Recommend me a Boogie (WTB sometime)

[groovetuber]

I wasn't really sure where to make this thread, but I would like to start looking at some Mesas. I currently have a JCM-900, and I'm not so sure I'm gonna be able to get out of it what I am looking for in tone. I am basically lookinf for something that is very versatile. The kind of stuff that I play is a combnation of jam band music (phish) with heavier influences (buckethead/dream theater/metallica) added in. I am looking for something smooth and tight. I guess I'm not the greatest describer for exactly what I'm looking for, but once I hear it, I'll know it. Anyway, if any of you cold be so kind to point me in the direction of some Mesas to check out I would really appreciate it.






P.S. Just to be clear, I am not trying to replicate anyone's tone, but I wanted to give a general idea of the type of sound I am looking for.

 

[Areola]

Rectos are pretty damn versatile

Try and locate a 2 channel (1996 or earlier) Dual Rectifier. However the newer, 3 channel ones have more variety. I just think the older ones sound better. I do own both kinds.

 

[groovetuber]

Ok, cool, that'll be a good start. Thanks!

 

[groovetuber]

Any other suggestions for versatile Boogies to check out? Thanks in advance.

 

[Brewski]

The most versatile Boogie is a Road King, it has both great cleans and great gain. It's part of the Dual Rec family although you can dial between 6L6 tubes and EL34's. This is their top of the line amp.

If you like the 6L6 sound, then you might want to look at a Roadster. Both of these amps have nice cleans as well as great gain channels.

If you like a more Brit sounding amp, you might look at the Stiletto.

Otherwise, a Dual Rec is a great choice.

 

[groovetuber]

Obviously the price difference between a Dual Rec and the Roadster or Road King are pretty significant. For the type of music I play (Again, Jam and metal, sometimes needing more of a jammy tone and sometimes an all out metal tone, and most of the time a combinaton of the 2), What would be the best option? I'm not too worried about cost, I just want to find the amp that is gonna give me plenty of versatility. Would a Dual Rec be enough? Or would a Roadster or Road King be more ideal. I mean, you sort of answered that question, but I'll ask again for clarification, heh.

 

[Brewski]

Sounds like the dual rec should cover what you're looking for. If you get a chance, play a few of them and let your ears help guide you. All the best on whichever way you decide to go.

 

[groovetuber]

Another quick question I have is would a Roadster or a series 1 RK be better? I am kinding guessing Roadster because it's the same amp as teh RK 2 w/o prog linkage, and the RK2 cleans were upgraded to the lonestar cleans and other changes were made.

 

[Brewski]

I'd be tempted by a Roadster, if I were to do it all over again, because of the upgrades on the Reverb and The Lonestar cleans. The Roadster combo is a closed back design that will give you more bottom end and more focused sound.

I currently have a Road King series 1 head with an open back 2x12 that I purchased used, of course, right before the Roadster or series 2 RK was announced. It is still an outstanding sounding amp and I have no complaints overall. Ok well except that it's heavy. The head weighs somewhere around 69 pounds or so.