Hi gain topology Marshall vs. Mesa

S

stm113

Power User
Maybe the topic is a little misleading sorry for that but while you're here...

Anyone ever notice in high gain amps that no one really ever clones Mesa amps? What I mean is, when you read about an amp you'll usually read something like "it's basically a tweaked Marshall _______" I don't know that I've ever read that an amp is basically a tweaked Mesa/Boogie, with the exception of a Framus Cobra. This really surprises me given the Recto popularity and how awesome the MK IIC+ and MK IV's are. Maybe there are some Mesa derived amps out there that I'm not aware of.... any body know of any?
 
Iirc the mark was originally based on a fender and the recto preamp is based on the SLO 100
 
I've wondered about this too. I can't really think of any other amp that has been inspired by Mesa. You'd think that somebody would try to make a more straightforward amp with less bells and whistles. Or one that gets you that Metallica sound like so many amps claim to get you the brown sound.
 
JJunkie said:
Iirc the mark was originally based on a fender and the recto preamp is based on the SLO 100
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Yea... you're right about that....


PumpkinKing86 said:
I've wondered about this too. I can't really think of any other amp that has been inspired by Mesa. You'd think that somebody would try to make a more straightforward amp with less bells and whistles. Or one that gets you that Metallica sound like so many amps claim to get you the brown sound.
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That's definitely surprising, if you spend enough time around forums i think you'll see the Metallica tone is almost as sought after. I've been GASing (a little bit) for a Mark IV lately to use as a B rig to my AF2. I just wish channel 2 was useable, from most all I've read it's not. This is what got me wondering about this.
 
stm113 said:
I've been GASing (a little bit) for a Mark IV lately to use as a B rig to my AF2. I just wish channel 2 was useable, from most all I've read it's not. This is what got me wondering about this.
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I got a Mark IV in1993 and for years avoided channel 2, kicking in the 5 band EQ did help allot. Time Marches on, and the amp needed tubes, different sound with new tubes for sure and there were certain times channel 2 sounded better. About 12 years ago I ended up getting some tubes from Doug's Tubes, He was close to were I lived so I just picked them up. For the pre-amp section he sold a cocktail of different manufactures tubes, decided what the hell.
Did the amp sound great? Sure did as it always did with new tubes. One difference: channel 2 became my go-to channel.
It all in the tubes! At least it was for my Mark IV

John
 
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2112 said:
Mesa really like patents too, which may be part of the reason you don't see a lot of clones.

http://www.mesaboogie.com/support/patents.html

I don't think I'd be the only one who would wait in line for the IIC+ lead channel in a wooden headshell if they did eventually do it.
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Can you really patent an amp or circuit? From what I gather in the DIY pedal business you can patent a PCB and your original schematic. But draw it just differently and things are completely different. What makes Mesa so much more successful at it then everyone else?
 
I have owned both. Those Marshall amps really boogie. Smith does does the patent thing a lot. Perhaps he is concerned for his business going down the tubes.

Personally, I am really thankful that Jim and Randall had "different takes" on their amps. Gives us players so many options to chase tone.
 
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