heritagefan7 Posted January 16, 2014 Posted January 16, 2014 I'm working on putting together a rig that I plan on having for a while. I have really liked the Mesa Lonestar tones...I have a vox modeling amp and will prob move to tube---Diversity is the key for me as I will be playing reggae--classic rock--jazzish stuff and probably some harder edge feeling things as well....Mesa's aren't easy on the wallet it seems. I'd love other suggestions or affirmations of the mesa!
Gitfiddler Posted January 16, 2014 Posted January 16, 2014 You can't go wrong with the new Mark V...but if you are looking for something similar and at a much better price point, check out a used Mark IV. If weight is an issue, they come in a head/cab version which is easier to get around. The three channels on the Mark IV and V make them perfect for many genres.
AP515 Posted January 16, 2014 Posted January 16, 2014 When you say Lone Star, do you mean the Classic or the Special? The Classic has 6L6's and the Special has EL84's. Both have a great reputaion, but they do sound different. I have the Lone Star Classic 2x12 (it is called the classic because it was first and they needed to differentiate between the special when it came out), and it is by far the best sounding amp I have owned. Very versatile. Can get everything but metal out of it. I will say that the more gain you put on the dirty channel the more "fuzzy" it becomes, but it will get way past classic rock before that happens. Takes pedals well. I love mine.
Thundersteel Posted January 16, 2014 Posted January 16, 2014 I've got the Special, and you CAN get metal tones out of it. I've got the 1X12, but sometimes I connect it to my 2X12 cab.
Guest HRB853370 Posted January 16, 2014 Posted January 16, 2014 I'm working on putting together a rig that I plan on having for a while. I have really liked the Mesa Lonestar tones...I have a vox modeling amp and will prob move to tube---Diversity is the key for me as I will be playing reggae--classic rock--jazzish stuff and probably some harder edge feeling things as well....Mesa's aren't easy on the wallet it seems. I'd love other suggestions or affirmations of the mesa! Wow, can't believe it and you are correct, Mesa Boogie is proud of their stuff and their prices reflect that very much. I bid on an Express 5:50 that was NOS on Ebay and I got outbid at the end. It's tough to pay a grand for an amp.
Kuz Posted January 16, 2014 Posted January 16, 2014 It's tough to pay a grand for an amp. Well, you can take the finest guitar in the world and play it through a POS amp and you will sound like crap. But you can take a Squire and play it through a great amp and sound good. It is only tough spending the money unless you don't want to sound good. Just my opinion....
JeffB Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 Mesa Lone Star is its own thing. You either like it or you dont. Not sure what an alternative is. I havnt found one. Except for other Mesa's. The cleans are good mesa cleans and the gain is Mesa Mk series gain. Ive read threads in different forums where people are asking "mesa LS vs (insert amp)" and It always seems like theyre comparing amps who's only similarities are that they have two channels. I can get big headroom cleans through to early ACDC sounds from the clean channel and then from clean to saturated gain (mk type) on the gain channel. I like my Mesa LS a lot. I do get sick of it and just want to hear a fender after a while. I can cover more ground with my fender and od stomps than I can with the Mesa LS even with stomps. When ever I used the mesa at gigs I felt like I was the boss . Always sounded good with out trying or being too loud. I was always very relaxed and tended to play well. I didnt seem to have to work very hard. I cant explain why this was. Sometimes at home playing the Mesa LS I hate the sound of it. Ive tried selling/trading it a few times now and every time I miss it and want it back. Fortunately, each time the opportunity has come up where Ive been able to trade it back while dumping other gear. I wont trade it again. Theres a mixed review for you. Its not marshally or fendery or anything its very Mesa.
heritagefan7 Posted January 17, 2014 Author Posted January 17, 2014 I'm also checking out the road king--or roadster---I'll have to go used or mortgage the house--but the word I'm getting is "it's the last amp you will ever need."---That's a sales pitch i'm sure, but the reviews are all pretty good. Thoughts on either of these? I want/need vintage sound, but also want to be able to move beyond that in terms of distortion as needed. Road king? Or somebody else out there?---Blackstar possibly? Been playing a Vox modeling amp--will prob sell or trade that---Marshall isn't my thing--
JeffB Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 Yes thats right, both the RK and roadster are the last amps I would ever need. Stop reading the interweb and just try stuff out. The web and advertising promises so much and it can be undone in 2minutes trying the item. I have used the Roadster and its a great amp but despite all the different ways of setting up each channel I couldnt find a sound I would settle on for myself. Lots of great high gain shenanigans and a nice enough clean channel(or two). Just nothing I liked. Great amp though. You have to be the judge of whether its the last amp you would ever need. I dont like the BlackStar range of amps. The Artisans are where I start liking them........................ None of that means anything. Try stuff out and enjoy the process.
H Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 And that's the truth. Tone is a subjective business.
tulk1 Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 I have an LS "Classic" 112 Combo. Serial Number 450, if that makes any difference. It was my main amp for years. The only reason I moved on was weight. If hauling a nearly 100lb amp around doesn't bother you, it's a hard one to beat. Not much else to add that hasn't been covered so far. Except ... it was never meant to be in the Rectifier range of tones. It was created for Blues and Texas Country. Or so the hype went when they first came out. Road King or Roadster? Wow!! Hope you like them knobbies. And have roadies.
smokedtires Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 I have the Blackstar HT60 Stage and it is an amazingly versatile amp, 3 channels. Cleans can stay very clean and very loud if wanted (JAZZ?). Channel 2, think hot rodded Marshall. Channel 3 can do HEAVY with no problem. IMHO, this is a great buy. I paid $50 more for this than my old Orange TT combo, and the Blackstar is way more versatile. I would recommend trying one if you're in the market.
heritagefan7 Posted January 17, 2014 Author Posted January 17, 2014 I'd LOVE to try the Mesa Classic, Roadking, Lone Star, or the Blackstar---prob is there is NO ONE local--w/in hours who carry these. The closes thing I can come to it--is to hope that our local (smaller) GC gets in something used. I am checking out Craigslist---There are some Mesas up for sale right now.... I have been playing a modeling Vox VT50 valvetronic--so the tube thing is gonna be a big jump for me into unknown waters--w/o being able to put my hads or ears on something directly---I'm pretty much blind and deaf---HOWEVER---I'm blessed to be a part of the amazing HOC and have the great benefit of your collected wisdom! I'm looking for diverse---dependable--usable in a variety of settings--and yes, portable. I was a drummer for 25 yrs...Guitarist now for 2-3yrs. I like my Vox, but gonna need more in future w/ idea of playing out--THIS TIME--in front of the kit!
Guest HRB853370 Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 I'm also checking out the road king--or roadster---I'll have to go used or mortgage the house-- Or risk a divorce.......
tulk1 Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 I'd LOVE to try the Mesa Classic, Roadking, Lone Star, or the Blackstar---prob is there is NO ONE local--w/in hours who carry these. The closes thing I can come to it--is to hope that our local (smaller) GC gets in something used. I am checking out Craigslist---There are some Mesas up for sale right now.... I have been playing a modeling Vox VT50 valvetronic--so the tube thing is gonna be a big jump for me into unknown waters--w/o being able to put my hads or ears on something directly---I'm pretty much blind and deaf---HOWEVER---I'm blessed to be a part of the amazing HOC and have the great benefit of your collected wisdom! I'm looking for diverse---dependable--usable in a variety of settings--and yes, portable. I was a drummer for 25 yrs...Guitarist now for 2-3yrs. I like my Vox, but gonna need more in future w/ idea of playing out--THIS TIME--in front of the kit! There are tons and tons of amps that will get you out in front of the kit. Some expensive, some not so expensive. Why not try a few of the amps your GC has in stock? You might find something there, more reasonably priced than a mortgage, that will completely fit the bill for your tube amp experience. Mesa's are great amps ... but not all of them. Fender makes great amps, too. But .. not all of them are either. Don't be blinded by the Mesa-hype. Unless you are just dead set that it has to be a Mesa. I'd suggest trying the Vox line-up, as well. Tony Bruno has designed most of the latter models, or at least had input.
Guest HRB853370 Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 Well, you can take the finest guitar in the world and play it through a POS amp and you will sound like crap. But you can take a Squire and play it through a great amp and sound good. It is only tough spending the money unless you don't want to sound good. Just my opinion.... I do not disagree at all with what you said above, but you totally missed my point John. You CAN get a GREAT sounding amp for under $1000. I will give you an example. I bought a NOS Gibson GA40 RVT for $600 a few years ago. It is a PTP wired amp and it sounds fabulous. Sure you can spend umteen thousand on anything, but that doesn't mean what you get will sound better. The law of diminishing returns does apply.
smokedtires Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 I bought my amp from Sweetwater for the 2yr interest free financing with a 2 year warranty.
Guest HRB853370 Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 I'm working on putting together a rig that I plan on having for a while. I have really liked the Mesa Lonestar tones...I have a vox modeling amp and will prob move to tube---Diversity is the key for me as I will be playing reggae--classic rock--jazzish stuff and probably some harder edge feeling things as well....Mesa's aren't easy on the wallet it seems. I'd love other suggestions or affirmations of the mesa! You probably don't need a 2x12 cab either unless you plan to play out or gig. I would think a 1x12 would suffice as well as around 18-22 watts.
tulk1 Posted January 17, 2014 Posted January 17, 2014 You probably don't need a 2x12 cab either unless you plan to play out or gig. I would think a 1x12 would suffice as well as around 18-22 watts. Just to mention. I gig a 15w amp with a 112 cab. Nearly every weekend.
rjsanders Posted January 18, 2014 Posted January 18, 2014 close friend of mine uses the LS Special mostly, even outdoors. full-time musician gigging, recording, touring, etc., playing any style he can get a gig for. we all consider him one of the top jazz guys hereabouts. loves that amp. has 2 1x12 cabs, if needed, but typically uses only one. heavy, tho. he always uses a nice hand truck/cart thingie.
heritagefan7 Posted January 18, 2014 Author Posted January 18, 2014 looked at Engl---expensive new...found a few older mesas under 1k. Mesa Heartbreaker? wish I could get hands on. CL has a mk IV for 1200...still a chunk!
Yooper Posted January 18, 2014 Posted January 18, 2014 My Mesa DC-5 1x12 does it all. 2x12s are just too heavy if you plan on getting older with your amp.
gpuma Posted January 18, 2014 Posted January 18, 2014 If you are on a budget, another thing you might want to consider id the Mesa single rect 50 W 1x12 combo. I own it and I received a milllion positive feedbacks from people who tried it, also here in the hoc. You currently can find one of these for 700-ish. I played with it at Buddy Guy's Legends, a fairly large venue, and I was not even mic-ed with the master volume at maybe 5 ish. Great cleans, mind blowing boost and anything in between
tulk1 Posted January 18, 2014 Posted January 18, 2014 If you are on a budget, another thing you might want to consider id the Mesa single rect 50 W 1x12 combo. I own it and I received a milllion positive feedbacks from people who tried it, also here in the hoc. You currently can find one of these for 700-ish. I played with it at Buddy Guy's Legends, a fairly large venue, and I was not even mic-ed with the master volume at maybe 5 ish. Great cleans, mind blowing boost and anything in between I played with a drummer that had one. I LOVED that amp. The PUSH on it is every bit a vintage Marshal. Loves pedals. And yeah, 50w can get plenty loud.
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