Roadster, Dual Rectifier or Triple Rectifier

[EVHalen]

I currently own a Marshall tsl 122 combo, but I'm looking into buying an amp that has more gain on it. Lately I've been wanting to buy my first Mesa amp, and I've narrowed it down to the Roadster, Dual Recto and Triple Recto. A few questions...

1. Does the Roadster have the same amount of gain as the Dual and Triple?
2. Is the extra 50 watts in the Triple worth an extra hundred bucks?
3. I want a half stack. So if I got the Roadster, would you recommend a Road King 4x12 or Rectifier 4x12? And what are the differences in sound between the two cabs? (also slanted or straight?)

Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[pokerrules47]

I've owned and played a lot of boogies. The gain is different in the roadster than any other amp I've tried. Your TSL is a HIGH gain amp, so I am not sure what you expect for gain, give us some references. That being said, I truly think mesa amps are a step up from virtually anything marhsall makes right now.

Triple Rects are hard to use because they are so powerful. You need to be playing big shows live, or using them in a very controlled environment to get the most out of them. Sure you can play them quietly and they sound ok, but to really make them rock you need to turn it up.

Duals are basically the same as the roadster without the flexibility. I've heard that the roadster is a "darker" sounding amp than the dual, but I think they are more alike than different. Once you start figuring out the power switching on the roadster is when it really stands apart from the dual. It definitely sounds different in 50w mode.

I would not say that any of these amps have more gain than your tsl, but each one has a different 'voice'. Any amp with more than 4 pre-amp tubes is going to give you some cool high gain sounds. It really depends on your expectations and how much you tweak it. The only way to make sure which amp fulfills those expectations is to try each one of them first.

Remember, rectifiers are known for the "buzz saw" type sound. If you don't like that sound, look elsewhere (mark,express series etc). You can get different sounds out of a rectifier, but it does the buzz saw quite well, it's what it's designed for.

If you play in a cover band, or can't decide on what type of sound you want, get the roadster for sure, it will give you options.

Hope this helps

 

[Elpelotero]

let's start from the beginning:

www.theboogiearchives.com

 

[EVHalen]

Pokerrules47, thanks for the reply! Yes, the Marshall is a high gain amp... to a point. I have the gain knob pegged, and I'd still like a little more especially on the crunch channel. For example, I wish my channel 3 sound was on my channel 2, and that channel 3 would be even heavier. I'll be taking a visit to the Guitar Center soon enough to try out the Boogies.

I'm looking for an amp that can pull off the Rammstein sound or the sound Paramore had on the chorus of "crush crush crush". (But still have a great clean, which I've heard the Roadster has)

Oh, and which cab would you vote for?

 

[pokerrules47]

Find a suitable stomp box.

As for a cab, I don't really know, I haven't used both of those. I like the recto cabs, but only for mic'ing on stage. I use different cabs for different uses.

I use an open back 2x12 when I am rehearsing alone, it's easier to mix in with my PA with backing tracks. I use a closed back 2x12 when jamming with my band. It helps me get some volume control and yet have my amp loud enough so I can get a good groove going. On stage, I prefer 4x12 cabs. V30s sound good to my ears, but I am not all that picky that way.

 

[EVHalen]

Find a suitable stomp box.

As for a cab, I don't really know, I haven't used both of those. I like the recto cabs, but only for mic'ing on stage. I use different cabs for different uses.

I use an open back 2x12 when I am rehearsing alone, it's easier to mix in with my PA with backing tracks. I use a closed back 2x12 when jamming with my band. It helps me get some volume control and yet have my amp loud enough so I can get a good groove going. On stage, I prefer 4x12 cabs. V30s sound good to my ears, but I am not all that picky that way.

I don't think a stomp box would really solve it. I'm searching for an additional, second amp with a heavier sound. And I really like the idea of having the overall output volume knob and solo boost for each channel. Those would be extremely useful.

How would you describe the variac setting? I read that Eddie VanHalen used an amp with a variac when playing Eruption, so I'm just curious as to what it does.

And what are the sound differences between a slanted and straight cab?

 

[fluff191]

The poll isnt fair. It should have a choise between an old Recto and the new one, cause the old one would OWN the Roadster.

 

[pokerrules47]

On the roadster, the setting is called "bold and spongy" and it acts just like it sounds. The spongy setting is a little darker, with a little more sag to it, the bold is brighter and a bit punchier to my ears. I usually use spongy.

 

[EVHalen]

The poll isnt fair. It should have a choise between an old Recto and the new one, cause the old one would OWN the Roadster.

Well, the old 2 channel isn't really an option for me. I need at least 3 channels in an amp. So what's changed since the old ones?

 

[backyardburial]

EV, have you considered your pickups? I thought exactly the same way about my Marshall 900 for years until I got an EMG 707. Then the gain on the amp sounded like how I thought it was supposed to. In saying that tho, since getting a SLX 900 and a Single Recto my gain controls are not even cranked anymore.

 

[fluff191]

Alot has changed in the Rectos since the 2 Channel versions. But if a 2 Channel is not an option, then my vote is for the Roadster. It does a 2 Channel sound very well. The newer 3 Channels have a high end fizz that can not be dialed out. Just generally harsh sounding.

And nothing compares to a Mesa Recto cab. In fact, I would get a Mesa can before you get another amp. I really regret waiting so long to get one. Really changes the entire voicing of any amp for the better. Good luck in your search!

 

[KH Guitar Freak]

Mesa Roadster head thru a Mesa Stiletto 4X12 straight cab... 8)

And your TSL has enough gain at it is...

 

[TheCapstan]

1. The Roadster DOES have the same amount of gain.
2. You’ll never use the extra 50 watts, neither the full 100.
3. The Roadking cab has 2 speakers (black shadow) uncovered, so when you switch to a clean channel, you’ll get the Lonestar sound. the other 2 speakers (vintage 30's) are covered so you’ll still get the tight punchier sound with the other channels.
There’s no difference between the straight or slant cabs.

 

[pokerrules47]

And what are the sound differences between a slanted and straight cab?

None really, a slant back cab gives you a bit better sound dispersion and straight cabs are a little more focused... theoretically speaking.....

 

[Metaltastic]

One thing I can guarantee about slant cabs, though - the speakers sound noticeably different when mounted in the top row vs. the bottom (I actually opened my cab up and switched them around, recording them in each position, to confirm), the bottom row sounds fuller and has more body. Tons of great tones have been recorded with the top speakers in a slant cab, but still, I always prefer to mic one of the bottoms on my Recto cab (and thus I put the cab up on a coffee table or something to minimize reflections from the floor). So with a straight cab, you have the benefit of getting a great full sound from mic'ing any of the 4 speakers, but with a slant cab I personally would only ever wanna use the bottom two; however, since I did the switcheroo, I was able to pick which of the two speakers was my favorite (they all sound slightly different, it's just inherent to guitar speakers, or at least those made by Celestion), so it's not really a problem, and I definitely prefer a slant for live playing!

 

[JW123]

Pokerrules47, thanks for the reply! Yes, the Marshall is a high gain amp... to a point. I have the gain knob pegged, and I'd still like a little more especially on the crunch channel. For example, I wish my channel 3 sound was on my channel 2, and that channel 3 would be even heavier. I'll be taking a visit to the Guitar Center soon enough to try out the Boogies.

I'm looking for an amp that can pull off the Rammstein sound or the sound Paramore had on the chorus of "crush crush crush". (But still have a great clean, which I've heard the Roadster has)

Oh, and which cab would you vote for?

You have the gain knob maxed out??????????

You will probably never be able to find a decent sound. If you try Mesa's the Triple and the Roadster work best in the noon to 2 oclock range.

Sounds to me like you just need a fuzz pedal, cause any of my amps maxed, thats all you get is fuzz or buzz saw.

Im not familiar with Paramore, but my son listens to Rammstein all the time. They sound like JCM 800s with a distortion pedal in front of them. You might want to try a Stiletto if thats the direction you are leaning in.

 

[EVHalen]

EV, have you considered your pickups? I thought exactly the same way about my Marshall 900 for years until I got an EMG 707. Then the gain on the amp sounded like how I thought it was supposed to. In saying that tho, since getting a SLX 900 and a Single Recto my gain controls are not even cranked anymore.

Honestly, there's no way that the problem is my pickups. I've got an Ibanez rg770DX with IBZ Dimarzio pickups. And on top of that, I have 4 other guitars with different pickups as well, but the amount of gain still sounds the same.

 

[EVHalen]

One thing I can guarantee about slant cabs, though - the speakers sound noticeably different when mounted in the top row vs. the bottom (I actually opened my cab up and switched them around, recording them in each position, to confirm), the bottom row sounds fuller and has more body. Tons of great tones have been recorded with the top speakers in a slant cab, but still, I always prefer to mic one of the bottoms on my Recto cab (and thus I put the cab up on a coffee table or something to minimize reflections from the floor). So with a straight cab, you have the benefit of getting a great full sound from mic'ing any of the 4 speakers, but with a slant cab I personally would only ever wanna use the bottom two; however, since I did the switcheroo, I was able to pick which of the two speakers was my favorite (they all sound slightly different, it's just inherent to guitar speakers, or at least those made by Celestion), so it's not really a problem, and I definitely prefer a slant for live playing!

So, I'm guessing that a slant cab would be best for me? I do a lot of live playing, and if I'm ever recording, I could just mic one of the bottom 2 speakers.

 

[Metaltastic]

So, I'm guessing that a slant cab would be best for me? I do a lot of live playing, and if I'm ever recording, I could just mic one of the bottom 2 speakers.

Yup, that was my thinking, and I've been happy with my slant for recording!

 

[fishyfishfish]

Get the Roadster. As for the cab, I would go with the Standard Mesa 4X12. Better yet, check out the stiletto ace. More gain on tap than your Marshall, great clean channel and built like a tank. I bought my Dual before checking out the Roadster and I have been kicking my self ever since. Great with pedals (Clean channels) and same gain channels as the Dual. Almost as if they wanted to make the perfect Recto or something. I don't know about the two channel Rectos, so I won't comment. The Triple is somewhat of an enigma, like the Mark 2c coliseum.
It would be like taking a top fuel dragster to the corner market, and a fortune to re-tube. As for gain, there is more gain than you will ever need on the Roadster if you didn't know already, way more than your Marshall, and it works pretty good at bedroom volumes as well.
Hope this helps.