Gibson Acquires Mesa/Boogie: Company Leaders Weigh In

More videos like Gibson and Mesa/Boogie Interview 👉 • Manufacturer Interviews
Shop Gibson at Sweetwater 👉 imp.i114863.net/2rqZA0
Shop Mesa/Boogie at Sweetwater 👉 imp.i114863.net/3PxgGr
If you’re wondering what video gear we use, check it out 👉 imp.i114863.net/vn3Y73
What does Gibson’s acquisition of Mesa/Boogie amplification mean for guitarists? Mitch Gallagher is joined by Randall Smith, James Curleigh, and Cesar Gueikian to celebrate the merging of guitar greatness and find out what’s in store for fans of Gibson guitars and Mesa/Boogie amps.
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 imp.i114863.net/4eDX10
#Sweetwater #Gibson #MesaBoogie

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mxaxe5591]

Gibson, leave those kids alone

[@discotex2236]

My pre Gibson Boogies just went up in value!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Goldie_Hawn_Solo]

If youre smart you'll buy a pre Gibson Mesa and hold it until Gibson completely screws up. Then you'll at least capitalize on the inevitable destruction of Mesa.

[@RodClark]

Nice job Mitch!

[@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!!! 🎸

[@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.

[@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!

[@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...

[@jimwoodard64]

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

[@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!

[@Hobbs4life]

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

[@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.

[@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???

[@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 😎👍

[@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.

[@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]

💀

[@Eventual420]

Congratulations all around. 🇺🇸

[@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...)

[@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

[@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]

😂

[@dennism7191]

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

[@white_wolf2112]

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

[@-LSTR-]

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

[@fandangodrive4310]

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

[@chunk4572]

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

[@johnrodems6360]

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

[@martygraw1406]

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

[@jroobz]

Wonder if they’ll do any import line Mesa Boogies now to match the epiphone refresh? 🤔

[@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.

[@breekolean2758]

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

[@avielkharrat5788]

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

[@Gibfenez]

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

[@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.

[@timothymartin2137]

Wow, halfway in and you can see the respect JC Curleigh has for Mesa Boogie, he keeps calling them MESSA!!!

[@firstblessing4460]

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

[@ArnfinnRian]

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

[@MistaF]

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

[@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.....

[@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.

[@bummallery748]

New amp ?

[@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234]

Unchanged? Just like Tobias bass?

[@jroobz]

Notes before call: say epic a lot

[@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.

[@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

[@soundpitchblack]

The storm was an omen

[@richardreagan2412]

Well that is the end of Mesa buggies quality

[@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.

[@BillyPolaris]

Boogie Van Les Paul - Reissue!

[@fandangodrive4310]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@jjrusy7438]

ask cakewalk how that went for them

[@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...

[@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

[@joshuaschmidt2382]

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.

[@michaelmattson3515]

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

[@jumpingman8160]

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

[@timothymartin2137]

Also, Gibson "we are watching you" wonder how long until they try and sue Soldano for their "amp patents".

[@PondoSinatra680]

Mesa/Boogie...you will be missed.

[@PurposefulPorpoise]

*Dicaprio Eyes*

[@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

[@theJmmC1]

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

[@TVicc]

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

[@hutch3d]

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

[@austinsandefer649]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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)

[@cliverkay]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@laxr5rs]

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

[@xPanDaemonx]

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

[@Joseandresyanes]

Same

[@soulSaysHi]

Yup

[@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

[@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.

[@NinjerXp]

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]

@@NinjerXp They're made for each other, I guess. LOL

[@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.

[@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!

[@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...

[@chiefpotpipe]

New Recto with Robo Pots

[@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

[@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.

[@Goldie_Hawn_Solo]

You'll be eating your words.

[@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 ?

[@endezeichengrimm]

Well, that's the end of Mesa Boogie.

[@gmguitars3283]

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

[@crookjr7323]

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

[@michaelallen981]

I said put the bunny back in the box

[@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.

[@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.

[@austinsandefer649]

Randall is getting older now. I don't think he's aware of what's happened yet...

[@Kyp031]

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

[@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.

[@leebuck8532]

And how long until your first law suit? Gonna go after Marshall for having a 4 x 12 cab??? To hell with Gibson, to hell with law suits and guitars that won't tune and I guess the hell with Mesa. Wanna do something right as a musician? Buy a dean or a guitar from any of the other companies that Gibson sued. Sweatwater carries those brands too.

[@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.

[@SICMetal74]

Gibson please don’t do with Mesa what Fender did to swr