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Average Price: $3,000
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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Description
Unleash the power and versatility of the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier, a four-channel tube amplifier head that redefines what's possible in a single unit. With its innovative Progressive Linkage technology, this head offers an impressive range of tonal options, allowing you to effortlessly switch between different power tube configurations. Whether you crave the warmth of EL34s or the punch of 6L6s, the Road King II delivers with precision.
Each of the four channels is fully independent, providing you with 12 modes to explore. Tailor your sound with dedicated controls for gain, treble, mid, bass, and presence, and add depth with the all-tube long spring reverb. The unique channel-assignable Dual Rectification with Recto Tracking gives you further control, enabling you to choose between diode or tube tracking.
Beyond tone, the Road King II offers intuitive features for live performance and recording. Utilize the dual series effects loops for seamless integration of your favorite pedals, and enjoy the convenience of a tuner output with a mute switch for silent tuning on stage. The included 9-button footswitch ensures you have total command over your sound.
Crafted in Petaluma, California, this amplifier embodies quality and reliability, making it a staple for any serious guitarist looking to expand their sonic palette.
Key Features:
- Progressive Linkage technology for versatile tube configurations
- 4 independent channels with 12 modes
- EL34 and 6L6 power tubes
- Channel-assignable Dual Rectification
- Dual series effects loops with hard-bypass capability
- 9-button footswitch included
- Built-in tuner output with mute switch
- Handbuilt in Petaluma, California
Product specs
| Brand | Mesa Boogie |
| Model | Road King II Dual Rectifier 4-Channel 120-Watt Guitar Amp Head |
| Finish | Various |
| Year | 2005 - 2017 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 4 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 1 Input |
| Output Power (Watts) | 120 |
| Power Tube Type | 6L6 / EL34 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
FAQs
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What type of power tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier use?
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The Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier uses 6L6 and EL34 power tubes, allowing for versatile tonal options and power configurations to suit a variety of playing styles.
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How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier have, and what are their features?
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This amplifier head features four independent channels, each with its own controls, allowing for a wide range of tones from clean and crisp to aggressive high-gain distortion.
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Is the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with 120 watts of power and multiple channels, the Mesa/Boogie Road King II is ideal for live performances, offering enough volume and tonal flexibility to handle various musical genres and venues.
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Does the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier include built-in effects?
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Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Road King II includes built-in effects, such as spring reverb, enhancing its versatility for both live and studio applications.
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Can the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier handle different speaker impedances?
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The amp head supports 16, 8, and 4 ohm speaker loads, providing flexibility to match with a variety of speaker cabinets for optimal performance.
Videos
Kohle Audio Kult
High Gain MESA RECTIFIER shoot out! Road King vs REV F!
High Gain MESA RECTIFIER shoot out! Road King vs REV F!
Kohle Audio Kult
Mesa Boogie Road King Dual Rectifier II Test
Ozz Guitar
So here's my favourite amp of all time | Mesa Road King II
Mendel bij de Leij
Reviews
PROS
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Four channels act like separate amplifiers for unmatched versatility
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Offers three modes per channel, enhancing tonal flexibility
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Selectable diode or tube rectification per channel tailors sound dynamics
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Features both EL34 and 6L6 tubes for a wide tonal palette
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Spongy/Bold switch adjusts amp character for different playing environments
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Clean channel inspired by the Lonestar series delivers sparkly tones
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Can flip between cabs and has at least two loops for performance adaptability
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Output settable volumes aid in precise sound control
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Allows mixing of EL34's and 6L6's tubes for unique tones
CONS
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier.
Features and functionality
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The Road King is praised for its versatility, offering a wide range of sounds suitable for diverse projects.
Source -
Channels 1 and 2 of the Road King II use the Mesa Boogie Lone Star circuitry, offering unique tonal options.
Source -
The Road King II can blend EL34 and 6L6 tubes, offering a wattage range from 50w to 135w, with channel-specific tube settings.
Source -
Includes two series FX loops, not parallel, providing flexibility for different effects setups.
Source -
The RKII ditched the pentode/triode switch for EL34s, indicating a design shift from previous models.
Source
User experience
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Owners highlight that the Road King, despite being heavy, delivers superior live sound compared to the Dual Rectifier.
Source -
Actual weight of the Road King II head is confirmed at 57 pounds, often perceived as heavy by users.
Source -
Despite its complexity, the Road King II is reputed to handle low volumes better than other rectifiers, enhancing its versatility.
Source
Value and pricing
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Long-term owners believe that concerns about high servicing costs for the Road King are overblown, considering the amp's robust performance over the years.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The Road King is often chosen for projects that require multiple tones, emphasizing its adaptability.
Source
Comparisons
Other
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The Road King II's heavy build often leads to misconceptions about its weight, highlighting the importance of accurate information.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Mesa often requires Road King servicing at the factory, with potential costs around $1000 due to shipping, bench time, and parts.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 9 Ratings
348
Summary of the Mesa Boogie Road King II
This guitar amplifier is literally the king of Dual Rectifiers. It has all the bells and whistles. It features four channels that can be treated as four separate amplifiers. Each channel has 3 modes or voicings with the flip of a small switch next to the tone controls. Also the power tubes can be selected in different combinations per channel. It features selectable diode or tube rectification per channel as well. Like all rectifiers it features the classic spongy or bold switch on the back panel which changes the amp character. Spongy reduces the voltage which also reduces the headroom and makes the amp more bubbly and easier to play at lower volume. Bold turns the amp into a fierce beast and it's best suited for loud situations like live performance or band rehearsals. The main difference between the Road King I and II is that the second features the clean channel of the Lonestar series. Sparkly and beautiful. Overall it is a tremendously versatile guitar amp and I love it.
330
Really the King of Amps
I have a substantial number of tube amps, but the Mesa Boogie Road King II is one of my favourite pieces of gear. Why? Well the thing is, this amp has EL34's in there, it has 6L6's in there, it can flip between cabs at the press of a switch, it has at least two loops, it has output settable volumes, either tube rectification with a sag switch or regular rectification if you prefer that (I do). Each channel has at least three settings with small switches on the front of the amp and it's possible to 'mix' EL34's and 6L6's tubes for completely unique tones or of course just choose which tube tones you prefer.
There really are so many features on the Road King II that to write it all down could be a problem here. BTW The Road King I was not comparable as I had one of those before I bought the RK II.
41029
its got a million options but when it breaks, which it inevitably will because of the way they cram these things into the tiny little chassis? all those features will take forever to check out before you can diagnose the problem... as a tech I have a 'no mesa' rule. ANd I swear they put intentional errors on their schematics!
330
That's certainly a good point and I know the RK II reasonably well. There are some areas where you could get issues, but I never really had any except once. I had a crackle on the loop. That turned out to be related to a resistor that is known to have issues with the crackle on the loop. Engineer fixed it pretty easy. I also converted this amp I have to 240V from 120V which was not really that hard and the point of that was the massive saving of cost because of the USA lower pricing structures compared to the rip off pricing of the UK distributors. Ha I would not call the RK II a tiny chassis though :) Thanks.
41029
I'm told these are more reliable than the triple recs although I've never known anyone who toured with one. Whew that's a lot of features.
5339
they seem to be more reliable but a can get the rec sounds and it looks very cool
Artist usage
Add artist
Dave Grohl is listed as using Mesa Boogie Road King II guitar heads on Mesa's website.
Shiflett is listed as using Mesa Road King II heads on their website.
Ola Englund trying Mesa Boogie Road King on this video.
In this picture, Munky is next to his Triple Rectifier and his Road King heads.
This picture is from the Mesa/Boogie website at this link: http://www.mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/electric/rectifier-series/triple-rectifier/index.html
"On the road, we backline two Fender Twin 65 re-issue amps and a Mesa Boogie Road King with a 2x12 speaker in the middle" http://www.guitarworld.com/guitarist-lee-ritenour-discusses-his-new-album-twist-rit/24956
Behemoth - The Making of Evangelion (Documentary) -13:24 Mesa Boogie Roadking
On Mesa’s website, they have listed that he used the Mesa Boogie Road King II.
According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Jeff Stinco uses the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier Head.
Mesa states in this page the amplifiers that Die uses. The first one is the Road King head.
His artist page on the official Mesa Boogie website confirms his use of the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier.
According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Ben Moody uses the Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier.
Album Usage
The Mesa/Boogie Road King II Dual Rectifier has been featured on the following albums:
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 Road King II Dual Rectifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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