05-31-2015, 12:07 AM
(05-30-2015, 05:09 PM)lreese Wrote: I like it (A LOT) - But you need a 2nd one. Stereo is a callin'
Only if you carry it for me.
I just got done rocking out with it for an hour at gigging volumes and I'm extremely happy with my purchase. Aside from the fact that it's heavy as a motherfucker (not kidding, it weighs 80lbs) and I kiiiinda wish it had reverb, I think it's the perfect amp for me.
For those that don't know, the Stiletto Ace was Mesa's "Marshall killer" back in the mid 'aughts. It's outfitted with 2 EL34s producing 50 glorious tube watts. For a Mesa amp, it's pretty simple - two channels each with their own volume, gain, and 3 band eq plus presence. Each channel also has a mode switch. The clean channel has fat clean, tite clean, and crunch. The gain channel has crunch, tite gain, and fluid gain, but I'll touch on those shortly. Additionally, each channel has a switch for selecting either diode or tube rectification. On the right side of the amp is the global master volume, a footswitchable solo control (very handy for... solos) and the standby and power switch. The power switch is handy in that it's also a variac - you have voltage options named bold (full power) and spongy (less power). On the back is a tube buffered effects loop that can be hard bypassed, as well as speaker outs and a slave out.
One interesting feature worth noting on this amp is that the 1x12 combo is actually closed back, unlike most combo amps. This gives the Ace a surprising amount of thump compared to most combos on the market. It particularly gives high gain settings some much needed thump and weight.
On to the tone of the amp. Oh Mesa Stiletto Ace, how may I express my love for thee?
Well for now, I'll just have to say it's incredible, and one of the best channel switchers I've played in a long time. I've got some stuff to do so I'll continue my review later.
Just wish it wasn't fuckin' 80lbs. Apparently even the head is 50lbs.