"SOLO" Feature Amps

[cwgatti24]

How do you guys like the "SOLO" feature on Mesa Amps?
In theory, it is great for me as I like the boost during single note playing and I do not like to use pedals.
Which Mesa amps have that feature and which are some that you are using?
How do you like it?
Thanks,
cw

 

[firmani99]

I have a Mark V, a three channel dual recto and a three channel triple recto reborn that all have it and I love it. I haven't been playing out with anyone lately but I know it'll come in handy for leads when I start playing more. It's really a cool feature and I'm surprised that more amps don't have it.

 

[2manygadgets]

It's really a cool feature and I'm surprised that more amps don't have it.

Seems like many manufacturers have two master volumes instead of the solo feature. They both get the job done. On my triple rec, it seems like the solo boost colors the tone a bit. Might just be me though.

 

[bgh]

My Nomad has the feature, but I end up using it a lot less than I thought that I would. My Mark IV doesn't have it. It would be nice sometimes, but I find that I don't miss it that much now.

 

[knotts]

My Lonestar Classic and my Roadster have it. Every time I contemplate buying another amp, I look for this feature as I use it regularly and love it. If I buy an amp that doesn't have it, I will have to buy a good boost pedal to replace it.

 

[afu]

I don't use the solo a whole lot, but it's place is along with the output volume control. A boost at the end of the chain in an fx loop would be the alternative to achieving the same sort of effect. The only clipping it can do is to the power amp, so it's different than a boost in through the front. That's why it seems clean by comparison to using an OD.

An EQ in the loop with a subtle, broad frown from somewhere between 400 to 1.k would also cut without an increase in total volume. It might be easier on the ears and bandmates' nerves.

As an aside, I've experimented with low solo settings and trying to find a sweet spot in combination with the output control to make the amp play better at lower volumes. I don't remember the exact result, but I recall that it kinda worked, since the sum of the pot values made the filter start bringing in some lower frequencies without cranking it. The tone wasn't to my liking.

 

[estring]

Rectoverb combo here. I use the solo depending on the song. And when I do use it, I also step on a ts-9 or BB for some added gain, since the solo just adds volume. I think you have to be careful not to overdo the volume you get from the SOLO, I try to set it to just give me that slight volume boost.

 

[Authorized Boogie]

It's really a cool feature and I'm surprised that more amps don't have it.

Seems like many manufacturers have two master volumes instead of the solo feature. They both get the job done. On my triple rec, it seems like the solo boost colors the tone a bit. Might just be me though.

The solo and output controls are simply 2 volume pots in series - and shouldn't color the tone whatsoever. It simply switches from one pot to the other. Thanks!

 

[elvis]

Volume change is often perceived as tone change due to the nonlinear response of the ear. Plus you may be getting actual tone change by driving the output stage harder.

 

[ryjan]

I don't have a solo function on my mini but I plan on utilizing the GEQ like I did on my Mark IV to provide a solo boost as well as a mid boost.
When I use the GEQ it's in a slight "V" shape and I just cut more db's than I boost so when the GEQ is engaged there is a slight volume drop. I adjust the master to match volume with my clean channel and now when I disengage the eq again I get a boost in volume and an increased mid range for creamy lead work.

 

[FlamencoD]

I have the Express 5:50+ and I use the solo feature every time I have a guitar solo when I play live. I used to have a Marshall JVM210H (that I sold to get the Express 5:50+) and it had two master volumes, which was neat, but I like the solo feature better since it starts off where the volume for each channel leaves off; it saves me from having to balance the two together. I set it at about 1 o'clock and forget it.