Best Low Volume Clean Tone

[rlejr]

I have a subjective question I hope you can help with.

I am looking for a small 112 or 110 combo amp for use with my band. I will use an overdrive pedal and rack effects in front of the clean channel with the amp I choose. So I don't need a lot of amp features and channel control. The stage volumes tend to be low in a small venue. I'm looking for the best choice to give me live, punchy and vibrant clean Mesa tones at low levels.

I have generally narrowed the field down to the Express 5:25, F30, Rocket 44 or Subway Rocket Combo. I've done lots of review research, but haven't found a clear winner. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to audition each one in person.

Based on the above, do you have any recommendations/opinions regarding the models I mention or others I may not have considered?

 

[specialed]

I think you should consider an Electra-Dyne. Check out the vids on youtube. I personally think it's the best Mesa clean tone ever, and you get a couple of extra modes to boot. I own the head version but the 1X12 sounds as large and punchy as mine does through a 2X12 recto cab. You should really play through an amp with your gear before plunking down that kind of money though. I would never buy an amp based on reviews.

 

[rlejr]

Specialed....I'm with you on the Electra Dyne. I listened to the demos and read the press earlier today. From the demos is does sound/look incredible. I'm choking on the $1700 price tag though. I won't buy an amp without hearing it 1st if at all possible. I've owned an F30, but never really evaluated it in the low volume application I need. The other models I was considering can be had for a lot less money, thus my interest.

Thanks for the reply..............

 

[TimeSignature]

If money is an issue: F30, F50 or one of the DC's. You can score those all for around $500 - 700 each depending on condition.

Spend a little more cash... and go with the Boogie Express!

Im with you, I'd pass on the ED @ $1700.

If you are not dead set on Boogie's there are a lot of options out there....

 

[babow2]

For best low volume clean tone, I'd vote for the Express from the list you provided. Mesa's clean tones really evolved through the Lonestar "era" and they seem to be incorporating their newer clean vibe in more and more newer amps (even the Road King and Roadstar). The Express is promoted as having such cleans. I had an Express 5:50 for a bit and it did have a really nice clean tone. My personal feeling is that the DC and F series amps didn't have as nice of clean tones and were a little more grindy and high gain market targeted. The cleans were more styled for modern clean tones, less vintage-y. My opinion is that the Express is designed more towards vintage-y clean tones.

FYI, I have owned the Express, a Lonestar, Nomad, Road King, Heartbreaker, Marks of all sorts. For LOW volume, the express has the 5 watt option as an added bonus. However, my vote would be for the Express clean tones from your list, if you can't afford an Electradyne right now.

 

[creekhed]

I've owned an Express, a Lonestar Classic and I JUST bought an Electra Dyne.
***IF*** you can afford it COMFORTABLY my suggestion is the ED (Followed closely by the LSC and the Express coming in 3rd.)

A + for the LSC is it's 10Watt mode which would come in handy in the Low Volume dept.

 

[boogietone]

I have a DC-5, had a MKIVa and MKIVb and a MKIII. DC's do have nice clean tones.
MKIV's have an okay clean but I really enjoyed the MKIII's cleans the most out of the
Mesa amps I've owned.

 

[ryjan]

Since you say you are using od's and effects I dont think the extra cost of the ED is justified. The 5.25 is the only Boogie (I believe) that is currently available as a 1x10 combo, has a great clean, and is switchable to 5 watts. Not to mention that you will be able to find used ones that are a lot newer than an amp that has been out of production for 10 years. Just my $.02

 

[kfinkel1966]

I originally purchased the Express 5:25 (with the 12) and will admit that it does have a great clean sound. However, even in 5 watt mode it was still pretty loud and it seemed like a daily struggle for me to dial in tones that I liked. I traded it in and ended up with the Electra Dyne. I think the cleans are even better than the Express and the re-verb is much, much better -plus I can get those tones at a lower volume than I could with the express. (I know - I can't explain it either. I have no idea why the 45 watts sounds better at lower volumes than 5, but with this amp it just does) Add in the other two modes, and it is definitely worth the additional 400 bucks that it cost me to upgrade. I am just giddy with the tone I am getting out of this thing. I have seen a few pop up on Flea Bay for around 1300 or so - so keep your eyes peeled. This is one piece of gear I doubt I would ever want to part with.

 

[Monsta-Tone]

If you use pedals and want stellar cleans at low volumes, I would get a Blue Angel!
I like it way more than either of the Lonestars, and I've owned both!

DC-3 has nice cleans too!

 

[wilerty]

Just for headroom, I would go for the 5:50 over the 5:25. Definately get the 12" speaker. ED would be my first choice of a Boogie. There are many other great clean amps though ...