Which Mesa Lunchbox amp do you prefer?

[jfwund]

I can't decide, and I don't have the ability to demo them very easily -- the nearest Mesa dealer is 2 hours away!

I'm looking for an amp that can do a decent warm clean tone, and can handle bluesy rock a la Zeppelin, Gov't Mule, etc. as well as hard rock like Rush or Pearl Jam. It needs to take pedals well, as I figure some of those heavier tones will come assisted by fuzz and OD pedals.

Obviously looking at the lunchboxes, I'm wanting portability and the ability to switch between low and medium wattage. I can spend around $1000, and I want to buy a new Mesa, as I bought my other Mesa used and I'd like to support the company (and get a full warranty in the process).

I have an Express 5:50 combo that's developed some tube rattle and occasionally gives off a smoky smell. Given its weight and the obvious concern said smell generates, a new amp is next up. I already have a 2x12 with WGS Reaper HP & Invader speakers.

So what would you choose, given the above scenario?

[River]

I'd make the drive. Have a nice day's outing and rely on my own opinion.

[jfwund]

Originally Posted by River

I'd make the drive. Have a nice day's outing and rely on my own opinion.

That's my ultimate plan, but it's a couple of weeks away. I do some contract work in the summer, and it's a pretty tiring, nonstop experience. A new piece of gear is the "reward" for doing the extra work (and paying down debt with the rest of the money I earn), and as I'm in the middle of a particularly difficult stretch, I thought I'd do some more "research" so as to think about something other than work. All in good fun, I'm not asking anyone to make my decision for me, just to find out what they'd do and why...

My ears will be the final judge, fear not. Plus if I can convince my wife to keep me company, I'll definitely be able to make a day of it, have a nice meal out and maybe do something fun in St. Louis...

[David Corrales]

Originally Posted by jfwund

That's my ultimate plan, but it's a couple of weeks away. I do some contract work in the summer, and it's a pretty tiring, nonstop experience. A new piece of gear is the "reward" for doing the extra work (and paying down debt with the rest of the money I earn), and as I'm in the middle of a particularly difficult stretch, I thought I'd do some more "research" so as to think about something other than work. All in good fun, I'm not asking anyone to make my decision for me, just to find out what they'd do and why...

My ears will be the final judge, fear not. Plus if I can convince my wife to keep me company, I'll definitely be able to make a day of it, have a nice meal out and maybe do something fun in St. Louis...

You should be glad you can go and test it! I have to take a plane to try any Mesa, Budda, Vox, etc... it's a not a big market here so the options are more limited.

Anyways... I think that both with suit your needs and from the bands you listed you'll probably like the vintage voicing of the TA vs the Rectifier

[gtimach1]

I have the Mini Rectifier and have a Transatlantic TA-15 on order.

I'd say it depends on what type of tone you like. The Mini has lots of gain in its drive channel. Pretty much like you'd expect from a Mesa.

From what I've read about the TA, it seems to have a pretty wide range of classic British and American rock tones. VOX to Fender to Marshall and Mesa.

If you really like the Mesa type gain, the Mini would probably do it well. If you are looking for more of a classic rock vibe, the TA might be your ticket.

I'm thinking the TA will probably offer a nice range of clean to blues to rock. Not saying the Mini couldn't do it, but the TA seems to be aimed at more variety in tone.

I traded in my old Rectoverb combo for the Mini and it definitely is able to do the Mesa gain....in a much smaller and compact package.

Don't think you could go wrong with either one.

[ehren]

Why wouldn't you figure out what is wrong with the Mesa you have before buying a new one?

[jfwund]

Originally Posted by ehren

Why wouldn't you figure out what is wrong with the Mesa you have before buying a new one?

A few reasons to get a new amp, as I see it:

(1) no amp tech nearby means I'd have to ship the amp somewhere for repair. That's expensive for a 60 lb amp. Plus it would leave me without an amp for however long.

(2) The Express still sounds great. A 2nd amp would let me mix it up a bit and take some of the pressure off of the Express.

(3) I'd like a 2nd amp anyhow, and I've had my eye on these little lunchboxes. Lots of people here seem to have more than one amp, so I don't think that's an entirely weird desire, at least by the standards of the MLP or TGP communities. People who don't play guitar and/or don't frequent MLP or TGP think I'm already weird for having more than one guitar, so in for a penny, in for a pound, right?

(4) The Express isn't the most portable amp, and it would be nice to have something that I could just grab and take with me with no difficulty.

(5) The Express has the 5-watt setting, but sounds way better on the 50-watt setting, which is quite loud. Perhaps an amp designed to run at a lower wattage would do so more efficiently and would sound better?

(6) I like Mesa's amps quite a bit -- that's not to say others aren't good, but I have just felt "at home" with the Mesas -- and I've spent my money on used amps, which hasn't rewarded Mesa for their work. I'd like to buy something new as an indication of support.

(7) Also, the Express has had all kinds of wonkiness. I've replaced tubes, the fuse, the footswitch and cable, and the power cable. It's also from the first year they made them, so there's an issue with the effects loop that's fixed by keeping a patch cable in there at all times to avoid the volume drops that it had been experiencing. It's been stable for about a year now absent the tube rattle and smell, but you never know. An amp bought new presumably would not have these types of issues.

I get what you're saying, and I'm not getting rid of the Express, but I'd like a lunchbox amp in my music room too...

[ehren]

Originally Posted by jfwund

A few reasons to get a new amp, as I see it:

(1) no amp tech nearby means I'd have to ship the amp somewhere for repair. That's expensive for a 60 lb amp. Plus it would leave me without an amp for however long.

(2) The Express still sounds great. A 2nd amp would let me mix it up a bit and take some of the pressure off of the Express.

(3) I'd like a 2nd amp anyhow, and I've had my eye on these little lunchboxes. Lots of people here seem to have more than one amp, so I don't think that's an entirely weird desire, at least by the standards of the MLP or TGP communities. People who don't play guitar and/or don't frequent MLP or TGP think I'm already weird for having more than one guitar, so in for a penny, in for a pound, right?

(4) The Express isn't the most portable amp, and it would be nice to have something that I could just grab and take with me with no difficulty.

(5) The Express has the 5-watt setting, but sounds way better on the 50-watt setting, which is quite loud. Perhaps an amp designed to run at a lower wattage would do so more efficiently and would sound better?

(6) I like Mesa's amps quite a bit -- that's not to say others aren't good, but I have just felt "at home" with the Mesas -- and I've spent my money on used amps, which hasn't rewarded Mesa for their work. I'd like to buy something new as an indication of support.

(7) Also, the Express has had all kinds of wonkiness. I've replaced tubes, the fuse, the footswitch and cable, and the power cable. It's also from the first year they made them, so there's an issue with the effects loop that's fixed by keeping a patch cable in there at all times to avoid the volume drops that it had been experiencing. It's been stable for about a year now absent the tube rattle and smell, but you never know. An amp bought new presumably would not have these types of issues.

I get what you're saying, and I'm not getting rid of the Express, but I'd like a lunchbox amp in my music room too...

Sounds good to me. I would get it checked out at some point. You don't want to blow a OT or anything. Low pwr amps are awesome for driving insane amounts of gain, you'll love it.

[gtimach1]

I wish I had the TA to compare to the Mini. The Mini does cover a lot of ground. Pretty darn versatile. It sounds great through my Mesa 1x12 with the C90 Black Shadow speaker. Clean, clean with grit or gain from low to peal the paint high.

The amp is very responsive to your picking or strumming.

Tried it briefly through my Marshall Haze 1x12 speaker cab and it was nowhere near as good as the Mesa speaker cab.

I'm anxious to get the TA. If it is better than the Mini, it will be well worth the 7-10 day wait for it to arrive.

Good luck.

[jfwund]

I'll look forward to hearing what you think about the TA, gtimach1. Happy NAD in advance!

[eaglewolf]

I've only had minimal experience with either of the amps, but from what you described the TA-15 sounds right up your alley.

I saw a TA-15 demo by a Mesa rep at an Andy Timmons clinic in San Diego when the TA-15 first came out and the amp sounded amazing, covering a wide spectrum of music. When I played it myself some time later everything I played sucked, but I think that is more a factor of the guitarist, not the amp. (It didn't matter what amp I plugged into or what guitar I used that day, everything sounded bad.)

Either of those amps will take some time to dial in the tones you want, but if you are familiar with Mesa you already know that. Check them out and let us know what you think. Honestly those two would make a great pair. I'm jealous of gtimach1!

David

[gtimach1]

Originally Posted by jfwund

I'll look forward to hearing what you think about the TA, gtimach1. Happy NAD in advance!

Thanks. I'm dying to try it. If it is as good as advertised, it is going to be one heck of an amp. In recent years, I've found my preferences going more to cleaner tones with some doses of gain dialed in. The TA appears to offer a nice assortment of tones that fit in with what I like. Though, it still seems to have enough growl to suit my harder rocking side.

[joff]

If you are planning on using overdrive/distortion pedals aswell then i would say the TA-15 would be great...and nice cleans too when you need them...it doesn't have an effects loop but that didn't put me off.

[gtimach1]

Originally Posted by joff

If you are planning on using overdrive/distortion pedals aswell then i would say the TA-15 would be great...and nice cleans too when you need them...it doesn't have an effects loop but that didn't put me off.

Nice setup! Bet it sounds terrific.

[joff]

Originally Posted by gtimach1

Nice setup! Bet it sounds terrific.

Yes...it did...but i have recently sold the 2x12 Recto cab and i am selling my TA-15 because i bought a very nice 2009 LSS Combo...but i am now wondering whether i should keep the TA-15 and buy the Mini Recto 1x12 slant cab to go with it...decisions?

[jfwund]

That LSS is GORGEOUS and I bet it sounds just as good!
I can't imagine having to lift it and carry it around, though...

Killer amp!

Based on the demos I've been listening to online, including one that compares the TA and the Mini, I'm starting to lean Mini just because its clean channel sounds warmer and less stiff. Can't really tell much on a YouTube demo, but it's a start and will have to do in the absence of being able to play the amp...

[gtimach1]

Originally Posted by jfwund

That LSS is GORGEOUS and I bet it sounds just as good!
I can't imagine having to lift it and carry it around, though...

Killer amp!

Based on the demos I've been listening to online, including one that compares the TA and the Mini, I'm starting to lean Mini just because its clean channel sounds warmer and less stiff. Can't really tell much on a YouTube demo, but it's a start and will have to do in the absence of being able to play the amp...

I have a feeling that if only one of these was available and you got it, that you would be very happy with it. After getting the Mini, another lunchbox amp wouldn't have crossed my mind till I heard about the TA.

[gtimach1]

Originally Posted by joff

Yes...it did...but i have recently sold the 2x12 Recto cab and i am selling my TA-15 because i bought a very nice 2009 LSS Combo...but i am now wondering whether i should keep the TA-15 and buy the Mini Recto 1x12 slant cab to go with it...decisions?

Mesa combos are amazing. I just found the size and weight of my Rectoverb combo relegated it to home duty only. I hated getting rid of it, but I like the fact that these lunchbox amps give you that great Mesa tone in a package that is ready to go anywhere.

I am trying to decide between the TA 1x12 cab, which has the C90 speaker like my current Widebody Mesa 1x12, or the Mini Rectifier 1x12 with the V30 speaker. Right now I'm leaning towards the Mini Rectifier Slanted 1x12 for my TA.

Yeah, Mesa makes for tough....and expensive decisions.

[LiveSimply]

JF, where you referencing the following review?

Mesa TA-15 Mini Rectifier Head and Cabinet Comparison - YouTube

I think it is a great review of both amps.

I agree that at 3:52 when he demos the cleans the Recto sounds "warmer", as you put it, and also better to my ears. That's hard to admit, as I own the TA-15, and I primarily use it with moderate distortion for blues and also clean for jazzier stuff.

However, I also have to say that my cleans sound very, very different from those in the video. I too probably would have shied away from the TA if those where the clean sounds I would have gotten when demoing it, but it wasn't the case. Based on that, I say stick to your plan and make the drive to compare both. I think you will be pleasantly surprised w/ the warmness of the TA's cleans.

Looking through that the entire comparison, I think the TA comes out on top hands down. But, again, I'm a biased arbitrator. I'd be interested to hear what others have to say.

I am very, very happy with my TA-15. Great tones for blues and I love the added versatility of being able to access both Tweed, iconic British and classic Boogie sounds. That versatility and the 5-25w switchable optionality really differentiates this from my other amps. It is the amp I enjoy using the most. I therefore voted TA.

[gtimach1]

Originally Posted by LiveSimply

I am very, very happy with my TA-15. Great tones for blues and I love the added versatility of being able to access both Tweed, iconic British and classic Boogie sounds. That versatility and the 5-25w switchable optionality really differentiates this from my other amps. It is the amp I enjoy using the most. I therefore voted TA.

Making me even more anxious to get mine. I did decide on going for the Mini Rectifier 1x12 slanted cab. I like the slanted cab option and that it has a different speaker than my current Mesa 1x12 cab. Should give me a good mix and match option.

[LiveSimply]

Originally Posted by gtimach1

Making me even more anxious to get mine. I did decide on going for the Mini Rectifier 1x12 slanted cab. I like the slanted cab option and that it has a different speaker than my current Mesa 1x12 cab. Should give me a good mix and match option.

I'm sort of considering the following:

MESA Engineering 1 x 12 TransAtlantic 19 Guitar Cabinet

I like the open back design vs the closed of the Recto slanted cab. Also comes with the V30 and those Transatlantic Cabs just look much nicer to me.

[gtimach1]

Originally Posted by LiveSimply

I'm sort of considering the following:

MESA Engineering 1 x 12 TransAtlantic 19 Guitar Cabinet

I like the open back design vs the closed of the Recto slanted cab. Also comes with the V30 and those Transatlantic Cabs just look much nicer to me.

Didn't realize the TA cabs were offered in C90 and V30 configurations. Tempting, but I like the slanted cab option of the Mini Cab. Just another one of those tough decisions.

[jfwund]

Originally Posted by LiveSimply

JF, where you referencing the following review?

Mesa TA-15 Mini Rectifier Head and Cabinet Comparison - YouTube

I think it is a great review of both amps.

Yes, that's the one I was referencing, though I've heard similar clean sounds on other demos (Haggerty's comes to mind, can't remember the other ones).

I agree that at 3:52 when he demos the cleans the Recto sounds "warmer", as you put it, and also better to my ears. That's hard to admit, as I own the TA-15, and I primarily use it with moderate distortion for blues and also clean for jazzier stuff.

However, I also have to say that my cleans sound very, very different from those in the video. I too probably would have shied away from the TA if those where the clean sounds I would have gotten when demoing it, but it wasn't the case. Based on that, I say stick to your plan and make the drive to compare both. I think you will be pleasantly surprised w/ the warmness of the TA's cleans.

Good to hear! I'm definitely going to make the drive to do the comparison myself, but as it's a few weeks off yet, it's fun to talk about it and research it. I'm happy to hear that the TA also gets some nice warm clean tones, though it wouldn't make deciding from a distance any easier

Looking through that the entire comparison, I think the TA comes out on top hands down. But, again, I'm a biased arbitrator. I'd be interested to hear what others have to say.

I am very, very happy with my TA-15. Great tones for blues and I love the added versatility of being able to access both Tweed, iconic British and classic Boogie sounds. That versatility and the 5-25w switchable optionality really differentiates this from my other amps. It is the amp I enjoy using the most. I therefore voted TA.

Thanks for all the feedback. That comparison video is hard for me to determine a winner, because I prefer the TA at some points and the Mini at others. Ultimately it's all preference, and it doesn't sound as though there's a bad choice to be made here.

As far as cabs, I have an ElectraDyne cab that I think is one of the best-looking cabs Mesa makes. It's 3/4 closed back, and I swapped in some WGS speakers to smooth out some of the V30 harshness. It's a great sounding cab, and might be worth looking into. Don't know where you're shopping but if you're wanting to buy used, GC's online used database usually has some good deals on Mesa cabs...

[gtimach1]

Just saw where Mesa has a blue tolex cover on the Mini Recto 1x12 slanted cab. Don't know how available it is or how much more it will likely cost, but I inquired about it at the music store where I do my business.

[eaglewolf]

All this talk of low wattage amps got me thinking I wanted another one. So I went to the guitar store today and tried out a nice 30W amp - some glorious tones out of that JTM-45, but damn it's loud to get it there! I was seriously considering it when common sense took over (I primarily play in the bedroom right now) and I decided it might not best fit my needs.

I will say this - I now know what everyone is talking about regarding high powered amps through a 4X12 - I've been thumped by the incredible SPL's generated by the JTM and it was wonderful!

It just so happened that the TA-15 and Mini-Recto were sitting in the same room. I plugged my American Deluxe Strat into the Recto and just couldn't bond with it. I prefer classic rock tones and am not really a metal guy, so maybe I just needed to fiddle with te settings more. Instead, I moved to the TA-15 and instantly fell in love with the sound. I was playing the amp through a Rectifier 2X12 and felt it was a very good match.

In the end, the TA-15 came home with me, so now I'm a Mesa owner again. Woo hoo!

David

[gtimach1]

Originally Posted by eaglewolf

It just so happened that the TA-15 and Mini-Recto were sitting in the same room. I plugged my American Deluxe Strat into the Recto and just couldn't bond with it. I prefer classic rock tones and am not really a metal guy, so maybe I just needed to fiddle with te settings more. Instead, I moved to the TA-15 and instantly fell in love with the sound. I was playing the amp through a Rectifier 2X12 and felt it was a very good match.

In the end, the TA-15 came home with me, so now I'm a Mesa owner again. Woo hoo!

David

Nice!

Doesn't surprise me that the TA would shine over the Mini for classic rock tones. I love my Mini, but can't wait to get my TA.

Best of luck with your TA-15. Excellent choice.

[jfwund]

Very cool, eaglewolf! Congrats on the new amp!

Were you finding that even the clean settings on the Mini Rec had that modern metal sound to them?

[sloanthebone]

I also would love to hear what you think of the TA-15. I have the Mini rectifier and love it to death but I am looking to also acquire a TA-15 for "change of pace" amp. I just picked up an Orange Dual Terror for a stupid low price and it has been a fun amp but I just keep wondering about that TA-15. The Mini recti is never leaving!

As you can see in the photo I have both paired with a Mesa 2x12 rectifier cab and love the combination.

Also, i am not sure if you dig reverb or not but I just picked up a TC Electronic Hall of Fame reverb pedal after reading a thread about the Mesa mini and some guys were using this pedal. I didn't really care about reverb until I picked this pedal up just to try it and wow am I impressed. I actually like reverb! I am sure it would sound awesome on the TA-15 also.

Anyway, good luck with your choice and keep us updated!

[rjwilson37]

Mini Rec all the way, nothing like a Mesa Rectifier in a lunch box format that can get it done. There neck and neck in the race and I wouldn't kick either one of them out of the bedroom if I could have both.

[gtimach1]

Originally Posted by sloanthebone

I have the Mini rectifier and love it to death but I am looking to also acquire a TA-15 for "change of pace" amp. I just picked up an Orange Dual Terror for a stupid low price and it has been a fun amp but I just keep wondering about that TA-15. The Mini recti is never leaving!

Sounds like what I was going through. I also love the Mini, but the TA-15 seems like such a fine versatile amp. Wondering finally escalated and I decided to order one. My Mini is going nowhere, but I can see this TA giving it a lot of competition.