California Tweed / Fillmore Series Comparison

[@tommc49]

I give this demo bonus points for using a lot of chordal playing vs the typical endless pentatonic blues noodling.

[@ChrisBuonoGuitar]

Kris is the real deal. Total player.

[@bareknuckles2u]

Amen to that! I get very tired with "demo videos" really being all about showcasing someone's need to show how many notes they can play and how fast they can play them...ugh.

[@1176hambone]

I concur. Chords express the character of the amp

[@firemarshal2629]

The boomer is heavy in this comment

[@1176hambone]

@@firemarshal2629 boomers ( folks born after World War II through 1964) are notorious noodlers.

[@steveymoon]

My goodness, what a refreshing demo. It's rare to have a demo where the guy doesn't play as many notes as possible.

[@panterica83]

Mesa boogie makes amazing amps and has the best customer support, amazing people. Thank you mesa team!

[@sparkyguitar0058]

I so much agree with customer support. When I was looking at getting my S O B they gave me great advice about these amps but did tell me it ain't that high gain stuff Rectifers are know for which is exactly what I was looking for. My favorite amp would be a hot rodded Fender style. Even a Rivera amp. But didn't run into 1 of them. When I got my S O B I couldn't found anything better. Wood and wicker, 100w ,all the options. And pretty cheap for an awesome Boogie. These sound pretty damn great too. Let's just hope Gibson doesn't screw up a great amp line.

[@AZFunk]

terrific playing from Kris! Love my Fillmore 50. Really want to pair it with a Cali Tweed.

[@gkott78]

Purchased a Cali Tweed recently but unfortunately had a single bad 6v6 tube. Support put me in touch with Kris on my issue, and he was extremely helpful. A new set of 6v6s were sent promptly to me which solved my issue. Thanks to Kris and the Mesa team for the support! Awesome product, fantastic service. I look forward to my next Mesa which will most likely be the Filmore.

[@davelowets]

The mention of a humbucker in this video brings back a memory for me... When I was decades younger I was in my favorite local music store checking out new gear and dreaming of it like usual, and in comes this "colorful" gent from out of town. He was a bass player, and was in town for a gig at a rather large bar/venue that always had live bands on the weekend. For some reason, his guitar hadn't showed up with the rest of his luggage at the airport, and he was in a panic trying to find a replacement. The language and how this guy talked was like NO other that I've heard before, and the guy was being serious. That's just how he talked. Real rough and just different. I don't think the salesman at the store took him seriously, UNTIL he picked up an ax and went to town on it. The guy could PLAY!. He tried out several guitars, and put on quite a show while he was doing it. I believe he settled on purchasing an Ibanez model, and asked a few questions about it to the salesman. The sales guy was TRYING his best NOT to laugh at the colorful language that the bass player constantly used, BUT, the next queation he asked about the guitar was, "And is this a Humbucker mother-fucker??" with the straightest face ever, me and the sales guy instantly BUSTED out laughing at the way he just said that, and we must have rolled for several minutes.... 🤣 The look on the players face was like "huh, what'd i just do?" as I guess that was just normal speak for him. I ended up talking with the guy before he left the store and he told me I should stop by the bar that night and check out his band. I DID go, and the band WAS really good for an underground deal. I can't for the life of me remember what their name was, but I enjoyed the night and their music. The bass player recognised me from the music store earier that day, and bought me a drink. I returned the favor. It was a good night, good music, and I had a hell of a laugh at the music store with the sales guy. 👌

[@johnnathancordy]

Ah amazing I get asked this quite often so now I know where to direct people!!

[@surfrby8876]

These are such great demos , the explanation of the history and how the camps work along with stellar playing

[@kivijatti1500]

Jordan Peterson sure plays great guitar

[@graxjpg]

Right? Who knew John Cleese was such a looker too!

[@defsantiago]

Plays great guitar, and ONLY eats meat. ❤️

[@TheBryanBobby]

Definitely the lesson to be learned here.

[@alisbc1]

And David Soul is an accomplished amp tweaker

[@bardsamok9221]

Just don't ask him for a male to female adaptor

[@jjsguitar]

Kris Dilbeck has become one of my favourite guitarists, I love these demos!

[@DamonWood]

I agree, his demos are always really terrific.

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

@@DamonWoodagreed!

[@canyonproductions7683]

Great playing Kris. That tweed is one of the best looking (and sounding) amps I’ve ever seen. 🍁🍂🍂 Fillmore is amazing as well wow!

[@jlr022159]

WOW that California Tweed sounds absolutely amazing!

[@guitarandotherthings6090]

That super jangly intro sounds so great, glad they made an amp for more than just metal heads!

[@anonymoususer3496]

Thanks. Never understood the differences between these amps til now.

[@merseybeat1963]

Doug West.. !! You look that young in 2020 ? Excellent you've got a long way to go thank goodness..at least another 25 years before retirement. : )

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

I bought the Cali Tweed 4:40 a year ago and have no regrets.

[@lewismcnicholas2631]

Awesome video! Really handy for helping me dial in those tones with my new Cali Tweed!

[@TalleyWacker1000]

Personally I watch any demo video that has Chris playing... flat out amazing player and great person to demo your amps! I also play Tele's and his examples are fantastic!

[@shawnshipstad9281]

I have a Mesa TC 50 watt heas. It sounds great with a Stratocaster as well as my LP version made by Kiesel-(which blows away Gibson. The prices are very good, when considering all the bonuses Mesa gives you . I love the fact the there is an FX button on the floor switch.

[@BeautifulGuitars365]

Agreed

[@wozabrown]

Best amplifiers in the world ! 100% American hand made quality 👌

[@fjk1138]

Mesa never disappoints. Such beautiful amps!

[@msaintpc]

Damn good pickin Bro! Loved that jazzy/blues/Hammond organ sound and vibe on the first solo. 👍

[@robertalford1321]

I'd love to have both of these, and run them in stereo with an AB switch for combining the two, or running them independently with separate signal/effect paths. I believe that would be an outstanding combination.

[@barryroberts9388]

Love that Filmore amp!! Reminds me of Robert Crays tone

[@alexmayhew8989]

That Fillmore amp? Thats a Mesa Boogie Amp i could buy. That thing sounds Amazing

[@frankenstein4106]

I bought the Fillmore 50 head version first, enjoyed it so much that I had to get the 25 head version also! Great, versatile amps!

[@christophecoste8471]

Could you help choosing 50 or 25? difference or particularity of each one? thanks mate

[@eddie466]

Why not just use the 50 in 25 mode? Just curious

[@christophecoste8471]

Eddie Huante 6L6 on the 50 and 6V6 on the 25 version

[@alainrosso568]

Hi...How do you like the Filmore so far?

[@apophispnw5717]

There’s a big difference in the 25 and the 50. The 50 is wider and has some other differences. The 50 sounds a bit fatter or basey and more compressed in my opinion.

[@jimlutz1290]

I've never heard a Boogie I didn't like, starting off years ago with the Lone Star . .⭐ . . Hope Santa brings Tweed 20 Combo this year, I've been sorta good . . .

[@JB_Eckl]

I noticed that for your dirty tone at the end, which as killer, the tone knobs were ALL well below noon. This is so counter-intuitive for most players, but I've often found that you have to think really different with mesa amps when it comes to settings. On my Mark V, most of my best sounds have all 3 knobs slightly below noon, and for awhile I thought I was crazy... but if anybody knows how to do it, it should be Doug and Kris!

[@Ashstrodamus1]

Bought a Fillmore 2x12 cabinet and the R2 on my Mark IV really came to life on it.

[@Spidouz]

Similar to the Mark V:25 that has 2 channels with 3 mode for each channel, it would have been interesting to have a Cali-more version to have the 3 modes of the Fillmore in the second channel and have the first channel with modes of the Cali-Tweed, with multi-watt for each, maybe reduced to 3 choices only like 40/20/2w so it could be on a 3 position toggle switch. I know, a lot of people like simple amp with basic functions, but I personally like Mesa boogie amps because of the Mark V (I used at the studio) and the Mark V:25 (for home).

[@mrshiney2]

A friend has an original Princeton that was modded by Randall.

[@babagadoush1]

Finally got my Fillmore!

[@tinpenny4474]

Bought a Mark V in April. Boogie amps are the beat. USA made 👍

[@gunjabeans]

I love the tube rectifier setting on my dual recto. I wish these amps could switch to a tube rectifier.

[@ThatIrishCowboy]

Ok this video basically answered my volume question with the Badlander. I just saw a pinch of volume increase bring this thing up loud lol saw Doug's face right after. It seems it's a normal thing.

[@Legopally]

In person they sound noticeably different from each other! Never been a fan of bluesy-circuits like Blues Deluxe or California, but the Fillmore can do pretty much everything quite a bit better. JUST MY TASTE but my local music store pals tended to agree

[@Superedge-ph6my]

I really dont understand why mesa doesn't have more videos of their products as this one. videos with good quality helps a lot when looking for an AMP and why not a mesa boogie.

[@Sco3000]

I wish the Fillmore came out years ago... I bought a used simul class mark 3 back in 2014 and I love it.

[@davematney1918]

I had a simul-class mark iii red stripe. One of the best amps I've ever owned.

[@shawnshipstad9281]

They all sound a bit better when pushed a bit. I am in love with my TC 50 watt head. Mega versality. The price is great for all that is provided. I can not imagine buying something like a DR.Z or some of the "Botiqu" stuff. he great thing about many of the mesa amps is no reverb pedal or over drive really required. That is 200.00+ right there.

[@motokev2727]

I played the Fillmore and tweed. I love the tweed, sounded amazing at low volume. Fillmore seemed to have more mids.

[@shakesquire84]

Kris’ tele is magic.

[@anonymoususer3496]

Great demo, but man Kris looked ready to growl like a bear! 😂😨😐. Appreciate Doug's good mood as usual!

[@pdbordelon]

I have a California Tweed. I run a Wampler Mini Ego, Tumnus, and Xotic RC boost pedals in front of it with a Strymon Brigadier delay in the effects loop. Sounds amazing. I ride the gain knob depending on the song at our gigs. This works very well. Wonderful amp! I mostly play a Schecter USA Custom PT as my main guitar. Its a great match with this amp. :)

[@bugeyedmudafuka2]

Hi, are you still making amps for Europe? For once I have some money to get a new Mesa , but nowhere in EU has them anymore.

[@Sep45]

Is the ill-fitting gray t-shirt part of the uniform at Mesa?

[@redpillpusher]

😂 these guys are electrical audio engineers not fashionistas

[@DaemonRicks]

Can't find the fillmore 50 in Europe... seems to be discontinued. Tried o buy one from a US shop... they can't ship to Europe it's apparently forbidden by Mesa... on top ofit we use 220v and US use 110v... too bad...

[@Bordeaux0929]

Great sounding amp, I played one at GC today and the Filmoore. I actually liked the Fillmore better but they are def different sounding amps. Great playing too, very bluesy. The REAL question remains. Why has no one commented how much Kris looks like Rick Grimes?? Holy cow 😊😊

[@loriseisaeian9614]

Why don’t you guys demo 100w Fillmore 100 head with 2x12 cab

[@dennissmith863]

I've had one of these amps for two years now and I've yet to be disappointed. I have it clean on ch 1 and I use a Mesa Grid Slammer for a little over drive. Then I'll flip over to ch.2 where I have the drive. It's great to go from super clean to drive. I can go to the high gain what I can do is kick on the Grid Slammer while in ch 2 for a more saturated overdrive. That tone is similar to using the high gain circuit. It's a great amp and had the umph I need w/o needing a big amp. I may get an extension cab for more sound..........or I may not.......

[@JustusSeiber]

Is the California tweed completely handwired?

[@adamshayme01]

Love the Fillmore

[@KeithTasker]

Fantastic demo of a gorgeous sounding pair of amps! Can someone tell me this - Does the Fillmore have much more clean headroom than the Cali Tweed? Said another way, is the Fillmore able to maintain super cleans in a band setting? I came up playing a Mark IIB combo through the 80s and 90s so I'm really spoiled when it comes to clean headroom. I realize this 50 watter isn't going to compete with the Mark IIB 60/100 available headroom, but would love to find something that gets me in that territory.

[@gordonjohnstonmusic2382]

The Filmore has brought me back to using Boogie. Keep the secret of the small OP transformer a secret 😉 Just the right amount of iron. I do miss the “Solo” feature though.

[@MEDiumInc]

Clean boost in the FX loop can solve that pretty easily :D

[@Theweeze100]

I love mine. Changed out the stock V1 12ax7 with a NOS (probably not absolutely New) US made Tung-Sol I got off eBay. Took me a couple of tries to find the right one, but now it plays, sounds, feels like the Blackface of my dreams.

[@Theweeze100]

@@MEDiumInc That’s a great idea!!!

[@MrAxman53]

@@MEDiumInc I have the Fillmore 25 head on the way. If you put a boost in loop, would you use the boost's buffer or turn it off? I'm using the Fender Engager Boost and I can run it either way. Thanks for any tips.

[@Hdhdhfbfjfjv]

@@Theweeze100are you speaking of the Fillmore? I just got my Fillmore 50 last week.

[@middle_pickup]

The tweed sounds much darker than the fillmore. I haven't played many actual tweed amps from the era, but I have played a few tweed bassmans including an actual vintage one. Those sounded much livelier and percussive to me than the clips I've heard of the Cali tweed. Though the bassman is hella loud, and not near as portable as the Cali tweed, I'd rather have one of those. The fillmore sounds nice though. I think it might be more versatile an amp for most players in 2023.

[@iganpparamarta8813]

Mesa amps are killer. Already owned Dual, Triple, TA30, and Mark IV. Can’t wait to buy Fillmore and play it through my iRig HD.

[@granivorelibre8836]

You must have a huge wage, Lucky you ! :')

[@nickardasis4]

Great video guys, I have a question though. Where does the Lonestar fit in the "clean/traditional" range of Mesas? Is it closer to a Cali Tweed? Was it supposed to be a take on a D-style amp or a Twin/Super Reverb? Was it a completely new design? Every time i hear a Lonestar (especially the 100w version) it just blows me away. Definitely one of the best clean amps in the market.

[@tamasritter247]

I would also be curios to learn more about how the Lonestar compares to these. I actually have a Lone Star Classic, I love it, people often describe it as a twin on steroids but it can do so many different things, 10W-50W-100W, tweed lower voltage option and tube rectifier sag and a very nice low gain drive channel (it is the ultimate "transparet" drive, if you want it to be). Based on the videos, I think it is more similar to the Fillmore and that is why I am leaning more towards the Cali as it would bring in a new flavor.

[@SSStinger6]

Lone Star was intended to get fender blackface cleans in one channel (recognizing they gave some additional tweakability to it) and MK I tones in the second channel. Would be a lot closer to the Fillmore but still different

[@justsomerandomguyman]

The Lonestar is a much darker sounding amp.

[@TonyGabrielTonyMusic]

I like your amplifiers Especially the Tweed Calfornia and the Filmore Series Any of these I want to have by my side always. I'm from São Paulo Itaquera / Brazil

[@johnnyguitar-uu3zr]

HI, thanks for the good review , question > Mesa/Boogie Mark Five or Mesa/Boogie California Tweed 2:20 for santana tone ? or should i say closer ?

[@damirkarakas7111]

Which pedal was used with the Telecaster? 6:37.....Great sound.

[@letterli]

what crunchy pedal would you guys suggest for the Tweed? I know, it's personal taste but: some of you have a real favorite....thanks!

[@humorustrout.]

Red llama?

[@philroach6000]

I see the Royer, but is the second mic a Heil Pr30?

[@jsullivan2112]

Are those Brooks Ghost shoes that Doug's wearing? Love those shoes! I'm a big fan lol.

[@es369]

Fillmore for the win! But jeez... smile Kris!!!

[@SuperReverbious]

Would you say if you stuck a blackbird speaker in the Fillmore and put it in Clean mode, it would sound very siimilar to the Tweed? Recognizing some different tube wiring options on the Tweed, but...Seems like one of the biggest differences in the sound between the two combo amps is just the speaker, the Fillmore having the C90 and the Cal Tweed having the Jensen Blackbird. And of course the Fillmore has the two additional gain modes, and two channels.

[@RyanHicks306]

Have and love my Mesa California, but long for some nice drive like the Fillmore. California Tweed is very versatile as each wattage setting sounds and feels like another amp. What Mesa drive pedal would you recommend to give you similar amp driven lead tones in front of a Mesa California Tweed?

[@ryleuty]

That's some DAMN good playing

[@dianeduffcroop8158]

Dang I was really sold on the California Tweed until I heard the Fillmore 50! What is super versatile amp that just has such an organic sounding breakup and distortion2 it. My only complaint is that just so damn expensive! I presently own a tone king imperial mark one that I absolutely love and would love to pair it with one of these amps running stereo! That would be glorious!

[@jayteesgear]

Amen

[@dangitdan9938]

The Fillmore 50 is the best amp I’ve played to date. Still rolling up my nickels.... some day... some day...

[@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender]

lonestar classic would wipe the floor with a fillmore

[@thomkopal1740]

Thank you for this demo! Can you comment on how the shallower cabinet dimensions in both the CA Tweed and Fillmore impact the bass signature of these amps? I'm wondering if the deeper cab of the Lone Star, for example, fosters a larger bass sound? And by comparison, is the shallower cab of these two amps more lean & tight in bass frequencies? Thanks!

[@Theweeze100]

I have a Fillmore 50. No problem producing more than enough bass for my needs. Just IMO.

[@grinnerschic]

Great demo. Just curious why the Cali is about $800 more expensive in Australia? as from this demo it seems it has less features than the filmore which seems to do the Cali sound and more but is cheaper!?

[@redcomn]

What if i want one side california one side Fillmore 🙂

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

I know, right??

[@RambleTone]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@redcomn]

@@RambleTone call it CaliMore

[@johnnyguitar-uu3zr]

which one for mostly blues ? please reply thanks

[@okaytastic6691]

Both are great! Tweed if you like peaches and Fillmore if you like apples. Juicy soft and furry or crisp and sweet. Both great

[@bardsamok9221]

2:45 does anyone outside of gear demos actually play these 60 year old hackneyed blues licks?

[@vividvulpe9842]

sounds terrific

[@ravendano]

great demo! monster player!

[@fabiogossling9839]

Kris is tha Man! Soulful playing... And please give me this Tele!!!

[@RezaMatix]

I want one of each!

[@lqr824]

Just when I think, man, great vid, but I wish they'd show off amps with different guitars... they whip out the Les Paul then the Strat. I've got a '04 Road King but you know I almost don't care what Mesa amp you gave me, I'd be able to a learn a bunch from it. I always like the minimum of talk in an equipment demo and this is a pretty good vid by that measure too. I've got 20 guitars and if I got a tattoo of a brand it's more likely to be Mesa than Fender or Gibson :-D

[@WisdomHouseCreative]

Can anyone tell me how the master volume affects the tone on the Tweed? Since the "attenuator" also affects the tone, I'm hoping the master volume can boost or reduce volume without much impact to the tone. Thanks.

[@MrTyphoontyphoon]

do you guy plan to make the Triaxis again ? it would be very cool !! like an update triaxis with sounds like the jpc2 , mark V etc ? thank you!!

[@liamtpwcsolochannel]

Sounds very good. I like it a lot.

[@samiam7342]

the 50w fillmore combo is the way to go......that and the Mark V 100w head and cabinet.....................period.

[@jayteesgear]

Cali tweed is like the hot blonde, Fillmore is the sorta cute Brunette who just wins your friends over and knows how to cook. I’m torn🌝

[@lewisclinton8080]

haha that was a great comparison. What did you decide? The Cali Tweed is gorgeous and lush but I purchased the Fillmore over the tweed simply because I got just as good cleans but with the added gain stages. And I never knew I'd love having 2 identical channels so much. I don't think there isn't a traditional sound that the Fillmore can't produce. If it helps, the Fillmore does come in a Blonde tolex. Cheers from Dallas, TX

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

What's the cost? Fillmore and Cali Tweed?

[@waynehicks1969]

I still don't know if the California Tweed can play clean at volume, because it seems as though they were always pushing it to that edge of breakup sound. How about showing some versatility if the amp has it.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

Looked like they had the master down super low. I'd imagine with 40 watts on tap it should keep up fine.

[@okaytastic6691]

Sounds killer!

[@matskihlberg4762]

The Fillmore sounds smooth and musical all the way. The tweed thing stops sounding musical when driven - then it just sounds harsh.

[@cdbrown30]

50 years of tweaking and building amps!! I’ve got to try a California tweed…

[@ashleyjackson8538]

Makes my phone speaker sound amazing

[@whimpypatrol5503]

Before Haight, Fimore, Sausalito, Monterey or even LA surf. Before any rocker picked up a strat or an LP.. Before you started wetting the bed. Before PAFs. There was Gibson and Gretsch, and they were hollowbodied electrics. And there was rock 'n roll, rockabilly, jazz, swing and nothing else. And without gretsches and gibsons thru fender amps, you'd still be listing to the Tennessee Waltz. So, if it's true Mesa and Gibson are now 2 peas in a pod, then after 55 years, put down those solidbodies and prove an amp is once again voiced to handle a hollowbody. Thank-you.

[@rcruz262]

I am looking at the Tweed but asking anyone why would someone choose the Tweed if the Fillmore has 2 channels and an overdrive where the Tweed is just 1 channel?

[@RambleTone]

Tweed uses 6v6 while the Fillmore(50 and 100) uses 6l6 tubes, different sound, the Cali is voiced thicker for more tweed style breakup with more mids while the Fillmore is more like a blackface, more scooped, really different sounding. (plus some of us just want one simple great sounding channel to work with pedals😉)

[@dane4453]

Nice amp, but you can get a similar sound from a Mesa Boogie Marv V 35's clean channel with a tube screamer type pedal. This amp seems like more of a one trick pony than the Mark V.

[@KrabLewis]

I’m just now starting to research Mesa boogies that past few weeks and is it fair to say that Mark V pretty much does all this and more ?

[@tylermanharth9110]

@@KrabLewis it’s much shorter to list what the Mark V can’t do. It covers really everything. Just takes the right player.

[@seanbrooks2583]

I was really close to buying the california tweed, but i bought a tone king imperial mk II instead.

[@kurtisalan4018]

I don't understand; what's with the grumpiness on the left?

[@JamieCalabro]

My goodness that Fillmore sounds good...

[@0megalul309]

why do these amps have the boogie logo? i thought it was only reserved for mark amps, unless the cali tweed and filmore have mark linages?

[@F.BERTOLOTO]

Sempre mto top Abracos e bends

[@Spidouz]

I like the California Tweed, however it’s too bad you did such a wide head. I wish it could be a more narrow head so we could have it on top of a Vertical 2x12” cab with the Jensen Alnico speakers. It’s always good to have all at normal height and not have to bend over to the floor to adjust settings. And Vertical 2x12” cabs are also great for sound projection. My 2¢

[@mesaboogie]

Hey Phil - A California Tweed should fit a 2x12 Vertical cab just fine. The California Tweed Head is 22 3/4" wide while a 2x12 Vert is 23 5/8" wide. Happy playing!

[@mattyounis5636]

Dam think the Fillmore is the way to go

[@davidbaise5137]

When any films/videos switch cameras but the speaker keeps looking into the first original camera…. It’s irritating as hell. Amp sounds good though.

[@austinsummers4703]

I like how they're using Fender guitars and its a Gibson owned company.