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Average Price: $400

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$300

$701+

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Description

Introducing the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22, a Combo Guitar Amplifier that resonates with the quality and versatility that musicians crave. Produced in the '80s, its timeless design fits perfectly into any modern recording studio. The dual clean/lead channel design and robust EL84 power section make it a formidable choice for those seeking the perfect balance between pure, clean tones and heated solos. Its mid-sized model is meticulously crafted for convenient tweaking, allowing musicians to fine-tune their sound without the hassle of dealing with multiple amps.

Key Features:

  • Dual clean/lead channel design
  • EL84 power section
  • Mid-sized model ideal for studio use
  • Designed for easy tweaking
  • Timeless '80s design
  • Perfect balance between clean tones and heated solos
  • Eliminates the need for multiple amps

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Studio .22 2-Channel 20-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Various
Year 1985 - 1988
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) 20
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What type of music is the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 best suited for?

The Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres, including rock, blues, and jazz, thanks to its rich tube-driven tones and dynamic response.

How loud is the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 for live performances?

With 20 watts of power and a 1x12" speaker configuration, the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 is ideal for small to medium-sized venues, providing ample volume and clarity for live performances.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 have built-in reverb?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 features a spring reverb, adding depth and ambiance to your guitar sound.

How does the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 handle pedals?

The Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 takes pedals well, thanks to its responsive tube circuitry, making it a great choice for guitarists who use effects to shape their tone.

What kind of tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 use?

The Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 is equipped with EL84 power tubes, known for their warm and harmonically rich sound, contributing to the amp's overall tonal character.

intheblues

intheblues

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 Amplifier Review - It's Awesome!

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Studio 22 Amplifier Review - It's Awesome! by intheblues

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 Amplifier Review - It's Awesome!

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Studio 22 (non plus no EQ) Raw by ishta

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 (non plus no EQ) Raw

ishta

ishta

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Studio 22: A Forgotten Gem by Jack Fossett

Mesa Boogie Studio 22: A Forgotten Gem

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Studio 22 - Classic VINTAGE Mesa Tone!! by Johan Segeborn

Mesa Boogie Studio 22 - Classic VINTAGE Mesa Tone!!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile tones from Fender-like cleans to Marshall-like gains

  • Remarkably loud for its 22-watt rating, easily keeps up with a loud drummer

  • Excellent clean channel that takes pedals well

  • Compact and lightweight for easy transport

  • Built-in reverb is lush and tasteful

  • Can achieve great bedroom tones and is gig-ready

  • Records beautifully, both mic'd and direct out

  • Robust build quality, described as "built like a tank"

CONS

  • Noticeable noise level, more than other amps

  • Runs hot, may require a cooling solution like a mini fan

  • Volume discrepancy between channels without modification

  • Some models lack an EQ, affecting versatility

  • Graphic EQ considered ineffective on low wattage models

  • Not designed for seamless rhythm to lead transitions

  • Requires maintenance and occasional tube replacements

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Studio .22.

User experience

  • Owners praise the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 for its sweet clean tones and spicy lead sounds, noting its suitability as a pedal platform.

    Source
  • Once properly serviced, the Studio .22+ becomes a reliable workhorse; initial maintenance may require repeated tech visits.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Described as having gigable power similar to the Fender Deluxe, with more hand wiring and a unique dipped solder board construction.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user integrated Stonewall pickups with 500k pots, a series/parallel switch, and removed the rhythm circuit, enhancing the amp's tonal output.

    Source
  • Installing spring retainers for power tubes reduces heat buildup, replacing the stock metal tube retainer is recommended.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Preamp tubes might require attention if crackling persists; volume-dependent noise on clean channel suggests setting first Volume knob to 3.5-4, using Master for overall volume.

    Source
  • Persistent hum or noise could be resolved with thorough cleaning of pots and sliders by a tech.

    Source
  • Ensure a speaker load is attached when using the direct out to prevent damage to the amp.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Using a patch cable in the FX loop can alleviate crackling noises related to the volume controls, linked to the FX loop soldering on the PCB.

    Source
  • The direct out includes a level knob, crucial for balancing signal when recording.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Studio .22's direct out may not capture the true speaker sound; miking the cab with an SM57 is suggested for authentic tone.

    Source
  • For less ideal recording conditions, a Two Notes Captor X can be used with high-quality cab IRs for better sound capture.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users recommend using impulse responses (IR) to emulate speaker sounds in a DAW, with free plugins like NADIR and IRs from Ownhammer, York Audio, and ML Sound Lab.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mesa Boogie Studio .22 (IM Nov 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 delivers legendary Boogie sound at a more accessible price, impressing with its remarkable volume and tonal versatility. Despite its single-channel design and limited programmability compared to higher-end models, it remains a robust and loud contender, rivaling amps with higher wattage. However, the lack of control over lead/rhythm levels and a noisy footswitch are notable drawbacks. While it lacks some of the features of its more expensive siblings, its sound quality makes it a worthwhile investment for serious guitarists seeking the Boogie tone without the Boogie price.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
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1 star
jimmarchi1

really fun

there are 2 versions of the .22 caliber mesa with different output tubes... also, some have graphic EQ and some don't. The Graphic EQ is lame on this low wattage amp. You are not going to use it to cover 'master of puppets.' That said, both versions of this amp that I've used extensively dish out a nice Deluxe Reverb clean sound and a classic, early mesa lead as popularized by Santana. Many complain that its hard to match the levels of the clean and dirt channels for rhythm, but this amp was not designed for that. the idea was to have a vintage fender clean-to-crunch and then a big, boosted and loud 70s mesa solo tone. It accomplishes this goal while delivering Mesa's best clean tone in their whole history. I dock these little mesa combos a star because they are notoriously unreliable.

skylinerr

Great mesa sound

one of the best mesa boogie amps ever, i have had this for quite some time and it never lets me down.

Genres:
jimmarchi1

one of the most underrated mesas

skylinerr

i know right

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Mesa/Boogie Studio .22

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

As documented by this October 24, 1991 photo taken by Ed Sirrs, Cobain used a Studio .22 for a show that day at Off the Record in San Diego, California. On LiveNIRVANA.com, Caio Leme notes that it was “[p]ossibly a rental”.

See how Rob Chapman uses Mesa/Boogie Studio .22

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via Photo

"Me 8 years ago playing my 70's Fender tele and a Mesa Boogie Studio .22 combo" - Rob Chapman.

See how Bono uses Mesa/Boogie Studio .22

Bono

Singer, Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo from an interview on stage during the Joshua Tree Tour, the Mesa Boogie Studio 22 amp used by Bono can be seen between Bono and Larry underneath the drum riser.

See how Fletcher Dragge uses Mesa/Boogie Studio .22

Fletcher Dragge

Guitarist

Pennywise

...
Verified via I Heart Guitar

And what do you use live?

I have a Dual Rectifier and a VHT Pitbull. That’s in my rack, and when I’m travelling with my rack I do a left and right split on stage and in the PA, so it’s true stereo. A lot of guitar players never get that. I always tell them, first piece of advice, get two heads and a splitter. And I’ve even used a delay between the two in the past, and it really opens up the whole of the middle for the vocals and the kick and snare and bass. If you sit out front and listen to a true stereo guitar with two stereo heads, it’s huge. It’s way bigger than one mic. But a lot of the times when I’m on the road I’ll just use two Dual Rectifiers split, two full stacks. And it’s a lot of work to lug that stuff around, but either way, the Dual Rectifier, I would say, is my signature sound. I’ve been playing Boogies since our first recording on Epitaph, and that’s just the old school Dual Rectifier, one of the best amps I’ve ever heard in my life. It’s a very versatile amp, and durable. Y’know, it’s funny. I saved up and thought “I want to sound like Metallica,” so I went out and got a Mesa Boogie Studio 22 preamp and the Strategy 400 watt all tube stereo power amp, which was just insane. It cost me a lot of money. It cost $3500 bucks or something. I saved up all summer. And not to say that I’m that guy, but I’m pretty sure I turned the whole punk scene onto those Boogies. NOFX used it on their album, Bad Religion used it on their album, Down By Law used it on their album. After I recorded with it, Brett [Gurewitz, Bad Religion guitarist & Epitaph founder] was like, “Can I borrow it?” Then Eric Melvin from NOFX came down and he was really into it and he would up buying a Mark III. In the meantime I was trying to get sponsored by Boogie. I was like, “Hey look, you’ve got to hook up some punk bands.” And they were like, “Punk bands can’t afford our stuff. It’s too high end.” And I was like, “No, I’ve already got three bands that have bought it from you. Why don’t you give us some free stuff?” And they don’t give anybody free stuff. Maybe Metallica, I don’t know. But they’re one of those amp companies that really keeps it tight. And it’s hilarious because I look back on it and there was an article in a magazine entitled Boogie Man, and I just want to call them up and tell the old guy, “You know how many punk guys are using Rectifiers now? You owe me steak dinners for life!”

See how Seth Putnam uses Mesa/Boogie Studio .22

Seth Putnam

Singer, Guitarist

Anal Cunt

...
Verified via Photo

Seth is pictured with a Mesa Boogie Studio .22

See how Alan Murphy uses Mesa/Boogie Studio .22

Alan Murphy

Guitarist

Go West

...
Verified via Alanmurphy

Alan Murphy used the Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 amplifier but later switched to Fender Super Champs to achieve his desired sound, as noted on his official equipment page.

Album Usage

The Mesa/Boogie Studio .22 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 Studio .22, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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will_scott_cole

Gear IQ 96

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