Spent some time with a Roadster

[guitarchris76]

I have recently ordered a Stiletto Ace from my local dealer and went in to check on its status yesterday. There happened to be a roadster that he just got in so I figured I would give it a test drive. I have to say, I was not impressed. I am a lead guitar player so that is how I was testing it, but I found it to be much unfocused. Even turning down the gain it seemed to really make the guitar sound inarticulate. I feel the same way about EMG pickups they are just really hard to "reel in". Has anybody else found this, or is it just me? I did try it with some rhythm work and it did provide an unbelievable sound then but it just seemed no good for extensive lead work. I am glad I tried it out though because it confirmed that I am making the right decision with my Stiletto.

 

[wildrat666]

a Roadster with a boost in front sound increible, even for leads
thick and tight brutal sounding. channel 4 with the right eq+maxon od 808.perfect for metal rythm and lead

 

[paytojt]

The stock tubes are horrible. With the right tubes I think your opinion would change drastically. However, I think the Stiletto is better if you are mainly a lead player, but lead sounds can definitely be had from the Roadster.

 

[LithiumZero]

I get killer lead tones from my Roadster without a boost. Like a lot of Mesa amps it takes some time to really learn the amp. An in store demo isn't a fair shake to the Roadster. I also agree abut the stock tubes. MUCH better with some preamp tube experimentation and a nice quad of SED 6L6's. That said, if you don't dig the amp maybe it's just not for you. Loaded with EL34's you would probably find it more to your liking.

 

[CoG]

You also need to play it louder than they'll probably let you in the store. the bite and sustain develops with volume (or EL34s.)

 

[guitarchris76]

Beleive me I wanted to like the amp. It is not the first time I have spent time with one and is not my first Mesa. I am good friends with the store owner so I did have it up pretty loud. I just still did not (IMO) feel that it was a lead amp that suited my playing style. I think that an EL34 based amp will most likely fit much better

 

[jdurso]

Beleive me I wanted to like the amp. It is not the first time I have spent time with one and is not my first Mesa. I am good friends with the store owner so I did have it up pretty loud. I just still did not (IMO) feel that it was a lead amp that suited my playing style. I think that an EL34 based amp will most likely fit much better

Well for one i wouldnt say its the first amp you'd look towards for leads, but they are in there. It takes a bunch of tweaking (watt settings, tube settings, channel eq, etc.) and i would say some different tubes than the stock ones. Add a boost infront and you have a sweet lead amp... for instance using channel 3, diodes, 100watts, and a clean boost infront and some delya/reverb in the loop i was able to pretty much nail the Sweet Child of Mine tone. I would say if anytone is a "lead" tone, Slash is one of the first guys i'd look at. I'm sure the NOS preamp tubes and the KT77 power amp tubes help some, but my point is the lead tones are there it just takes some time and experimenting to find them. There are a lot more tones than you'd think in that amp due to the eq sensitivity, power/tube settinsg and any other external gear you use (ODs, EQs, etc.). Also the cab you're playing through make a HUGE difference.

So I do agree with you for what your looking for tone wise, the Stiletto is probably the better fit, but the roadster is no slouch once you figure it out (and trust me the amount of times you've spent with it are not nearly enough). Also whether its el34, kt77, kt88, 6v6, or 6l6 based, MOST amps that cater to lead playing sound the way they do because of the preamp design. Point being if you through 6L6s in your stiletto its still going to sound like a Stiletto and will still be more catered to lead playing than say a Recto. Look at the Mark series, VHT UL, Splawn Nitro, 5150 III... all non-EL34 based amps, all great lead amps.

 

[jamme61]

I know this is a mesa forum but, did you check out the JVM410h? If your looking at an ACE, you should check out a JVM IMHO. With that said, mesa's stuff is great, and built like a tank. I think it's hard to judge the roadster in the store, you really need to learn that beast to see and hear what it can do. The JVM is a lot different in that you put everything at 12 o'clock and it sounds great. The JVM is killer for leads too.

 

[Grindjazz]

play the Amp through a Port City or Mills Cabinet, and you will have different opinion. It is good to note that the EQ must to be set right to have the lead tone from the amp cut through. Overall the amp is Mesa's Beast. I still love mine even after hearing the Mark Five.

 

[guitarchris76]

I appreciate all of the responses. It seems like people are trying to sell me on the amp though. If you have them and you like them for leads that is great. I am simply stating what I oberved with the time I spent with the amp. I know that putting some boosts or OD's in front of an amp can ma e a night and day difference. I am a purest though and believe in running staright through. If I can not get the tone I want out of an amp by itself then it is not the amp for me.

 

[Robusto]

Certainly are a ton of great amps out there, so if the roadster doesn't turn your crank, no loss!

keep us posted on what you settle on :mrgreen:

 

[Grindjazz]

If you try the Roadster again make sure that The Hard bypass switch is on to get the full sound from the amp, and try both settings Bold and spongy they make difference. It is really and amp with ton of possibilities that can grow with the player, as it states in the manual. I play Metal and traditional Jazz, and it definitely nails those styles for me. If you don't like the Roadster wait and try Mark Five ( I still think the Roadster will be better, but I will hear soon.)

 

[jdurso]

I appreciate all of the responses. It seems like people are trying to sell me on the amp though. If you have them and you like them for leads that is great. I am simply stating what I oberved with the time I spent with the amp. I know that putting some boosts or OD's in front of an amp can ma e a night and day difference. I am a purest though and believe in running staright through. If I can not get the tone I want out of an amp by itself then it is not the amp for me.

I dont think anyone was trying to sell you on the amp, but were pointing out that your initial reaction was just that... initial. None of us have any stake in what amp you play, but when you post on a forum like this people are going to "share" their experiences :wink:

Anyway you most definitely going to love that Stiletto.... and BTW, dont be afraid of ODs, they're your friend, even with an amp catered to leads (see Andy Timmons). Join the Dark Side................ purity is waaaayyyy overated :twisted:

 

[rectofried]

i have had several dual recto's ,,and still have a small logo early 90's...which i think is best for leads...i just got a roadster about a week ago and i was floored by the clean sounds...it has the best cleans i have ever heard bar none...but i was like you ..the distortion was a little lack luster and sterile for leads....but after playing with it i have figured out one thing....the presence and treble are the main tools for dialing in a good smoldering lead sound...i suggest starting out with the treble about 2 o"clock and and presence about 3"o"clock and work the presence from there...since it gets brighter with volume...but as others mention the hard bypass makes the amp come alive with tone...thats the only thing im trying to get straight is find common ground with the loop engaged... but im sure i will get it worked out.