Stereo Simul Class 295 Signed By Steve Miller?

[Wylde861]

Well guys I've been lurking around here for a bit, mostly when I was trying to decide what to buy, but now it's time for a post. Anyway I came across a 295 for a good price. This thing is a beast which I'm sure some of you know. It has Steve Miller written across the front in what looks like some kind of paint pen or something. Supposedly it was used by him and signed by him. I really have no clue for sure though. I know that he uses boogies or did at least. I was wondering if anybody knew for sure if he has ever used this power amp. If it wasn't signed by him it wouldn't burst my bubble or anything cause this thing sounds amazing but it'd be cool if he did.

I was also wondering what quad preamps run for these days and if that's what would sound best with it? Right now I'm running a Vox Tonelab ST pedal into it and I have to say that it sounds a hell of a lot better than I expected. But I'm thinking a proper preamp would do a much better job.

 

[ando]

The signature certainly looks fairly close to the real thing (going by various examples on a Google image search), so your chances are good. Your best bet would be to try and contact him - probably through his band's Myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/stevemillerband

Let us know how you get on.

 

[zodiac272]

if you love it i'd say pick it up. quads probably go for between $550 to $700 these days

scott

 

[GD_NC]

It's most likely authentic. Steve Miller sold off a bunch of Mesa gear about a year ago. All of it signed like that one (including the flames). I recall one of the board members picking up a couple of signed Mark VI heads with hardwood cabs. I believe he consigned the gear to a M/B dealer in California.

 

[GD_NC]

found the post...

http://www.grailtone.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=40304

 

[Wylde861]

Thanks guys, when comparing the signature with the one in that pic of the Mark iv they definitely look the same. You can't really tell by these pics but the color of the pen or marker(it's like pink and blue)is exactly the same. So that's pretty cool. So now I can play jet airliner at the volume of a jet airliner if I want to and even channel the Miller while I'm at it, lol. Just need to find a quad and the money for it and I'll hands down have the best setup I've ever had. Thanks again guys!!!

BTW - the combo of 6L6s and El34s is just crazy, I don't understand why they don't have another amp like this.
Also if anybody can tell me how to figure out the year on this thing that would be great. I know some people say they write it inside it but this thing looks like a ***** to take apart so if there's another way it'd be greatly appreciated if someone could let me know.
Boogie On

 

[zodiac272]

there are probably just some screws along each side, and maybe some velcro on the inside stuck to a transformer. looks like the 2:95 opens op topside and bottom... maybe the dates are on the bottom... I opened up my 2:90 before, piece of cake. or you might be able to check your SN against others. I know japster had his opened up and posted pics

scott

 

[Wylde861]

Yeah the top comes off to expose the tubes really easily. The bottom looks like it would take some effort. I was just trying to see if there was a quick way to do this. Thanks though zodiac272. It wouldn't be as big a deal if I didn't already have a computer strewn across the living room and me being lazy doesn't help. I build em and there's just crap everywhere right now. I'll have to get to it in the next week or so. I'm guessing the copyright 1986 is just a copyright date huh? Was wondering about the serial as well. The only info I seem to be able to find is for the Mark series though.

 

[zodiac272]

haha i can relate... maybe there are vent holes? would a bright light allow you to see inside? 1986 is a good guess though

scott

 

[kk]

not sure if that amp is Steve Miller's or not...

But as mentioned on one of the links in this thread, he sells a ton of stuff at Guitar Showcase in San Jose, CA. There are some Les Paul's of his there now I believe in their vintage / high end room.

 

[SonicProvocateur]

I remember seeing this 295 and those Mark IV's on ebay but didn't jump on it. I personally can't confirm they were his, but I do think whoever bought the IV's got them confirmed so i'm sure there is a way to get a hold of him or one of his techs.

Trent Reznor sold off a pair of his 295's as well that week, but they are confirmed if anyone on the board bought them.

 

[Wylde861]

OK so a little update for anyone that's interested. I talked to the person that I bought this from and he said that he got it from Guitar Showcase in San Jose, which is where the marks in the link above were from so that's some good news. He also told me to give them a call to get any info on it so I am going to give that a try. There is rack rash on the amp so it has been put in a rack at least but still don't know if it was used by Mr Miller or not.