Mesa/Boogie (also known as Mesa Engineering) is a
companyA company is a form of business organization.In the United States, a company is a corporation—or, less commonly, an association, partnership, or union—that carries on an industrial enterprise." Generally, a company may be a "corporation, partnership, association, joint-stock company,...
in
Petaluma, CaliforniaPetaluma is a city in Sonoma County, California, in the United States. It is estimated that the 2006 population was 54,660Located in Petaluma is the Rancho Petaluma Adobe, a National Historic Landmark. It was built beginning in 1836 by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, then Commandant of the San...
that makes amplifiers for
guitarThe guitar is a musical instrument with ancient roots that adapts readily to a wide variety of musical styles. It typically has six strings, but four-, seven-, eight-, ten-, eleven-, twelve-, thirteen- and eighteen-string guitars also exist. The size and shape of the neck and the base of the guitar...
s and
bassesThe electric bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a plectrum....
. It has been in operation since 1969.
Mesa was started by Randall Smith as a small repair shop which modified Fender combos to give them more gain. Prominent early buyers included
Carlos SantanaCarlos Augusto Alves Santana is a Mexican-born American Grammy Award-winning rock musician and guitarist. Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered a blend of rock, salsa and jazz fusion. The band's sound featured his melodic, blues-based...
and
Keith RichardsKeith Richards is an English guitarist, songwriter, singer, record producer and a founding member of The Rolling Stones. As a guitarist, Richards is mostly known for his innovative rhythm playing. In 2003 he was ranked 10th on Rolling Stone magazine's "Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of...
of
The Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in 1962 in London when multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones and pianist Ian Stewart were joined by vocalist Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards. Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early lineup...
, helping to develop Mesa/Boogie's reputation as a major high-end amp builder.
History
Randall Smith, the creator of Mesa/Boogie, began his career at Prune Music, a Chinese grocery store turned music shop. Working as a repair tech while his business partner and friend, David Kessner, ran the front, Smith quickly gained a reputation with the local
San Francisco Bay AreaThe San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, or the Yay Area, is a metropolitan region that surrounds the San Francisco and San Pablo estuaries in Northern California. The region encompasses large cities such as San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, along with smaller urban and...
musicians. This reputation lead to business from bands including the
Grateful DeadThe Grateful Dead were an American rock band formed in 1965 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The band was known for its unique and eclectic style, which fused elements of rock, folk, bluegrass, blues, reggae, country, jazz, psychedelia, and space rock—and for live performances of long musical...
,
Big Brother and the Holding CompanyBig Brother and the Holding Company is an American rock band that formed in San Francisco in 1965 as part of the same psychedelic music scene that produced the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and Jefferson Airplane. They are best known as the band that featured Janis Joplin as their...
, and
Carlos SantanaCarlos Augusto Alves Santana is a Mexican-born American Grammy Award-winning rock musician and guitarist. Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered a blend of rock, salsa and jazz fusion. The band's sound featured his melodic, blues-based...
.
In 1969, Smith, as a joke, modified Barry Melton's (
Country Joe and the FishCountry Joe and the Fish was a rock band most widely known for musical protests against the Vietnam War, from 1966 to 1971.-History:The group's name is derived from leftist politics; "Country Joe" was a popular name for Joseph Stalin in the 1940s, while "the fish" refers to Mao Tse-Tung's statement...
)
Fender PrincetonThe Fender Princeton was a guitar amplifier made by Fender. It was introduced in 1947 and discontinued in 1979. After Fender introduced the Champ Amp in 1948, the Princeton occupied the next to the bottom spot in the Fender line...
amplifier. He removed the standard 10 inch speaker and modified the chassis to fit the larger transformers that were needed by the 4-10 tweed
Fender BassmanThe Fender Bassman was a bass amplifier introduced by Fender in 1952. Although it was originally designed for bass guitars, it was frequently used for normal electric guitar in rock and roll, blues, and country bands.-History:...
, the circuit that he had added into the tiny 12 watt Princeton. Finally, Mounting a 12 inch
JBLJBL is an American audio electronics company currently owned by Harman International. It was founded in 1946 by James Bullough Lansing. Their primary products are loudspeakers and associated electronics. There are two independent divisions within the company — JBL Consumer and JBL Professional...
D-120, a popular speaker of the time, Smith had created what would be the first
Boogie.
Randall Smith, needing to test his creation, took the "hot-rodded" Princeton into the front store. Coincidentally, Carlos Santana was present and "wailed through that little amp until people were blocking the sidewalk". Impressed, Santana exclaimed to Smith, "Man, that little thing really boogies!" It was this statement that brought the Boogie name to fruition.
The MESA name came about through Smith's other job, rebuilding Mercedes engines and repairing houses. He needed an 'official' sounding name through which to buy Mercedes parts and building supplies. The name chosen was MESA Engineering because it was seemingly familiar with a professional air. It was originally spelled with all capital letters but has been written as Mesa in recent years.
In 1971, Bassist Patrick Burke approached Randall with a proposal for a custom Bass amp. Smith was persuaded and constructed the Snakeskin Mesa 450 - Smith's first bass amplifier and the first 'official' Mesa/Boogie product.
The real breakthrough came when Smith began his project of building a preamp for Lee Michaels to drive his new Crown DC-300 power amplifiers. Not knowing what signal was required to drive the power amps, Smith added an extra tube gain stage to the preamp to cover his bases, with 3 variable gain controls at different points in the circuit.
When Smith took the construction to Michaels and plugged it in, they were both disappointed, as they could only hear a very faint sound coming out of the speakers. They soon realized that the speakers had been plugged directly into the preamp, and rectified the situation by plugging them in correctly to the power-amp. After plugging everything together correctly, Michaels hit a power chord to test the new setup which "practically blew both of our [Michaels and Smith] bodies through the back wall". Smith had discovered High Gain, purely by chance. He set about designing a Mesa/Boogie amplifier around the new principle, and in 1972 the Mark I Boogie was released.
He produced a number of custom variations on the Mark I through the late 1970s, with options including reverb, 15" speakers, EQ, various speakers (most often Altec or ElectroVoice), koa wood jointed cabinets, and wicker grill. The Mark II was released in 1978.
In the 1980s, Mesa continued to produce combo and head-and-cabinet amps, and
began production of rack power and pre-amps, developing power amplifiers such as the M180/190 and Strategy series, as well as pre-amps such as the Quad and Studio. Arguably the most desirable Boogie ever built was designed in 1983, the Mark II-C (and later the II-C+). The Mark series culminated in 1990 with the Mark IV, still one of the most advanced amplifiers in the world. Other models developed in the 1980s included the Mark III, the Son of Boogie, and the Studio .22.
In the '90s, Mesa launched the smaller Dual Caliber series and the more powerful Rectifier series. The newest models include the 4-channel Road King II, the Lone Star and Lone Star Special, and the Stiletto and Express line of amplifiers.
Mark Series
The Mesa Boogie Mark Series of guitar amplifiers by Mesa Engineering. It is one of the most influential series of amps ever made, and was Mesa's flagship product until the introduction of the Rectifier series. Introduced in the Mark II-B was the Simul-Class power amplifier stage, which combined tubes running in Class A and Class AB through the same output transformer.
The Mark I Reissue and the Mark IV were discontinued in 2008. New for 2009, Mesa has released the Mark V.
Rectifier Series
The Rectifier series became popular through the success of detuned 7-string nu- and heavy-metal in the 90's. There are 4 variants: Single, Dual (Solo, Road King, and Roadster) and Triple Rectifier. There were also Tremoverb and Rectoverb models.
The Single Rectifier amplifiers are rated at 50 watts and use a silicon diode
rectifierA rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current to direct current , a process known as rectification. Rectifiers have many uses including as components of power supplies and as detectors of radio signals...
, as opposed to tube rectification. Currently in production are the Single Rectifier Solo Head 50, the Rect-o-Verb 50 head, and the Rect-o-Verb 50 combo, which is fitted with a single 12" Celestion Black Shadow speaker. The Rect-o-Verb line features the same circuitry as the Single Rectifier Solo Head 50, but incorporates reverb. All Single Rectifier amplifiers feature a pair of
6L66L6 is the designator for a vacuum tube introduced by Radio Corporation of America in July 1936. At the time Philips had already developed and patented power pentode designs, which were fast replacing power triodes due to their greater efficiency...
power tubes as well as five
12AX712AX7 is a miniature dual triode vacuum tube with high voltage gain. It is believed to have been originally developed in 1946 by RCA engineers in Harrison, New Jersey under developmental number A-4522. It was released for public sale under the 12AX7 identifier on September 15, 1947...
pre-amp tubes. A bias select switch, which allows the user to swap out the stock 6L6s for
EL34The EL34 is a vacuum tube of the power pentode type. It has an octal base and is found mainly in the final output stages of audio amplification circuits. The American RETMA tube designation number for this tube is 6CA7...
s, was added in the "Series 2" versions of all amplifiers in the lineup. Also, the Reverb control knob was moved from the back to the front on the Rect-o-Verb models. The Single Rectifer amplifiers feature two fully independent channels.
The Dual Rectifier Solo Head was the most popular model of the Rectifier series. The name comes from the use of 2 rectifier tubes, which are switchable between silicon diodes. Equipped with a quartet of
6L66L6 is the designator for a vacuum tube introduced by Radio Corporation of America in July 1936. At the time Philips had already developed and patented power pentode designs, which were fast replacing power triodes due to their greater efficiency...
power tubes, the Dual Rectifier will produce 70-100 watts, depending on options chosen. For a looser sound, Dual Rectifier amplifiers allow users to utilize tube rectification rather than the common silicon diode rectification at the flip of a switch. Like in the Single Rectifier series, a bias select switch is standard. The Dual and Triple Rectifier amplifiers, which also feature 5 12AX7 pre-amp tubes, were originally designed with 2 channels (though not true parallel channel circuits), but recently were redesigned to incorporate a third channel. However, many people consider the older 2 channel models to have a superior sound. These Pre-500 rectifiers are said to have superior tone due to specific transformers that were only used on these early models. In addition these first 500 also feature a unique circuit board that was changed toward the end of 1992. One can distinguish the Pre-500 dual rectifiers by their serial number found on the back of the amp and should fall between # R-0001 to R-0506.
Other than the Dual Rectifier Solo Head, there is the flagship Boogie model (replacing the Mark IV as the company's most advanced amplifier), the Dual Rectifier Road King. The Road King is well known for its vast number of options. It has 4 channels, each with two different speaker outputs, two effects loops and Progressive Linkage, which allows five different power tube configurations (2x6L6, 2xEL34, 2x6L6+2xEL34, 4x6L6, 4x6L6+2xEL34), which are signaled by different LED lights on the front of the amplifier. The amp also features Recto-Tracking, which automatically selects the appropriate rectification (single or dual 5U4s or silicon diode) depending on the power tube configuration.
While these options provide ample tweaking opportunity and customization of tone, they are also the one drawback of the Road King - it's just too complex for some. In response, Mesa announced the release of the Dual Rectifier Roadster, a scaled down and less expensive version of the Road King with fewer options for the power amp and speakers while retaining 4 independent channels.
The Triple Rectifier utilizes 6
6L66L6 is the designator for a vacuum tube introduced by Radio Corporation of America in July 1936. At the time Philips had already developed and patented power pentode designs, which were fast replacing power triodes due to their greater efficiency...
power tubes for 150 watts output power, with 3 5U4 Rectifier tubes. It is advertised with the slogan "When excess is barely enough", and used by bands such as
MetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1981. Founded when drummer Lars Ulrich posted an advertisement in a local newspaper, Metallica's line-up has primarily consisted of Ulrich, rhythm guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, and lead guitarist Kirk...
,
CreedA creed is a statement of belief—usually religious belief—or faith often recited as part of a religious service. The word derives from the for I believe...
,
Limp BizkitLimp Bizkit is an American nu metal band from Jacksonville, Florida. The band achieved success with over 30 million albums sold worldwide. The members of the band include vocalist Fred Durst, guitarist Wes Borland, bassist Sam Rivers, drummer John Otto and DJ Lethal...
, KoЯn,
Linkin ParkLinkin Park is an American rock band from Agoura Hills, California, formed in 1996. Since their formation, the band has sold more than 50 million albums and won two Grammy Awards. It achieved mainstream success with its debut album, Hybrid Theory, which was certified Diamond by the RIAA in 2005...
, Blink 182,
As I Lay DyingAs I Lay Dying is an American Grammy Award-nominated metalcore band from San Diego, California, formed in 2000. Their band name derives from the novel by William Faulkner with the same title...
,
311-Roman Empire:* May 5—Galerius issues his Edict of Toleration, ending persecution of Christians in his part of the Roman Empire.* Maxentius reconquers the African provinces from Domitius Alexander.* Maximinus and Licinius share the Eastern Empire....
, and
Avenged SevenfoldAvenged Sevenfold is an American rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1999. The band has achieved mainstream success with their 2005 album City of Evil, which included singles such as "Burn It Down", "Bat Country," "Beast and the Harlot" and "Seize the Day." The band's success...
.
Lone Star
The Lone Star amplifier was released in 2004 with the tag "Tone as big as Texas", and now comes in two variants, Classic and Special. In very generic terms, the Classic can be compared to vintage Fender amps, while the Special would be more in the range of an old VOX AC-30. However, since no two models of amp really sound alike or even operate the same, this is just to have some idea of an amp with the same type tubes as each of these.
Mesa/Boogie's description of the Classic connects the sound with Texas blues, a style exemplified by
Stevie Ray VaughanStevie Ray Vaughan was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. Eighteen albums of Vaughan's work have been released...
, and this is the sound that the amplifier was designed to recreate. In addition to its blues tones, this amp is also notable for its clean channel. A measure of the quality of the sound is reflected in
Carlos SantanaCarlos Augusto Alves Santana is a Mexican-born American Grammy Award-winning rock musician and guitarist. Santana became famous in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which pioneered a blend of rock, salsa and jazz fusion. The band's sound featured his melodic, blues-based...
's current amplifier rig - 3 70's Mark series Boogies, 2
Dumble Overdrive SpecialDumble musical instrument amplifiers are custom manufactured in very limited numbers by Alexander Dumble of Los Angeles,California. Dumble began making amplifiers in the late 1960s in Santa Cruz. There are reportedly fewer than 300 in total...
amplifiers and a 2004 Lone Star classic. The Lonestar features two channels, both capable of switching between 50 watt (tube or solidstate rectifier) and 100 watt (solid state rectifier). In 2007 Mesa added a 10 watt option to the Lone Star. Both channels are capable of 10, 50, or 100 watt operation. The 10 watt option is true Class A amplification.
The Lone Star Special was released in 2005, having been previewed first at a NAMM show. The differences are mainly in the power amp section, primarily the use of EL84 tubes rather than 6L6, giving a different sound than the "Classic" Lonestar. It also comes with 3 different power settings: - 30, 15, and 5 watts. The 30 watt selection uses a solid state (diode) rectifier for a cleaner tone. The 15 and 5 watt settings use a tube (valve) rectifier for a warmer, "grittier", sound. The 5 watt setting uses one power tube producing singled-ended Class A amplification, whereas the other two settings produce push/pull Class A/B amplification
http://www.mesaboogie.com/US/Smith/ClassA-WebVersion.htm. Not only does this lower the power but also enables the tube to be saturated for an overdriven sound at much lower volume. In addition, the 2nd harmonic (an octave above) is not cancelled out, resulting in a richer overtone.
Stiletto
The Stiletto "Stage I" was released in 2004, and is designed as a British-flavored variant of the Rectifier series. This was in response to musicians using Marshall amplifiers combined with Mesa/Boogie amplifiers. Two models were released; the Deuce, and the Trident. Both come standard with
EL34The EL34 is a vacuum tube of the power pentode type. It has an octal base and is found mainly in the final output stages of audio amplification circuits. The American RETMA tube designation number for this tube is 6CA7...
tubes.
The Deuce is a 100w dual 5U4 rectified quad
EL34The EL34 is a vacuum tube of the power pentode type. It has an octal base and is found mainly in the final output stages of audio amplification circuits. The American RETMA tube designation number for this tube is 6CA7...
powered head. The Trident is the highest output power of the Stiletto line, with a switchable 50w/150w power rating. It has six
EL34The EL34 is a vacuum tube of the power pentode type. It has an octal base and is found mainly in the final output stages of audio amplification circuits. The American RETMA tube designation number for this tube is 6CA7...
power tubes and three 5U4 rectifiers.
As of the 2006 model year, all previous models are generally referred to as "Stage I" versions, and have been replaced by the new "Stage II" versions. The Ace is the first of the "Stage II" series. It is a 50-watt amp that is available in different formats. The "Stage II" models have several features that were not available in the first series. This features are RE-voiced modes, two new clean modes named Fat and Tite, a Fluid-Drive mode and faster power supply. The retail price is a little bit more expensive than the Rectifier series.
Express
The Express line of guitar amplifiers was released in 2007, and has essentially replaced the F-Series in the Mesa Boogie line up. Although not directly descended from the F-Series, these two lines do have some features in common, some of which have been expanded upon in the Express line. This amp uses solid state rectification like the F series.
The Express line offers a new amplification technology developed by Mesa Boogie called “Duo-Class”. This technology offers the ability to run the power section of the amplifier in either true “class A” (single-ended) mode, or true “class AB” (push-pull) mode. This allows the operator to choose between running the amplifier at a reduced power output of 5 Watts (class A), or full power (class AB). When run in 5 Watt (Class A) mode, the power section is operating on only one
vacuum tubeIn electronics, a vacuum tube, electron tube , thermionic valve, or valve is a device used to amplify, switch, otherwise modify, or create an electrical signal by controlling the movement of electrons in a low-pressure space...
.
There are two different models offered in the Express line; the 5:25, which has a maximum power output of 25 Watts, and the 5:50 which has a maximum power output of 50 Watts. Curiously absent is a 100 Watt output model.
The 5:25 operates on two EL-84 tubes in the power section, and produces a maximum rated power output of 25 Watts. It is available as either a Short Chassis Head (Width 19in), or a 1x10 (Open Back) Combo unit containing one E50 Speaker, and comes with casters included.
The 5:50 operates on two
6L66L6 is the designator for a vacuum tube introduced by Radio Corporation of America in July 1936. At the time Philips had already developed and patented power pentode designs, which were fast replacing power triodes due to their greater efficiency...
tubes in the power section, and produces a maximum rated power output of 50 Watts. It is available as a Medium Head (Width 22-7/8in), a Long Head (Width 26-1/4in), a 1x12 (Open Back) Combo unit containing one
C90C90 or C-90 can refer to:*Cray C90 supercomputer*C90 , a standardized ISO C form of the C programming language, virtually the same as the ANSI C standard...
Speaker, or a 2x12 (Open Back) Combo unit containing two
C90C90 or C-90 can refer to:*Cray C90 supercomputer*C90 , a standardized ISO C form of the C programming language, virtually the same as the ANSI C standard...
Speakers. Both Combo units come with casters included.
Common features among the models in the Express line are as follows:
- Fixed bias current.
- Five 12AX7
12AX7 is a miniature dual triode vacuum tube with high voltage gain. It is believed to have been originally developed in 1946 by RCA engineers in Harrison, New Jersey under developmental number A-4522. It was released for public sale under the 12AX7 identifier on September 15, 1947...
tubes.
- Two fully independent channels with four style modes (channel 1 = Clean or Crunch, channel 2 = Blues or Burn).
- Independent gain, treble, mid, bass, reverb, master and contour controls per channel.
- Footswitchable Variable Contour Control on each channel, which Mesa Boogie says provides the power of their traditional 5-band graphic EQ from one rotary control.
- All tube, long spring reverb.
- All tube FX Loop external switching Jacks for channel 1/2, contour 1, contour 2, reverb.
- Three button footswitch (Channel 1/2, reverb & contour).
Triaxis
A five-tube preamp built to package all of the "Mark" series amps into one package. The Triaxis combines the clean tones of the Mark IV and the crunch of the Mark IIc series.
Rectifier Recording PreAmp
The MESA Boogie Rectifier Recording PreAmp is basically a Rectifier, designed for silent recording. It can also be used as the front end of a rack mounted Rectifier guitar setup.
Bass Amps
Mesa also makes bass amps. Mesa's bass amps are used by numerous professional bassists such as:
Les ClaypoolLeslie Edward "Les" Claypool is a musician, best known as the bassist in the band Primus. Claypool's funky, creative playing style on the electric bass mixes finger-tapping, flamenco-like strumming, a Larry Graham-like slap technique, and Geddy Lee influences...
and
Paul McCartneySir James Paul McCartney, MBE , is an English singer-songwriter, poet, composer, multi-instrumentalist, entrepreneur, record and film producer, painter, and animal rights and peace activist. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings, McCartney is the most successful songwriter in the history of popular music...
.
The current lineup of Bass Amps includes the simul-state Big Block series, M-Pulse, M6 Carbine, and Walkabout. The Big Block models, namely the Big Block 750 and the Titan V12, are powerful
MOSFETThe metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor is a device used to amplify or switch electronic signals. The basic principle of the device was first proposed by Julius Edgar Lilienfeld in 1925...
-based amps that are aimed toward rock and heavy metal musicians because of their overdrive, all-tube preamp, simple control layout and extreme volume. The M-Pulse line includes the M-Pulse 600, the Walkabout, and now-discontinued M-Pulse 360. These amps offer an extremely flexible parametric equalizer as well as a strong, high-headroom clean tone. The Walkabout is a smaller, more portable version of the M-Pulse. All current M-Pulse models are offered in a combo version. The new M6 Carbine amp (formerly named the Fathom) is a basic, more affordable amp that has more of a fast, solid-state feel than the other
MOSFETThe metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor is a device used to amplify or switch electronic signals. The basic principle of the device was first proposed by Julius Edgar Lilienfeld in 1925...
amps, and is geared toward bassists who prefer such an amp.
Mesa's most famous contribution to the bass world stems from its line of all-tube bass amps. The first was the D-180, which ran from 1982 until mid-1985. It utilized six 6L6GC power tubes to deliver 180-200 watts and featured an optional six-band graphic EQ. It also featured cascading-gain input channels for more "crunch". Demand for a more powerful amp led to the development of the Bass 400, which replaced the D180 in mid-1985. It used six 6550 power tubes to push out about 250 watts; however, the cascading-gain channels were replaced with two separate hi- and low-gain channels. Mesa's supply of 6550 tubes was cut short in the late 1980s and they were forced to sell the 400 with 6L6GC tubes, reducing its output to that of the D180. The solution came in early 1989 in the form of the Bass 400+. It was the same as the 400 in most respects but was powered via twelve 6L6GC tubes for nearly 360 watts of power. The 400+ was discontinued in November 2007.
Discontinued Products
In operation since the early 1970s, Mesa Boogie has discontinued a number of products as its product lines and market change. Some of the major discontinued products are described below.
Coliseum Mark III Series 300 Amplifier Head
The Series 300 amplifier head was an extremely powerful amplifier head made for only one year. It possessed a blistering 150 watts of power and was only produced in 1982. Only 150-200 amplifier heads were ever made. It was discontinued because of its colossal power making it too powerful for practical usage. However, this amplifier head is very rare and information about it is scarce. Most of these amplifier heads even in poor condition sell for over 1,000 USD. Good condition pieces sell upwards of 7000 USD. Notable users of this amplifier head are Metallica, Prince, and The Rolling Stones.
The head itself has 8 push and pull knobs with 3 volume knobs and an integrated equalizer as well as a reverb dial and a 1/2 power switch that cuts the voltage in half. It utilizes 6 amplifier tubes and is cased in black wood and vinyl. It was mainly designed to play large venues and heavy metal music, but the sheer loudness of the amp was too much for even a large club. Regardless, these amps remain a coveted piece of Mesa/Boogie history and to this day are extremely rare pieces of equipment.
Quad
The Quad preamp is divided over two channels, the above one is modeled after a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and the lower channel is based on a Mark III.The preamp uses 8 NOS Tesla E83CC tubes. These were made in the 70's by Telefunken. The whole signalpath of the Quad uses tubes and no opamps like many other preamps such as the Triaxis and the JMP-1.
Mesa/Boogie designer and president Randall Smith: "The Quad (plus the Simul 395 Stereo power amp) is intended primarily for the concert-touring pro. And the idea is to offer a real alternative to the usual assemblage of two or three (or more) separate amps -usually modified- plus a custom switching system."
Some sources state that Channel 1 is based upon the IIC, however, according to Mike B. at Mesa Boogie, the IIC and IIC+ circuits are quite different, and the Quad is in fact closest to the IIC+ circuit.
Specification:
- 2 channels, 4 modes (2 rhythm and 2 lead)
- 8x E83CC NOS Tesla preamp tubes (Telefunken production!)
- 2 custom made Accutronics spring reverbs
- Tube driven reverb and stereo fxloop
- 2x 5 band graphic EQ
- 5 EQ shift functions per channel to change the sound
- Hand made in the USA
- on/off jacks for each function
Blue Angel
The Mesa Blue Angel was an offshoot of the Rectifier series. It sported a single channel that thrived with jazzy clean tones, but gave an aggressive sound when turned loud. The amps were available in a head, 1x12, 2x10, and 4x10. The amplifiers featured Mesa's Progressive Linkage technology, enabling the use of two 6V6 power tubes and four EL84 tubes. The amplifiers used a single GZ34 rectifier tube and 5 12AX7s. Interestingly, the Blue Angel's "Dual Rectification" did not include switching a la the Dual Rectifier, but instead used a GZ34 to supply current to the power tubes, while utilizing solid state rectification for preamp tubes.
Nomad
Mesa's Nomad series was produced from1998 until the early 2000s, and were considered a successor to the Caliber series of the 1990s. They boasted three channels with the option of a graphic equalizer on some models. It was sold in 45, 55, and 100 watt variations, and was phased out with the introduction of the F-series
Maverick
The Maverick was a Class-A, channel switching amp available in a 4x10, 2x12 combo, or 1x12 combo format, as well as a 35-watt head. The 1x12 combo was discontinued after about the first half of the production lifetime of the model. The amp was aimed towards country and classic rock players, and was replaced by the Lone Star.
Pre-amplification is done with six 12ax7's divided over two channels, and power amplification is handled by four EL84's in Class A mode.
Formula preamp
The Formula was a rack-mounted preamp.
Dream TheaterDream Theater are an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band...
guitarist
John PetrucciJohn Peter Petrucci is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Along with his bandmate Mike Portnoy, he has produced all Dream Theater albums since their 1999 release, Metropolis Pt...
has once used this amplifier in his rig as a clean preamp. While putting out a tone reminiscent of the F series (a tone between the rectifiers and mark series) the preamp has been dismissed by many as being too loose and lacking in punch and gain clarity. There are a few home mod plans out there that apparently improve on the circuitry to make the gain channels more usable.
F-Series
The F-Series debuted in 2002 as the spiritual successors to the early '90s Dual Caliber series. There were 3 sizes, the F30 (30 watts), the F50 (50 watts) and the F100 (100 watts). In 2007 the F-Series was replaced by the Express line of amplifiers.
The smallest amplifier in the series was the F30. Rather than 6L6 tubes, it uses two EL84s in its power section. It was available in a 'shorthead' version or as a 1x12 combo.
The F50 was the most critically acclaimed model, featuring two 6L6 tubes in the power amp and using solid state rectification. It is available as a 'medium head' version, or a 1x12 'widebody' combo. Early 1x12 models shared the same size combo as the F30.
The F100 used a quartet of 6L6s for 100w output, with a 60/100w switch. It was available as a 2x12 combo or in a 'long head' version.
Notable users
- Buckethead
Brian Patrick Carroll, better known as Buckethead, is an American musician and songwriter. He has released 28 solo albums and performed on over 50 more...
- Jerry Cantrell
Jerry Fulton Cantrell Jr. is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known for his work with the grunge band Alice in Chains, as lead guitarist, backing and co-lead vocalist, and co-lyricist. He performs lead vocals on his solo projects, and is part of Alice in Chains' harmonizing...
- Les Claypool
Leslie Edward "Les" Claypool is a musician, best known as the bassist in the band Primus. Claypool's funky, creative playing style on the electric bass mixes finger-tapping, flamenco-like strumming, a Larry Graham-like slap technique, and Geddy Lee influences...
- David Gilmour
David Jon Gilmour CBE is an English musician, best known as the guitarist, lead singer, and one of the songwriters in the rock band Pink Floyd. In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Gilmour has worked as a record producer for a variety of artists, and has enjoyed a successful career as a solo...
of Pink FloydPink Floyd were an English rock band who, in the late 1960s, earned recognition for their psychedelic and space rock music, and in the 1970s, as they evolved, for their progressive rock music. Pink Floyd's work is marked by philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album cover art,...
- Trey Anastasio
Trey Anastasio is an American guitarist, composer, and vocalist most noted for his work with the rock band Phish. He is credited by name as composer of 152 Phish original songs, 140 of them as a solo credit, in addition to 41 credits attributed to the band as a whole...
of PhishPhish is an American rock band noted for its musical improvisation, extended jams, exploration of music across genres, and devoted fan base. Formed at the University of Vermont in 1983, the band's four members performed together for over 20 years until an official breakup in...
- Dave Grohl
David Eric Grohl is an American rock musician, singer and songwriter. Grohl began his music career in the 1980s as the drummer for several Washington, D.C., area bands, including the hardcore punk band Scream. In 1990 he became the drummer for grunge group Nirvana...
from the Foo FightersFoo Fighters is an American rock band formed by singer/guitarist/drummer Dave Grohl in 1995. Grohl formed the group as a one-man project after the dissolution of his previous band, Nirvana, in 1994. Prior to the release of Foo Fighters in 1995, Grohl drafted Nate Mendel , William Goldsmith , and...
- Allan Holdsworth
Allan Holdsworth is a British guitarist and composer. He has released ten studio albums and played many different styles of music over a period of four decades, but is best known for his work in jazz fusion....
- Adam Jones
Adam Thomas Jones is a three time Grammy Award-winning Welsh-American musician and visual artist, best known for his position as the guitarist for Grammy-Award winning band Tool. Jones has been rated the 75th Greatest Guitarist of all time by the Rolling Stone and placed 9th in Guitar World's Top...
of ToolTool is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1990. Since their inception, the band's line-up has included drummer Danny Carey, guitarist Adam Jones, and vocalist Maynard James Keenan. The current bassist is Justin Chancellor, who has been with the band since 1995...
- Steve Lukather
Steve "Luke" Lukather is an American Grammy Award-winning guitarist, singer, songwriter, arranger, and record producer best known for his work with the rock band Toto. Lukather has released several solo albums and, as a studio session guitarist, has been involved with arranging, composing, and...
- Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1981. Founded when drummer Lars Ulrich posted an advertisement in a local newspaper, Metallica's line-up has primarily consisted of Ulrich, rhythm guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, and lead guitarist Kirk...
- Robin Finck
Robin Finck is an American guitarist, currently the lead guitarist for Nine Inch Nailsand former lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses...
of Nine Inch NailsNine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
and Guns N' RosesGuns N' Roses is an American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1985. The band, led by frontman and co-founder Axl Rose, has gone through numerous line-up changes and controversies since its formation...
- Ed O'Brien
Edward John O'Brien is a member of Radiohead. He plays guitar and is responsible for harmony vocals during live concerts and on many tracks from the band's albums...
of RadioheadRadiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their first single, "Creep", in 1992...
- John Petrucci
John Peter Petrucci is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. Along with his bandmate Mike Portnoy, he has produced all Dream Theater albums since their 1999 release, Metropolis Pt...
and John MyungJohn Ro Myung is a bassist and a founding member of the progressive metal group Dream Theater.- Background :...
from Dream TheaterDream Theater are an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band...
- Prince
Prince Rogers Nelson is an American singer, songwriter, musician and actor. He performs under the mononym Prince but has also been known by various other names, most notably the unpronounceable symbol which he used as his stage name between 1993 and 2000...
- John Scofield
John Scofield , often referred to as "Sco," is an American jazz guitarist and composer, who has played and collaborated with Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Charles Mingus, Joey Defrancesco, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny, Bill Frisell, Pat Martino, Mavis Staples, Phil Lesh, Billy Cobham, Medeski Martin...
- Andy Summers
Andy Summers is an English guitarist and composer best known for his work in The Police and Eric Burdon & The Animals.-Early life:...
of The PoliceThe Police were an English rock trio, from London, England, formed originally in 1977. The trio consisted of Gordon Sumner, CBE , widely known by his stage name of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
- Pete Townshend
Peter Dennis Blandford "Pete" Townshend is an English rock guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and author, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for The Who, as well as for his own solo career...
of The WhoThe Who are an English rock band formed in 1964. The primary lineup consisted of guitarist Pete Townshend, vocalist Roger Daltrey, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They became known for energetic live performances including the pioneering spectacle of instrument destruction...
- Ron Wood
Ronald David "Ronnie" Wood is an English rock guitarist and bassist best known as a member of The Rolling Stones and Faces.-1960s:...
- Mark Tremonti
Mark Thomas Tremonti is an American musician and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist for the American rock bands Creed and Alter Bridge.-Early life:...
of CreedA creed is a statement of belief—usually religious belief—or faith often recited as part of a religious service. The word derives from the for I believe...
and Alter BridgeAlter Bridge is an American rock band based in Orlando, Florida. The band was formed in 2004 by then-former members of Creed, Mark Tremonti , Brian Marshall and Scott Phillips , with Myles Kennedy , formerly of The Mayfield Four.-Formation :The band was formed in 2004 by Mark Tremonti and Scott...
- Andy Timmons
Andy Timmons is an American guitarist who has played in the bands Danger Danger, Pawn Kings, and Andy Timmons Band . He has also released several solo albums and has worked as a session guitarist...
- Frank Zappa
Frank Vincent Zappa was an American composer, electric guitarist, record producer and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, electronic, orchestral, and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed album...
- Mark Morton
Mark Morton may refer to:* Mark Morton * Mark Morton , co-founder of Morton Salt* Mark Morton , guitarist with Lamb of God...
and Willie AdlerWilliam M. Adler is the rhythm guitarist in the heavy metal band Lamb of God. He is the younger brother of bandmate Chris Adler.Willie joined Lamb of God after the first guitarist, Abe Spear, left the band...
of Lamb of GodLamb of God is one of the titles given to Jesus in the New Testament and consequently in the Christian tradition. It refers to Jesus' role as a sacrifice atoning for the sins of man in Christian theology, harkening back to ancient Hebrew sacrifices in which a lamb was slain during the Passover...
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