Ah the good ol' OG 3 channel. I worked at boogie (for 13 years) building those right when they launched. Built 500 Duals, 500 Triples, then 500 Duals. Took us like a month and a half to building them all. I saw them in my sleep.
I have a 3 channel Dual that i bought in early 2001 that I absolutely love. Always wondered why you had a sour taste about the 3 channel versions when mine sounds amazing. Always just chalked it up to personal preference and a little bit of the "purist" vibe.
I have a 2001 3 channel Dual Rec and it’s just an amazing amp. It was my main amp until I finally got a Mark V last year. But I still break out that DR every once and a while. Just tone for days!
Hey fluff! Everyone talks about the dual and triple rectifier, but could we get a history lesson on the single rectifier? I feel like the single rectifier is the red headed step child of the rectos, even though they sound awesome and even a bit different than their bigger brothers and personally, I love mine ^-^
Absolutely. A multi-watt is probably the best Recto I have played; I think it is as good as the Rev F's I have played for sure and better than any Rev G's (I have owned 2) and 3 channel Recs.
I own a Circa 2004 Serial No# 43XXX series Triple Rectifier, I absolutely love that amp. That amp slays like hand forged steel razor sharp. At a colossal 150 Watts of colosseum power, it 'may' be what would be known to guitar players as 'fizzy'. I use it with two sixteen (16) Ohm cabs, an EVH 5150 'Stealth' cab, and a Marshall 1960 Lead cab loaded with two Mesa V30's and two Celestion G12H Creamback 75-watt speakers X-pattern with a Dr Z 'Air Brake' attenuator. In the loop is an MXR 'Echo Plex' and a Boss 'Dimension C WAZA' with an old Electro Harmonix 'Black Finger' tube compressor with NOS tubes in the front end. The T-Rec has a couple of choice NOS 12ax7's in [its] preamp too. Almost cranked (within reason), full 6L6 power with NOS GE tube rectifiers engaged, unbelievable power and response. Super duty sensitive and projects everything and then some in a cool way. Tight thunderous bottom end, gut kickin' mids and razor-sharp upper register. Just pleasantly smooth. No 'fizz' whatsoever. Pro amp. Thanks for the video, Cheers!
Interesting you say this. The best amp I’ve ever owned was a 4 channel roadster which was in the rectifier lineup. No fizz. Creamy mids, and low end that would beat the hell out of you. These came out after the 3 channel rectos and it really feels like they nailed it with that model.
it never made any sense to me that mesa boogie just downgraded the sound of the early two channel and 3 channel rectifier with every newer revision 🤷♂
Cool, well this explains why my DR seems to sound better than everyone else's i've heard! It sat unused for a number of years but it's recently made its way back into my live rig and i'm really enjoying playing it lately. It has all of the telltale signs of an early rev that Fluff describes here, but I haven't been able to locate the serial number plate to verify exactly. I didn't have the tools to take the chassis out of the headshell at my last band practice so i'll have to do that next time. The output transformer has a SN of 16620 so i'm guessing that's one of the leftovers from the 2ch models... Anyways, thanks for making my DR slightly more desirable hehe
An old bandmate grabbed one these early 3 channels Triple Recs brand new in 2000 when they first rolled out. Sounded pretty similar to my Rev G I was using at the time. That said, I never really loved my Rev G either and my VHT Pittbull absolutely obliterated it when I aquired that amp. No way i pay the prices the G's are now commanding. They are like F's were pre-covid.
I thought the only good 3 channel Rectifiers were the Multi Watts ?! No Multi Watt, no likey! My Multi Watt sounds tighter than even the 4 channel Road Kings and Roadsters I tried.
Now I'm really kicking myself in the butt. I bought a 3 channel triple rec sometime in 2001 and traded it for some different gear in 2013. That amp was a beast and I'm regretting getting rid of it even more now
Dude thanks to you I figured out my dual rec solo 3 channel revC #R-017530. It also has a cork front panel and matching leather corners and handle, even the black leather looks to be a smoother black leather. Also str440 6l6gc which I was stoked to see. I'm sure this amp has been seen around over the years. It's my first However and I dig it. Gotta send you a photo. 😂🤘
Got an very early Rev G with small logo. Had a early 3 channel (171xx) in the past and liked it too. But I would choose the multi watt over the 3 channel. After some years with rectifiers I can get my sound with probably all of them....with my Les Paul Customs and a good Mesa 4x12.
Was it ever documented about the supposed changes in production that creates this tone myth between the first 1000 vs the rest? FLUFF. Please do a comparison vid on early 2000’s dual rec heads VS the elusive 2010’s and up MULTI WATT 🙏🏽 thanks!!
Thank you very much for this great video ! Do you think beside "classical" Dual and Triple, you could also cover Road King and Roadster history ? Thank you !
So what's different in the circuit on the later 3 channels? I have a rev g triple that sounds amazing, my buddy had a 3 channel that sounded about 95% the same after getting it dialed, but I have no idea what the serial number was
If I’m being honest, throw a TS9 in front and goof with the EQ and I can’t tell a difference. The difference is in the newer serial loops, otherwise are trash (the loops not the amp lol)
My Dual Rectifier is serial number 17257, I would discribe it as dark voiced. Have you considered to make a video camparing it with a 2 channel rectifier?
I suppose this applies to both dual and triple rectos? I have a three channel, non-multiwatt Dual Rectifier (R-029182) in my studio. At some point its made its way to Norway even though its an American amp (with 120V). I have gotten a lot of praise for it from people who have used it saying it sounds good. From what I know that model is known for being one of the most aggressive versions of the recto (even running with EL34s from the previous owner). Although mine's serial is far from the 16k-mark, I would love to hear some shootouts 😄
I have a love & hate relationship with Mesa. On the one hand the Recto is my favorite amp of all time and second to none. On the other, I dislike Mesa's abysmal circuit-board layouts. Poor quality combined with contempt from the "tech" community really highlights the flaws that are often rejected by qualified techs for servicing. Often I hear "I don't work on Mesa boogies" by many amp techs who have backlogs of work from clientele. My hope is that Mesa can transition from this and start by building quality products for their customers. I really hope someone influential like you Fluff can convince them to revise a new Rectifier with more robust circuitry & earlier tone. It would be cool if it was your own signature model or some type of partnership that could develop. A lot of players from our generation would really appreciate it immensely! Just my 2 cents!🤘🤘🤘
What do you think is driving the apparent decline in sound quality? Mesa's reputation as i understand it is to chase after tone regardless of the cost or amount of time spent in R&D. I hear nothing but good things about the rest of their amp line, why would they let such an iconic amp get worse over time?
Will you ever do anything with the single rectifiers? Sonic drive studio has featured his gen1, and kyle has had a gen2. Biased gen1 owner here. Would like to hear fluff's take. Only heard you mention them on another channel during an interview.
Hey Fluff! I recently got one of those triple rectifier rev C's and it's freaking awesome! Unfortunately no footswitch and can't seem to find them anywhere. Is there another 5 button pedal I can use? Also any recommendations for a cab? I'm stuck between the traditional and oversized but leaning towards the oversized cab but is there really a difference?
what a shame for companys like mesa,peavey,marshall,so you spend 3000 dollar in an amp,that you think gonna be the amp of your life,but wait the 3 grands are not enough to get the tone youre looking for,yo also need to be lucky to get one that sounds good,and not fizzy,flubby and sterile,what the hell,where can i buy a small amount of luck before i buy an 3000 grands amp
I don’t get all this hype about revisions making the amp worse, maybe not to your liking but not worse. There would be no logic to make products worse, sound is subjective to the listener and the more recent versions just sound more modern which many will like. .
Can we just get Fluff a signature Mesa already? Call it a Beardlander or a Rev Fluff.
😂 Definitely time for one.
@@XENO333 What about a Baldlander?
Sounds good to me! 😄
@@XENO333 😂
Haha not even hetfield have one. But that would be awesome
As an owner of a late 2000 3 channel dual rectifier I 100% agree. Those early revisions are some of the most awesome underrated amps.
Ah the good ol' OG 3 channel. I worked at boogie (for 13 years) building those right when they launched. Built 500 Duals, 500 Triples, then 500 Duals. Took us like a month and a half to building them all. I saw them in my sleep.
I have a 2003 dual rectifier three channel. The serial number is 33,681. Do you know which revision I have?
@@berthazlewood Curious - how do you know it's a 2003?
@@misterjmorgan I called Mesa with my serial number and they told me the production date was 8/6/03.
the best rectifier is still the roadster for me, cheers 🎸🎸
3channel rectifier prices bout to double on reverb by the end of the day.
This is exactly how commercial hype is used to drive up prices
I have a 3 channel Dual that i bought in early 2001 that I absolutely love. Always wondered why you had a sour taste about the 3 channel versions when mine sounds amazing. Always just chalked it up to personal preference and a little bit of the "purist" vibe.
Now i wanna see this mic'd up to the same cab as a different revision with a blind a-b test
Yes!
I love it when you talk nerdy Rectifier to me bb 😘
I bought a use 1997 T-Recto 150W Rev. G for 600$ a few years back, best purchase I ever made, that thing is awesome.
I have a 2001 3 channel Dual Rec and it’s just an amazing amp. It was my main amp until I finally got a Mark V last year. But I still break out that DR every once and a while. Just tone for days!
Hey fluff! Everyone talks about the dual and triple rectifier, but could we get a history lesson on the single rectifier?
I feel like the single rectifier is the red headed step child of the rectos, even though they sound awesome and even a bit different than their bigger brothers and personally, I love mine ^-^
I don't think he's too fond of them things
All good, until you realize the multiwatt is the best sounding recto
Absolutely. A multi-watt is probably the best Recto I have played; I think it is as good as the Rev F's I have played for sure and better than any Rev G's (I have owned 2) and 3 channel Recs.
agree!
Nah
I own a Circa 2004 Serial No# 43XXX series Triple Rectifier, I absolutely love that amp. That amp slays like hand forged steel razor sharp. At a colossal 150 Watts of colosseum power, it 'may' be what would be known to guitar players as 'fizzy'. I use it with two sixteen (16) Ohm cabs, an EVH 5150 'Stealth' cab, and a Marshall 1960 Lead cab loaded with two Mesa V30's and two Celestion G12H Creamback 75-watt speakers X-pattern with a Dr Z 'Air Brake' attenuator. In the loop is an MXR 'Echo Plex' and a Boss 'Dimension C WAZA' with an old Electro Harmonix 'Black Finger' tube compressor with NOS tubes in the front end. The T-Rec has a couple of choice NOS 12ax7's in [its] preamp too. Almost cranked (within reason), full 6L6 power with NOS GE tube rectifiers engaged, unbelievable power and response. Super duty sensitive and projects everything and then some in a cool way. Tight thunderous bottom end, gut kickin' mids and razor-sharp upper register. Just pleasantly smooth. No 'fizz' whatsoever. Pro amp. Thanks for the video, Cheers!
Interesting you say this. The best amp I’ve ever owned was a 4 channel roadster which was in the rectifier lineup. No fizz. Creamy mids, and low end that would beat the hell out of you. These came out after the 3 channel rectos and it really feels like they nailed it with that model.
Yes me too. Shhh 🤫
it never made any sense to me that mesa boogie just downgraded the sound of the early two channel and 3 channel rectifier with every newer revision 🤷♂
I have a multi watt dual rectifier from 2011, has there been any changes or is it the same as 2023?
Cool, well this explains why my DR seems to sound better than everyone else's i've heard! It sat unused for a number of years but it's recently made its way back into my live rig and i'm really enjoying playing it lately. It has all of the telltale signs of an early rev that Fluff describes here, but I haven't been able to locate the serial number plate to verify exactly. I didn't have the tools to take the chassis out of the headshell at my last band practice so i'll have to do that next time. The output transformer has a SN of 16620 so i'm guessing that's one of the leftovers from the 2ch models...
Anyways, thanks for making my DR slightly more desirable hehe
Man i just love the rectifier aesthetic, so damn cool!
I got the same exact revision of your Triple Rec and I looooooove that amp
I love my 3 channel Tri Rec
Now the amp nerds have a new "pre-500" to chase.
Hi, I'm Amp Nerds, nice to meacha!
Might have to give one of these early versions a try if I can find one, but my MultiWatt Triple is my favorite amp
An old bandmate grabbed one these early 3 channels Triple Recs brand new in 2000 when they first rolled out. Sounded pretty similar to my Rev G I was using at the time.
That said, I never really loved my Rev G either and my VHT Pittbull absolutely obliterated it when I aquired that amp. No way i pay the prices the G's are now commanding. They are like F's were pre-covid.
That opening riff I swear sounded like it was boosted or overdriven.
I thought the only good 3 channel Rectifiers were the Multi Watts ?!
No Multi Watt, no likey!
My Multi Watt sounds tighter than even the 4 channel Road Kings and Roadsters I tried.
And now we watch them go up in price 😂
Now I'm really kicking myself in the butt. I bought a 3 channel triple rec sometime in 2001 and traded it for some different gear in 2013. That amp was a beast and I'm regretting getting rid of it even more now
My first Recto, mine was a Dual.
Dude thanks to you I figured out my dual rec solo 3 channel revC #R-017530. It also has a cork front panel and matching leather corners and handle, even the black leather looks to be a smoother black leather. Also str440 6l6gc which I was stoked to see. I'm sure this amp has been seen around over the years. It's my first However and I dig it. Gotta send you a photo. 😂🤘
Riffs, Beards, Gear and Triple Advertisementifier!!! I used to like this channel a lot.
Got an very early Rev G with small logo. Had a early 3 channel (171xx) in the past and liked it too. But I would choose the multi watt over the 3 channel. After some years with rectifiers I can get my sound with probably all of them....with my Les Paul Customs and a good Mesa 4x12.
YAAAAAASSSS! I loved my 02/03 the channel and love my 2018. That fizziness is very noticeable though!
I recorded a lead on my band’s first single with a triple rec. idk why anyone would give it hate, it sounds great for leads.
Was it ever documented about the supposed changes in production that creates this tone myth between the first 1000 vs the rest?
FLUFF. Please do a comparison vid on early 2000’s dual rec heads VS the elusive 2010’s and up MULTI WATT
🙏🏽 thanks!!
There are documented revisions. If you open the amps up there’s also a mark on the board that indicates what revision it is.
Thank you very much for this great video ! Do you think beside "classical" Dual and Triple, you could also cover Road King and Roadster history ? Thank you !
So what's different in the circuit on the later 3 channels?
I have a rev g triple that sounds amazing, my buddy had a 3 channel that sounded about 95% the same after getting it dialed, but I have no idea what the serial number was
I have R167xx I had purchased because of this video. What tubes are folks using ?
oh my gosh i have been following and documenting a lot of these! i did not even see this. I have a Rev E 3Ch2rec lol, serial in the 35k
If I’m being honest, throw a TS9 in front and goof with the EQ and I can’t tell a difference. The difference is in the newer serial loops, otherwise are trash (the loops not the amp lol)
This is some great info dude! I’ll be on the lookout
I just want the guitar tone he used to write that intro riff
How challenging would it be for Mesa to make a Duel or Triple Rec with the ability to have multiple voicings or a way to change between revisions?
They already claim that the different modes (raw, vintage, modern) cover those bases, despite them not really sounding like they are
My Dual Rectifier is serial number 17257, I would discribe it as dark voiced. Have you considered to make a video camparing it with a 2 channel rectifier?
I have a 2003 dual rectifier three channel. My serial number is 33,681. Would you have any idea which revision I have?
Yeah - I picked up a Rev C+ and it's a flub and fizz machine. Easy to mod to a early recto circuit though, that transforms it
Dang that’s the 2nd revision and already a mess? Lol
In my experience the Rev c+ just needs a good boost and it sounds tight and amazing
looks like a cool amp but I just need a low watt tube amp and have always been good to go.
I have an 08-09 I think, with the script around the solo. The thing sounds great.
Heres a secret tip for ya tho...orange channel.
Nice FLuff now you need to update the mesa webpage about DR, will be nice!
I suppose this applies to both dual and triple rectos? I have a three channel, non-multiwatt Dual Rectifier (R-029182) in my studio. At some point its made its way to Norway even though its an American amp (with 120V).
I have gotten a lot of praise for it from people who have used it saying it sounds good. From what I know that model is known for being one of the most aggressive versions of the recto (even running with EL34s from the previous owner). Although mine's serial is far from the 16k-mark, I would love to hear some shootouts 😄
Great, now these are gonna skyrocket in price
I have a love & hate relationship with Mesa. On the one hand the Recto is my favorite amp of all time and second to none. On the other, I dislike Mesa's abysmal circuit-board layouts. Poor quality combined with contempt from the "tech" community really highlights the flaws that are often rejected by qualified techs for servicing. Often I hear "I don't work on Mesa boogies" by many amp techs who have backlogs of work from clientele.
My hope is that Mesa can transition from this and start by building quality products for their customers. I really hope someone influential like you Fluff can convince them to revise a new Rectifier with more robust circuitry & earlier tone. It would be cool if it was your own signature model or some type of partnership that could develop. A lot of players from our generation would really appreciate it immensely! Just my 2 cents!🤘🤘🤘
My 3chn black face rev G sounds killer. Lots of low end. Can you do a video comparing early to late rev🤘
Ch 1 Lonestar Clean Ch 2 Mesa Mark IV and Ch 3 Recto on a 90 watt Simul-Class power section. This would be the best amp ever.
A Mesa Traixis with the Recto board is pretty much what you described there. Just pair it up with a 2:90 power amp.
There goes early 3ch prices…
Great now all the 3ch Rectos are about to go up in price ;)
I got r-033666 and I can't tell if i love or hate it
Excellent information. 🤘🏼😎🍺
What do you think is driving the apparent decline in sound quality? Mesa's reputation as i understand it is to chase after tone regardless of the cost or amount of time spent in R&D. I hear nothing but good things about the rest of their amp line, why would they let such an iconic amp get worse over time?
I swear Fluff hasn't aged in twelve years.
Hi Fluff, what about Roadking II. Any extra info on them ?? 😀
I got super lucky and snagged a voodoo modded rev D triple rec for 900 bucks at guitar center a few years ago
Any love or knowledge you can share about the single recto?
Will you ever do anything with the single rectifiers? Sonic drive studio has featured his gen1, and kyle has had a gen2. Biased gen1 owner here. Would like to hear fluff's take. Only heard you mention them on another channel during an interview.
Prices for these amp just went crazzzaaayyy 😅
Triple Rec!!! 😆🤘🔥
Hey Fluff! I recently got one of those triple rectifier rev C's and it's freaking awesome! Unfortunately no footswitch and can't seem to find them anywhere. Is there another 5 button pedal I can use? Also any recommendations for a cab? I'm stuck between the traditional and oversized but leaning towards the oversized cab but is there really a difference?
Mesa sell them right on the website my guy! (They look way better than the OG ones)
@@RiffsAndBeards Awesome! Thank you!
Lets hear an A/B with same settings and cab!
What about 2ch triple rectifier with 16xxx serial? Are these also good?
I have 016950, bought it cheap a few years ago with the voodoo labs mod my tech says its just a distortion mod sounds good too me.
Also thank you for what you do enjoy all of it cheers 🍻
It’s ironic how hundreds of people all seem to have the “best” Mesa boogie that sounds better than everyone lmao
I said one of the best I had played. Big difference.
Awesome amp
I think Tremonti's are modded by Trace Davis of Voodoo Amps
Fluff. When are u gonna review the single rec ?
Can anyone tell me when mine were manufactured/Revisions?
My Triple Rec - R-031754
My Dual Rec - R-021574
✌️
It’s depressing that I can’t buy a new rectifier and get the goods.
what a shame for companys like mesa,peavey,marshall,so you spend 3000 dollar in an amp,that you think gonna be the amp of your life,but wait the 3 grands are not enough to get the tone youre looking for,yo also need to be lucky to get one that sounds good,and not fizzy,flubby and sterile,what the hell,where can i buy a small amount of luck before i buy an 3000 grands amp
I don’t get all this hype about revisions making the amp worse, maybe not to your liking but not worse. There would be no logic to make products worse, sound is subjective to the listener and the more recent versions just sound more modern which many will like.
.
Not impressed with that Rectifier sound. Your recordings anyway. It sounds nothing like it does in the room.