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Average Price: $750
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
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Description
The Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker 2x12" Combo Amplifier is a testament to the spirit of rock and roll, offering a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern versatility. Crafted with the discerning guitarist in mind, this powerhouse amplifier boasts a dual-channel design that lets you effortlessly switch between sweet, clean tones and gritty, overdriven sounds. Whether you're gracing the stage or practicing in your studio, the Heartbreaker delivers an expressive soundscape with its customizable tube configuration.
Equipped with a half-power switch, it allows you to toggle between 100W and 60W, adapting to any setting with precision. This flexibility is further enhanced by the Bias Selector, enabling the use of either EL34 or 6V6 power tubes to cater to your tonal preferences. The dual 12" custom Celestion speakers ensure that every note resonates with clarity and warmth, making it a reliable companion for both live performances and recording sessions.
Incorporating a rugged build with an intuitive interface, the Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker is not just an amplifier—it's a gateway to sonic exploration. Its retro-inspired aesthetics are complemented by thoughtful features, making it a favorite among seasoned musicians and emerging artists alike.
Key Features:
- Dual-channel tube amplifier
- Custom Celestion 2x12" speakers
- Half-power switch (100W/60W)
- Bias Selector for EL34 or 6V6 power tubes
- Vintage and modern tonal capabilities
- Rugged construction with intuitive controls
Product specs
| Brand | Mesa Boogie |
| Model | Heartbreaker 2-Channel 100-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo |
| Finish | Various |
| Year | 1996 - 2001 |
| 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) | 100 |
| Power Tube Type | 6L6 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 2x12" |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker 2x12" Combo Amplifier?
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The Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker offers a versatile tone with two distinct channels, providing both classic clean sounds and rich, saturated overdrive. This amp is known for its dynamic response and the ability to produce a wide range of tones suitable for various genres.
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Is the Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker 2x12" Combo Amplifier suitable for gigging?
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Yes, the Heartbreaker is a 100-watt amplifier equipped with 2x12" speakers, making it powerful enough for live performances. Its robust build and high output ensure it can handle gigging with ease, even in larger venues.
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Does the Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker take pedals well?
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The Heartbreaker is known for its excellent compatibility with guitar pedals. Its clean channel provides a solid foundation for effects, while the tube-driven circuitry ensures that pedals integrate smoothly into its tonal palette.
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What type of power tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker use?
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The Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker uses 6L6 power tubes, which contribute to its warm, full-bodied tone and dynamic range. These tubes are a staple in many high-quality amplifiers and are known for their reliability and tonal versatility.
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How does the spring reverb in the Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker 2x12" Combo Amplifier enhance its sound?
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The built-in spring reverb adds a lush, ambient quality to the Heartbreaker's sound, enhancing its depth and spatial characteristics. This feature is particularly useful for achieving classic, vintage-inspired tones that benefit from a natural reverb effect.
Videos
Analog Time Machine
Mesa Boogie Heartbreaker EI mod by Eilers Innovations
Mesa Boogie Heartbreaker EI mod by Eilers Innovations
Analog Time Machine
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers sought-after classic rock tones without needing multiple amps
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Versatile sound with sparkling cleans and mean overdrive
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Takes most pedals well for enhanced sound shaping
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Two gain modes with a boost function for tonal variety
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Sounds impressive at both quiet and loud volumes
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Compatible with EL34 and 6L6 tubes for tonal customization
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Rare and collectible, with limited production numbers
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Great for early 80's hair metal and classic rock
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Offers a deep sound profile with rich tonal depth
CONS
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Extremely heavy, making it difficult to transport
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Not suitable for modern metal or Djent styles
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker 2x12" Combo Amplifier.
Build quality
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Mesa amps' compact design leads to difficult repairs; some techs avoid working on them due to complexity.
Source
Comparisons
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The Mesa Heartbreaker 2x12 is favored for recording and jams, offering versatility similar to the Stiletto Deuce Stage II.
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The Mesa Heartbreaker's "Love" channel EQ is pre-gain, similar to Fender/Mark series, while the "Lust" channel EQ is post-gain, akin to Marshall/British amps.
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The Mesa DC-5 is noted for having a similar tone to the Mark IV but with more gain, useful for achieving Chevelle tones.
Source
Features and functionality
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The Classic variant of the Lonestar is likened to Fender territory with 6L6 tubes, offering more clean headroom than the EL34-based Special.
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The Heartbreaker's "Love" channel replicates a Mesa Mark II, providing both clean and high-gain modes via a switch, mimicking old Fender Tweeds and Mark series amps.
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The "Lust" channel mimics a Marshall/British style, offering JTM to JCM800-like gain with a high/low gain switch, utilizing EQ stages post-gain stages.
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Heartbreaker offers rectifier tube sag selection, allowing for additional tonal flexibility.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The Mesa Royal Atlantic maintains Stiletto series DNA, appealing for those needing both clean and gain versatility.
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The Heartbreaker is highly valued as a studio amp, praised for its versatile tone shaping and unique channel configurations.
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The Heartbreaker is versatile, with high gain modes capable of heavy chugging when paired with a boost pedal.
Source
Other
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The Mesa Lonestar Special's drive channel is described as glassy with bite, contrasting the smoother, violin-like tone of the Classic.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 4 Ratings
170
Excellent
My amp was previously owned by Kevin Cadogan from Third Eye Blind so it's special to me. It's easily the best I've played.
57
Best amp I own
The Heartbreaker is defiantly one of the most underrated amps that Mesa/Boogie made. While it is very HEAVY, it has a lot of depth. The Heartbreaker is great for all those classic tones that are so sought after without having to own multiple amps. With sparkling cleans and a mean overdrive, this amp boasts true Mesa versatility. While it does not do great modern metal, it DOES do anything from early 80's hair metal to the classic tone that made classic rock what it is.This amp takes most pedals very well as well. Amp sounds very good quiet levels but can also get very loud. (even when running at 40Watts with El34's). If you can find this amp, take it while you can as not many were made. This amp did not sell well as most people associated mesa with modern metal and grunge. This is my go-to amp for almost everything.
41029
I kinda like the Heartbreaker too and I don't like a lot of mesas.
283
A true Mesa/Boogie sleeper!
I picked up one of these dirt cheap in a local pawn shop after I missed out on a much more expensive used Roadster at another local store. While it does not Djent, it produces some stellar classic tones with two gain modes on each of it's two channels, with a boost function on one of them. I thought it sounded great as-is, but after reading some opinions from other owners I decided to ditch the somewhat worn 6L6 tubes in favour of a quad of EL34s direct from Mesa (remember to change the bias!), and it absolutely screams now. Even on reduced output mode (40w with EL34, 60w with 6L6) it will vibrate your soul and wake the dead at half volume. The only real problem with this amp is it's HEAVY. It's not referred to the Backbreaker for nothing!
Artist usage
Add artist
In this old pic you an see the touring rig of Dave; a Mesa Boogie Rectifier w/ 2 cabs and a Mesa Boogie Heartbreaker
Yes, it is a tiny pic, but you can see the Heartbreaker logo on the amp
According to this interview (transcribed from the February 1998 issue of Guitar Player magazine), Kevin utilized a Heartbreaker combo for live work around the time of the release of Third Eye Blind's self-titled debut album.
Album Usage
The Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker 2x12" Combo Amplifier has been featured on the following albums:
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 Heartbreaker 2x12" Combo Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Mesa/Boogie Heartbreaker 2x12" Combo Amplifier, curated by the Equipboard community.
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It's not as expensive as a custom Heartbreaker would be although you can get a base model for around $1000 used.
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