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Average Price: $1,305

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your musical prowess with the Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier Head. This versatile 50 watt tube guitar amp head ensures an immersive playing experience with its two channels and five modes, offering you a wide array of tonal possibilities. Craft your perfect sound with its intuitive controls for Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, and Master for each channel. Plus, the addition of a parallel effects loop with mix control further enhances your ability to create unique sonic landscapes.

Key Features:

  • 50 watt tube guitar amp head
  • Two channels and five modes for versatile sound shaping
  • Individual controls for Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, and Master on each channel
  • Parallel effects loop with mix control for added sound dimension

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Single Rectifier Solo 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 1998 - 2001
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type 6L6 / EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the main tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head?

The Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head is known for its high-gain, aggressive tone with a tight low-end, making it ideal for rock and metal genres. It offers a versatile sound with two channels and five modes, allowing for a range of clean to distorted tones.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head suitable for gigging?

Yes, the 50-watt power output of the Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier Solo Head is sufficient for small to medium-sized gigs, providing ample volume and presence. Its robust build and versatile sound make it a reliable choice for live performances.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head be used with different cabinets?

The Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head is compatible with cabinets that have 4 ohms or 8 ohms impedance, offering flexibility in pairing with various speaker configurations.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head have built-in effects?

No, the Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head does not have built-in effects. However, it features a parallel effects loop with mix control, allowing you to integrate external effects seamlessly.

What type of power tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head use?

The Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head can use either 6L6 or EL34 power tubes, offering tonal flexibility depending on your preference for American or British-style amp sounds.

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

Best Mesa I've EVER Played?! (Single Rectifier)

Video thumbnail for Best Mesa I've EVER Played?! (Single Rectifier) by Sonic Drive Studio

Best Mesa I've EVER Played?! (Single Rectifier)

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier Series 2 - Does It Compare To It's Boogie Brothers? by Kyle Bull

Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier Series 2 - Does It Compare To It's Boogie Brothers?

Kyle Bull

Kyle Bull

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier - Playthrough (no talking) by Unheard Voice

Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier - Playthrough (no talking)

Unheard Voice

Unheard Voice

Video thumbnail for MESA BOOGIE SINGLE RECTIFIER - Love / Hate relationship with one of the most iconic amp EVER!! by Emil Rohbe

MESA BOOGIE SINGLE RECTIFIER - Love / Hate relationship with one of the most iconic amp EVER!!

Emil Rohbe

Emil Rohbe

Video thumbnail for MESA BOOGIE SINGLE RECTIFIER SOLO HEAD 50 GUITAR AMP CLEAN CHANNEL DEMO by chatreeo

MESA BOOGIE SINGLE RECTIFIER SOLO HEAD 50 GUITAR AMP CLEAN CHANNEL DEMO

chatreeo

chatreeo

Video thumbnail for MESA BOOGIE SINGLE RECTIFIER - Now I can finally join Metallica! by CarstenStepanowicz

MESA BOOGIE SINGLE RECTIFIER - Now I can finally join Metallica!

CarstenStepanowicz

CarstenStepanowicz

Video thumbnail for Mesa boogie single rectifier solo head 50W by Lek Samanmit

Mesa boogie single rectifier solo head 50W

Lek Samanmit

Lek Samanmit

Video thumbnail for Unveiling: MESA/Boogie Single Rectifier Solo Head 50 (Series II) by Mark Ramsey

Unveiling: MESA/Boogie Single Rectifier Solo Head 50 (Series II)

Mark Ramsey

Mark Ramsey

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound ranges from clean country to heavy metal

  • Distinct Mesa sound recognizable in any drive mode

  • Solo switch elevates performance volume

  • Works well with pedals for expanded tonal options

  • Durable and reliable for various playing environments

  • Simple, straightforward maintenance and operation

  • Offers depth in bass and precision in mids

  • Provides more options compared to similar wattage amps

CONS

  • Clean channel quality is lacking for some users

  • PCB board issues reported, complicating repairs

  • High gain sound's bottom end can be flabby without modification

  • Effects loop may require extra adjustment compared to other brands

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head.

Features and functionality

  • Series II added EL34 tube compatibility and a "Raw" toggle option, enhancing tonal flexibility compared to Series I.

    Source
  • Series II addresses the signal gap issue when switching from Rhythm to Lead, improving performance for live settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Series II versions of the Single Rectifier and Rectoverb both include a 3-way toggle switch, differentiating them from older models.

    Source
  • For direct-in recording, alternatives like Radial direct boxes and Helix Native are recommended over using cheaper attenuators, unless investing in high-end options like the Tone King Iron Man II.

    Source
  • Some owners find the Single Rectifier's gain channel too "out of control" compared to other Mesa models like the Trans Atlantic head, which offers more versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Users note improved signal switching in Series II, making it more reliable for gigging musicians.

    Source
  • Some users find the amp's full potential is realized only when played at decent volumes through a good cab, highlighting limitations in apartment settings.

    Source
  • Owners feel the Single Rectifier is challenging to EQ properly without experience, suggesting it may not be ideal for beginners.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The 50W model often sells for less than the more desirable 25W version, with prices seen as low as $800 in some areas.

    Source
  • The amp is perceived as less powerful or "anemic" compared to expectations; some suggest it's only worth considering at a significantly lower price point, around $500.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp excels in producing a "monstrous" sound when paired with a fuzz pedal, particularly noted for its performance in doom metal genres.

    Source
  • The amp is noted for being exceptionally loud, making it suitable for high-energy styles like those of a Limp Bizkit cover band but less versatile for other genres.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users recommend pairing the amp with an EQ pedal to adjust the inherent scooped sound, potentially broadening its tonal capabilities.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Single Rectifier Solo 50 Head Review | Mesa Boogie | Guitar Amplifiers | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier Solo 50 Head stands as a versatile powerhouse, ideal for rock and punk enthusiasts. Praised for its bright, fast top-end and a rebellious vibe, it's a staple in the rock scene. Musicians appreciate its ability to cover a wide range of sounds, making it a versatile choice for various genres. However, while celebrated for its rock and hard-rock prowess, some users find it less suited for metal. Overall, the amp is lauded for its reliability and superb performance, making it a strong contender for those seeking a robust, adaptable amplifier.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
maxwellroyce

Mesa Single Rectifier Solo 50 Head

I am the 2nd owner of this Mesa Single Rectifier Solo 50 Head. I bought it off the other guitarist in a pop punk band I used to play in. Mesa has a very distinct high gain sound, and it's honestly not my favorite. The bottom end is pretty flabby (though i've heard it tightened up when pushed with the right overdrive pedal). The cleans are unremarkable. All in all, this thing is a workhorse, and until I can afford a better head, it definitely does the job.

aryoprionggo

Great rock amp

Great amp with 50 Wattage. Not sure if it is comparable to 100 or the 150 Watt. Straight forward concept makes the maintenance is hassle free. You can use any switch pedal to control the channel and solo.

The most disappointing factor will be the clean channel.

jimmarchi1

the 50 definitely sounds different and is way less versatile than the bigger rectos but to my ear the single and the tremoverb are the only 2 90s mesas that sound good

artweg_mac_yero

Ze Müst

Simple. Efficace. profondeur dans les basses, précison des médiiums truc de ouf. Versatile et chaud cet ampli saura satisfaire tout le monde.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matt Lange uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Matt Lange

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

the rest of my day will be spent right here

See how Roman Ibramkhalilov uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Roman Ibramkhalilov

Guitarist

Jinjer

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in "The Prophecy" playthrough video with an Ibanez TS9

See how Rafael Bittencourt uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Rafael Bittencourt

Guitarist

Angra

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Rafael plays at Hellfest 2015 and behind him we can see a Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier. In particular at minute 44:33 the camera focuses on him and his amp is clearly recognizable

See how Nicholas Andrew Sadler uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Nicholas Andrew Sadler

Guitarist

Daughters

...
Verified via YouTube

in this video Nick Sadler can be seen using this amp head

See how Peter Klett uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Peter Klett

Guitarist

Candlebox

...
Verified via YouTube

Spotted at 2:24 along with an early 90's Dual Rectifier.

See how Markus Vanhala uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Markus Vanhala

Guitarist

Insomnium

...
Verified via Ultimate-guitar

A Shadowkey has a great huge rhythm sound - can you describe how this is created?

My guitars are Jackson RR's and a Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier amp head spiced with Ibanez Tubecreamer TS9 thru Marshall JCM800 lead series cabs, which I think are the best sounding Marshalls ever. Harri's (OG's another guitarist) set-up is Gibson Flying-V thru Marshall JCM800 model 2203; that's the single channel model, thru Marshall cabs spiced with the mighty yellow Boss SuperOverdrive. The sound is created with just these two rhythm guitars, but there were lots of different microphones in front of and behind the cabs.

See how Andra Ramadhan uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Andra Ramadhan

Guitarist

Dewa 19

...
Verified via Photo

Andra used Mesa/Boogie Single Rec Solo head in "Mati aku Mati" music video, with custom black skin.

See how Paco Huidobro uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Paco Huidobro

Guitarist, Composer

Fobia

...
Verified via Photo

During the Vive Latino 2000 performance with Molotov, Paco Huidobro is seen using a Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head, as evidenced by the distinct number of knobs on the amplifier visible in this youtube video: https://youtu.be/QV8ORY3Zqco?t=75

See how Fraser T. Smith uses Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head

Fraser T. Smith

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 10:19 in the video Fraser is also showing a Mesa Single Rectifier Solo Head amp.

L

Look Alive

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Used by Cody Wellons from 2012-2015

Album Usage

The Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head 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 Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Mesa/Boogie Single Rectifier 50W Solo Head, curated by the Equipboard community.

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