Mesa Boogie Trem-O-Verb Head

Lifeofsobriety · #1 06-30-2008, 03:25 AM

Hey,

I found one of these locally for what seems like a really good deal. But I decided to look around to see what they go for and have so far not been able to find any. Do you guys know about the average price for one of these.

Aside from the price, have any of you played one? What do you think about it?

Thanks,
Dan

7Plagues · #2 06-30-2008, 09:42 AM

I own this head and I love it. I have not found any other head that has distortion that can match up to this mesa. The clean channel is very nice, but takes some playing around with. With this head, the louder you are the better it sounds. It is great for playing gigs and is extremely durable. I have seen these sell used for 1100+.

Fedaykin98 · #3 06-30-2008, 09:50 AM

I have a 2x12 combo and I'm looking to sell it...it's just never been love for me. I realize it's a highly regarded amp, though, so a lot of people must share 7Plagues' feelings about it.

Lifeofsobriety · #4 06-30-2008, 12:44 PM

Wow then this deal local seems pretty awesome. I am gonna go check it out and make sure everything looks good. Thanks for the info. I very well may end up selling it if I don't like it better than my VHT. So if anyone is looking for one lemme know.

Thanks

Andy43 · #5 06-30-2008, 02:07 PM

I got mine for $1200. No other amp does it for me.

It's amazingly versatile without being overly complicated. Buy it!

**jaxadam** · #6 06-30-2008, 02:40 PM

They are probably one of my favorite mesas.

Fedaykin98 · #7 06-30-2008, 03:26 PM

See? Everybody but me loves it. To each his own. I'm happier using a Metal Zone pedal into my '70s Fender Deluxe Reverb.

Make sure you test all the different functions of the amp before you buy, and there are lots of them. That amp is about as complicated as a non-modelling amp gets - loads of options.

EDIT: Those who love it, care to post your favorite settings for your metal/distorted tone? I've never dialled one in that I was happy with. The one in the manual is way too bassy for me, and not at all friendly to individual notes/lead playing.

Lifeofsobriety · #8 06-30-2008, 04:54 PM

Is there anything to look out for when buying a used one? For example certain serial numbers that had issues or common problems with them? I am not sure why this guy is selling it for so cheap and just want to be cautious. I had never even heard of this amp but it just seemed like a great deal for a mesa so I decided to look it up. It looks like a pretty good amp though.

Drew · #9 06-30-2008, 07:57 PM

I've never heard about a bad run of serials or anything...

It's a popular amp - it's evidently a little middier in voicing than the rest of the Rectifiers, and a little warmer. Evidently it was wildly popular with guys doing the session/tour thing in support of pop vocalists and whatnot, but could also still get pretty heavy. I'd be curious to play one myself.

Lifeofsobriety · #10 06-30-2008, 08:25 PM

I've been surfing the boogie boards... (ha) and it seems like most people who have played one really liked it. I am surprised that it isn't more popular.

Well I am going to go play it tomorrow and if all is well take it home with me.

I wasn't expecting to get a new amp this week!! Hooray!

reguv760 · #11 06-30-2008, 11:34 PM

Last time I tried out a trem-o-verb was a combo at GC like a few years ago... tag was like over $1k (i think $1199)... plugged a PRS Hollowbody II through it and heh... it was an interesting combo...
dunno about the head version though... but aren't they Dual-rectifiers with the tremolo effect built-in? If there's anything "funky" as to why it's cheap... it might new need tubes?

since we're on the subject of Mesa, I've been told about good deals for Mesa 1x12's Theile's on your side of town..

Reg

Drew · #12 07-01-2008, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by judasbane

but aren't they Dual-rectifiers with the tremolo effect built-in?

Close. They're essentially 2-channel Dual Rectifiers, but with a "blues" mode in stead of Vintage High Gain on channel 2 (the Vintage mode is still the second mode on channel 1). Additionally, they've evidently been slightly revoiced for more midrange, though Mesa's site doesn't acknowledge this.

Andy43 · #13 07-01-2008, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifeofsobriety

Is there anything to look out for when buying a used one? For example certain serial numbers that had issues or common problems with them? I am not sure why this guy is selling it for so cheap and just want to be cautious. I had never even heard of this amp but it just seemed like a great deal for a mesa so I decided to look it up. It looks like a pretty good amp though.

There were two versions of the Tremoverb; one with an attached cable, and an updated one with a removable cable. The first version was known to have channel switching issues, but if it's is working then it's probably fine. I have one that's been sent back by the previous owner to Mesa to correct the problem. The second version with the removable cable solved the issue. The both sound the same though.

The head versions of this amp are pretty rare, so I suggest you snatch it. Just about 2 years ago the prices were around $900, and now they've jumped up to around $1100-1200. I don't plan on selling mine any time soon.

Fedaykin98 · #14 07-01-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lifeofsobriety

I've been surfing the boogie boards... (ha) and it seems like most people who have played one really liked it. I am surprised that it isn't more popular.

It IS more popular.

What's this fantastic price, anyway? Again, make sure everything works before you pay. Caveat emptor and all that.