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Average Price: $1,100

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Prepare to elevate your sound game with the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo, an amplifier that masterfully blends vintage character with modern versatility. Designed for both the stage and studio, this combo amp delivers Texas-sized cleans and dynamic high-gain tones through its 12" speaker, making it a standout choice for guitarists seeking tonal prowess.

At the heart of the Lone Star is its two-channel configuration, offering a range of sonic possibilities. Channel 1 provides boutique vintage cleans and classic breakup tones, while Channel 2 offers a split personality: clone the clean tones of Channel 1 or dive into cascading high-gain territory. The unique Tube Rectifier Tracking feature optimizes your sound by auto-assigning rectifier circuits to match the power settings, giving you that authentic vintage feel or a modern punch.

Whether you're exploring lush reverb landscapes or dialing in raw power, the Lone Star's comprehensive control options ensure you shape your sound with precision. Its all-tube construction, switchable rectifier, and robust build make it a reliable companion for any gig or recording session.

Key Features:

  • Duo-Class power amp with 10/50/100-watt power switches
  • 1 x 12" C90 speaker for rich sound
  • Selectable Diode or Tube Rectifier tracking
  • Two fully independent channels
  • Channel 1: Boutique Vintage Clean/Classic Breakup
  • Channel 2: Clone of Channel 1 or Cascading High Gain
  • All-tube, long spring reverb with Bright/Warm reverb tone switch
  • Footswitchable solo level control
  • All-Tube FX loop with Send Level control
  • True Hard Bypass switch for pure signal path
  • Handbuilt in Petaluma, California, with an all-aluminum chassis and fan-cooled design
  • Includes 2-button footswitch, slip cover, and casters
MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Demo of Mesa Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Video thumbnail for Demo of Mesa Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo by MooreMusicGuitars

Demo of Mesa Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo.

Use cases and applications

  • The Classic version, with 6L6 tubes, provides more clean headroom suitable for bar gigs, while the Special version with EL34 tubes offers a brighter tone.

    Source
  • The amp handles time-based effects exceptionally well, making it a good choice for those integrating extensive pedalboards.

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  • The Lone Star Classic drive channel can be optimized by reducing bass and increasing treble, yielding excellent results with a Strat and low-gain overdrive pedal.

    Source
  • Ideal for classic rock and blues, though may require pedals for sufficient gain in hard rock scenarios.

    Source

Other

  • Casters are highly recommended due to the amp's substantial weight, making transport easier for users without assistance.

    Source

User experience

  • The Mesa Lone Star's clean channel is noted to sound stunning with Strats and 335s but can be challenging with Les Pauls.

    Source
  • Users report that the Classic 1x12 offers a lush, 3D sound with substantial bottom end and excellent built-in reverb, though it may not be favored for portability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users describe Channel 2’s tone as "bluesish," capable of an AC/DC crunch with a boost pedal, suggesting similarities to Marshall amps.

    Source
  • The Mesa Royal Atlantic is suggested as a more affordable alternative to the Lone Star, with similar tonal DNA but additional features from the Stiletto series.

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Features and functionality

  • The 1x12 Lone Star has an "undocumented" 1/4" jack for remotely turning the reverb on/off with a footswitch.

    Source
  • The clean channel is highly praised for its Fender-like voicing, excellent for blues, and serves as a superior pedal platform.

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  • The Special version uses EL84 power tubes, resulting in a brighter, bouncier tone compared to the Lonestar Classics with 6L6 or EL34 tubes.

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  • Channel 2 is darker, reminiscent of a lower watt classic Marshall, capable of producing sounds similar to Angus Young when cranked up.

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Build quality

  • Owners caution that the handle can strip or break under the amp's weight; it's recommended to "team lift" with a person at each end.

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  • Owners note that Mesa amps, including the Lone Star, are heavy and densely packed, making them cumbersome to transport and potentially challenging for repairs.

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Value and pricing

  • A price of $1000 for a gently used unit is considered fair, especially with prices on Reverb reaching around $1300.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Early models had issues with blowing rectifier tubes, best avoided by using solid-state rectifier mode; check with Mesa using the serial number for confirmation.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

great

amazing combo used sort of like my ac30.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

In the "Dave Grohl's Gear" section of the MESA/Boogie website, the Lone Star 1x12 Combo is listed as being used by him (original link here).

See how Chris Shiflett uses Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Chris Shiflett

Guitarist

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via Chris Shiflett | MESA/Boogie®

Chris Shiflett uses the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo amplifier, as featured on the official MESA/Boogie website.

See how Dominic Miller uses Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Dominic Miller

Guitarist, Composer

Sting

...
Verified via Dominic Miller | MESA/Boogie®

According to Mesa/Boogie's site, Dominic Miller uses the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo.

See how Charlie Hunter uses Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Charlie Hunter

Guitarist

Charlie Hunter Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

Tone Sessions: Charlie Hunter – Subway D-800 & 1x12 / Lone Star 1x12 & CabClone

See how Rob Baker uses Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Rob Baker

Guitarist

The Tragically Hip

...
Verified via Reverendguitars

"On stage I use two Mesa-Boogie Lonestars as a stereo rig...". Speculating on use of 1x12 Combo (as opposed to the 2x12 or head+cab) based on grainy stage shots.

See how Gerry Leonard uses Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Gerry Leonard

Guitarist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via G e r r y L e o n a r d

On his website, Gerry Leonard confirms using the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star. It can be surmised from his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie website that it is the 1x12 Combo.

M

Miles Doughty

Guitarist, Bassist

Slightly Stoopid

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 6:04 mark of this YouTube video, Miles Doughty confirms using the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

It's good for the reggae stuff and the bluesy rhythms.

See how Trevor Larkin uses Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Trevor Larkin

Guitarist

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to Trevor Larkin's artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, he uses the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo.

See how Jerry McPherson uses Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo

Jerry McPherson

Guitarist

...
Verified via Jerry McPherson | MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Jerry McPherson uses the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo.

R

Rico McFarland

Guitarist

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Rico McFarland uses the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo.

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 Lone Star 1x12 Combo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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frihavn

frihavn

Gear IQ 61

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