Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,100
High-end/Boutique
$300
$701+
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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
Videos
MooreMusicGuitars
Demo of Mesa Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo
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
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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.
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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.
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Ideal for classic rock and blues, though may require pedals for sufficient gain in hard rock scenarios.
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Other
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Casters are highly recommended due to the amp's substantial weight, making transport easier for users without assistance.
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User experience
Comparisons
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Some users describe Channel 2’s tone as "bluesish," capable of an AC/DC crunch with a boost pedal, suggesting similarities to Marshall amps.
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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
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The 1x12 Lone Star has an "undocumented" 1/4" jack for remotely turning the reverb on/off with a footswitch.
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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
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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
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A price of $1000 for a gently used unit is considered fair, especially with prices on Reverb reaching around $1300.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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).
Chris Shiflett uses the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo amplifier, as featured on the official MESA/Boogie website.
According to Mesa/Boogie's site, Dominic Miller uses the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star 1x12 Combo.
Tone Sessions: Charlie Hunter – Subway D-800 & 1x12 / Lone Star 1x12 & CabClone
"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.
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.
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.
According to Trevor Larkin's artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, he 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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