Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum
Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: indysmith on October 23, 2007, 10:22:40 PM
-
Having sat in soundcontrol today playing a Mesa Lonestar Special amp for close to two hours, I'm so suprised that i don't hear much (anything?) about it on this forum!
It's an incredible amplifier! It is just such a fantastic sound; perfect for raunchy blues. The EL-84s give it a level of harmonic detail and a gain structure that i totally wasn't expecting from a Mesa. It is very expressive and responsive to your playing, and tweaks you make in the e.q.
I tried it with a gretsch white falcon, a PRS CE, a (£4500!?!?!) custom shop telecaster, and a 60's american vintage stratocaster - it definately sounded best to me with singlecoils, although there were plenty of useable and impossibly rich sounds from the humbuckers (the gretsch in particular). The tele was very nice, but the strat sounded INCREDIBLE - just perfect. And that's really something coming from me who's not usually much of a strat man at all.
What I'm really trying to do is get you guys to go out and try this amp!! (with a strat)
I hear plenty about laneys, marshalls, splawns, bogners, blah blah blah, and even certain mesa models on here, but this Lonestar is OUTSTANDING, and readily available in your local sound control!
-
advertising :P
-
What I'm really trying to do is get you guys to go out and try this amp!! (with a strat)
The Lonestar is a wicked little amp and pretty damn versatile too.
Probably doesnt get much mention on here because in spite of being a brilliant amp - many of the players here are often drawn to what their idols or peers are using and others will only play an amp that has the gain preset to 11.
Ok - I'm kidding around and agree that a few would be impressed with this beast of an amp but asking me to play a strat is pushing your luck!! :P :P
-
Some friends of mine said the same thing about the Lone Star Special.In fact,"you won",i will try it this week... :lol: Is there a new model or is it still the same as before (few years)?(Lone Star Special is very different than LS,i think).Anyway,i found a new way to make my Nomad fantastic sounding :D ! I'm really happy with it right now.
-
sounds cool man, some day i will have to get my ass out to the store and try some nice amps. But, in relation to your blah, blah, blah statement, I REAAALLY want to try a Bogner. :lol:
-
lonestars are great...but not in my budget even S/H
-
Hm, I haven't played a Lonestar, but Caliber, Nomad, Mark, Rectifier and recently an X:Press 5:25 model.
I always have issues with the EQ, somehow it seems not to be for me, too unforgiving, too versatile, I like older fashioned designs maybe.
However the Lonestar might be voiced differently though, haven't tried this one.
-
However the Lonestar might be voiced differently though, haven't tried this one.
VERY differently. i felt the exact same way about mesas until i tried this baby.
-
I thought it was very nice. I just don't agree with mesa's pricing strategy in the UK. If I could get one for US prices, I'd be interested.
-
yeah, i can understand them costing a bit more than in the US, but the price doubles by the time they get here! second hand prices here are higher than the amps cost new in the States!
-
A friend, who is a serious guitar collector, has a Lonestar Special. I've played a few things through it, including his mid-70s Les Paul Custom and Eric Johnson Sig Strat, and it sounds absolutely glorious. Very easy to dial in good sounds too (I have no other experience with Mesas, but have read they can be a little tricky to EQ).
On the drive channel, with the blues setting on and neck pickup on the Strat selected - instant Eric Johnson tone. Select the bridge and you've got instant SRV.
If I only ever played blues, country and light rock, I'd be saving up for one. As it is, I need something which can do hard rock/metal too, and good as it is, that really isn't the Lonestar's forte. It's a stunning amp though.
Prices - I'm with Dave on this one - Mesas seem to cost the same in dollars as they do in pounds, which, given the exchange rate is 2 to 1 at the moment, is crazy pricing.
Despite this, I'm still GASsing for a Mesa Roadster head.
-
i wouldn't call it only a "blues, country, and light rock" amp. It has quite a bit of gain in it (not as much as many 'metal' amps, but a lot more than my JCM800!), i bet with a nice overdrive in front, and the right speaker cab it could be quite a rocker!
I really REALLY want this amp now. I'm working myself up into a state...i think if i see or hear one again I'll turn into a GAS.
-
i wouldn't call it only a "blues, country, and light rock" amp. It has quite a bit of gain in it (not as much as many 'metal' amps, but a lot more than my JCM800!), i bet with a nice overdrive in front, and the right speaker cab it could be quite a rocker!
I really REALLY want this amp now. I'm working myself up into a state...i think if i see or hear one again I'll turn into a GAS.
I guess I meant classic rock really, rather than light. You're right, it does have a fair bit of gain in there. I just mentioned those styles because they were the ones it seemed (to me) to be very well suited for tonally.
-
Prices - I'm with Dave on this one - Mesas seem to cost the same in dollars as they do in pounds, which, given the exchange rate is 2 to 1 at the moment, is crazy pricing.
Yeah. I mean, they frequently go for less in dollars than pounds... it's ridiculous. On principle, I refuse to buy one. :twisted:
-
Prices - I'm with Dave on this one - Mesas seem to cost the same in dollars as they do in pounds, which, given the exchange rate is 2 to 1 at the moment, is crazy pricing.
Yeah. I mean, they frequently go for less in dollars than pounds... it's ridiculous. On principle, I refuse to buy one. :twisted:
I agree, at least in principle.
Although given that I'm GASsing for a Roadster, it may end up being a case of (to quote Groucho Marx) "Those are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others."
-
Apparently the Express series do everything.... they sure look tempting :D
-
I agree, at least in principle.
Although given that I'm GASsing for a Roadster, it may end up being a case of (to quote Groucho Marx) "Those are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others."
:lol: :lol: :lol:
-
The Mesa's prices in the UK are indeed crazy.Anybody knows why?They should be about the same as in the rest of Europe... :?
-
i blame gippiness, but that's just me.
-
i blame gippiness, but that's just me.
Maybe but...what is it?Never heard the word.. :) Anyway,you've got so many great amps in the UK that you don't really need those...
-
Apparently the Express series do everything.... they sure look tempting :D
I tried the Express series and was disgusted by them. The low end on them sounds terrible, completely lifeless and dead and they sound incredibly boxy. I'm not one of those guys who whacks his gain to oblivion and scoops his mids, I'm quite the opposite, but the express was thoroughly disappointing. The F series sounds better than the Express
-
Maybe but...what is it?Never heard the word.. :) Anyway,you've got so many great amps in the UK that you don't really need those...
:lol:
now i need to try to find a definition...
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
scab·by /ˈskæbi/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[skab-ee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective, -bi·er, -bi·est. 1. covered with scabs; having many scabs.
2. consisting of scabs.
3. (of an animal or plant) having scab.
4. Informal. mean or contemptible: a scabby trick.
meaning number 4 for scabby is about the closest, I think... meanness is probably closest, in terms of a real word I didn't just make up. :lol:
-
Apparently the Express series do everything.... they sure look tempting :D
I tried the Express series and was disgusted by them. The low end on them sounds terrible, completely lifeless and dead and they sound incredibly boxy. I'm not one of those guys who whacks his gain to oblivion and scoops his mids, I'm quite the opposite, but the express was thoroughly disappointing. The F series sounds better than the Express
Really?
I'm considering swapping ym Marshall half stack for a Mesa combo (with some money, of course) as its very hard to get around. The Mark IV looks good, but I 'll have to go to Birmingham and have a go on a few :D
-
meaning number 4 for scabby is about the closest, I think... meanness is probably closest, in terms of a real word I didn't just make up.
Thanks,Dave! 8)
-
Apparently the Express series do everything.... they sure look tempting :D
I tried the Express series and was disgusted by them. The low end on them sounds terrible, completely lifeless and dead and they sound incredibly boxy. I'm not one of those guys who whacks his gain to oblivion and scoops his mids, I'm quite the opposite, but the express was thoroughly disappointing. The F series sounds better than the Express
Really?
I'm considering swapping ym Marshall half stack for a Mesa combo (with some money, of course) as its very hard to get around. The Mark IV looks good, but I 'll have to go to Birmingham and have a go on a few :D
Now the Mark IV is a serious amp. Seriously awesome,lol. I love the Mark IV to death, I just wish I could afford to have one.
-
It looks hawt. Plus, it seems it may be a more useful amp, and we don't drive, and but I'll be old enough to start learning in April, even then, can't take the test till I'm 18, blah blah blah. Basically, the 4X12 is ridiculous to get about.
A Mesa combo looks tastier every day :D
-
^ Run a head through a 2x12 cab dude, that's what I'm planning on doing! :)
-
Well, what I'm contemplating, is getting a combo, then also buying a 2x12, so I can just take the one amp to practises ect. But for gigs, hook it up to the 2x12 :D
-
Well, what I'm contemplating, is getting a combo, then also buying a 2x12, so I can just take the one amp to practises ect. But for gigs, hook it up to the 2x12 :D
Can't see any problems with that plan. Only reason I'm going with the straight 2x12 is I'm really pushed for space.
-
Ahh right.
Wonder why they don't seem to make and 2 speaker combos :?
And you're looking at the Mark IV too? :D
-
^Well, it's on the shortlist. Top of the list at the moment is Roadster, but that depends largely on the best deal I can find, and indeed whether I like the sound, as I haven't managed to make it anywhere which has one I can try yet.
With any luck, I'll make a trip up to London in a few weeks and play a good few amps. Hopefully I'l have a better idea then.
-
I'm wondering whether it'd be cheaper to buy one from a yankee side shop, and get it shipped over here?
I'll make a trip to Brum soon to try one out :D
-
^My guess would be probably not. I bought Warmoth parts (for the axe in my avatar) in the summer, and they hit you with VAT and import tax which kick out to about 25-28%. So by the time you've paid that, plus the shipping charges which will be pure extortion, the difference would be marginal.
Might also enouter some issues with the different voltages - a Yank amp wil be Yank voltage spec I assume.
-
moving back on topic a little bit - has anyone had a chance to go out and give this amp a whirl yet? I really wanna stir up some gas and get this Lonestar Special recognized! lol.
Looking at the specs I've noticed there's a very large difference between the Lonestar and the Lonestar Special.
The LS has 6L6 valves, whereas the LS-S runs off EL84s... and obviously the EL84s sounds better :D IMO
-
Ah true, you're very helpful Simon!
I've never actually played a Mesa though, none round here, so I'm going purely on reputation, and the fact that Petrucci uses them (and me likes teh tone, although without the fridge of a rack) so I'll have to try one. Also, a PRS is looking tempting.
Damn this expensive GAS :(
-
meaning number 4 for scabby is about the closest, I think... meanness is probably closest, in terms of a real word I didn't just make up.
Thanks,Dave! 8)
no problem :drink:
-
I'm wondering whether it'd be cheaper to buy one from a yankee side shop, and get it shipped over here?
I'll make a trip to Brum soon to try one out :D
it would be cheaper ordering from the US, yes. considering they're more than twice as expensive here, customs will only increase the price by about a fifth, postage would be around $200 (at least, that's what I heard the postage was from splawn, or at least something like that), so that'd bring you up to about £1000, maybe £1100 at the very outside, versus about £1500 for the UK price (and that's a good, street, price, not RRP). A step-down transformer, as far as I'm aware, is not expensive, but don't quote me on that.
The major problem is, as far as I'm aware, no-one will ship to the UK- they aren't allowed. Mesa won't even let their US retailers post prices of mesa goods on their websites for US customers, let alone international ones, so they can keep the prices artificially high. If they're already artificially high in the US, just imagine how high they are here.
Sorry to sound like I have sour grapes or whatever, but I just don't like to feel like I'm being taken advantage of. I know tim doesn't sell bareknuckles to US customers at twice the price he sells to UK customers...
-
Thanks Dave!
Us Brits are really getting screwed over by Mesa then! I always thought it was just to do with exchange, not the people at Mesa being money whores :(
-
i am not a money whore, but I am a boogie bitch!!
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u162/cavatator/thashite.jpg)
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u162/cavatator/rectifier002.jpg)
Mark IIC+ Coliseum, Mark IIc+ Simulclass(x2)..MArk I, MArk IV, Dual Rec, various cabs loaded with evl 12m's
-
Woaw!You're really a lucky .... wealthy Boogie-fan ! :lol: Amazing...
-
very lucky...I have lucked into some good deals recently-just please don't tell me wife!!!!
-
Cool, so how is that TC GSystem? Do you use it Guitar -> TC -> Boogie -> Boogie Send to TC -> TC to Boogie Return?
Does it sound neutral when bypassed?
-
yes, Hunter-that way you get the filter and comp in front- I really like it..use it even with my acoustic gigs-it basically has everything under the hood-the devil is in the programming-if set up properly, you should not have any degredation of tone-only played it with boogies..it actually sounds more transparent thru the Mark Iv, which is 20 years younger than my Coliseum(those 6 power tubes/300 watts at clip might have something to do with it..)-love the filter,delay..hell it has everything I need-the pitch shifter is sweet aw well-the good folks at TC offer upgrades via website, so last year they upgraded the pitch to an intelligent pith as well, so this just adds to the flexibility-i like the fact that it will not necessarily become obsolete because of the upgrades-plus, it is built like a tank
-
Good lord!
If you ever sellone of your Marks, let me know first please! :D
-
The LS has 6L6 valves, whereas the LS-S runs off EL84s... and obviously the EL84s sounds better
Excuse my ignorance, but what's the difference? And why do you think EL84s sound better?
-
Looking at the specs I've noticed there's a very large difference between the Lonestar and the Lonestar Special.
The LS has 6L6 valves, whereas the LS-S runs off EL84s... and obviously the EL84s sounds better :D IMO
The LS special is a really nice amp and te El84s do have a sweet compressed tone.
But the better than 6L6s is a purely subjective matter (hence you put IMO)
I absolutely love 6L6s(or 5881s) for some things - my rack power amp, the Fender Prosonic and also the little 10W Cornell all have them (and the Mesa DC5 that I am babysitting does too)
The tone is bold and open and a little bit hard edged.
My Marshall JCM 800 has El34 and whilst they are bold they dont have such a hard edge or open top end as the 6L6s, but they compress in a really familiar way and it is such a classic rock tone
They have a very different tonal response to EL84s which I have in my Wolftone and Atomic amps but maybe share a little more in common than they do with the 6L6s (to my ears) as both EL valves seem to have a bit more compression and warmth whilst the 6L6s have the clarity and a more strident tone - bolder in some ways
-
I thought it was very nice. I just don't agree with mesa's pricing strategy in the UK. If I could get one for US prices, I'd be interested.
Indeed!
As a brit living in US I concur 101%
Firstly, I reckon the Rivera Quiana is better (but then I love Riveras)
Also, here at least Mesa's are kinda,well,ummm, common eek! Pretty much EVERY Guitar Centre (US answer to say Currys almost lol) has full range'ish.
They still will ALWAYS sound like a Mesa (love or hate it).
The pricing cr@p STINKS!
The pound is soooooooo strong against the dollar EVERYTHING seems cheaper here right now.
I have used one and it IS a v.cool amp but for UK prices, Just Say NO! :)
-
cheers, nick.
I haven't tried the quiana, but I'm sure it's very nice (the pubster i tried was nice). they're kinda rare-ish here. :(
EDIT: i also agree with your suggestion that mesa are "common" over there- bit like marshall or laney here... good choice of word. here mesas are priced as boutique, and unfortunately a lot of people here fall for it and think they're boutique...
-
The LS special is a really nice amp and te El84s do have a sweet compressed tone.
But the better than 6L6s is a purely subjective matter (hence you put IMO)
I absolutely love 6L6s(or 5881s) for some things - my rack power amp, the Fender Prosonic and also the little 10W Cornell all have them (and the Mesa DC5 that I am babysitting does too)
The tone is bold and open and a little bit hard edged.
My Marshall JCM 800 has El34 and whilst they are bold they dont have such a hard edge or open top end as the 6L6s, but they compress in a really familiar way and it is such a classic rock tone
They have a very different tonal response to EL84s which I have in my Wolftone and Atomic amps but maybe share a little more in common than they do with the 6L6s (to my ears) as both EL valves seem to have a bit more compression and warmth whilst the 6L6s have the clarity and a more strident tone - bolder in some ways
Thanks Jon, I think that helped quite a bit.