All user reviews of 4/5 for the Mesa Boogie Nomad 55 Combo

This is a 55 watt, 1x12 tube combo amp with three channels. Each channel can be switched between two modes each. The first channel can be set to clean or crunch, and the second and third channels can both be set to vintage or modern. The amplifier has spring reverb. Each channel has its own EQ settings, and the reverb can be dialed up to different values across the three channels. There is also a solo setting across all of the channels that can be kicked on via the footswitch. The footswitch has buttons for each of the three channels, reverb, and the solo boost. There is also an effects loop. The speaker can be unplugged from the amplifier, such as for use with a talkbox in between, and additional speakers can be attached to the amplifier.

Within the power tube section, the amplifier can use either 6L6's, which is what it is designed for, or it can be set to use a pair of EL34's. Within the pre-amp section it uses 5 12AX7 tubes.

The speaker is a Black Shadow.

I can't think of more features that one would really want on a tube combo amp, with the exception of built in effects, but that would probably not be implemented well and would definitely increase the cost, especially when the use of effects is so subjective anyway.

UTILIZATION

I don't own the manual and never needed it, it's very easy to use.

The only thing that's a little clunky on this amp is using the floorboard. It should be longer than it is, because it's easy to hit the wrong button or two switches at once.

SOUNDS

This amp sounds sweet through the Black Shadow. If you want to add a ton of fullness to this combo, the addition of another Black Shadow cabinet makes all the difference in the world on low-end. It produces plenty of volume and can even hold its own against most half-stacks.

OVERALL OPINION

This is a great gigging amp. My only complaint is the small size of the footswitch. Having three channels make it very possible for a guitarist to get by without having to use a POD or other pre-amp distortion. The only issue I've had with it in the seven years I've owned it is the power bulb burnt out.

If croaked or were stolen, I probably wouldn't replace it because I hardly play live anymore, but when I did, it was great having this amp and a Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier half/fullstack to go between, depending on the gig.