All user reviews for the Mesa Boogie F50 1x12 Combo

All-tube mesa hand-made in the States, 50 watts on steroids, 2 completely independent channels, comprehensive connection options (effects loop, headphone out, recording output, etc.).
This model hasn't been manufactured for several years, you can only find it secondhand. It's a great opportunity to make yourself with an amp that remains affordable without compromising on quality, power, sound, and reliability.

USE

You need to spend some time with it to dial it in, you ought to start with the controls at the center and take it from there to get the sound you want.
It's intuitive.
The knob that's hardest to dial in is...the volume control on the distortion channel

You need to find the right balance so you can make the best of the Mesa sound and dynamic response without quarreling with your band mates.
I'm still experimenting with it.
The manual is very clear and instructive, it has examples but also general information on the tubes, impedance, bias, etc.

SOUND

I used to play a Fender Performer 1000, which provided good and loyal services for almost 20 years, the f50 gives me more power and, especially, cleanliness, precision and dynamic response.
The clean channel of my F50 has nothing to envy a clean Fender sound.
It's warm, precise and expressive.
It has two modes: One is precise and sharp, almost impossible to distort, ideal for funk; the second mode goes from crunch to distortion as you increase the gain.
There's plenty to do with these two modes on the clean channel.

The gain channel is extremely powerful..
At low volumes (between 7 and 9 o'clock) it's straightforward and precise, but it lacks some suppleness.
Beyond that, its smoothness and felinity start to appear...as well as the decibels
I use it with an attenuator and I get the sound I want for rock, hard rock, very close to a fusion sound.

The Boost mode accessible with the footswitch allows you to gain dBs on the gain channel, while shaping the sound. It's perfect for solos, but also to give the riffs more energy.

This amp is very good and is self-sufficient, you can do without any pedals and multi-effects to get a precise and classic sound that will cut through a mix easily.

I use it with a US Strat and the music leads on!
Depending on my mood, I sometimes use it with a TC-Electonic nova system in the loop (parallel), setting the loop to 100%.
The sound turns much more modern, more FM rock, less classic, but it remains precise.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had this amp for almost a year, but I have the impression of having owned it forever, it has become a part of me. In comparison, all other amps seem dull or artificial.
I have tested quite a lot of amps...But I prefer mine, its sound seems more "organic," more versatile, without compromises.


What I like most: The sound's precision and dynamic response, but also the two fully independent channels, which offer a remarkable versatility without compromising the sound in the slightest.
What I like least: Way too much power for rehearsals, which forces me to use an attenuator.

You can find it secondhand for about $1000. It's a safe bet from a mythical brand worth its reputation in terms of manufacturing quality and reliability.
Excellent value for money secondhand, its price almost doesn't go down, it's a great investment!
Sometimes I even regret not having bought this amp before...

Mesa boogie is really known for their extremely well built and roadworthy amplifiers. They built some of the best sounding and easily most recognized amplifiers in the world. You get a nice thick natural saturation and compression that makes Mesa boogie's sound only like themselves. They have such an organic and surreal tone that is been used in multiple gigging and recording sessions of my own.

UTILIZATION

F-50™ Amplifier
FEATURES:

Handbuilt in the USA

50 Watts, Class A/B Power / 2x6L6, 4x12AX7

Fixed Bias for Consistent, Maintenance Free Performance

2 Fully Independent Channels, 3 Footswitchable Sounds (Channel 1, 2 & 2 w/Contour)

Independent Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Reverb & Master Controls per Channel

Pull Bright (Channel 1)

Contour Switch (Channel 2)

Long Tank Spring Reverb

Parallel FX Loop w/Mix Control

Record / Headphone Output

Silent Record Mute Switch

3 Button Footswitch (Channel 1/2, Reverb & Contour)

Slip Cover

SOUNDS


The tone of this lamp is a nice warm thick saturated tone. It's a cool little amp if you need something that's very small compact and easy to move around. You basically have two independent channels that features to 6L6 power tubes. You have 50 W of power and most importantly this is a nice little practice amplifier. You have a record or headphone output which allows someone to play silently with headphones on. With that little feature it pretty much tells you all you need to know about this amplifier. It's simply a Mesa boogie amplifier built for someone who needs a small practice amp.

OVERALL OPINION


These amplifiers have been discontinued first some time now but you can find them on the use classified sections fairly easily. They're pretty popular amplifier and they have a great sound and a great tone and you probably won't have to worry about them breaking down too often.

50 watt tube combo amplifier
2 6L6 power tubes, 4 12AX7 preamp tubes
2 channels
Spring reverb
Bright switch on the clean channel (push-pull pot)
Effects loop
Direct recording output
Footswitch controls channel selection, contour control, reverb

UTILIZATION

This little amp screams! It is plenty loud enough to use in most clubs, and it gets great sounds. The controls are laid out in an easy to use, logical fashion. The F-50 has a very nice, sturdy footswitch to control the reverb on/off, channel selection, and the contour control on/off. Durability has never been a real issue with Mesa amps as a whole, and I've never experienced any reliability issues with this amp.

SOUNDS

The amp definitely has a tone of its own, but it allows the natural tone of whatever guitar is running through it to shine through. Les Pauls sound Les Pauls, Strats like Strats, etc. This is a good thing - I'm not a fan of amps in which any guitar run through it sounds the same. Since the amp is so responsive, it allows all techniques with the strings to come through clearly. What I mean is, the amp may have a great tone, but it does not flatter the player - it shines a spotlight on any and all mistakes, forcing the player to play well or go home!

The clean is very Fender-like, and the saturation channel sings, like a real Boogie should! The reverb is ultra-luscious, and the contour control can impart a nice "scooped" sound for metal.

OVERALL OPINION

Overall, this is a fantastic amplifier from Mesa. It is compact enough to take to gigs in a small car, and loud enough to stand up to a drumset. The durability is great, and the tone of this little beast is top notch. I wish they still made this same design, but the Express series they have now is pretty nice as well. 9 out of 10.

Same is also true that the pedal seems fragile ... it is highly expected a slight one other thing once you just bring the amp ...

UTILIZATION

Very intuitive configuration to clear sound ... easy to adjust, for against the distorted sounds are hot ... get a clear manual which can be useful for finding sounds ...

SOUNDS

I play a little every style of rock ... amp versatile enough blues rock metal funk, no problem. I play it with an old (in every sense) Samik floyd, a multi purpose korg AX1500. In concert or repeating as I use the combo head and I plugged into a Marshall cabinet ... the clean sound is pretty great and everything is possible ... with saturated channel must be set carefully and then focus CA ears ... spit! all styles are playable with this channel but with the grain mesa course ... I use the boost for solos (boost = saturation abuse)
ps: saturation is ultra prcise, no bread is allowed ... and finally the reverb is not used much in my opinion ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 4 months, j'tais parties in the IDE head + cabinet before my purchase: I tried to moult and moult amps to the point of wanting to buy the Line 6 HD147 because of its versatility, and then I tried the f50 by chance and I bought it the week with a Marshall cabinet (2200 euros the whole nine). Warning: this is not an amp for apartment and it is far too powerful ... it's limit even in a small bar ... when you're a 4 / 10 the volume in saturated gnerale you includes a battery that is a cot for you.
Now if I change my amp, I would type in the brunetti, engl or mesa-end but not below ... there is still a world of difference between a mesa and a marshall ...
quality price ratio correct, the quality is what pays ...
I do it again without hesitation in the choice situation or I (2.3 week repeats, one concert per month), when I lug around the beef combo and if it's serious I bring the baffle with no ... cons right? (C'tait the argument of the seller to sell me )
If I had the tune: I have a f30 with me, and corrected for the double scene. The f50 is a good compromise, and I must say it's very high quality, simple and robust ...

- What kind of amplification (lamp, transistor ,...)?

everything lamps (2x6l6 + 5 12AX7

- What is the power dlivre?

50W (Manly VERSION!)

- What connection?

jack ..
- What are the rglages the effects? ...
master, gain, treble, middle, bass, reverb (for each channel)
2 channels, 2 channel mode (clean, clean bright / saturation mode and "contour"

input output FX button "mute" the HP for direct recording from a terminal,
2 out of 4 Hp homs.

UTILIZATION

- The configuration is it simple?

Yes!

- Gets it easy to sound good?

no, it must grow, it requires only AC, and make his own sound. the typical setting change in apartments live.

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

no use ..

SOUNDS

- Is it your style of music?

has all the styles, amp probably INTENDED ultra versatile and ultra compact. therefore

- With what (s) guitar (s) / low (s) or effect (s) do you play?

ESP Horizon Custom Deluxe, Hamer Diablo, copy telecaster, les paul copy, 20 dinky Kackson js.

- What kind of sound you get and with what rglages ("crystalline", "bold ",....)?
it all depends on the guitar, this little amp responds to the attack / (and) / the guitar.

the clean sound is rather warm, nice for walks, engages with the "bright", we can hit funk, funky see slightly crunchy, or even a crunch with the gain back.
- What are the sounds you prfrez, you dtest?

I love all the sounds but one - the sound without the saturated mode "contour" (sort of boost solo)

I set the saturation of this mode, and to boost the solos, a pedal-type nitro or tube screamer and go!

one - for the reverb that I find a little too synthetic ... damn bad, bad!

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?

qq weeks
- What is the particular feature you like best and least?

least, the reverb, the fact of not being able to start the mode bright football. Everything else! it's Mesa, we like it or not, matter of taste.
Mesa for the buyer who wants to know the brand and style, it is a good alternative, it is not correct, but you will find a lot of sounds.

ideal for against the musico's playing in pub or bar, 50W more than enough to move while remaining a volume that is fun ... and the amp combo version is therefore easily transportable. that was cool! finished the 4x12 on the back! O)

different pallette of sounds and rich enough) whether trying the knobs have played on the guitar, it enriches the sound. (Another - for the bright mode without football!) Ca I find it very sucks!

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
ha yes instead

- How do you report qualitprix?
expensive, though, it's Mesa, good finish and composition perfect, we buy not one every 2 years ... made to last, very good finish, we see that the big anyway, is to send potato, footswitch looking a little lightweight (aluminum style) we'll see if I crush it or not!

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ..

yes, but 100 watts! O)
[/ B] attention, this amp (for my taste) is to expand on a 4X12, the grain sounds completely different, her little black shadow of HP 90W gives him a distant and his "box", but with a 4x12, ca sends pat! (I would put my Carvin 4x12 and deposit ca)

Hello

Hey ben ... as Mr. there is no better value
Avoid this
This is my second because the first whistle by himself, back to the store to return it to the importer CAMAC, return of the beast after 2 weeks, EXACTLY LIKE THIS ...
CAMAC me a brand new book, and there except that IDEM does not have the same sound as the first, except for the whistle on boosted channel.
Call in CAMAC who are still allowed me to say it's normal for the amp and whistles should not be used at high volume (not marked in the doc) finally to € 1800 I want a 50W and not a 25W with a snake in his glasses.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT REQUEST TO COUNCIL AT MESA BOOGIE They did WHAT THEY ARE NOT FOR SALE TO HELP YOU, PAY AND SHUT UP !!!!!!!

DO NOT BUY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES

UTILIZATION

YES FOR THE BACK STORE
A bit of tape, cardboard and HOP!

SOUNDS

If I could put some of his, I could tell

OVERALL OPINION

1H + 1H 2 EAR AND AFTER LESS THAN A CAUSE OF LARSEN

Ditto

connection complte
say anything

UTILIZATION

Say anything except that the storage of footswitch is not the most practical
amp a little heavy all of the same, but unfortunately for the amps lamps, the quality goes up with weight

SOUNDS

Start with one or jazz guitar, it's beautiful round, rich, warm
switch the gain clear sound is very practical, it smacks of the sound stratum properly.
the distos are superb,
the sound is not as good in the hard style trash mtal death and so on.
there is a saturation boost in handy to go over for solos
BMOL only, the background noise quite large.
if the amp is ultra powerful.
this can be frustrating if the style of music does not need jou not many watts

OVERALL OPINION

I've had 8 months
is a high end amp that is worth its price.
I think the collgue 2 reviews below had no chance and dropped by the receiver colr, has understandably, that said, I am not at all agree.
this amp is versatile because it is simply good quality and it brings out the qualities of a guitar sound, if it in a. ..
I tried the VOX AC30, Randall, Orange, Koch Twintone, JM900 marshall, fender blues junior
possibly the only gallery on the F-50 is Twintone Koch, but Koch, it remains little known in France trs.
The mesa has a TRS connector complte
not much blamed by the weight can be (26kg) but at the same time we get something for nothing ... more you need to type in lightweight amps of a different order.

50W all-tube amp
2 channels with EQ complte spars on each channel.
Nickel finish

UTILIZATION

Rglages super efficient
Easily obtained "SOUND"
Manuel unnecessary

SOUNDS

Suitable for all styles

OVERALL OPINION

Well, I either do not know what happened aldimeo but I think his gear is + involved in the question ... bte Mesa does not need to be justified because this brand n ' has more to prove!

This amp is just a killing.
I tried two times and I found the sound better than my Vox AC30 Dfine CC2X (I do not even talk to my marshall ... compare what can be) and especially more portable!
I play classic gibson LP custom, and I found this amp sound like never scratches, soft desire, lens at the same time, an extraordinary dynamiquez ... there is nothing to say except that the price is indeed prohibitive but good for an amp of this caliber and ct "powerful yet portable" It does.
+++++ I recommend if your budget allows.

50W all-tube combo!!
An insert jack on the front
insert an effects loop (with potentiometer setting)
2 hp output and 1/8ohm 1/4ohm (super convenient to connect your HP preferred!
A special output jack for the studio with Mute!
Built-in effects: Reverb

UTILIZATION

This combo of size quite correct, the weight fairly substantial (although any resonance for a lamp) is to use everything from simple!
It is lighter, the sound is there! Be careful to use only when the neighborhood is missing!
The manual is very comprehensive, but honestly we can manage without the beast is so easy to use basic!
Now "Basic" does not mean small! Be careful of the panels are now warm and clear sound distortion Christalin to the most monstrous!

SOUNDS

All styles of music going on there, jazz, funk, blues, reggea, rock, hard rock ..... Anyway a true chameleon!
Myself I use most often with my Les Paul Custom! I have a fine selection déjas sonor! Change your guitar it will give the best for your guitar transsander always!
IT does not alter the instrument, and that's what I like most!

OVERALL OPINION

Voià it's been two years since I use the F-50 every time with the same pleasure I not change it, I really found a good companion!
Yet this is fifteen years that I play the electric guitar and I never found an equivalent in value for money!
Except some old Fender combos (the light) Marshal (distortion), often mistreated by their former owner!
Pedal Switch (2, channel 1 / 2 and reverb) that accompanies the F-50 is lightweight with a solid connection. Too bad it lacks an LED indicator plugs for reverb (not the amp as the pedal).
ATTENTION THIS IS there an amp installed everything by hand, not printed circuit unchangeable if the failure occurs!
This is a purchase for life if you take care!
Buy your amps is what they deserve: a sheath, and analog pedals NO DIGITAL let alone MULTIEFFECTS that only break its all your lamp!
If you decided to invest in this type of amp there is likely to regret it!
NB: Please ask within six months of purchase, change lamps on some amp lights the very hallmark appears fragile (noticed on an F-30 and a Stileto)

So Mesa Boogie F50, 50 watts may be, but in Mesa, compared it takes 100 at Marshall for the same performance.
Indeed, one of Line 6 DL4 branch in the effects loop and that's it.

UTILIZATION

For configuration, is simple: a guitar jack, connect the mains and connect the pedals supplied to spend its clear its a saturated switch for contour and one for rverb '.
The sound is fairly easy because rglages pretty simple.
The effects loop is also quite comfortable rgler
The manual is also clear to those who can read English, but is it really useful? connatre part to put the rle of each lamp pramp I find it useless.

SOUNDS

I play blus rock, folk rock, but am having to amend some other style, accompanying singers and singers
Guitars: Start a US adjacent to his age and a Heritage 535
Sounds:
- APRS change both lamps pramp Affected in the channels clear and saturated:
- Clean channel fendrien (who had fender music man and I know what I mean) by actuating the bright acting trs diffrent (plutt on mdiums acute) from the one found on Fender amps, the treble until around 11 am, noon and mid bass 1h, the reverb as twelve o'clock to find the magnitude of a Twin rverb that it would be around 9:30. Particularity of the clean channel, it does not rev that saturates thereby push far enough to have gain compression prampli their top lights.
- Lead channel: one is at the Mesa Boogie, no doubt, however, the gain is more than enough 1h twelve o'clock, the sound becomes del too much fuzz
- Contour: a perfect boost for merger in a mix, I even made a few tracks of hard rock and I did not blush
I love the sound clear, I am a little more on the saturated Reserved ds but it is in outline mode I love ... any fawn IDAL amp does not exist, I do that 8 / 10. Otherwise it takes at least 3 amps on scne!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a little over a month of intensive fawn and I'm satisfied.
Goodies: sound, attractive price for Mesa, the quality of rverb (which n'tait not the strong point of the old Mesa), the ease of use and there is no background noise: no buzz or humm or crack ...
Cons: can be weight, but I do not know the amp light lightweight and still reasonable, but especially that rverb Submitted a lightweight dclenchement delay when switching to a channel the other is a bit Gnant
I had: Marshall, of Music Man, Fender (Twin, Cyber ​​Twin), a Rivera (Anniversary 60), Seymour Duncan (Convertible 60 and 100), Mesa Boogie (Mark, III, IV, DC5) and plenty of others that I hastened to forget ...
The ratio quality price is honorable, but in 1000 "during nine" it was a really good deal trs, especially as ds j'eu replaced lamps prampli by NOS
I play with a guitarist who has a Cesar Diaz, I do not feel at all ridiculous cot him and he suits the type of sound I wanted (mostly clear)
In fact, I was thinking of buying a Lone Star 112, and in the end I chose the F50 budget issues for me is perfect, since, again, the amp does all IDAL n ' not exist. It is easy to use, not too heavy, too bulky and it sounds if you know your guitar to sound.

50-watt tube amp
2 6L6, 4 12AX7
Two channels
Clean
Gain
+ Contour mode for solo players
Spring and tube reverb
Bright control for the clean channel, to get a Fender-like sound
Insert loop
Speaker bypass switch
Direct recording output
Footswitch for the clean and gain channels, contour and reverb

USE

Simple configuration
Easy to dial in

SOUND

Very versatile, from jazz to fat metal
Clean sound worthy of a Fender class A
The distortion is MESA BOOGIE, there's no sound like it!
It's great for anything
It truly respects the guitar and the dynamics of the guitar player

OVERALL OPINION

Three years
I tried out the Dual caliber, a mark IV (much more expensive), an express (a real disappointment)
I've had an all-tube marshall jcm900 (clean sound without punch, it stinks, although it was okay for ac/dc with my sg, but the clean sound was really bad!)
marshall valvestate
fender hot rod deluxe (nice clean sound)
vox ac 30 (very British but without a fat distortion and the clean sound was shitty, especially to play ballads and switch to distortion, not practical at all)
What I love about this amp is that it's very powerful, the clean channel is fabulous and well separated from the quite violent gain channel: Two master controls, two gains, two EQs, the Contour mode to cut better through a mix during solos, the natural-sounding reverb. There's no need for a single pedal, a plug is more than enough. It practically makes no noise at all, compared to the power it delivers if you equip it with good tubes.
I paid for it new what an Express costs today and I don't regret it at all.
You can get it secondhand for about $1000, and you can't do any better for such a versatile and recent amp.
If I ever sell it, it would be to move on to the category above, but after having had other legendary amps, what I like about this one is that it can do anything (it's a bit annoying to have a Fender hot rod and a Marshall jcm to change channels, it's not very practical...)

50W tube amp
2 adjustable channels
footswitch
Fx loop

USE

It's true that you can play almost any music style with it. It always remains playable, regardless of the settings.
The lows add roundness and dynamic response without muffling the sound or making it bold.
The distortion is exactly the way I like it. The Contour function gives it a slight boost.
I use it for live gigs, rehearsals and in the studio. The possibility to disconnect the Black Shadow speakers turns it into an amp head, making everything possible.
To play with my band, I complement it with a 1x12. I've never needed to increase the volume. It's problem is not the weight, but rather the suitcase-style handle.
This amp ought to be carried with both hands, even if it's only 50W.
Warning: It's impossible to play in an apartment with it. Even at very low volumes.

SOUND

It's perfect for my music style. Perfect sound. I love the Mesa sound, it's modern and vintage at the same time.

OVERALL OPINION

Six months of joy and tranquility. It can do anything.
I'd love to buy a small 1x12 Mesa cabinet and then it would really be perfect.
Aldimeo- Did you connect your guitar into the 8-Ohm output or what?
Seriously now, I'm very disappointed that you stumbled into the black sheep.