Gibson Acquires Mesa/Boogie: Company Leaders Weigh In

[@sweetwater]

It's the talk of the town: Mesa/Boogie and Gibson have joined forces! Find out what the future holds from the tone-chasers at the center of this new partnership then hit that subscribe button for the latest industry news!

[@angrytroll27]

@@sweetwater watching this now in 2024 future looks sleek 🤣

[@KenBecker3]

Cool to see Cameron Poe of Con Air heading up Gibson. You never know where your path may lead.

[@whiskybravo4648]

I can’t un-see it now. Thanks

[@KenBecker3]

@@whiskybravo4648 Sorry man! LOL

[@joelgrumblatt2747]

Put...the bunny...down.

[@EricBourassa]

Oh my 😂

[@xPanDaemonx]

Cy......onara!!

[@kma6658]

You just had an employee focused culture (Mesa) get acquired by a production driven culture (Gibson). No matter how much Randy says nothing has changed, it does not matter. He no longer has ownership in it and only a matter of time until there’s a breakdown at some level as these 2 very different models of corporate cultures converge......good for an aged, retiring Randy.....not so much for the remaining Mesa staff.

[@jorgiewtf]

I agree. I feel like the Mark VII will be the very last true Mesa Amp, sadly.

[@jmed99]

Your comment has come to be a reality. Gibson fired Randall Smith!

[@discotex2236]

My pre Gibson Boogies just went up in value!

[@d.townzen1337]

"Gibson one of the most respected brands" I'll be pressing X to doubt on this one. Especially considering Gibson's past with acquiring brands and then murdering them. Mesa Boogie is as good as dead within 5 years.

[@angrytroll27]

And now they fired him

[@JimAndDeePatton]

Just like players want pre-CBS Fender amps, in the future everyone is going to want pre-Gibson Mesa Boogie amps.

[@bummallery748]

My 50 cal+ blows my fender evh stealth away

[@mxaxe5591]

Gibson, leave those kids alone

[@MrWolverinewarrior]

I worked at Gibson for a couple of years in the early 2010's. And this new regime at Gibson is worlds BEYOND the old regime that was in existence around 5-6 years ago. Better organization and future focus. And I hope this new partnership with Mesa / Boogie is going to be great. Mesa is the best amp I have ever played. I just hope with Gibson's distribution capabilities, it can lower the cost on the Mesa amps. I LOVE Mesa amps, but if they could be a little more affordable, that would be great.

[@shogun4888]

I would argue that they deserve a chance. They are saying all the right things, and only time will tell. In the short term, it makes sense for both companies. Mesa needs fresh energy, economy of scale, and an injection of capital. Gibson needs to keep the excitement going, and the expertise in amplification. Obviously, they have a mutual admiration at the leadership level. Best case scenario, Mesa makes good on the injection of Gibson's resources, and makes a better quality Mark 5 at the same or lower price. Gibson has Mesa build a range of quality amps that draw on the classic Gibson amps like a GA-40. If this happens, this deal will be worth it.

[@stephenatgraceland]

“Injection of capital” In the merger business, that often isn’t the plan. We will see...

[@colinrobertson4569]

Can't stand being called a fan. I'm a customer.

[@louierubio]

That’s an interesting take. I’m curious, Why exactly?

[@colinrobertson4569]

@@louierubio because they are a brand not a group and im a paying customer who buys gibson because i think they sometimes make great instruments. The whole fan thing just seems like marketing speak like " tone brothers " i just dont like it.

[@Bullittbl]

I am with you. Its SO CONDESCENDING its embarrassing

[@louierubio]

@@colinrobertson4569 haha totally get it. I think I feel like I’m a fan of Fender but def feel like a customer to other brands.

[@TravisL001]

The business world has been trying to move away from the term “customer” for a while now, with the thought that it implies that the business interest is only in the monetary transaction. The move to terms like “fans”, “members”, “patrons” etc. is the company trying to demonstrate they are interested in a more meaningful relationship with the consumer. Whether or not this is genuine for any given company should be evaluated on a case by case basis. From what I’ve seen from Gibson after the management change, I believe JC and his team are genuine.

[@sowhat5150]

So refreshing to see and hear positive collaboration. Looking forward to see what Gibson and Mesa Boogie come out with. I need to Google Gibson amps now. Mitch is definitely one of the best...most positive interviewers on KZbin.

[@Itsallmuscle]

It's like being at a work meeting, where the same corporate phrases are repeated ad-nauseum all the while never saying anything..

[@jsullivan2112]

YUP!

[@scottfleming6166]

Randall has really aged of late, I hope he is o.k. I'm glad he left his legacy in good hands. He has done an amazing job building great amps for a long time.

[@nicholasjsanchez]

I noticed that as well. Randall looks as if he had a minor stroke. His mouth ans speech are a little off.

[@JillandKevin]

Scott, Randy is 75 years old, and he seems the same to me as the day we met 50 years ago when we used to play together. Wow! Just realized I've known him for FIFTY years!! I only hope I'm as enthusiastic when I'm 75!

[@RodClark]

Nice job Mitch!

[@playdelay]

Time will tell. I would refer to myself as a fan of Mesa Boogie but not a fan of this merger.

[@MultiLan2011]

yes that true bro

[@phillippitts6294]

Gibson’s guys look like cartel members

[@iwillnevergetone5]

ready to ~take out~ the competition & anyone who chooses not to play authentic

[@Abvll]

They have an outlaw MC running transport for their volume and tone pots.

[@Jay-sy5yf]

They have a Chinese distro and a Mexican connect on them necks mane!!!

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

💀

[@Hellseeker1]

I'm a fan of Mitch, thats where it ends

[@jjrusy7438]

best comment. the sweetwater people are awesome. don't shoot the messenger.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

😂

[@johnrodems6360]

Yes I have a wishlist 20 miles long Mesa boogie is on top thank you Gibson For making them come back

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Yep ... I miss the gorgeous sound of my Mesa with a '73 Les Paul Standard going through it. But I DON't miss hefting that heavy amp round' town. We, my cover band downsized everything about 3 years ago--both PA and individual rigs. I even have my eye on a Stryman Iridium!! Sounds great & several locals go direct through the board in live performances. I know ... it's not quite the same buzz ... but my back is happier these days!!! 🎸

[@firstblessing4460]

Wait and see. Both are iconic companies. Not sure about the merger will bring success to any of them, however.

[@angrytroll27]

Watching this now after they fired Randall...... eeeesshh

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Snakes

[@jon42689]

looks like vintage mesa gear is about to be worth even more now that we know where it's headed. end of an era. RIP

[@JS-nf1sn]

Just hope you don't have to take it to an amp tech. They seem like a nightmare to work on.

[@Hobbs4life]

I've got a Mark 5 combo and I love it!

[@breekolean2758]

Always loved Gibson guitars but hated Gibson amps, hopefully they will respect each other's strengths

[@concernedcitizen939]

There’s nothing about Cesar that’s trustworthy. He’s both fake and shifty - a used guitar salesman. I don’t trust him or any company he’s associated with.

[@jon42689]

agreed

[@nickyounger1368]

Awfully judgemental of someone you've never met

[@PeterWalkerHP16c]

Cesar Gueikian, Chief Merchant Officer. He's in charge of Gibson mercantilism.

[@jon42689]

I got them confused. I thought you were talking about the sleazy guy in the leather that made the videos lambasting players. I've picked up $5000 gibsons from the wall at Sweetwater that didn't sound or play as well as say a Schecter or a PRS SE.

[@white_wolf2112]

I love Mesa, but I *really* hope this isn't a mistake, Randall...

[@Eventual420]

Congratulations all around. 🇺🇸

[@rjwiggins8699]

If Randy Smith is happy with this merger, then I think I am too. I’ve used M/B and old Gibson amps for 30+ years, so I’m curious to see where this goes. I’d be very happy to see well built reissues of the late ‘50s GA-5 and GA-20s. While I’m dreaming, it would also be cool to see M/B re-release their Studio .22 preamp.

[@southpaw335]

Good on you Randall - i really do hope this helps keep the Boogie brand going for decades to come (while you cant work forever my MKIII boogie is still working flawlessly after 34 years...)

[@jimwoodard64]

I love this and I look forward to the future of both companies! Time to save for my next Mesa Boogie!

[@joelewis7072]

I am really excited about this...I can't wait to see and hear the product... I've been wanting a Messa for a while 😎👍

[@Spidouz]

Sorry but when I think Mesa Boogie, I think PRS… and when I think Gibson, I think Marshall. That’s just wrong on so many level, and just like there’s a “pre-CBS” fender, there will be a “Pre-Gibson” Mesa Boogie!

[@RyanDanielBrown2011]

Mesa is my favorite amp company and I’ve been playing them many years ..so Gibson.... do not and I mean do not cheapen Mesa what you need to do is learn from Mesa and take on their quality control ...I’ll say this I love playing les Pauls but finding a quality one is hit and miss please stick to quality over quantity ....that’s why PRS stomps you really bad

[@seerattan]

I prefer any prs over any gibson.

[@matthashobbies]

It'd be nice if modern mesa amps prices would go down just a tiny bit while still keeping quality, although that isn't likely

[@chunk4572]

The word of the day is "Epic". :)

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I’ve been looking to buy a Mesa Nomad 4x10 combo. I may hold off and see if a new model is offered. I’m wondering about branding/pricing going forward ... hoping I get an answer by the end of the video.

[@gerryloughran1676]

Great to see when CEO's understand they are only the caretakers of legacy's that will be around in another 100yrs

[@strat0871]

Not sure for another 100 years with these guys..it's only talk, they think cash soon.

[@machine-madedog5059]

Mesa rested on their laurels for too long. After their mainstream success in the ‘90s and ‘00s, they just.. stopped. Stopped perfecting, stopped innovating, stopped being competitive, and stopped giving players what they were asking for. The Badlander is a nice amp, but in my opinion they’re a day late and a dollar short with this model.

[@なんて悪い名前だ]

Same as Gibson!

[@randygomez9595]

They tried with the Triaxis but I guess that didn't sell well so they discontinued it. On the other the Mesa Boogie Mark V and Tripple Rectifier are such amazing amps do they really need to improve on them?

[@stratjed]

Do you also believe the world began in 1776 ? For many the height of boogie was the 1970s and early 1980s the low point the 1990s and a welcome comeback in the 2000s . mesa boogie is THE boutique amp period . STOPPED INNOVATING !? are you deaf dumb and blind? There is a sweet job waiting for you at CNN numbnuts.

[@machine-madedog5059]

@@randygomez9595 There's nothing wrong with those amps at all (or the Triaxis for that matter), my point is the Badlander or something similar to it would've been far more welcome in 2010 than now, even without the IR loader.

[@machine-madedog5059]

@@なんて悪い名前だ They're made for each other, I guess. LOL

[@thisguy2973]

Remember: to all the negative comments about companies they’ve put under, that was under the old management. It will be different this time around, and if it’s not, I’ll eat my words.

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

eat em

[@Gibfenez]

Hope this works out for everyone. Kind of makes me want to wrap my Mark V in bubble wrap.

[@ArnfinnRian]

Soooo, we are going to lose Mesaboogie then ... that is so sad. I love those amps.

[@RockstarVideoMaker]

Just my 2 cents, Mesa made the biggest mistake when they lost sales in Guitar Center. Ya I know.... but your talking massive marketing in the biggest music chain store in the world. I remember walking Into my local Guitar Center and they were liquidating Mesa. They sold me a top of the line Mesa Roadster comdo for $1200 in the box. The manager said "we got 20 new amp brands coming in", Mesa won't budge on the price line for store sales so there history. So sad.....

[@seerattan]

Randall has no clue what he's done yet. Pre-gibson mesa amps has have just double its value. I had to take 2 aspirins after this video.

[@billykellum]

And, just like Cakewalk Sonar Platinum after the Gibson Acquisition.... 😡

[@thisguy2973]

Different management.

[@MistaF]

ouch

[@Mutley58]

I was a long time Cakewalk customer and a Sonar Platinum user who had just paid them $99 for “lifetime upgrades” only to discover they pulled the plug shortly thereafter. That still stings and REALLY pissed me off. I’m hopeful the new guys at Gibson aren’t going down that path again or in the same unethical ways.

[@Bobby_Digital37]

Prepare for the price of Mesa amps to increase... hopefully Gibson will come out with a Mesa engineered reissue of some of the old early Gibson amps

[@ricktangora9413]

You said it. The Triple Crown 50 Watt combo I bought a year ago for $2,300 is now $2,700. That’s one helluva jump.

[@martygraw1406]

Maybe mesa boogie will make a Les Paul model amplifier. Gibson used to make one.

[@dennism7191]

Good interview. It’s great to see folks running companies as excited as they seem to be.

[@richardreagan2412]

Well that is the end of Mesa buggies quality

[@MistaF]

I love that Mesa Boogie's living room is straight out of 1970

[@aaronperrotta7055]

Well a typical negative comment section. Burying them before they even begin.

[@jjrusy7438]

those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

I think that's meant for Joe Biden. Lol

[@jjrusy7438]

@@aaronperrotta7055 touche lol, cant argue there

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

First, how does a company that is perpetually in bankruptcy have the ability to buy Mesa/Boogie? Second, anyone else realize Mesa/Boogie amps are now going to cost twice as much and sound half as good as they used to?

[@jorgeleonel6663]

Gibson Guitar actually emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in late 2018 - with investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts taking majority control, reportedly generating upward of four hundred million dollars in revenues in fiscal 2020.

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

@@jorgeleonel6663 This last time, sure. I've been playing guitar for nearly 40 years and more than half of that time Gibson has been in financial trouble. Hopefully that turns around but I don't see than happening. Now they've taken on Mesa/Boogie? That spells trouble for both brands. Saludos desde Florida, Jorge.

[@jorgeleonel6663]

@@kingbrutusxxvi thanks my friend, let's hope and root for the best now that Gibson has been under fresh management. Best wishes to you and keep rocking!

[@laxr5rs]

Well, I certainly won't be buying any Mesa stuff... now. Gibson is a pariah.

[@jamescashin288]

I am trying to get my teenage son a Mesa/Boogie Mini Rectifier 25. SW has it on pre-order; I wonder when SW gets them will they be 100% Mesa/Boogie without Gibsons fingers on it???

[@avielkharrat5788]

Tone Bros... That's a name for an amp !

[@fandangodrive4310]

Cool for looking out for your employees hope to see a MB I can afford.

[@PondoSinatra680]

Mesa/Boogie...you will be missed.

[@-LSTR-]

No new MB products for some time now in the Netherlands; even at Thomann in Germany there is nothing to order anymore.

[@xPanDaemonx]

i always associated Mesa Boogie more with PRS and Ernie Ball :/

[@Joseandresyanes]

Same

[@soulSaysHi]

Yup

[@PeteCalandra]

Let's not forget history. Oberheim, Opcode Vision all bankrupted by Gibson's former CEO's stewardship. I hope they have success as i like Mesa and own a Mesa amp that i use quite a bit but given Gibson's history both past and preset (Play authentic anyone?), i think skepticism is warranted.

[@jroobz]

Notes before call: say epic a lot

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Unchanged? Just like Tobias bass?

[@teerexness]

Gibson once again trying to buy their way into success. I remember when Gibson and Opcode were going to make an amazing team. A year later, Opcode folded its tent. Also, where do the deep pockets, post-bankruptcy, come from? Kind of along the lines of the current "GameStop" fiasco. Could I be out buying expensive things after declaring bankruptcy?

[@zacharyhandcraftedguitars]

Look at what Gibson did to Steinberger among countless others. I remember in the late 80s Steinberger could not keep up with demand despite being expensive and then Gibson wiped them off the map and buried them forever. What was that all about? Looking at future Boogies just makes me cringe. It would be best if they just labeled every future amp Gibson. That would be the honest way to go. I have no problem with that. Effectively there is no more Boogie, its all Gibson going forward.

[@hutch3d]

How does a company that recently filed bankruptcy suddenly buy a company like Mesa Boogie ?

[@JD-nq4vb]

I have been saving for a Mesa Mark V 90 for the past year. I was going to have the cash by mid-May and buy it until I found out about this. Now I have to begin the search again, then make another decision on which amp to buy now. It will not be anything that says Mesa. I can't trust what Gibson is going to do to cut corners for more profit.

[@vaportrails7943]

I think you’d be safe to buy one now. If anything changes, it won’t have happened yet. May be your last chance. I have one, and it is the best amp there is.

[@gmguitars3283]

Hearing anyone say “messa” boogie makes my skin crawl, especially the CEO of the company that just acquired them. Embarrassing

[@stephenatgraceland]

“Gibson guitars are made to last forever.” (“Except for the first generation Robot guitars. We don’t wanna touch them and if you bought one, you are screwed.”) Well, at least they got five minutes in before the bs started...

[@mikeyohe4750]

Be fair - robot Gibsons were the HJ regime.

[@stephenatgraceland]

@@mikeyohe4750 The manual for my robot guitar states: "Your investment in the world's finest electric guitar is supported by the No. 1 Customer Service team in the music industry." They then refused to service my robot guitar. And you are lecturing me about "fair?" Just because a company changes its management team, they don't get a mulligan on integrity. When the new team continues the same hyperbole, I call bs.

[@soundpitchblack]

The storm was an omen

[@michaelmattson3515]

Has been is the hint. The faster they talk the slower I listen.

[@RodrigoRamirez-eq6gj]

People, original DRGX Mk iic+ amps are well on their way to becoming the next Dumbles. This was another big step on that direction. Hold on to them.

[@austinsandefer649]

I have always loved Mesa boogie. This merger is very upsetting to me...

[@UselessOpinion]

They acquired Mesa sot ehy can own the patents on some amp stuff, just so they can sue other companies so more.

[@Jay-sy5yf]

Stay positive!!! LOLOL

[@SchmirtleFirpOmPomWemgyulan]

I didn’t think of that....crap! You probably won’t be able to get customer service from Mesa any more. I own Gibson & Mesa. Oddly enough both showed up with problems. Mesa got right on it, nearly 3 years later, I’m still waiting for a reply from Gibson on the shoddy craftsmanship they sent me on my les paul.

[@mrcali68]

When did Nicolas Cage get involved with Gibson?

[@Dieselizer7]

That’s what happens when you discontinue your flagship model the road king and start selling amps that offer less and cost more, not to mention all the overpricing and 0 deals. I knew they’d be reaching out for help regardless of what was said here, behind the doors Mesa has been in trouble.

[@n3rdg4m3r]

I agree, I love my Road King. I hope they make a new Road King Series 3 with Midi and a Two Notes Captor built in.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

Well there's no doubt that the movement to the digital realm has changed things for all tube amp companies in the past ten years or so.

[@josenieves3375]

Gibson owning Mesa, so sad to watch the beginning of the end of Glorius Mesa. They will suffer Gibson's fate. so sad as a Mesa owner

[@jumpingman8160]

*"BOOGERS, WE'RE COMING FOR YOU"*

[@BillyPolaris]

Boogie Van Les Paul - Reissue!

[@billykuhl]

Is Gibson going to bring down Mesa Boogie quality like they did with their guitars to make more money?

[@davidpehrson3707]

My concern exactly!!! Gibson's quality control went out the door 15 to 20 years ago. They are making 3 and 4 and $5,000 guitars that playing sound like crap. I can honestly say that I'm terrified for Mesa Boogie.

[@SarsekimOfficial]

Interesting that so many people think Gibson will “ruin Mesa Boogie”. How would that make sense from a business perspective? Sure they are marketing guys and there’s a bit of a “How do you do, fellow kids” vibe but they’d have to be the biggest idiots on the planet to think they can make inferior cheaper amps and brand them as Mesa and we won’t notice. I’m glad that they’ve merged. If anything all this fear just pushed the value of my pre-Gibson Mark V up.

[@stephenatgraceland]

How would it make sense? Look at the Toys r Us merger, or the Cabello’s merger. Ruthless investors have a whole bag of tricks...

[@zacharyhandcraftedguitars]

This is fake news. The truth is that Boogie was on the verge of bankruptcy due to the difficult times we are in and them also being in California. R. Smith had to sell. Gibson most likely got a bargain, given the unfortunate times.

[@endezeichengrimm]

Well, that's the end of Mesa Boogie.

[@Kyp031]

Guess I'll find hammer smashed mesa amps in the trash now.

[@fandangodrive4310]

Great now start sending the guitars to sweetwater they're all out of 61 sg' s

[@godfreydaniel6278]

"Pre-CBS" is a never-forgotten and still operative judgment relating to how much better Fender products were before Leo sold out. Will "Pre-Gibson" be the same for Mesa/Boogie products? Or will Gibson be pulled out of its seeming death spiral by new blood? Stay tuned...

[@deanallen927]

Not a lot of information. Mostly a hand job session. That said, on the upside I foresee vintage Gibson amp reissues and a new brand made in Viet Nam. Could be a great thing.

[@flooptydoo1178]

Let's hope Gibson picks up Mesa's customer service model, and not the other way around. Gibson sucks when it comes to keeping customers informed when warranty work is being done.

[@theJmmC1]

I wonder if by this, Gibson's become to demand factory amps

[@JasonFBrennan]

The Gibson guys can’t even pronounce “Mesa”.

[@RodrigoRamirez-eq6gj]

They actually are pronouncing it correctly. The common pronunciation is actually a bastardized form of the correct Spanish pronunciation.

[@TVicc]

Probably the coolest music industry merger ever. Period. Really high-toned! (pun intended) Greetings from Mexico!

[@movinon216]

So awesome Randy could have sold boogie 35 years ago for a signed blank cheque to a number of international investor groups but constantly said no thanks. This is exciting! Intrigued about the Gibson/Boogies slated for production. That said these two Gibson guys look like a couple of grease ball sleazes. Randy looks stressed and in duress

[@garrettgerbil13]

He said "obstacle course to opportunity course"; These are just words. Y'all ever seen Office Space ? it's just jargon. Hopefully they make some bomb ass stuff, but blah blah blah **We gibson; we bought the mofo's*** (insert sunshine dust)

[@jamesflack8624]

Gibson has such a "great reputation" for promoting the other brands they've accumulated through the years. Tobias, Steinberger, Maestro. Mesa Boogie is Dead! Long Live the Boogie! Cheers 🍻

[@jjrusy7438]

ask cakewalk how that went for them

[@superblondeDotOrg]

Gibson destroyed Steinberger. I will never forget Gibson's purposeful destruction of solid products and brands.

[@stevemineer2857]

Yep. As someone that mostly builds my own guitars Steinberger is my favorite off the shelf brand. They obliterated it and for what reason I have no idea. I actually bought a GS neck from Gibson in the mid 90’s before they destroyed them.

[@cliverkay]

If I remember correctly they took over Trace Elliott amps and that died.......

[@PurposefulPorpoise]

*Dicaprio Eyes*

[@bummallery748]

New amp ?

[@toom6087]

Bla bla bla. Cesar as you own Mesa now, please order to Randy to rebuilt the late 1992' Dual Rectifier Solo Head two channels Revision F chrome chassis / black diamond plate. The best amp ever made. The real Rectifier. The one and only. In 2022, for the 30th anniversary of the Rectifier ?

[@hanashe4599]

So long Mesa. It was nice while it lasted. Gibson clowns will only ruin what was once great.

[@farkenfigjam8732]

1:20 Gibson should have bought Marshall. They are synonymous with eachother and it would have made more sense for Gibson to buy Marshall. MESA and Gibson doesn't make that much sense. ESP and MESA makes more sense.

[@crookjr7323]

Too bad I'm not doing business with Sweetwater ever since the $1,500 6505+ never showed up and they just went "🤷‍♂️".