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Average Price: $2,000
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$701+
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Description
When you're looking for an amplifier that can deliver both the luscious warmth of vintage tones and the flexibility needed for any sonic adventure, the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo is your answer. This powerhouse is designed for the discerning musician who craves the pure, Class A magic of EL84 power tubes. With two fully independent channels, you gain the power to shape your sound exactly how you envision it. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this amp can adapt to your needs with its versatile wattage settings—5, 15, or 30 watts—allowing for seamless transitions between pristine clean tones and creamy overdrive.
Each channel is equipped with comprehensive controls: gain, treble, mid, bass, presence, reverb, and master volume, giving you total command over your soundscape. The Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special also features a long spring reverb, offering both bright and warm settings for added depth to your sound. Plus, the true hard-bypass switch ensures your signal path remains pure when desired.
Crafted with precision in Petaluma, California, this amplifier is not only a testament to quality but also a versatile tool for any musician's arsenal. Its single-ended 5-watt mode provides a heavenly tone, perfect for recording sessions where every nuance matters.
Key Features:
- 2 fully independent channels with comprehensive controls
- EL84 power tubes with 5-, 15-, and 30-watt power settings
- All-tube, long spring reverb with bright/warm tone switch
- True hard-bypass switch
- Single-ended 5-watt mode for superior harmonics
- Handbuilt in Petaluma, California
- Includes 2-button footswitch and slipcover
Product specs
| Brand | Mesa Boogie |
| Model | Lone Star Special 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo |
| Year | 2005 - 2020 |
| 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) | 30 |
| Power Tube Type | EL84 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 2x12" |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special 2x12" Combo best suited for?
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The Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special is versatile, excelling in blues, rock, and jazz genres with its rich, warm tube-driven tones and dynamic response.
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How does the EL84 power tube influence the sound of the Lone Star Special?
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The EL84 power tubes provide a smooth, creamy overdrive and chime-like clean tones, making it ideal for expressive playing styles.
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Can the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special handle pedal effects well?
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Yes, the Lone Star Special is renowned for its excellent pedal compatibility, offering a clean and dynamic platform for various effects.
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Is the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special suitable for gigging?
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With its 30-watt output and dual 12" speakers, the Lone Star Special delivers ample volume and projection for live performances in small to medium venues.
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What are the key features of the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special's reverb?
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The Lone Star Special features a built-in spring reverb, providing lush, ambient soundscapes that enhance your tone without overwhelming it.
Videos
Guitar Interactive Magazine
Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special | Review
Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special | Review
Guitar Interactive Magazine
Mesa's Sweetest Sounding Amp | Lonestar Special
Leon Todd
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 Special 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo.
Features and functionality
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The amp's early models may have a design issue causing rectifier tube failures, which can be mitigated by using the solid-state rectifier mode.
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The drive channel sounds tighter with humbuckers, with the gain set around 1 o'clock and the drive between 9-12 o'clock for optimal tone.
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The clean channel paired with a Mesa C90 speaker excels as a pedal platform, offering a Fender-like voicing that dirties up well for blues tones.
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The amp supports wattage switching between 5, 15, and 30 watts on either channel, providing flexibility for different playing environments.
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Comparisons
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Traynor amps, like the Custom Special series, are noted for their clean headroom and high-gain tones, providing a reliable and affordable alternative.
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The Lone Star Special with EL34 tubes has a more glassy and biting drive compared to the Classic's smoother, violin-like tone with 6L6 tubes.
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The Lone Star Special with EL84 tubes is brighter and bouncier compared to the Classic models, which use 6L6 or EL34 tubes.
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Use cases and applications
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The Mesa Roadster combines the clean channel of the Lone Star with the dual rectifier drive, offering wattage and reverb adjustments per channel.
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The amp can achieve something akin to an Angus Young sound when the second channel is gained out and played loudly, but additional pedals may be required for lower volumes.
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The amp excels in blues/rock genres, offering versatility with its 2-channel design and loop/solo mode, eliminating the need for external pedals.
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Setup and maintenance
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Many amp techs find Mesa amps challenging to repair due to dense internal layouts, though some experienced techs manage without issues.
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Build quality
Value and pricing
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A used Lone Star Special is considered fairly priced at $1,000, especially given comparisons to lesser models like the Mesa Nomad, which have sold for more.
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User experience
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The amp is frequently praised for its tonal excellence and appearance, often receiving compliments at gigs.
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The amp can be repurposed by using the drive channel as an additional clean channel, voicing it darker for variety.
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Some users find it necessary to have the amp at a high volume to achieve a classic overdrive sound with desirable high-end content.
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Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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