Mesa Boogie 2. Fifty Amp

[Reid Fletcher]

Does anyone use a Mesa Boggie Stero 2: Fifty power amp in a rack set up. Does it have enough power with only 50 watts a channel? Is the tone ok sounding. I know this is an expensive amp that's why i'm asking these few questions. Thanks !!! Reid

[b0b]

I used one for 3 or 4 years. It was great, and 50 tube watts per side (two 6L6 tubes) is plenty of power for any situation. I played large outdoor venues without miking it.

It's heavy, though. I installed it in a separate, two space rack. It added too much weight to the 4 space rack, with a tube preamp and an effects processor.

The "half power" switch kills the tone - useless! It's not a good amp for low volume gigs because its sweet spot is just too loud. I eventually switched to a 20/20 because it sounded better at low volumes. I mike the 20/20 (or my Mesa Maverick) when I'm playing large venues now.

[Reid Fletcher]

Thanks Bob--I was thinking it would have plenty of power. I woulld be using a Pro Fex 2 with it so weigh wouldn't be a problem for me. It's the speakers that are heavy ( 15's )now. Could also use a set of 12's ( a lot lighter). Was that what you used with yours? Thanks again!! Reid

[b0b]

I used a pair of 12" EVM's, but if you play any C6th jazz you'll probably want 15" speakers. I don't play in the bass range.

Another advantage of the 20/20 - I can use Alnico Tone Tubby speakers, which are very light.

[Brint Hannay]

b0b, do you have the 1x12 or 2x12 Maverick? Do you use the stock Black Shadow speaker(s)?

I have a 1X12 Maverick which does sound very good for steel, but it's my workhorse gigging amp for guitar. One of the best amps Mesa ever made, IMHO.

[Steve Hamill]

I'm looking for a used Maverick, but I'm curious about the Lonestar Special too.
They seem to have similar topography. Anyone played them both?

[Brint Hannay]

I'm looking for a used Maverick, but I'm curious about the Lonestar Special too.
They seem to have similar topography. Anyone played them both?

Yes, Steve, as it happens I also have a Lonestar Special!

On the whole, I prefer the Maverick. For some reason, the LS seems to have much less volume. For comparison, the LS, in "30 Watt" mode, has to be cranked up 2/3 of the way on the master to be as loud as the Mav with the master at 1/3. And it's not just a pot taper issue--the Mav still has a LOT left at that setting, the LS doesn't.

The LS has more tone flexibility, though. The tone controls on the Mav provide only subtle tweaks of what always seems like the same sound. Those on the LS have a lot more effect. The Mav has no Presence control, and no Fender Blackface type high end at all. It sounds more Vox. The LS can do Blackface.

For the amount of sound it puts out, the LS weighs a TON! But at least it comes with removable casters.

[b0b]

b0b, do you have the 1x12 or 2x12 Maverick? Do you use the stock Black Shadow speaker(s)?

I have a 1X12 Maverick which does sound very good for steel, but it's my workhorse gigging amp for guitar. One of the best amps Mesa ever made, IMHO.

My Mesa Maverick is a prototype with a narrow chassis, installed in an early '80s 1x12 combo cabinet. I have a Tone Tubby Hempcone speaker in it.