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Average Price: $400

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$300

$701+

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Description

The Boogie .22 is a compact powerhouse that strikes the perfect balance between vintage charm and modern versatility, making it a top choice for guitarists who demand flexibility without sacrificing tone. Born from the legendary Mesa Boogie lineage, this dual-channel marvel combines clean and lead options, offering a wide tonal palette that spans from shimmering cleans to fiery leads. Crafted with a robust EL84 power section, the Boogie .22 ensures every note sings with clarity and warmth, perfect for both stage and studio settings. Its intuitive controls make dialing in your desired sound a breeze, while its mid-sized frame ensures it fits comfortably in any gig or rehearsal space. Whether you're chasing classic rock tones or exploring new sonic territories, the Boogie .22 is your trusty sidekick.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel design for versatile clean and lead tones
  • EL84 power section for warm, articulate sound
  • Compact and portable design suitable for gigging and studio use
  • Intuitive control layout for easy tone shaping

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Studio .22 2-Channel 20-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Various
Year 1985 - 1988
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 20
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Mesa Boogie Studio .22?

The Mesa Boogie Studio .22 is known for its versatile tonal range, offering rich clean tones and smooth overdrive. It delivers a classic tube warmth with its EL84 power tubes, making it suitable for various genres from blues to rock.

Is the Mesa Boogie Studio .22 loud enough for gigging?

With its 20-watt output, the Mesa Boogie Studio .22 is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, especially when mic'd. Its 1x12" speaker configuration provides ample volume for most performance settings.

How does the spring reverb in the Mesa Boogie Studio .22 affect its sound?

The built-in spring reverb adds a lush, ambient quality to the sound, enhancing the amplifier's tonal depth and providing a classic reverb effect suitable for various musical styles.

Does the Mesa Boogie Studio .22 take pedals well?

Yes, the Mesa Boogie Studio .22 is known for its compatibility with pedals, allowing guitarists to expand their tonal palette with effects like overdrive, delay, and modulation.

What is the advantage of having two channels on the Mesa Boogie Studio .22?

The two-channel design allows players to switch between clean and overdriven tones seamlessly, providing flexibility for dynamic performances and varied musical expressions.

intheblues

intheblues

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 Amplifier Review - It's Awesome!

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Studio 22 Amplifier Review - It's Awesome! by intheblues

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 Amplifier Review - It's Awesome!

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie  Studio 22 Combo Review by Nelly Slide Guitar

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 Combo Review

Nelly Slide Guitar

Nelly Slide Guitar

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Studio 22 (non plus no EQ) Raw by ishta

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 (non plus no EQ) Raw

ishta

ishta

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Studio 22: A Forgotten Gem by Jack Fossett

Mesa Boogie Studio 22: A Forgotten Gem

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Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Studio 22 - Classic VINTAGE Mesa Tone!! by Johan Segeborn

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 - Classic VINTAGE Mesa Tone!!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional clean tones that outshine many traditional Fender amps

  • Versatile sound from classic rock to jazz, blues, and punk

  • Compact and portable, perfect for gigging musicians

  • Impressive gain and sustain without the need for pedals

  • Lush, tasteful reverb that enhances sound without overpowering

  • Easily cuts through a live mix, great for stage performances

  • Records beautifully, ideal for studio use

  • Sturdy construction, comparable to being "built like a tank"

  • Lightweight yet delivers full, rich sound

  • Great bass response for size, suitable for a variety of settings

CONS

  • Runs hot, may require a cooling solution like a mini fan

  • Can be noisy; noise management or tube checks may be necessary

  • Volume discrepancy between channels without modification

  • Some models lack an EQ, limiting tonal control

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boogie .22.

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Boogie .22's loudness potential, comparable to larger amps, despite its small size.

    Source
  • The Studio .22 is noted for producing "spicy" lead sounds, which appeals to those transitioning from amp simulators.

    Source
  • Owners mention that the .22 can get exceptionally loud, making it potentially challenging for apartment use without an attenuator.

    Source
  • The Studio .22+ can handle low volumes well and can drive a 4x12 cabinet for more volume when needed.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Boogie .22 is praised for its pedal platform capabilities, often compared favorably to Fender amps in this regard.

    Source
  • The .22 is described as having a rawer tone compared to the DC series, with particular emphasis on its volume capabilities when paired with the right pedals.

    Source
  • The DC-3 is noted for its ability to transition from bedroom levels to stadium-like volumes at low master volume settings (2-3), highlighting its broad dynamic range.

    Source
  • The Studio .22+ is preferred over a Fender Twin Reverb for its "mean and beautiful" cleans that handle pedals richly, despite the Twin's popularity for similar use cases.

    Source

Build quality

  • Notable for being Mesa's first amp using dipped solder board construction, indicating a blend of modern and traditional manufacturing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • While compact, the Boogie .22 offers gigable power similar to a Fender Deluxe, with more hand wiring involved.

    Source
  • The .22 without EQ is noted for having a shorter signal chain, which some believe enhances its raw sound.

    Source
  • The Studio .22+ version includes a lead channel master, making it a preferable choice for those prioritizing tonal flexibility.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners suggest checking for heat issues, as trapped heat can unsolder tube sockets; a tech visit for a cap job is recommended every 10 years.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Studio Preamp is noted for delivering amazing cleans and vintage high-gain tones, but its size and weight may be a deterrent for gigging.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The TAD EL84STR tubes are recommended for the Studio .22+ to achieve desired tonal qualities, with the speaker being key to its sound.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
andrew_barnum

five stars

Simple, reliable, gutsy, portable for live and studio. A treasured ebay find.

jimmarchi1

an unappreciated classic... though notoriously unreliable

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