Mesa Boogie DC series VS. Rivera M series or Chubster 55 amps???
I have been using a Mesa DC series amp for years.
I have always modified them to have an extremely high gain Marshall style lead channel. The small size, huge power, and graphic EQ just can't be beat for grab and go flexibility.
I recently sold my backup amp (Mesa Boogie Maverick combo) and have been looking for a higher gain backup.
I've narrowed it down to a Rivera M series amp or another DC.
I'm hoping that someone here has experience with both amps and can share their opinion with me.
Here are my thoughts:
Rivera
Great Fender cleans, decent reverb
Great hot rodded Marshall tones
- I can't find any really great clips of the Chubster lead channel with high gain settings though
No graphic EQ (I have a modified Boss GE-7) that I can use in the loop
Huge transformers
Built like a tank
Ugly ass carpet covering that would get replaced quickly! (M Series)
Hard to find
Not sure if I would like the stock speaker
Chubster has funny name! Great conversation starter!
Mesa
Decent cleans, but need to be modified (still can't get a good Fender like clean channel out of this amp, as of yet)
Decent reverb, but needs to be modified
Lead channel decent, but would be modified to hot rod Marshall (think EVH on steroids)
Graphic EQ
I really like the MC-90 Black Shadow speaker
Transformers are sickeningly undersized! Good thing I have a dealer account with Mercury Magnetics!
Easier to find
No carpet covering
Here's what I'm looking for.
My band plays all original music ranging in styles from Steely Dan to Rush, Incubus, Zappa, late 70's Black Sabbath, early Maiden and Suicidal Tendencies.
I need an amp that has stellar cleans that won't break up unless I want them to.
I need super crunchy distortion with great clarity for intricate chord work and sustain/feedback laden leads (Santana style solos with a touch of Flying in a Blue Dream and lots of Van Halen on top).
Super fast channel changes with no lags, pops, etc.
Transparent loop - I run a TC Flashback and TC Corona in the Loop.
Must take Boost pedals, Phasers, etc. very well on the front end of the preamp as well.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance!
Andy
I have been using a Mesa DC series amp for years.
I have always modified them to have an extremely high gain Marshall style lead channel. The small size, huge power, and graphic EQ just can't be beat for grab and go flexibility.
I recently sold my backup amp (Mesa Boogie Maverick combo) and have been looking for a higher gain backup.
I've narrowed it down to a Rivera M series amp or another DC.
I'm hoping that someone here has experience with both amps and can share their opinion with me.
Here are my thoughts:
Rivera
Great Fender cleans, decent reverb
Great hot rodded Marshall tones
- I can't find any really great clips of the Chubster lead channel with high gain settings though
No graphic EQ (I have a modified Boss GE-7) that I can use in the loop
Huge transformers
Built like a tank
Ugly ass carpet covering that would get replaced quickly! (M Series)
Hard to find
Not sure if I would like the stock speaker
Chubster has funny name! Great conversation starter!
Mesa
Decent cleans, but need to be modified (still can't get a good Fender like clean channel out of this amp, as of yet)
Decent reverb, but needs to be modified
Lead channel decent, but would be modified to hot rod Marshall (think EVH on steroids)
Graphic EQ
I really like the MC-90 Black Shadow speaker
Transformers are sickeningly undersized! Good thing I have a dealer account with Mercury Magnetics!
Easier to find
No carpet covering
Here's what I'm looking for.
My band plays all original music ranging in styles from Steely Dan to Rush, Incubus, Zappa, late 70's Black Sabbath, early Maiden and Suicidal Tendencies.
I need an amp that has stellar cleans that won't break up unless I want them to.
I need super crunchy distortion with great clarity for intricate chord work and sustain/feedback laden leads (Santana style solos with a touch of Flying in a Blue Dream and lots of Van Halen on top).
Super fast channel changes with no lags, pops, etc.
Transparent loop - I run a TC Flashback and TC Corona in the Loop.
Must take Boost pedals, Phasers, etc. very well on the front end of the preamp as well.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thank you in advance!
Andy