Mesa's.... no articulation

[Devon8822]

Something I hate with the Mesa is the lack of articulation, when playing fast its just a mess of indistinguishable notes. Though, I love the tone for rhythm, riffs, etc...

Is there any way to get more articulation, for lead work?

Like... my Laney...

 

[willrock]

hmmmm.... turn the gain down?

 

[Sebby123]

Wow really, of all amps mesa can be the most clear espically my mark iv maybe turn down the gain and bass alot...

 

[scottieL]

+1 on turning down the gain. Unlike most amps, mesa don't perform best with everything juiced, they are set up so that settings in the moderate range will produce the best results, and they can be pushed to extremes to taste. From personal experience I can tell you that my mark four is one of the most responsive amps I've ever played. Turning down the volume pot on your guitar will also open up a greater dynamic range. The setting database is a good place to start for getting a better idea of how to dial in your amps.

 

[themisfit138]

I cant say I have had that problem with any Mesa I have owned.

 

[MrMarkIII]

Think of the worst amp imaginable.
Now think of Vai (or Satriani, or Petrucci, etc.) playing through it.
You think their articulation would suffer?
Didn't think so.
So where does articulation reside?

 

[guitarmaster]

:!:

 

[settecorde76]

Sure ! You have to spend more hours with your guitar......................."articulation" is in your hands not in the amp!!!!!!!

I totally agree...a better sound comes through studying a lot and "playing with your ears"; this is the best advice I can give to you. Then your amp and guitar do the rest! :wink:
An amp doesn't make a miracle, it's all in the mind and in the hands...believe it...

 

[Boogie Woogie Man]

Sell the Boogie, it's obviously wasted on you. Keep the Laney.
You just keep believing that Laney has more articulation than Boogies. :lol:

 

[MusicManJP6]

What Mesa amp do you own? What are your settings? Simply stating your 'Mesa' does not have articulation is not enough info to let us help you out - if that is what you are after. If you are just venting and don't want any input then you're on the wrong forum!

While I agree that a good part of one's tone is in the fingers I will also say that a certain amount of articulation and definition is inherent in an amp's base tone. Playing style/technique can either exaggerate this characteristic or mask it. Depends on the player.

 

[Old BF Shred]

Have you been listening to/playing Mesa's with stock Mesa tubes? :?:
That would explain it not sounding up to it's potential! :shock:

Good luck

 

[Lesgoldy]

While I agree that a good part of one's tone is in the fingers I will also say that a certain amount of articulation and definition is inherent in an amp's base tone. Playing style/technique can either exaggerate this characteristic or mask it. Depends on the player.

+1000

Mesa's typically have more articulation than anything, but the best boutique amps made!

 

[mainly]

Have you been listening to/playing Mesa's with stock Mesa tubes? :?:
That would explain it not sounding up to it's potential

Good luck

So what tubes do you recomend ?
I have a mark III and IV

 

[willrock]

Something I hate with the Mesa is the lack of articulation, when playing fast its just a mess of indistinguishable notes. Though, I love the tone for rhythm, riffs, etc...

Is there any way to get more articulation, for lead work?

Like... my Laney...

So, do you think Laney has better articulation ? Please, don't joke...............try a Mark III or Mark IV : it's impossible you can't achieve a good lead tone!!!!!!!!!

Is there any way to get more articulation, for lead work?

Sure ! You have to spend more hours with your guitar......................."articulation" is in your hands not in the amp!!!!!!!

Just a video from youtube recorded with a cheap camera (not mine video)............no articulation ???? :roll:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KiGEzKHH_g&fmt=18

thats me, love that III.. used my old camera to take that clip..

 

[MarkofXlnts]

I max the gain on my Mark IV and turn down the volume knob for more articulation, I don't have any problems using the amp this way.

 

[guitarmaster]

:!:

 

[madryan]

Don't feed the troll guys.

 

[willrock]

thats me, love that III.. used my old camera to take that clip..

My compliments, black dot/black stripe is the rarest . In theory your Mark III should have more output power than a Mark IIC+. Great amp 8)

thanks guitarmaster.. the sad part is, i have to sell this amp, its on the classified section actually.. sad times gotta pay the bills first..

 

[guitarmaster]

:!:

 

[francm]

Something I hate with the Mesa is the lack of articulation, when playing fast its just a mess of indistinguishable notes. Though, I love the tone for rhythm, riffs, etc...

Is there any way to get more articulation, for lead work?

Like... my Laney...

Get a Marshall JCM800, 1959/1987 or DSL