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Published on 04/07/11 at 19:37The Stiletto Deuce came onto the market as Mesa’s first offering of EL-34 amplifiers and features
-100 watt all tube with 4 EL-34s and 5 12AX7s
-2 channels, each with independent EQ
-3 voicing switches per channel
-Tube/diode rectifier selection per channel
-50/100 watt switch per channel
-Tube driven series effects loop
-External switching jacks for channels and loop
-Bold/Spongy power variac
It is also important to note that the Stage II was released as a revision soon after the Stiletto’s original release. Simply put, the chain channel was tightened and restructured, as the original model suffered from a flubby response.
UTILIZATION
The Stiletto offers a very simple 2 channel layout, with the usual features that a Mesa amp owner is used to. It is easier to dial in than other Mesa models, such as the Rectifier or Mark IV. The few voicing switches per channel offer many tonal options, but different voicings on the same channel can not be used on the fly. This would be a nice feature since this amp offers MANY great tones amongst the different modes.
SOUNDS
Being an EL-34 amplifier, and Mesa’s stab at the british tone, the amplifier produces more mids and less lows than your typical Mesa Boogie. The clean channel produces a great clean, especially for what is consider the ‘norm’ for EL-34 based amps. Fat clean allows a slightly rounder response, and crunch makes for an AMAZING blues sound. This mode is actually repeated on both channels, so players can run it at different gain levels since it responds so well. Channel 2 goes from a nice crunch all the way to a tight and saturated gain, perfect for quick rhythms or leads. Watch out for the treble though…especially when running vintage 30 speakers, the high end response can get very sharp and unpleasant. Simply, this amplifier plays much like a ‘marshall with a Mesa twist.’
OVERALL OPINION
The Stiletto Deuce II was built as a tonal compliment to the rectifier series, producing more high mids, a higher bass response, and overall tighter tracking. In a mix, these two amplifiers perfectly compliment each other, and I HIGHLY recommended it for two guitarists playing together in a band, or a stereo rig. For those suffering from the sluggish response of the Rectifier series, but wanting to stay with a similar gain structure, the Stiletto Deuce II is your amplifier.
-100 watt all tube with 4 EL-34s and 5 12AX7s
-2 channels, each with independent EQ
-3 voicing switches per channel
-Tube/diode rectifier selection per channel
-50/100 watt switch per channel
-Tube driven series effects loop
-External switching jacks for channels and loop
-Bold/Spongy power variac
It is also important to note that the Stage II was released as a revision soon after the Stiletto’s original release. Simply put, the chain channel was tightened and restructured, as the original model suffered from a flubby response.
UTILIZATION
The Stiletto offers a very simple 2 channel layout, with the usual features that a Mesa amp owner is used to. It is easier to dial in than other Mesa models, such as the Rectifier or Mark IV. The few voicing switches per channel offer many tonal options, but different voicings on the same channel can not be used on the fly. This would be a nice feature since this amp offers MANY great tones amongst the different modes.
SOUNDS
Being an EL-34 amplifier, and Mesa’s stab at the british tone, the amplifier produces more mids and less lows than your typical Mesa Boogie. The clean channel produces a great clean, especially for what is consider the ‘norm’ for EL-34 based amps. Fat clean allows a slightly rounder response, and crunch makes for an AMAZING blues sound. This mode is actually repeated on both channels, so players can run it at different gain levels since it responds so well. Channel 2 goes from a nice crunch all the way to a tight and saturated gain, perfect for quick rhythms or leads. Watch out for the treble though…especially when running vintage 30 speakers, the high end response can get very sharp and unpleasant. Simply, this amplifier plays much like a ‘marshall with a Mesa twist.’
OVERALL OPINION
The Stiletto Deuce II was built as a tonal compliment to the rectifier series, producing more high mids, a higher bass response, and overall tighter tracking. In a mix, these two amplifiers perfectly compliment each other, and I HIGHLY recommended it for two guitarists playing together in a band, or a stereo rig. For those suffering from the sluggish response of the Rectifier series, but wanting to stay with a similar gain structure, the Stiletto Deuce II is your amplifier.