Help choosing Boogie gear!!

2219 Views 24 Replies 14 Participants Last post by red5, Jan 23, 2006

ChrisReedSmith

Discussion Starter · Jan 15, 2006

Hey Ya'll. I know theres tons of threads I could search for clues on the subject, but I'd rather have clear ideas from others on what I should go for.

Its finally after X-mas time which is the time I've been planning for months to invest in a Mesa halfstack. I play in a hard rock/punk modern heavy sounding band. I like sounds from Chevelle, 311, and such. I have 3 main questions.

1.The Head- I was pretty dead set on a Dual Rec. I like it from what I've tried but haven't had the chance to really crank one at home by myself, or play with the rest of my band. I know theres a lot of bad rep going with the Rec's but for what I want, they may be the right answer.
Now I keep reading about these Mark IV's. They seem like very versatile amps. And the aforementioned Chevelle is all Mark IV(and PRS). I also see a lot of people saying the Mark IV is way better of a crunch machine as well as cleans then the Rectifiers. So....Dual Rec or Mark IV??

2.The Cab- Once again its between 2. Right now I play out of my guitarists spare Recto Standard slant(slant baffle). I like the tone I get out of it. I have to say I kinda like how its oversized. Although tone comes before looks of course. But I have heard many people saying the Traditional cabs have much much tighter low end. Whereas the Standards can get very flabby. Im tuning to mostly standard and drop-D mind you, so I dont need crazy bass handling response. I just want heavy. SO... Standard Recto or Traditonal Recto??(And preference to Straight or Slant??)

3. And finally an easier one. COLOR. - I'm going to have both head and cab made in a custom tolex color. As of now I'am set on "Hot White Bronco". But any suggestions are welcome. You can see on their website what custom colors they make. But for every basic color there is a version. So red, blue, purple, whatever, let me know what you think I should do. I want my halfstack to look completely different then your standard black.

And I know the Mark IV is a good amount more then the Recto price wise. But it doesnt matter to me. I want the best half stack for me regardless the cost. Thanks for any help you guys are always the coolest. I have yet to see a forum flourish to 25% of what this site does. Peace!

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1 - 20 of 25 Posts

adamcbest

· #2 · Jan 15, 2006

ChrisReedSmith said:
Hey Ya'll. I know theres tons of threads I could search for clues on the subject, but I'd rather have clear ideas from others on what I should go for.

Its finally after X-mas time which is the time I've been planning for months to invest in a Mesa halfstack. I play in a hard rock/punk modern heavy sounding band. I like sounds from Chevelle, 311, and such. I have 3 main questions.

1.The Head- I was pretty dead set on a Dual Rec. I like it from what I've tried but haven't had the chance to really crank one at home by myself, or play with the rest of my band. I know theres a lot of bad rep going with the Rec's but for what I want, they may be the right answer.
Now I keep reading about these Mark IV's. They seem like very versatile amps. And the aforementioned Chevelle is all Mark IV(and PRS). I also see a lot of people saying the Mark IV is way better of a crunch machine as well as cleans then the Rectifiers. So....Dual Rec or Mark IV??

i own a mark iv and i think its 10 times better than the Recto.. i find that the recto has this like modern grit that i can't get rid of. kinda buzzy, or something. and i dont' feel there is a lot of warmth to the amp. the mark iv tends to sound modern but have a bit mroe vintage warmth. i just played a concert last night, me with a mark iv and 2 1x12s and the other guitarist with a recto and a bogner 4x12. and personally i thought mine sounded a great deal cleaner and warmer. the best thing you can do is just go try them, for a good deal of time each. i know a lot of people that like the recto over the mark. it's all preference.

ChrisReedSmith said:
2.The Cab- Once again its between 2. Right now I play out of my guitarists spare Recto Standard slant(slant baffle). I like the tone I get out of it. I have to say I kinda like how its oversized. Although tone comes before looks of course. But I have heard many people saying the Traditional cabs have much much tighter low end. Whereas the Standards can get very flabby. Im tuning to mostly standard and drop-D mind you, so I dont need crazy bass handling response. I just want heavy. SO... Standard Recto or Traditonal Recto??(And preference to Straight or Slant??)

traditional over standard. the smaller one is better.. just trust me

ChrisReedSmith said:
3. And finally an easier one. COLOR. - I'm going to have both head and cab made in a custom tolex color. As of now I'am set on "Hot White Bronco". But any suggestions are welcome. You can see on their website what custom colors they make. But for every basic color there is a version. So red, blue, purple, whatever, let me know what you think I should do. I want my halfstack to look completely different then your standard black.

you're gonna spend A LOT to get custom colors. i think to have the cab with custom tolex was 400 more than what the cab was. i was getting it for like $700, not worth it.

ChrisReedSmith said:
And I know the Mark IV is a good amount more then the Recto price wise.

not exactly true. the mark iv head is like 1700 while the dual recto is like 1500 to 1600.. it's not THAT much more

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ElectriK

· #3 · Jan 16, 2006

There two completely different tones. The Mark IV's I find are much better lead amps though, but you might find it a bit harder to dial in good rhythm tones, whereas it is somewhat the opposite on a dual recto.

You really have to try both out and see what you like better. There is no clear winner, but I perfer the Mark series.

speedy mcfeely

· #4 · Jan 16, 2006

I would search for a nice Mark II c, or c+. then get two recto 212 cabs. This is the ultimate rock setup, (IMHO). then if you needed more of something, effects or gain... pedals, or multi-effects.

ps If custom colors are a must have, you should look into the hardwood cabs. You can get a bubinga, or maple cab/head for about the same price... give or take.

Nordhauser

· #5 · Jan 16, 2006

If you're looking for a Mesa head, search for a IIc+, III or IV. I've had my Mark III for years and I have not been dissapointed.

I wouldn't recommend the Recto cabs, but that's just my opinion.

If you have the money for custom colors, it's your choice--not ours.

Baerman

· #6 · Jan 16, 2006

As far as sound goes it depends on what you prefer. I bought a Mark IV when they first came out some 15 years ago and there isn't a day that I regret my choice. I agree with Electrik that the Mark IV is probably a better lead rig than the recto but that the recto is probably a better rhythm amp. The Mark IV is for sure more versatile. I have mine connected to a midi octopus thru 1/4 jacks on the back. I don't think the recto's do that.

bduersch

· #7 · Jan 16, 2006

If you haven't played the mark IV yet, you really need to check one out before making your decision. To me, the mark IV is much more smooth & warm than the recto. Plus, it's got quite a few more tonal options, between all the power amp voicing switches and the graphic EQ. Personally, I love the mark IV (played one for about 4 years) and can't stand the recto, but I know people who are completely opposite... just depends on what's pleasant to your ears and what fits your style of music best.

Then again, if you play a mark IV and can't decide between it and the recto, you may want to search out a Mesa Nomad. Probably more similar to the dual rec in architecture, but the tone is sort of a mark/recto blend. A heck of a value for the money, provided you can still find one.

--B

Shep

· #8 · Jan 16, 2006

Mark Iv ....i was face with this same question.....and now i am getting one...the rec's are buzzy and scatch in my ear's and the cleans are very ....not nice...the mk iv is "best amp in the world " 4 times in a row..." so you can't go wrong...

Shep.

ChrisReedSmith

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 17, 2006

Well Im going down to check out both side by side Wednesday. Ill post back with my results. Thanks for your input.

jim777

· #10 · Jan 17, 2006

Don't know if I'll catch you before you go, but everyone I know with a Nomad head loves it. I'd go with a Mark myself, but the Nomad might make you happy as well.

adamcbest

· #11 · Jan 17, 2006

i am thinking of buying a used nomad as y Mark IV backup as they are also very good amps. if cash is a little more of an issue, than also consider the nomads

red5

· #12 · Jan 17, 2006

jim777 said:
Don't know if I'll catch you before you go, but everyone I know with a Nomad head loves it. I'd go with a Mark myself, but the Nomad might make you happy as well.

I swear to god I already made a post saying the same thing.

The rectos do 2 tones - thrash and numetal. That's it. The Nomads or Mark IVs start off clean and get all the sounds inbetween.

Nordhauser

· #13 · Jan 18, 2006

red5 said:
The rectos do 2 tones - thrash and numetal. That's it.

They do it terribly might i add.

ElectriK

· #14 · Jan 18, 2006

If you say all a recto does is nu metal and thrash, you are gravely mistaken.

Nordhauser

· #15 · Jan 18, 2006

you're right. it doesn't do much at all. :lol:

guitardevil2005

· #16 · Jan 18, 2006

you know what dude, i dont think we should tell u what to get, go in and try them for yourself (cough cough DUAL cough REC)

red5

· #17 · Jan 18, 2006

Nordhauser said:
They do it terribly might i add.

I thought they did it good at least on Testament's The Gathering. Whenever I play one they never sound anything close to that.

...but no I'm not mistaken that those are the Rectos two tones.

Armann

· #18 · Jan 18, 2006

What about the Road King ?
What do you guys think about it ?

Chud

· #19 · Jan 18, 2006

I was always thinking of getting a Dual Rectifier and a THD powerbreak or something, but the Mark IV sounds appealing. Only thing that puts me off it at the moment is the layout. Tons of push/pull controls and stuff aint my thing. I prefer a simple layout

guitardevil2005

· #20 · Jan 18, 2006

i really do love by silver vinel dual rectifier, i can get so much different sounds out of it, i got a good deal on it to ,

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