of a 1-12" MK combo except slightly taller to accomodate the 15" speaker (stock width works fine)...and as you can see from the back shot even with the cabinet stretched....a preamp tube's cover rests on the speaker frame. The lower shot of the combo's front baffle illuminates the lower rear baffle cleat that is the same height as the 15's opening and the visable line of where the 15 rests in front.....almost touching the hardwood....and the grills were a nightmare to cut and fit....as you can see from a rear shot of the grills....the top and bottom had to be cut wafer thin to fit between the front mounted speaker frame and the hardwood cabinet....the baffles have to fit like a glove....between that speaker frame and cab....these grills sink around the speaker and rest on the baffle....wood to wood...they don't rest in front of it like other grills. There is no way that a 15 will fit in a stock dimension 1-12" Boogie MK combo.....

Most manufacturers of 1-12" combos make their cabs larger than they have to for a 12" speaker....Boogie does not....for the "short Chassis" MK series....everything was made to "just fit".

I'd love to see pics of that amp....

Pauly

Big John

July 3rd, 2009, 08:16 AM

............There is no way that a 15 will fit in a stock dimension 1-12" Boogie MK combo.....

Thats correct ! ...... a 13" now that would work fine ! :grin:

I believe a member here from Oz has an original MKI or II in a 15" cabinet and it stands out a mile that it is a different size.

gitold

July 10th, 2009, 04:37 PM

i love my Express 5 50.

Scotland

July 12th, 2009, 11:44 AM

Let me in, let me in I say, I qualify !!
I have a MK III Simulclass EV Blue Stripe that I just love to bits. I recently bought a C90 loaded thiele cab. to go with it but have not gigged with the whole rig yet.

http://img4011.photobox.co.uk/789954542c236ee18ee21f16249a62abe7ffbee8911e3a9f0d 7136c049a28f3fe31d02a5.jpg

I'm talking to someone right now about duplicating both cabs to look like this..
http://img4011.photobox.co.uk/767917370e2549d3b68cba6a4379f048109ed5bdc625fb166b 26b90da2761aaea2d6edbe.jpg

rhinocaster

July 12th, 2009, 11:53 AM

After decades of wanting a MK1 I finally found one that I just HAD to have.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj251/rhinocaster/DSCN0685.jpg

This gives me HUGE tones and more power than I'll ever need.

Covered in Rhinohide too!:grin:

Big John

July 12th, 2009, 03:54 PM

Let me in, let me in I say, I qualify !!
I have a MK III Simulclass EV Blue Stripe that I just love to bits.

Aaaah go on then, just as long as the next time i'm playing up there i get to use it !! :wink:

Tele295

July 13th, 2009, 08:20 PM

Mk IIC+ in cream tolex here. Lovely amp, but hard to move and way too loud to play anywhere :(

Scotland

July 14th, 2009, 11:22 AM

Aaaah go on then, just as long as the next time i'm playing up there i get to use it !! :wink:

You got it !!

red57strat

July 14th, 2009, 09:14 PM

Not a Mark and not hardwood, but I love it!-
http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10467/Mesa_Express.jpg

battleminnow

July 24th, 2009, 02:19 AM

Mesa Boogie Lonestar, 100w/50w switchable, Blue tolex, YUMMY!

Pete

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/battleminnow/IMG_2357.jpg

http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc297/battleminnow/IMG_2356.jpg

66d35

July 27th, 2009, 12:28 PM

Those hardwood cabs are just superb. Stunning.

Just one question, how do you protect them when gigging? Hard flight case?

Andy

telesavant

July 27th, 2009, 12:52 PM

Those hardwood cabs are just superb. Stunning.

Just one question, how do you protect them when gigging? Hard flight case?

Andy
My hardwoods don't leave the house without their flight cases....which they are sitting on in post #13...a while back in this thread.

Big John

July 27th, 2009, 03:22 PM

Mine have toured all through the UK and Europe lots of times in 27 years and spent a long time in Scandinavia including north of the arctic circle, a good flight case helps !!

The beauty of a quality hardwood is that if it takes a knock or two you can often polish it right out, mine got dropped on it's head out of a truck (in it's case) and the handle has dug in but at the end of the day it's an amplifier, yes i cosset it when i feel like it but thats 'me' therapy as much as it is looking after a piece of wood.

telesavant

July 27th, 2009, 03:58 PM

The first "Ding" is always the toughest!! My hardwood combos are all but unliftable...the cases roll like butter easing transport and are virtually indistructable.

AjayTele

September 22nd, 2009, 07:06 PM

I guess I should join this club, I have a few Mesas. I'm not right up on the exact model/mk nos...

Mesa SOB
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1052255/MesaBoogieSonofBoogie_2.JPG

Mk III (???)
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1052255/MesaBoogieMkIIICombo_2.JPG

Mk III with eq
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1052255/MesaBoogieMkIIIEQ_2.JPG

Satellite
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1052255/MesaBoogieSatellite60Combo2_1.JPG

nasonm

September 22nd, 2009, 07:34 PM

Clutch442

September 22nd, 2009, 09:40 PM

Count me in proud owner of a Triple Rec solo head and 4x12 cab loaded w Celestion V30's. No pictures sorry

chuckamok63

September 26th, 2009, 04:10 PM

Mark IIB 50watt, reverb, I Love This Amp!

thessandman

September 28th, 2009, 07:57 PM

I'm in, I've got a MkIIB with EQ, reverb, and the 60/100 watt switch. It's a BEAST. And it's got great tone, because it was owned by a rock star. (No, not me)

drdos

October 2nd, 2009, 11:21 AM

Love my Caliber.50 . I've owned it for 10yrs now, and is sounds great. It was built in 1988. I play it through the matching original 4x12 Mesa cab loaded with Black Shadow MC90's.

craigh9

October 5th, 2009, 10:24 PM

I just picked up a studio series, it's a .22 that just says studio series on the front with cream tolex covering. I love her.

Craig

blsplyr

October 6th, 2009, 09:29 PM

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss35/blsplyr/DSC00879.jpgHere's my 1986 SOB in cream tolex. Bought in 1988

http://http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss35/blsplyr/DSC00879.jpg

Zillinois

October 22nd, 2009, 12:37 AM

I did a search but didn't find one,
[Mod. edit: You probably searched "Mesa." So I've added your post here to the existing Boogie club thread.]
so here it is: The Mesa Boogie Players Club!

I've been a big fan for a long time, and have couple that I use:
'75 Mark I
'95 Tremoverb (serious go-to amp)
'00 Nomad 100 2x12 (great for recording)

No pix currently (long story (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/stratocaster-discussion-forum/173983-before-after-story-smokie.html)) but would love to see what all is hiding in studios out there on the "intertubes"!

Paulie13

October 22nd, 2009, 10:43 AM

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss35/blsplyr/DSC00879.jpgHere's my 1986 SOB in cream tolex. Bought in 1988

http://http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss35/blsplyr/DSC00879.jpg

Man, this looks great!

Texsunburst59

October 29th, 2009, 08:27 AM

Here are my Mk series Boogies:

'84 MKIIC+ Simul-Class Loaded Bubinga/Wicker Combo:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/Texsunburst59/000_0013.jpg

'84 MKIIC+ 60 watt Combo:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/Texsunburst59/000_0018.jpg

'86 MKIII Simul-Class Loaded Combo:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/Texsunburst59/000_0021.jpg

telechucker

October 31st, 2009, 05:05 PM

Hey guys. I'm the Aussie guy Big John mentioned earlier. I believe my Boogie is a very early Mk II - we bantered that around for a bit after I bought it. Blonde tolex - stock 15" JBL. Bigger cab. Anvil roadcase. Still in 110v. Sounds massive. Even though it has a 15, with the amount of tonal control available I have no problems dialling in a great tone. And, like BJ, I LIKE COUNTRY ! Regards.

Paul in Colorado

November 2nd, 2009, 05:31 PM

I've got two, a MK I RI with hardwood cab and EVM 12L and a Studio .22+ with an Altec-Lansing 417-8H speaker. I use the Studio for 90% of my gigs. Both are great amps.

I have schematic for a set of mods from Gil Ayan (who developed the Smooth and Slim pedal) for MK I RI Boogies. The mods are simple and reversable. They smooth the overdrive, get rid of the "farty" lows and improve the reverb (a lot!). Gil said I could share them as long as no one uses them for financial gain. . If anyone is interested in the mods shoot me an e-mail at pablomago AT earthlink DOT net.

I also put in a bias pot in my MK I RI. Gives me a lot more options for tubes

FraKcture

November 2nd, 2009, 06:25 PM

This used to be a dc5 combo, rebuilt it to a nice and portable
home-made head;

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/mesa.jpg

keef-riff

November 2nd, 2009, 06:56 PM

Mesa DC-3...35 watt with single 12"...love it!!!! My #1.

tiktok

November 20th, 2009, 07:25 PM

I've only owned one Mesa Boogie and I loved it.

It was a Subway Blues. It was so simple buy sounded so great. Tube reverb, 10" speaker. Just a great amp all around. I've had a bunch of amps but I think that's the only one that I ever regret selling.

That's my main amp these days. If I need a little more output, I stack it on a Boogie EV Thiele extension.

Frankie

November 27th, 2009, 12:11 PM

Okay... Here's mine..

Never been played out.. Sits in the studio covered, has about 30 mins total playing time on it. Back in the 70's I said, "One of these days I'll be able to afford one of those, you'll see". Well... Finally I was blessed to be able to.. I custom ordered it, wood, ext cab, finsih, cover, castors, ext cable for pedal, etc... It took months to get it built and shipped to me..

But to me there is just too many knobs and too much messing around to get the tones I want. Plus it's too darn purty and heavy to drag around in the clubs I play. So... There she sits.. Got about 4K wrapped up in it and it sits silent.

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p80/Frankietele/Boogie.jpg

Big John

November 27th, 2009, 02:13 PM

Oh now Frankie that is something verrrry special !! :grin:

stevesz

November 28th, 2009, 10:56 PM

I have a Studio Series .22 in Cream tolex with black grill cloth and the "Boogie" name plate. It's also got the 5 band graphic EQ. Best part about that is the Auto switch. When the auto switch is engaged the EQ only effects the drive channel. Very useful for balancing the volume difference between clean and drive.

Tdot

December 29th, 2009, 03:32 AM

Mk III with eq
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-7/1052255/MesaBoogieMkIIIEQ_2.JPG

One looking just like that, landed at my house last night. It's a Mark III blue stripe 60/100w.

And it's missing one of the EQ knobs too.:lol: It also was missing some tubes, but I pulled some from another amp and it works. I need to order some EL34 and 12AX7 (and the 900 page owners manual to figure out all the knobs).

MondoGuitar

December 29th, 2009, 03:41 AM

No comparison at all between the new Mesa and the old Mesa. Some of the new stuff sounds terrible to me, sorry to sound negative -- but I'm a huge fan of old Mesa. Some of those little combos are capable of tones as good as anything ever recorded IMO.

I once saw a guy playing in a large Steely Dan tribute band with a .22 cal miced with a 421 and a couple pedals -- and to this day it's one of the hugest sounds I've ever heard. He nailed the Carlton solo sound on Charlemagne so close that if you closed your eyes you'd never know. Impressed me to no end.

Bigdawg

January 5th, 2010, 10:27 AM

another mesa express (5:50) owner here - love it, the most versatile amp (for me at least) that ive ever owned, does it all without the huge pedal collection I see other people hauling around...

meyekel

January 5th, 2010, 03:51 PM

markito787

January 6th, 2010, 01:04 PM

Count me in now with a Studio .22+. It is pretty mint and I dropped in an Emi Legend GB128 instead of the stock VS-12. Still trying to dial in the sound but it is a solid little amp and LOUD for 22 watts!

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u204/meyekel/Mesa.jpg

You are my mesa brother. I Have the exact same amp!:razz:

Mesa. 22+. New tubes and I'm good to go.

Also, i made my own footswitch for $12!! (1/4" mono Jack, 1, on/off switch and a project box @radioshack)

stevesz

January 6th, 2010, 02:37 PM

I've been meaning to post a picture 'cos I think my .22 looks pretty cool. And +1 on surprisingly loud.

gitapik

January 16th, 2010, 01:27 PM

I guess I bought this in about '83 used.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p23/oldcane/New%20Builds/Daphne_finished010.jpg

That's what my 1970 Mark IIB looks like...'cept mine's got an eq. (nice Strat, btw). I love the clear tone. Wasn't much into the overdrive/distortion 'till I got a fantastic mod done on it. Great all around, now, at all volumes.

I love this amp...but you do have to stay in shape or hire a roadie to haul it around.

Mine's still got the original EVM in it. I'm thinking about putting in a neodyne. Just heard good stuff about the Eminence Lil' Texas. Anybody made the switch? Be nice to take @ 15lbs off...but I love the sound of that EVM.

Bluesbob

January 16th, 2010, 06:28 PM

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g41/Bluesbob/1with3-saddle.jpg
I used this regularly for a coupla' years, but it's way to loud for me now. My son loves it. Great $300 amp!

kludge

February 5th, 2010, 01:33 PM

I should get pictures of mine. I have a '76 Mark I (blonde, with reverb, graphic eq, and JBL K120) that is hands-down the best amp I have ever owned. And I recently got a Studio .22 with graphic eq. I LOVE the tone of the Studio, but I'm slightly irritated with how fast the master volume comes up. I might see about getting it modded so it has more reasonable volume control, because it's a LOUD little sucker.

kludge

February 8th, 2010, 03:00 PM

And Boogie wins again! I was recording something last night that I usually play with my Skreddy Screwdriver into a clean Mark I. But the Screwdriver is getting repaired right now, so I stuffed the Mark I in the bathroom and cranked it up on the high gain channel, and it sounds AMAZING.

Big John

February 9th, 2010, 05:36 AM

Hope no-one was in there at the same time ! :wink:

Paulie13

February 18th, 2010, 10:48 AM

Just posted in the amp central station, but I bought a very clean Subway Blues last night. Any information on these? I don't know too much about them but it sounds great! Anyone gigging with them?

tiktok

February 18th, 2010, 02:43 PM

Just posted in the amp central station, but I bought a very clean Subway Blues last night. Any information on these? I don't know too much about them but it sounds great! Anyone gigging with them?

All the time.

Do you have the earlier version, with two inputs, or the later, with one input and the bright/fat switch?

Paulie13

February 18th, 2010, 02:47 PM

All the time.

Do you have the earlier version, with two inputs, or the later, with one input and the bright/fat switch?

Its the one input with switch.

stevesz

February 20th, 2010, 02:08 AM

I've been meaning to post a picture 'cos I think my .22 looks pretty cool. And +1 on surprisingly loud.

I ran across two more "i wish i still had mine" guys the last couple of weeks. Mesa oughta consider a reissue on the .22

ReIgnition

February 25th, 2010, 12:53 AM

Hi all... I traded in my Rect-o-verb combo today for a Mark... I saved all summer for it, then our furnace died at the start of winter right before I went to close the deal and I had to put all gear purchases on hold. I ended up with a high efficiency gas boiler (switched from oil) that gave me a bigger tax return which worked out ok in the end...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/RastaForI/DSC_27900001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/RastaForI/DSC_28050001.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/RastaForI/DSC_28090001.jpg

I spent a couple of hours today in each channel (very dynamic), I'm happy with how things turned out even though I had to wait forever... Mesa's are great amps.

Paulie13

February 25th, 2010, 11:01 AM

Hi all... I traded in my Rect-o-verb combo today for a Mark... I saved all summer for it, then our furnace died at the start of winter right before I went to close the deal and I had to put all gear purchases on hold. I ended up with a high efficiency gas boiler (switched from oil) that gave me a bigger tax return which worked out ok in the end...

I spent a couple of hours today in each channel (very dynamic), I'm happy with how things turned out even though I had to wait forever... Mesa's are great amps.

Looks good man! I would love to try one of these.

guitarzilla

April 13th, 2010, 06:00 PM

Love my f30!!!!!

Dave Hopping

April 15th, 2010, 04:09 AM

Got an '87 Mark III brand new,gigged it about 10 years.Great amp but it didn't ever really seem to get along with my Tele.Liked the Strat a whole lot,though,and oddly enough it likes my Nashville B-bender too.A couple of months ago I hooked it up with a Bassman clone cab with 2 Celestions.Wowee!! Wish I'd gotten a closed-back cab for it years ago.

Telesavalis

April 15th, 2010, 12:06 PM

http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/ww101/mbvoxx/mesastack.jpg

Big John

April 15th, 2010, 02:45 PM

Mmmmmmmmmmmm, creamy goodness !!

hotraman

April 28th, 2010, 01:02 AM

Just bought a Mesa Express 5:25 and am quite impressed with the tones.
Rediscovered the magic of an all tube amp!

tiktok

May 6th, 2010, 02:45 PM

I ran across two more "i wish i still had mine" guys the last couple of weeks. Mesa oughta consider a reissue on the .22

I'm sure they'd cost more than the old ones, which aren't terribly uncommon.

Wasn't the DC-2 or DC-3 an updated .22?

stratdaddy92

May 8th, 2010, 11:56 AM

tiktok

May 10th, 2010, 05:18 PM

I don't have a pic,but I just wanted to say I love my Rocket 440,, It has got me through a bunch of shows with no problems.Tube changes have been the only maintenance I've had to do to date.Does anyone have the history on the amp and why they discontinued it after only about a three year run?,,,,

It was the tail end of Mesa's initial small amp experiment (the Rocket series) and started to collide with the smaller DC's as I recall, which featured fewer shared controls.

jcart

May 18th, 2010, 09:07 AM

I got this on Ebay acouple of years ago...Like brand new still had tags on it...and LOUD!!!! dont play it much anymore but I love it. I made the stand for it out of one of those plastic chairs with the chrome legs and some tubing

stevesz

May 19th, 2010, 09:58 AM

Update: I've been using this at open mic night, strictly clean cos it's a coffee house type of vibe. It fills up the whole room with both volumes at 3 and never need to run it through the P.A. Everybody there loves the way it sounds and people keep coming up and asking if it's a Mark II 'cos apparently they've all had one just like that.

jwayne

May 19th, 2010, 10:12 AM

I owned a DC5 back in my rocker days. It was very nice and very reliable. I've been away from Boogies for years now and wouldn't mind checking them out again. What are some boogies that would be good for traditional and modern country (not modern humbucker country but Mason, Paisley, Highland ect).
I've seen the lonestar which the name makes me think country??

hotraman

May 22nd, 2010, 02:18 AM

refin

June 8th, 2010, 04:30 PM

New to Boogie after all these years of wanting one---Nomad 55 212.
Tons of variety,but I can get the nice old school Fenderish breakup that is so touch sensitive.The cleans are gorgeous! I don't really go for the high gain stuff,but it's there.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/refin/Steve%20Stuff/Nomad1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/refin/Steve%20Stuff/Nomad2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/refin/Steve%20Stuff/Nomad3.jpg

hotraman

June 8th, 2010, 10:10 PM

Big John

June 9th, 2010, 02:56 AM

Wow refin, what a grain pattern !!, looks way better on that nomad than wasted on some Les Paul or PRS !! :wink:

ProToneThinline

June 18th, 2010, 07:41 PM

Can I join? I picked up a low S# Heartbreaker combo about a week ago, in nearly mint condition. After a few strategic tube replacements, it sounds great. Som people complain about the weight, but it's actually lighter than the Egnater combo I ditched to get the Mesa.

I had a Studio 22+ a couple of years ago. I like it for about a month, then hated it. The drive sound was good, but I could never get a decent clean tone out of it. The cleans on the Heartbreaker are incredible - very "detailed" and responsive.

Big John

June 19th, 2010, 05:26 AM

ProToneThinline !! ........ come on down !! :wink:

telechucker

July 11th, 2010, 07:38 AM

New Boogie day ! Just became the proud owner of a .50 caliber Boogie ! Will post photos when I get her home. Black tolex, road case, footswitch and all original manuals and documentation. Happy chappy ! Regards.

Steve McGinnis

July 11th, 2010, 07:49 AM

ReIgnition

July 11th, 2010, 03:48 PM

Just got a Maverick off of ebay this week. I had one years ago and had to sell it due to financial issues, why did I wait so long to get another one? Well thought out, two (at least) great sounds, and in a small package.

Awesome guys but...

this thread is useless without pictures, yada, yada,... :neutral:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/RastaForI/hairypic.jpg

Tele295

July 11th, 2010, 05:19 PM

Finally got my Boogie and a power attenuator in the same room. I have a happy Boogie!

tiktok

July 12th, 2010, 01:21 AM

Can I join? I picked up a low S# Heartbreaker combo about a week ago, in nearly mint condition. After a few strategic tube replacements, it sounds great. Som people complain about the weight, but it's actually lighter than the Egnater combo I ditched to get the Mesa.
.... The cleans on the Heartbreaker are incredible - very "detailed" and responsive.

I've played Heartbreakers a few times and loved them, but they were always too loud for any of my gigging situations. Got my eye on a 1x12 Maverick right now.

tiktok

July 21st, 2010, 10:16 PM

Today's score. Tele heaven!

Steve McGinnis

July 21st, 2010, 10:25 PM

Today's score. Tele heaven!

Here's mine, I love it! I don't really channel switch much, but I use the drive channel with my LP and the rythmn channel with my tele.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120587079036

slagg

July 24th, 2010, 11:10 PM

got me one of these,love it!

Billy B.

July 25th, 2010, 12:45 AM

Here's mine, I love it! I don't really channel switch much, but I use the drive channel with my LP and the rythmn channel with my tele.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120587079036

Me too !

telechucker

July 25th, 2010, 11:09 AM

As promised. Had to ring seller as amp was advertised as excellent condition but wasn't. Negotiated partial funds return and amp went to tech. A few minor repairs later and excellent tones abound. Did my first gig with the new girl Friday night just gone. Very happy ! Regards.

ReIgnition

July 25th, 2010, 12:33 PM

Phaze

July 25th, 2010, 01:55 PM

They always brought these to mind:

http://www.homesandbargains.co.uk/images/Image/RUB%20Pics/chair.jpg

Such a 70's aesthetic.

Stratburst

July 25th, 2010, 10:36 PM

got me one of these,love it!

Do tell! I'm eyeing one of those as a replacement for my DSL100 and Tiny Terror.

http://www.musik-schmidt.de/images/product_images/popup_images/Mesa-Boogie-Transatlantic-TA-15.jpg

slagg

July 28th, 2010, 07:52 AM

^^^^this amp has to be played in person to be believed.Internet clips do no justice.In the lunch box amp type amp world it is hands down the best in show IMO.I've been using it with chnl 1 top boost in melt down(gain cranked to 4:00)15watt mode,chnl 2 h1(Marshall)gain maxed 25watt mode.touch sensative gewwy goodness:grin:

Bigdawg

July 28th, 2010, 07:54 AM

you know what id love one of them but in the UK theyre the equivelent of $1,500 plus - for that I can buy an express head or combo and a vox AC30!

Wailin' Tele

July 28th, 2010, 10:45 AM

87Stang

July 31st, 2010, 10:16 PM

Single Rectoverb
http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p462/andrew_vs_wild/congratulations.jpg

Billy B.

July 31st, 2010, 10:54 PM

Welcome Stang ,how do those sound?never played that model.

ReIgnition

July 31st, 2010, 11:31 PM

Single Rectoverb
http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p462/andrew_vs_wild/congratulations.jpg

Sweet... I hear Dr. Know.

Bensen

November 23rd, 2010, 12:30 PM

I'm in, this is my MK IIa:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dLsrUQmTlXY/TOv50RYHyMI/AAAAAAAAAyY/GmfQ2EwuB7w/s1600/Boogie.bmp

And heres a video I shot recently to demo my new pups (rythm is the fender and lead is all boogie):

uEyTNz0zQ5Q

Dave B

November 25th, 2010, 06:34 PM

another mesa express (5:50) owner here - love it, the most versatile amp (for me at least) that ive ever owned, does it all without the huge pedal collection I see other people hauling around...Just picked a 1x12 combo up last week myself. This should definitely help in trying to downsize the pedal collection and the amp herd, though I'm making no promises.

Jared Purdy

November 26th, 2010, 08:07 AM

just picked up my LSS yesterday and loving it. A truely amazing amp.

BetaMO

December 1st, 2010, 05:54 PM

Just got an old Studio Caliber DC-2 (pre-contour), nice amp - my last tube amp was an Ampeg VT-40 that I sold back in the late '80s, methinks...

gitold

December 1st, 2010, 06:49 PM

Here's a picture of my Express 5x50 with some of his friends. I wont be getting rid of this guy.

Kentelecaster

December 2nd, 2010, 09:33 PM

My ElectraDyne brings the pain along with the twang. This thing is a BEAST!

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu283/kentano2000/IMG_0370.jpg

http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu283/kentano2000/IMG_0372.jpg

gitapik

December 3rd, 2010, 04:17 PM

Here's mine. Wish I could get the original style eq pieces to replace the broken ones. As is: they work fine, as does the amp. Still got the original EV 12" in it...which I keep thinking I'll replace with a lighter one but never do 'cuz I don't want to screw around with the clear tone.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/guitapick/Boogie.jpg

Got the extension speaker, too. Just not in this shot.

ReIgnition

December 21st, 2010, 08:20 PM

I just got an email update from Mesa announcing the new TA-30 multi-watt combo...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/RastaForI/TA30combochimpsized1.jpg

Looks sweet... 15, 30, or 40 watts selectable. Reverb and an effects loop :grin:

stevesz

December 22nd, 2010, 10:02 AM

That looks sweet. Anybody heard the TA yet? Whaddya think?

I still want them to bring back the Boogie name plate .

Paulie13

December 22nd, 2010, 12:04 PM

That looks sweet. Anybody heard the TA yet? Whaddya think?

I still want them to bring back the Boogie name plate .

I got to mess around with one for a second in a Guitar Center and it was way cool. Definitely my choice for a lunchbox type amp.

Oh and definitely agreed on the Boogie plate.

imwjl

December 27th, 2010, 09:20 PM

sax4blues

December 27th, 2010, 10:06 PM

Here's my Express 5:50 in action.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g259/sax4blues/Guitar%20Rig/DSCN2488.jpg

With pedal board. I no longer use the foot switch since I don't need to change drive in any songs. I use a Zendrive for solo boost.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g259/sax4blues/Guitar%20Rig/DSCN2489.jpg

imwjl

January 1st, 2011, 11:49 AM

I just got a transfer to this department via a Lonestar Special 2x12.

Arguably overkill for somebody who plays out a few times a year and a little bittersweet in that it came from liquidation sale of the independent mom and pop (mom sold it to me) store 2.5 mi from my home.

I didn't weigh it but it's not to be tossed in the car or minivan like my Princeton.

:)

I put up a camera phone pic of my corner in the basement.

The amp is really growing on me. It's a perfect complement to the black face (PRRI) next to it and the core operation of the two pre-amps, two rectifiers, and 5 - 35 watts (it's the 2x12) is one box to do well for any guitar and any style.

It is also the best amp yet for my PRS Hollow Body I. It can do fat clean tone other amps I've had have not done.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_fP25ScCf7RQ/TRlfRYPJ-rI/AAAAAAAAAHg/nIg7x8KgZC4/s800/2010-12-27_21-51-35_531.jpg

ReIgnition

January 18th, 2011, 07:05 PM

/v/1i38eMy9l04?fs=1

MESA TransAtlantic TA-30 - Sample - Tweed for Blues
/v/y2jZqQrX1DU?fs=1

MESA TransAtlantic TA-30 - Sample - Chicken Picken
/v/F3cAIWV0fL4?fs=1

hotraman

January 20th, 2011, 11:08 PM

Mrc1977

January 23rd, 2011, 06:49 PM

Finally got my Boogie and a power attenuator in the same room. I have a happy Boogie!

What are you using for an attenuator?

Mrc1977

January 23rd, 2011, 06:57 PM

Got a reissue Mk I, been playing worship with it. I get asked every time I play, what did you do to get that tone!!! I try to be a pedal minimalist.

Would love to know any thoughts to kind of attenuators that would let me drive my tubes. Running channel 2 at 2 and master at 2. Would love to push the tubes more!

leftovermatt

February 25th, 2011, 09:04 PM

I've got a Dual Rectifier 3 channel, wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

wannapickone

February 26th, 2011, 10:12 AM

ReIgnition

February 27th, 2011, 02:38 PM

I am really wanting to buy a LoneStar Special 1x12.....I have read that they are "very sensitive" to voltage spikes.....Is this a MAJOR problem....I am already using only "quality" power surge equipment for my gear now.
Thanks in advance,
WPO

I've only had a few boogies and it's never been a problem for me... I do run my amps through a furman, but you'd probably find your best answers on the boogie board in the Lone Star room.

Twangrock2011

March 11th, 2011, 12:14 PM

Already joined my Tele to the New American Standard Club, so here's my first tube amp- Express 5:50 2x12 Combo to Boogie club.

JayRobIBZ

March 11th, 2011, 05:59 PM

Sadly, I've only one Mesa to brag about. It is a 5:50. It has JJs in it (the best thing I've ever done :mrgreen:) I love it to death and it would be very hard for me to find something to take it's place.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m189/Sharonblueyes/Guitars/e29def13.jpg

There is a particularly nice sounding tweed Maverick 2x12 that was on consignment at my local guitar shop a little while ago. It sounded amazing, even with the 10 or so year old tubes in it. I couldn't afford it at the time (and still can't). The guy has taken it off of consignment but as soon as I have the money I am going to contact him and try to take it off of his hands.

Other Mesa's I dream about are the Lonestar, Electra Dyne and early Marks. I wish they made a more JTM45ish version of the Stiletto series. I suppose the Electra Dyne might cover some of that area but it is way too loud for me at 90 watts.

I think that there are many other amplifier companies and designs that have a better sound outside of the context of a band, but sitting in the mix and accompanied by other instruments there is NOTHING that sounds as good as a Boogie.

They are well built, reliable and, most importantly, offer many models that are half way affordable. What isn't there to like about a Mesa Boogie?

Bigdawg

March 14th, 2011, 05:24 AM

Already joined my Tele to the New American Standard Club, so here's my first tube amp- Express 5:50 2x12 Combo to Boogie club.

thats lovely - the only problem with my 5:50 is that its not a 2x12

gitapik

March 14th, 2011, 06:21 AM

thats lovely - the only problem with my 5:50 is that its not a 2x12
I got an extension cab for my Mark IIB combo which solves that problem nicely. It's closed back combined with the main unit's open back make for a really nicely balanced, big sound. The combo's wonderful on it's own...but the cab's a treat.

Bigdawg

March 14th, 2011, 06:41 AM

ive got a 2x12 extension I use but its just a portability issue.

Also its loaded with G12h's - amazing speakers and the sounds are fantastic paired with the 5:50...

gitapik

March 14th, 2011, 06:49 AM

ive got a 2x12 extension I use but its just a portability issue.

Also its loaded with G12h's - amazing speakers and the sounds are fantastic paired with the 5:50...
I'm sure that sounds fantastic. I, too, sometimes leave the cab at home. Esp if there's a PA to mic through.

Twangrock2011

March 14th, 2011, 06:25 PM

thats lovely - the only problem with my 5:50 is that its not a 2x12

I bought my Express 5:50 2x12 used cheaper than a brand new 5:25 1x12 combo. I had no idea about the Express Series, I just liked what I heard from the amp. Although the weight and size of the combo gave me second thoughts at one time for portability and back strain, once put to the test for an outdoor gig it boogied and cover good ground. I think these amps are very solid and well built, so the weight of it doesn't bother as much anymore- though I did try a lighter 5:25 1x12 combo- sounded sweet!

gitapik

March 14th, 2011, 07:45 PM

I've been checking the weight of some of these new boutique combos. Many of them weigh in at around 65lbs...same as my Mark IIB. I'm still thinking of a new speaker. Scumbucket would take about 11lbs off. Jensen and Li'l Texas about 15. But, as of this point, I'm still lugging the EVM12L around and the sound's tremendous.

Kentelecaster

March 16th, 2011, 10:12 PM

I suppose the Electra Dyne might cover some of that area but it is way too loud for me at 90 watts.

Don't forget there is also a 45 watt mode :grin:.

gitapik

April 1st, 2011, 11:47 PM

Just gotta say that I'm new to Teles. It's been mainly Strat for years. Got my G&L ASAT Classic in January and I'm consumed...

What's this got to do with Boogies? Well...the more I play that ASAT through my Mark IIB, the more I fall completely in love with that amp all over again. In fact...I can't think of any guitar I've ever played through it that didn't just sing to the heavens. But the Tele sound seems to just jump out of this amp. Clean and lead channels.

I'm very happy I've held onto it, all these years. It ages like a fine, fine wine that never seems to go empty.

mefgames

April 2nd, 2011, 12:03 AM

Just saw this thread. I'm in !!! The Thieles are actually DIY, but are to spec. The IIb now lives with my son.

Mike

SpiderWeb

April 23rd, 2011, 12:24 PM

Mesa Boogie Lovers, I'm posting a link to a thread that I started recently seeking advice to help me choose a Mesa Boogie amp. I thought that I would post the link here in the "Boogie Lover's Department" in case some Boogie Lovers missed the original post activity...I am really in need of some advice. If you have time I would appreciate any input...thanks!

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/amp-central-station/269227-model-mesa-amp.html

gitapik

April 23rd, 2011, 01:56 PM

speedingjet

May 28th, 2011, 09:16 PM

gitapik

May 28th, 2011, 10:51 PM

Lusted after boogies since I was 15 (I'm 37 now). Bought an '81 Mark I yesterday (got a great deal). Played it out last night. One of the best guitar-related experiences I've ever had.

All these years, I just knew it was for me. Best tone I've ever had. Ever.
I didn't need a single pedal. Great slightly jangly/overdriven cleans and searing, ripping distortion with only the guitar's volume knob. Perfect.

If you're one of those players that always seems to be turning the treble on your fender or marshall amps down down down to 0 or 1 (and wishing you could go further), you need a boogie.
So bloody smooth. The treble is clear and articulate without that fizzy icepick quality found on the Fenders and Marshalls.

I keep staring at it as though it was a pair of lovely, bountiful......Complete congrats on the amp purchase. I'm totally into my IIB and can relate to your feelings in a big way. I think about mine all the time when I'm away from it.

One question: you sure it's a Mark I? Mine's a 1980 and it's a IIB. Pretty sure they were being built into '83. If yours is really a 1981, that might be what you have. Does it have an effects loop in the back? EQ/Reverb? 60/100 watt switch or Simul-Class?

Either way, it's a great amp. Extremely versatile. What kind of speaker do you have in there?

Bensen

May 29th, 2011, 03:15 AM

Mrc1977

May 29th, 2011, 05:20 PM

I still find new sounds in my mark 1 reissue. I love it.

speedingjet

May 29th, 2011, 10:30 PM

Hey gitapik, now you've got me wondering. It's clear the guys at the store didn't know what they had (it seemed pretty cheap).

I think you might be right...this might not be a mark I, but a IIb!
Here's what it has across the back from left to right:
-*Power cord, initials in blue sharpie below ("MB")
-*Female 3-prong power plug
- Fuse
- Ground
- Slave output and knob
- Effect Send and return
- Presence Knob
- Reverb Knob
- Speaker outs with 4 digit serial number starting with 8
- Patent notice (4,211,893)

Front panel left to right/top to bottom
- Input
- Footswitch
- Volume 1/pull bright
- Treble / pull shift
- Bass
- Middle
- Master 1 / Gain boost
- Lead Drive / Pull lead
- Lead Master / Pull bright
- Mesa Engineering logo,
- light, standby and power.

NO 60/100 switching seems to be present anywhere
Oh yeah, an Altec Lansing speaker.

Certainly doesn't change how I feel about it, but it's nice to know what I've got.
Thanks!

gitapik

May 30th, 2011, 10:08 AM

Sweet. Sounds like you've got a 60W Mark IIB with the original speaker. I love the IIBs. You said you got a great deal. I'd be curious how much, if you're comfortable with that. If not, no biggie.

What's interesting is that you've got the "MB" initials on the back panel. That's Mike Bendinelli. He's the senior tech at Mesa. Been there forever. He puts his initials in that spot when he installs an effects loop mod that he developed. The IIB was the first of the Boogies with an effects loop, which turned out to be practically unusable due to the placement of the reverb relay before the effects loop. It also makes for a bit of a reverb loss when switching between clean and lead channels when the lead's gain is below 6 or so.

The mod places the reverb after the effects loop. Cures that problem. It also changes the lead tone to more of a IIC+ sound, which is the "Holy Grail" of Boogies for many people. I've been considering getting the mod done, but have held back so far because I've gotten very attached to the sound I've got, don't use the effects loop, and am fine with the reverb. I'm sure the sound with the mod is awesome (I have yet to hear anything but raves about it) and I'd really like to be able to use the loop, but I'm unwilling to make the switch until I've heard it or, better yet, played through it.

The "MB" might mean that your amp has that mod, except that he usually installs a 3rd Master volume in the back, which both balances the reverb with the effects loop and can act as a great Master Volume for the full amp. You can really go to town with a serious volume tone and put it very, very quiet, retaining that sound.

But enough of the analysis. Whether it's modded or not, the IIB's a fantastic amp. Congrats, again!

BTW: did you get any pedals with the unit? There's a lead channel pedal that attaches to the front panel. I know about the magic of cranking the amp and playing it with the guitar's controls...it's off the charts...but the dual channel setup's very, very cool as well. Nice options.

speedingjet

May 30th, 2011, 06:27 PM

It was $795, in rather good cosmetic shape especially given the age. I'd been pricing boogies on and off for years, seemed like a good deal to me (especially as I was trying to justify the expense of a Mark V to myself at the time, but as a self-employed sole provider with a small family, I just wouldn't be able to live with myself).

It did come with a small unpainted metal foot switch. To be honest, I was too busy playing it to really determine what the switch did....sort of fell into a setting and couldn't stop playing or grinning. So, it's a channel selector? At the time it seemed to be a bit of a boost (sounded like it might be bypassing the tone controls or something as it made things louder and a little brighter) though like I said, I was too busy playing my ass off (at the very least, THINKING I was playing my ass off). Figured figuring that switch out could wait.
I'm very pleased I can have a cleaner and dirtier channel lined up!

I hope it does have the effects loop mod, I have typically used piles of pedals (mostly because the crappy amps needed sweetening), though with tone like this, I would be willing to ditch them if I have to. You mentioned the placement of reverb made weakened the effectiveness of the loop. I have a powerful aversion to reverb (slap-back yes, reverb no), if the reverb's never engaged, would that help the loop?

I figured it might be 60 over 100 watts as I was playing it with a 6 piece band with the master volume at 5, I figured if it were 100, I'd be in the 2 or 3 area. 60 works very well for me.

In any case, I truly appreciate the well-wishes and the details. Love the details as they seem a little scarce from around the time of this amp. You know how it is with gear nerds wanting to know the pedigree of their rig...we're worse than genealogists.

Cheers.

Shame I live in an apartment. Really means I have to wait for Friday's to take it for a walk.

That said, it's worth waiting for once.

gitapik

May 30th, 2011, 07:30 PM

$795 is a good price. Especially if it's got the mod. People are just beginning to appreciate the IIB. The price has been rising.

Reverb: if ya don't like it, turn the knob down in the back. No problems.

Effects Loop: you'll know there's a problem if you plug in, say, a distortion or overdrive pedal and it sounds horrible or you plug in a delay or chorus and the reverb's over the top. The problems become very obvious when you're in the lead mode.

Lead Channel: it works in conjunction with everything else on the amp. The higher Volume 1 is, the more sustain you'll get in the Lead Mode. The higher Master 1 is, the more volume you'll get in the Lead Mode. Pull Bright only works at low volumes. Pull Shift on the Treble pot raises the mids and is especially effective with the Lead Mode. Adds some balls to the tone...though it's not necessary as you get into higher volumes. I like to use it on occasion, although I'm not that crazy about it for rhythm work.

It's a very versatile amp. If you've got the mod, it can even do metal (the one area mine falls short in...so I use a modded Metal Zone for that.)

Here's a cool dirt setting for quieter home use:

Volume 1: 10
Treble: 8
Bass: 1 or 2 (be very careful with the bass on this amp...it can get muddy quickly)
Middle: 6
Master 1: 1 to 2
Lead Drive (pulled): 6 to 10
Lead Master (pulled): 0 to 2 depending on how soundly they sleep
Presence at 5

When the Lead Master's at 0 or a bit above, I like to put the Lead Drive at 8 to 10 and add some reverb to widen the sound. The lower the Lead Master is, the higher I put the Lead Drive for the really quiet times, when I want da dirt. You can also play around in that area with the Treble pot pulled, but it gets louder. When you raise the volume in Master 1 and Lead Master and pull the Treble pot, you can get some really, really sweet feedback at a moderate volume (for smaller clubs and bars).

I'm really into blues and country, lately. Some jazz, too. For the first two, I like the gain at 5-6. Not too over the top, but with a subtle breakup. With Volume 1 at 10 and the Treble pot pulled, in rhythm mode (Lead Drive pushed in), you can get a really nice subtle breakup on the notes as you hit the strings harder without having it at a really high volume. The more you raise the volume...well: you know.

Here's a tip, for when you use the channel switch: (remember that you don't NEED to use it, as you found out at volume level 5) There's a *pop* that happens when you switch channels.They fixed it with the IIC and beyond. The way to get around it is to blunt the strings just before pushing the pedal. All a matter of timing, and it becomes second nature, after awhile.

Here's a link to the user's manual:

www.srl.utu.fi/~tke/MesaBoogie/Manuals/Mark-IIb.pdf

I recently had mine overhauled. New capacitors/resistors, general cleanup, new tubes (nice matched set), and I replaced the original EVM12L with a Jensen C12K. 10 lbs lighter and it kicks serious ass. I love it. Resisted the change for years 'cuz the EVM's great, but I'm very happy with the sound.

Enjoy, man...I'll be curious how that setting works for you. If it seems "too much", it might be just personal prefs or it might be that you have the mod, which tends to give a thicker overdrive/distortion than the original tone.

tubelectron

July 3rd, 2011, 01:34 PM

Hi all,

This is my 1st Boogie : an export MKIIA Rev Eq 60/100 - S/N° 4915 from 1979.

http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/404856IMG8350.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/837362IMG8154.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/991832IMG8156.jpg

Great sounding amp, but very humming+hissing=noisy amp - not to say unacceptable, compared to my SF Fenders...

Without that, it would be a wonderful sounding amp... The excessive noise is the only drawback I found on this amp.

Any of you have MKIIA (or B) to tell me how behave their amps about noise and hum ?

Thanks !

gitold

July 3rd, 2011, 04:16 PM

Got this guy a couple of months ago and LOVE him. I was going to buy a Vox AC15 ( I really like the new ones) but this guy does Vox better than Vox IMO.
Then you have Boogie , Marshall, and Fender sounds. What a great product.

Big John

July 3rd, 2011, 07:08 PM

Hi all,Any of you have MKIIA (or B) to tell me how behave their amps about noise and hum ?
Thanks !

Only slight noise issue with my IIb is when I engage the EQ (which I very rarely have to do).
Might be worth having it checked by a good amp tech, I wasn't aware of a noise problem with them.
Enjoy playing it tubelectron :-)

Bensen

July 3rd, 2011, 07:44 PM

...
Without that, it would be a wonderful sounding amp... The excessive noise is the only drawback I found on this amp.

Any of you have MKIIA (or B) to tell me how behave their amps about noise and hum ?

Thanks !

Thats THE AMP. Have a MkIIa head without eq and rev and will never let it go. Mine has very little hum (less than my new Orange AD30!), try other tubes. If that doesn't help, bring it to a good tech.
Doesn't the clean channel with the gain dimed just give the best sound ever...

tubelectron

July 4th, 2011, 06:10 AM

tubelectron

July 5th, 2011, 06:37 AM

Hi,

I completed drastically the modification of the GND arrangement this time, to go from none other than 14 "randomly-displayed" GND points on chassis, into 2 "logically organised" GND points zone : the input, the speaker.

All the rest is logically connected separately without loop by direct wiring in 2 sections : the input/preamp/Eq/Rev section, the power/speaker section.

The best would have been having an unique GND point to chassis at the input, but it required to have 6 jacks insulated from chassis. I didn't go so far, but I already have a neat improvement ... Imagine - to mention a few - that the power amp section was originally powered by the chassis metal conduction from a bolt to the speaker jack !

The hum fight continues... And the amps sounds better and better !

A+!

RockerDuck

July 18th, 2011, 02:32 PM

I picked up a Mesa 5:50 for a to go amp. I got cleans I never expected. I fact all 4 of the settings are cleaner than I expected.

Jeff12Jones

July 19th, 2011, 12:07 AM

Ok here are my Two current Boogie amps. First is my Wood and Wicker MKIIB
with an EVM 12. Came with Shadow 12 and I changed it. It is the 100/60 watt model without reverb. Next is my Trans Atlantic 15 with homemade 1x12" cabinet with a Celestion Alnico Blue speaker.
They both sound great but the TA15 is easier on the back.:smile:

gitapik

July 19th, 2011, 06:15 AM

Well,

I built and service tube amps since 30 years, but I wanted some external advices about the hum on a MKIIA/B amps. Reading you saying that's there no more hum than that, I draw the conclusion that my amps have some issue, but I suspect that remains many misconceptions in the GND arrangement too, paticularly obvious in the Rev/Eq version - I debugged some of them with success, but all is not done.

I don't exactly understand what means :

But I can tell that it's very difficult to compete with the clean tone of SF Fenders (I have 4 of them to attest), nonetheless, the MKIIA has the capacity to... When I will get definetly rid of the unacceptable hum...

A+!I've got a Mark IIB with eq/reverb. 60/100W. No hum at any time.

I'm not sure what clean channel/gain dimed means, either. By "Gain", are you talking about "Master 1"?

The Clean tones are the main reason I've held onto my Boogie all these years...though I've been getting more and more into the Lead sounds, lately.

Jeff12Jones: how you liking that Trans Atlantic? I've been thinking of getting one and connecting it to my Boogie Theile...

Jeff12Jones

July 19th, 2011, 07:17 PM

I like my trans atlantic. I had an issue with a bad tube when I first got it, But no problems since then. Very flexible sound wise. Clean to Driven the amp sounds great. Like the Class A tones of this amp. Wish it had an effects loop but guess they ran out of room. I think the 30 watt has a loop. Would rather have all the features they included over a loop if I had to choose. Sounds good with my Theile ported 1x12 and really comes to life through my alamo 2x12 or a marshall 4x12. Just not as portable. Built like a tank. Like my old studio 22 it will get loud if needed, mind you not as loud as a Mark II but fair for it's size and power.

scrapyardblue

July 22nd, 2011, 12:13 PM

Thinking about joining the club after running the TA15 thru an Eminence Red Fang alnico speaker. That was incredible. Need to take the Tele in next time for the real test. Gonna try the TA 30 combo and plug the Eminence instead of the Celestion. If it does what I think it will, might be back someday with a picture of a bigger lunch box.

Doesn't hurt that these things look cool as heck too.

RockerDuck

July 22nd, 2011, 07:04 PM

The Transatlantic amps do look cool.

tubelectron

July 27th, 2011, 02:17 PM

Jeff12Jones,

I see that you have an EVM12L CLASSIC in your MKIIA Hardwood, and I am very tempted to acquire one, but :

I noticed that the branches (or the arms) of the die-cast frame are a bit larger than the vintage EVM12L Serie I.

As I am serching one EVM12L to enter my rosewood cab, I wonder if the arms will have enough room between the preamp tube shields to find their way.

Here's a picture showing the vintage EVM in my tolex cab, and my empty rosewood cab, letting me to think that there would be a dilemma with the EVM12L CLASSIC...

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/803233IMG8607.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/618554IMG8603.jpg

Were you forced to remove the tube shields ? Have you met intereference problems with the chassis ?
A+!

tubelectron

July 27th, 2011, 02:25 PM

Hi gitapik, Bensen, BigJohn,

I finally got rid of the hum in my MKIIA, now it is as silent as a Princeton Reverb (RI or restored) - Another misconceptions needed to be cured ! Now yes, this is a good sounding amp, both in clean and lead !

Here's a pic in the hardwood cab suit, with ALTEC 417-8H (borrowed to a friend for test) :

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/780382IMG8567.jpg

A+!

Wrong-Note Rod

July 27th, 2011, 02:43 PM

I had one a long time ago. It developed this curious thing where, all of a sudden, it would start buzzing like a bee from hell. I took it to a local Atlanta amp whiz who didnt really even wanna try and fix it. Not too long after that, I had a hernia operation, couldnt lift anything heavy... so out the door the amp went.

Good amp in spite of the weird buzz....

Later I had a Mk4. that amp only sounded really great ONCE, when we did an outside gig and I could turn it UP. then it sounded great.

I got a video somebody shot of my band at the time, playing some bar, and in between EVERY SONG, I'm leaning back and fiddling with any number of the 5trillion knobs on that thing.

Sold. Too much trouble.

Jeff12Jones

July 27th, 2011, 10:18 PM

Hi Tubelectron,
In answer to your question yes I had to remove a tube shield. I have not had any adverse effects from doing so in my amp. :shock:

tubelectron

July 27th, 2011, 11:15 PM

Hi Tubelectron,
In answer to your question yes I had to remove a tube shield. I have not had any adverse effects from doing so in my amp.

Ah, yes ! Thanks for that useful info and picture, Jeff12Jones, so that works...

I had to do the same with the ALTEC 417-8H :

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/539756IMG8577.jpg

But I solved the problem by making a "slanted top cut" shield, in order to avoid contact with the frame arm :

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/372415IMG8624.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/712483IMG8628.jpg

So, looking at your pictures, I can obviously do the same with an EVM12L CLASSIC and meet success... Good !

A+!

tubelectron

July 27th, 2011, 11:24 PM

Not too long after that, I had a hernia operation, couldnt lift anything heavy

My MKIIA in tolex cab weight 28Kg, and even more with the rosewood cab (which weight empty 9kg). I would suspect around 30-32Kg in hardwood dressed suit...

Nonetheless, it's the close to weight of my SF Twin-Reverb (32Kg) and my 1976 VOX AC30 Top Boost (34Kg) : these amps are "anvils of tone"...

A+!

0987slater

July 27th, 2011, 11:53 PM

I have a Mesa maverick 2.0 dual rec

gitapik

July 28th, 2011, 06:34 AM

When I look around at high wattage tube combo amps, I'm finding the weight at 45-65, often depending on the speaker. Seems to be the nature of the beast when you're looking for that kind of headroom. They're just heavy.

I recently replaced the original EVM12L with a Jensen C12k in my Mark IIB. No problems with the EVM...it's a great, great speaker that's totally broken in. But I'm very, very into this Jensen speaker. It sounds fantastic. Thinking of putting one into my Theile cab, as well (there's an EVM12L in there, too). Ten pounds less (my combo's 55lbs, now...nice) and a great, great sound.

Considering selling the EVMs...but haven't pulled the trigger on that, yet.

(Nice looking IIA, btw. Beautiful. Isn't the EQ amazing?)

tubelectron

July 28th, 2011, 08:30 AM

I recently replaced the original EVM12L with a Jensen C12k in my Mark IIB. No problems with the EVM...it's a great, great speaker that's totally broken in. But I'm very, very into this Jensen speaker. It sounds fantastic. Thinking of putting one into my Theile cab, as well (there's an EVM12L in there, too). Ten pounds less (my combo's 55lbs, now...nice) and a great, great sound.

Considering selling the EVMs...but haven't pulled the trigger on that, yet.

(Nice looking IIA, btw. Beautiful. Isn't the EQ amazing?)

You're right, gitapik - I was also thinking about the JENSEN C12K (or it's variant C12K2). A friend has one in his Deluxe Reverb '65 RI, and it sound great. I am waiting to invite him to come with his amp so we can ABY the cabs on my MKIIA : tone, efficiency (dB/W/m), etc...

The ALTEC 417-8H had 98dB/W/m, it sounded great, very smooth with a little grit-bizz in the top high, but ABYing it with the EVM12L showed that the EV had
much more efficiency than the ALTEC, and also a bigger sound. It would have cut better through the mix, IMHO. So a comparison with the C12K would be instructive +++.

If you put the trigger on to sell your EVM's (I am interested - which model is it ?), you can contact me by PM, of course !

Well... A friend of mine (woodworker) told me that my cab is rosewood-made, and he showed me as a prof a sample of known rosewood which looked the same. Although Mesa apparently made some rosewood cab, mine is probably an aftermarket one, since there is no identification of any kind inside.

In fact, I do not use much the Eq, just sometimes to boost the 6600Hz at max...

A+!

tubelectron

July 28th, 2011, 08:38 AM

Hi,

Some other pictures of the cab, exposed to sunlight this time :

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/210916IMG8569.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/919056IMG8572.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/714363IMG8568.jpg

A+!

Jeff12Jones

July 28th, 2011, 12:43 PM

Nice trick cutting the shield. I may try that on my amp. Thanks. BTW nice amp.

gitapik

July 28th, 2011, 04:37 PM

That really is a beautiful amp. So pretty...and, yet, it will tear the roof off of most clubs.

I can't say enough about the 5 band eq. When I've got Volume 1 at 9 or 10, lead drive engaged at about 6, Lead Master pulled and no 5 band, the sound's great. But when I kick in the 5 band eq with the two bass sliders below halfway, 750 halfway, 2200 just below the top line, and 6600 just above halfway...the boost and extra clarity make the amp and whatever guitar I'm playing s-o-a-r! I love it.

On the rhythm side: if you set the 5 band to an exaggerated scoop (like heavy metal), but on the clean channel, you'll get incredible funk and blues rhythm sounds. Nice and flat. Really cool option, there.

I don't know what model the EVM is. It's in a sealed box in my closet at the moment. What I do know is that it's the original one that came with the amp in 1980. See if I can look it up online. The tech who installed the Jensen said it's in perfect condition...but we both like the Jensen better for my particular sound. Personal preference. I'll let you know if I decide to sell. I stalled forever in making the change. The EVM has such a great sound. But I liked the idea of taking the 10lbs off of the weight, so I went with the change and doubt I'll go back.

tubelectron

July 29th, 2011, 03:37 PM

gitapik

July 30th, 2011, 07:12 PM

Hi gitapik,

Thanks for your informations about the settings and the sonic results you achieve using the Eq - I will to see that closer.

In fact, none of my amps (SF Fenders) have an Eq, so I am not used to tweak with that feature, as the MKIIA has some kind of Fendery behavior in clean tone, by the way...

About the speakers : I just find today one EVM12L Black Shadow (serie I frame) in great condition from Germany. Nonetheless, for sure, let me know if you decide to sell your EVM !

A+!
I just looked at the original paperwork that came with my amp. It's listed as an EVM 12-L speaker. I think the Black Shadow, at that time, was made by Eminence. Not sure, though. Cool that you found one. They work very well with the Mark Series Boogies.

Mesa's speaker options, when I got mine in 1980, were:

Black Shadow
EVM 12-L
JBL E-120
Altec 417-8H

tubelectron

July 31st, 2011, 09:38 AM

Mesa's speaker options, when I got mine in 1980, were:

Black Shadow
EVM 12-L
JBL E-120
Altec 417-8H

Yes - that's what I have found in Mesa litterature too. You're certainly right, as my MKIIA from late '79/ early'80 (stamped S/N° 4915, inexplicably no handwritten date on chassis) came stock with an EVM12L "OEM" non-sticker labelled. The Black Shadow was then probably "the 125 Watts 2"3/4 coil 4" paper dome that Eminence specially designed for them" (op.cit.).

In fact, the Black Shadow name is apparently none other than a Mesa rebranding of the speakers they use, whether coming from Electro-Voice, Celestion or Eminence. They notably rebranded the EVM12L Serie I and II by adding a round Black Shadow sticker at the back of the magnet : this is the speaker I have found. They do the same with other brands today, also, notably Celestion.

A+!

gitapik

July 31st, 2011, 10:04 AM

Yes - that's what I have found in Mesa litterature too. You're certainly right, as my MKIIA from late '79/ early'80 (stamped S/N° 4915, inexplicably no handwritten date on chassis) came stock with an EVM12L "OEM" non-sticker labelled. The Black Shadow was then probably "the 125 Watts 2"3/4 coil 4" paper dome that Eminence specially designed for them" (op.cit.).

In fact, the Black Shadow name is apparently none other than a Mesa rebranding of the speakers they use, whether coming from Electro-Voice, Celestion or Eminence. They notably rebranded the EVM12L Serie I and II by adding a round Black Shadow sticker at the back of the magnet : this is the speaker I have found. They do the same with other brands today, also, notably Celestion.

A+!
Cool...learn something new everyday. Thanks!

yettoblaster

July 31st, 2011, 12:21 PM

I have a Mark-IV 1X12 combo with an EV in it.
Also an older "halfback" 4 X 12 cab I sometimes use with it.

Had other Boogies over the years, like Quad & Studio preamps & Stereo:295 rack stuff. Had an old MarkIIB too, and a Mark I reissue. A Subway too.

I like the Mark-IV best of all probably. I does everything I need an amp to do at twice to three or even four times the weight of normal amps. Makes me want a 5E3 sometimes (again), but will do anything I ask it.

Believe it or not, I once had a Rivera two-twelve hundred that was even heavier: like it was bolted to the floor.

I suppose the Mark-V's are awesome too but even though it's beat, there's a lot of miles still left in my IV.

tubelectron

August 2nd, 2011, 08:57 AM

Hi yettoblaster,

I had recently a nice MKIV for a few time, borrowed to friend :

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/902298IMG7155.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/862690IMG7157.jpg

I had the feeling that I was piloting an Airbus A-380... An army of knobs and switches, but - sorry - not an army of usable sounds, at least for me. It was the same with one MKIV I has for servicing around 1997 (which was moreover a hum-and-hiss engine).

So it appears that it's not a kind of amp for me (nor would be a Road King) as it is too much sophisticated : I didn't matched the sounds of my MKIIA on it, it remained inferior on a side to side (A/B) comparison.

Well, considering the number of happy users fo MKIV, I am probably wrong !

A+!

yettoblaster

August 2nd, 2011, 12:05 PM

...An army of knobs and switches, but - sorry - not an army of usable sounds, at least for me...

The Mark-V appears to be more user friendly, but you have to want to like Mark series Boogies, which have a very "in your face, shouting" kind of sound, in order to appreciate that when it sounds "bad," that's good!:cool:

Definitely not a practice amp for mild couch noodling, though "Rhythm 1" can get a great Fender clean sound. Not all Mesa/Boogie amplifiers can.

The Mark-IV had a learning curve for me, and I'm a long-time Boogie user and fan. It has so much capability, but there are easier amps to dial up a sweet sound quickly on.

tubelectron

August 2nd, 2011, 04:15 PM

Yes, you're right, indeed...

In fact, I am used to SF Fenders on stage... At least the 3 bigger ones :

http://img10.hostingpics.net/pics/966616fender_collection.jpg

The MKIIA, which is simple to operate, sounds "Fendery" in rhythm and smooth in lead (from Blues to Santana) is certainly the Boogie to own for a "Fender Man" like me (moreover if it is the 1st one), along - certainly - with a MKI (one day, maybe...) or a MKIIB.

A+!

yettoblaster

August 2nd, 2011, 04:54 PM

I believe I had a MkIIB once in blonde Tolex, with only 2 X EL34 power tubes IIRC.

I was able to get the Fender sound from it, as well as a Mark-I reissue, which had two inputs, the lower one of which was attentuated so made for easy Fender sounds (and was much lighter than a Mark-IV combo).

Other Boogie combo's I have had were seemingly much more difficult to get clean Fendery sounds from, as the gain of the input was already half-way to full on Rock & Roll. I seem to remember a Son of Boogie, and a couple Subways I was disappointed with that way.

kddean66

August 2nd, 2011, 04:59 PM

I just got this one last week. It has a variety of wonderful tones from clean to dirty. And it sounds really good at low volumes on the 5w setting with the cut master switch.

krusty

August 2nd, 2011, 05:21 PM

After selling my Express 5:25 last year, I've been searching for a new blues/rock amp. A good deal just came up on a Triaxis, so I picked it up. The search for an amp was relatively short, and I picked up a used 2:90 cheap that actually came with a warranty. Now comes the hard part; the endless tweaking and trying to comprehend the Triaxis manual.

SpiderWeb

August 2nd, 2011, 05:24 PM

I got a Mesa Mark V Custom (Emerald Green) about two weeks ago...I'm exploring and experimenting...I'm liking it!

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa167/DLeeWebb/humbucker_2158_119588327.jpg

tubelectron

August 3rd, 2011, 09:59 AM

Hi All,

My MKIIA saga comes to end !

I received and installed my EVM12L Black Shadow, and that's it...

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/152405IMG8693.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/474319IMG8695.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/840562IMG8719.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/222157IMG8718.jpg

And no need to modify any tube shield, as it is a narrow arm frame speaker :

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/890081IMG8720.jpg

So I have one amp with 2 cabs instant swap choice : Hardwood & Tolex, each cab having its own speaker and reverb unit.

28Kg in Tolex, 32Kg in Hardwood - Anvils, anyway...

A great alternative to my Fender Squadron, indeed !

Maybe one day I'll found a Boogie chassis...

A+!

gitapik

August 3rd, 2011, 10:30 AM

Beautiful. Congratulations! The speaker's in excellent condition. EV is right. Cool. Amp's in great shape, too. 60/100 switch? How's the sound out of that Back Shadow?

Jeff12Jones

August 3rd, 2011, 01:50 PM

Great to see it all worked out. Sound like you were thinking?

tubelectron

August 3rd, 2011, 03:59 PM

Beautiful. Congratulations! The speaker's in excellent condition. EV is right. Cool. Amp's in great shape, too. 60/100 switch? How's the sound out of that Back Shadow?

Nearly the same as the one I have in the Tolex cab, just a bit more midrangey, just a bit less bass, that I rely on the fact that the Tolex EVM is older and so suitably broken-up, conversely to the Black Shadow, which seems to have been more barely used. I use them both in the 8 ohms 100W position, and I don't think that the difference between the 2 speakers is much obvious, though. Nonetheless the EVM12L is a killing speaker : efficiency, tone, headroom (but maybe the C12K would be a serious challenger, gitapik ?). I wouldn't go back to the ALTEC 417-8H that I borrowed for a trial...

Great to see it all worked out. Sound like you were thinking?

Yes, fully. For my 1st Boogie, I am not deceived, both in Rhythm and Lead. And let me say that it's difficult when you are used for years to pilot a Silverface Fender Squadron from clean to full cranked !

But I must also say that I worked on the chassis nearly one month to debug all the factory misconceptions in that amp, which make it an unacceptable Hum Factory Hiss Generator. Big job, but all those noise problems are tackled now, and the amp cannot compare with its original condition - except for the sound, which was already good, but is even fully improved now.

A+!

gitapik

August 4th, 2011, 06:27 AM

Nonetheless the EVM12L is a killing speaker : efficiency, tone, headroom (but maybe the C12K would be a serious challenger, gitapik ?).
That's an interesting question. I used to love the sound of my EVM12L. I avoided changing it for decades...even though it was so heavy.

I really respect the techie who serviced my Mark IIB. He's "been around", as they say. I mentioned the neos and he wasn't impressed. His particular choice for this amp and the varied styles I play was the Jensen C12k...so I went with it. Both for the loss of 10 pounds and his personal endorsement.

It's hard for me to compare, to tell you the truth. The ear is the most fickle of our senses. It compensates and forgets, often. All I know is that the moment I plugged into this new speaker, I just went with the sound and haven't looked back. It's got plenty of headroom, it's very clean and warm in the rhythm channel, and it rips in the lead channel. Takes to all my pedals beautifully. Sounds fantastic at any volume. In fact...that's one area that I think it has an edge over the EVM. I remember not being happy with it in the lead mode at very low volumes with that speaker. The Jensen picks up more of the nuances.

Just my two cents. Obviously I'm into the EVM-12L. I kept it forever. But I'm happy enough with the Jensen C12k that I'm not even considering switching back.

tubelectron

August 5th, 2011, 05:19 AM

It's hard for me to compare, to tell you the truth. The ear is the most fickle of our senses

Ha ! Exactly ! A simple truth that most of the Audiophiles have forgotten, or even never understood... The only way is to instant A/B it, since the ear has no accurate memory. I think I will have to do it as I suspect my 2 EVM12L to have a shight difference in sound, just to check...

Bob Crites, from Crites Audio (long time specialized in restoring and servicing Klipsch speakers) justly says :

Audiophile n. : A person who claims to hear the inaudible.

Annoying Audiophile - a person who claims that others may be trained to hear the inaudible unless they are deaf.

If it tests good and sounds bad, you might be an Audiophile.

if it tests bad and sounds good, you might be an Audiophile.

Nonetheless, I record your advice about the C12K, since I think that it's an interesting speaker. I noticed though that exists a variant : The C12K2, which seems to have a presence peak in the mid-high, increasing its efficiency (?).

A+!

gitapik

August 5th, 2011, 06:16 AM

Nonetheless, I record your advice about the C12K, since I think that it's an interesting speaker. I noticed though that exists a variant : The C12K2, which seems to have a presence peak in the mid-high, increasing its efficiency (?).

Here's Jensen's description:

Jensen Vintage Ceramic Series
C12K
12", 100 watts, 4/8/16 Ω

A real workhorse, heavy on the mids with a solid, straightforward tone. When presented with overdrive distortion it powers through with lows that are bold and heavy.

I like good mids, but don't really notice any huge spike in that area. I do think that the speaker's tendency in that area is what makes it more responsive at a lower volume...but I'm no audiophile (hehhehheh).

The instant A/B is the only way to go. I've been saving for a small "grab and go" amp. I've got this old Peavey Backstage unit from 1980. Solid State. 20 watts. Original Eminence 10" in it. A friend of mine lent me his Peavey Classic 20 to compare. All tube. 20 watts. 10" Celestion.

I couldn't find my A/B pedal. Kept going back and forth, back and forth. The only conclusion I could come up with is that, when set at a "just breaking up sound", the Backstage has absolutely no business sounding as good as it does and the Classic 20 sounds great, too. Both are really nice small amps. But, because of the lack of an A/B pedal, I really can't give an accurate comparison. Still saving for a "great small amp"...but the Backstage keeps making me pause.

Wrong-Note Rod

August 5th, 2011, 09:09 AM

Ha ! Exactly ! A simple truth that most of the Audiophiles have forgotten, or even never understood... The only way is to instant A/B it, since the ear has no accurate memory. I think I will have to do it as I suspect my 2 EVM12L to have a shight difference in sound, just to check...

There is a way, if you have the means... I often do this, especially if I'm switching around something that will take awhile to do.... recordings. Lets say I'm changing a speaker in an amp... I'll set up a mic to it and record a brief bit. Then I'll switch the speaker, get the amp working, then set it up in the same exact place and record it again, using the same settings and the same guitar.

that way you can A/B things at a more leisurely pace.

tubelectron

August 5th, 2011, 10:43 AM

There is a way, if you have the means... I often do this, especially if I'm switching around something that will take awhile to do.... recordings. Lets say I'm changing a speaker in an amp... I'll set up a mic to it and record a brief bit. Then I'll switch the speaker, get the amp working, then set it up in the same exact place and record it again, using the same settings and the same guitar.

that way you can A/B things at a more leisurely pace.

Yes, indeed... But for the EVM here , I have 2 cabs so I can A/B easily from one to another. Is DEESSER the soft you use for recording ?

I will have to find a simple and cheap (or affordable, at least !) but reliable USB recorder, with a manual volume control, and a manual rec/pause control, as an AMPEX or a REVOX Reel machine has... I had a Backtrack plus Mic LINE6, but I found it was pure junk.

A+!

Wrong-Note Rod

August 8th, 2011, 09:20 AM

Yes, indeed... But for the EVM here , I have 2 cabs so I can A/B easily from one to another. Is DEESSER the soft you use for recording ?

No, I use SONAR, I've got a computer hooked up to my mixer and a soundcard that takes 8 simultaneous live mics. Its easy to just create a new project, hit record and start playing... then come back to it later after I've made the change, and record another track next to the first one.

The interesting thing about doing it this way is, you're totally removed from the guitar and amp and speaker and pedals when you're listening back to the recordings. All you have is the sound of it, not the feel or anything.

tubelectron

August 16th, 2011, 06:38 PM

All you have is the sound of it, not the feel or anything.

That's a fact, indeed... with anything, you can add audio fatigue, difference of hearing between morning and afternoon, etc... It's a way to substract these influences from the recording.

l'Oreille est bonne fille et mauvaise conseillière

I won't go so far in gear, but I think I can go close using a recorder like the Tascam DR-100, recording the guitar signal directly in line in, and after play it through the amp with the same level for doing the tests, for example. The idea is to have the same sample every time, not the feel or anything, or at least the same everytime !

A+!

chabby

August 30th, 2011, 07:29 PM

I love Mesa amps and they are always among the best sounding amps that come through here to play. I hang out with a bunch of guys that we all work on amp projects as a hobby and we all agree. They are built tough and really just over powered Fenders (and better built) these days. The original Boogie was a just a hotrodded Princeton with overblown transformers and 6L6's. They really make a great product to this day and like I said, I've seen the insides of them all at one time, or another. Nothing surpasses the Mesas in production/PCB board type amps that I've peered inside, including today's Bogner, or the old VHT.

But they seem to market toward the rock crowd even though they make amps that can do much anything. I worked on a friends old 50+cal head a while back and was amazed at that amp's beautiful tone. He get's complimented all the time for it when he takes it out to gigs.

Ed P

August 30th, 2011, 07:41 PM

I thought this thread was going to be about John Lee Hooker.

tobin

August 30th, 2011, 07:52 PM

i'm a fan of the subway blues and maverick in particular.

gitapik

August 31st, 2011, 08:13 AM

Wrong-Note Rod

August 31st, 2011, 12:08 PM

I mentioned before that I had an old MkII, which was OK but had some inner-vibration problems.. and I had a Mk4, which had too many knobs for me. I used it for awhile but eventually when I realized it just didnt sound that good unless it could be turned UP and then it was quite loud...

BUT I knew a guy who had the aforementioned .50caliber head, and it did sound very good.

onewhiteduck

October 1st, 2011, 03:42 PM

Just picked up a Mark IV combo - I've barely scratched the surface with it yet, but it's already blowing me away.:cool:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/NikonAV6/Guitar%20pics/Amp%20Effects/MkIV-2.jpg

chabby

October 3rd, 2011, 01:01 PM

Mesa kind of got buried a littler bit with the whole explosion of the boutique amp craze of the last 10 years or so, even with those of us way into the details of amps.

So for me, Mesa has been a rediscovery of sorts to what I already really knew, but had forgotten until the 50+cal head came through. Then almost stumbling onto the F-50 not even really considering a Mesa was just amazing. It was everything I'd been looking for in tone and simplicity, yet just complex enough to be interesting. Finally, also built like a friggin sherman tank. Yes, it has PCB board inside, but by far the toughest ones ever built in amps that I've seen. This amp sounds brand new but with a broken in speaker.

I'll probably do a cap job on it within the next year or two just because.......but it doesn't sound like it needs anything but to be played.

Jared Purdy

November 10th, 2011, 05:12 PM

I just traded my Swart AST Master for a Mesa 112 LSS. It's my second one, so I knew what I was getting into. The Swart was great but I was not that crazy about the by-pass channel, particularly with a LP. When I bought it, I wanted one amp that would work singles and humbuckers, in both channels, but I felt the by-pass mode to be not the tone I was after. The Master mode, is another matter, it is sublime. Another reason I traded it is the volume: it's a loud 20 watts, and I was vetoed by my wife and daughter. It was impossible toplay when they were home and as a result it say there 90% of the time.

The LSS addressed all of the issues: it's got a 5 watt setting for playing later at night, it takes singles and humbuckers equally as well, and in either channel, and it has tone by the bucket full. It feels like an old friend.

ReIgnition

November 11th, 2011, 12:43 AM

Jared Purdy

November 11th, 2011, 08:40 AM

Congrats on the LSS. I kept my little Swart Atom... I love the portability, having said that, my Mark V is and has been my main amp since moving up from a Rect-o-verb. I love so many kinds of music and Mesa's just have extreme versatility.

Well, the Swart Atom is a slightly different (little) beast than the AST Master! And the LSS is definatley not easily portable at 60Lbs. Physically it's smaller than the AST Master, but the weight is another matter. And for that reason, I am considering buying one of his little 5 watt units.

The AST Master was just too loud for my house, and even this morning my wife complained about the volume that I had my LSS on, and that is after I asked her to let me know (last night) if it was too loud!! Do you think she said anything last night?

Anyways, I digress. Yes, I really like having the LSS again. The one that I picked up yesterday is definatly a newer incarnation as it has a tube cage on it, and the one that I bought new last year, did not. The previous owner was the original owner, and from the looks of it it never got played, and it has not blown any tubes or fuses in the time that he has had it (less than a year). I'm knocking on wood!!

When I still had my Swart I hooked them both up to my A/B/Y pedal and I was able to dial in tones so close when the Swart was set to Master mode that if you were to do a blind listening test you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between the LSS's channel 2 and the Swart in Master mode.

Channel 1 on the LSS has got to be one of the best cleans I have ever heard. It's as spongy as my 75 Fender PR. It also has amazing reverb.

It is a very versatile amp with fantastic tone, and I'm still fine-tweaking the controls on channel 2. I'll be able to open it up today to find the tones that I am after. When I get it set, I'm not inclined to move the controls around as I really only play blues and bluesy rock. It works great with a Strat, Tele and LP, in either channel, and that was what I was after: one amp that worked great with all three styles of guitars. I didn't find the Swart did that as well as the LP just didn't work in the by-pass (clean) mode on mine, and unfortunaltey, I can only have so many sizeable amps in my house. My wife will concur.

gitapik

November 11th, 2011, 09:43 AM

Ahh...those other household members. Always raising their voices (because they have to) to be heard. So much of the complaining has to do with the mood of the moment, too.

Congrats on the amp. It's an outstanding one.

I keep saying I'm going to finish our basement and set up down there...but $$$ (or lack thereof) keeps getting in the way. And it's too dusty down there, as is.

I really like the Swart line...but every time I think of getting one, I do a double take because I've got a Mark IIB that just sings. Even at low volumes, when you set it right. Then I say, "yeah...but it's lacking in the high gain department". But some of the pedals that are out there are incredible. Why pay $2000 for a new amp when I can pay $300 for an outstanding distortion/OD?

I'll eventually get a lighter amp...but I'm married to the Boogie, right now. For grab and go, I've got a 1979 Peavey Backstage (20 watts/18lbs) that's surprisingly rockin'. Solid state...but it's so hard to tell when you dial it in right.

chabby

November 11th, 2011, 04:03 PM

Yeah, my f-50 Also has a mute button so I can play into heads phones silently.
Since I live alone I'll never use it, but it's nice to know I can if I ever have a hankerin to plug in on the wee hours of some morning.

What's cool is it sounds great at low level volumes through my MX distortion plus as well. When it's all said and done its about the cleans to me and the F-50 has shimmering cleans.

gitapik

November 14th, 2011, 11:53 PM

Anybody with a IIB had the effects loop modded by Mike in Petaluma?

Stratburst

November 15th, 2011, 12:03 AM

I'll play.

I just got a TA-30, which is doing very well. If I have a complaint it's that it doesn't go into feedback that easy but it sounds incredible nonetheless. Even my wife was blown away. Still trying to find a cabinet for it; I have to convert my Peavey XXL cab from 16 ohm to 4 ohm. It's just a matter of swapping a few wires around, then I'll see how those two components play together.

Not mine, but mine is identical:

http://images.piens.be/mesaboogie/MesaBoogie%20-%20TA-30%20Transatlantic%20Head.jpg

360080

November 19th, 2011, 09:48 AM

Greetings from northern Finland!

Just got me a Blue Angel 1x12 and being eager to get to know her better.
Having my eyes all over the forum to bump into some useful threads for my journey.

Nice to have You all here,
Boogie on,

Samuli

TurboStang

December 12th, 2011, 03:09 PM

Joined the club last week.

Old school (1996) two channel Dual Rectifier. Loving this thing so far.

csadams5

December 21st, 2011, 02:05 AM

I picked up a Dual Rec Roadster head and Avatar 410 cab a couple of weeks ago. I haven't had much time with it yet, but I love what I have heard so far.

JJtele

January 9th, 2012, 07:17 AM

Here's my rack complete with the heart of it all which is my late 2000's mark iv in rack mount chassis. Amazing amp! I'm a boogie man through and through!

speedmusic

January 9th, 2012, 07:33 AM

Great amps, these are mine:
Only two adjustments the .50 was sold two weeks ago and the Blackheart (without logo) will be sold this weekend.

I'm thinking about selling one more, to generate some cash for a Dr. Z Remedy.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K_I2trYUCtM/TpLg1i2zyCI/AAAAAAAAC6w/otADbqJxyg0/s512/P5251154.JPGhttps://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zlN1GL0Mniw/TpLg3lAl4KI/AAAAAAAACms/7Xieo3fo2hg/s512/P5251156.JPG

agraebner

January 9th, 2012, 02:49 PM

I just joined last night... I picked up a pretty nice shape .50 Caliber combo with new tubes. I traded my Peavey classic 50 410 for it even up with original tubes reinstalled. (6 year old amp well used but not abused) Both of us are happy and enjoying our new amps. I am amazed at the over all feel and dynamics of this amp. Its not at all like what I have been told about mesa amps. I can get amazing clean from this thing and I like the over drive but have to turn the guitar almost off to keep from going over the top with it. Any advice on balancing the two channels a little???

paul74

January 20th, 2012, 08:08 AM

Blue Angel 1 x 12 user, acquired 3 months ago in straight trade for Marshall Backbreaker reissue, fabulous reverb, mainly using 6v6 mode at the moment, haven't needed more clout. Had it serviced by Pete Hartley in Sheffield after the reverb died, now resurrected!

Not a pretty hardwood amp but great workhorse.

Textele

February 7th, 2012, 01:46 AM

Just defected fron the Super-Sonic 22 club. Had to return it due to some rattling issues (more than tubes) and possible transformer probs. Otherwise I still think the SS22 is fenders best amp in years, just need to get the kinks out of it because they sound great.

But glad I did because the replacement for the SS 22 was a mint condition used LoneStar Classic. It has been my dream amp for years, and even though I had to shell out quite a bit more cash to swing the deal, I am sooooo glad to finally own this tone machine! Should have just got one of these years ago and been done with it.

chabby

February 11th, 2012, 03:27 PM

The Lonestar is a great amp. My f-50 is similar is I added a couple switches to it, I could tweak it to Lonestar-ishness.

Tip for you TA30 head owners - try pulling two tubes then play it at 15 watts, you can also install a switch to do that on demand, then you can get OD earlier if you want.
Not sure how the OT is plumbed, but if it's got an ohm selector switch just remember the value will be halved. You also might try getting a cab with less beefy wattage, like running it through either a 1x12 or 2x12 V30's or G12h30's or jenson alnicos in 10 or 12 inch at 25 watts or so.

Always remember the single easiest way for a non tech to change tone is with either speakers or tubes. If your cab for the TA30 has too much power, you'll be playing clean at 10 unless there's an OD switch or master. Otherwise, just keep your Ohms right, but lower your speaker wattage for instant breakup. That part of why the 5E3 breaks up so much, because of speaker choice. Want to clean up a 5E3? Rin it through a 1x12 70 watt 8 ohm speaker. Some boutique style 5e3's are coming with ohm selectors switches for convenience and tone choice.

brewsterallen

February 15th, 2012, 09:21 PM

gitapik

February 15th, 2012, 11:48 PM

Just picked up a Mark iia (dom 5/80)mint for a few hundred. My first foray into Boogie-land. I fear this will be a lustful relationship, this might not be the most wanted model. However, it sounds just right to me !

I look at the older Boogies this way:

1) The Lead channel isn't going to have the thick, creamy gain that the Mark IIC, C+, III, etc have. That style wasn't popular at the time they were built. But the overdriven sounds that it does do, it does very, very well. Not just Santana, either. Blues, rock, country, country rock, jazz, etc.

2) Most importantly: the clean tones are absolutely fantastic. I love high gain amps, but for my purposes, the clean tone is where it's at. Everything else can be built from that. (Unless you're not into the clean tones, of course).

Congrats on your new amp. Got a picture?

gitapik

March 21st, 2012, 11:57 PM

OK...I think I've finally got this figured out.

I came back to the electric after a very long solo acoustic trek. While reacquainting myself with my Mark IIB, I read posts and articles about a little known feature, unique to the IIA and IIB: "Gain on the fly".

I could get this feature by hooking up a volume pedal to the "preamp to power amp junction", underneath the amp, and then to the "Send" input for the effects loop, in back (on the IIB...see the link below for the IIA). I tried this, but had no luck. To my ear, what I got was a great volume pedal, but not what I considered to be "gain on the fly".

Tonight I checked out this link:

http://thegenerationofmusic.wordpress.com/

After reading his explanation and then listening to his playing, I now think that my confusion has been a matter of semantics. By "gain on the fly", I thought this meant I could begin with a completely clean signal and, as I pushed the volume pedal down, hear an increase in the OD/Distortion until, with the pedal fully depressed, I was getting the Lead Drive at 10. This, for me, would be GREAT!

This, to my ear, isn't actually the case. The key feature to this configuration (which, btw, doesn't require the hookup to the "Send" input...just one cable from the junction to the volume pedal does the trick) (on the IIB, at least) is that the tone of the amp stays the same, regardless of volume. When we use the guitar's volume pot, we lose treble and nuance when we turn it down. "Cleaning up" the distortion tone, etc. The "Gain on the fly" feature allows you to maintain that tone, regardless of volume. I remember that it was a selling point of the amp, when it first came out.

I had called Mike B at Mesa about this, and he thought that was what it was about, as well. He also asked whether I noticed a sudden "shift" in volume with the volume pedal and I did. He said this was normal...and not the greatest thing in the world. However: in the link, above, I don't hear that volume spike. I'm wondering if I get it because I'm using a cheap Boss volume pedal or maybe because I use single coils? Or both? Or maybe it should be a powered volume pedal. Mine's passive. I don't know...but I'd like to find out.

Anyway: I'm very interested in hearing comments about this. As is, I think that this feature is one that fell between the cracks over the years. It was a big deal when the amp first came out. Very cool to be able to have that dirt stay the same from high to low volume. Then, if you wanted to back off on the distortion, you used the guitar's volume knob instead of the volume pedal.

wildschwein

March 25th, 2012, 08:57 AM

1x12 Mesa Rocket 44 owner - a pretty versatile little amp with a lot of volume on tap. The Contour Channel is absolutely awesome. Owned the Calibre 50+ combo for a few years and that was a nice amp too.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj305/sublime113/Rocket44.jpg

ShawnFFS

March 25th, 2012, 09:09 AM

I am rocking this baby for since 2008! It's built like a tank, I never want to get rid of this amp! Perfect for gigs since his size make it travel wise. When it get heat up good after 20 min or so it's a total Beast! You got the a/b selection switch on the back which I love sticking it to A. The only inconvenient with this Baby, the gain is controlling the overdrive channel which make it hard to get a heavy sound without ajusting the gain again when switching. I found my solution using Pedals and using clean channel which is totally working for me. I use the overdrive channel if I am looking for a 80's punk distortion sound ( you need pedals to get your sound if metal is your thing). The E.Q. is good since you got bypass/auto/and E.Q. in as option. I pay 800$ used and I am not dissapointed either I feel cheated. I will hold on to it forever if possible. It is trully a Vintage amp with a tone that is Mesa Boogie. You need ear condoms after you pass 1.5 volume knob. It is a Part of my SpaceShip.

-Shawn Wilson

ShawnFFS

March 25th, 2012, 09:11 AM

1x12 Mesa Rocket 44 owner - a pretty versatile little amp with a lot of volume on tap. The Contour Channel is absolutely awesome. Owned the Calibre 50+ combo for a few years too and that was a nice amp too.
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj305/sublime113/Rocket44.jpg

What Tubes you got in there and how many?

gitapik

March 25th, 2012, 10:34 AM

wildschwein

March 25th, 2012, 11:01 PM

What Tubes you got in there and how many?

At present it has 3 JJ 12ax7s and 1 Tung Sol 12ax7 in the front end and 4 Valve Art EL84s in the power section - puts out about 45 watts according to Mesa. I've had JJ power tubes in there before too and they sounded a bit beefier than the Valve Arts.

wildschwein

March 25th, 2012, 11:08 PM

You talking about the Rocket 44, here? How much does it weigh? I'm looking for a grab and go as an alternative to my IIB.

Not sure if the person in your quote is talking Rocket 44 but it weighs about 20 kgs and is probably as small as a 1x12 combo can be. I picked it up because it was the most powerful and versatile combo in a light weight package I could find. I'm actually really happy with it. It easily keeps up with my bandmate's JVM410 100 watt Marshall half stack and it goes from reasonably spanky-type cleans to Zeppelin to all-out '80s Hard Rock. The reverb is pretty weak but I'm using the reverb (along with delay) in my Boss RE-20 Space Echo through the loop for that now anyway. Here's all the advertising from Mesa:
http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Out_of%20_Production/Subway_Series/Rocket_44/rocket_44.html

gitapik

March 26th, 2012, 11:50 AM

Not sure if the person in your quote is talking Rocket 44 but it weighs about 20 kgs and is probably as small as a 1x12 combo can be. I picked it up because it was the most powerful and versatile combo in a light weight package I could find. I'm actually really happy with it. It easily keeps up with my bandmate's JVM410 100 watt Marshall half stack and it goes from reasonably spanky-type cleans to Zeppelin to all-out '80s Hard Rock. The reverb is pretty weak but I'm using the reverb (along with delay) in my Boss RE-20 Space Echo through the loop for that now anyway. Here's all the advertising from Mesa:
http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Out_of%20_Production/Subway_Series/Rocket_44/rocket_44.html
:cool:Thanks

gitapik

May 28th, 2012, 05:57 PM

I put this up in Amp Central Station. Now it's here:

I've had my IIB since it was built. It's a great amp. My only 2 knocks on it:

1) The pop when you go between Lead and Clean modes. I get around that by blunting the strings.

2) You really have to dial down the bass or it gets muddy. Especially in the Lead drive. That's where the 5 band EQ became essential to me. I'd have the bass at around 3 for cleans and then kick in the EQ along with the Lead drive to give it that extra bite.

I always thought the EQ was essential because of that second problem. But I'm not one to be proud when I find out something new. I just saw this post on The Boogie Board. The guy included a picture of the original owners manual. I have mine, still...but it does not include this page of suggested settings.

They're really nice settings that can be tweaked for your particular guitar/pups, ets. But what's so cool about it is the use of the Presence knob in the back. I've always pretty much left mine at 5 and forgotten about it. Now, I'm sure there are many of you who know about the effectiveness of this control...but I didn't, and for any of you out there who don't know, either:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/guitapick/Screenshot2012-05-28at112238AM.png

What a difference! I mean...seriously so. Frees up the EQ for completely other sounds, a boost, or whatever. I'm so happy I found out about this!

BTW: I've swapped the original EVM12L for a Jensen C12k and am loving it.

rebelwoclue

July 10th, 2012, 10:47 AM

Hi Boogie owners- I have a great dilema...
I've got $500 to spend and have found some used Boogie combos.
Heartbreaker 2-12 or a DC-5 1-12? Both in excellent condition.
Which one should I buy?
I play country/rock.
Thanks

jmontgomery

July 12th, 2012, 09:06 AM

Platefire

July 13th, 2012, 01:36 AM

My Boogie is kin to the Rocket 44 in post #231, except mine is a Rocket 440.
The 440 is a 4-10 cab with 4-EL84 power tubes and also has a Tremolo.
This amp came to me through a musician buddy of mine who buys and sells a lot of equipment. He kept calling me about this amp because he wanted to move it to buy another piece of equipment he was lusting after. He kept calling and lowering the price. When he lowered it to $200.00 I couldn't resist any longer. I figured as an inventment and I could more than get my money back. He had already told me the reverb didn't work and when I picked it up he handed the little reverb tank to me in a plastic storage bag.

After playing this amp just a little while I no longer wanted to sell it at a profit and claimed it as my own. I was soon on the phone with accutronics and got them to make a special full size reverb tank that I mounted in the bottom of cab to replace the previous broken chassis mounted midi reverb tank. I used the connectors to the board from the old tank to connect to rear mounted RCA female jacks and ran new RCA cables to the new tank. Works fine. I've had it three years and still use it as my main amp at Church--even thought I'm a DYI tube amp builder-use a factory manufactured amp:>). The thing is to heavy to move around, so it just sits at Church 24-7 but gets plenty of action--we have a lively Church.

BTW-These picture was taken before I installed the new RCA's for the reverb tank

rebelwoclue

July 13th, 2012, 07:13 AM