Mesa Boogie Badlander Is It Worth Keeping?

I play my Mesa Badlander 100 and try to decide if I'm keeping it.
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MY FAVORITE AMPS, GUITARS, PEDALS & DIGITAL PLATFORMS
EVH STEALTH 100 - sweetwater.sjv.io/5g7OV9
MESA JP-2C - sweetwater.sjv.io/5g7OV9
REVV GENERATOR MKIII - sweetwater.sjv.io/1rWEma
DIEZEL HERBERT MKIIII - sweetwater.sjv.io/jrOKkv
EVH ICONIC - sweetwater.sjv.io/Jzm5ER
PRS MT15 - sweetwater.sjv.io/0Zd0LM
ENGL SAVAGE MKII - sweetwater.sjv.io/Y9yWQJ
EVH el34 100 - sweetwater.sjv.io/rQ2jvQ
DIGITAL PLATFORMES
TONEX - sweetwater.sjv.io/jrOKPe
KEMPER STAGE - sweetwater.sjv.io/Vm6orA
QUAD CORTEX - sweetwater.sjv.io/B02qW1
HELIX - sweetwater.sjv.io/nL2DO6
HX EFFECTS - sweetwater.sjv.io/3edb5K
HX STOMP - sweetwater.sjv.io/KjZkRn
OX BOX - sweetwater.sjv.io/DKkD5n
CABS
MESA 212 - sweetwater.sjv.io/jrOKP5
DIEZEL 212 - sweetwater.sjv.io/GmZrak
MICS
SHURE SM57 - sweetwater.sjv.io/MmNaPK
ROYER 121 - sweetwater.sjv.io/xkNAe5
ROYER R10 - sweetwater.sjv.io/jrOKN5
RODE WIRELESS GOII - sweetwater.sjv.io/ZQyPGR
PEDALS -
GRID SLAMMER - sweetwater.sjv.io/6eg20r
FLASHBACK 2 DELAY - sweetwater.sjv.io/R56JAg
REVV G8 NOISE GATE - sweetwater.sjv.io/y2mGJ2
TC ELETRONIC DREAMSCAPE - sweetwater.sjv.io/m52x9X
PHASE 90 - sweetwater.sjv.io/9gJv4y
MORLEY WAH - sweetwater.sjv.io/xkNAVv
STUDIO MONITORS
KALI AUDIO LP6 - sweetwater.sjv.io/1rWEnm
KALI AUDIO IN8 - sweetwater.sjv.io/g1WyM9
GUITARS
SCHECTER BANSHEE MACH 7 - sweetwater.sjv.io/jrOKoe
ERNIE BALL GUITARS
MAJESTY 6 STRING - sweetwater.sjv.io/q42eKn
JP15 6 STRING - sweetwater.sjv.io/rQ2AKG
JP15 7 STRING - sweetwater.sjv.io/eKAO0g
MAJESTY 7 STRING - sweetwater.sjv.io/AWEqOR

[@firststep7750]

That Badlander sounds wicked at my end. Maybe have it modified and see how close you can get it. Another characteristic I love about the Badlander is it's physical dimensions.

[@glendon6367]

Same dude... Same. Had it for about a year now, played a bunch of gigs with it and most of the time I love it. In a band setting it fits really well. Tried a few boost pedals and even want to buy different cabs to see if i can find that missing "thing". No luck so far but I'll continue to use it for now 🤘

[@user-po8yw9dh4j]

I liked the sound especially with the 2nd overdrive

[@CinemaPuree]

I have a Badlander 50 and in the same boat, thinking of selling it. For now I'm holding off because I haven't really had a chance to play it in a gig situation yet. I love the tone, but I agree it's missing some of the low end and fullness I like. When I crank it up the low end seems to fill out a bit more so that's why I want to gig with it a few times before I decide. Thanks for another great video!

[@MK-oz2lf]

EARTHQUAKER PLUMES is the solid choice for overdrive pedal for this amp because it has 3x more output than a regular tubscreamber but also doesn't cut off that high amount of low end since this amp is already very tight. If you were to replace this Mesa amp with a new one, get a Riviera Knucklehead

[@SDA-Sound]

@SDA-Sound 0 seconds ago 6L6s add more sag and scooped midrange, Mesa specifically went with the EL34s on the badlander to avoid that. They wanted it to be punchy tight, full and forward, a change from all their other Mesa designs. You can also use the variac switch to drop to 93watts and get the similar effect. The 6L6s and the added drive in front will def take away the fullness of sound as the tubes are far too compressed. I think going back to the 34s and ditching the pedal will allow you better range of eq with optimal results 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@AllMetalReview]

Im playing drop c and b. Our setting are close but i run variac mode and run my mids at 3. Helps the low end and still cuts thru great

[@vincelupone]

IMO you're using far too much gain on it. Throw some 6L6s in it, roll all the knobs to noon, and don't use any overdrives that really cut through high mids like TC integrated, Dirty Tree, or SD1. Use a TS9, 808, Grid Slammer, etc. Basic basic basic tubescreamer, with the tone at noon and the level at about 2 o'clock. You will get a seriously **CRUSHING** sound from it and you will have solved your problem. I've had mine since launch, a sub-100 serial# as it was the dream rectifier I've wanted them to make, and I still love it, though it has it's limits for sure. Cheers and keep doing great videos!

[@Dobis86]

what are the "limits" in your humble opinion

[@troutstrat3134]

Badlander 100 is great for me. Even with EL34'S it's my Marshall killer. The oomph you say you lacked, I agree a bit too, but I found the older grey DOD 250 adds the oomph and fills the sound. That's with the pedal gain to half and the volume at unity. Try it. Thanks for your, as always great info.

[@MikeGTR]

It's a good amp I would definitely use a noise gate like a decimator in conjunction with the OD to clean it up

[@SonovaBish]

I have the 25W version. I find it has a warmer, Fendery, clean with the gain up around 11. It's no longer impossibly clean, but the sound gets filled in. Really, if you have a light touch or mid-powered pickups, the gain can go to 1:00. The chorus covers the bit of grit.

[@romanshredz]

Keep the Badlander 🤘🔥🤘 when you put on that GridSlammer .. wow the tone was just killer 👍 I have the Badlander 25 and love that amp… tried SD1, OD808 and Mudkiller in front. Mudkiller so far has been my favourite but I find it thins out the amp a bit more in the low end. Will pickup a GridSlammer 💯 thanks for the video and cheers dude 🍻

[@GunRunnersActual]

You already know my answer to that after all of our discussions about it

[@jb_50w78]

The Badlander is one of those amps that you forget about after a little while, but then you plug into it and remember how amazing it is and how fun it is to play. It’s a great amp. That said, I think the best amp Mesa makes currently is the JP2C and I would always choose that one. By the way, I hope you’re doing well Jarrod!

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Hey Jeff! Good hearing from you. Its been a while. Things are good here. I hope you're doing well too. I agree, the JP-2C is Mesa's best amp.

[@jfo3000]

I'm sure you know, but you have to double-track, pan hard left and right, possibly add one or two more tracks in a mix to really judge the amp. A single amp in the room has an impossible task against the records that we know and love. I'd say it sounds tight and awesome. Double track it and the offset of the crackles will build up the effective/ perceived saturation. But you have lots of amps there, if you never play it, chuck it.

[@davej8045]

I have a Mesa Boogie Triple Crown 100 that is still one of my favorites even after revamping the amplifier setup last year. I’m of the opinion that amplifiers ideally shouldn’t need a boost to sound great, just need to be boost-compatible to get them you to your “Zen”. If you decide to re-home the Badlander, my vote would be for the new Bogner Uber Ultra.

[@mananakoa2412]

The badlander is super tight 😮 I love it but I’d boost it too!

[@hyperbolekid]

That badlander is siiick w right boosts🤘🤘🔥🔥. Get an MLC Vogg or Silenoz if you do sell it. Ola gets awesome tones outta his badlander sooo it’s a keeper to me👍

[@JustBlueFish]

Keep it.

[@cswan1361]

I think it's different and can sound good at times and you only kind of enjoy it. I would sell it and get something that I hopefully would enjoy having more.

[@martinhensley2377]

Keep it bro, Because it is different. Like you said.

[@AD1978leo]

Can you make the JP2C cover the same ground as the badlander if you wanted?

[@metalgear74]

Multi-Watt Triple is my favorite Mesa ever. Never tried the bads and never wanted to.

[@ronnymilianowicz5228]

Agree!

[@Viper_75th_RR]

Man, your playing is amazing. You could make a Peavey Rage sound great. I really enjoy hearing you play the Herbert. the Savage, the Leviathan, and the Kraken. There’s just something special about those amps to my ear. I don’t think the Badlander is on the level of those amps. If you want an amp that is more sculpted, dry, and articulate, try the Hiwatt 50. That would be a great compliment to your collection.

[@benburnett8109]

Funny you mention a Peavey Rage. Those amps sound WAY better than any Mesa. And Peavey amps won't burn your house to the ground or ruin your marriage. And your car will get better fuel economy if you use a Peavey vs a Mesa.

[@maxb7561]

What brand of 6L6 you are using with the amp ? Do you use it with the bias switch to el34 or 6L6 ? Thank you ! Love the “worth keeping “ serie!

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying the series. I use the Mesa brand 6L6 tubes. The bias switch is on 6l6

[@tadgoodman]

I was going to say sell but once I heard the Grid slammer holy shit it shined and sounded like a angry Mesa of parts unknown.

[@stephenrainaldi1483]

Dude my 2 cents, sell it. You were really digging that old 2 Channel JTAmps modded Dual Rectifier. It sounded like it had the low-end fullness you’re talking about, which the Badlander is lacking in. Perhaps a JT Amps 3 Channel Multi-Watt Dual or Triple Rectifier is what’s in your future. Best of luck!

[@s1wheel4]

It doesn’t sound bad at all, but you have why, why better amps. Not sure I would through it away being that’s different…kinda like you said. I’d put it on a timeline on it, if you haven’t used it by a certain date then sell it. I can definitely tell the difference in crunch mode. Seems like it needs some more bottom end.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Thanks for commenting. I appreciate your input. That's a good idea

[@zakklee2556]

Mesa Lone Star ❤.

[@mananakoa2412]

If you sell the badlander consider the Peavey invective 120!

[@timothymartin2137]

Here is the deal, and it took YEARS for this to come to me....when your amps have a Jekyll and Hyde aspect to them consider it is your POWER. Wall style affecting your amp....I had some serious love hate going on with mine and started checking the wall power and sure enough...WAYYY INCONSISTANT....(NOT POWER CONDITIONING>>>>>but voltage!!!!) Get a variac and get some consistent power and see if your love/hate thing doesnt turn into love/love!! (Nevermind...DItch it..you are a more more more guy...it will never be enough!!) (I think it sounds amazing)

[@tonykrawzik8176]

IMO you have better voiced amps for cleans, crunch and lead especially the very shapable more versatile warmer sounding JP-2C in the Mesa line. The grid slammer however did the trick in pulling the blanket off the tone. The Badlander would be a 50/50 keep or let go. I'd suggest a Wizard or a Bogner as a great competitor to what you already have on the shelves. Price permitting.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Thank you Tony. I agree, the grid slammer really helped but a Wizard or the new Bogner might be a better fit

[@martinhensley2377]

If you sale it. Get a fryette Deliverence.

[@AlexFarleyMusic]

Sell* A sale is a thing, selling is an action

[@Bognerman14]

He would hate the Fryette just as he hated the Ultra Lead. I don't like Fryette amps at all. Personal preference.

[@bradkillingsworth4137]

Yeah VHT/Fryette amps don’t pair well with V30s

[@youztuber5000]

Just got one. Crunch with a boost seems to be where it shines best for me. Still sounds huge like a Mesa but is very articulate and dynamic like a lower gain Marshall. Disappointed with the lack of features on it, though. Midi would've been really nice...I don't even use the cab clone stuff, and if I did I'd just get a real Two Notes. I'm kinda surprised so many people describes it as "modern" because it sounds more like a 90s dual rec mixed with an 80s jcm800 to me. Is that considered modern nowadays? Idek. I think it's a great tone, though. I say don't sell it because it's still too new. There's still new tones to be explored with it. Different cabs, pedals, speakers, mics, etc. I know it "feels" wrong, but "different" tones can be exactly what you need sometimes. It's not the king of high gain, but it's a nice duke of crunch. I'd like to hear it in stereo with the JP2C before you dump it.

[@chronicnarnia]

The Grid Slammer is the right pedal for this amp. You need a OD pedal that doesn’t cut extensive low end. The amp is already tight so a typical TS pedal will cut too much low end. The Grid Slammer doesn’t cut much low end so it works better for the Badlander. If you want a Mesa, I’d rather have a Dual Rectifier Multi-Watt.

[@VapnFagan]

If you end up selling it, Contact me! Ill buy it. I sold mine a few months ago and regret selling it.

[@YTDarren0203]

Its a really good sounding amp, but it just wasnt for me. It just sat there and I never played mine so I sold it. I liked the amp but it was like a neutered version of the evh stealth, jp2c or peavey ultra plus. I have all those amps dialed just as clear, aggressive and articulate as the badlander but with all the fullness. I think there has to be some sub-lows in an amp that help give it that body, not a crazy amount, but some, the badlander has zero sub-lows. If it had a bit more gain and some sub-lows or a resonance knob or whatever, I would have kept it for sure. As far as amps to try. I'd like to try an uber ultra or one of those mlc vogg amps next. The amps I'll never sell are my jp2c, evh100 stealth and multiwatt dr but you have or have tried all those, oh I feel that my mk3 herbert is pretty safe as well.

[@jaycole4691]

Less gain = better tone as far as 6l6 vs the el tubes goes you would have probably been better off to keep the el's as the amp is voiced for them. That's the frequencies you think are missing..

[@fluxxliveband]

Sell it. It's a great amp, ands you've made it sound great. Your Quad Cortex Captures of the Badlander are excellent. Time to move on to exciting new amps!

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Thanks for commenting. I agree, it's time to get some new amps

[@paulcrooks7616]

What is the name of the amp shelving you use? Thanks in advance. 🎸

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Sorry, I don't know the exact name but I got it at Lowe's

[@jessesparzza9019]

Keep it dude. Are you nuts??

[@FartCoffinStudios]

It's a very scooped sounding amp, but brutal as hell for sure. I wonder if it needs a more midrange forward boost. Something like an ST9Pro+ with some tweakable high mids. That one always sounds awesome on rectos. Maybe a Fortin Grind or a Dirty Tree. Being that the clean channel is also thin, the weakness on this bad boy must be the mids. It definitely thumps though. I'd love to see a video on the MLC Sub Zero 93! There isn't much out there about them. I always enjoy your videos man. Cheers!

[@Soloist1983]

I have the Badlander and an ST9Pro+, the BL does not play well with traditional OD's at all, it gets super nasally, and the reason is that the Badlander is so lacking on low end. You can't tell on a YT video because you aren't hearing all those low frequencies, but in a room, the Badlander just doesn't sound like a real amp, it doesn't have the fullness or punch of anything I've played that is considered high-gain made after 1985.

[@WilliamZuest]

Odd response since the Badlander is my favorite head right now, but... Judging from your language and need to find things/reasons to save it, yeah, you should sell it.

[@machine-madedog5059]

Were I in your shoes and owned all of the other amps behind you, I'd ditch it. I wouldn't really feel like the Badlander would bring anything interesting to the table. If I felt I really needed a Recto I'd rather have an old mid '90s Single Rec. Genuine replacement though? Fryette Deliverance.

[@johnk1527]

Ahh mesa... ive tried them all, almost, and was thinking hey! I should try the badlander that will be the ticket and everything you said in the beginning about the amp rang true for "non-core" mesa offerings. They are missing something, they are hard on the ears after a while. They have times where they sound good and times when they are crappy and i want to chuck them. By non core amps I mean, not a rectifier or mark series. Both of those amps have a niche and a following. Dont buy into the mark series being a one amp to rule them all either. Its a great high gain amp with a great clean channel. Everything else is just noise. So thank you for doing this video and keeping me away from making another mesa mistake! Sell it before it becomes a bargain bin amp and you cant get any money for it!

[@Soloist1983]

Just put mine up for sale, 2 days after owning it. Had the 50 for awhile, went back and forth with it, everyone said, "nah, you've got to get the 100 for more low end", ended up getting the 100. Sadly, the 100 isn't any bigger in terms of low end, and just like Jarrod is saying, the gain, man it's just barely enough, and IMO it needs to go to "11" to get there for leads, for me. In general, I want to love the Badlander so badly, but I just haven't been able to. It sounds "good" from the listener perspective, but it's missing the "thud", or "thump" of ALL of my other amps, and I mean EVERY OTHER AMP I own has more low end. Now, don't get me wrong, having the low end cut out like the Badlander does might be good in a band setting, I don't know, but I think they just went too far with it, it's almost nasally because of the lack of low end. Every time I powered on the Badlander I found myself reaching for the bass control to turn it up and finding out it was already maxxed out, it was a very disappointing feeling. Sad too as the tonal character is VERY nice, if the amp had maybe 15% more gain and bass it would be fantastic but as is, it's a tough one to like if you have a Mark series, 5150, or hell anything "high-gain" made after 1985

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Thanks for commenting. I totally feel your pain. the only thing I think that could make a difference with that amplifier is boosting it with the odd box in UK mode. I'm telling you, that really does add some low end to the amplifier and fills it up nicely.

[@DeanBaco]

Lol, we can't even get one in the EU at the moment. That being said, I think it deserves it's spot in the rack though

[@draper858]

I’ve seen several of these sell or keep videos, your amp collection hasn’t seemed to gotten any smaller lol 😂

[@OfficialSNMvids]

I own the BL 25watt and like and have played the 100 watt version and did not like and after watching this video to be honest I do not like the tone you dialed in hear so I would say sell just based on this video. My opinion. Keep up the good jams \m/

[@revskull]

So I thought this amp deemed a boost unnecessary

[@buttholesniffers]

Keep it

[@techforge-Nate]

if you don't wake up some days with a hankering to play the Badlander, then sell it. Otherwise it's just taking up space on a shelf. Personally- it's one of my least favourite Tonewars Amps. Sure it's articulate and sharp, but it's also thin/flat (ie 2D) and lifeless. Clinical, but in an unfulfilling way.

[@savoirfaire8979]

My Fender Supersonic 22 destroys an old Triple Rectifier on the cleans.

[@klauth_Yksyn]

Replace it with the Hiwatt super 50 !

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

That would be an interesting option 🤔

[@steveareton697]

If I were you and had that mountain of amazing amps behind me, I would do the best capture of this possible for tone x, QC, whatever you prefer...then sell this thing ASAP...then probably never actually use the capture but at least feel good about simply having it available. I'm very interested in picking up at least 2 out of the 3 tonex captures you currently have for sale, but honestly, if you made a capture of this amp and paid me $5 to download it and play it for 10 minutes, I'd give that deal a hard pass. So many of your other amps have awesome sauce dripping from every note you play. This one....not so much, imho of course. We all hear things at least a little differently so not judging anyone who likes / prefers the tone of this one, but it's the first (that I've heard) in your very enviable collection of amplifiers that gets a rare 👎from this fan of your channel

[@sleggarri]

Replace it with a Bogner Helios Eclipse.

[@fretBeastForever]

If you sell it, just shut down your YT Channel... kidding. it`s an amazing amp. keep it :)

[@zsguitaraccount4283]

Sell your least favorite amps and get the Wizard my man 😈

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

That's definitely an option I've been considering

[@ravenblackfeather4028]

I'm not a huge fan of Mesa Boogie to begin with other than the Mark series. This is my least favorite amp of yours to be honest. I like the Omega Granophyre or the Driftwood Purple Nightmare or Darkest Nightmare but I lean toward Modern amps in tone. It will be interesting to see what you do. Great playing as always 🤘💀✌🇨🇦

[@klabooty]

Toss it. From what I'm hearing (also played the combo at Motor City for a second) it's too far removed from the classic recto sound. My gut impression was Mesa wanted to capture the EVH 50watt market and chopped off the loose lows (which I love). I think a 2 channel Rev G or Racktifier would offer more variety for you and hold better resale. I don't think the Badlander is going to be viewed as a classic Mesa.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Hey Kyle, thanks for commenting. Yeah I'm probably gonna put it up for sale. I'll give it some more thought 1st. The grid slammer really did wake it up and make it sound better though. That's what's on my mind right now

[@TheCyberMantis]

Easy decision: dump it. ( While the magic smoke is still inside it. ) 😆

[@oldguyjammin9732]

I've had 3 Mesas and sold them all. Ear fatigue is real.

[@jimmysavage258]

Sell it and get a SLO 100

[@Treachery93]

Keep the Engl Savage 120 Mark II and ditch the Boogie. I used to love the Rec's but i've outgrown them . I'm in Engl mode, now.

[@WholeLottaBulldog]

Badlander imo removes everything that is unique about the rectifiers. What youre left with is vanilla af. Massively overrated imo

[@spacefx1340]

Sell it asap, worthless.

[@benburnett8109]

There is no decision to be made here. Mesa is a horrible company. The company is filled with anger and hatred of anything close to good guitar tone. Mesa hates everything to do with great guitar tone. Don't believe me? Show me an interview where some great guitar player speaks glowingly about an Unboosted Mesa. Show me a book written about Mesa amps. Tell me a story where Mesa saved the day in the studio? Tell me a story where a Marshall power amp did not fix the dreaded "mesa poopies." Marshall has ALWAYS saved the day for organisms who use the amp. The famous Black Album from Metallica was saved by Marshall power amps and LOTS OF EQ. And EMGs. Thank gawd for EMGs. They crushed the front end of the Mesas so ;Metallica could continue to record. Mesa amps are fire hazzards. Mesa amps will destroy your marriage. Mesa amps will destroy your record deal. And finally, do you really want to play an amp Made famous by Limp Bizkit? The only person to EVER make a solitary Mesa amp sound good is John Petrucci. And he has all kinds of help from TC Electronics. And EVEN he had to sift thru dozens of Mesa amps until he found one that would work and not catch fire. The bottom line is this: There has never been a company that has done more damage to the music industry than Mesa Boogie. Millions of lives lost.........bands broken up........marriages ended........lawsuits.......anger......hatred.......Mesa is truly the darkside of the guitar world. ALSO, Mesa amps are ugly. And extremely hard to repair. And Really ugly. Mesa amps even have a distinct smell to them. Remember in Jurassic Park when they were digging thru dino poop to figure out what the dino's had eaten? The actors were given a Mesa Boogie Dual Rec smell to simulate dino poop so Speilberg could get his shot. That is how bad Mesa amps are. Your homeowner's insurance will drop in price as soon as you get rid of this tragedy of an amp. Jarrod, please don't burn your house to the ground: Get rid of this amp and sell it to someone who is a firefighter or who lives by a lake. As far as an amp to replace this Mesa? A solid state Crate 15 watt with an 8" speaker sounds better. Also, a solid state Peavey Vypr with a 10" speaker has more soul and character than this trainwreck collection of tubes and rectifiers.

[@Dobis86]

Omg what a dumb ass take.

[@steveareton697]

:::nods::: - as a life-long metal head, I've still never really wanted much to do with mesa amps, plugins, tones, etc...UNTIL yeah...that JP mesa amp is just sick. period. Mad props to anyone/everyone that made that amp what it is. I ain't paying for one, but I'll very happily "settle" for a HQ Tonex capture 👍

[@geraldrauch1701]

wow, dude...OK...thanx for that brilliant dissertation...gonna sleep better now for sure...cheers jarrod...

[@benburnett8109]

@@geraldrauch1701 Glad that my TRUTH can help you sleep better. Now.....when you wake up tomorrow.......go buy a Crate Blue Voodoo and thank me for making the best decision of your life. AND saving your marraige. And saving you money on your homeowner's insurance. The bottom line is this: You own me big time!!!! LOL

[@geraldrauch1701]

@@benburnett8109 yes, apparently i OWN u...proof read ur shit bitch...cheers...