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NMBD: Mesa Boogie Express 5:50+ Head


tsp17

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Posted

I've had it for 24 hours now so i've only scratched the surface with what it can do, but i'm really impressed and pleased with this amp. Playing it through a front ported/closed back Earcandy 2x12 loaded with two Jensen Neodymium speakers (one Neo 100 and one Tornado). I've got an Eminence Deltalite ii 2512 on the way that I'll probably slide in there later this week (Deltalite is a great speaker BTW - I hear that some folks are even using them as an EVM12L substitute - I use it in my 1x12 cab and love it).

 

Very well made, and exhibits solid quality throughout. Inspires a lot of confidence about its overall build, longevity and reliability. After a day of play time, I'd say it is probably the one of the best sounding and definitely most usefully versatile amp I've ever owned; I'm pretty happy about that. I understand that the Express line is Mesa's entry level amp, so I can only imagine how good the higher end stuff must sound. Maybe even more versatile or more wattage, but hard to imagine them sounding a lot better, especially for an amateur hobbiest.

 

The 6L6 cleans are very detailed and warm once you find the right tone settings, even at the 5 watt setting. A little mid-rangy for me at a neutral setting, so with a little tweaking, but not much, I easily found nice, big and fat round sounds; absolutely tight and clean enough for jazz or bright enough for funk.

 

I'm not much of a high gain guy, so I'm surprised at how useful the Burn channel is, especially at low volume and low gain. Tons of sustain and clarity, with just the right amount of hair. Was able to dial in a passable Santana-like sound here. I had read that the Blues channel was better for this approximation, but in order to get the sustain I wanted at lower volume, Burn does the trick. Given all the tonal possibilities I don't think i'll need to put any drive pedals in front of it to get the basic driven tones I like. Pretty simple once you get the hang of it.

 

I'm also more of a plug and play guy, so I was little unclear about all the bells and whistles common to Mesa amps, but I'm getting the hang of the EQ section, channel switching, boost, etc. It has less gadgetry than the higher end Mesas, but more than enough for me.

 

In all settings I've tried over the last 24 hours, this amp's voice is big, detailed and clear. I love the 5-25-50 watt options and the 2 and 25 Class A setting sound awesome. So nice to get tube saturation and drive at fairly low volume. 25 watts has tons of beautiful space and headroom and at 50 watts it is especially pristine and shimmering. I'm glad i opted for the 5:50 with 6L6. I don't think I'll ever feel like i'm missing my '65 Twin Reverb Reissue again. I'll get my fix here in a much more manageable and versatile package.

 

More to come, but first impressions are excellent. If i get my act tougher i'll try to record some clips. Haven't done any recording for a long time, so that'll take some re-learning for this humble luddite.

Posted

I was on vacation in Florida and almost bought one of these at a great price, but the guy pulled out at the last minute. Two weeks later he emails me again and says he's interested in selling again, meanwhile I'm 1000 miles away. Craigslist deals are the worst.

 

Glad to hear you're enjoying it. I'm jealous

Posted

Sounds like you've found your soul-mate amp!!

definitely possible!...finding more good sounds as i go.

 

man - it is loud! super fun to play with this kind of power and girth again (for me at least- not so much for my wife, but she's a great sport and says she doesn't mind).

 

i hope my ears clear before my gig tonight.

Posted

Being an owner of the combo version I thought you were going to like it. Best of luck at your first gig with it, think the boys will like it!

Posted

I have posted several photos of my Seafoam rig of this exact amp. The honeymoon is still not over. I fall more in love with it every time I play. I don't have amp GAS anymore and I stopped looking for tone. I found it, the amp is amazingly versatile, I have had it for at least a few months, I haven't scratched the surface of tonal possibility. Last amp I will own. Period. I LOVE IT!!!!

Posted

I have posted several photos of my Seafoam rig of this exact amp. The honeymoon is still not over. I fall more in love with it every time I play. I don't have amp GAS anymore and I stopped looking for tone. I found it, the amp is amazingly versatile, I have had it for at least a few months, I haven't scratched the surface of tonal possibility. Last amp I will own. Period. I LOVE IT!!!!

maybe for me too. still getting to know it...

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