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Mesa Boogie DC-5 Combo
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Mesa Boogie DC-5 Combo
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Published on 12/09/05 at 03:01
50 watts, 6x12AX7
2 channels, one with Pull Boost
Graphic EQ
Reverb
Parallel FX Loop
Headphone Out
Recording Out w/Silent recording switch

UTILIZATION

It is very easy to use once THE sound has been dialed in. Mesa offers a template guide for the different styles. Taking that as a starting point, it's easy to make corrections so it sounds the way you want it to. The two channels are well-thought out and offer two different footswitchable distortions. Afterwards it's better to adjust the volume on your guitar to achieve the desired tone. I, personally, use an SG standard, which allows me to switch between 3 volume presets. Combined with the two amp channels, I get a broad enough palette to not have to touch the amp settings during a concert.

Having to carry 66.1 lbs around is quickly compensated as soon as the tubes warm up.

SOUNDS

A striking memory I have of the first time I plugged in my guitar was thinking "So this is how my guitar sounds!" That's the impression you get from this amp, the clean sound takes the best of what the guitar has to offer.

I'm a big fan of DreamThreater and we sometimes try to rehearse some of their songs. The DC-5 undoubtedly excels in such exercises. However, we are a very eclectic band and we also love to play blues, metal, pop rock, reggae. The warmth of its sounds is perfect, whatever the result you're looking for. The clarity and roundness of the sound offers a range of possibilities that goes from a warm, embracing sound to a harrowing one, without compromising on quality.

The power has never been insufficient and even when pushed to extremes it still delivers on quality, I would even say that the sound benefits at higher volumes.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought this amp secondhand a couple of months ago and I have never regretted anything, except not having bought it earlier. Actually (many will bash at me for this), I previously had an 80W Marshall and now have the impression of having moved on from a toy to a real instrument. After having tested different brands with names such as junior blues, deville, deluxe, etc., I recommend everyone to consider a secondhand Mesa Boogie before forking out 1000 bucks in a new amp, even if you aren't considering the mesa sound in particular. Once the beast is tamed, it will offer you a rare pleasure when playing.