Amp Talk

[Gino]

I'd like to second on Mesa Boogie.

I really like my Maverick, even though it's not really typical Mesa soundwise.

But I do remember that they started out with high quality amplifiers and did a lot of quality things first - like ceramic tube sockets with gold contacts.

I still remember the old days. When I got my first real amp back in 1974, over here it was either a Marshall, Hiwatt or Orange half stack, a Twin reverb (for whimps :-) ) or a Vox AC 30 (not loud enough, though...).

I had my best moments in front of a cranked Orange Graphic 120 and Marshall Plexi halfstack. But it was LOUD back then, way too loud.

Gino

[jerseydrew]

again, what about Mesa?

[seeker]

At least with Mesa you'd be on even ground. They are VERY strict about pricing. Not even Guitarget can discount them.

[Jeff R]

Mesa is also pretty strict about not placing product at dealers that are in close proximity of one another. The GC that just opened here a couple of years ago can't sell Boogie because an established Boogie dealer was already here before them. If Dave has a Boogie dealer anywhere close to him, that will be a very, very difficult line for him to secure.

Oh yeah, the reason Boogies aren't discounted is because the dealer cost is so steep - it's practically retail cost. I worked for a Boogie dealer in the 80s and even selling them at list we pretty much didn't make anything off them after we paid shipping. Boogies were (and I'd presume still are) not a profit generator but more of a prestige line that attracts serious players that can afford serious gear, whether it be Boogies or high-dollar USA "custom shop"-esque guitars.

[AdmiralB]

Mesa is also pretty strict about not placing product at dealers that are in close proximity of one another. The GC that just opened here a couple of years ago can't sell Boogie because an established Boogie dealer was already here before them.

That must be site-specific. MARS and GC in north Indy were within a quarter-mile of each other and both carried Mesa. And they came in across the street from a long-time M&P store that had Mesa too (which they dropped, after seeing MARS and GC get it).

Oh yeah, the reason Boogies aren't discounted is because the dealer cost is so steep - it's practically retail cost.

IIRC Mesa is either 80/20 or 85/15. But it is a hard-and-fast rule that they not be discounted. You can, however, accept trades. We used to accept things like toasters and old shoes in trade.

[e-isle rock]

again, what about Mesa?

I've only ever owned and played through one Boogie and it's the MarkIII I have now. I love that thing. Thinking about getting another MKIII or the new Express 5/50 that just came out. Mesa+Hamer=Heaven

I used to have a Peavey VTM120 and a 5150. Liked those to.