Dual Rectifier Maverick 2x12 combo - the right amp for me?

[morganbressler]

Hey everyone! I am in the process of selling my Mesa Boogie Nomad 100 head and 2x12 rectifier cab (w. vintage 30s), and I'm looking to pick up a combo amp. I also have a smaller solid state amp that I will sell. Basically, I'm replacing 2 amps with 1.

I am looking at a 1994 Mesa Boogie Maverick 2x12 - blonde with brown grill. This amp is 35 class A, so I'm sure it's got plenty of power.

I'm debating between this amp, a rectoverb, or a Fender Deville 4x10. The problem with the Fender is that there are not separate tone controls for each channel - something I LOVED about the Nomad. I loved my Nomad so much, but I needed a combo amp rather than a mini stack, so I think I want to stick with Mesa Boogie.

Now, I'm into playing rock/indy/alternative. I generally use a 52 telecaster reissue, and love that twangy springsteen/tom petty sound. Will I be happier with a Maverick or a Rect-o-verb? I also use a Vox Tonelab SE pedal on occasion, but I also like the pure guitar+amp setup.

What say you experts? I'd love any and all feedback.


PS, I've been playing boogies for years. I had a mid 80s rackmount Mark III, then the nomad, and now hopefully another Mesa.

 

[stymie13]

If you're a Tele player and dig the Bassman and Mesa tones, I couldn't recommend the Maverick more. I used to run humbuckers into a Nomad 55 through a 4-12" for years in a heavy/groove psychedelic band. When that band evolved into more of a funk rock sound, I bought a 4-10" Maverick combo after really wanting an AC30. As soon as I plugged a strat into that thing the whole vibe of the band changed! The bass player started laying it down, the drummer fell right into the pocket, and the singer got loose, cool, and slinky! No kidding!! A strat or a tele into a Maverick is incredibly inspiring in a Tom Petty, Springsteen kind of way. Pick lightly, and it's full, clean bell-tone heaven. Dig in hard and it blooms with the sweetest chime-y breakup. The drive channel is pure liquid boogie, albeit not as fat and juicy as the true Mark sound. I did end up installing beam-blockers on all 4 Jensen AlNiCo speakers though, because the clean channel high-end with single coils could easily pierce armor. And I don't use much treble. I don't know about the factory 2-12" combos but I've run my Maverick into my old 4-12" and a custom deep 2-12" and it really fattens up. Even so, I do seem to prefer the stock 10's for groovy blues/funk/rock. Anyhow, I've seen these things going for well under $1000 in great shape used. Usually in the $7-800 range. Good luck!

 

[Supertgtr]

I own a Maverick, and although i don't gig with it anymore, I know it very well. The 2x12 combo works well. The clean channel can do some amazing things. With a Dyna-comp style compressor pedal, it's AWESOME for rhythm parts. The dirt channel rawks with humbuckers. A bit bright with single coils.
Drawbacks are the FX loop WILL suck your tone. More than any other Mesa amp I've owned. Also, the amp wants to be turned up quite a bit to really breath. Otherwise, it will be lacking some bass.
I would be hesitant to use this amp with any modeling processor in front of it. It's a bit finicky with certain types of pedals.

 

[morganbressler]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm still considering the amp, but I've actually found a Nomad 4x10 a bit closer. Anybody have experience with this amp? Might I like it as much as my 100w 2x12 mini stack?