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Average Price: $850

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$200

$801+

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Description

For bassists who crave authentic tube-driven sound, the Mesa Boogie Buster Bass 200 might just be your dream amplifier head. Engineered for those who demand rich tonal versatility, this amplifier head delivers a robust 200 watts of all-tube power, offering a warm, dynamic response that can handle anything from smooth jazz lines to the heaviest metal riffs. With its rugged build quality and signature Mesa craftsmanship, the Buster Bass 200 is designed to withstand the rigors of both studio and live performances.

This amp head features a six-tube power section, which not only ensures a powerful output but also contributes to its distinctive tonal character. The EQ section provides comprehensive control, allowing you to fine-tune your sound with precision. Whether you're playing fingerstyle or with a pick, the Buster Bass 200 responds with remarkable clarity and depth.

Perfect for both vintage enthusiasts and modern players, this amplifier head's intuitive layout makes it easy to dial in the perfect sound. The Buster Bass 200 is a testament to Mesa Boogie's commitment to quality, offering a timeless tone that will keep your bass lines at the forefront of any mix.

Key Features:

  • 200 watts of all-tube power
  • Six-tube power section for enhanced tonal richness
  • Comprehensive EQ section for precise sound shaping
  • Rugged construction suitable for studio and live use
  • Intuitive control layout for easy operation and sound customization

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Buster Bass 200-Watt Bass Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 1997 - 2000
Made In United States
Categories Bass Heads
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 200
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 use?

The Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 uses 6L6 power tubes, which are known for delivering a warm, punchy sound with plenty of headroom, making it ideal for bass amplification.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 200-watt output, the Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample volume and clarity for gigging with a full band.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 have built-in effects?

No, the Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 does not have any built-in effects, allowing you to use your own effects pedals for customized sound shaping.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 handle both 4-ohm and 8-ohm speaker cabinets?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 is compatible with both 4-ohm and 8-ohm speaker cabinets, offering flexibility in pairing with different speaker setups.

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200?

The Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 is known for its warm, rich, and dynamic tube-driven tone, providing a full-bodied sound with excellent clarity and definition for bass players.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200.

Comparisons

  • The Buster Bass 200 is noted for its clean, scooped sound compared to the more gritty Ampeg SVT, ideal for those seeking a distinct Mesa tone.

    Source
  • A direct plug into a Buster Bass with a Diesel 2x10 has been favored over a D800 for its clarity without overwhelming volume.

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Features and functionality

  • Owners highlight the amp's high headroom and versatile output options, making it suitable for various performance settings.

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  • The 7-band EQ is solid state; noise persists even with EQ bypassed, indicating the problem lies elsewhere in the preamp.

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  • The Buster Bass 200's Fender tone stack EQ is noted for treble being add-only, not cut, requiring unique EQ adjustments for desired sound profiles.

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User experience

  • One long-term owner has experienced minor issues with switches over 15 years, but overall reliability is emphasized.

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Use cases and applications

  • It effectively handles loud environments, consistently cutting through mixes with a heavy drummer and two guitarists, thanks to its strong mid-low presence.

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  • Users frequently choose to perform without pedals, highlighting the amp's capacity to deliver a rich, unaltered sound ideal for maintaining tonal purity.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The 7-band EQ's buzz issue may originate from preamp tubes; testing by pulling tubes individually can help identify the faulty component.

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  • The noise issue disappears when the master volume is reduced, suggesting that power tubes are likely not the cause.

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  • Preamp tubes are accessible between power tubes/transformers; removing the chassis is possible but poses safety risks if powered on.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A heavily customized setup includes Daphne blue body refinish, Avedissian pickups in Thunderbird shells, and LaBella Ian Martin Anderson signature strings for tonal versatility.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Cliff Burton uses Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200

Cliff Burton

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

Cliff used these for his distorted rig. They can be seen in this photo.

^ Nope. Mesa/Boogie Buster Amps were not made during Cliffs time. The Buster amp is actually a very clean sounding amp......

See how Champignon uses Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200

Champignon

Singer, Bassist

Charlie Brown Jr.

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at the minute "7:34" Champignon show his "Mesa Boogie Buster Bass 200 2x10 combo". He used it while was on "Nove Mil Anjos". This video gives away almost his full setup on that live/studio session, missing only the pedals.

Album Usage

The Mesa/Boogie Buster Bass 200 has been featured on the following albums:

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