Mesa Mini Rectifier... a good Rectifier?

[avaxhome13]

Hello from Spain! This is my first post

I'm toying with the idea of buying a Mesa Mini Rectifier. I play mainly metal (early 90's thrash metal, death metal, ...) and i always wanted a Rectifier.

I have a small studio in my house, so i don't need a 100 watt head, and the Mini, being 25 watt would fit the bill nicely (50 watt would be the max).

But... with so many Rectos and versions available (Single, Dual, Triple, Tremoverb, version 1/2, 3-channel), and some being regarded as some of the best Rectos (Tremoverb for instance), i was wondering:

Is the Mini a good Recto head? I mean, is it a good representation of what a good Rectifier sounds or should i look for another Recto (used, for instance)? I can get a Single Recto, version 2, for less cash. Should i get this instead, would i get a better sounding Recto with this Single, or is the Mini a very nice Recto head by itself?

I plan to get this cab: http://www.thomann.de/es/harley_benton_g212_vintage.htm (a 2x12 cab, Vintage 30s)

Thanks!

 

[SonVolt]

Hello from Spain! This is my first post

I'm toying with the idea of buying a Mesa Mini Rectifier. I play mainly metal (early 90's thrash metal, death metal, ...) and i always wanted a Rectifier.

I have a small studio in my house, so i don't need a 100 watt head, and the Mini, being 25 watt would fit the bill nicely (50 watt would be the max).

But... with so many Rectos and versions available (Single, Dual, Triple, Tremoverb, version 1/2, 3-channel), and some being regarded as some of the best Rectos (Tremoverb for instance), i was wondering:

Is the Mini a good Recto head? I mean, is it a good representation of what a good Rectifier sounds or should i look for another Recto (used, for instance)? I can get a Single Recto, version 2, for less cash. Should i get this instead, would i get a better sounding Recto with this Single, or is the Mini a very nice Recto head by itself?

I plan to get this cab: http://www.thomann.de/es/harley_benton_g212_vintage.htm (a 2x12 cab, Vintage 30s)

Thanks!

The Mini is based on the new MultiWatt Rectos which have better cleans and tighter distortion. I would get a Mini if you're not want something extremely loud.

 

[elvis]

Many of us like the Mini, but everything is about personal taste. What people consider "best" in anything is very subjective.

In my experience the Mini is capable of a VERY wide range of tones. It is also VERY dependent on the speaker cab, so if you can't get what you want, it may be more due to the cab than the Mini. I would recommend trying a few cabs before buying one. I went through a number of 1x12, plus both horizontal and vertical 2x12 recto cabs.

 

[KiwiJoe]

I just got a Mini and am extremely happy with it. Like Elvis said, though, tone is such a subjective thing. I play a mix of blues, classic rock, jazz and fusion. The tone I like is more along the lines of Larry Carlton, Santana, and Warren Haynes - I like a big, round tone with mucho sustain for soloing; clear, crisp cleans for fat chords, and a nice, brown crunch for everything in between. For me, the Mini Recto gets all that done for me. I'm still experimenting with it because the tone controls are very responsive, and slight adjustments not only in gain and master but in treble, presence, bass, and mid make a BIG difference. I use a chorus and delay in the effects loop and a wah between the guitar and the head, but no outside distortion pedals, just the amp (I mean, that's why I got a Boogie!). I keep a log of settings (copying those blanks in the owner's manual come in real handy).

I've had the amp out twice, once at a small pub for a blues jam, and the other at a private party/jam playing outside under a covered porch. With a single Recto cab with the 1X12 V30 I had no problem cutting through in either venue, and I stayed mostly on the 10 watt setting. By the end of the night I had found a nice Mark I-ish tone that I was very excited about!

From the demos I've seen on YouTube and at the MESA website, it seems like this little thing can just about do it all.

Your mileage may vary, but for me the Mini does it.