Advice needed – Mesa amps!

**visualrocker69** · 03-27-2007, 12:20 AM

Hey everyone… (my first post!)

This summer, I’m going through a major upgrade of my equipment. I recently made up my mind on getting a MusicMan JP-6 model, preferably the BFR/F-1. Between its D-sonic/air norton pickup configuration, the coil tap, piezos, non-locking but nevertheless reliable tremolo bridge… the Petrucci model is undeniably the most versatile guitar on the market.

But I’m confused as hell on the amp side… Until recently, I was 100% sure I wanted a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. When I was just starting to play guitar in 8th grade, one of my friends bought one of those with two 2x12” rectifier cabs…I had obsessed over it ever since.

But lately I’m having second thoughts. The Rectifier, by reputation, is like the EMG 81 of guitar amps. In other words, amazing for metal but very limited beyond that. It would be most unfortunate if I was using a guitar that I consider to be the pinnacle of versatility, while playing through a relatively limited amplifier. So, I have plenty of other options.

The problem is, I don’t understand them.

It looks like Mr. Petrucci has four amplifiers: Road King, Lone Star, Mark IIC+ and Mark IV. My question is…how do these compare to each other? What does John Petrucci use each for? What kinds of tones could I get with each?

I know he uses the Lone Star for cleans…and I vaguely remember that the Road King achieves versatility through switching multiple tube combinations…but beyond that I’m completely clueless.

Also, I did a budget projection, and after I buy the MMJP6 and a 2x12 mesa cab, I should have about $4084 remaining to spend on a head (or two). What are the prices (new) for each of these heads? What would be an average used price?

Keep in mind, my favorite albums of his are Images and Words, and Scenes from a Memory. If I remember correctly, he didn’t even use a rectifier on the latter, it was all Mark IIC+ and IV.

Thanks a lot!

**jappy** · 03-27-2007, 12:41 AM

I don't the BFR does the coil tap - it activates both humbuckers.

Mark IIC+ was used for rhythm.
Mark IV is used for leads.

**visualrocker69** · 03-27-2007, 03:41 AM

Originally Posted by jappy

I don't the BFR does the coil tap - it activates both humbuckers.

Mark IIC+ was used for rhythm.
Mark IV is used for leads.

Right, just checked the BFR thread...
Hmmm I might want to get a coil tap installed then.

**jagged** · 03-27-2007, 06:57 AM

I happen to think that the rectifiers do a great job at the cleans and high gains. Though that is just my preference. A lot of the overdrive tones, JP uses his Mark IV... which costs just about double the duel rect, and the roadking he used on the Score tour, costs a little bit more. I would get a roadking, but pricewise, there's nothing that I really like that compares to the dual rect. All in all, the cleans and the modern gain sound good. If you need anymore gain or a classic rock tone, you can always add a couple of pedals.

If you like more vintage tone, get the marshall jvm (i think), 4 channels with 3 modes each.

**francric** · 03-27-2007, 09:23 AM

If I were you I would look into the Mark IV or the Roadster. Try them both.......

**visualrocker69** · 03-27-2007, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by jagged

I happen to think that the rectifiers do a great job at the cleans and high gains. Though that is just my preference. A lot of the overdrive tones, JP uses his Mark IV... which costs just about double the duel rect, and the roadking he used on the Score tour, costs a little bit more.

Just as a note, the 2007 MSRP's for these as as follows:

Mark IV: $1849
Dual Rectifier: $1699
Road King: $2499

I'm thinking I'll start with the Mark IV and the Dual Recto, then resell the Recto and get a Road King the following year... how's that sound?

**jagged** · 03-27-2007, 09:51 AM

Oh, I didnt realize the mark iv was similar in price to the dual rect...

I was told that it was pretty expensive...

now my own options change too... mmmm mark iv...

**francric** · 03-27-2007, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by visualrocker69

Just as a note, the 2007 MSRP's for these as as follows:

Mark IV: $1849
Dual Rectifier: $1699
Road King: $2499

I'm thinking I'll start with the Mark IV and the Dual Recto, then resell the Recto and get a Road King the following year... how's that sound?

Don't forget the Roadster, I think it's $1899 for a four channel head. Same thing as the RoadKing except it does not have the progressive linkgage which I believe has something to do with engaging the EL34's and the 6L6's at the same time. Someone else who knows more can chime in on that one. You can't go wrong with whichever one you pick. But why buy two when you can just get a RoadKing and be done with it..............go here for more in depth info The Boogie Board :: Index

**visualrocker69** · 03-27-2007, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by francric

Don't forget the Roadster, I think it's $1899 for a four channel head. Same thing as the RoadKing except it does not have the progressive linkgage which I believe has something to do with engaging the EL34's and the 6L6's at the same time. Someone else who knows more can chime in on that one. You can't go wrong with whichever one you pick. But why buy two when you can just get a RoadKing and be done with it..............go here for more in depth info The Boogie Board :: Index

Because it can only come close to getting the Mark tones... but not close enough.
Hell, why do you think Petrucci ditched it for his old amps during the last studio sessions, as well as G3 2007? lol

**roburado** · 03-27-2007, 07:10 PM

Don't get me wrong. I've got nothing against Mesa. I just think I've found something more compelling. Or...well...it's at least compelling to look at it.

If you have that much money to spend, I think you would do well to also look at other manufacturers. For example, Egnater's Mod 50 is around $2K. It gives you the opportunity to have preamp modules that go for around $400. Each module is two-channels. The Mod 50 takes two modules (included in the $2K price tag of the head). The Mod 100 takes three modules.

The modules are based on the following:
1. '59 Bassman
2. Blackface Fender Twin
3. Blackface Fender Deluxe
4. Vox AC30
5. Marshall Plexi/Super Lead
6. Hot-rodded Marshall Super Lead
7. Egnater TOL Channel 3/4 (basically a high-gain kind of thing. Very nice.)
8. Egnater Modern High Gain
9. Dual Rectifier

I believe there is a California High Gain, very similar to the Dual Rec-based module. I think there is also a combination Twin/Deluxe module now.

What you can do is swap out these modules if you want to change your sound. Their cabinets are great too. They have an oversized 2x12 that sounds like almost like a 4x12. You could easily get a Mod 50 head and a 2x12 for less than that $4000-something figure you mentioned. So, if you wanted to emulate JP's set-up from the past couple tours/albums with Lone Star for clean and Road King for dirty, you could get something like the Mod 50 with Twin/Deluxe module for clean and the Dual Rec-style module for dirt, and a 2x12, and you 'd have it for around $2800 or so. Keep in mind that the Road King head will go for something like $2500.

Get tired of the sounds? Well, buy another two-channel module for $400.

I'm not quite sure how you can check out an Egnater in a store unless you go to Bruce Egnater's shop or deal with Indoor Storm.

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