Author Topic: Mesa Boogie Express - advice please (Read 2395 times)

fbloke · « **on:** May 17, 2008, 12:30:03 PM »

Apologies if this topic has been raised before, but I have the following simple questions regarding the Mesa Boogie Express 5:25, which I am on the verge of buying:

1. Is it loud enough for small club/pub gigs?

2. Does the extension cabinet allow more volume / clean headroom?

3. Is it loud enough to comfortably compete with a drummer?

Many thanks,

Mike.

hhcave · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2008, 12:36:51 PM »

1. Yes

2. An extension cab doesn't add any volume.. If what you mean by 'clean headroom' is 'can the amp be cranked and still remain clean' then yes- Mesa cleans are known for being crystal clear; some dislike it as it is hard to get an overdriven sound out of the clean channel (by that i mean slight breakup for blues etc. - which can be done on amps such and the Marshall DSL range)

3. Yes, easily - Mesas are really, really loud. The 5:25 was MUCH louder than my JCM2000 - DSL 401 which i use for small gigs.

Highly recommend buying the 5:25 - was was going to but then found an F-50 in stock which is similar but with more gain. The great thing about the 5:25 is that not only is it a great sounding amp - it is also extremely portable!

Hope that helps

fbloke · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2008, 05:23:54 PM »

Quote from: hhcave

1. Yes

2. An extension cab doesn't add any volume.. If what you mean by 'clean headroom' is 'can the amp be cranked and still remain clean' then yes- Mesa cleans are known for being crystal clear; some dislike it as it is hard to get an overdriven sound out of the clean channel (by that i mean slight breakup for blues etc. - which can be done on amps such and the Marshall DSL range)

3. Yes, easily - Mesas are really, really loud. The 5:25 was MUCH louder than my JCM2000 - DSL 401 which i use for small gigs.

Highly recommend buying the 5:25 - was was going to but then found an F-50 in stock which is similar but with more gain. The great thing about the 5:25 is that not only is it a great sounding amp - it is also extremely portable!

Hope that helps

A really helpful and positive reply, many thanks. I agree about the portability, I already have a 55 watt Rivera but I also have a dodgy back. The 5:25 may pay for itself in osteopath bills that I don't incur...!!

mikeluke · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2008, 06:49:44 PM »

Not an exact response but one of our guitarists plays through a 25W Brunetti Maranello - 5 piece classic rock band - he rarely needs to go above 4-5 on the amp for most of our pub gigs. Got to think that the Mega Boozy 5:25 Express would be loud enough

shaman · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2008, 07:53:09 PM »

yes yes yes....and man, Boogies are LOUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!

andymac · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2008, 08:02:38 PM »

Our other guitarist uses one and no problems with volume in pubs.

Andy

fbloke · « **Reply #6 on:** May 17, 2008, 10:55:23 PM »

Lads, many thanks for your replies - it really helps the buying decision. I'm going down to the shop as soon as the redundancy cheque clears on Tuesday. Then I'm going to the pub to celebrate. Then I'm going to start looking for a job. Priorities firmly in order!!!

Cheers,

Mike.