What's everyone's favorite Rectifier?

[BostonRedSox]

Just to chime in, but the footswitch of the Roadster doesn't need to be used. You could buy the Roadster, have the flexibility the amp offers, and even if you only use a couple of channels for a show you could always hook up a smaller footswitch to the Roadster via the external jacks on the back. Use four channels, three channels, or two channels. Take your pick!

The reverb would stay on unless you rolled it off per each channel. You could also choose to have an effects loop on or off per channel without the Roadster footstomp.

For the footswitch logic alone, I can't see the reasoning in not buying a Roadster if you liked the way it sounded and wanted to spend the money. Just buy a different footswitch! :wink:

I did not know that. Thanks for the info

No problem. The Roadster footswitch is controlled by an 8-pin cable. There are also 8 external relay jacks on the back to run cables from. You could technically have a cable to control the reverb if you wanted, each channel, the f/x loop, and solo boost. This flexibility allows users to run the Roadster as they like, and based on their own needs (channel-wise) and footswitch preferences. I've often contemplated buying a smaller footswitch and putting it on my smaller board for my emo-rock band (It would be great to not have to pack the footswitch since it is so awkward to carry and doesn't fit any of my pedalboards). For that music, I just use the channel 2 Brit mode for gain and channel 1 Clean for my clean tones. If I need more gain, I just add my OCD over the Brit gain. That makes my amp act sort of like the Electradyne, in the sense that the higher gain added by the OCD doesn't completely change my original tone -- it just adds more gain! :wink:

 

[fluff191]

For the footswitch logic alone, I can't see the reasoning in not buying a Roadster if you liked the way it sounded and wanted to spend the money. Just buy a different footswitch! :wink:

I totally agree with you. Ultimately, growing up in the early and mid 90's the sound of a 2 Channel Recto was just 'it' for me, which is why I didn't go with the Roadster. Might be my next amp purchase though :lol:

 

[screamingdaisy]

I went with the Roadster because I felt held back by having only two channels. I didn't want the second high gain channel so much as I wanted something inbetween clean and modern. The Roadster gives me this via Tweed mode on channel 1, and on the 3 channel I could've used Raw mode for the same purpose.

The other thing that always bugged me about the 2 channel is that I prefer the orange channel (vintage high gain) with the tube rectifier and the red channel with the solid state rectifier. At the time the 3 channels didn't have have the recto tracking feature, so I went with the Roadster.

That said, the old 2 channels are capable of some pretty unique tones... particularily once you start using the spongy mode. I think Mesa optimized spongy mode on the Roadster so that it only sags the power section, which helps improve low volume tones without significantly altering the tonality of the whole amp. On the 2 channel however there's some really cool sounds available when the preamp is also being starved of electricity.

 

[droptrd]

Yeah the recto tracking is sweet. I got spoiled by that with my old stiletto.

 

[BostonRedSox]

That is wicked true about being able to choose rectification settings. At loud stage volumes this feature is so helpful in really shaping your tone and the way everything feels under your fingers while your playing. For cleans I absolutely must have silicon diodes. The same goes for my big rhythm sounds on channel 4 modern. The diodes are way tighter for tight rhythm playing and adding (and accentuating) any different notes added to your chords. I use channel 3 vintage for more mid-scooped and less gain sounds for leads (and some distinction in my verse/chorus rhythm guitar playing) and like the mushier low-end of the tube rectification. I have channel 2 dedicated to the brit mod (100-watts, silicon diodes), for that clean/crunchy upper-midrange sound. The way I use channel 2 and my OCD is totally inspired by the ED. The OCD works so well with the brit mode.

What I really love about the Roadster is how it isn't a stiff feeling Recto, and how dark the amp's tone is. It's nice to have that kind of warmth from the get-go. If I need a brighter sound for massive rhythm playing on channel 3 or 4, I can adjust the treble accordingly. Too many people make the mistake of dialing up the presence though. I can't stand too much presence. It makes me cringe just thinking about it.

 

[Silverwulf]

What I really love about the Roadster is how it isn't a stiff feeling Recto, and how dark the amp's tone is.

That's exactly my problem with it, haha. The darkness in the voicing is from the Lonestar circuitry. In order to get the Lonstar cleans in there, that was the tonal compromise on the high gain side. Some people love it, and it works perfect for them. For me, I'm looking for a little more aggression I think.

 

[rocknroll9225]

What I really love about the Roadster is how it isn't a stiff feeling Recto, and how dark the amp's tone is.

That's exactly my problem with it, haha. The darkness in the voicing is from the Lonestar circuitry. In order to get the Lonstar cleans in there, that was the tonal compromise on the high gain side. Some people love it, and it works perfect for them. For me, I'm looking for a little more aggression I think.

this is the EXACT reason that i got a mark v instead of a road king. the RK was too dark and didnt have the attack and bite i was looking for (which the mark v delivers in spades). i like more bright and present tone (but not too much so), and i couldnt really find that in the RK. i also found myself tripping over the looseness of the amp.

still want to add a recto to my collection when finances allow, though. probably either a multi-watt or a 2 channel :mrgreen:

 

[BostonRedSox]

What I really love about the Roadster is how it isn't a stiff feeling Recto, and how dark the amp's tone is.

That's exactly my problem with it, haha. The darkness in the voicing is from the Lonestar circuitry. In order to get the Lonstar cleans in there, that was the tonal compromise on the high gain side. Some people love it, and it works perfect for them. For me, I'm looking for a little more aggression I think.

Is that why the Roadster/Road King's are darker amps? I never knew that was the reason why they were darker. I played the LSC years ago and found it to be brighter, but I didn't have both amps to compare. Either way, that is interesting to know.

Good luck selling your Roadster, if that is what it comes down to.

 

[Silverwulf]

Is that why the Roadster/Road King's are darker amps? I never knew that was the reason why they were darker.

Yep, in order to get the actual Lonestar clean channel in there, the tonal compromise was that the higher gain channels would end up being smoothed out a little and the amp would be darker overall. That works perfect for some folks, not so much for those that want the traditional Recto sound. Oddly enough, I don't know why anyone would ever buy a Lonestar when they could get a Roadster. The cleans sound virtually identical to the Lonestar I had, and "Tweed" and "Brit" have that same thicker, smoothed out "congested" sort of sound that the Lonestar OD channel had, just not as much gain on tap. It's not exact, but you could set up a clean channel and then use "Tweed" or "Brit" on the other with an OD of your choice and cop most of the Lonestar tones with Channel 1 and 2 of the Roadster, then still have 2 higher gain channels left over...plus a handful more of tonal options, all for roughly the same price.

 

[Silverwulf]

Oddly enough, I don't know why anyone would ever buy a Lonestar when they could get a Roadster. The cleans sound virtually identical to the Lonestar I had, and "Tweed" and "Brit" have that same thicker, smoothed out "congested" sort of sound that the Lonestar OD channel had, just not as much gain on tap. It's not exact, but you could set up a clean channel and then use "Tweed" or "Brit" on the other with an OD of your choice and cop most of the Lonestar tones with Channel 1 and 2 of the Roadster...

Case in point:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tBxamuosok

I think with a Tube Screamer or BB Preamp, you could dial in a damn near identical tone using "Brit" or "Tweed" as Timmons gets with his Lonestar/Stiletto rig heard above.

 

[boss4]

I voted on the rev D (love those old 2ch blackface recto's) but my favourite's (you forgot those) are the racktifiers (recto rackmounted).

 

[joe web]

for me, the best recto is the roadster....but have to admit, that i´ve never had the chance to play a 2-channel recto.
but compared with my 3-channel, the roadster is killer!

if you want to listen to it, klick the link below:
http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=53417

 

[rocknroll9225]

I voted on the rev D (love those old 2ch blackface recto's) but my favourite's (you forgot those) are the racktifiers (recto rackmounted).

i didnt so much forget as just not put it on (and there's only room for 10 options). it's the same amp as a 2 channel, in a different form factor. i realize that some have liked the racktifiers better because of the shorter wiring/rackmount convenience/whatever magic is believed to be in the box, but the guts are the same. if you love your racktifier, just vote for whatever revision 2 channel it is.

the results are turning out a lot like i thought they would, except the regular 3 channels are doing a lot better than i expected :?

 

[boss4]

I voted on the rev D (love those old 2ch blackface recto's) but my favourite's (you forgot those) are the racktifiers (recto rackmounted).

if you love your racktifier, just vote for whatever revision 2 channel it is.

the results are turning out a lot like i thought they would, except the regular 3 channels are doing a lot better than i expected :?

As for my vote, I think you just quoted it, as for the 3ch, besides is a terrific amp, is the overproduced/used model around the world. The early rectos kinda "didn´t leave" the U.S.
The rackto, like you've said, is a 2ch in a rack format, but if you love amps (specially boogies) as I do, you know you attached somehow to a model not just because the way it sounds but because the aesthetic, the portability, the history, in this case the willing for a rack system (or some parts,at least), etc...and yes sir, the myth he involves!

 

[BostonRedSox]

I don't think all the bands that used the Rectos really had the huge worldwide followings that would transcend into increased sales figures and popularity. That could explain some of the 2-channel Rectos diminutive sales when compared to the 3-channel version. Also, looking as to when Mesa opened up their amps to be sold worldwide would also explain some of the lesser sales quotas. Now, Mesa not only has amps in various parts of the world, but they also have sales management in those areas as well. This serves two purposes for Mesa - to have better control over their product and how it is sold and advertised; and it helps sponsored bands access gear worldwide.

I never knew that the 2-channels weren't as popular worldwide as the 3-channels. What I do know however is that in '97-'98, I really felt Mesa's Rectifier marketing push for the first time. Before this, I wasn't that aware of Mesa Boogie. I recall various ads with Everclear and numerous so-Cal punk bands toting the Rectifier as their choice amp. I wonder if Mesa started really pedaling their Rectos out to the rock community at this time? It would've been a smart decision. For a 17 year old, hearing that my favorite bands were using Rectos was a huge deal. It seemed that most of the bands I listened to had at least one Recto in it.

I am a total Recto junkie. They really can do it all in my eyes. My Roadster can get clean, dirty-clean, british crunchy, gritty like a good tweed amp, and give me various high gain voicings The thing just rips and I don't understand how you could buy a Recto and then sell it. If you like distortion, why not have a Recto for rhythm playing? If you want another amp, save up and buy another amp. For me, a Recto is a staple that must be had in any tone collection. You really don't have to be a metal head to enjoy a Recto, especially with the Roadster.

 

[greatmutah]

Trem-O-verb wins it for me. If i had two I'd be in heaven.

 

[fluff191]

I never knew that the 2-channels weren't as popular worldwide as the 3-channels. What I do know however is that in '97-'98, I really felt Mesa's Rectifier marketing push for the first time. Before this, I wasn't that aware of Mesa Boogie. I recall various ads with Everclear and numerous so-Cal punk bands toting the Rectifier as their choice amp. I wonder if Mesa started really pedaling their Rectos out to the rock community at this time? It would've been a smart decision. For a 17 year old, hearing that my favorite bands were using Rectos was a huge deal. It seemed that most of the bands I listened to had at least one Recto in it.

I didn't know that either. I used to stare at the original Recto ads with the Armadillo on the amp for hours back around 1994 dreaming one day I could afford one.

I think what alot of people don't realize is that until about 10 or so years ago, Mesa was really looked at as a 'boutique' amp company. It was certainly that way when the Recto came out. Now with the mass-distribution as you mention, they are more in the Marshall league in terms of worldwide reach. Especially now that you can find new Mesa's in GC.

 

[BostonRedSox]

I never knew that the 2-channels weren't as popular worldwide as the 3-channels. What I do know however is that in '97-'98, I really felt Mesa's Rectifier marketing push for the first time. Before this, I wasn't that aware of Mesa Boogie. I recall various ads with Everclear and numerous so-Cal punk bands toting the Rectifier as their choice amp. I wonder if Mesa started really pedaling their Rectos out to the rock community at this time? It would've been a smart decision. For a 17 year old, hearing that my favorite bands were using Rectos was a huge deal. It seemed that most of the bands I listened to had at least one Recto in it.

I didn't know that either. I used to stare at the original Recto ads with the Armadillo on the amp for hours back around 1994 dreaming one day I could afford one.

I think what alot of people don't realize is that until about 10 or so years ago, Mesa was really looked at as a 'boutique' amp company. It was certainly that way when the Recto came out. Now with the mass-distribution as you mention, they are more in the Marshall league in terms of worldwide reach. Especially now that you can find new Mesa's in GC.

Another good point made in this thread. You are so right. When I bought my Roadster in January 2009, Mesa seemed to me to still be a boutique company. It was impossible back then to get a price quote online, and stores still weren't allowed to advertise that they had Mesa's in stock.

 

[greatmutah]

Just to further cement how much I love my Tremoverb I was jamming with the Red channel cloned to orange using both presence controls to sculpt probably the best tone I've ever had. Dear god this thing is so damn versatile. I know the other old two channels can do this as well, but having the reverb for drenched soloing just pushes it even further.

 

[cheameup]

Voted 3 channel. Why ? Cause I own it and love it.

I look forward to every studio session I get to crank it.

I've watched all the vids and do the 2 channels sound different ? Yeah a little .but enough to make a difference or sound better in a live band mix ? I'm not so sure. I'd take the extra channel over the 2 channel sound for what I do