The Mesa Boogie Amp That Lived Up To Its Name...

#mesaboogie #gibson
Mesa Boogie is a very progressive and innovative company, always forward thinking - but what about all the awesome, forgotten Mesa amps that still float around the used market? This one particular amp represents legions of lost tone. Using a PRS CE24 Semi Hollow, a Gibson SG Classic and a Gibson SG Standard to show it off, as well as a Keeley Eccos and Wampler Reflections Reverb in the Effects Loop.
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Disclaimer: I do basic audio editing on my videos to account for the microphones, preamp and room. This editing, mostly light EQ and compression, is intended to give you the most accurate representation of how the featured gear actually sounds. NO editing is done to misrepresent how the featured gear sounds in any way.

[@davidn.3766]

I ordered my nomad 55 (head with a single 12 cab) back in ‘99 I think. I was playing amps in a local store, looking for “the perfect tone,” after buying and selling like 6 different amps within a year. The Mesa Boogie rep happened to be in the store that day. He sat down and spent about an hour with me, plugging me into every MB amp in the store and listening to me describe what I liked, didn’t like, and wanted different. Eventually he had a 10’ speaker cable plugged from the back of a Nomad 55 combo, into a single 12 cab across the room, and I said “that’s it!” He also explained to me that the eq on these amps are wired differently, such that the treble knob is more like a master tone control and the mid and bass knobs then add to that tone. He told me to start with every knob on zero, turn the treble until you like the tone, then add mid, then bass until you like what you have… this may explain why you come out with the tone you want at a knob position you may not expect on these amps.

[@jimmybarr7387]

I have owned a 1x12 nomad 45 for 20 years and NOW, I finally get it! The manual tells you the effect of the treble on the rest of the pots. Wind it right down and that's when the middle and bass come into their own. Reverse EQ. Thank you Jack. Use you ears!

[@JackFossett]

Never have I experienced an EQ section as interactive as this amp - you can actually feel the amp filling out when you pull that treble back

[@jimmybarr7387]

@@JackFossett I actually took it to a repair shop convinced that the middle and bass pots weren't working as they should. Even they could not put me right. Reducing the presence also helps. I reread the manual after your review but even that doesn't touch on such severe settings. It's like having a new amp! Thanks again.

[@gtrguy562]

Back in the day, when I was gigging, I would regularly have other guitarist ask to check my rig aftet sound check. They'd ask how I get my tone, then I would point to my ear. My amp, Mesa/Boogie Subway Rocket Reverb in maple cabinet with a wicker grill. This is the first amp review that talks about the importance of using your ears and not a pre-concieved notion of where your tone settings should be. GREAT WORK DUDE!

[@syfman6]

If you have a great ear, you can make any amp sound good...💚🎸

[@BeThisBell]

I love my Nomad 55. It's been my main workhorse club amp for years. Very versatile, 2 choices of amp voicings on each channel, so it's like having a 6 channel amplifier. Lots of great tones. Just got mine back from the repair shop, so they can be finicky, but very sweet sounding, great drive tones, and classic Mesa sustain sounds.

[@IL2TXGunslinger]

My 25 years my Mesa Blue Angel 2X10, makes me so appreciate your passion for these older Mesa’s.

[@JackFossett]

210! I never knew Mesa made a 210, that’s one of my favorite speaker configurations

[@alm574]

Ive owned several Mesa amps. I just sold a Subway and Road King on Reverb, only because im downsizing gear. The Boogies I kept are the Mark V 35, and TA30, both great amps.

[@michaelgeras7018]

I am the proud owner of Nomad 45 4x10 combo, Express 5:50 2x12, DC3 1x12 and a Mini Rec 25 and love them all

[@chrisegg7936]

I can confirm that lots of really top quality mesa amps can be found on the resale market for a great bargain. Anything with "rectifier" or "mark" in the name is always gonna cost upwards of a grand (or twice that and beyond), but I've seen amps like the nomad, the F series, mavericks, rectoverbs, all for anywhere between $400 to a grand. Mesa's also great about leaving up info for any of their discontinued models.

[@darwinsaye]

"It's a pre Gibson" ... That's going to be the new "It's pre CBS" or "It's pre Norlin", catchphrase.

[@JackFossett]

The big hope is that “Post Gibson” are still really good amps.

[@catcancrunch7260]

I had the nomad for over 15 years and loved it, it really was a seriously versatile tone master, at 100 watts was unreal power ! I go for it being pre mark 5 thanks for your upload

[@bobryan7722]

Just decided not to sell my Nomad 45 1x12. Spent an hour with it using your advice and realized what an amazing amp this really is. Only wish it was 20 lbs lighter! Thank you bro.

[@nordicomsystems8841]

My Nomad 45 410 combo is by far my favorite amp of all-time. Channel 1 is magical when you flip the "Pushed" switch. It's responsive, dynamic, simply amazing. You can fingerpick a totally clean tone and dig in a bit to make it breathe fire. The 45 has the "Extreme" setting too for the power tubes, it kills the negative feedback. I honestly don't understand how anyone could hate these amps.

[@JackFossett]

I’ve always thought they were amazing too - you’re right on about the pushed clean channel. I actually almost traded for the 4x10 a few years ago. Does yours have the Jensen speakers?

[@nordicomsystems8841]

@@JackFossett It does. I was thinking about swapping them for Celestion G10s but I dunno, I actually like the Jensens.

[@JackFossett]

Cool thing about 410 is it’s easy to mix and match - I did that in my Super and just swapped out two speakers

[@user-pl6jn8hd2y]

I just got a nomad 45 2x12 your video helped me understand the amp

[@davidstott5576]

First off, fantastic video! Thank you! Secondly, I happen to be an obsessive Mesa/Boogie -Mesa Engineering fan and I have a *lot* of their older amp designs (I have an odd fondness for the various models that were offered in a 4x10 format, largely because that’s not necessarily the configuration that springs to mind when you think of a Boogie). If you have the opportunity, I would recommend checking out 3 other models that I think might fit into the “Nomadic”, “forgotten” Mesas group; the Maverick, the Blue Angel & the Trem-O-Verb. All fantastic amps that really don’t seem to get mentioned all that often. Thanks again for the thoughtful & insightful video (I subscribed, obviously)!

[@JackFossett]

Thank you kindly! Yeah some of those I know of but there are others I don’t, there were also the recent Recto-Verbs among others. Funny you should mention the 4x10, there have been a number of 4x10 Nomads around here used in the past year that I’ve thought about getting as well. Right now I have my eye on a purple 1x12 Express that’s nearby...

[@hunkymcstudleypants7722]

I have a nomad head that I play thru a custom 1×12 cab. Found it on Craigslist a few years ago for $350 I think. The reviews weren't great, but one said "this is the perfect amp if you play in a cover band". Just so happens that I play in one of those. I love it. The reverb works, but the footswitch doesn't engage it so I use pedals. The fx loop is.... bizarre - there may be an issue with it, I stopped using it. There's an odd issue that pops up sometimes where the vintage setting on all 3 channels is barely there - sounds like a tube/power issue. If I put it in standby and let it warm up for 10-15 min, it's all good again. I plan to crack it open one of these days and give it a thorough tune-up if ever there's enough of a break between gigs (or when it inevitably dies and forces my hand). Great vid, glad to know I'm not the only one who appreciates these relics.

[@fermnotsoft]

For some reason I ended up with the black sheep of every amp family. I have a blackstar ht5, marshall jcm900 4500, mesa nomad 100 and dc2. I find myself playing the mesas almost exclusively. The best part is I only paid $650 total for both mesas. Amazing deals on these amps are out there.

[@Jamaicobwastakenalready]

HT5 is the only Black star amp I ever liked 😂. Currently playing through the Nomad 55 2x12 though I used to run the 100-watt head through a Marshall 1960A cab 10 years ago which was one of the best high gain sounds one could imagine.

[@JB-su3eq]

Man, I really like your take on things. I wish we could have played together coming up. You're a genius in the way you think. I have 3 Nomads. 1x12, 45 watt, 2x12, 45 watt (which is the absolute butter of life) and a 4x10 55 watt. These amps take time to work with....but once you find the spots....there is no way you will think anything is better in an amplifier.

[@skubadoobie]

My friend has a Mesa nomad combo love playing it remember when he got it, I’m on the love it side, great tones, own a single recto verb combo and will never let it go

[@alreadydead6914]

I just bought my first Mesa last week. It's a Nomad 100 head that I'm running with my Randall RS125c cab (the one with two celestion v30s and an Eminence Legend 15). I've been tone searching for a long time until now. I play high gain metal and so far I've found there's nothing this amp can't do. I have a hard time believing other amps could do it better since I also own a Randall Rd100 and have had a bunch of other high gain amps in the past. This one just blows them away.

[@zacharydavid403]

100W heads rock. The 5 band just makes it so versatile. I also run it into a Recto 2x12 with the V30s and I find that it doesn't even need a boost or an overdrive really.

[@alreadydead6914]

@@zacharydavid403 I'd love to get a recto 2x12 for it eventually. It took me a while to figure out how to dial it in but after I did it just sounds amazing

[@thomcat1969x]

I bought my first mesa new in 99, the rocket 44. I've been a total fan ever since. I agree with you about the nomad, mesa is always evolving and their circuits have controls that respond accordingly. I was lucky to have my first mesa be a basic single channel amp with 3 modes. Once I knew how the knobs interacted with each other it was amazing that this little 1X12 had so much tone. But to underscore the point of the video, once you learn how boogie circuits are dialed in, you begin to really unlock what these amps can do. I have 2 mark series, rocket 44, Recto verb 25, and a nomad 55 head. I've owned others but those are the keepers in my stable since buying the mark V, I don't see needing another amp. Ever. As for the nomad, it is a great amp for classic early boogie drive, it's amazing at doing a range of clean all the way to mid and high gain. I can only see the secret of this amp getting out there, I'm an original owner of mine for 22 years.

[@kmickp1166]

Great video/tones/playing Jack. Totally agree that Boogies are great amps, I bought a DC5 in 1994, gigged solidly for 5 years and had no issues, still have it today (2024), all original, still going strong though the pots are getting a bit noisey with accumulated dust I guess! I used it for rock/pop/blues in a cover band with strats & a Les Paul, it could do almost anything!

[@lordjs9726]

Interesting video. I learned a lot. Never had even heard about Mesa before watching this. Thanks for teachin' me new things, Jack. The only amps I've owned are either Fender, Marshall or Vox. Thanks from Lord JS.

[@dougdeforge2241]

I really like the old dual caliber stuff. Dc5 is an awesome combo amp.

[@GabiLotcu]

8 Years owner of a dc5 here and a studio pre

[@richardlynch5632]

Used to live in Petaluma, CA. for years...used to bug Randall and the folks way too much🤣 Melting pavement with my Boogie. Great amps 👍😎 As long as Randall is happy with Gibson, then I'm good with it as well. 👍😎❤🖖 Love brother

[@BrandonOutside]

Hell yeah! Glad to see the Nomad getting some love. I have a Nomad 100 head, which I’ve always used with a Marshall 212 cab, and I’ve always loved it. My main gripe with it you mentioned about halfway through: the actual physical weight. It’s a beast to lug around! I’ve been getting more into the trend of lunchbox and micro amps for this reason. But Mesa will always be special to me and I never plan on getting rid of it!

[@JackFossett]

Yeah I mean this one for me will be an at home amp - would have to be a pretty special occasion to use live. Honestly, I’m moving to HX for live stuff. I love my amps, but the level of control, features and the ease of use/transport from going digital has been a dream.

[@jerrychiasson9857]

@@JackFossett I just purchased a Mesa Boogie Mark V 25 I think it’s a fantastic amp…. I’m running 112 with it presently but I think I would like a 212 cab…. Toying with the idea of making two 12 cabinets For versatility and Portability….

[@jamesmalamute7874]

I just bought my 8th or 9th Nomad? Since 2006?? I just bought from Guitar Center a Near Mint 100 watt 1 x 12 combo. I am running it into a Mesa Rectifier Cabinet on the 60 watt mode with 6L6 Svetlana power tubes. I am still trying to get that sweet spot on both Orange, and Red channels. It does take time tweaking as you know just subtle attenuation of the potentiometers changes your tone. Orange Channel Modern, Red channel Vintage mode. You hit the NAIL ON THE HEAD when you say You have to use your Ears. All the tone is in there, its up to the player to take the time out to EQ it. Thanks for a Great review ♫♪♫

[@gregcameron5079]

Glad you found your Holy Grail Mesa, I have an Express 5-50 + with the Graphic nd I just love it. I still want a Mark V but this Express is just fantastic.

[@SteveSterlacci]

Nomad-er what you do, itll always sound good Jack O

[@JackFossett]

Hey thanks pal - you know me. I like the night life. I like to Boogie.

[@JB-su3eq]

DAAAAAAMMMMMNNNN. Have my babies.

[@kentuckyjim5108]

I have a 5/50 exspress love it !

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

My Mark IV has been pretty reliable considering what I have put it through over the years. One day it is going to need repairs and the bill is going to be high no doubt.

[@anthonyjones2261]

i bought my very first and only mesa boogie in 2015 a mesa nomad 55 1x12 combo sounds great its versatile yet simple, as it doesn't have what i refer to as ''''''unnecessary boogie stuff''''''' such as dyna watt, tweed power simul-class ect.. my only issues with it is there heavy(what boogies aren't) nice reverb untill you get to hi-gain, then you don't hear it that well and the parallel effects loop, , i modded mine with a push/pull pot so you can go back and forth between series and parallel so it still has the stock loop if you want it...all in all its not the(sleeper boogie) that some claim it to me,

[@ES_335]

I still have my Mesa Boogie Studio .22 amp which I purchased back in about 1980/1981...gotta say not my favourite amp but has been good as backup over the years.

[@JackFossett]

One day I want to get one back - it isn’t high on my priority list, but it IS on the list.

[@willclarke4631]

I’ve played a Nomad 4x45 for about 25 years. I was blown away the first day I played it and just as amazed when I practiced today. I’m a big fan of the el84s on the 45 and also own a Mark5 35 because of that. I love all three channels on the Nomad, I used to say 1 is good, 2 is better than 1, 3 is better than 2, but 1 blows 3 away. And that is true, channel 1 pushed or clean is my fav. I have never understood the bad press on the Nomad or the low resale cost. I will never sell mine. One word of wisdom from my experience, different pickups require drastically different settings on the amp to get that clarity and power in the sound. My Gretsch filtertron (6120) and hi-lotion (clipper) always sound fantastic, but my bare knuckle single coils (jag/mustang), mini-hums (firebird) and mmk (matsomoku) required careful setup on all 3 channels. Once dialed all my guitars are mind blowing through the Nomad.

[@MrJHate]

I love hunting down uncommon Mesa amps. I've owned a 1st series Rectoverb, a DC-3 and now I've got a Subway Rocket. I LOVE how cool these amps are.

[@JackFossett]

I literally want every one of those amps. I just got a Studio 22 also

[@MrJHate]

@@JackFossett DAMNIT! I almost got my hands on one of those but someone bought it out from under me. You used to be able to get any one of those under $500, but it seems they're inflating along with everything else. I think I paid $750 for my rocket, but it's probably my favorite amp I've ever owned.

[@joshuafernandes4935]

The Dc-3 is amazing.....it just sings on the lead channel and the clean channel sounds really good too. if you connect the speaker output to a fender cab it sounds just like a fender clean (I connect my speaker out from dc -3 to my fender blues junior speaker and it sounds better than my fender blues junior)

[@addieandleesfunplayaddiean7325]

I have the DC3 1 x 12 combo. Just a great amp. It has the Vintage 30 speaker.

[@davidtolliver2048]

Thanks for the get vid. Picked up my 1st Boogie last month, a Nomad 55 4X10. Still working on getting dialed in. Getting there.

[@alexgasiewski4970]

I wish I had the Randall Smith super charge my old fenders like he did as a joke on Barry Melton.

[@eole123456789]

Dude you're absolutely great at story time! I'm not even a gear nerd and I usually hate talky reviews but I really enjoyed listening to this whole thing.

[@stevemountford3707]

These amps get really mixed reviews. I’ve had a nomad 100 2x12 for about 15 years and I went from loving it (my first boogie) to hating it. It’s sat in its flight case for over a decade and when I read the the negative reviews I could relate to them. However, I recently got her out for old times sake and - with more experience and a more mature head on - I’ve been blown away with how good it really is. You honestly have to understand what you are doing with these amps and they are incredibly rewarding. Superb sound and I think they are a hidden classic. One thing that still bugs me with them though is why they decided to use the knobs with no indicator on them - very hard to see your setting on a dimly lit stage. That aside they are superb. Loved the video and your SG is giving me GAS 😆

[@MrRFasters]

Well. Grab your marker, punch a hole in your knob and fill with highlighter ink. Tadaaa ... (No pun intended)

[@billyhawkins5222]

Excellent video thanks for making it, my Nomad 45 is on the way I expect it in a couple of days. Watching this video has given me the background that I need. I had the Stiletto Trident then the Transatlantic TA-15 now a Rectoverb, all great amps but I think this maybe the one.

[@JackFossett]

Glad it was helpful!

[@victorycrosby4896]

Last Christmass I bought a stiletto excellent cond. At my local pawn for 800 bucks....well worth every penny,it's unique....I'm looking at a used 55 at my local music store for 795 bucks dropped down from a cool grand...they also gave a rectifier combo but It's much more expensive...the store owner said the 55 was serviced and re capped and delt with the typical issues of the amp model and I trust him he's honest and the only original store here since infected by g.c...... we got some decent pawn shops so I go local and g.c. can close.

[@astmagrooved]

Bought a second hand .50 Caliber in 1986, still using it live in 2023 ...

[@addieandleesfunplayaddiean7325]

I walked into Guitar Center yesterday and two managers said, “Mike, we have been waiting for you! We just got this Mesa Nomad 55 head w/foot switch in perfect condition with new Mullard EL34s and Electro Harmonix preamp tubes and your name immediately came up!” Sounds Awesome! I bought it right away for $550, which I think is a great price, particularly since it looks new. Hoping you see this and recommend the best 2x12 cab to use with Nomad 55 head! I use Clapton Strats.

[@juliochingaling5824]

Excellent video, well said use your ears and take ur time w the knobs, i had almost every Mesa models and love them all.

[@JRP3music]

I have the Nomad 100. At first I had an issue with excessive midrange. I put an Empress ParaEQ in the loop. It is series. I put 12ay7 tubes in V1 and V2. It is a versatile amp. I use a Maxon OD808 and Xotic SP. The idea of a 2nd eq was from trying out the JP2C. I play mostly 7 string guitars. I adjust the Empress ParaEQ on the fly depending on which guitar I use. I utilize Two Notes Torpedo Captor 8 to drive my stereo fx. Send the stereo outs to a pair of Two Notes Torpedo Cab M IR boxes. I use various amps for stereo. Lately I have been using 3 1x12 cabs. The center is dry. Or I just run 2 1x12 cabs.

[@mikethelord3980]

Nomads are great tone machines. I love my Nomad 45 1x12. Use it at home and studio. Would not use it on stage, cause you cant read the knobs. Use Deoxid for the pots from time to time. Great bang for the buck if you ask me. Extreme mode on the 45 is great on green channel if you are a „rocker“. So always keep it loud🤟

[@joeweickart5836]

First, thank you for your positive attitude and hope for a successful Mesa Gibson partnership. The nomad is one of the few I hVe not owned. As you said you MUST use your Ears! I still own too many of the odd mesas and can find many good tones in them. Own a Studio 22+ with the lead drive mod and a dc2 Blue Angel and Subway Blues. F100, Maverick. I think anyone with an open mind and good ears can find a good tone or three in any of these amps. Also read the manual and read it again. A lot of good info. Some mid controls have an entire normal mid range from 7 to 11 o’clock and then add gain. Which is different than just turning up the gain control. On some models presence controls on each channel look the same but effect a different range. Don’t be afraid to try bass knob at 8 o”clock. Use your ears, read the manual and enjoy the sounds. Thanks for a great review of the Nomad. Ne of the few I have not owned.

[@JackFossett]

Sure thing! I used to have a Studio 22 and I really regret getting rid of it. I'll try and get another sometime - the Subway Blues is actually another one I'd like to get my hands on. Kind of like a modded Princeton, right?

[@blujazz10000]

Sounds great, man. Thanks for the demo! New subscriber.😀

[@JackFossett]

Awesome, thank you!

[@SyntagmaStation]

Interesting video. I’m such a Fender devotee that I never even think about amps like this.

[@JB-su3eq]

You should. The original was based of the Prinston and everything ever since is literally just as good or better.

[@SyntagmaStation]

@@JB-su3eq ok

[@jamescassidy4045]

My Heartbreaker lives up to its name too!

[@liveconcerts7550]

I own Mesa Boogie Fillmore 50: really love its tones.

[@JackFossett]

Mmmm I want a Fillmore. Played one in a local store, one of the best amps I’ve played in years.

[@matthewcole6456]

I grabbed the Fillmore 25! It does it all!

[@Superstacco]

@@JackFossett How different are the clean and pushed tones on the Fillmore compared to the two modes on the Nomad's first channel?

[@JackFossett]

@@Superstacco hard to say, I have limited experience with the Fillmore and have never played the two back to back.

[@bigchocolate8547]

I have a studio caliber 22 great little sounding beast. I haven't played it with years already due to being spoiled by my Morgan AC20 deluxe and Friedman PT-20

[@JackFossett]

I briefly owned a Studio 22 and seriously regret selling it. Want to get another one someday

[@Hondo99]

I have a nomad 45 combo 1x12. It was my first real amp. Still have it. :)

[@JackFossett]

I had the 1x12 45 also, never should have gotten rid of it

[@jrockofages5413]

I have my Mark IIC Simulclass from 1984. Wish I could get it modded to C+. A real cherished treasure

[@troyarnzen3750]

I have 3 mesa boogie amps, I have a mark IV, a rev. G duel rectofier, these are heads, the one I use the most, because of its versatility is a Express 5:50+. This is a really great amp!

[@5150eruption]

Have a mesa boogie f30 absolutely love it! And have the mark 5. The f series to me is the best clean sound imo.

[@Art-zs6sl]

With the SG, the Nomad had a Tweed quality to my ears, that was interesting. Thanks for the great video, I subbed.

[@JackFossett]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ralphy6526]

I just picked up a used studio dc2 with the contour switch. Speaker is a celestion vintage 30, great sounding amp, I really like it.

[@davolk9525]

I have two Nomads: a 100 1x12 combo and a 55 1x12 combo. They are often referred to as the black sheep of the Mesa line and I can understand why. When I first got my 100, it was a muddy mess, but it was my fault. My biggest mistake was trying to use my usual "scooped mids" settings. This is a mids-heavy amp by design and I was trying to make it do something against it's nature. Once I stopped fighting it and embraced the mids, I was able to dial in some great tones. It was my lack of knowledge, patience, and understanding of how this amp works. One important thing to know about the Nomad is that the EQ knobs interact with each other, which is what makes it tricky. I've had them both for years now and I'm still tweaking and experimenting. I also spent hours researching and experimenting with preamp tubes to find the right set. One other thing - these amps like to be cranked. That's where the tone comes alive. If the volume is too low, the tone falls off a cliff fast. You nailed it when you said dial it in with your ears, not where you think the knobs should sound good. If you use your eyes instead of our ears, you will never get it right. If nothing else, read the manual. Mesa provides several sample settings to use as a foundation for dialing in your tone. I have my green channel set at the edge of break up, orange set with a warm but heavy crunch, and red I use as my lead channel for heavier songs (the red channel has been the most challenging for me). I bought both for about $500 each several years ago but I've noticed the market has increased lately. I think people are realizing it's value and purpose. I've toyed with selling my 100 to fund another amp. But at the end of the day, I can't part with it because I wouldn't be able to replace it once sellers remorse set in. I won't part with either.

[@vk3fbab]

I just converted my nomad 2x12 into a head. Then moved my heartbreaker into the cab. I brought the nomad brand new but it's hard to get sounding great. I've got a mark V and that's awesome. I had a subway and that was awesome. Nomad just isn't as strong as those. The mark V can be just as clean as the nomad. However it can do heaps more with the other 2 channels. Maybe I'd use the nomad as a clean amp. We'll see what if I ever use it as a head. I modded one of the caps to make it less muddy and that kind of helped but it wasn't a huge change.

[@mwpv11]

I might try to get one of these. I’ve always done Fender and Marshalls

[@kingpants8764]

The cleans are really great man! . I had the nomad 45 and the cleans are pretty close to the lonestar. I lil less sparkly. It's softer and a lil more rounded off a sound then fender cleans but mess cleans have always been softer/ smother than fender sparkle.

[@JackFossett]

Thanks! I agree with you - the Fenders have more sparkle, but along with the sparkle can be some spikiness that’s tricky sometimes. The Mesa has, I want to say, a more even clean tone. Not flat, just even.

[@JackFossett]

Try one! They’re awesome amps.

[@mwpv11]

Are these heavy to lug around?

[@mwpv11]

@@JackFossett For me at 71weight is a factor. I stopped using myTwinbecause it was just too much to carry. Now whenI play a gig I use my Boss Katana 50 or my Fender Princeton. I also use my new Fender 50 watt amp which is very light.

[@MegaChoo2]

If this guy isn’t an engineer, he should have been. He has “The Knack.”

[@gtrguy562]

I have a '98 Subway Rocket Reverb in maple cabinet with a wicker grill. It is paired with a matching 1x12 closed back cabinet. And it is a tone MONSTER! I play hard rock/ heavey metal, and this amp covers everything from pristine clean, to punch a hole in your chest hi gain! LOVE MY BOOGIE!

[@colinpadley1897]

I guess the reason the tutor sold the amp, was the weight. I've got a nomad 45 and my reverb isnt working on channel three.

[@wangd000dle]

I got a studio caliber DC-2 a couple of years ago and it's a fantastic little amp. I'm really thinking about picking up a nomad 45 locally

[@JRP3music]

I use 2 gates to kill hum. Boss NS-2 infront and the loop with the Empress ParaEQ. The Xotic SP compressor and Maxon OD 808 add a bit more hum so I use a TC electronic Iron Curtain that knocks out additional hum. I will eventually get a 2nd ISP Decimator X G Micro which works similar to the NS-2 with a loop. It is effective by itself. I use that currently with my EVH 5150III EL34 50 head.

[@rogiemac]

Just picked up my first Boogie this past weekend. Simple little used Express 5:25+. Mint condition. Ive wanted an MB for many years, but never could justify spending that much. Now that Im getting to be an old geezer, I said F it, and went for it. Plus, my wife said I could get it :)~

[@JackFossett]

Nice! Those are great amps.

[@Nobody92421]

I just grabbed a Nomad 55 1x12 combo for less than a Blues Jr... Dude.... My man... It's beat up. Needs some repairs, but... all 3 channels work and the FX loop.. It's still ASTOUNDING. Ima fan.

[@JackFossett]

Aren’t they awesome? They’ve been so maligned over the years but I just love them.

[@FC-cz6zd]

Had an F30. Wish I still had it.

[@addieandleesfunplayaddiean7325]

Hope you got the Studio 22+! It is an incredibly beautiful sounding amp. Beautiful overdrive and maybe the most beautiful clean tone channel of any amp I’ve ever played. I’ve used a Mark I since 1985. Love it! Lonestar 2x12 and a Stiletto 1x12 also. Not wild about the LS and Stiletto so I sold them. Just got the Nomad 55 head. Currently have the DC3, which is a really great amp. I also have the Heartbreaker, a 1996, that is beautiful, versatile, full of possibilities and weighs as much as a Mack Truck! Also have a 1x12 Electra Dyne. That’s a Mesa worth buying as well. Again, beautiful cleans! But the the Dyne has the overdrive and crunch that sound really good. A little heavy too. My next target-the 5:50!

[@MB-rc8ie]

3:36 that's a cool comparison

[@willewilpola]

Great amplifier, it really is

[@Superstacco]

I've had my Nomad 55 since 98-99. It's a beast. My only gripe is that my fave tones are channel one clean, channel two on orange/vintage and channel two AGAIN on red/modern. Orange is pure Santana, Red Dirt-era Alice in Chains. I wonder if it can be modded so all three are available at the same time (ie, cloning channel 2 on channel 3). I actually prefer the vintage mode on Ch3 (sounds like a cross between early VH and modern era Jeff Beck). Ch3's red mode is awesome, but I find the modern mode in ch2 so much girthier.

[@mrshiney2]

I did ... I scooped up Trans Atlantic 15. My only knock is no fx loop but as far as tone it kills

[@JackFossett]

Nice! Those were the little Vox inspired amps right?

[@mrshiney2]

@@JackFossett Yes it has two channels 1) is the VOX side, very chimey,,,2) is 3 modes, F Tweed JCM and pure Boogie MK

[@JackFossett]

@@mrshiney2 Gotta love how much Mesa can pack into one amp

[@DK-ul5xx]

My nomad 100 combo is a monster total tone beast

[@TIMMY512002]

Great video !! I agree with everything. I own a Subway Blues mk2 Subway Rocket Express 5:25+ Express 5:50. I would really have a hard time choosing a favorite or letting any of them go. Great amps! Great tones !

[@reneotten7376]

No Mad? Yes, MAD!

[@electronicbattlefield2442]

My drummer donated his old Nomad 55 4x10 to me, Clean channel sounds just like my Twin Reverb

[@JackFossett]

The guy that I bought this from pretty plainly said the best amps ever are Fender Blackface or some modded versions thereof

[@electronicbattlefield2442]

@@JackFossett Run it stereo w the Twin.

[@JackFossett]

@@electronicbattlefield2442 as great as that would sound, that’s a studio setup right there. I don’t have the energy to lug that amount of weight to a show

[@electronicbattlefield2442]

@@JackFossett they key to a live setup w that power is to make them both heads w cabs. You're welcome ;)

[@jaysaccane9716]

Happy to hear some love for the old nomad. I have a 1 x 12 55 nomad. I've found it to be a great pedal platform. Would be interested to get a run down on the settings you used for this video. Always want to learn some things I haven't tried with mine. Thanks for the inspiration!!

[@michaelkampf1001]

i have eight mesas, but the nomad is the very best....it can go from prestine clean to heavy recto roaaaaaarrrrr )

[@ryantandy307]

I recently acquired a Nomad 55 2x12 in trade. Jack has demonstrated very accurately that the Nomad is exceptionally smooth, responsive, and musical. Not many amps can be loud and quiet at the same time, savvy? I traded off a Budda 1x12 one-up for it, and also acquired a cheap Indo semi-hollow in the deal. I later traded up the Indo for a Peavey Windsor half stack. But enough about me. My particular 55 has extensive feature modding, executed by one of a string of former owners. It has the internet-documented neg feedback disengage switch, which puts a little more wood to stiffen up the top end, both on transients and sustained notes, and also a Nomad 45-style "extreme" switch. Both of these mods effect the green channel only, which is probably now the single best clean channel in the tri-state area. I don't believe the Celestion Vintage 30s are original. These mods are all value-adding, but I don't know who performed them. I do know that this amp has been floating around NYC for some time, I've seen it on and off the local Craigslist for many years! One potential hang up I have is that the tube sockets rest on the circuit board which itself has some iffy anchoring, or is too lengthy to feel firm. Tube swaps feel like you are one step from snapping it beneath. And people who complain about dialing would be amiss. The layout is simple (three identical channels with discrete controls for each!) and dialing is certainly easier than on any Mark (no random pushes, pulls, shared controls, etc). Hey listen, all amps require dialing. ALL AMPS REQUIRE DIALING. Sorry. I owned a Mark IV, and own a Maverick dual rec; the Nomad is an easier dialer than both, ok? So that's my book! Thanks for the vid and good recording, Jack! You do a great service to the guitar community!

[@thomasestrada5215]

Never owned one live close to the Hollywood store and go in and play them would love the mark 5 25

[@joshpaulschram]

nomad 55 1x12" owner. bought it used with a road case late 90s

[@robstewart1371]

I played one in the late 90's in Mars Music and was blown away. I didn't buy it because of the price and have kicked myself every day for the last 20+ years. Maybe I should go on reverb and pick up a used one.

[@JackFossett]

they're still not terribly expensive used. Maybe that will change once the "Pre-Gibson" thing really takes hold.

[@thechannelforeverything2170]

I've got a Mark IV Rev A. Amazing dare I say Dumbly cleans, great tweedy breakup, ultra chuggy scoop, epic lead tones, 90's 7 String brutality. So many options, so little time.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

This is about the period Mesa started adding so many knobs, it got confusing. I like my S O B cause it's 7 knobs and quite simple. Built in 85 and mine's stored in a road case. I contacted Mesa before I bought mine. They said if you want that high gain metal amp this ain't it. I said I want that Santana Boogie sound. They still didn't recommend this 1. I didn't really understand their thinking cause that's what this amp does best. I'll never sell this amp.

[@Tonetwisters]

THE best amp they ever made -- IMHO -- was the Rocket 440, with 4X10. The articulation of that amp was just phenomenal. Better speakers would have given it better bottom end. But that was actually secondary compared to the clarity of this amp. The main problem with MB, is their complication. TOO many things to go wrong, cheap tubes even brand new, and amp techs hate working on these amps because there is so much to deal with along with the printed circuit boards. The Stiletto series was also an incredible sounding group. A better Marshall than Marshall.

[@JackFossett]

Nice - I’ve never played the rocket but I have played the Stiletto and I agree, awesome amps. I’d love to grab a used Electradyne someday too. I’m no tech but I can imagine there’s a lot to figure out if something goes wrong

[@JimThompson-i3u]

There are only two Mesa amps I want. The Lone Star and the ElectraDyne.

[@JackFossett]

Great amps

[@JimThompson-i3u]

@@JackFossett The only thing that scares me about buying used Mesas is I've seen a few amp repair channels. Most of them won't even take Mesa amps in.

[@levijessegonzalez3629]

Thanks for the in depth video! The 45 always appealed to me as another dude on KZbin got AMAZING tones with the 45. I have a chance to buy a 45 212 for $520. How does the 45 compare to the 55? I heard they are very different

[@JackFossett]

I used to own a 1x12 45 and I don’t think it was all that different to be honest, but that was also years ago, I’ve never played them back to back

[@levijessegonzalez3629]

@@JackFossett the 45 is the only nomad that has an "extreme/normal" switch which engages / disengages a negative feedback circuit. So that's one reason why im thinking if the 45. also I always liked el84s which the 45 has...

[@rondobondo6600]

I really like the Mesa boogie subway blues

[@LeakyBucketHandle]

I’d love a nomad

[@antoonhermans8953]

i 've had a mark 3 for 8 years and then sold to a local musicshop for who offered me a low ball price , ah man , sometimes i still have nightmares about it : )

[@JackFossett]

We’ve all been there. I’ve been taken advantage of in a deal or two myself. Live and learn I guess.

[@graemero5532]

Always enjoy your videos Jack, but Mesa amps have never really piqued my interest. Different strokes I guess.

[@JackFossett]

Np! Not everything is for everyone.

[@alexanderlumberjack]

There is a mesa nomad for sale in my area but its a combo that was modded to be a head.. Think its worth $450?

[@JackFossett]

Modded ones are hard to say what true “value” is but I think $450 is reasonable as long as it works and was done well.

[@vl292]

I've had some boogie amps, rectoverb, subway rocket reverb, studio pre, mk2, mk3, mk4 and still have studio .22, mk3 and dual recto. I just get my tone out of these. I liked the brand a lot until they were acquired by gibson. Current gibson management is skum. Maybe they play authentic but they're scum. Boogie amps have not been available in europe ever since so yeah, well done i guess. I have taped the gibson logo on my lp even though it's +30 years old and has nothing to so with those weasels, but still tape is not coming of any time soon even though that might help me play authentic. Never tried a nomad even though have considered buying one of those several times. The main thing i associate with nomad is reliability issues.

[@mrshiney2]

Have you had a chance to play a Fillmore? Thats the one that I am really curious about....top dollar though

[@JackFossett]

Fillmores are great; I’d like one too - the thing is I don’t know that they’re objectively any better than some of these older models that you can grab for way less money

[@mrshiney2]

@@JackFossett Yeah agreed. My concern is with the older Mesa's there is a good chance I would have to get it to Petaluma for some service upgrades, then I am in for another $500. 4x10 is a real pig too, already got a 66 SR I can hardly budge. As you have so rightly pointed out, I do think that Mesa has reached a pinnacle of designs that work and are proven. My thinking is that with a Fillmore its all just right there, seems to be some nice variations on classic Fender sounds. Anyway love your discussion

[@JackFossett]

@@mrshiney2 Yeah I agree on all points. I've heard that techs hate working on Mesas because they're so complex. I definitely think the Fillmore is a great amp, they're also smaller and much lighter - but again, quality of tone wise they're probably not $1k better than their old counterparts, the extra money just goes to them being newer and potentially more reliable

[@mrshiney2]

@@JackFossett Hey man ever played a Stiletto?

[@JackFossett]

@@mrshiney2 yes but not for like 12 years or so - Aggressive British tone from what I recall. Great amps

[@danyeo]

Hated the Nomad. Mud machine, couldn’t give it away fast enough!

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

Mesa is so weird, they will put out a great amp for 3-5 years, then completely abandon it. Who else does that? SO MANY great, orphan mesa amp series out there.

[@JackFossett]

Right? It’s like a band writing a great song and never playing it again after a few tours.

[@ManchurianCounterweight]

@@JackFossett lol right! I have an F-50 that is awesome, but they dropped that line quickly, back in the day. It is related to the Nomad, I understand, perhaps a precursor. But this habit of Mesa's really screws with retail value in the used market. Nomads, Blue Angels, Dual Recto Mavericks (why did they stop those, they were so good!), single recs, triple recs, F series, Trans Atalantic, the Electrodynes (SO awesome! Why did they stop?) and on and on.

[@mrshiney2]

I Ijust spotted a Nomad 45 , no EQ 4x10 Jensen for $550...what say you?

[@JackFossett]

Very good deal. Ive never missed the EQ on this amp, that always seemed more of a high gain Mesa thing to me, albeit it is versatile. But this amp model can be dialed in plenty of versatile ways without it. The only downside to them is the weight.

[@davolk9525]

That's a low price these days. FYI, the 100 and 55 both use 6L6/EL34 power tubes but the 45 uses EL84s. It will sound different. My buddy had a 45 and it sounded great. There is one 45 1x12 on Guitar Center for $900, which is where the market has gone. There's a couple on Reverb for less but if you can get a 45 for $550, I'd do it. BTW, the EQ only came on the 100 watt Nomad. I like it but don't miss it on my 55.

[@tankdarla637]

I found one for $750, Mesa is my grail, should I?

[@JackFossett]

Its a great amp -- that seems slightly on the high end price wise. But at least try it out.

[@tankdarla637]

@@JackFossett Thanks you. I found more on reverb starting at $1000! Maybe they went up? I have a killer 50watt randall but you have to play it so loud for it to sound right. I thought the mesa might be perfect and capable of lower volumes when wanted. I am going to see if I can go test the Mesa.

[@tankdarla637]

Oh man I am sorry I am talking about the dual rectifier maverick, my mistake

[@johnclark1925]

Good tone is good tone. As you say… use your ears not your eyes… I just picked up another of the ‘ugly stepchildren’ the F50… I am getting good sounds out of it. Ignore everyone but your ears.

[@JackFossett]

Exactly. I always liked the F series, alot of great amps in that line. I believe they were somehow related to the Nomad as far as amp lineage goes, but I forget how.

[@Tiler-ju9zl]

Glad I Fast faward. Do U even play

[@WhiteOakAmps]

For me, the Nomad sounded good on paper. Having owned a Nomad 45 4x10 and a Nomad 100 head, I have to say I have never had a Nomad that could be trusted to replicate a good sound from one room to another. They are the least robust of all Mesa architectures. They break easy compared to the Mark or Studio series, which withstand hotel fires. The Knobs are small and difficult to navigate on stage and despite small radius, turn too easily which makes the argument of a sweet spot nearly negligible. Of all Mesa amps, I tell folks to stay away from the Nomads. But each can choose their poison: if all one wants is a pedal platform, it could be fine.

[@JackFossett]

Well I don't disagree with the reliability -- I've actually owned three Nomads, originally a 2x12 55, then a 1x12 45, and then this 55 which is different than the first I owned. Each had mechanical issues, and I know the former owner of this one at one point had it sent back to Mesa to have the pots all replaced, which apparently was standard among these amps. But I love them nevertheless.