Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,700

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the world of rich, dynamic sound with the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special 2-Channel 30-Watt Rackmount Guitar Amp Head. This versatile amp head is perfect for guitarists seeking the authentic warmth of Class A tube tone, delivering everything from pristine cleans to creamy overdriven bliss. With its two independent channels, you can seamlessly switch between lush tones and aggressive leads, tailoring your sound precisely to your performance needs.

The Lone Star Special's unique design allows you to toggle between 5, 15, and 30 watts, thanks to its four EL84 output tubes. This flexibility ensures you’re always in control, whether you're in the studio, at a small gig, or rocking a mid-size venue. Its robust EQ section, combined with all-tube reverb and an FX loop, gives you the freedom to shape your sound with precision. The inclusion of a footswitchable solo level control means your solos will always cut through the mix.

Built in Petaluma, California, the Lone Star Special is crafted with attention to detail and quality. Its single-ended circuit design preserves the most musical harmonics, adding a subtle, warm halo to your tone that is perfect for recording sessions when nuance is key.

Key Features:

  • Two fully independent channels with gain, treble, mid, bass, presence, reverb, and master controls
  • Switchable power settings: 5, 15, or 30 watts from four EL84 tubes
  • All-tube, long spring reverb with bright/warm tone switch
  • All-tube FX loop with send level control
  • True hard-bypass switch for FX loop, output level, and solo level controls
  • Handbuilt in Petaluma, California
  • Includes a 2-button footswitch and slipcover

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Lone Star Special 2-Channel 30-Watt Rackmount Guitar Amp Head
Year 2005 - 2020
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 30
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special use?

The Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special uses EL84 power tubes, which are known for their chime and smooth overdrive characteristics, making them ideal for classic rock and blues tones.

Does the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special have built-in effects?

Yes, the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special features built-in effects, including a spring reverb, which adds depth and ambiance to your sound.

How many channels does the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special have?

The Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special is a 2-channel amplifier, allowing for versatile switching between different tones and gain structures.

Is the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special suitable for gigging?

With its 30-watt output, the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special is powerful enough for gigging in small to medium venues, providing ample volume and headroom.

Can the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special handle different speaker impedances?

Yes, the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special can accommodate both 4 ohm and 8 ohm speaker loads, offering flexibility in speaker cabinet pairing.

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special?

The Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special is known for its rich, warm cleans and smooth, creamy overdrive, making it suitable for a variety of music styles, especially blues and rock.

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 Rackmount Guitar Amp Head.

Features and functionality

  • The Mesa Lone Star Special offers three power modes: 5, 15, and 30 watts, which enhance versatility for different playing environments, including small spaces like apartments.

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  • It includes an effects loop and two channels, each with a solo boost and volume control, ideal for blues, jazz, and country styles.

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  • The Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special's 5-watt setting is noted for being quite loud, even at low volumes, making it challenging for 'bedroom' levels.

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Comparisons

  • The Mesa Lone Star Special pairs well with a Fender Blues Junior, both using the same power tubes for complementary clean and overdrive sounds.

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  • The Mesa Lone Star Special is noted for its versatility and is recommended over other high-wattage tube amps for users not in band or gig settings.

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  • The Mesa Lone Star Special is preferred over digital modeling amps for its authentic tube tone, though modelers are praised for their volume flexibility.

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Use cases and applications

  • The 5-watt setting on the Lone Star Special is suitable for apartment use, providing natural tube overdrive without excessive volume.

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  • The Mesa Lone Star Special's switchable wattage lets users achieve saturation at lower volumes, ideal for home use without sacrificing tone quality.

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User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Mesa's quick adaptation to desired tones, typically requiring only about three days of use to achieve preferred settings.

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  • Some owners express that attenuators enhance the amp’s usability at home, but high-quality options can be costly and may affect tube longevity.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Several users recommend using the JHS Little Black Amp Box for volume control, though it's incompatible without an effects loop, which the Lone Star lacks.

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Value and pricing

  • High-quality attenuators, suggested for volume control, can be as expensive as entry-level amps, impacting overall cost-effectiveness for home players.

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