Author Topic: Mesa Express any good? (Read 5363 times)

hhcave · « **on:** March 21, 2008, 03:14:27 PM »

Hey,

Im in the market for a new amp and i only really have 3 options (im in hong kong so dont have access to any other decent amps). These are -

Orange Tiny Terror
Peavey 5150 212
Mesa Express

I play a range of stuff from instrumental rock, to jazz fusion, to all out metal and so i need a fairly versatile amp but smooth drive is pretty crucial... So far i think teh mesa is the one but does anyone have anything bad to say about them? I found the cleans really nice and the gain was fantastic - very smooth (think al di meola)... however it doesn't have too much gain, so maybe a good distortion pedal is needed?

Thanks

BigK · « **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2008, 05:54:30 PM »

The Mesa express tops out gain wise at heavy blues/light rock. Even boosted it doesnt have enough gain for old school metal. well at least the one I played on didnt when is was trying out some prs's (they wouldnt let me use the 6505 they had in the shop

).
Are those really the only options you have? seems to be quite large jumps in prices between them. The clean channel on the peavey isnt the best but it has the best gain sounds out of those imo. The tiny terror is probably the best all rounder, but thats only if you like the tone. Im not a fan of the orange sound but thats just me.

QS-Nalle · « **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2008, 07:37:18 PM »

To answer your question: no :)

ToonLP · « **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2008, 08:05:27 PM »

Have a look at the Blackstar Artisan series - I recently sold my Express 5:25 and now have a Blackstar Artisan 15 - awesome (and half the price in UK too!).

hhcave · « **Reply #4 on:** March 22, 2008, 02:36:59 AM »

hmmmm...well as i said, i don't really have many other options (some marshalls, but not really a big fan of them...)

How about a mesa f-30? Do those have enough gain? I may go down to the shop and see if they can order in other mesa amps seeing as they are a dealer...

Also, what do you think of getting a good fender amp of some sort (Deluxe?) and using distortion pedals to get the metal tone?

I think they mesa eress i mentioned may not be an express, rather an f-30...they look similar and i saw it for a short time! It seemed to have a fair amount of gain... definately more than the tiny terror... and its clean channel was really, really good - MUCH better than the 5150! I would've thought it would be the best all-rounder...?

EDIT: i found out that what i thought was a Mesa/Boogie Express is in fact a Mesa/Boogie F-30 (i know this for sure)

shaman · « **Reply #5 on:** March 22, 2008, 02:21:05 PM »

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w262/musicmanjp6/F-30/?action=view&current=F30tonetest.flv

try this -pulled from the boogie board-takes a while to download...f-30 with effects

-remember, if it is a combo and you want some heavier tones, I suggest going into a closed back cabinet!!!
-the cleans are incredible and really lend themselves to using pedals if that is your wish
-remember this as well...a Boogie thru a Thiele ported 1x12 cab makes these cats sound like a 4x12-the bass response is something to be heard...

hhcave · « **Reply #6 on:** March 22, 2008, 08:32:40 PM »

Hmm, okay well im going to get the amp tomorrow - haven't quie made my final decision yet but it will probably be the f-30!

shaman · « **Reply #7 on:** March 23, 2008, 01:07:42 AM »

cool..remember, if it isnt exactly like you want it, just let me know_ I have a few tricks up my sleeve concerning all things Boogie(especially tubes...!)
I think you will find it to be a very versatile and road worthy amp!

hhcave · « **Reply #8 on:** March 23, 2008, 11:44:16 AM »

Hehe, i went to the shop today to get it, but then discover they are able to order in other models from mesa/boogie and they have a new stock of amps incl. triple rectos, dual rectos etc...

What would you suggest? I want something quite simple with good tone...something like the F-30...stilleto? Dual recto lead head?

cheers

noodleplugerine · « **Reply #9 on:** March 23, 2008, 12:14:28 PM »

If you want a combo, and if you want a Mesa.

Then get the Mark IV.

Best mesa amp ever made imo.

hhcave · « **Reply #10 on:** March 23, 2008, 02:40:41 PM »

Mmmmm, i was going to ask about that....roughly how much is it?

noodleplugerine · « **Reply #11 on:** March 23, 2008, 03:27:27 PM »

Its only about £100 more than a Dual rectifier for the head, which really isn't alot considering how much better it is imo.

hunter · « **Reply #12 on:** March 23, 2008, 03:44:46 PM »

Maybe try something German, a Diezel Einstein, ENGL Powerball, Framus Dragon ...?

indysmith · « **Reply #13 on:** March 23, 2008, 09:52:12 PM »

Why are you so set on getting a Mesa? They're not that great compared to a lot of the competition, and very very expensive over here.

shaman · « **Reply #14 on:** March 24, 2008, 12:39:24 AM »

the Mark IV IS the deal-very versatile...when most think of Mesa(especially young players), they think of the recto sound-the Mark series were/are the best all around amp I have ever played-does it all(comes up short of the IIC+, of course, but that is another story entirely)-Mk IV is used bycountry,JAzz,classic rock,heavy rock players all over the place...just dont think it ONLY does LOG...if I could buy a new one, I would look at a IV-read up on the SIMULCLASS section of the IV-the Stilleto is another killer..the lonestar is a texas blues special....the IV allows 6l6 AND el 34 together in class AB or class A only-the are expensive across the pond,but there seems to be a lot of mis info regarding mesa...think beyond the recto unless,of course, you like that tone
I have a triple rec and 2 Mark II C+ amps..just sold a Mk IV....I hit every tone known!!!I can dial in MArshall tones and Boogie tones..hellyeah, all I need!!play as many as you can 8)