YellowJacket
Well-known member
I realize this is a tad belated since I picked up the head in Chicago on Saturday Evening but this is the first time in TEN years that I purchased a 'new' guitar head and I probably will not get another one for awhile. I got it used but it is still in showroom condition!
I've been practicing on the amp for a few days here and I totally love it. Some of my favourite features are the excellent clean tone, the excellent crunch / lead tones, and the amazing amount of sounds available from such a simplified design. Of course I say 'simplified' since the circuitry is anything but simple.
So far I like:
Low volume tones (not fizzy and rather Mark-esque)
High gain tones
Blues tones
Clean tones
Crunch tones
Gig volume tones.
45 watt 'classic rock' type tones. (VERY British / cranked power section tube amp sounding)
90 watt 'ballsy' more aggressive tones. (More firm but still awesome)
The list goes on.
Only two complaints so far:
-If this amp had two or three separate EQs with 3 volume (gain) knobs and 3 master (volume) knobs it would have really made this an astounding amplifier. The bandaid solution for this is to set up the guitar pickups for maximum tonal flexibility. It works wonders. If that doesn't work, one can always buy the combo version for clean tones and AB two of them. I suppose that is a workable solution. If I ever track with this thing in the Studio, this problem will disappear there for SURE!!!
-With the UBER high gain, there simply is not the same note separation like there is with something like a Dual Rectifier. For Rhythm tones, I end up rolling back the volume pot a bit to add more clarity to the crunch. Perhaps a boost pedal would solve times when maximum aggression is required and note separation is needed. I don't see myself playing that kind of music for awhile so that point is moot.
In spite of the single control layout, I had a bit of trouble dialing in tones at first. It was tricky to figure out how the controls worked since they interact with one another, just like EVERY Mesa amp. At any rate, I'm figuring out things quickly, even if I have to explore more settings.
I love this amp and I knew this from the first time I tried one at the L&MQ out in Vancouver. (One of the few good ones in Canada) That being said, it is not for everyone. It is not as heavy or high gain as a Recto and it doesn't have that sort of clarity, tightness, or urgency. You can dial in the Electra Dyne to be tighter but it isn't a Mark or a Dual. It is a FANTASTIC rock / blues amp but I would stay away from it if you play heavier styles.
I've been practicing on the amp for a few days here and I totally love it. Some of my favourite features are the excellent clean tone, the excellent crunch / lead tones, and the amazing amount of sounds available from such a simplified design. Of course I say 'simplified' since the circuitry is anything but simple.
So far I like:
Low volume tones (not fizzy and rather Mark-esque)
High gain tones
Blues tones
Clean tones
Crunch tones
Gig volume tones.
45 watt 'classic rock' type tones. (VERY British / cranked power section tube amp sounding)
90 watt 'ballsy' more aggressive tones. (More firm but still awesome)
The list goes on.
Only two complaints so far:
-If this amp had two or three separate EQs with 3 volume (gain) knobs and 3 master (volume) knobs it would have really made this an astounding amplifier. The bandaid solution for this is to set up the guitar pickups for maximum tonal flexibility. It works wonders. If that doesn't work, one can always buy the combo version for clean tones and AB two of them. I suppose that is a workable solution. If I ever track with this thing in the Studio, this problem will disappear there for SURE!!!
-With the UBER high gain, there simply is not the same note separation like there is with something like a Dual Rectifier. For Rhythm tones, I end up rolling back the volume pot a bit to add more clarity to the crunch. Perhaps a boost pedal would solve times when maximum aggression is required and note separation is needed. I don't see myself playing that kind of music for awhile so that point is moot.
In spite of the single control layout, I had a bit of trouble dialing in tones at first. It was tricky to figure out how the controls worked since they interact with one another, just like EVERY Mesa amp. At any rate, I'm figuring out things quickly, even if I have to explore more settings.
I love this amp and I knew this from the first time I tried one at the L&MQ out in Vancouver. (One of the few good ones in Canada) That being said, it is not for everyone. It is not as heavy or high gain as a Recto and it doesn't have that sort of clarity, tightness, or urgency. You can dial in the Electra Dyne to be tighter but it isn't a Mark or a Dual. It is a FANTASTIC rock / blues amp but I would stay away from it if you play heavier styles.
