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Average Price: $1,229

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head is a powerhouse of tonal versatility, designed for guitarists who demand both vintage character and modern flexibility. Crafted by the legendary Mesa/Boogie team, this amplifier head combines an intuitive, straightforward interface with a potent blend of classic and modern tones. At its core, the Electra-Dyne features a unique Multi-Watt™ power amp, allowing players to switch between 45-watt and 90-watt modes, providing dynamic control over headroom and saturation.

With its single-channel design, the Electra-Dyne offers a wide range of sounds from clean and crisp to heavily overdriven, thanks to its well-engineered preamp section. The amplifier head also includes a footswitchable reverb and a robust effects loop, ensuring seamless integration with your pedalboard. Its classic design is matched by its rugged construction, making it a reliable choice for both studio sessions and live performances. Whether you're chasing the shimmering cleans of a bygone era or the roaring gain of modern rock, the Electra-Dyne delivers with precision and power.

Key Features:

  • Multi-Watt™ power amp with selectable 45-watt and 90-watt modes
  • Single-channel design with three-mode preamp for versatile tonal options
  • Footswitchable reverb for added depth and dimension
  • Built-in effects loop for easy integration with external pedals
  • Classic Mesa/Boogie craftsmanship and reliability
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical styles, from vintage to modern rock.

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Electra-Dyne Simul-Class 45/90-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 2009 - 2014
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 90
Power Tube Type 6L6 / EL34
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head?

The Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head is known for its versatile tonal range, offering pristine clean sounds and rich, dynamic overdrives suitable for blues, rock, and gospel music. Its single-channel design with multiple modes allows for easy dialing of a wide variety of tones.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Electra-Dyne Head, with its 45/90-watt power and robust tube construction, is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and clarity to cut through in a band setting.

How does the reverb on the Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head sound?

The amp features a built-in spring reverb, known for adding a warm, natural ambience to your sound, making it ideal for both subtle and pronounced reverb effects.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head be used with different speaker cabinets?

Yes, the Electra-Dyne Head is compatible with various speaker cabinets, offering 4-ohm and 8-ohm impedance options to match different cabinet configurations.

What power tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head use?

The Electra-Dyne Head uses 6L6 and EL34 power tubes, allowing players to customize their tonal preferences between American-style and British-style amp sounds.

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Mesa Boogie Electra Dyne Demo

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Electra Dyne Demo by MESA/Boogie

Mesa Boogie Electra Dyne Demo

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Video thumbnail for I'm Selling My Amps! Time to Say GOODBYE To the Mesa Boogie Electra Dyne by John Nathan Cordy

I'm Selling My Amps! Time to Say GOODBYE To the Mesa Boogie Electra Dyne

John Nathan Cordy

John Nathan Cordy

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Electra Dyne Demo by littleredguitars2

Mesa Boogie Electra Dyne Demo

littleredguitars2

littleredguitars2

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Electra-Dyne Head and Rectifier 4x12" Cabinet by SgtThump

Mesa Boogie Electra-Dyne Head and Rectifier 4x12" Cabinet

SgtThump

SgtThump

Video thumbnail for Mesa/Boogie ElectraDyne LO MODE – Classic Rock by Mesa Boogie Hollywood

Mesa/Boogie ElectraDyne LO MODE – Classic Rock

Mesa Boogie Hollywood

Mesa Boogie Hollywood

Video thumbnail for Mesa/Boogie ElectraDyne HI MODE – Drop D High Gain by Mesa Boogie Hollywood

Mesa/Boogie ElectraDyne HI MODE – Drop D High Gain

Mesa Boogie Hollywood

Mesa Boogie Hollywood

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head.

Comparisons

  • The clean channel of the Electra-Dyne is similar to a blackface Fender, while the low gain channel is akin to a modded Marshall.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The power amp is derived from a Mesa Mark IV, using EL34 tubes by default, which can be switched to 6L6s for more dynamic cleans.

    Source
  • The amp uses stereo pots to switch between American and British preamp circuits, offering versatile tonal options.

    Source
  • It's been noted that the amp features a 45W or 90W power setting, with users preferring the 45W mode for bedroom levels and rich tone when cranked.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the reverb adds treble, enhancing the "crystalline" clean tone, which is considered intentional for its unique sound.

    Source
  • Owners report that while the amp's circuit is loud, it sounds best when played at high volumes, though it can become bass-heavy at lower levels.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Electra-Dyne is praised for its ability to handle heavy, prog, and low-tuned music styles effectively with a clean platform and gain pedals.

    Source
  • Users highlight the amp's organic sound and natural compression, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Electra-Dyne is described as heavy and cumbersome, especially the combo version, likened to the size and weight of a 2x12 cabinet.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Pre-pandemic, the Electra-Dyne was available for $750-$1000 used, with availability decreasing and prices potentially rising post-pandemic.

    Source

Other

  • It’s mentioned that the amp does not use modeling technology, relying instead on complex circuitry for its versatile sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head is a breath of fresh air for those seeking simplicity with stellar sound. Its straightforward design with only six control knobs is a departure from Mesa's usual complexity, yet it delivers some of the brand's best clean tones. The amp excels in clean and overdrive modes, offering a versatile range of tones that nod to both American and British amp traditions. However, its deviation from the classic Mesa high-gain sound might not appeal to those looking for a typical Mesa experience, particularly metal enthusiasts. Despite this, for players drawn to remarkable clean tones and straightforward controls, the Electra-Dyne is a compelling choice.

positive

Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne is celebrated for its simplicity and versatility, catering to rock, blues, and classic rock enthusiasts. Praised for its wide range of quality tones and ease of use, it's a powerhouse with brilliant mode balance features. However, it's a hefty piece for a 1x12 configuration. The amp shines in delivering both American-voiced cleans and British-inspired drives, making it a solid choice for serious rock 'n' roll work. Despite its weight, the Electra-Dyne stands out as a reliable and powerful investment for musicians seeking diverse tonal options without complexity.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmarchi1

not bad

This is Mesa's attempt to mate a fender clean with a marshally dirty. First off the bass and treble response on both channels is more fender than marshally, but that's not a bad thing. It has shared EQ like a Soldano, but it works well for both channels somehow. Also, you can kick the drive channel from 2 input Marshall JMP crunch into a hot-rodded 800 mode that splits the difference between the old Mesa Mark series lead tone and an 80s hair band thing. I really liked the electradyne overall but not enough to buy one. I believe it has been replaced in the Mesa line by the more refined and feature laden Royal Atlantic 100. I am sure the RA100 is awesome but I liked how easy it was to navigate the electra's control panel and quickly dial in clean and dirty tones that were very familiar in feel and timbre. I have never heard any complaints about the electradyne's reliability so I highly recommend this amp for guys who much switch channels but don't need ridiculous gain and want a good clean sound too.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kim Thayil uses Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head

Kim Thayil

Guitarist

Soundgarden

...
Verified via YouTube

At 29:15 in this Rig Rundown for Kim Thayil of Sound Garden, his gear is displayed, showing his Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head.

See how Andy Summers uses Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Andy Summers | MESA/Boogie®

Andy Summers's Gear Rectifier® Cabinets 2x12 Recto® Horizontal Cabinet

Other Gear Electra Dyne™ Head

See how Bruce Springsteen uses Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head

Bruce Springsteen

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

On Mesa Boogie's website, there is a page that lists the Mesa Boogie gear that the performing artists of the 2012 Grammys use. It states that Bruce Springsteen uses Electro-dyne heads.

See how Brendan Bayliss uses Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head

Brendan Bayliss

Guitarist

Umphrey’s McGee

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Bayliss also uses a Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne that’s set for dirty sounds.

See how Anthony Raneri uses Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head

Anthony Raneri

Guitarist

Bayside

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 0:30 mark in this YouTube video, Anthony Raneri confirms using the Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head.

See how George Pajon, Jr. uses Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head

George Pajon, Jr.

Guitarist, Music Producer

Black Eyed Peas

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Rig Tour with George Pajon of The Black Eyed Peas" by MESA/Boogie, George Pajon, Jr. confirms that the Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head is a part of his rig at the 1:57 mark.

See how Dan Lawson uses Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head

Dan Lawson

Music Producer

...
Verified

In an interview on Blues.gr, Dan Lawson confirms using a custom Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head.

See how Jaime Hanna uses Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head

Jaime Hanna

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Jaime Hanna uses the Mesa/Boogie Electra-Dyne Head.

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 Electra-Dyne Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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jamescassidy

jamescassidy

Gear IQ 900

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