Underated Mesa amps

[edward]

Agreed. The MKIV, Rectos, LSC/LSS, and now Express seem to get all the attention ...which is fine since the ones I like are off the price radar

Seems like in the past year or so, more have been talking about the DC series. But I've been sold on my DC5 for almost a decade now ...she's a keeper for its enormous versatility and killer tone.

The DCs are the last of the old-school Mark-style amps ...the F-series that replaced it being a newer generation (not a judgment call, just an observation). And I personally like the fact that DCs are more rooted in Boogie's past than their current line.

I have been in this past year revelling in my new-found love/respect for the almighty MKIII. This thing is amazing, and gained "keeper" status!!

Never did "bond" with my Subway ...now gone. But I have been hankering for a Blue Angel or Maverick ...these seem to have a small but very loyal following ...gotta be something to it

Edward

 

[LnTh]

Hey LnTh, is that list for underrated Mesas (and if so, in that order?), or for Mesas you have not played yet?

Oh no. They're the ones I haven't played yet.

 

[MJ Slaughter]

The DCs are the last of the old-school Mark-style amps ...the F-series that replaced it being a newer generation (not a judgment call, just an observation). And I personally like the fact that DCs are more rooted in Boogie's past than their current line.


Edward

I second that. My DC-5 will be with me always. Easy to setup and get great tone out of and very versital. I wish Mesa would re-release that model.

 

[CudBucket]

Studio Preamp. Under-rated and under-valued. At $400 for a used one you've got some very convincing Mark II smoothness.

 

[carlosasi]

Subway Rocket Reverb. Ultra light, ultra awesome. I have two great amps to compare against and the Subway really holds its own and for under $400. The Clean channel is very nice, the Lead and Contour are smooth and fun to play. Loads of sustain and the notes are really connected when you shred. Very easy to get a great sound. Close to plug 'n play compared to the Mark series. Plus late at night mute the speaker don the headphones and jam quietly in your head.

 

[guitarchris76]

I want to put a vote in for the Express line. I own a Express 5:50 2x12 and think that it is a very versatile incredible sounding amp. The tone is very organic and really lets you hear every nuance of the guitar you are playing. I palyed through many differeny Mesa's at the shop before going with the Express and even though they were all great this one to me was the most versatile. I have a very diverse and extensive guitar collection and wanted an amp that would really let me hear the differences of the different guitars and this amp does just that.

 

[MasterTrax]

I believe the Rocket 44 is very underrated and has been largely overlooked. It is a superb amp for recording and more than enough punch for gigging. Sounds huge with a 4x12. Highly versatile on anything from fendery cleans to vox chime to medium metal, but the main thing is the high gain solo tone with all those layers of beautiful harmonics. There's just something special about that 4xEL84 power section. If I remember right, the power section is from the DC series and the preamp section is of Subway series origin.

I don't mind that not too many others seem to know about the 44 though.

 

[igfraso]

Studio .22+ combo upgraded with a C90. Light, portable, 2 X EL84, graphic EQ (the Mark type), effects send and return, volume/master/lead master...
What else do you need at $450 used?

 

[Monsta-Tone]

I can't help but think that the underdogs were as popular in their day as the current popular lineup. It seems like there are no bad Mesa amps being produced these days. I bet people raved about the DC's or Heartbreakers when they 1st came out too.


My favorites are:
DC-10 just an all around incredible amp

DC-3 Much more portable than the 10, not as much thump, but it definitely gives people whiplash when I use it with a band.

Blue Angel Just sold mine today, but there are some serious tones to be had here.


And.....newest to my lineup.....
Heartbreaker I had one a couple of years ago and never bonded with it. I just bought the head version and with a few tasteful mods, it is by far one of the best amps I have ever played.



I call Mesa from time to time to get advice on repairing their amps. A lot of their tech support guys use the so called underdogs. I have found at least 3 people there who use the Heartbreaker exclusively. Must be something to it.

 

[MusicManJP6]

F-30.

Best $500 I've ever spent!

Good price! Must have found it locally. I paid $625 shipped for mine...

 

[Murphy Slaw]

The Blue Angel cranked to club volumes is a beautiful thing. I gig mine almost every weekend and am in awe of it every time. Last Sat night I had people (players) commenting on my tone.

I don't think it's really underated, but being discontinued counts.

I think people looking for what the Blue Angel does didn't think about Mesa. Hence the low numbers.

But, for a roots amp, no master volume, single channel, crank it and let the tubes do "what they do", Randall and Co. built the best.

Best to ya'll.

Murph.

 

[nomad100hd]

I have a nomad100 HD, i can get every sound out of it i want. IMO it sounds tones better than a dual or tripple rec.