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Average Price: $1,500

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$300

$801+

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High-end

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Description

Unleash your tonal prowess with the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head, a beastly sonic machine designed for the discerning musician. Its Multi-Watt assignable power amp enables operation at two or four vacuum tubes, providing you with an array of tonal options. With its four selectable channels, this amp head takes you on a sonic journey, from sparkling cleans to a roaring, gain-laden snarl. Each channel comes with Raw, Vintage, and Modern modes, enabling you to effortlessly dial in a vintage Tweed tone, a throaty British sound, or a searing modern tone. This amp head also features selectable diode or tube tracking and a fixed bias select switch for hassle-free operation. With its versatility and power, the Roadster is not just an amp head, it's a gateway to a universe of tone.

Key Features:

  • Multi-Watt assignable power amp allows for operation at two or four vacuum tubes
  • Four selectable channels each with Raw, Vintage, and Modern modes
  • Selectable diode or tube tracking
  • Fixed bias select switch for easy operation
  • Accompanying footswitch for easy tone selection

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Roadster Dual Rectifier 4-Channel 120-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 2006 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 4 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 120
Power Tube Type 6L6 / EL34
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What type of music is the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head best suited for?

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head is renowned for its versatility, making it ideal for rock, metal, and blues. Its high-gain channels deliver powerful distortion, while the clean channels offer rich, warm tones suitable for various styles.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head handle live performances?

Yes, with its 120-watt power output, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head is more than capable of handling live performances, providing ample volume and headroom for gigging musicians.

What kind of tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster use?

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head uses 6L6 and EL34 power tubes, allowing you to switch between them for different tonal characteristics, from American-style clean sounds to British-style crunch.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head have built-in effects?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head includes built-in effects, such as spring reverb, which enhances its tonal versatility and allows for more dynamic soundscapes.

How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head have?

The Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head features four channels, providing a wide range of tonal options from pristine cleans to aggressive high-gain settings, perfect for diverse musical needs.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head suitable for home use?

While primarily designed for live performance, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head can be used at home, though its 120-watt output may be more than necessary for small spaces without attenuation.

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie Roadster Official Demo

Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie Roadster Official Demo by MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie Roadster Official Demo

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Video thumbnail for Young Guitar Amp Test - Mesa Dual Rectifier Roadster Head + 4x12 Rectifier Standard Slant Cab by buddroyce

Young Guitar Amp Test - Mesa Dual Rectifier Roadster Head + 4x12 Rectifier Standard Slant Cab

buddroyce

buddroyce

Video thumbnail for *Mesa Dual Rectifier Roadster head*  (Review & DEMO) by Eric Shreds

*Mesa Dual Rectifier Roadster head* (Review & DEMO)

Eric Shreds

Eric Shreds

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster DEMO by Alexandre da Mata by Alexandre da Mata

Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster DEMO by Alexandre da Mata

Alexandre da Mata

Alexandre da Mata

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster - ch3 vintage vs ch4 modern by Horacio Alvarado

Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster - ch3 vintage vs ch4 modern

Horacio Alvarado

Horacio Alvarado

Reviews

PROS

  • Extremely flexible tone across genres

  • Four channels offer a wide tonal palette

  • Integrated reverb and multi-watt options enhance versatility

  • Channels feature three modes for varied sounds

  • Capable of sparkling cleans to brutal high-gain tones

  • Tubescreamer enhances performance, offering control over gain

  • High-quality construction and visually appealing design

  • Renowned Mesa/Boogie reputation for reliability

CONS

  • Loud popping sound when switching to channel 3 or hitting mute

  • Heavy, making transportation challenging

  • Variable wattage has minimal impact on volume

  • Some channels may not clean up as nicely without additional pedals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head.

Value and pricing

  • Despite its weight, acquiring a Roadster at a good price can offer resale potential, given its reputation and unique tone characteristics.

    Source
  • A price of $1,200 is considered a good deal for a used Roadster head, with prices usually ranging from $1,100 to $1,300.

    Source

User experience

  • Multiple owners report that the Roadster does not require Mesa-specific tubes, as any quality matched set can suffice.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the Roadster's exceptional clean tones, considered among the best Mesa has produced, with versatility for both clean and high-gain applications.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's noted that the Roadster excels as a rhythm amp, filling the room with sound and requiring less preamp gain at higher volumes.

    Source
  • The Roadster's ability to maintain clarity at high gain levels makes it suitable for genres requiring heavy, precise distortion without muddiness.

    Source
  • Pairing the Roadster with different speaker cabinets, like an Engel cab, can influence its "muffled" perception and enhance its tonal clarity.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Roadster is characterized as having a massive rhythm sound, contrasting with the 5150 or Mark series, which are preferred for lead tones.

    Source
  • The Roadster is noted to have a thicker sound with low-mid focus compared to the Marshall JVM's upper midrange emphasis, excelling in "chugging" over "barking."

    Source
  • Compared to the Triple Rectifier, the Roadster is perceived as smoother and darker, with users advising a boost pedal for a more modern, tight sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently use JJ 6L6GC tubes as a cost-effective alternative to Mesa-branded tubes, which are considered overpriced.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Roadster's clean tones are highly praised, with specific mentions of its ability to sound large and open when cranked up.

    Source
  • The Roadster offers four channels and a three-way voicing switch per channel, with 50/100 watt options, FX loop, and reverb settings adjustable for each channel.

    Source
  • The amp has a tendency for loud popping when switching channels, which can be mitigated by cycling through the footswitches immediately after powering up.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Roadster features robust, high-quality switches and knobs that are praised for their superior feel and durability compared to other amps.

    Source
  • The Roadster combo is notably heavy, weighing around 105 lbs, which poses challenges for transport and setup without assistance.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Oxidization on the 1/4" input jacks can cause signal dropouts; cleaning them by inserting and removing a plug can resolve this issue.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jeff_breen

Awesome Amp!!!

Just purchased this amp in the last year however it has proven to be very a versatile amp for me. Being a guitar player in Rock cover bands it allows me to cover all basis...Classic Rock, Modern Rock, Grunge, Alternative etc. Only issue I have with the amp is the annoying popping sound when switching to channel 3 and Mute/Tuner for the first time after power-up. If you're amp is at gigging levels this could be a very loud pop which would probably be bad for the ears not to mention the equipment.

Overall I'm very satisfied with the amp.

jimmarchi1

that's mesa for you... super versatile if you wanna spend the time dialing in all those knobs and switches, but there's always an issue with the relays... watch out, the switching is notoriously unreliable on the complicated mesa heads of the 90s from the recto series

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jared Dines uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Jared Dines

Singer, Guitarist

SION

...
Verified via YouTube

He got this in his big shipment from Mesa

See how Ola Englund uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Myles Kennedy uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Myles Kennedy

Singer, Guitarist

Alter Bridge

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Myles Kennedy is shown using a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head.

See how Fredrik Thordendal uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Fredrik Thordendal

Guitarist

Meshuggah

...
Verified via Facebook

Seen on this picture taken at Fredrik Thordendal's studio.

See how Adam Dutkiewicz uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Adam Dutkiewicz

Guitarist, Drummer

Killswitch Engage

...
Verified via Guitar Messenger

From an interview in 2006:

"IC: What amps do you use live nowadays?

A: I’ve got a Mesa/Boogie Roadster and Joel [Stroetzel] is using a Mesa Triple Rectifier."

See how Doug Gillard uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Doug Gillard

Guitarist

Guided by Voices

...
Verified via Premierguitar

A longtime Boogie man, Gillard now plugs into a 2012 Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster which runs into a Mesa 4x12 cabinet.

See how Dustie Waring uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Dustie Waring

Guitarist

Between the Buried and Me

...
Verified via YouTube

"I got the Mesa Roadster head."

Seen at 0:50

See how Marcos Curiel uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Marcos Curiel

Singer, Guitarist

P.O.D.

...
Verified via Marcos Curiel | MESA/Boogie®

According to Mesa Boogie's official site, Marcos use Mesa Boogie Roadster head.

See how Tarek Jafar uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Tarek Jafar

Singer, Guitarist

The Blue Stones

...
Verified via Photo

Tarek Jafar when asked how he approaches bass parts live:

My go-to pedals for a great low-end push are the Double Rock by Z.Vex and the Pitchfork Octaver (in Nano size so it has less of a pedalboard footprint) by EHX

Otherwise, I achieve a thicker low-end by playing heavy gauge strings, using a boomy amp (currently on the Mesa Dual Rectifier Roadster with a 4x12 cab) and using guitar techniques like palm-muting to increase my presence.

Original interview here.

E

Ethan Lee McCarthy

Singer, Guitarist

Primitive Man

...
Verified via Photo

On the Primitive Man Instagram this photo shows the bands stage plan. You can see one of the guitar amps is labelled Dual Rec Roadster

See how Travis Montgomery uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Travis Montgomery

Guitarist

Threat Signal

...
Verified via Ask

In this post, Travis states that he has previously used a Mesa/Boogie Roadster.

See how Mike Spreitzer uses Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head

Mike Spreitzer

Guitarist

DevilDriver

...
Verified via Photo

Mike Spreitzer uses the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head, as shown in his Instagram post captioned "Playing aliens."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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noizman

noizman

Gear IQ 169

1 alternative for Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Amp Head, curated by the Equipboard community.

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