Thoughts on the Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo Head?

Instruments Guitar and Bass
1

Seeking Your Insights on the Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo Head

I’m really curious about the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head and would love to get some feedback from anyone who’s used it. I’ve been considering adding this amp to my rig, but I have a few questions before I make the leap.

What to Expect?

I’ve heard a lot of buzz about its versatility and tonal qualities, especially in various music styles like rock and metal. How does it hold up when it comes to cleaner tones? Can it really transition well between different styles, or does it lean more towards a specific sound?

Experience with Tone and Volume

For those of you who have jammed with it:

  • How does the amp respond at lower volumes? Does it lose character?
  • What are your thoughts on the channel switching? Is it quick and reliable?

Comparisons with Other Amps

I’m also wondering how it stacks up against other popular amplifiers. If you’ve compared it to something like the EVH 5150 III or Marshall JCM800, what differences did you notice?

Sound Samples

Lastly, if anyone has sound samples or video demos, I’d love to check them out. Hearing how it handles different styles would be super helpful!

Looking forward to your thoughts!

2

I’ve had my Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo Head for over a year now, and the sound quality is exceptional! The gain range is incredible, especially for rock and metal. Very punchy and clear.

3

I’ve played through many amps, but the clarity and response on this one are unmatched. Perfect for solos!

4

Versatility is definitely a highlight with the Mesa Dual Rectifier. It handles everything from blues to metal excellently. My band plays various genres, and it never disappoints!

2 Likes
5

Yes! I noticed the same with the cleans. They are surprisingly lush despite being known for heavy tones.

6

The tonal character of this amp really shines with high-gain settings. However, I wonder how it stacks against a Marshall in terms of classic rock tones. Any thoughts?

7

Honestly, it’s different but not necessarily better or worse. The Mesa offers more saturation, while Marshall has a more mid-focused sound.

8

I love how the amp feels responsive to my playing style. You can really shape your sound with the EQ settings. Definitely a big plus!

3 Likes
9

Exactly! I always switch between different EQ settings for solos or riffs to get that sweet spot.

6 Likes
10

Is the weight of this head a downside for anyone else? It can be a workout just setting it up! But the sound makes it worth it.

11

Haha, I feel you! It’s like, ‘Do I want to lift weights or jam?’ But those tones are worth the effort!

12

I’m curious about the longevity of the tubes in this amp. I’ve read some mixed reviews on that. How often do you all end up replacing them?

13

From my experience, if you use it regularly, you might want to change them every 6-8 months, but treating it well helps too.

14

I’ve had my Mesa Dual Rectifier Solo Head for over five years now, and I’m impressed with the build quality. It’s heavy-duty and has stood up to a ton of gigs. No issues so far!

15

That’s great to hear! I’ve been considering its durability since I’ve seen some mixed reviews online. Any sign of wear and tear?

5 Likes
16

I’ve noticed that while most people rave about the build quality, some folks mention that the reverb can be a bit sensitive with age. Any thoughts on that?

17

I’ve had mine for three years and played it a lot, but the reverb is still going strong for me. Maybe it’s a case of luck or just the specific units? Anyone else experienced issues?

8 Likes
18

Reverb issues? I thought I was the only one! I sometimes hear an odd crackle. Not fun during a performance!

19

I’ve had my Mesa for almost a year now, and the only issue I’ve faced is the power tubes needing replacements. It’s expected over time, and I don’t mind.

20

Sounds like the common issue is mostly around the tubes! So far, so good for me!