Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,249

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$200

$601+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Mesa/Boogie Mesa Boogie 2x12 halfback". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Revitalize your sound with the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Halfback, a guitar amplifier cabinet that marries the best of both worlds—open and closed-back designs. Built with precision and passion in Petaluma, California, this cabinet is a rebirth of the iconic '80s sound that defined a generation of rock. Featuring a unique split-back construction, the upper chamber is open-backed, delivering airy cleans and shimmering leads, while the lower chamber is sealed for tight, punchy lows. This innovative design ensures a versatile tonal range that can adapt to any musical style, from sparkling highs to thunderous lows.

Loaded with two front-mounted Celestion C90 speakers, custom-designed to MESA's rigorous standards, this cabinet offers a powerful and articulate voice capable of handling everything from clean tones to overdriven crunch. These speakers are renowned for their robust low-end response, smooth mids, and sparkling highs, making them a staple in MESA/Boogie cabinets for decades. Whether you're in a live performance or a studio setting, these speakers will allow your sound to cut through any mix with clarity and power.

Constructed from marine-grade Baltic birch and wrapped in durable Black Bronco Tolex, the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Halfback is built to withstand the demands of frequent gigging while delivering uncompromising tone. Reinforced corners and a sleek black metal grille add durability and vintage-inspired aesthetics. This cabinet is as tough as it is versatile, ready to bring your sound to life with its rich, powerful voice.

Key Features:

  • Unique split-back design combining open and closed-back qualities
  • Two front-mounted Celestion C90 speakers for powerful, articulate tone
  • Crafted from marine-grade Baltic birch with Black Bronco Tolex
  • Reinforced leather corners and a sleek black metal grille for durability
  • Ideal for a wide range of musical styles, from clean tones to heavy riffs

Product specs

Type Split-back guitar cabinet
Power handling 180W
Mono/Stereo Mono
Impedance 8 ohms
Speaker brand Celestion
Speaker model C90
Configuration 2x12
Mounting position Front mounted (top and bottom)
Cabinet material Marine-grade Baltic birch
Grille Black expanded metal
Corners Hand-formed leather
Casters Track-Loc removable casters
Inputs 1x 1/4" mono
Outputs 1x 1/4" parallel output
Height 27 7/8" (70.8 cm)
Width 23 5/8" (60 cm)
Depth 14 1/4" (36.19 cm)
Weight 70 lb. (31.75 kg)
Slipcover Fitted slipcover included

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Mesa Boogie 2x12 halfback cabinet?

The Mesa/Boogie 2x12 halfback cabinet combines open- and closed-back designs, providing a mix of punchy lows and airy highs. The Celestion C90 speakers deliver a balanced tone suitable for various music styles, offering both warmth and clarity.

Is the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 halfback suitable for high-output amplifiers?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 halfback can handle up to 180 watts, making it suitable for high-output guitar heads. Its robust construction ensures reliable performance even at high volumes.

How portable is the Mesa/Boogie Mesa Boogie 2x12 halfback cabinet?

The cabinet features Track-Loc removable casters, which make it easy to transport and set up. Additionally, its fitted slipcover offers protection during transport, enhancing its portability.

What materials are used in the construction of the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 halfback cabinet?

The cabinet is constructed from marine-grade Baltic birch, known for its durability and superior resonance. The expanded metal grille and hand-formed leather corners provide robust protection and aesthetic appeal.

Can the Mesa/Boogie 2x12 halfback be used with additional speaker cabinets?

Yes, the cabinet includes a paralleled mono output, allowing easy connection to additional speaker cabinets for expanded sound coverage.

wolf wolfernus

wolf wolfernus

Mesa Halfback cabinet test

Video thumbnail for Mesa Halfback cabinet test by wolf wolfernus

Mesa Halfback cabinet test

wolf wolfernus

wolf wolfernus

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Mesa Boogie 2x12 halfback.

Build quality

  • The reissued models are constructed with birch instead of the mahogany used in the original half-backs, affecting tonal characteristics.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users prefer to load their cabs with EV speakers, citing a preference for the vintage tone over the current Celestion offerings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike original models, the reissues feature a Vintage 30 speaker instead of the Vintage 50, altering the sound profile.

    Source
  • The closed back Rectifier 2x12 is noted for providing a voicing nearly identical to the compact but with potentially more bass response.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of original models report long-term satisfaction, particularly enjoying the sound when partnered with specific preamps and power amps, highlighting their versatility.

    Source
  • Owners often find the horizontal Rectifier 2x12 better than the compact due to its size and sound, enhancing satisfaction during performances.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The reissued cabinets, now called Split Back, no longer offer the Road Ready option, which some users miss for its durability.

    Source
  • The 2FBBR tag identifies it as a closed back Rectifier 2x12, often compared in size to an Orange 2x12, indicating it's not the compact version.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 2x12 can effectively serve as an extension cab for amps like the MKIV, broadening its functional appeal.

    Source
  • This cab, similar in size to the Orange 2x12, is favored for transport ease, especially useful for gigs when paired with a flight case.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Ben Weinman uses Mesa/Boogie Mesa Boogie 2x12 halfback

Ben Weinman

Guitarist

Suicidal Tendencies

...
Verified via YouTube

Ben talks about this cabinet at 4:56

See how Koichi Namiki uses Mesa/Boogie Mesa Boogie 2x12 halfback

Koichi Namiki

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

Koichi Namiki can be seen using Mesa/Boogie 2x12 halfback cabs in many live clips around 1990, including the linked performance.

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 Mesa Boogie 2x12 halfback, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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