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Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp

^# 92

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$1,500.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (6)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special

3 community setups

2 wishlisted

8 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (25)

$1,500.00 8 available Used

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Average Price: $1,500

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

In the Combo Guitar Amplifiers category, Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Introducing the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp, a blend of timeless tone and handcrafted quality. This 1x12 Combo amplifier is a sonic masterpiece, offering a versatile multi-stage cascading gain circuit and a unique Full Power/Tweed Variac switch. The two-channel design offers impressive amp character, while a special three-position voicing switch in the higher-gain channel unlocks a realm of gain-rich possibilities. The all-tube long spring reverb completes the package, capable of delivering everything from classic Tweed breakup to that signature aggressive Mesa tone.

Key Features:

Boutique-quality hand construction
Selectable multi-stage cascading gain circuit
Diode or tube rectifier tracking
Full Power/Tweed Variac switch for dynamic tone shaping
Two-channel design for versatile amp character
Three-position voicing switch in the higher-gain channel for more gain options
All-tube long spring reverb for a range of sound effects

Product specs

Brand	Mesa Boogie
Model	Lone Star Special 2-Channel 30-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish	Various
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	6L6
Reverb	Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration	1x12"

FAQs

What type of power tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp use?: The Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp uses EL84 power tubes, which contribute to its distinctive tonal characteristics and allow for power settings of 5, 15, or 30 watts.
How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp have?: The Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp features two fully independent channels, each with its own set of controls for Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Reverb, and Master.
Can the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp be used for both clean and high-gain tones?: Yes, Channel 1 offers boutique vintage clean and classic breakup tones, while Channel 2 can be switched to a cascading high-gain mode for more aggressive sounds.
Does the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp include a built-in reverb?: Yes, it features an all-tube, long spring reverb with a Bright/Warm Reverb Tone Switch for added versatility in sound shaping.
Is the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp suitable for gigging?: With its power settings of 5, 15, and 30 watts, the Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp offers flexibility for various performance settings, from small venues to larger gigs, making it a versatile choice for live performances.

Videos

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swiftlessons

Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special Demo

swiftlessons

That Pedal Show – Our Guitars & Gear: Mick’s Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Amps

That Pedal Show

Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Amp Demo - Mesa Boogie Lone Star Special

youcanlearnguitar

Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special - Demo by David García (Fanatic Guitars)

David Garcia

The Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special at MaurysMusic.com

Maury's Music

Mesa's Sweetest Sounding Amp | Lonestar Special

Leon Todd

Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special Clean Channel

Alex Alexander

Lonestar Special : Best Mesa Boogie amp around ?

Philby

Reviews

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PROS

Craftsmanship combines artistic design with superior sound quality
Multiple wattage settings (5w, 15w, 30w) enhance versatility
Exceptional clean tones, described as the best by some users
Tubes and speaker of high quality, reducing the need for replacements
Takes pedals well, providing a great pedal platform
Variable wattage on each channel adds to flexibility
Ample gain options for diverse sound profiles
Two channels with independent wattage selection and dual reverbs
Sturdy build and weight prevents unwanted movement
Suitable for both home use and gigging, with features for various contexts

CONS

Heavier weight may limit portability for some users
Learning curve due to a wide range of options and controls
High price point compared to other amps

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 Amp.

Features and functionality

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The Lone Star Special uses EL84 power tubes for a brighter, bouncy sound compared to the Lonestar Classic's 6L6 or EL34 tubes.
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The amp's drive channel is described as tighter with humbuckers, especially when gain is set at 1 o'clock and drive between 9-12 o'clock.
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The amp's tweed switch allows for cranking to achieve distinctive clean tones, valued by owners for its impact on sound dynamics.
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Engaging the drive channel can transform it into a Mark I clone, offering a smooth, dark grind with a thick single-note lead voice.
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Setup and maintenance

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Early models may have rectifier tube issues; switching to solid-state rectifier mode prevents damage.
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EQ settings below 12 o'clock, with bass and mids often at zero, contribute to distinctive tonal adjustments, showcasing the amp's flexibility.
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Use cases and applications

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Channel 1 is Fender-voiced, ideal for blues, while Channel 2 offers a darker, Marshall-inspired tone suitable for classic rock.
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Owners note the amp excels in blues and rock without needing pedals, aided by its two channels and loop/solo mode.
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The amp is praised for its versatility, with some using the drive channel as an additional clean channel by voicing it darker.
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Settings inspired by John Petrucci provide a modern prog lead sound from "Repentance," highlighting the amp's versatility across musical styles.
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Comparisons

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The Maverick, a predecessor, is favored by some for a more classic rock tone and is considered bulletproof.
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Value and pricing

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A used Lone Star Special priced at $1,000 is considered fair, especially when compared to other less favored Mesa models like the Nomad.
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A used Lone Star Special is noted as preferable to buying from larger retailers due to potential condition issues and higher pricing.
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Build quality

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Owners highlight the amp's heavy weight, recommending casters for easier transport.
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User experience

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Some users find the amp initially difficult to dial in, but the manual is noted as a helpful resource for setup.
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The amp's dark, warm reverb is praised as the best Mesa/Boogie has offered, enhancing the overall clean tone experience.
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Critic Reviews

Mesa/Boogie Lonestar Special 1 x 12 combo review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp delivers exceptional tone across blues, rock, country, and jazz genres, making it a top contender in the amp market. Its unique power stage and immaculate styling contribute to its appeal. While the amp is heavy and the steel grille might not win beauty contests, its versatility and sound quality overshadow these flaws. For those seeking rich, dynamic tones and vintage aesthetics, this amp is a worthy investment, offering pro-level build quality and a storied heritage.

positive

Full Review

Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special 1x12 combo

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Mesa/Boogie Lone Star Special Amp dazzles with its tonal versatility, build quality, and eye-catching design, making it a top choice for Jazz, Blues, and Rock enthusiasts. Its customizable wattage and impressive range of sounds cater to diverse musical needs. However, its hefty weight and high price tag might deter some. Despite these drawbacks, its professional-grade features and sound quality justify the investment for serious musicians.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

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dougbilski

111

over 10 years ago

Love this amp!

This is my primary gigging amp - LOADS of features that make it work in just about any situation. Two channels - both independently select-able at 5, 15, or 30 watts. Two reverbs, master volume for entire amp with adjustable boost switch. Tons of gain options. I use it for a more bluesy/rock kind of amp, but this thing could shred, too. Love the cosmetics and build quality is excellent.