Which Mesa Boogie amp for 80's tones

kpinks · #1 03-08-2008, 07:11 PM

Hello, I am looking to buy a Mesa Boogie amp, but I am not sure which model will suit me best. I am into Van Halen, Ratt, George Lynch, etc...
Which current model of Mesa Boogie amps would suit best for this style?
Thx
Kev

Nordhauser · #2 03-08-2008, 07:12 PM

How about an Mark III? Same era and badass sounding amp.

**elcid** · #3 03-08-2008, 07:13 PM

The one that sounds closest to a Marshall.

MadRyan · #4 03-09-2008, 03:30 AM

Stiletto, DC-5/10, Mark III, Lonestar Classic... There's a bunch that will do what you're wanting.

Andy43 · #5 03-09-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadRyan

Stiletto, DC-5/10, Mark III, Lonestar Classic... There's a bunch that will do what you're wanting.

+1 There's a lot of Mesa amps that can get that tone as they are all pretty versatile, but those ones listed do it best, especially the Stiletto. The Mark III can get a more scooped 80's sound (Metallica).

speedy mcfeely · #6 03-09-2008, 02:42 PM

Mark IV

waylay00 · #7 03-09-2008, 02:42 PM

Do you have to go with a Mesa? There are a lot of amps out there that do the 80s thing (some probably better). Just a thought.

shogun · #8 03-09-2008, 02:54 PM

get a used mark iv.

microdmitry · #9 03-09-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedy mcfeely

Mark IV

It won't do the tones he described. It will do just about everything else, though.

Racerx2k · #10 03-09-2008, 06:56 PM

If you want 80s tones from those 80s artists, then you don't want a Mesa. You want a Marshall.

shogun · #11 03-09-2008, 08:16 PM

heres my honest opinion:

though a lot of artists in the 80s used marshalls, I do not believe you are going to achieve the tone they got by simply plugging a guitar straight into the amp (which is what i am assuming the TS desires to do.) a CRANKED marshall w/ proper mic position, maybe some overdrive pedals etc will get you there, but as for just playing an amp, I have time and time again been unsatisfied with the sound of a marshall.. the JVM def comes the closest to my approval, but I would still never buy one..

the mark iv is really expensive new, so I would def. look for a 2nd hand amp.

flame if you want, but your opinion isn't going to change the sound of a marshall to my ears..

Andy43 · #12 03-09-2008, 11:03 PM

The Stiletto is Mesa's version of a Marshall. It specializes in the "brown sound" and other 80's tones. It'll get closer to those tones the Mark IV will. It'll probably even get closer than any current Marshall. It's really a fantastic amp.

waylay00 · #13 03-09-2008, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shogun

flame if you want, but your opinion isn't going to change the sound of a marshall to my ears..

A lot of the 80s guys used boosts, and they uses a lot of delay. Otherwise, unless you crank it to maximum volume, Marshalls will sound a little "dry" and stiff compared to Mesas.

bammbamm · #14 03-10-2008, 03:08 AM

Actually...
You want 80's tones, get an ADA MP1 and a nice tube like a Mesa power amp.
You'll love it.
All the 80's tones, plus the right power amp will make that a killer rig.

Mr.WizardNeck · #15 03-10-2008, 03:33 AM

I agree with the two posts above me. ADA MP1 has been used by many artists over the years and Marshall amps sound like ass :P. All about the rack gear.