• Ernie Ball
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ErnieJohn

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Dec 24, 2011
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530
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Ireland
I've got the cash together for a new amp. Ive been looking at a Mesa TA 15 + 1x12 cab, this is as far as my budget is willing to stretch, it's totally for home use with my EBMM's, I would have to order it without playing (not ideal) as no shop stocks them here, my question is... do any of you guys have any experience with them? I have read lots of magazine reviews and looked at utube, but I value your opinions & experience, thanks,
 

mikeller

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Jan 11, 2007
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Central Ohio
You may also want to look at the Mini Rectifier. Aside the wattage difference the Mini has an effects loop, the TA15 does not
 

wolfbone07

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Feb 21, 2006
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Oregon
In that same $$ range, I like the THD Univalve and BiValve. BiValve has effects loop. They can often be had used for a good price.
 

FantasyMetal

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Oct 17, 2011
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Old Town, Maine, United States
I had a TA-15 and I couldn't get anything remotely high-gain out of it. I didn't like it at all. However, I found the Mini-Rec to provide plenty of high-gain goodness. As far as versatility goes though, I think the TA-15 will get you a wider variety of tones (provided you don't want it for hard rock or metal).
 

peterd79

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Jun 27, 2005
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NOR*CAL
If you're wanting to get a lot of bang for your buck... why not check out the Carvin V3m

I had a MTS 3200 Combo and that was a skull rocker... it has so much usible gain and tone that was unbelievable. I ended up selling it because it was too much gain for the church setting i was playing but an outstanding amp.

If you're looking more the high end route and youre a fan of pedals... Dr Z makes a fantatic amp in the Mini Z extremely versatile especially with Pedals.

I use the Maz 18 which is billed as a "CLEAN" amp... i can get some very heavy and high gain with a few pedals

so depending on your setup and what you're trying to accomplish there's a lot out there...
 

lukather101

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Aug 1, 2009
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Aberdare South Wales
Don't get me started on new amps , I've checked out everything in your price range and i like the look of the Tubemeister 36 .

"that's if you can find one"
 

elroy

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Mar 19, 2009
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45
Location
Brooklyn, NY
If you like the mesa/boogie line, i would suggest you save a little bit more and go with the TA-30. A bit more versatile, and if needed you could gig with it. The two channels can give you many different voicings, ac30, mark I, and Marshall-like tones. And it has an effects loop and reverb... I have been using one for the last few months and it has been a great amp for me and my AL HH, used either with open 1-12" or a 4 x 12", its great. Cheers...
 

JDguitar

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Mar 11, 2012
Messages
68
Have you ever looked at getting in to the Randall/Egnator modular amps? I've been using them for a couple years and they are amazingly versatile? You can get get Fender cleans with Marshall/Mesa dirty channels all in one tube. There are a few guys that are doing some great modifications to the modules. Take a look at the Replica Mods for a small sampling of what these amps can do. I know it sounds like an advertisement but I'm just a very happy user after spending many years buying/selling looking for that perfect amp. ...although I would still like to own an Engl Morse. :)
 

ScoobySteve

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May 1, 2008
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Busan, Republic of Korea
I'm a big fan of the TA and RA series from Mesa. Big fan, and seeing that the TA and the Mini Rec seem to be the common recommendations here, I just wanted to note what your tone aims are.

IMO the TA 30 and the Mini Rec covers different territory. The TA has that awesome british circuitary ala ac15/30 and is pretty much the crown jewel of that model IMO. The mini rec getting into the heavy gain area on the other hand.

So.....
 

dannymusic

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Sep 8, 2005
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MINNESOTA
hehehe
after 40 years of playing rock. I FINALLY bought a Mark IV. And asked myself. Why didn't i do this earlier. It even sounds incredible at low levels. Why compromise. I've played every flavor out there.
 

Roubster

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Aug 20, 2005
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Location
Crooklyn, NY
Nice choice and I think it will sound just awesome. If you want more gain I would recommend either a Suhr Riot or Wampler Pinnacle in front of the amp. Or you can get a BB Preamp to push the drive channel even harder. I have all 3 on my board :).
 
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