Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Bird on November 04, 2007, 07:50:11 PM

Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Bird on November 04, 2007, 07:50:11 PM
Anyone tried one of these :?:  Thoughts & impressions welcome.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Simon D on November 04, 2007, 07:59:47 PM
^ +1. I'm curious to hear what people think of them too.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: indysmith on November 04, 2007, 08:37:26 PM
it looks terrifying. what could possibly warrant that many knobs!?
I don't understand why rectos need so many knobs - they only really do one sound... why not just have one knob?
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: MartinS on November 04, 2007, 08:41:21 PM
Quote from: indysmith
why not just have one knob?


It'd have to go up to 11, of course...
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Bird on November 04, 2007, 08:41:23 PM
Quote from: indysmith
it looks terrifying. what could possibly warrant that many knobs!?
I don't understand why rectos need so many knobs - they only really do one sound... why not just have one knob?

You've been terribly misinformed. You can dial in different settings for each channel.... etc.. just read this
http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Rectifier_Series/roadster/roadster.html
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: indysmith on November 04, 2007, 08:44:22 PM
was just reading thru that actually. I might give one a go next time im in town - seems a bit intimidating, albeit a great piece of audio engineering
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Bird on November 04, 2007, 08:48:35 PM
Quote from: indysmith
was just reading thru that actually. I might give one a go next time im in town - seems a bit intimidating, albeit a great piece of audio engineering
 The only really cr@ppy part is that over in your neck of the woods they're very expensive. Taxes and whatnot really drive the price up it. They can be intimidating with all the settings and whatnot you can tweak.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on November 04, 2007, 10:57:44 PM
Quote from: indysmith

I don't understand why rectos need so many knobs - they only really do one sound... why not just have one knob?


Rectifiers do more than that one sound - it's more the type of players who all rush and buy rectos that are too blame - they only use it for one sound (and play downtuned)

Just saw Y&T/Tigertailz last night and Dave Meniketti uses a Dual Tremoverb or a hired/borrowed Dual Rec and gets wonderful Marshall like tone out of it - but with that something extra thrown in
Really very nice!
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: blue on November 04, 2007, 11:17:31 PM
Quote from: FELINEGUITARS


Just saw Y&T/Tigertailz last night and Dave Meniketti uses a Dual Tremoverb or a hired/borrowed Dual Rec and gets wonderful Marshall like tone out of it - but with that something extra thrown in
Really very nice!


i saw Tigertailz at their headline hometown gig in Cardiff, Jay Pepper was using a Dual Rectifier there.  Sounded great!
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on November 04, 2007, 11:55:22 PM
Quote from: blue
Quote from: FELINEGUITARS


Just saw Y&T/Tigertailz last night and Dave Meniketti uses a Dual Tremoverb or a hired/borrowed Dual Rec and gets wonderful Marshall like tone out of it - but with that something extra thrown in
Really very nice!


i saw Tigertailz at their headline hometown gig in Cardiff, Jay Pepper was using a Dual Rectifier there.  Sounded great!


Yeah - was fun to see TT again - have followed them since 1986

It was great to see that a friend of mine (Glenn Quinn) who I used to guitar tech for was playing bass for them filling in for the sadly departed Pepsi Tate
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Bird on November 05, 2007, 12:01:51 AM
I never did get around to listening to Y & T back in the day. I'll have to grab a couple of those sometime.

A friend of mine has an Meas F-50 and runs it through a marshall 4x12 cab. Sounds absolutely amazing.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on November 05, 2007, 12:14:03 AM
Quote from: Bird
I never did get around to listening to Y & T back in the day. I'll have to grab a couple of those sometime.


Try Earthshaker/Black Tiger/Meanstreak/Ten
All great albums

Here is a slightly dodgy CAmeraphone clip from earlier this year
Doesn't do justice to the great sound he has live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aoRIo_aUWI
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Bird on November 05, 2007, 12:22:55 AM
Cool clip. I'll have to grab a couple of those cds.  8)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: shaman on November 05, 2007, 03:02:31 AM
a tweaker's delight-expensive to re-tube, thats for sure-it doesnt capture the lead tone of the MKIIC+, but offers flexibility, no doubt..a killer amp
-look for the Mark V early next year... 8)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Bird on November 05, 2007, 03:07:19 AM
Quote from: shaman
a tweaker's delight-expensive to re-tube, thats for sure-it doesnt capture the lead tone of the MKIIC+, but offers flexibility, no doubt..a killer amp
-look for the Mark V early next year... 8)

I'm finished school (again) at the end of  March, and after 4 years of poverty (Im too old for this cr@p) I intend to purchase copious amounts of gear. Just in time for the Mark V it seems   :wink:
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Mr Ed on November 05, 2007, 08:34:57 AM
Those dials scare me. :(
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Simon D on November 08, 2007, 07:53:39 PM
I emailed the distributor of Mesa in the UK looking for a dealer with a Roadster in stock. The rep told me I was "unlikely to find a dealer with one for demo". He said my best bet was to place a deposit with a dealer and order one in!

Yeah right. Dunno about anyone else, but I'm bolloxed if I'm going to spend £1900 on something I can't try first!
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 14, 2007, 07:10:32 AM
Anyone tried a Roadking?

I am currently demo'ing amps and have a lead on a Roadking head with a special 4x12 halfback cab for 950gbp (though YES it's near me in Texas).

I think this amp is VERY interesting sounding with the 'progressive linkage' basically this means;

Multi-Watt™ Channel Assignable Power Amp with Progressive Linkage™ (patent 5,559,469) featuring 4x6L6 & 2xEL34, which allows you to select either 2x6L6, 2xEL34, 2x6L6+2xEL34, 4x6L6
or 4x6L6+2xEL34 for Power Ratings of 50, 100 & 120 Watts! / 6x12AX7, 2x5U4

Guess will have to try it but wondered if anyone (probably US members) had tried/own it themselves?
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: hunter on November 14, 2007, 12:43:14 PM
Tried the Roadster, didn't like it. Maybe better in band context...

I seem to be incompatible with the Mesa EQ and gain structure, as I hardly like any of their amps  :cry:
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 14, 2007, 12:50:13 PM
Quote from: hunter
Tried the Roadster, didn't like it. Maybe better in band context...

I seem to be incompatible with the Mesa EQ and gain structure, as I hardly like any of their amps  :cry:


This is the Roadking Hunter. Different tubes both 6L6 AND EL34 which are ALL mixable by tweaking settings.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Roobubba on November 14, 2007, 12:50:15 PM
Quote from: FELINEGUITARS
it's more the type of players who all rush and buy rectos that are too blame - they only use it for one sound (and play downtuned)


*cough*

What's wrong with playing downtuned?

Ok, so I don't have a recto...

:guitar4:

Roo
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: hunter on November 14, 2007, 01:47:18 PM
Quote from: Dakine
Quote from: hunter
Tried the Roadster, didn't like it. Maybe better in band context...

I seem to be incompatible with the Mesa EQ and gain structure, as I hardly like any of their amps  :cry:


This is the Roadking Hunter. Different tubes both 6L6 AND EL34 which are ALL mixable by tweaking settings.


Ok but I understand Roadster = Roadking sans some of the power amp sophistication, and you can run either 6L6 or EL34?
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 14, 2007, 01:56:50 PM
Quote from: hunter
Quote from: Dakine
Quote from: hunter
Tried the Roadster, didn't like it. Maybe better in band context...

I seem to be incompatible with the Mesa EQ and gain structure, as I hardly like any of their amps  :cry:


This is the Roadking Hunter. Different tubes both 6L6 AND EL34 which are ALL mixable by tweaking settings.


Ok but I understand Roadster = Roadking sans some of the power amp sophistication, and you can run either 6L6 or EL34?


Yep, can run any of the 4 6L6 or 2 EL34's in any combo on all channels!

2 6L6, 2 EL34, 2 6L6 & 2 EL34, 4 6L6 or 4 6L6 & 2 EL34. And use which ever tube combo you wish on which ever channel you wish.

Roadster is 6L6 OR EL34

Also Roadking has more switching, cab switching (for instance cab with one I am looking at is Roadking 4x12 1/3 open back with 2xV30's and 2xC90's which can be run seperate,oposite config or all together on any channel or all etc.

Probably more have missed.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: FELINEGUITARS on November 14, 2007, 03:51:06 PM
Quote from: Roobubba
Quote from: FELINEGUITARS
it's more the type of players who all rush and buy rectos that are too blame - they only use it for one sound (and play downtuned)


*cough*

What's wrong with playing downtuned?

Ok, so I don't have a recto...

:guitar4:

Roo


Was merely an observation rather than a criticism
Guitars do actualy play better in concert pitch  and handle pretty well down to being tuned in D (2 steps down). Lower than that they lose definition unless a longer scale length is used - BlackMachine may have something with their fanned fret guitars!
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: dave_mc on November 14, 2007, 03:51:53 PM
haven't tried the roadster, but the roadking is very, very nice. I like the fact it has 6L6's and EL34's at once (the roadster doesn't have that, unfortunately). EDIT: to nick: the progressive linkage was sweet. Excellent idea. if you can get one while you're in the US, it's bound to be worth a try at least.

Ridiculous price in the UK, though.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: blue on November 14, 2007, 04:18:53 PM
Quote from: FELINEGUITARS
Quote from: blue
Quote from: FELINEGUITARS


Just saw Y&T/Tigertailz last night and Dave Meniketti uses a Dual Tremoverb or a hired/borrowed Dual Rec and gets wonderful Marshall like tone out of it - but with that something extra thrown in
Really very nice!


i saw Tigertailz at their headline hometown gig in Cardiff, Jay Pepper was using a Dual Rectifier there.  Sounded great!


Yeah - was fun to see TT again - have followed them since 1986

It was great to see that a friend of mine (Glenn Quinn) who I used to guitar tech for was playing bass for them filling in for the sadly departed Pepsi Tate


bit late answering this, anyway.

yeah, they call him Nailz! shows what a small world it is.  you know him, i was talking to him after the show and it turns out his family come from Lurgan, just a few miles up the road from me.  was it City Kiddz he used to be in?

oh, Boogies.  i've tried a Dual Rectifier (many years ago) and a couple of F50's.  they all seemed good, but certainly not worth the vast amount more they cost than other amps.  i haven't had the opportunity to try any of their newer models, although i'd love to have a go at the Lonestar Special.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 14, 2007, 04:20:08 PM
cool Dave
might have chance of Head AND 4x12 special Roadking cab here for $1,900 in mint condition.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: dave_mc on November 15, 2007, 02:27:32 PM
yeah, that'd set you back almost $8000 here (new, to be fair).

 :evil:
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Mr Ed on November 15, 2007, 02:29:42 PM
We get so raped on the prices for Boogies, it's not even funny.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: dave_mc on November 15, 2007, 02:33:58 PM
agreed. they're nice amps, don't get me wrong, but not £2000-£3000 nice. At US prices, they're certainly a contender. At UK prices (and in my opinion) not so much.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Mr Ed on November 15, 2007, 03:20:32 PM
Innit, if I had a grand to drop on an amp - I'd look at a Roadster or a Stilletto or something but I'd sooner stick with something UK-made so you know you're buying an amp and not an amp with a gigantic international markup on.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 15, 2007, 05:23:38 PM
MY new Rig ;)

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j279/DakineTX/DSC01422.jpg)








































Just kiddin', although DOES sound huge!

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j279/DakineTX/DSC01426.jpg)

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j279/DakineTX/DSC01424.jpg)

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j279/DakineTX/DSC01425.jpg)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: AdamB on November 15, 2007, 05:34:37 PM
What model fender is that?

An esquire?
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 15, 2007, 05:38:18 PM
Quote from: adammato
What model fender is that?

An esquire?


No, thats one of my discontinued Custom Shop Flat Heads;
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j279/DakineTX/DSC01073.jpg)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: AdamB on November 15, 2007, 05:39:39 PM
It's lovely in a weird way!

I have a soft spot for yellow

How much was it?
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 15, 2007, 05:41:52 PM
Bought last two guy in Colorado had.
not bad for Custom Shop, lil over $1,100.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: AdamB on November 15, 2007, 05:44:04 PM
If you ever fancy selling it, give me a shout
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 15, 2007, 05:56:23 PM
lol
not likely although ones here in Texas and one is in UK. However, would NOT sell for US price in UK ;)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: AdamB on November 15, 2007, 05:58:38 PM
So you've got 2!!!

Go onnnnnnnn!!!!

 :D
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: indysmith on November 15, 2007, 08:47:23 PM
Quote from: adammato
What model fender is that?

An esquire?

LOL
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Machek on November 16, 2007, 12:44:43 PM
Tell us about the roadking, i'm curious, how good does it sound?
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: AdamB on November 16, 2007, 01:45:45 PM
Quote from: indysmith
Quote from: adammato
What model fender is that?

An esquire?

LOL


I have realised the error or my judgement :cry:
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: indysmith on November 16, 2007, 02:04:53 PM
^ hehe sorry mate. it just seemed ironic that the flat head and the esquire are pretty much at the exact opposite ends of the tele spectrum.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: dave_mc on November 16, 2007, 03:09:31 PM
ah, awesome nick! did you trade in any of your current amps for it?
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 16, 2007, 04:02:15 PM
Quote from: dave_mc
ah, awesome nick! did you trade in any of your current amps for it?


No Dave.
My Knucklehead is still for sale in UK (I am in Texas these days).

Was abit leery about the RoadKing to be honest. BUT it is totally easy to get good tone from any setting on any chan!

It's the options that are amazing!

in short, it came with the special RK cab. This has a partial open back and houses 2x C90's and 2xV30's which can be used alone in pairs or combined. I mean each of the four chan can be assigned ANY combination of speakers, and can be run in stereo.

Then the head is basically four amps in one.

Each chan has it's own eq. Has it's own assignable reverb, pentode/triode, diode or tube tracking, then the clever bit, each chan can be set with what tubes to use (2 6L6's, 4 6L6's, 2 EL34's, 2 EL34's AND 2 6L6's or 2 EL34's AND 4 6L6's)!

All the chan volumes can be set then an overal out set for constant vol. when switching. Also a solo boost.

Each chan has three distinct 'modes' like most recto's too. Raw, Vintage, modern, clean, British, depending on chan.

It has two independant loops which have mix levels for each chan.

An overal spongy/bold setting and several 'triggers' and 'out's.

All sounds very complicated huh? well it's really not. Basically ya just look at it as four totally individual amps in one head and decide what tubes to run with what amp (thats the clever bit, along with the diff assignable speaker configs).

I am not ready for a tone report as not had it long enough.

The cleans are not quite as good as my Rivera but was to be expected and they ARE plenty good and chimey enough.

My fave thus far is 2 6L6's and 2 EL34's on Chan 3 in spongy mode. This illicits the warmth and bite/attack that is amazing. In one respect it can be tweaked to send like a modern track of a down tuned guitar with all that heavy chunk BUT with your guitar in concert tuning. Or with diff. tweak you get that thick as syrup Marshall tone but with the most glorious singing note seperation that cuts through. It's hard to explain how on the one hand the overall is sooooo thick yet the notes come through. I imagine it actually sounding like two amps run in stereo. The overtones of both shining through, simply stunning!
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: dave_mc on November 17, 2007, 04:47:49 PM
^ i remember when i first tried one, i was like  :? , but after 5 or 10 minutes, it's actually pretty straightforward (for such a complicated amp).

I hear they've improved the cleans on the newer ones (i've tried an older one)- if they have, it's bound to be a really nice amp for sure, as the cleans weren't all that bad on the old ones...

just UK-pricing is the problem... I mean I know I'm one of mesa's fiercest critics, and  lot of the time when all the fanboys are going on about how amazing they are, I'm just like "well, they're alright, but amazing?  :? "... but the roadking is a different kettle of fish, it really is nice. it is like several amps in one. Problem just is, at UK pricing, you could buy two boutique amps for the same price...

:)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 19, 2007, 07:05:19 PM
Dave,
@ UK pricing I would'nt have ever considered it!

I was looking for somthing less complicated (on face of it, but with ANY Mesa exp. it really is'nt hard) myself. I just happened across this and was MAJOR deal! The biggest booteek music shop in Houston was selling it (well owner actually) as it was'nt his/or stores norm thing (they are known more as country/blues store, r.e. Billy Gibbons is a regular).

What really makes it to my ears/mind is the way you can combine tubes and def. the speaker cab, with C90's and v30's which can also be mixed and matched (with a 1/3 open back cab). I have not even seen one of these advertised really before (the cab is ungodly price itself), so really could'nt pass it up.

Why Mesa, and several others think they can charge SOOOOOOOOO much for their stuff overseas though truly escapes me!

Nick
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: dave_mc on November 19, 2007, 07:40:33 PM
cheers, nick. It does sound like a good deal, even by US prices. that cab thing sounds like the icing on the cake. :)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 19, 2007, 11:11:39 PM
here ya go Dave;

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Guitar%20Cabinets/RoadKingCABS/RK-4x12SDsl-LG.htm
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: dave_mc on November 20, 2007, 08:22:13 PM
ah that is cool. :)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: stratguy23 on November 27, 2007, 12:31:20 AM
I tried one a while back and it sounded good. I would not pay $1,900 for it maybe $1,400 though.
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: viking on November 27, 2007, 04:20:53 AM
It's crazy !I didn't know about the cab's features...unbelievable.Stereo,Mono,C90's,V30's with all the RoadKing's features...must be fantastic.Dakine,if you could post a video clip to illustrate all this...would be niiice! 8)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 27, 2007, 03:18:30 PM
Quote from: stratguy23
I tried one a while back and it sounded good. I would not pay $1,900 for it maybe $1,400 though.


GOOD LUCK with that for a minty head AND a minty 4x12!  :roll:
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: samoth2 on November 27, 2007, 03:23:09 PM
1,900$ is bloody cheap compared to danish prices  :(
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: Dakine on November 27, 2007, 04:01:09 PM
it's worth what it's worth to you I guess.
But have not seen the Road King cab for sale myself (it's special order) and that alone is $1,000. So for both I am happy with price. Actually traded a guitar also (which I never count as $$$$ cos it's now bought and used) so cost me alot less $$$ than that :)
Title: Mesa Boogie Roadster
Post by: viking on November 27, 2007, 05:16:04 PM
1900$=more os less,1400 euros.That's an incredible price for such an amp and cab !Anywhere on the planet...Very,very lucky Dakine!