Mesa Boogie California Tweed update for a new (used) Cali Tweed BB 100 2x12 cab.

[Saul Goodman]

Here is the link to the archived thread:

As was brought up in the above archived thread, it was discussed that the California Tweed was first designed with the Jensen Blackbird 100 12 inch speaker. A few years later the Blackbird 40 came out and replaced the 100 in all the cabs and combos. My friend, Lynn Burke, said I wanted the 40 when I asked if he had a 100 BB combo left over. I simply wanted the 100 because it was what was originally in the design and, as brought up in the above thread, it seemed the 40 was poo-pooed on the web as a money grab by Mesa. I got the Cali Tweed with the 40 and always wondered what the difference in tone would be if it had the 100.

Well, a used California Tweed came up with the BB100s in it. No one is selling the original cabs or used BB 100s so you have to wonder. So I jumped at the chance to get it. I studied the photos carefully as there are a few clues which speaker is in the 2x12 cabs. They are semi open back so the speaker magnets are visible. The problem with buying new ones is the sellers haven't updated their photos and they appear to be the 100 but when you call and ask they say it's rated for 80 watts which would be the 2 BB40s. 

Someone had spray painted an egyption eye, can't remember what it's called, on the back of the cab so when I called I mentioned the defacing paint job and the guy said it's the only one they have in stock. So other than the magnet being visible as the BB100 the other difference is the "4" on the plug jack is much larger on the original BB 100 cabs. "4" meaning 4 ohms. 

So it all pointed to the correct cab and it arrived oddly unscathed by UPS.

My first impression is that the BB 100 is not as bright as the 40. Not a bad thing since I had noticed I was turning down the tone knob on the guitars more than usual when plugged in the BB 40 combo. I texted Lynn Burke and told him about the purchase and he said again that there is no way to break up the BB 100 with that amp.

Which was also proven in this video:

The reason I say it was proven is a viewer made this comment:

"So the early combo and cabs had the 100w versions which are great speakers but to my ear, it’s MUCH cleaner even on the lower wattage settings with the gain and master cranked. Makes sense given the higher wattage rating, I’m guessing it takes a lot more power to push the 100w version and thus sounds super clean. Don’t get me wrong, it still breaks up but just not as much as yours sounds. Another thing I notice is the bass on the 100w is insane. I have to keep the bass control near zero because it gets crazy woofy and not in a cool fuzz way unless I’m playing with the master volume at a loud setting. I’ve heard this a common complaint and so it seems Mesa made the decision to switch to the 40w version around mid-2021 or so. The 100w sounds really good for cleans but is not the best for getting that cranked tweed sound. Thanks again, I think I’m going to look for a used version of the 40w to swap it out and give it a shot."

Even after reading the above comment I still wanted to try it. I will put it through the paces next week and maybe swap out my 2 BB 40s for the BB 100s and put the 100 in the combo. Or maybe not. Maybe I just need to practice more. 

Will update. 

[velorush]

15 minutes ago, Saul Goodman said:

Someone had spray painted an egyption eye, can't remember what it's called,

Eye of Horus - if you read Jordan Peterson, he's frequently on about the Eye of Horus 

Fantastic and interesting report.