Gibson Fires Randall Smith of Mesa Boogie

[@REM1956]

I ordered a 60 watt Boogie Mk IIb in 1979, after talking to Randall Smith himself over the phone. What a class act. I waited for over a year to get it built and sent to me. Black Walnut cabinet, wicker grill, 5 band EQ, and reverb. As you said, a work of art. I got a Christmas card from Mesa Boogie for the next 30 years. What a primo company.

[@davidrundell1744]

Did not talk to Mr Smith but the rest is the same. I still have my mkIIb

[@beautifulguitars3158]

@@REM1956 that's awesome 👌 👏 👍 😍 indeed

[@jimbeaux4988]

I still have my 2b. Work of art.

[@Wound3rd]

I bought a MK IIC when they came out. I loved the sound but I discovered an issue with it. After about 20 minutes the lead channel seemed to start bleeding into the clean channel, in a not good way. If I was in clean and turned down the lead volumes, the issue would disappear. I called them and spoke to some different people. This was pre-internet so we're talking letters and land lines as the only form of communication and I just couldn't explain the problem well enough, not to mention I'm on the east coast. I sent the chassis back and they couldn't hear it. They sent me a new chassis - same issue. This went back and forth for a year and my roommate had a MK IIB which didn't have this bleed-through issue. Finally I called and spoke to Randall Smith himself. He said look, you're not happy with the amp. send it back and we'll give you a full refund. Back then it was about $900 for a 60 watt basic model, my entire tax return that year. I wish it could have worked out but I have nothing but admiration for the way they handled it. I'm sure they thought I was crazy but what I was hearing was very real. I did later buy a Mesa V Twin pedal which I still have and it was the basis of my sound for years.

[@michaeliadonisi1616]

I have a mesa Boogie Mark 2B 60/100W with a 15 spkr hardwood cab, wicker cane grill has 1978 on the chassis in black marker. I got a in it.postcard signed by Randall from with a picture of my amp.

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

Randall Smith decided it was time to cash out. Gibson stepped up and gave him the right price. End of story.

[@toddopacich1222]

@@AlexSosaBolivia exactly

[@scottbyers33]

Regardless Gibson will destroy the brand, they're a company built to cater to a bunch of snobs.

[@Kreln1221]

*Randal shouldn't have sold Mesa to to Gibson in the first place. As soon as he did, this outcome was inevitable... It was only a matter of time... Not if..., but when...* 😒

[@therover4141]

Exactly his contract was probably up why is this gibsons fault?

[@guitarjunkie7124]

Its business. People like this guy get too emotional.

[@sampate4323]

Go Homes. Right on

[@Kcapgar]

That’s total bs. They did not need to fire him. Also that Caesar guy is a total narcissist and hoarder. That Mark Agnesi is a tool too. You don’t fire someone that created a legacy. They should have let him run it til he decided not to. Don’t say he shouldn’t have done whatever. Gibson is the villain here.

[@chrismccreight8207]

@@markde9904does anyone know for sure though?

[@chrisquinn9104]

Randall Smith is a big boy. He was responsible for much litigation against smaller companies that didn’t have the resources to fight him back on his dubious claims on exclusive designs, while he himself “borrowed”heavily from the SOLDANO SLO when he designed the Rectifier, knowing Mike SOLDANO didn’t have the $$ to defend his designs. I don’t wish ill on RS, but he played the game and it’s hard to be that sympathetic. He made his money

[@Microtonal_Cats]

yikes!

[@theblacksquirrel.]

I was going to comment very similar, but you nailed it... except borrowed heavily = flat out stole the SLO preamp section. Also speak to a lot of good amp techs and they either don't want to touch a Mesa or grind their teeth as the construction and reliability of most Mesa's is an "issue" So maybe Gibson want to rectify that (no pun intended). The new management have improved the quality of Gibson so hopefully they will do the same with the Mesa brand?

[@christophgrubor7365]

@@theblacksquirrel. Well, there is some truth to that, but also not. The Rectifier gain circuit structure has derived from the SLO100 very much, that is right. But, the pre gain filtering is different, some other values and functions also. You see the influence on many high gain amps since the SLO. But, you also see a lot of copying since the Fender Bassman. So, there is no need for a rant against MB for stealing ideas. It is common in technology development. And yes, Mesa has had some issues with PCBs and "service-friendliness" and reliability in older models through the 80s. Back then, this way of construction was still fresh and MB did a lot of innovation. I had quite some different models on my workbench. From my observation, since the 90s, the beginning of the Rectifier era, their PCBs are built well and you can mount and unmount most components from the upper side, so you don't need to flip the boards. I understand the rant from techs who only know the old models. But, modern models are excellent to work on. They have other issues, like many others. 😉

[@theblacksquirrel.]

@@christophgrubor7365 Thanks for the lengthy response, I didn't want to go into such detail.. I've read an interview with Mike Soldano where he talked about this and that some companies licensed from him and one company in particular didn't, just stole it and threaten to tie him up in court etc. which the original poster eluded too. I'd also heard Dave Friedman voice similar things and Mesa screwed over Mike Soldano. As for the ripping off the Bassman, for sure in the 60's, the Jim and Terry 45 etc did, but they changed the tone circuit values to give it that midrange and gain structure over the bassman so it wasn't quite the same, I don't know what Leo thought of it at the time? but I'm pretty sure there wasn't threats/ lawsuits?

[@josephclark5965]

Hard to argue against that. Unfortunately, Gibson has proven over & over to be even worse at being the "attack the little guys", corporate azzhats. But I think he was being less "poor Mark" than just pointing out we're all going to lose a fan favorite. Or At least that because it is Gibson taking full control, the most likely outcome is quality drops or inconsistent (at best) - while the price goes up and up.

[@BSPotter]

Randall Smith IS Mesa Boogie.

[@darrencampbell8817]

No he isn't, you don't know what you're talking about. George Marshall and Mike B. are Mesa Boogie. Randy Smith hasn't done anything but be a fat loudmouth since the 80's.

[@robbrooks693]

@@darrencampbell8817 MB is the OG, love the guy. He built me a Plexi clone from a Metro kit years ago.

[@samright4661]

Not now 😂😂

[@JacksonCharvelRULE]

yeah and he sold to Gibson... yeah? ...and?

[@leagueofotters2774]

Isn't it gibson? Didn't he sell to gibson?

[@fixedgear37]

He’s 80 years old. Pretty sure he retired.

[@Mark70609]

Yep. 😊

[@GearsOn]

I come from the future... Now Randall posts videos on his KZbin channel, and confirms that he was fired.

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

As a bass player my entire rig is all pre Gibson Mesa Boogie and I would NEVER sell it. Big companies always destroy smaller ones they acquire. Sad for the industry.

[@therover4141]

The dude sold it to gibson how is this gibsons fault😅

[@peterknecht6666]

It is mostly the way American companies do, not in general all merges end in killing the smaller partner.

[@Kreln1221]

@@PurpleMusicProductions My favorite bass amp of all time has always been the 400+, the SVT Killer! 🤘🏻 😫 🎸

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

@@Kreln1221Yes sir I dig that for real! 👍🤘

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

@@therover4141 Exactly. This feigned outrage may generate a few clicks, but in the end it's just nonsense.

[@vjau75]

Randall Smith is a legend, but once you sell your company, you lose power over it. I guess he was compensated adequately.

[@josephclark5965]

Just wish a company known for improving, or at least maintaining quality had bought them. My guess - prices creeping up while quality becomes a crap shoot.

[@paul_grimsley]

@@josephclark5965 Who else could have bought them that might have done that? Sincere question.

[@brianwalton2602]

Respectfully, he sold the company to Gibson and lasted 3.5 years which is longer than most CEOs are given after selling the company. His is also now 78+. If he wanted to be a part of the business for longer than that - it is 100% on him for selling to Gibson. I've played Gibson's for decades, but there is plenty of reason to look elsewhere for instruments and has been that way for a long time.

[@6stringcodger450]

Exactly! Why is this guy so upset about this?

[@metalman3227]

@@6stringcodger450 views and it's working

[@kooper3211]

​@@6stringcodger450Because he is an untalented musician who only gets attention by yelling at clouds.

[@eoinodunlaing4391]

@@kooper3211 ooooooooh!!

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I am 77 and I worked in a tiny pro shop in the 70's. It was about the size of an average double car garage and we sold early MESA Boogies when I had to explain to my customers what they were. They sold themselves.

[@charleswerneth4284]

Let’s see if Randall Smith and John Petrucci start an amp company together

[@robertdusziii4125]

Wanna bet he has a non compete clause in his sales agreement?

[@ArtGuitarLTX]

That would be epic!

[@charleswerneth4284]

@@robertdusziii4125I bet you’re correct, but creative people find ways…,

[@findJLF]

I give it 4 years and Petrucci will be playing another, different branded amp in a live context.

[@gregbrooks2841]

Will never happen

[@billhuang6506]

Private Equity and it's spawn strike again. Remember what Gibson did to Cakewalk. It's where brands go to die.

[@simonsnave]

"it is spawn"?

[@victotronics]

Teac, Oberheim, ....

[@ChristopherBuenviaje]

I was gonna say the same thing. Gibson is just gonna dismantle Mesa and leave it after taking whatever IP they can.

[@Chuck-Bob]

Yeah its nothing but greedy idiots at Gibson these days.

[@tdunster2011]

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts

[@toddopacich1222]

I am going with the crowd that says “Randall is 80, let him retire” But I am not buying any new Gibsons anyways . Or Fenders . Too much money!

[@mosright]

Mesas have always been out of my price range

[@jaggedstudios3315]

Have played new Gibson's - they ain't what they used to be. Once a warm, fuzzy feeling guitar, they now feel somewhat "cold." best era for Gibson was the McCarty era - he took pride in the Gibson name and helped produce some great instruments during his tenure at Gibson.

[@barefootnblues]

WTF does age have to do with anything. Retirement is an option, not a mandate. I agree Randall should not have sold to Gibson but he had his reasons and with that gave up the Mesa dream, quality and oversight. Please don't miss the point. This is about private investment firms whose sole purpose is to make the most money they can. Regarding instruments and what makes them what they are, they don't have a clue., They only look at how to increase profits by cost cutting. A 50 cent price difference for a component is an example. Not much until it is multiplied a thousand times over. What doesn't matter is how it affects the overall product. My guess is this is what happened. The bean counters wanted a change and Randall knew this would affect the sound/reliability and said no. That is all it takes in the big corporate world, either go with the program or go away.... until they see sales drops like a rock- Then they will make another idiotic decision. Leo Fender originally designed the tele to be obtainable and the musician could easily repair/modify the instrument. Then he sold to CBS with instant regret. Randall is not a new story but one of many sad stories through the years and for the most part allowed to get away with it by us, the consumer musicians. Mesa will continue to sell based on name alone until we find out it is Mesa in name only. Truth is we get what we collectively ask for. So there is my rant

[@there_is_nothing_here]

For those that don't know, Randall Smith is currently uploading on his own youtube channel. He's released like three or four videos telling the story of the founding of Mesa Boogie

[@normanwaller2924]

If I was the CEO of fender I would develop an amp as close to a Dumble as humanly possible and sell it for a reasonable price. They would literally sell like hotcakes.

[@americanstreamer1910]

The market for Dumble-style amps, while passionate, is niche. Most guitarists, especially those in the mid-price range, are looking for versatility, reliability, and a known quantity, rather than the esoteric and specific qualities of a Dumble amp. Boutique builders like Fuchs and Two-Rock already serve this niche well, but these brands don’t dominate the market in the same way a Fender amp does.

[@mattc6147]

I'd much rather see Fender return to producing some classic amp models. Like a reissue of an old Bassman model, or start offering some head versions of the Twin Reverb. With all of the capture options out there like a Captor X a lot of home players may want a head over another giant combo amp.

[@mattmckay949]

Think part of the greatness and beauty of the Dumble was that they were all hand built by Alexander himself for the musician rather than being mass produced by a company like fender which makes them opposite ends of the spectrum....you mass produce a Dumble and it then becomes something else in my own opinion. Shame about Mesa in general ... it's sad to witness but is the way of these big corporations and capitalism ... they buy and destroy smaller ones ... Again, I think Dumble knew this which is why he made ittle money and refused any outside intrusion. There is more to life than money and I think he knew this and that's what makes him a true legend in my own opinion

[@whoisthis5476]

Fender won’t even build reliable reissues of the Princeton or DR. They make garbage design choices on purpose to make sure you will have to come back and buy another when their amps fail.

[@frankhughes5702]

​@@americanstreamer1910Two Rock doesn't dominate, you're right but the reason is their amps are 3+k. If fender made a dumble style for under 2k and they're the one that can do it they would make big sales on them!

[@shaulin]

Randall Smith is 80, are you sure he didn't retire?

[@JacksonCharvelRULE]

guy probably hasn't made an amp in 20 years

[@metalman3227]

Yes, that's what I believe too

[@alamakluke]

he did retire. no doubt about it... once Mesa Boogie was bought, he wanted to retire and enjoy life

[@BillAltman]

I own Mesa #284 made by Randall in the shed, still the most incredible amo ever

[@donkarnage6032]

When I see a situation like this it reminds me of Dan Aykroyd in the movie, Tommy Boy, but a quote that represents the corporate mindset of companies like Gibson... "You've got to look at it from my point of view(Gibson in this case). Callahan(MesaBoogie) is a premium name. That's what I'm buying. I can make the parts at one of my factories, put them in a Callahan(MesaBoogie) box and sell them in my stores at a premium price. Why keep your factory going when all I want's the god damn box" I doubt Gibson actually cares about the legacy of Mesa Boogie. All they wanted was the name so they can charge premium prices.

[@anthonypanneton923]

Exactly.

[@collinsmith6565]

of all the guitar companies that exist, PRS is the one i wish woulda bought Mesa. Their values line up with Mesa's so well, that couldve been a thing of beauty

[@Spidouz]

Exactly, I never understood why Randall was wiling to sell to Gibson and not contact PRS… after all, the whole ‘90s and “00s were PRS Custom on Mesa amp!

[@collinsmith6565]

@@Spidouz precisely

[@safetydan97]

PRS is part of the big 3 guitar makers but I don't think they are as large as Gibson or Fender to be taking on buying other companies without getting private equity involved, and I think that's the last thing anybody wants is for PRS to be involved with.

[@collinsmith6565]

@@safetydan97 it obviously isn't the monolith that fender is. I don't understand why you'd say that about being involved w PRS tho. They are KNOWN for their outstanding quality. The mesa brand would not have suffered one bit under PRS.

[@safetydan97]

@@collinsmith6565 PRS is great company I am not doubting that. I don't think they have the capital to acquire other brands without outside help. PRS is great because Paul is the last voice in the room because it's his company. Getting venture capital involved to purchase another company dilutes his voice because then you have to answer to outside shareholders and all they care about is making a profit.

[@matthewparent4231]

Everyone was worried about this when Gibson got ownership of Mesa/Boogie, especially seeing what they did to Cakewalk. Sad world we live in today.

[@trebleboost7]

Yep - that’s when I started to distrust Gibson. Sonar user for years. Still use X2 pro occasionally.

[@matthewparent4231]

@@trebleboost7 I had to abandon all of my gear that was no longer supported by the change. I had an Roland interface/controller and all was good for a few years but after some time there was just no newer drivers and such to help my case, I needed an update anyways so I sold that rig to a friend whom still uses the gear after he upgraded to X2 and put some upgrades on that PC too, he is a little more tech savvy than me so he was able to still use it but I moved on to a Mac and running Cubase with a Focusrite interface.

[@metalman3227]

He;s nearly 80, he sold it 3 years ago to get out the work load and enjoy his life more. Owners often sell companies and then have a 2-3 year consultant job during the changeover. This is normal practice, especially if you're nearly 80!

[@ronj9448]

Gibson "got ownership" by paying for it. The old fashioned way.

[@leagueofotters2774]

Yes, gibson "got ownership" through randall smith selling it to them.....kind of seems like he retired no? He is 78!

[@mrshiney2]

The thing with Mesa amps is that they have a life span. They are circuit board amps with very complicated wiring . As they get old, heat takes its toll. And to repair these amps is a nightmare. So be prepared. Randall Smith should have known better. I am sure he had other options for retiring and letting others continue the legacy of Mesa. He let his ego get the better of him and now we see what the result will be. So pre-Gibby Mesa's will become collectable, if you can keep them running

[@vincelupone]

I have a 30 year old Mark III that sounds insane to this day. Amplifiers, if you keep them up, replace tubes every couple years and caps every 20 years, will last forever.

[@StephenMilne-i1e]

Boogies getting worse with age is a load of bollocks

[@hadleymanmusic]

You are so right man. They made those newer mesas impossible but like when they first came out their combos were not too different than a marshall or fender even carvin back in the same time. I'm weary of pcb I got a crate tv 6210 sitting collecting dust ( PCB) but as a retired electrician I trust p2p wiring more

[@hadleymanmusic]

Mesa 3 circuits crammed together I don't trust too high repair price run away run away

[@ITBProEng]

You can tell who tours here. Ditto with AC 30s blowing up on stage when EU back line is provided by rental Corp. That being said, Mesa tones are a part of our music history, and finding a way to continue this legacy is a worthwhile endeavor.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

The energy and dramatic expression of rage to create drama in this video is over the top. You deserve million's of views for that alone.

[@ickebins6948]

People get emotional about companies is beyond me... They are there to make money and they take YOUR money. It's not like MESA gave their stuff away for free... But if you're bored you might get upset about it... Grow up.

[@AndiPicker]

Pretty sure Randall Smith would have had a very specific contract in place when he chose to sell his company to the Gibson Lifestyle Channel - do we know that he was fired vs left at the end of his transition period? It's happened before: Leo Fender and Rupert Neve both decided to cash in their goodwill equity, sit out their non-competition clauses then launched new businesses returning to their enthusiast roots. This may be a golden lining.

[@BarryJohns]

Nope he had a year left on the contract.

[@AndiPicker]

@@BarryJohns Well hopefully his lawyer was careful enough that that little nugget will provide some seed money for Randall Amps. Oh, wait, Smith-Sound Amps.

[@erikavery1105]

I say Randall Can Launch a new amp and call it the Randall Smith Special... or work with PRS on a "Very Limited Limited Edition PRS/RS Amp".

[@ScottsGuitar]

@@BarryJohnsdid he sign his contract prior to the recent ownership change do you know? It could be that the new owners had a different perspective concerning Mesa than had been originally drawn up?

[@poesybeat]

Gibson isn’t about innovation, they’re about endlessly duplicating old successes. Why keep Randall Smith around to develop new designs when they can just rehash MESA/Boogie’s greatest hits til the end of time? You know, because only old things are “authentic.” (Can’t bring myself to sell my Gibsons though)

[@SirVicc]

A bit over dramatic. He stayed on longer than most. He chose to sell his company and was renumerated quite well I imagine. He's 80. Time to enjoy the rest of his life or he never should have sold it in the first place. Gibson didn't steal it.

[@DosHemperor]

Eighty and a half

[@jammergreg]

I had a 1982 Simal-Class 1x12 15/65 watts. What a great sounding amp and it weighed 85 pounds with the EV speaker and the cabinet was work of art.

[@veesonnets9457]

Most reliable amp I own.

[@scotttower5115]

As a current owner of the Mark lV it's an amazing amp. We will have to see what Randall will be releasing in the future.

[@athanasiusdicia117]

Magnatone, Bogner, Fryette, REVV, Suhr, 3RD Power and maybe a few more, will get you much further than Mesa Boogie will from now on. I'll keep an original 50/50 bought second hand 13 years ago, for ever, as a reminiscent of what this brand was.

[@mwrable]

Once an owner sells their company typically the owner is obligated as part of the sale to working for the new owners for a period of time, typically a couple years. Most times after the contract expires the ex-owner is let go. You indicate you don’t have any info so maybe things went down exactly like Randall expected. 😉

[@patholloway2389]

As an owner of 3 Mesas it’s been a long time since Mesa was a boutique amp. Spend your money on Colby, Amplified Nation, Two Rock, Friedman Fuchs or Suhr and get something proudly made that will last

[@josephleiva880]

Thank you Sir for your advice. I'm french, I live in France and I'm about to buy a combo Marshall JCM 800 2258. Do you think it's a good choice? The amp has almost never been played. Thank you for your answer, you know better than me.

[@patholloway2389]

@@josephleiva880 JCM is a great amp for rock

[@josephleiva880]

@@patholloway2389 Thank you Sir for your comment.

[@justcallmesando]

I am 46. I never got a Gibson even today. I dreamed about it when I was younger, but once I could (not easily but I could) afford one... I still never got one. There's something about Gibson that I don't quite like as a brand... and I think it's this thing you're talking about. Subscribing right now btw.

[@jessefillmore]

I'm done with Gibson too . I will never buy a new Gibson guitar or product . Gibson is more focus on making overpriced novelty guitar for well off folks who have more money than sense . The used market is flooded with Gibson 1959 reissues , there is no need to buy a new one that is overhyped and overpriced . Gibson is controlled by a group of shareholders who only care about one thing , PROFIT . I've also read how Gibson treats their employees . They are overworked and underpaid . The wage they offer does not provide enough for the employee to survive in the Nashville area . I can go on but it will lead to political economics . Working class folks need to take back control . Gibson is a prime example of the problem in this country .

[@mikemiller6628]

You are 100% correct.

[@donaldallen4285]

That’s why I only buy PRS guitars now.

[@maceoellington8997]

Are the Gibson craftspeople unionized? Doesn't look like it.

[@svgitana2499]

Buy Heritage they are awesome!!!!!

[@adamwatson6916]

He shouldn't have sold the company . You sell it you lose your control over it . Like Gibson Mesa are highly overrated.

[@metalman3227]

I've been reading about this, 3 years ago when Randall was 75 years old said he was staying on to secure the future of the people working at Mesa Boogie, now at 78 don't you think he's completed his job and just wants to retire? After all he chose to sell to Gibson as a way to get out of the day to day work. Nowhere official says he was 'fired'

[@darrenandrews8768]

Gibson killed Cakewalk DAW. That DAW was a leader in many aspects. First ARA, first touch screen compatibility. Sad what Gibson has turned into. Bought a songwriter acoustic, and it developed a buzz from the glue delimitation. Gibson,...build it cheap and sell it deep!

[@PaulLembo]

Cakewalk was a.zombie well before Gibson.

[@inmcity]

Saying Randall was “fired” in the traditional sense is a little naive. He had an earn-out contract with performance milestones to realize the full value of the sale. Those contracts usually have clauses for separation in the final year for a variety of reasons (for either side.) Randall was an adult that sold his company and this result is just how that works. All that said, yeah Gibson has a history of mismanaging acquisitions, and diluting brands through poor QC and lack of innovation. Maybe the new management team will do better.

[@BarryJohns]

Nope, not the way it went down, he still had a year left to finish honorably, Gibson pulled the rug out from under him. It’s a respect thing not a money thing!

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

well said barry , keep up the fantastic work , love your studio talk show !

[@dlux8735]

A very heart felt message from you, bravo. Unfortunately when your at that level in corporate, you are no longer required to learn, They just burn !! off for profit, keep the investors happy for that quick cut back.

[@ITBProEng]

Used a Mesa studio 22 to record an album for my future spouse, great little amp. Works killer for slide.

[@danielmiles1776]

My best friend had a Mark IV, it was the best amplifier I have ever had the pleasure of playing.

[@bobbywilt177]

Look what Gibson did to Steinberger and Tobias

[@fuzzythoughts666]

And Trace Elliot…

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

@@bobbywilt177 they broke my heart for what they did to Tobias. The only ones of value and worth anything are the pre Gibson versions.

[@CAGED1702]

...and Valley Arts!

[@shanewalton8888]

Agree. Steinberger sucks now. Kramer too.

[@mikewalton2546]

I was considering buying a p90 equipped Les Paul. It looks like I will be buying a Heritage H150 instead.

[@thankfully_wokelocd-n-load3691]

Or try Yamaha Revstar with P90's

[@mikewalton2546]

The Revstar p90 is a solid choice as well. Is the neck a 50s style C? ​@thankfully_wokelocd-n-load3691

[@skipneumann1]

Same here

[@braxal6983]

I still own my my Mesa Mark III red stripe I bought from the Mesa Store in Garden Grove CA in 1987. I am the original owner.

[@beautifulguitars3158]

How is doing?

[@braxal6983]

@@beautifulguitars3158 Works like a champ. I took care of it since I have owned it.

[@beautifulguitars3158]

@braxal6983 thank you very much. Good to know. I have Mesa Boogie Fillmore 50 combo and Mark V:25 Head with Rectifier Cab. Still new. Thank a lot.

[@deskducker]

@@braxal6983fender champ? Not a great thing……

[@braxal6983]

@ericandrews1661 Yep. I still love it. What is cool are we are original owners. Mine came in a rack format. In those days guitar racks were very popular and that's how I used it. Its racked right now. Ready for use.

[@geezberry8889]

i have a dual rec, dc-30 and a studio pre. outstanding products. gibson bean counters will probably ship production to asia and we'll get blackstar quality amps with a mesa badge on them

[@richardk4139]

Oh, the outrage!! Seriously man...

[@johndeschain2156]

It is refreshing to have a channel that actually has an opinion

[@Geronimo00]

He didn't need to sell. He'll be OK. Life goes on.

[@nourdinenourdine4223]

Thanks for Maybach lester 59 that i have . Simple we wait for the next company of Mr Randall smith he can work with prs amp

[@michaelallen434]

Are you sure he didn’t retire? He started Mesa in the sixties so he’s got to be in his seventies by now.

[@metalman3227]

He's 78 plus!

[@JDubBass]

What I’ve heard he did retire. That was the plan when he sold the company.

[@JamesPuckett-t6i]

Thank you for the information. I myself love my 2 Gibson guitars. My second one, I bought last November. Like you, I won't buy another one now.

[@DarkoP9.13]

I was hearing alot of bad stuff about the souless gibson corp so i researched which japanese guitars are good... My craving for gibson was gone when i bought a japanes Burny rlg-85 les paul model.

[@Jonathan-L]

Another Japanese brand that's worth considering is 'Edwards', a 'sub-brand' of ESP, but they're only sold in Japan (yeah, crazy that a guitar with an Anglo name would be sold to the domestic market in Japan!) and their 'Les Paul' styled models are as good as a LP Studio but half the price. But getting one isn't easy, unless you're in Japan :)

[@paulbingham_Creative]

You have some great points! The leadership/CEO’s in all companies only think about the bottom line, their bonuses and not making quality products. I have a 2004 Gibson Les Paul and I rarely play it as it’s not as good as my Eastman or Strats that I own which were all cheaper guitars!

[@matts8657]

He didn’t get fired. He retired.

[@BarryJohns]

Nope

[@theburkett67]

I have a Mesa Nomad 45 2x12 in a curly maple cabinet. It is gorgeous. I can't find a lot of information about it though. I want to find out what it's worth. I acquired it in a trade for a 92 Les Paul studio.

[@Bhallmed]

Mesa boogie is going to go down like the cbs period of fender.

[@lifelongfan07]

Proud owner of the Mesa 5:25 head and cab. I bought it in 2012. One of the most versatile amps I’ve ever owned. I replaced the pre-amp tubes. That’s it.

[@scottpeters4401]

Having started my guitar playing journey in the early 80’s,I can remember not being able to buy any amplifier that was “”high gain”,at least by today’s standards..except Mesa..Randall Smith pioneered those high gain designs..you could buy a Marshall,or a Fender,but if you wanted more ZZZZZ’s,you had to use a pedal..or buy a Mesa..I discovered the IIC+ and was hooked..and the Mark III was a sonic work of art..I ended up trading that IICP+ in the 2000’s for a Line6 Pod Rack,and an Ibanez Destroyer,because I was an idiot,but I digress…Marshall invented the sound of rock in the 60’s and 70’s,but Randall Smith is right up there with his designs…An absolute pioneer in his vision,and most definitely had a huge impact on music in the 80’s and beyond….unbelievable Gibson would dismiss that legacy..I am not a Gibson fan,I think their instruments are way overpriced,and I just don’t care for LP’s,but this just gives me another reason to continue not being a fan…

[@robitteilag6682]

Have owned a mesa boogie subway rocket with 1x12 extension cab forever. Probably one of the most basic amps boogie ever made, but still has that boogie chirp we all love. Im thinking it just became collectable, just like a pre cbs fender. Was never that into gibson guitars, im a strat guy. But when i heard gibson bought mesa boogie, i saw something like this coming.

[@rydoggsc2]

He is probably retiring after selling the company to Gibson. Expected considering the aquisition and his age.

[@jamiebowles4588]

As soon as you said, "Kentucky", I subscribed. I'm from Hopkins County, and used to play the Bardstown Opry.

[@RickLewisSixtyPlus]

Barry - just heard the news of his firing here on your channel. VERY disappointing. I'll be watching for the details behind this. BTW...I also am from a small town south of Lexington...Berea. Living in Dallas now, but spent many hours and dollars in Bob Wilcutt's Lexington and Richmond stores. Thanks again for the sad news on Randall Smith. Subbed your channel today.

[@craigtoots3391]

Wow. What will you do/say when you find out he wasn't fired?

[@nickf2170]

I agree. I feel the same way about Fender. Have had a lot of problems with their amps. And the prices they charge for a guitar with faked aging is insane....$20,000??? The same guitar I can make for $1,200?? I feel they OWE me money!!!

[@toom6087]

I'm still playing the Rectifiers from the 90's. I love them so much that I own 11 Dual and Triple Rectifier heads. My 2 favs are a 1992 rackmounted Rev F black diamond plate with chrome chassis for my dry sound and a 1995 Rev G custom with a flamed maple see trans blue headshell for my wet sound. I love the parallel fx loop of the Rev G witch is amazing when using a Way Huge Echo Puss or a Boss Dm2. Thank you Mr Smith. By copying the Soldano SLO100 pre and building a new amp with another kind of power stage, you made my holy grail : the 2 channels Dual Rectifier Solo Head. I own an old Soldano SLO100 too. Both amps have the same wonderful EQ. Since the 90's, the old SLO and the old Rectifier are the 2 best high gain amps ever. By the way... I don't care about Gibson, I'm an ESP player.

[@darwinsaye]

Read the title for this video and thought it would be a video talking about the details of Gibson firing Randall, not just a guy ranting against Gibson and gushing about Mesa. Silly me.

[@SeekerGoOn2013]

I’ve got one of the Studio .22s and I love it!

[@なんて悪い名前だ]

A non compromising goal of stealing Soldano's design 5:16

[@daustin777]

Lots of rumour here. My opinion - He retired, he is 78. I believe Gibson has improved much over past 5 years. I'm a Boogie fan and I own some 90's/2000's Boogies. I finally have felt like Gibsons were up to good standards now and bought another guitar last year, also my first guitar purchase online. Near perfect guitar. Randall - enjoy your retirement!

[@CaptPostmod]

Gibson ended in 1975 when Nashville bought them. Real Gibson was a Michigan company.

[@toddj9548]

No sir. They still make great guitars.

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

@@toddj9548 Exactly. The "No true Scotsman" fallacy strikes again.

[@Nana-x3y9x]

​@@toddj9548 So good that they feature a patented detachable neck and sub par finishing...

[@danaeverhart6487]

The Boss Katana blows it away anyhow! The price point of a Mesa is totally ridiculous! Not everyone has $2300.00 dollars for a name! Get the name on your lips! BOSS/ROLAND!!!!!!!!the very best most reliable name ever in musical products!

[@tomdecuca3627]

Gibson has turned into a company that people hate. They still love the guitars, but the business people are making bad decisions that effect their customers. There are so many other companies that still have the customer in mind.

[@michaelc2334]

Yet they still sell more guitars year in and year out than any other brand.

[@anthonylachtara266]

James Demeter as well

[@bluesman091]

Great video, this is why I developed my own philosophy of trying to only buy products (not just guitar gear) from private companies or employee owned companies. Additionally, the design is not something new, there are other brands that already do LP type guitars. Wolf, Sire, Tokai, Schechter, even LTD if its more metal oriented. Amp wise, its more complicated, but researching about which available alternatives there are really opened up to me how many options there really are outside of the big ones.

[@flashingit]

I still have a Mesa Boogie Studio .22+.

[@derrickj8424]

Sad but not surprising to hear in today’s business climate. I just listened to a podcast interview of Gibson’s CEO and he is 💯 an equity finance bro. Just when JC Curleigh had turned the company around they got rid of him.

[@nigeldaddyo]

friends don't let friends buy gibson

[@CAGED1702]

Only if they're lawyers, bankers or collectors, NOT working musicians... 😉

[@AlexSosaBolivia]

LOL. Cute.

[@RussSoper]

Smith is 78 yrs old - perhaps he's retiring? This may all be part of the plan. It's quite typical in M&A deals for the senior executive of the acquired company to stay on for a year or two while the two companies are merged, execute some transition / transformation, etc.. then they ride off into the sunset with a nice exit package and if they're in their golden years - they retire. I don't have any inside information, but wouldn't be surprised if that's what happened here, particularly given his age.

[@stevenkastner5678]

Gibson can't kill what is still the real Mesa Boogie. Because those products from the pre-Gibson era will live on. I'm lucky enough to own a Rectifier Recording Preamp ( which has the same circuitry as the Dual /Triple Rectifier's preamp), a 20/20 power amp and a pair of 1 x 10 inch Black Shadow speakers. I do agree that the Gibson era products are not the same quality. But number crunchers rule the world these days. Sad, but true. In the mean time, my Mesa Boogie rig gains value all the time thanks to the Gibson buyout. Not that you could ever get me to sell.

[@JohnWehmeyer]

I have the Rectifier Recording Preamp, too! Plan to keep it going forever.

[@evenstephen2000]

I think NOW is when the quality starts changing...the last few years have been fine. The poor Mark VII...

[@peterschaefer1665]

Loved this. It was highly satisfying!

[@matthewf1979]

Maybe Gibson will hire an experienced electrical engineer to build a proper layout with correctly specced parts in the new Mesa amps. Talk to any experienced amp tech about Randall Smith’s “engineering”.

[@demokraatti]

Most likely that would happen in a perfect world. Gibson is not like that. Like any other brand management agency they want to minimize production costs and maximize advertising costs. The products will be poorly made just like that new Gibson branded amp is.

[@michaelknight4041]

@@matthewf1979 or they won't 😆

[@MrStubat]

Exactly…..Studio 22 with double sided PCs with EL84s tube socket soldered directly to the board. Unfixable junk.

[@michaelknight4041]

@@MrStubat yea thats pretty egregious for an amp at that price point. I don't know what those cost but I'm sure its alot. No doubt there's better built amps out there for the same money. Ive worked on alot of amps and built many myself but I'd rather eat spaghetti out of a colostomy bag than work on a mesa. Ive owned a few of them over the years, Mesas not colostomy bags, and I still have a 5:25 head with 2x12 cab. It sounds great but God forbid it ever takes a shit. Its hard to find anyone who will take one on. Having said that I can build an amp that sounds just as good for probably about as much as an amp tech would charge to allow the accursed thing in his shop, and I don't do stupid shit like mounting tube sockets, potentiometers, jacks, etc. Directly to cheap ass pcbs. In fact i don't use pcbs. I build on turrets with a board material very similar to what old Marshall's had. Ive seldom had any problems and many of the amps ive built are out in the wild mostly with folks I know so I occasionally receive feedback. Oh, and you can bias them! Lol . The main thing is if there is a problem it can be fixed without three days of idle threats, pulling your hair out, and cursing the name of the sadistic bastard that created it. So, I reached out to Gibson to see if they'd wanna buy me out?🤔 I assured them that I had a good, albeit small, reputation as a quality amp builder among the small orbit of musicians in and around my local and that they'd be free to completely destroy it in any way they saw fit just as soon as the ink was dry. Of course I offered to hang around for a few years in order to ensure a smooth transition and to send a signal to brand loyalists that I still had a hand in the process. Anyway I haven't heard anything yet.

[@KarlKlein-k6g]

I have a 89 mark 3 stack . Traveled the US with it back in the day playing gigs bouncing around in the back of a uhaul. Used to fire it up in a freezing practice place in winter when we were struggling musicians while waiting for the room temp to rise in the place. Its even been in an apartment fire but in the bedroom with the door closed so i got lucky and it was saved from the flames but sat in a wet drenched apartment for a day before i could get it out of there . The only thing i ever had to fix on the amp was the master volume pot has failed twice on the amp in its life time . And changed the tubes when it was time. All my marshalls have had way more problems through out the same life span . I love this amp and its tones and will keep it till i die. And with a lot of mesa / boogies the older it gets the more valuable it becomes so its a double win for me . Another note back in the day you could call mesa service and talk to a tech directly if you had a question, get his name and extension and work with that guy for years if you had any questions . I used to wonder why all the big bands that had marshall amps always had back ups. They were always failing . Angus young has a guy that goes on tour with him and all he does is fix his marshall amps as they fail or break down on tour . I would never deal with that year after year i would just buy a boogie !!!!

[@clemkelly2159]

Randall should go make amps for prs.. dream team !! Be bold about amp names too.. lonestar state amp... recto dully

[@SPARKER77]

I still have my Mark III combo from 1989 that I bought brand new.drove all the way from Maryland to Pennsylvania to a little store called Rays music. It was the closest boogie dealer to me…..

[@11000038]

The new boss never keeps the old boss. Predictable.

[@metalman3227]

He's nearly 80

[@eguitarplayer6689]

I've been playing guitar for almost 30 years. I've never even held a Gibson. I don't rely on their products.🤔🎸

[@johnvender]

Vox AC30 also deserves a mention in amp legends.

[@LodvarDude]

Yes. But this video is not about Vox.

[@By-Fun-Jokes-Guitars]

And my Spark 2 😂😂😂

[@ThomasL]

Laney LA100BL as well.

[@Jluck78]

This is an emotional moment from a guy that is passionate about guitar gear. I have been a position where pivotal people had to be let go, I can assure you that there is more to this than you are aware of. Executives are not stupid and they are not trash. It might be easier to understand the world if you think they are but it’s not reality.

[@BarryJohns]

In my day job, I am an executive…

[@TheGreatGastronaut]

Randall Smith and Alexander Dumble - two of the finest amplifier designers that have lived.

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

a moment of silence for our king

[@angelojannotti7988]

I'm with you Barry!!

[@howabouthetruth2157]

I never owned or played through any Mesa Boogie, so I can't say........but every amp tech I ever spoke to absolutely hated them.

[@johnpierson8398]

I am so with you on this Barry. I have a couple Gibson guitars I really love. And I have owned several Mesa Boogie amps and still have a Mesa Boogie King Snake amp. I love it because it is a tribute to where Randell Smith started. And it sounds incredible. But it is so clear that Gibson management is sinking their ship. I will never again purchase a another Gibson product. Thank you for this video.

[@SignificanceOfThePassageOfTime]

I recently purchased a mesa fillmore 25. I wanted a blackface style amp. I would have never purchased that amp, had I known Gibson bought Mesa. 😕 And for those of you looking for a Les Paul style guitar. Check out Eastman.

[@SoundKilterStudio]

This is an appalling decision by Gibson! I couldn't agree more sir. This would equivalent to Rupert Neve Designs firing the man himself after he sold! Just ignorant and wrong! By the way the 2C+ changed metal music forever (i.e. the Master of Puppets album), and then later the Dual Rectifier changed it again...lol! GREAT video man!

[@KelticKabukiGirl]

Glad I dig Orange Cabs, a blended RV or DT and looking at a Revv Gen120MKIII, they do EVERYTHING!

[@christopher-miles]

fuck this, also just love it how gibson make affordable instruments for everyday musicians... wait, NOT!

[@williambyrne6855]

The latest serial numbers prior to the firing should be published so the consumers can make an informed decision about whether or not to buy.

[@ChrisAdkins1985]

Man, when I was a young player, Wilcutt was heaven

[@mleon1958]

Owned a Nomad 45 and 50 watt, HeartBreaker, Mk. 1 reissue, ElectroDyne, and a Blue Angel. All great amps!!!

[@marcohermans3207]

If you're 80 it's time to retire. He has sold the company to Gibson and new that sooner or later this moment would come. We all don't know what was stated in his contract All things come to an end eventually.

[@cuda426hemi]

75 years old dude. I'm sure it was mutual. "Master Designer and Pioneer of Mesa/Boogie and beyond." was his symbolic title as of the acquisition a couple years ago. I don't know why you'd be so angry, especially since HE sold out to begin with. Probably thinks he still had a say, lol. CBS did it to Leo in '65, Avenet f'd up Al Dronge at Guild mid 60s only to have Fender buy them and stop production in RI - slowly killing the great Guild. Same old story. I'd feel bad for Randall but I don't - time to f•ck off, your legacy is intact - Gibson makes great guitars - I love my Monkey - have no idea about Mesa Boogie under Gibson but I can't imagine they suck so no, time for some Piña Coladas on a yacht for Randall. 🎬

[@robinstahlbaum9813]

same I'll never buy another new gibson

[@boggsty]

I wonder how artists will react to this, especially the ones that have a deep connection to Randall like John Petrucci does.

[@mattdummitt9500]

And Metallica