MESA/Boogie 50th Anniversary - CHAPTER THREE: Taking it to the edge.

In this 3rd Chapter of the MESA® 50th Anniversary Celebration, Randall Smith recounts the inspiration and goals behind the creation of the Dual Rectifier® Solo Head, the Brand’s most bombastic and successful model ever that ruled Rock's airwaves throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s and is still popular today. He also explains the reasoning behind the two Signature Models the Company ever agreed to do at the request of the original Boogie® Ambassador and Deacon, Carlos Santana and modern Guitar Virtuoso John Petrucci, both of whom have identifiable but different Tone that has become somewhat synonymous with the Brand’s legacy sounds.
In this series of short videos, Randall and iconic guitarists look back and touch on the things that first drew them to the “Family” and share what the amplifiers have done for their playing and their music. From the early inspiration and beginnings in the late '60s and early ‘70s, through the “Big 80s” and Guitar-Culture sea change of the 90s, up through the new Millennium and today, Randall and his team of fiercely passionate “band mates” as he calls them, have contributed every major feature found on modern amplifiers and a universe of iconic Tone to the sound of the electric guitar, changing it forever more.
From inventing the pivotal High Gain Preamp in the first Mark i's, to Footswitchable Modes and Effects Loops in the Mark II's, to Multi-Channel/Multi-Mode Preamps in the Mark III's, IV's and V's and Dual Rectifiers, to the several patented tunable Tube power, wiring and operating class configurations found throughout, the innovation and pioneering spirit has remained at the forefront of the small Northern California Company’s ethic.
Enjoy this up close and personal look into the history of MESA/Boogie with Randall and company highlighting points along a 50-year journey that would lead to MESA's cult status leaving an indelible mark on the sound of amplified guitar and modern music.

[@el_nestorvgc]

WE NEED A COMPLETE 2 HOURS DOCUMENTARY OF THIS KIND PLEASE !!!!

[@toom6087]

12 hours please

[@alamakluke]

I agree.... need all these combined into 1

[@Sphereal]

"Find your voice first and go get yourself a boogie, go viral and become relevant" You make it sound so easy, Carlos.

[@disasterorchestra]

In my opinion, the Mesa/Boogies are the best amps in the World. I love my Triaxis/2:90-combination! Thanks a lot for invent this great piece of Gear! Gratulation for the 50th Anniversary. Come on Mr. Smith, for next 50 Years!!!

[@nobuladakh_21]

Unbelievable, Mesa family.. congratulations on 50th anniversary..and also Cheers for 1000 years and more and more..🥰

[@coldbastard6859]

"Find your voice, go get yourself a Boogie and go viral and become relevant". Santana has an excellent point here, most of youtube gutiarists who can play their instruments and play on a Boogie immediatly get some attention, especially if they're using the Mark series since so many people are fond of those amplifiers.

[@brosphbehemoth6141]

"Find your voice first....And go get a Boogie....And go viral and become relevant" Well said Carlos Santana!

[@pericabenic4413]

I love my old Mesa Boogie Studio Caliber, thanks Randall Smith and Co.

[@1961boogie]

Absolutely wonderful amps, and think how many different boogies have been made........they cover everything you could possibly imagine..........I used to go see this band in Dundee, Scotland and the guitarist had a mk2 wooden cab......and it sounded just amazing so that was my ambition...I had to get one ........took a few years because in the UK they are more expensive and we never had credit cards at that time(1980s) but I got one and have played boogies ever since.........love them all.......very talented people that work along side Randall..............keep it coming guys...............

[@Indiegaze]

I’m kind of surprised there hasn’t been an Andy Timmons Lonestar Signature yet. He’s famous for having one of the best tones out there. That’s on my wish list for the future, along with something like a mini low watt Lonestar and some more Dumble style amps. That also really surprises me, that there hasn’t been more amps that get closer to those John Mayer, Dumble / Two-Rock tones that is the holy grail tone for so many people. I’m hoping we’ll see that in the future.

[@jnh73]

Sometimes I feel the same way, though sometimes I feel the focal point a lot of Andy's tone (at least live, recently) is less about the Lonestar and more about his pedals. That's not to say the Lonestar isn't important, or that Andy isn't identified with the Lonestar. I think it's more that Andy doesn't appear to do much different with the Lonestars he uses than any of us do/might. I'm sure he has an ideal amp in mind, though from what I gather he's pretty much ecstatic with the Lonestar as-is, which for him is probably a good thing, as it's one less distraction to potentially get in the way of making music.

[@coreyclark6505]

Indiegaze Yeah, Timmons is a great player, but a lot of his sound is from that AT pedal that’s always on. The Lonestar is just a great template to build off of for him.

[@masque1313]

I think most of us would agree that the pinnacle of Andy's tone came about on the "Resolution" album. And based on everything I have seen him say and have read, that was done mostly on Marshall's. I dont think he used any Boogie's on that album. Since that time, when he went to the Lonestar and Stilletto, the focus was trying to replicate the "Resolution" tone. There is no doubt he is still getting incredible tone and I am a Boogie guy 100%. But I'm not sure Boogie amps can lay claim to the tone he got on his most famous album.

[@fixedgear37]

his tone is all about his pedals. The lonestar isn't really a part of it

[@terrylafauci791]

Glad to be part of the family. Absolutely love my JP2C

[@KRayxKodessA]

I think MESA screwed up not making a Mark Tremonti signature amp. That guy was heavily responsible for the Dual and Triple's success through the late 90's-early 2000's. He's why I have one at least...

[@metalpuppet5798]

Doesnt matter. Boogie wouldnt have been able to make one that sounds better or even just as good as Tremonti's PRS MT 15

[@paulvalera1039]

Can’t wait to hear the MT100

[@DarioVarasG]

Mark Tremonti is an average guitarist and member of average metal bands. Not influential by any means, just a selling platform for some companies.

[@metalpuppet5798]

@@DarioVarasG get the f out of here. All members of Alter Bridge are phenomenal. Myles is the best rock singer in the modern days after freddy mercury. And Tremonti is one of the most inventive talented guitarists I know

[@DarioVarasG]

Metal Puppet I guess you don’t know many guitarists then and DEFINITELY not many singers hahahaha

[@craigcampbell7861]

I finally got a Dual Rectifier after 30 years of playing guitar and what a great way to celebrate 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@spiked-b5761]

PROUD member of the Mesa/Boogie family !

[@rypatmackrock]

Sad but true that Mike Sodano of Soldano amps admitted in a long interview that Randall Smith essentially ripped off the preamp circuit of an SLO 100 for the dual rectifier, even if they both have their distinct sounds.

[@trevorphilips9484]

This is true.

[@rodrigolarrea8273]

Congrats guys! randall is a gifted man... boogie is the most versatil amp ever made. keep rocking!

[@dwayneanderson7108]

Sure he is. Steal someone elses design and calls it his own..pathetic.

[@rodrigolarrea8273]

@@dwayneanderson7108 like, bill gates? or other talented guys?

[@danamilkyway]

i'm that simple. i see Mark Tremonti, i clicked.

[@danamilkyway]

distalmarginalridge its not ironic dude. it just between "what he needs" and "who's endorsing him"

[@incubrian]

@distalmarginalridge the boogies never leave his rig ;)

[@90sPunkRockCovers]

I wish they would have gotten more into detail about the actual Dual Rectifier and how it impacted music in the late 90's and early 2000's as opposed to just that little snip it. I was actually looking forward to this part of the series. Oh well. Love my 1992 Black/Chrome Dual Rectifier Rev F. Congrats on the 50th year anniversary. Cheers 🍻

[@rec99cts27]

90s Punk Rock Covers Totally agree! I was thinking the same. Really disappointed in this video was expecting more history on the Dual Rec and going more into details! Love those amps 👍

[@michaelcaldwell3648]

Pictures of Mark Tremonti, but no mention of him or interview. I wonder if it's because the of the MT 15 and the soon to be MT 100

[@rec99cts27]

Michael Caldwell Disappointing video He was not even mention in this Didn’t even give much details on the history of the Dual

[@michaelcaldwell3648]

A huge dual rec rev f player and no mention. I couldn't believe it

[@JV-rx3ov]

The acquisition of 2 Dual Rectifiers in 1992 caused me to put my 2 modded JCM-800's into storage for almost a decade. I went Boogie-crazy in the 90's. 2 Dual Recs w/ (4) 4x12 cabs, a Heartbreaker combo, a Subway Blues combo and a V-Twin pedal were the only amps I used. Almost 30 years later, I still use Boogies like my Kingsnake, Mark V combo, Mark V:35 combo & California Tweed combo. I guess I'm hooked for life.

[@DoobTube71]

I just got a Mark V 90 head yesterday. An awesome, versatile amplifier.

[@LocoDiablo9]

Man.. I love the recto sound. Soundgarden, COC, Hum, Vernon, so many bands made it their own but that “Tremonti+PRS+Affliction t-shirt” thing... killed it for me. Oh well... still got a Boogie in the stable but...

[@mesalaney7282]

Happy to be apart of the family with my roadking 2!

[@romanoforsale]

I like how they used Tremonti in a picture but didn't actually interview him, lol.

[@Zakster90]

Because Mark went to PRS amps and FINALLY got a signature amp with them instead.

[@spanneng]

yes, I doubt it is tempting to Mark

[@herwansaputra4080]

😂

[@drumthrone10]

Mesa should be the one who made his signiture amp. Oh well....

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

The Creed guy?

[@SightInjection]

I love my dual rectifiers!

[@anthonyfinch550]

Congratulations on 50 years!!

[@frikerjimenez]

Yep...I bought my Dual Rectifier in 1998...mind blowing.

[@MoreMeRecording]

I wish this 3 part series (which I really enjoyed) covered more in depth history pieces other than seeming like an "ad" . For e.g. I heard years ago (early 90's) that the name "Boogie" came from Carlos when he [paraphrasing] said "Man, this thing really Boogies" the first time he plugged into it. THAT's a really cool story not covered in any of these pieces. Anyways, congratz Mesa! You guys [literally] ROCK!

[@shaunncook6185]

I bought my first boogie, a triple rectifier with 2 4x12 recto cabs because of petrucci and the boogie quality.......

[@piyushsharma5177]

Your neighbors must go crazy

[@shaunncook6185]

Nah, he’s a drummer so it works out. Especially now I have a mark v 😂

[@piyushsharma5177]

@@shaunncook6185 you are living the life! Cheers on the mark V

[@SatanClaus69]

I've been rocking my Stiletto Trident V2 & Triple Rec all throughout the lockdown! There is no better sound :D. I am seriously looking for a Mark IIc++. Money is no object, just point me the right way.

[@F.BERTOLOTO]

Sempre aquele som pesado com mta definição q a gente ama. Abraços e bends

[@scottchamley181]

Thank you Mesa and congrats! I love my Mark IV!

[@lucwilson1]

Release the Mark VI !!! :)

[@MRxr400]

Have had a few boogies. still have a single rec head in red leather, sexy as. Quality reliable amp with a unique tone to inspire loads of amazing music genres. Thanks for your all out effort in the build of these beasts.

[@jeremiahmabry1752]

Congrats guys!! Love my mark 5 25

[@tristantobias5086]

Who’s doing the audio on this? Can hardly hear the artists in some parts over the guitar

[@nimblebutler]

Tristan Tobias came here to say this

[@gr8guitarplayer]

I think I may have a problem with Mesa Boogie amps... I want too many of them. Own a Stereo 50/50 (my 1st introduction to Mesa amps...never looked back, even selling 2 vintage Marshalls), Dual Rec, Tri Axis, Stereo Simul 2:90, and just recently snagged a 20/20 DynaWatt. I love em all!

[@Hindsong]

Love it! Love my Boogies!

[@mhsigrist]

Got here waiting for some words from Tremonti but SURPRISE. Hey guys, put him in for some insights on his Boogie experience on the next vid!

[@remygaron8311]

Congrats👏👏👏🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@Twobarpsi]

Rumors have it that John's beard requested a separate trailer for this shoot!

[@piyushsharma5177]

Lmao

[@classicalguitarchase]

@ 3:58.... It' Good to be King.

[@hardrockrelics2157]

I heard Mike Soldano worked on the Dual Rectifier.

[@pipecfh]

The Rectifier is a copy of the SLO 100 from Soldano... that's the real deal

[@szabolcsbalog3857]

Felipe Cornejo ...and the SLO100 is a modified Mark IIB :)

[@j_c_93]

@@szabolcsbalog3857 Either way, it all goes back to Fender!

[@coreyclark6505]

Mike’s .02 is purely that he was upset when the Rectifier came out because the preamp was identical to the SLO he’d designed, but then was such a huge seller for Boogie. SLO’s are legendary in their own right, but man, the price point between a DR and an SLO is a night and day difference.

[@Auen73]

Corey Clark Great point about the price difference between DR & SLO........I remember DR’s were like $1400.00 in the late 90’s early 2000. Which means they were probably a little less in 92. Pretty sure SLO’s were like $2500-$3000 at the time. Probably more actually. The 2 channel DR’s had all chassis mounted Tube sockets through out with flying leads. The SLO did not. Interesting stuff for sure.......peace

[@toom6087]

The Recto made in the 90's is the best amp ever made. I own a 1992 Dual Rev D, a 1992 Dual Rev F rackmounted chrome chassis, a 1993 Triple Rev F chrome chassis too and 4 Dual Rev G made from 1995 to 1998. One of them has a see trans blue maple headshell : it's gorgeous! All loaded with 6L6s and they are the top of the top. I own the 3 channels too : one 2008 Solo head and the 2013 Multiwatt. They are not the same amps at all. Nothing is better than the 2 channels if you want to go high gain. The Rev F for serial FX loop, the Rev G for parallel. The 3 chan are OK for tight low end, so not really for me. About the clean and the overdrive, I prefer the father of the Rectifier : the Soldano SLO100 xD. Both together, Recto and SLO : that's the holy grail. So Mr Smith, could you rebuilt the 2 channels Rectifier with the same EQ as you made it in the 90's? You known : fat and juicy for the big bad tone, not this tight low end that everybody wants today. And with a spanky clean as on the SLO? About the loop? As on the Bogner Ecstasy of course ! With a switch to choose serial or parallel. Rev F and Rev G in the same amp. If you do that, you'll reach perfection. Please do it !!!!

[@bucknasty69]

Check out the new Badlander Rectifier, its a 2 channel recto that harkens back to the 90s 2 channel amps!

[@devashishmishra6001]

Well I was waiting for Tremonti. Bit disappointed!

[@danicorreamusic]

Amazing amps! i have three! haha

[@Aggitated]

The MESA/BOOGIE F-100 is the amp that made me stop searching for the perfect tone. I finally found it. Matching the F-100 with a morley Volume pedal. Game over. That’s my sound.

[@TheRosswise]

I know I love my Dual Rec. God-tier amp in my opinion.

[@TheIronjose]

Love the videos... The story, the anecdote, the amps... The only thing that I don't like is the 1 minute intro... Lol

[@jeffreyfrost9747]

The Mesa&Boogie family are blessed skraighhtt up:()()

[@SilentNightBodomNight]

Hetfield should have earned a signature rectifier model. It would have sold like crazy and probably would for many many years to come.

[@tibetsonmez6664]

We need MORE

[@remyr5749]

Had a Nomad 100. It had it's quirks, but sounded amazing!

[@TanishaTyagi]

I see Mark Tremonti, I click.

[@piyushsharma5177]

Assuming you are Indian, glad to see my fellow countrymen having good taste in music.

[@redeyeddogproductions4222]

The dual rec rev g was my first boogie and now i have a 3 channel dual rec and couldnt ask for more in a amp

[@hardrockrelics2157]

James Hetfield Signature amp is a no brainer.

[@ernestofb591]

Where is Mark? Just clicked the video for him lol

[@Johnny6666]

Just a hint to MESA: can you drop the music bedding when interviewees are talking? It's way too high in the mix and is utterly distracting.

[@joates2384]

I hope this is leading to the announcement of new model(s) or something!

[@Boogieplex]

Kinda ironic that the last words of this video is Santana saying”Go Viral”.

[@Myckey6]

There is a Mark Tremonti on the title... :D:D and no word within the whole video... he went with the PRS MT 15 ...

[@jrlongoria680]

Mesa the best of fender and Marshall on steroids. Tone and distortion at its best 👌.

[@nimblebutler]

I love boogie - but wow the audio mix on this was rough

[@mr.nobody68]

Clicked for Tremonti Disappointed Mesa needs to reissue the Triple Rectifier Revision F. They're getting hard to find and they're Mark's favorite amp

[@deathmetalmachine]

Bring back the 750 big block V12 Titan big block!!!

[@mark7166]

I've always loved the Dual Rectifier. I'd love to hear Mesa's side of the allegations that they lifted the design from Soldano.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Mark Lugg and who did soldano lift from? Who did marshall lift from?

[@shaft9000]

And to top it off, Fender relied on the designs of pre-existing RCA valve amplifiers. Oh noez 'Nobody creates anything wholly original' my precious bubble hath burst.

[@gubad71]

Yes agree to all but I still vote to hear Mesa’s side of the allegations.

[@clemguitar63]

@@shaft9000 RCA, GE and Western Electric where all sourced for audio amplifier designs/schematics.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

Ayyy. So the Soldano is a modded version of a Marshall, and Marshall started as a copy of the Bassman. The story goes on, but they all sound different so what's the difference?

[@sanyouaung]

You should be include KORN!

[@duartefaria7134]

So 50th anniversary means a 50% discount in a mesa boogie amp?

[@grisok]

Hetfield Sig please!

[@bucknasty69]

Rumour is the new Badlander is based on a scrapped Hetfield signature amp and a Dual Rectifier Rev C

[@wakjob961]

"Ah...lets take the Soldano SLO 100 and give it zero NFB" -- gotcha.

[@clemguitar63]

@@jboyce92 Wikipedia is on par with CNN, MSLSD, Snopes and the like. Not to be TRUSTED!

[@irmasil3]

JP2C might be the best amp in the world for heavy sounds....It fuckin' expensive but I am eventually gonna get one!

[@shaft9000]

was this edit in the can for over a month or what = *Go Viral* - such a fitting "ender" in a time like this? stay safe Randy and Carlos

[@deathmetalmachine]

Make Mesa Tube Amps Great Again!!!!

[@danyeo]

Why is it that the Dual Recto is basically, on paper, a copy of a Soldano SLO. But, the 2 amps sound nothing alike.

[@sagezen6414]

The greatest Amps!!!

[@Qstick333]

AKA....thanks Mike Soldano.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

AKA... thanks Jim Marshall

[@Qstick333]

@@Starch1b2c3d4a Going back that far...a Marshall is very similar to a bassman

[@Zakster90]

Soooo why ‘didn’t’ you do a signature amp with Tremonti? >_>?

[@Boomheyyou]

Mesa/boogie Number 1 Amps in the world

[@Rrouthmusic]

I saw tremonti... didn’t see him in the video? 🧐

[@DatMetalBoi75]

Who's watching this now that Vernon Ried is with Laney

[@1961boogie]

ps.... my newest boogie is a TA 30 combo.............one of the best clean sounds ever.........really versatile amp, great for my club gigs..........check them out

[@markmarttinss]

love it but the background track its so LOUD

[@hinjurock]

Kirk sounded drunk here 😎

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

HinjuRock 🍻

[@ianbarcelos]

Linkin Park also helped put Boogie on the map on the 2000's. I wouldn't know about it without them.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

It all started with Country Joe and the Fish 😹... Ladies and gentleman, you have your answer 💀

[@paulrib86]

wow! Rectifier is resultat many mods marshalls in turns out. No surprising what he soud like slo 100 amp. The soldano sound family.Or marshall on steroids.

[@rywk4225]

was tht denzel fucking washington in the intro??

[@ClassicPass_]

"Go viral... Become relevant " ooooohhh.. too Soon Santana!

[@Zolier]

Only problem it's like $300...

[@SpinandThrowDiscGolf]

Rabbi Petrucci

[@metalmaniac8640]

James Hetfield deserves a signature Boogie

[@timothymartin2137]

Mesa as with Gibson, ONLY EVER BUY USED

[@binface9]

The constant musical accompaniment in the background of these interviews is distracting.

[@Leftlanedave]

The official Soldano clone...

[@timothymartin2137]

you are a liar. Doug West refused to give him the amp he (John Petrucci ) wanted. He asked for input gain and Doug West refused(I am sure that fool is using his position to make older Marks collectors peices and maximise their value buy refusing to continue the input gain (frankly that is what made those amps truly great), but what does it matter, YOU SOLD OUT TO GIBSON, so bye bye Mesa as an even decent amp (they have been lagging for years anyway, that vaunted customer service they USED to have has been gone for decades and they refuse to even work on the newer designs!!!)

[@akronko]

cool vid, shitty audio