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SonicPulverizer « Starry eyed cleans »
Published on 08/31/12 at 22:07The Mesa boogie Lonestar Special offers many interesting features that make it one of the more versatile El84 designs on the market. You can operate at a full 30 watts or trim it down to 15 or 5 watts, running on only one tube. The amp also has a 3 mode toggle to change between normal, thick, and thicker. This function is similar to a bright switch and changes how the treble pot operates. The footswitchable boost is a welcome addition as well. There is onboard reverb as well as an effects loop present. There is some control over the reverb as well as a toggle for the amp's fan. The Aesthetics are top notch. The leather handle feels very strong and is a great touch.
UTILIZATION
Making use of el84s in the Lonestar Special, the amp is able to achieve a more fluid, elasticity to its feel. I found the amp to be quite lightweight compared to other Mesa boogie combos I've owned. Build quality is marvelous as with most Mesa Boogie amps. Having gigged the amp, it has proven easy to get a good mic'd sound out of it for FOH.
SOUNDS
I found the normal/thick/thicker toggle to be nearly essential to finding a complimentary tone to a variety of guitars and pickup combinations. The drive control allows for tasteful sustain for lead playing. Going between wattages changes the feel and allows you to get beautiful searing lead sound at low volumes. The clean tones are the star of the show and the special sounds breathtaking in this regard. Never have I heard so much articulation and sweetness in a clean guitar sound.
OVERALL OPINION
The Lonestar is another example of Mesa Boogie's ultra-intelligent approach to laying out feature sets relevant to professional guitarists. The amp is extraordinary value for money considering both list and second hand pricing. Easily one of the finest dedicated clean amplifiers built.
UTILIZATION
Making use of el84s in the Lonestar Special, the amp is able to achieve a more fluid, elasticity to its feel. I found the amp to be quite lightweight compared to other Mesa boogie combos I've owned. Build quality is marvelous as with most Mesa Boogie amps. Having gigged the amp, it has proven easy to get a good mic'd sound out of it for FOH.
SOUNDS
I found the normal/thick/thicker toggle to be nearly essential to finding a complimentary tone to a variety of guitars and pickup combinations. The drive control allows for tasteful sustain for lead playing. Going between wattages changes the feel and allows you to get beautiful searing lead sound at low volumes. The clean tones are the star of the show and the special sounds breathtaking in this regard. Never have I heard so much articulation and sweetness in a clean guitar sound.
OVERALL OPINION
The Lonestar is another example of Mesa Boogie's ultra-intelligent approach to laying out feature sets relevant to professional guitarists. The amp is extraordinary value for money considering both list and second hand pricing. Easily one of the finest dedicated clean amplifiers built.