This video was made at the tail-end of that, like, pop-punk, emo nexus. Everyone was doing weird shit like this. I, for one, am glad that time is gone. No more womens' jeans, no more unnecessary neck accessories, no more "cadet hats", no more lip rings. Some fads are worse than others.
I love the 550’s. I have 2 of them. I’ve split the signal at my FX64 stereo chorus with one getting the signal through a Boss DD-7 on the guitar input and the other has a DD-3 on the effects loop. These things have a phenomenal sound.
This video demo is amazing because I've got the same exact amp and same guitar setup. It's the 2x12 5:50 Mesa combo and a Fender Deluxe Strat with humbuckers and S1 switching.... 3 tone sunburst with a maple fretboard just like the one in this video. Love the way the two go together.
I have a 5:25 Express and it can do jazz or high gain metal. Maybe not HIGHEST gain metal. But it is extremely flexible and versatile. I love this amp.
I'm loving my Express, the only thing I wish for is to be able to switch between clean und crunch while playing, using it like a 3 Channel amp, except of that it's been my workhorse for almost everything. All of the updates they made on the Plus version made sense
I have seen an easy mod for this, i was thinking about doing, wire both those front switches to 2 separate ts jacks mounted to the back of the amp, or 1 trs jack, then get any random trs 2 button footswitch and boom, or 2 ts single button ones.. if u look up mesa 5 50 express mod on here it will b one of the first things you'll find
the first thing i look for in an amp is whether or not it has a good clean tone. if it doesn't, i don't care how good the drives are, I'm not interested. this amp has AWESOME cleans and AMAZING drives. i want. now
support Mesa Boogie, Made in the USA and kills just about every other amp out there. Yes, it's more expensive than most amps that why you buy 2nd hand and SAVE !!! It's worth it
Just tried this amp at GC and it is AMAZING for such a small amp... I still prefer the Clean sound of a Deluxe Reverb, but the Express can do so much more !
kkmspm Thanks!. Crunch and Burn clean up pretty well with guitar volume down since they are mid gain modes, but they still maintain a little grit whereas the Clean sound is SPARKLING clean. For switching, the Express switches between the two channels but the modes in each channel are not footswitchable. Hope this helps!
just picked one of these up... great sounding amp, but theres a constant hiss at higher gain levels. need to get a noise gate soon... the sounds are amazing once you have it dialed in properly tho
Hi there Marcus. Well: also thanks to your vid I'm now the proud owner of a 5:25 12", in Vanilla and Tan. It looks and it sounds great. Could you let us all know which sound settings your're using? The ones from the manual or something else? You would do me and a lot of others a huge favour!!! Thx, Rob
i am really close to buying this amp, though i might get the 2-12 is there enough gain for playing things like "joe satriani-surfing with the alien" i also play lots of dream theater, and heavy riffs which involves pinch harmonics, would this amp be enough? thanks in advance :)
What is the link between trains and guitars? I always see bands standing out on the RR tracks in photos. Is it a nod to the transience and homelessness entirely due to a life of playing and not working? Is it a response to the rhythm noise that those damn things wake a guy up with at all hours, as they steam past the cheap cheap apt -which is all one can afford as a guitar player? As a guitar player, one should try to get as far away from trains, and "railroad culture" as possible. Bands should start posing at gas stations -an image that suggest independent mobility. For others, if not themselves. Lastly I'm buying an Express to go w/ my Mk5/35. Mesa is awesome.
You cant without actually flipping the switch and adjusting the knobs, which is a pain because I would love to be able to use all 4 modes via footswitch. Some tech guys will do a mod where you can make them footswitchable but then you have a level issue, ie if you want a shimmering clean sound you dont want the gain past 12'oclock, but if you switch to crunch and you want a higher gain sound you need it on about 3oclock+, a pain, but I can live with it!
Yeah but does it djent?? Saw a used one for sale at a local shop for a very good price. Looking for a home practice/recording amp. Deftones-tool-ish style music
Hi +Joe Puglia - Looks like Gain at 4, Treble at 6, Mids at 5, Bass at 5.5, Presence at 5.5 and Master at about 2-3. Hope this helps and hope you're enjoying the amp. Rock on! :D
It is a good demo video...but I did not hear how it sounds on solo leads. Chording and rhythm sounds great. I know it can be difficult to demo lead solo features and tone
You cant without actually flipping the switch and adjusting the knobs, which is a pain because I would love to be able to use all 4 modes via footswitch. Some tech guys will do a mod where you can make them footswitchable but then you have a level issue, ie if you want a shimmering clean sound you dont want the gain past 12'oclock, but if you switch to crunch and you want a higher gain sound you need it on about 3oclock+, a pain! but, wouldnt swap mine for anything but a higher end boogie!
Hi Simon - generally not for cleans. It can sound good but often clean sounds don't really require more EQ than the existing controls, whereas the gain channels can definitely react favorably depending on the sound you're looking for. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
Mesa does great products. Unfortunatly they're very overpriced in germany, compared to US prices. I really like the 6l6 amps clean channel, even the Dual Rectifier has a nice fender vibe going on.
Higher wattage Isn't about getting louder its about headroom... You would never even come close to using 100-150W on the dual / triple rectos its all about headroom.
Hi Alex - This video was captured quite a few years ago and we don't have the capture information. I can tell you that the reverb on the amp is fropm the amp - there are no external reverbs used. Also, there was at least an SM57 mic used, and possibly a Royer 121. Sorry we don't have more info. Good luck in your tone search!
This is a very PERSONAL preference and one that depends on what mic(s) you're using, what amps, cabs, speakers and other gear, and what you're recording. It's a very involved subject that we suggest you research and experiment yourself to find out what works best for you. In this case, we used the SM57 placed 2" from the outside of the dust cap. Hope this helps!
Hiagadam kuala - The new Express PLUS versions with the 5-band graphic EQ would be the ones most readily available now and also the ones to give you the Metallica sound in the Ch. 2 BURN mode with the Graphic EQ set to a classic 'V' shape. That does a great job of delivering awesome metal sounds. Check out the demo vid for the latest Express PLUS here: ruclips.net/video/hvuwGd2PpLE/видео.html
Yes, but I think it need a boost pedal or something like that fort typical 80-90 soloing, shreddy contests.. For Mesa plus as well... Specially for Stratocaster Malmsteenian world
It is a nice warm tone. I think the scarf helps with the warmth.
As a satisfied 5:50 owner, I can attest that you can totally nail all these tones, but you'll never be able to rock a scarf like that. :(
THIS is how a demonstration should be done! Well Done!
Thank you, +kevin stacey ! Glad you enjoyed it!
that scarf is as necessary as this comment
Chris www
Give him a break. This was before global warming
LMAO
This video was made at the tail-end of that, like, pop-punk, emo nexus. Everyone was doing weird shit like this. I, for one, am glad that time is gone. No more womens' jeans, no more unnecessary neck accessories, no more "cadet hats", no more lip rings. Some fads are worse than others.
this looks like it was filmed on a VHS camcorder
This is by far the BEST amp demo I have ever seen/heard. GJ there Marcus and Boogie!
God damn that demo on the blues section was awesome.
I picked up an Express 5:25 last month and have been blown away by it! Incredible amp fellas. I wish it were still in production!
I have one on the way right now
dat scarf
I love the 550’s. I have 2 of them. I’ve split the signal at my FX64 stereo chorus with one getting the signal through a Boss DD-7 on the guitar input and the other has a DD-3 on the effects loop. These things have a phenomenal sound.
Nice, Deep6 - great amps and sounds like you have a great rig going there!
best amp demo I've ever seen thanks!!
Every demo presenter ever should learn from this guy.
Absolutely spot on !!
Nice straight forward demo, great playing and good quality recording.. Perfect :0)
Just got myself one. My first amp. I got an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Pro Plus for my first axe. I'm just kinda stoked.
This video demo is amazing because I've got the same exact amp and same guitar setup. It's the 2x12 5:50 Mesa combo and a Fender Deluxe Strat with humbuckers and S1 switching.... 3 tone sunburst with a maple fretboard just like the one in this video. Love the way the two go together.
I have a 5:25 Express and it can do jazz or high gain metal. Maybe not HIGHEST gain metal. But it is extremely flexible and versatile. I love this amp.
best playing i've ever seen on a demo video
@EmilFinnas94 The great thing about Mesas is that you can do just about anything with them and sound amazing while doing it. So in a word, yes.
My next amp ! Im sold !
yeah pretty much. Scoops the mids and emphasizes the highs and lows as well.
I just bought one because of the blues tone he gets here. It is my holy grail tone. For now. ;-)
i am definetely getting this one!!
mesa keep on the incredible work!
I'm loving my Express, the only thing I wish for is to be able to switch between clean und crunch while playing, using it like a 3 Channel amp, except of that it's been my workhorse for almost everything. All of the updates they made on the Plus version made sense
Thanks for the kind words, Matthias! :)
I have seen an easy mod for this, i was thinking about doing, wire both those front switches to 2 separate ts jacks mounted to the back of the amp, or 1 trs jack, then get any random trs 2 button footswitch and boom, or 2 ts single button ones.. if u look up mesa 5 50 express mod on here it will b one of the first things you'll find
the first thing i look for in an amp is whether or not it has a good clean tone. if it doesn't, i don't care how good the drives are, I'm not interested. this amp has AWESOME cleans and AMAZING drives. i want. now
What a great amp. Super versatile in my opinion.
fantastic and verstile switch between 50W for stage and 5W for small studio
These amps are versatile. I use a boost pedal in front and shred all day long.
I bought this one a couple of weeks ago, and it is freaking amazing!
God every mesa has such "tight" crunch. The distortion is unmatched.
@MeyerFilms He's using an HSS American Deluxe Strat. Those sounds that don't sound like single coils probably aren't single coils. :)
support Mesa Boogie, Made in the USA and kills just about every other amp out there. Yes, it's more expensive than most amps that why you buy 2nd hand and SAVE !!! It's worth it
4JayeP Borden your not supporting Mesa if you buy second hand
@@darklinkduck2275 just shut your worthless pie hole.
I have an F50 combo, it is such a bad ass amp and loud as hell.
Just tried this amp at GC and it is AMAZING for such a small amp... I still prefer the Clean sound of a Deluxe Reverb, but the Express can do so much more !
It’s really all about that scarf! Yesss!
@EmilFinnas94 while a rectifier would probably be better for metal, I would say this amp provides more than enough gain, and wouldn't sound muddy.
I own this amp and it is amazing! The burn does not get up to recto levels though! Its loud even at 5 watts!
looks like a realy cool amp!!!!
Are all 4 modes switchable? Does Crunch and burn modes cleaning via Guitars volume knob?
kkmspm Thanks!. Crunch and Burn clean up pretty well with guitar volume down since they are mid gain modes, but they still maintain a little grit whereas the Clean sound is SPARKLING clean. For switching, the Express switches between the two channels but the modes in each channel are not footswitchable. Hope this helps!
just picked one of these up... great sounding amp, but theres a constant hiss at higher gain levels. need to get a noise gate soon... the sounds are amazing once you have it dialed in properly tho
Great demo!
going through a MESA 4 x 12 Recto Cab must be Hellacious
Hi there Marcus.
Well: also thanks to your vid I'm now the proud owner of a 5:25 12", in Vanilla and Tan. It looks and it sounds great.
Could you let us all know which sound settings your're using? The ones from the manual or something else? You would do me and a lot of others a huge favour!!!
Thx, Rob
i am really close to buying this amp, though i might get the 2-12 is there enough gain for playing things like "joe satriani-surfing with the alien" i also play lots of dream theater, and heavy riffs which involves pinch harmonics, would this amp be enough?
thanks in advance :)
What a player ... whoaaaa
What is the link between trains and guitars? I always see bands standing out on the RR tracks in photos. Is it a nod to the transience and homelessness entirely due to a life of playing and not working? Is it a response to the rhythm noise that those damn things wake a guy up with at all hours, as they steam past the cheap cheap apt -which is all one can afford as a guitar player? As a guitar player, one should try to get as far away from trains, and "railroad culture" as possible. Bands should start posing at gas stations -an image that suggest independent mobility. For others, if not themselves. Lastly I'm buying an Express to go w/ my Mk5/35. Mesa is awesome.
Hahahaha - this comment is awesome. Thanks, Russ! Rock on. :)
Mesa/Boogie -Thanks guys. I'm really glad Michael James pointed me toward your amps! I'm looking at two more for (wet/dry/wet). Til then!
Awesome Amp great review!
What is the best way to switch powers?
Is it necessary to completely turn off the amp?
i own one of these it sounds great but im not playing coloseums anymore so i dong need that much volume 15 years later ✌️
This is just an awesome amp!!!
I'm getting one the next month ;)
@xdivinebladex I agree, I played on the 5:50 with a standard strat' yesterday and the sound was awesome ! But Mesa Boogie is expensive U.u ...
That amp sounds great but dude are you cold with that scarf on?
@Incub090 He's using the stock HSS Strat.
this video is alot better than guitar worlds
You cant without actually flipping the switch and adjusting the knobs, which is a pain because I would love to be able to use all 4 modes via footswitch. Some tech guys will do a mod where you can make them footswitchable but then you have a level issue, ie if you want a shimmering clean sound you dont want the gain past 12'oclock, but if you switch to crunch and you want a higher gain sound you need it on about 3oclock+, a pain, but I can live with it!
Is he wearing an ascot while demoing a Mesa amp??? I guess that is the new image of metal!!! Rock On Man!
I *THINK* the 25 uses EL84's where as this uses 6l6s
I just got the 212 and I love it
I wish it would have been clean/blues in channel one and crubch/burn in channel 2. I also wish the modes were all footswitchable. Still a great amp.
Yeah but does it djent?? Saw a used one for sale at a local shop for a very good price. Looking for a home practice/recording amp. Deftones-tool-ish style music
I own this amp. Love both channels, though I'll admit I'm not a big fan of the contour knob. Too scooped sounding when turned above 2.
I'd love to hear you do the same for the Express 5:25 1x12 combo... Please!
Yes, most definitely loud enough.
Have the same amp but pretty new to playing. Loved your clean sound. What settings did you use?
Hi +Joe Puglia - Looks like Gain at 4, Treble at 6, Mids at 5, Bass at 5.5, Presence at 5.5 and Master at about 2-3. Hope this helps and hope you're enjoying the amp. Rock on! :D
Are you using the contour on or off with these settings?
So basically the Contour knobs on the amp scoop your mids? At least that's what I got from it.
I would have the contour always on. It's sounds so much fuller
It is a good demo video...but I did not hear how it sounds on solo leads. Chording and rhythm sounds great. I know it can be difficult to demo lead solo features and tone
@pistonhurricane97 You can see the humbucker when he moves his elbow out of the way...
Totally agree!
I really like this amp, but I practice shred as well as other styles and Im not sure this would be the right amp for me?
Nice! I want one!
This amp vs the rectoverb 25? I want both =)
You cant without actually flipping the switch and adjusting the knobs, which is a pain because I would love to be able to use all 4 modes via footswitch. Some tech guys will do a mod where you can make them footswitchable but then you have a level issue, ie if you want a shimmering clean sound you dont want the gain past 12'oclock, but if you switch to crunch and you want a higher gain sound you need it on about 3oclock+, a pain! but, wouldnt swap mine for anything but a higher end boogie!
I must own this amp!
This fucking Mesa is incredible
one versatile amp...
Are you using contour with the clean sound?
Hi Simon - generally not for cleans. It can sound good but often clean sounds don't really require more EQ than the existing controls, whereas the gain channels can definitely react favorably depending on the sound you're looking for. Hope this helps and thanks for your interest!
dude, is this a combo 2x12? or 1x12?
Mesa does great products. Unfortunatly they're very overpriced in germany, compared to US prices. I really like the 6l6 amps clean channel, even the Dual Rectifier has a nice fender vibe going on.
THAT is a baddass sounding amp.Nice demo.Just send one to me.Thx!
How are you recording the guitar sound? Is this mic'd or di?
@Whyrendog well... don't you think it will be mesa express 5:50 head?
How did you record the guitar!? Mic or Line In?
Hi +ImSin2009 - This was mic'd with a cabinet that was off camera. Pretty sure we used an SM57. Thanks for watching! :)
Ok, I'd probably buy it if tabs included :)
when it says class A on 5 watt mode, does that mean it only has 1 chanell on 5 watts?
Definitely man, 25 watts of tubes is VERY loud.
May i ask how you are recording that?...I do not see a mic...i was thinking you went direct into your interface?...is so what kind?
Higher wattage Isn't about getting louder its about headroom... You would never even come close to using 100-150W on the dual / triple rectos its all about headroom.
The onkly thing I hate about this amp it the put the knob lables under the knobs so they are hard to see if amp is low to ground
Bflatest put your amp up higher or use it more frequently so you know what knob does what.
Hello! I bought the Express 5:25 but I can not make this sound like your video. Which compressor, reverb and mic are you use in this video? Thank you!
Hi Alex - This video was captured quite a few years ago and we don't have the capture information. I can tell you that the reverb on the amp is fropm the amp - there are no external reverbs used. Also, there was at least an SM57 mic used, and possibly a Royer 121. Sorry we don't have more info. Good luck in your tone search!
This a 5-50 not a 5-25, different power tubes the 5-25 is a EL84 and the 5-50 is 6L6's.
Was that train a Mesa Boogie's train?
... and what is the best position for the microphone.
Thank you.
This is a very PERSONAL preference and one that depends on what mic(s) you're using, what amps, cabs, speakers and other gear, and what you're recording. It's a very involved subject that we suggest you research and experiment yourself to find out what works best for you. In this case, we used the SM57 placed 2" from the outside of the dust cap. Hope this helps!
okay i have one question: could this amp give me metallica distortion sound without any other pedals or boost?
Hiagadam kuala - The new Express PLUS versions with the 5-band graphic EQ would be the ones most readily available now and also the ones to give you the Metallica sound in the Ch. 2 BURN mode with the Graphic EQ set to a classic 'V' shape. That does a great job of delivering awesome metal sounds. Check out the demo vid for the latest Express PLUS here: ruclips.net/video/hvuwGd2PpLE/видео.html
thanks but i am talking about james hetfield's new live sound can you please tell me the settings for 2014 live sound :)
Hi agadam kuala - We don't have those settings. Sorry we can't be of more help! Thanks for watching! :D
Yes, but I think it need a boost pedal or something like that fort typical 80-90 soloing, shreddy contests.. For Mesa plus as well... Specially for Stratocaster Malmsteenian world
Great review man!
What happens when I'm mid-song and I want to switch between blues and burn? D:
@danglingslong pretty much
Oooh those are my sounds..
that's my next purchase ... i need a new scarf.
is this amp any good for metal? with a 7-string...
OMG YES!!
well said
What is the head model closest to this?
I'm pretty sure it is.
The 5:25 112 is exactly the same sound but the wattage? Anybody please...