Andy Timmons, Doug West and the MESA® Mark Five: 25™ In-Depth

mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/elec...
Guitarist and tonemeister Andy Timmons sat down recently with Mesa’s Director of R & D, Doug West, to discuss and play through all of the modes and features of the Mark Five: 25™and a Rectifier 2x12. As always, Andy provided some outstanding playing examples, showcasing the huge range of tonal possibilities and what sets this mini Mark apart from other amps its size. In between world-class tones and riffs, Doug dials in the settings and provides design insights and incredible tone tips for the Mark Five: 25 that also apply to nearly all Mesa amps… Great info all the way through no matter what your favorite Mesa amp may be.
Huge thanks to Andy for his time and exceptional playing and tone. It was great to have him here at the factory and we look forward to the next time!
Recorded with an Ibanez AT-100 into a Strymon Timeline Delay, the Mark Five: 25 and into a Rectifier 2x12 cabinet loaded with Mesa Celestion Vintage 30s. All reverb is from the Mark Five: 25. Mic'd with a Shure SM57, Shure KSM 313 and the internal CabClone set to the Open Back Cab Mode. Mixed with 40% SM57, 40% KSM 313 and 20% CabClone.

[@fivewattworld]

I really enjoyed the casual nature of this video.

[@PapaHett]

I played one of these for five minutes in LA - unfortunately it was as good as I thought it would be. I bought one - and a cab, I spent the rest of my holiday figuring out how I was going to get it home.

[@takitezy7]

6 years later... so what happened? Please finish the story..

[@fubitz6496]

I'm sold. Kids can pay for their own college.

[@BenJBrandt]

Lolol

[@thinkpad20]

Under $1500, so this one ain't too bad actually.

[@ebbulk]

Unfortunately, in Europe, you won't get these for under 2100 dollar. :'(

[@Ron-fw6bm]

JUST under 15 hundy for a 25 watt amp....MESA can stick it. Too many great amps out there far cheaper to justify this.

[@BenJBrandt]

BLACK MAGICK obviously you've never played a mark I own now a mark v 25 head 35 Head and 90 combo. If you want to save money your going to hear the difference for those that get what a boogie does can justify it. They also have some of the best customer service of any bigger brand

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

I can just see from Doug's face that this is a man who absolutely loves his job, and has been that way for a long time. Good for you man

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

abdulah786 Lol I had to edit that. Gosh my mind sometimes, "Doug" not Adam. No Adams here even.

[@mesaboogie]

It's trueabdulah786 - He really does live it. That's why he's 'Tone Boy' here at Mesa. Thanks for picking up on that and taking the time to comment! :D

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

MESA/Boogie Well it won't be long until I become a Mesa minion. Got my signature JP7 couple months ago and I'm eyeing up an Mark V combo once I do some damage to my debt on the guitar.

[@fabianthio4011]

Doug is proud of his job.

[@mottosierra1372]

He is the guy from the video that make joy faces while he’s playing??

[@torrid94]

Andy's phrasing is just so him no matter what amp he plays...amazing..

[@danyeo]

Just sounds incredible in all modes. Mesa hit a home run with this one.

[@ryensmith]

Every gear demo with Andy Timmons turns into a lick-stealing session for me... he's so darn good. Anybody else wish there was a tab to all his gear demos? lol

[@TheOfficialCaseMade]

I'm always like "Mesas are overrated, they're not THAT good." And then I watch videos like this and I'm like... THEY ARE THAT GOOD. And Andy's playing is just spectacular. He can highlight every nuance of this amp, that guitar, and their reaction together, seamlessly. And Doug, man, it's obvious how you can have such a phenomenal product when you have people that obviously LOVE what they do as much as he does. Mesa Boogie has thrived for so many years and throughout so many different styles of music not only because they sound great, but also because they're a company that is always listening to their customers and finding new ways to improve. Again, killer amp guys, and couldn't have made a better video to showcase it. I guess I'm sold on Mesa, after all!

[@mesaboogie]

Hi +Sean Conley - Man - thank you so much for the amazing feedback... On the video and the Mark Five: 25! :D It really means a lot to us when people share how our products create inspiration to want to play your instrument!!! Such an incredible testimonial and we genuinely appreciate it. Keep on rockin', thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@johnfritzenjr.1240]

MESA/Boogie Just got my triple crown! Amazing!

[@BenJBrandt]

I got a mark v 35 because of this video and I keep watch it I've used the same dial settings that are shown and it sounds AWESOME. Do more demos with Andy!!! Definitely the best overview you guys have done

[@banditgrovmalet]

Love Andys noodling on the clean sounds. Could listen to it for hours.

[@258lemons]

Wow. Just to echo the other comments, this is one of the best demos of an amp I've seen in a long time. Fantastic playing and fantastic tone! I wish I could afford one haha! Maybe one day!

[@dezmonseth674]

My goodness I can listen to this all day!

[@sgperformer]

To really appreciate the beauty of this demo and Andy’s extraordinary playing, one must listen through studio quality headphones....oh the joy!

[@shaggadelik]

It is just so much fun watching these two guys drawing inspiration and lots of positive energy from each other... Doug West being the "proud father" kind of guy here watching his brain-child being taken to good (best) use by an equally excited player... Gotta love Andy Timmons! Thanks Doug and Andy!

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks,shaggadelik - Great vibe you're picking up on... :D Thanks for watching!

[@JohnsOnStrings]

Sounds incredible. Hard to comprehend this video and the Petrucci one are the same amp: each player's style and guitar choice shine through - the amp doesn't hide anything.

[@bucketfeet6570]

Man, I've watched this 100 times. Best combination of great guitar player and amazing engineer

[@DipendraBagchee]

Thanks again for these amazing walk throughs of your amps. Having a great player like Andy with an expert on the amp like Doug provides such valuable insight into all the great tones in the amp. Love it!

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks,Dipendra Bagchee! Some really great tones and tips in this one. Thanks for the kind words!

[@mushkamusic]

Finally! Great playing on an amp demo. Sounds awesome, thanks guys :)

[@J96Jacob]

It’s such a pleasure watching Andy play, as well as someone as enthusiastic as Doug spill the knowledge about the amps. Sounds amazing

[@nassrain]

One of the best sounding amps i have heard in a long time its pure class.

[@mrsconley666]

MESA/Boogie I *LOVED* this video. Its very cool for a format, to see a "top shelf" Boogie Man giving a gear tour to an artist. I really enjoy this a ton. This is the best amp I have ever had in my life. The original video for this amp made me buy it right then and there. It is the best all around amp I have ever had. I just can't express that enough. I also loved it so much I told my buddy about it and he played it and sold his Bogner Uberschall in favor of the Mark Five: 25. I have put my other amps away. No need as they are heavier to carry, too loud, less versatile, and don't sound as good. I can have a Mesa 2X12 at my rehearsal space for practice and a Mesa 1X12 at home for playing and it has served me well. Thank you MESA/Boogie for making the best amp ever. Period.

[@StelAndre]

BRUTAL tone!!! Insanly good!!

[@stickman55100]

Fantastic demo of an amazingly versatile amp and Andy is a phenomenal talent!

[@LarsBauer74]

awesome! I love Timmons' playing and tone! love the sounds he is getting with this amp! WOW!

[@fieldhippy3663]

This is the best demo I recall seeing to date! Helluva nice job guys! Thanks for the info you give in this, verbally as well as having a great player play this great amp. And you go about it quickly and very professionally. Serious good job

[@mesaboogie]

Many thanks, +Field Hippy - It was a great time to capture and share. Lots of experience with amps and great tone combined in this video between those two. Thanks for watching! :)

[@dfifty2]

The dynamic of this amp is insane. Wunderfull tone, thanks a lot for demo this

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks for watching, +dfifty2 ! :D

[@rockingstar3534]

Great amp and nice playing from Andy..One of the few players who always play guitar with a great smile..always enjoy his playing!

[@peppierecords7208]

Just love the way he is enjoying andy’s playing

[@pbbeck01]

Just picked up this amp yesterday. Couldn't be happier!

[@djensen5836]

What a superb demo. I always wondered why there were so many switches on a Boogie, compared to a Fender. This demo thoroughly explains the Mark Five:25. Now I'm counting the days until I can buy one.

[@JamesMaurer]

I could listen Andy noodle all day. This is what happens when a great player meets a great amp, guitar and tone. Magic!

[@BradleyOverton]

I bought this amp after watching this video my mind was made, best amp Ive ever owned, 2 years gigging every weekend and going strong still sounds amazing.

[@johndillingerremixes]

This is what every amp demo should be! Great sounding amp.

[@thewilythylacine]

Just a great video. I've owned some Boogies in the past (Quad preamp and Fifty/Fifty, and a DC3), and when my situation settles down (world traveling light at the moment), this amp is on the top of my "necessity" list now. Thanks for the thorough run through.

[@johnlewallen2836]

Wow, easily one of the best amp demos I have ever watched. Love the amp too!

[@AlexAlexanderLIVE]

Perfect Demo and flawless choice of player i love Andy Timmons Tone God !!!

[@jhesbol]

I own this awesome amp, and am so thankful that Andy and Doug made this video. The tonal variations are endless on this amp, and this video has given me a good idea of where I need to be for my purposes. Thank you, Mesa Boogie!

[@mesaboogie]

Awesome,Jonathan Hesbol - This is exactly the kind of thing we hoped this video might do. :) Thanks for the kind words and keep on rockin'!

[@AhmadSleeq]

ive always dreamed of owning a Mesa boogie, you guys are truly the best wish you all the success !!

[@renoman_]

Fun video !!! Doug and Andy seem to be having a great time !!!

[@SRV463]

Andy is always such an inspiring player! Great amp and video

[@nicolasrivera5310]

Its safe to say this is the best dam demo of the Mark Five: 25™ to date, well done Mesa, well done.

[@mesaboogie]

Very much appreciated,Nicolas Rivera - Thanks for watching! :D

[@obicross]

MESA/Boogie you got the RIGHT player to demo this :) andy FTW!!!!

[@Diy-fever]

Nicolas Rivera did you hear Petrucci's demo? :)

[@nicolasrivera5310]

***** Yes, but this one smokes it out of the water!

[@Diy-fever]

Nicolas Rivera both great IMO, depends on the taste. Cheers

[@alexanderquentingoldovsky2353]

You are doing great guys, we support you! And Andy, the king of the Tone, couldn't choose a better player to illustrate the possibility of this amp!

[@veritechc]

Watching Andy play is a true honor. I use a Helix but man that amp sounds amazing!

[@cemsarioglu5947]

Today I’m going to the local guitar store to try one. The best amp video ever. Both Andy and Doug are great to take the best out of the amp.

[@ferrygusti9757]

This is very great amp ! So do andy with every little things came out from his finger ... Amazing!

[@JhOtheGuitarist]

Amazing sound !

[@sveinunghamre324]

Great playing and great sound!

[@ethansxbox6000]

I've gotta get one!! Love the tones!

[@liampellerin9696]

Great video! I love Andy and love the Mark 5-25!

[@jrogersphoto]

In all seriousness, this is the best amp demo I have ever seen, and that's a big part of what I watch on KZbin. As a pro photo and video shooter, I can appreciate all those aspects as well. (even the truck noise at about the 4 minute mark of this video.. lol. I SO feel your pain, there). I have owned a rectoverb 50 and 2 Lonestars and a Cab Clone and Mesa has always answered any and all questions without hesitation and has some actual advice as well. I just sold the Lonestar and waiting on payment from a client and will be picking one of these amps up. I live about 75 miles from The Guitar Sanctuary, and have been to see Andy and the Mesa folks when they were there a while back. What a group of down to earth, customer-centered people. That truly goes for Mesa/Boogie, The Guitar Sanctuary and Andy. Some of the most approachable and helpful people I have ever dealt with.

[@TobyKBTY]

So many new amps have come along, but this remains my dream amp. Nothing says versatility and TONE like this!

[@bluesman209]

I've had mine for a month now. Combined with my 2X12 Port City OS cab, the tones are unreal. You guys really hit a homerun with this one. Nice job!

[@Guitarjedi9]

Cool! Want to buy one too. How does it work live? Is it enough volume?

[@nunomellomusic]

Wow!!! Fantastic!!! I couldn't imagine Mesa amp is so versatile! It's perfect from clean to high gain, that little great machine can deliver really beautiful and inspirong tones. Doug and Andy were really great demoing this! Awesome guys!

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks for the kind words,Nuno Mello - Much appreciated!

[@longhornbeck1990]

Just a great vibe and conversation.... They both are top notch..and a little baked if you ask me.... Andy is my favorite by a mile...and a better dude to boot..and he's local!!! Looking for the Mesa 25 now...

[@SeanAsheOfficial]

This sounds amazing. Really can't wait to try one of these

[@noelzhu1986]

***** Andy can make any amp sound amazing...

[@hemmelight]

Andy is without a doubt my favourite player. Just the best.

[@BlackPalmPincushion]

This video is a great tutorial on Mark V settings. I'm taking notes.

[@glennhecker4422]

Very informative tutorial. Goes into a lot of depth on tone-shaping tips and how to take MAXIMUM advantage of the potential versatility you have at your fingertips. Think this might be my dream amp! I must try it firsthand to confirm... but I think this might be The One.

[@JasonDeCarloGuitar]

It sounds so perfect, especially with Andy playing through it :3 Wish I could afford one of these... Someday...

[@GearGasms]

Brilliant demo of an equally brilliant amp! Amazing sounding !

[@mesaboogie]

Many thanks, Alan! Appreciate the kind words. :)

[@jboh2112]

Buying one of these very soon. Needless to say I have watched this video at least twice a day in anticipation.

[@mesaboogie]

Awesome! +jboh2112 - Look forward to one finding its way to you!

[@harmonkro9578]

Ordered mine..can't wait to get my hands on this beauty . Thank you messaboogie..!!

[@mesaboogie]

Thank YOU, +harmon kro! We hope it exceeds your expectations and provides amazing tones for decades. :) Let us know if you have any questions - we're glad to help!

[@AnthonyFerguson01]

This is a wonderful demo. Andy and Doug should do all the Mesa amp demos -- that would be fantastic!

[@steeldragonjovi]

Really great video! I can't wait to get my hands on one of these. :)

[@sweetstonegypsy6673]

the compression on the video mic is smothering the reverb at 9:53-9:57.. but I am mesmerized by this great video and now lean strongly toward getting this amp. bravo Andy.

[@ClamsAnonymous]

God damn Andy Timmons is a tasty guitar player.

[@rahl1233]

So sweet.. I’m sold

[@bobcagey464]

Killer demo. Helped convince me to go for this head. Glad I did. Love Andy's playing. Interesting in that his tone comes through regardless of the amp. Extremely versatile head and the light weight is insane.

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks, Bob and congrats. Glad to hear the amp is serving well and thanks so much for the kind words.

[@rickrainz]

I love this demo! great job guys. Love the boogie a little more when Andy plays thru it:)

[@Planetgonenuts]

Well done, the both of you. Extremely impressive.

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks,Planetgonenuts - Much appreciated! :D

[@MM-gn2rd]

This video made my buy my MK V 25. Best amp ever!

[@Osssssssssssssh]

Wow incredible little monster amp, I love it.

[@rickrainz]

Another Sunday with Doug and Andy. Y'all need to go on tour

[@NielsvanderSteenhoven]

wow, amazing tone and Andy is just a great great guitar player !!

[@Xitahh]

If I weren't playing a Mark V I would probably have gotten one of these. These amps are just amazing and thanks for such a great vid!

[@nicolasguillkoweiti]

Ever since I saw this video I knew I had to have one. I've had it for about a week with a 2x12 now. Sounds immense, like no other amp out there. Beautiful job mesa

[@mesaboogie]

Congrats and thanks so much, Guilloux. Hope the amp exceeds your expectations and provides great tones and possibilities for years to come. Thanks so much for the kind words. :)

[@marcengel7655]

gotta love all the things you are through a metal amp

[@BrokenFusion72]

Andy is an awesome player and Doug is an expert on dialing this amp in. This video is a great lesson on how to work with this amp and has been a great help opening up the tones in this little beast. Great Job!

[@mesaboogie]

Many thanks, +BrokenFusion72 and glad this video helped you get some more sounds from this little tone machine. :)

[@cardbored_]

Best sounding Ibanez I've ever heard... Oh, that's Andy nevermind.

[@markpfeffer7487]

Looks like Joe barden s deluxe pickups too

[@EdwardRenas]

Theyre Dimarzio

[@iganpparamarta8813]

Ibanez sucks. They need Vai, Timmons, and Satriani to make their guitars sound good.

[@christhorn9273]

Fabulous tone . Get a load of George benson he sounds fabulous as well

[@wea69420]

@@iganpparamarta8813 maybe you just make every guitar sound shit lol

[@MikeJBlues]

Fantastic sound by a fantastic player , awsome amp

[@canaan_perry]

I'm a Rocket 44 owner/player but man this video has some amazing tones. I like all the variation on the clean channel. Mark IIc mode alone seems like a good enough reason to get one of these.

[@nicksburson1]

Man Andy is just unbelievable. He is just soooooo good

[@christopher.hallissy]

Just ordered one! It’ll be here this weekend!

[@mesaboogie]

Thank you! Happy playing!!!

[@aleatoriac7356]

This is awesome, I still have my Mark V and a Rectifier 2x12, even though I mostly use the AxeFX... Nothing does everything the Mark can do... I loved hearing what Mr. Timmons was playing, nicely done, thanks for sharing this

[@mesaboogie]

Thanks for the kind +CodeStation ! Much appreciated. :)

[@hydeane]

Perfect combo, awesome guitarist and awesome amp. I have a Rectoverb 25 combo & love it, best amp I have ever owned. Andy you are amazing-Mesa you are amazing:-)

[@mesaboogie]

Many thanks for the kind words, +hydeane! :)

[@mikemorrison3791]

I feel like Mesa should send me one to demo - so the rest of the world's very very average guitarists can tell how they might sound through this. Andy could sound good through a transistor radio

[@i.c.y.]

🤣👍

[@MsPandaHime]

This is exactly what you needed! Most definitely, you need to know how John Petrucci handles this beast, but this kind of versatility is what really makes mark V 25 a gem in my opinion, so good job!

[@eliasarpan]

Andy, simplesmente espetacular.

[@whatisanamelol]

This sold me on the Mark V 25. Doug West comes across as a really nice guy too, bet he has a tonne of stories from the old Mesa days

[@MHoffp57]

Ordered mine today. Andy Timmons makes this amp sound incredible.

[@mesaboogie]

Congrats, MHoff - We hope the amp exceedcs your expectations. Please let us know if you have any questions and thanks for the kind words.

[@MHoffp57]

It certainly has exceeded my expectations. I tried a Hughes and Kettner Tubemeister, but sent it back to Sweetwater because I didn't like it at all..I ordered the Mark V 25 to replace it and so far it covers every tone I could ever possibly want. For those that doubt the volume of a 25 watt head - this thing is a MONSTER on my 4x12 cabinet.

[@TheFlatPancakeTheory]

Hoping to pick one up very soon! slowly but surely saving!

[@mesaboogie]

Nice, Jordan. Look forward to hearing back from you when you get it on how it sounds! :D

[@hannesolivier204]

I was roadie for a band and the lead guitarist used this with a 4 cable method coupled with a BOSS GT-Pro together with a Schecter(‘59 + JB). The tone from that setup is still in my all time favourites 🔥🔥🔥

[@fordsrestorations970]

I live live in concert 14 straight years and I can actually smell that amplifier coming through my screen watching this !!.... Humble Pie cooking..... it is 2023 now and I will probably have to put one of these in my collection.

[@Goynes42]

So cool to watch my friend Andy do his THANG through this awesome amp! I used to play through an Express 5:50 head, but had to sell it for money reasons years ago. But just the other day I played through the Mark V:25 at the Guitar Sanctuary in McKinney, and it followed me home...well, actually, it followed me straight to my gig that night! Trial by fire on a gig, and let me tell you...it's the best amp I've ever owned, by MILES. It does everything and does it all so well. You guys at Mesa continue to amaze me. To anyone considering this little gem: Buy it. It sounds great across the board, it's light, it has the Cab Clone DI which is fantastic, and it's built like a tank. Best money I have ever spent on gear.

[@Timanator]

Thank you Mesa Boogie, and all the engineers that and this possible. 20+ years of playing guitar, finally I have an amp that is wonderful even at low volumes. Love my Mark Five 25!

[@mesaboogie]

Thank YOU Slicefixer. We really appreciate the kind words and hope the amp continues to exceed your expectations and inspire you to play. Also glad to hear it's working well at lower volumes. :)

[@WS-bk7uu]

I'm thinking to get the Mark V 25 as my first tube amp, do you think I can get good bedroom levels? I'm worried at 10 watts it still might be a bit loud

[@sondoke]

@@WS-bk7uu I can get great bedroom tones out of my Mark III in the 85 watt mode, so I imagine getting good bedroom tones out of the Five 25 is easily doable. I have heard that the master volume on the 25 is much touchier than the 35, though. As in, the amp volume may jump drastically going from like 1 to 1.5… the 35’s MV supposedly has a much more gradual increase in volume as opposed to a sudden jump. Both models have a headphone out, so you can still crank it and not disturb your neighbors. Opinions differ on the sound quality of the headphone out, but It’s a great option to have.

[@WS-bk7uu]

@@sondoke Thanks for the tips. I came close to getting it but opted for a Fender Vibro Champ as wanted something a bit simpler for my first tube amb, but would love to try a Mesa Boogie in the future

[@TheRobsantos777]

Mesa Boogie is my dream amp

[@nankleflank5645]

I love the dual thigh slap around 16:00

[@jammergreg]

Very versatile! And Andy’s playing 16:49 is off the charts.

[@pedromoose8860]

Still rocks! Andy, and the 5:25!