Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $724

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet is your ticket to a universe of rich, vintage sound with a modern twist. Built for guitarists who crave a big, open-back sound, this cabinet is a sonic powerhouse, embodying the quintessential Boogie tone. At its core are two Black Shadow MC-90 speakers, celebrated for their warm lows, smooth mids, and detailed highs. Whether you're diving into traditional blues, exploring the realms of classic rock, or jamming to modern country, this cabinet delivers each note with precision and elegance.

Constructed from robust marine-grade Baltic birch, the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet offers not just exceptional sound but also durability and portability. Its open-back design enhances the 3-D sound experience, giving your music a spacious and immersive quality. Designed with versatility in mind, the 8-ohm impedance ensures compatibility with a variety of heads, making it a flexible choice for any setup.

Handcrafted in Petaluma, California, this cabinet is as stylish as it is functional, with a vintage-inspired aesthetic that pairs beautifully with most Mesa/Boogie amplifiers. For musicians who demand more from their gear, this cabinet is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Open-back design for expansive sound
  • Two Black Shadow MC-90 (Celestion C-90) speakers for classic tone
  • 180-watt power handling
  • Marine-grade Baltic birch construction
  • 8 Ohm impedance
  • Paralleled Mono Output Jack
  • Slipcover included
  • Made in USA

Product specs

Configuration 2 x 12"
Powered No
Speakers Black Shadow MC-90
Power Handling 180W
Impedance 8 ohms
Cabinet Type Straight
Open/Closed Back Open
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4" (paralleled mono)
Construction Material Marine-grade Baltic Birch with Black Tolex
Height 18"
Width 26.75"
Depth 11.25"
Weight 49 lbs.

FAQs

What type of speakers are used in the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet?

The Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet features Black Shadow MC-90 speakers, known for their robust sound and reliability, making them suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Is the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet suitable for live performances?

Yes, with a power handling of 180W and its 2 x 12" configuration, this cabinet is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and presence on stage.

How does the open-back design of the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet affect its sound?

The open-back design offers a more airy and spacious sound, enhancing the midrange and providing a wider sound dispersion, which is ideal for genres that benefit from a more open and ambient tone.

What is the impedance of the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet, and why does it matter?

The cabinet has an impedance of 8 ohms, which is important for matching with your amplifier to ensure optimal performance and prevent potential damage to your gear.

How portable is the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet for gigging musicians?

Weighing 49 lbs and featuring durable construction with marine-grade Baltic Birch, the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet is relatively portable and rugged, making it a good choice for gigging musicians who need to transport their equipment frequently.

Zack Seif

Zack Seif

MESA BOOGIE CAB SHOOTOUT || Vertical Vs Horizontal

Video thumbnail for MESA BOOGIE CAB SHOOTOUT || Vertical Vs Horizontal by Zack Seif

MESA BOOGIE CAB SHOOTOUT || Vertical Vs Horizontal

Zack Seif

Zack Seif

Video thumbnail for Mesa 2x12 Cab Unboxing & Tone Test by DickieRadd

Mesa 2x12 Cab Unboxing & Tone Test

DickieRadd

DickieRadd

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional clarity and powerful sound from Black Shadow MC-90 Celestions

  • Versatile performance across a wide range of music styles

  • Strong low-end capability with impressive high-end once tweaked

  • Compact design without compromising sound quality

  • Durable and robust construction ensures longevity

  • Unique half-open design enhances stage dispersion

CONS

  • Can be challenging to tame the high-end frequencies

  • Heavy, making it less portable

  • Requires specific EQ adjustments for optimal performance

  • High price point compared to other options

  • May not perform well with certain drive channels

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet.

Comparisons

  • The full-sized Rectifier 2x12 is nearly identical in size to the Orange 2x12, whereas the compact version is noticeably smaller.

    Source
  • The 2x12 YB cab is wider than the modern vertical 212 cab and often includes vented fronts, differing from newer models.

    Source
  • The horizontal 2x12 is said to effectively mimic the bottom half of a Recto 4x12, providing a similar tonal profile but with more practicality for smaller venues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Rectifier 2x12 cab is equipped with Celestion V30 speakers, each rated at 70 watts, totaling 140 watts power handling.

    Source
  • The 2x12 YB cab features a unique half-open, half-closed back design with a ported bottom, enhancing bass response and spatial sound projection.

    Source
  • Some versions of the 2x12 YB come with a Celestion C90 Black Shadow on top and an EVM-12L on the bottom, offering distinct tonal characteristics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some users prefer the full-sized Rectifier 2x12 over the compact version for its superior bass response, which is beneficial for live performances.

    Source
  • Despite its compact form, the horizontal 2x12 is praised for delivering significant volume and tone, suitable for hardcore, punk, and metal genres in smaller venues.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the closed-back design of the Rectifier 2x12 for its focused sound, distinguishing it from the Road King model, which is partially open-backed.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the cab's ability to fill a room like a 4x12, attributed to its open-back top and ported bottom configuration.

    Source
  • The Mesa 2x12 horizontal cabinet is noted for sounding larger than a Marshall 1960a, with a scooped tone and tighter bottom end.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users have successfully swapped in Eminence speakers, such as the Cannabis Rex, and bass speakers for unique sound customization.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The 2x12 YB is considered rare and highly desirable, with only a few appearing on the market each year, suggesting strong resale potential.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

didn't appreciate it when i had it

When I got my first marshall and went head/cab in my late teens my buddy sold me his beat up Mesa/Boogie upright 2x12. It was half closed and open on the top, a very cool design giving it focus as well as stage dispersion. I thought the cab was hideous and I quickly sold it and acquired a pair of marshall 1965 cabs. They were too small for my head too and they caused me to realize the plit channel 800 was not to my liking so I sold that and started exploring non-channel switching british heads. I miss this cab though. I think it had EV12Ls in it... maybe not the best choice for a marshall but it would sound great with some of the stuff I like now. If you see one of these, buy it. They've become quite rare.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Bowie uses Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet

David Bowie

Singer, Guitarist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

In this 1991 Brian Aris photograph, Bowie's posing with two of his custom Steinberger guitars. To his left, his Mesa Boogie head sits atop a small rack, which in turn sits on a 2x12 cab with a metal grill.

See how Steve Lukather uses Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet

Steve Lukather

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Shown in the Star Licks instructional video.

See how John Squire uses Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet

John Squire

Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

In the image titled "spikecabs4.jpg," John Squire is seen using a Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet during the Spike Island sound check. The photo shows Squire's setup, which includes both 4x12 and 2x12 cabinets, with the latter positioned on his far left. This setup was likely used for significant events, possibly including Glasgow Green, suggesting a substantial investment in his live equipment.

See how Neal Casal uses Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet

Neal Casal

Singer, Guitarist

Phil Lesh and Friends

...
Verified via Guitar World

"They're a custom builder in New Jersey who built me a 100 watt head to go on top of my old Boogie cabinet with 2 EV 12L's." - Casal in an interview with Guitar World.

See how Phil Palmer uses Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet

Phil Palmer

Guitarist

Iggy Pop

...
Verified via YouTube

While on the Journeyman tour with Eric Clapton, Phil Palmer uses a pair of late 1980s Mesa Boogie 2x12 cabinets.

See how Henrik Danhage uses Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet

Henrik Danhage

Guitarist

Evergrey

...
Verified via Photo

Henrik Danhage shares on Instagram that he has acquired a Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet, expressing excitement about finding one with its original speakers in Sweden. He mentions his long-standing admiration for its sound and look, highlighting it as a perfect match for his Bogner amps.

See how GUNN uses Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet

GUNN

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

This cabinet can be seen in a photo posted by GUNN's bandmate Masayoshi Soken.

See how Doug Weiand uses Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet

Doug Weiand

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the description of this YouTube video, it is confirmed that Doug Weiand is playing through a Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet. This can also be seen at the 0:45 mark of this video.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Cabinet, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Gear IQ 84

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