New Member Asks: What Guitar for DC-2?

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blackscot

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My humble submittal is pictured below -- the small, simple, and long ago discontinued DC-2. Bought it new 11 years ago. It is my only Mesa, and until recently was my only amp of any kind until joined by a Fender Blues Junior just a couple of months ago (more on this below). Use is strictly for amateur/hobbyist home studio unwinding-after-work activity.

I originally bought the DC-2 to go with a Les Paul, which although beautiful and sounded great through the amp, came to feel so heavy to me over time (I have some muscle-scar tissue from an injury to my neck and shoulder) that I just couldn’t get comfortable enough to bond with it, which finally got sold a few years back. Since then I’ve been using the Mesa mostly with a Strat, but which never really found its full and true voice until recently putting it through a Fender Blues Junior, where it now resides full-time.

I still like many aspects of the DC-2 and fully intend to keep it, but am wondering what guitar should I pair it with. From a few posts on other boards, I’ve learned of their being a somewhat unique history behind Mesa Boogie and PRS guitars, and many have recommended that I must get a PRS for my DC-2 to fulfill its true destiny. Others have argued differently, including some defending the Gibson SG, which I also have a distinct leaning toward. Maybe something else would be best. Who else here has a DC-2, and what are you playing through it?

My playing styles are somewhat diverse, and tones run nearly the full range from sparkly/chimey cleans to moderate bluesy distortion, stadium-lead overdrive, and fat crunch. The DC-2 will do almost all of this without even a single added effect, other than the clean mode with the Strat, which comes out kind of flat compared to the sparkliness of the Blues Junior. For diversity's sake, I'm thinking that whatever guitar gets paired with the Mesa should probably have humbuckers. A set neck and mahogany construction would also seem to make sense.

So what guitar do you think should become the newest, bestest friend of the little fella pictured below? (P.S. I'm thinking he's starting to feel a little neglected.... :( )

with_DC-2-1.jpg
 
if you liked the tone of the LP but the weight was argrivatint then i would look into an ESP/LTD Viper. They are basically a bigger copy of an SG. They have a pretty thick body and have a very LP-ish tone with the right pick-ups but are nowhere near the weight. My brother had one with EMG's and it was just as fat and huge sounding as my LPC with EMGs with half the weight.
 
Thanks for the steer.

I've handled a few SG's and really like the feel: wafer thin. I realize this won't give the same sound as an LP though.

I'm mostly trying to find something to best bring out the qualities of the amp (without putting me into back surgery!).
 
Well the vipers are a bit thicker than the Gibson SG. They are actually a pretty beefy guitar but they don't weigh a ton like the LP's do. Head to your nearest guitar center or LTD dealer and give one a test run. They are killer guitars.
 
I cannot remember what power tubes the DC-2 has but I take the guess that it has a couple of EL-84.
Have you tried a Telecaster or an SG with P-90's?
 
igfraso said:
I cannot remember what power tubes the DC-2 has but I take the guess that it has a couple of EL-84.
Have you tried a Telecaster or an SG with P-90's?

Correct, two EL-84's for power. (Pre is six 12AX7's.)

As earlier indicated, the SG is being considered. I particularly liked the feel of a 61 reissue I fondled at GC -- just kind of hung in my arms with a certain rightness. I remember my Strat giving that impression when I bought it (10 years ago). There is something to be said for karma.
 
What kind of strap do you use? Have you tried those really wide soft leather ones? I find it makes a huge difference in comfort especially with a Les Paul.
 
MikeK said:
What kind of strap do you use? Have you tried those really wide soft leather ones? I find it makes a huge difference in comfort especially with a Les Paul.

Yeah, I early-on got a very nice, top-of-the-line leather strap. Really wide and well cushioned, it did improve a lot over the typical web thing I started with, but not enough. Ultimately, the weight itself was just too much, even when spread out as much as possible. Strap got sold with the LP.
 
Hey Blackscot. I use to play nothing but Les Pauls until the weight finally caused me to look for something else. Though I don't have a shoulder injury I still found that after awhile my shoulder was soar under the strap. Short story, for thick mahogany humbucker sounds I really enjoy my Dean USA Hardtail and PRS Custom 24. Both set necks and much lighter than the LP Custom I had but with great tone and sustain. My main amp is a DC-10 and it uses 6L6 power tubes where I think the DC-2 uses EL84. I have a Ampeg 15 watt amp with EL84's and my guitars sound great there as well though very different from the Boogie.
 
How long since you retubed your amp. A new set of JJs may surprise you with the difference in tone you will get from your amp. Cheaper than getting a new guitar.
 
MJ Slaughter said:
.....for thick mahogany humbucker sounds I really enjoy my .....PRS Custom 24.....

Another vote for PRS ! ! !

Hobo said:
How long since you retubed your amp......

I just did a full switch-out. Did clean-up considerably, but of course didn't change the basic character of the instrument.
 

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