What a great video and a love letter to such an amazing amp from a fantastic company. The Stiletto led to the Royal Atlantic, which led to the Triple Crown, and they finally got the circult nailed with the Badlander in 2020. All of these were amazing amps, and the Stiletto IMO started it all. Subscribed, and I hope you do a ton more videos!
I sincerely thank you for your awesome comment mate. 🙏 It is an awesome amp. For those who think it’s a bad amp, I recon they need to take a look at their skills, rather than blame the amplifier. Thanks again mate. Very motivating. 😎
It’s the other way around. They nailed it on the Stage II and it got progressively worse and less bold as it moved towards the Badlander. Mesa faltered with this because the Stage I did not have CH2 dialed in. By the time the stage II fixed the voicing the amps rep was already tarnished a an under performer for high gain. I’ve had my Stage II for 15 years. Can’t imagine selling it, unless for an emergency.
Thank you buddy. I appreciate that 🙏 Stay tuned for more. I’m going to do the Dual Rectifier and KSR Colossus soon. I might even pit the Stiletto up against them to show how valuable this amp can be. It will be gear focused but I also offer some philosophy when it comes to chasing tone and having gear acquisition syndrome. Thanks again 🙏
imho, the stiletto doesn't get enough love. i dig mine to no end! i was wondering if your stiletto is phase 1 or phase 2? also i missed what rectifier mode you were using in the demos (tube or silicon)? you may have answered both of those questions in the video and i just happen to miss it. if that is the case, i apologize. thanks for a great video!
That’s a nice thing to say buddy 🙏 Thank you and thank you for your subscription. Stay tuned mate. I’ve got more amps to go through and lots of music and riffs to produce and I’m going to document all of it. Are you a guitarist?
I went into a shop intending to buy a Marshall 2555, and they had one of these there also. I played it for about 45 minutes - It out did everything the Marshall did, and it did a lot more. No doubt, it can be bright. But through a Marshall 1960 - pure awesome!
I thoroughly enjoyed your video - imho it's the best demo of this amp out there and I really enjoyed your playing, comments and general demeanor. Thanks so much for sharing this video.
Thank you so much for your kind words mate. 🙏 very encouraging and you’re welcome. Looking forward I’ve got an 800, silver Jubilee, Dual rectifier and KSR Colossus to demo. I’ll be sure to maintain this format of video thanks to comments like this. 🙏
This is my favorite Mesa amp, I've owned various Mark IIIs, IVs, a V, Dual Rec Rev D, F, G, 3 channel, multi watt, mini Rec, DC-3, DC-5, DC-10, Formula Pre, and a V Twin pre pedal an I can't live without my Stiletto Stage II
Awesome dude. You make me want to put it back as my main amp 😎 It is cool. It does what it does so well. It only needed a few minor tweaks to be the perfect amp. No need to discontinue. Thank you for subscribing 🙏 much appreciated.
@@whatsmylifeforiredude the Stiletto Duce and the Mark IV I will never get rid of. I use a Peppers Dirty Tree as well to boost it but what I fucking love is using the Airis Savage Drive V5 and add some grit from the pedal to thicken up the Fluid Drive on the second channel. Pure nastyness! And I run it with a Fortin Zuul through a Marshall 1960 A cab I completely sealed up and threw in Electrovoice EV12L Black Labels...holy shit! I love using my guitars that have Duncan Black Winters. Black Winters have a really gnarly sounding highs and and lots of mids with a tight low that accentuates the amp. Also the Bare Knuckle Ragnaroks sound awesome through it because of the pickups thickness and tight lowend. I can play for hours on end with those two guitars. I need a strat or a tele for the clean channel. The cleans are beautiful on that amp. I've got a tc electronics hall of fame reverb, mxr analog chorus, and a mxr carbon copy deluxe delay I run though the loop.
Kyle Bull, another UA-camr and actually the guy I bought my Stiletto from, ran a Stiletto Ace (same but only 50 watts) through a Marshall 4x12 with green backs. I'll bet it would sound awesome with G12 T-75s too, cuz the T-75s are supposed to just be 75 watt green backs...that's what Celestion says about them, not sure of that. I've got two 16ohm G12T-75s that I want to throw in a 2x12 and find out!
Na, two 75’s and two greenbacks X style maybe. The guy who I bought my ace head from said if he was keeping it he’d get greenbacks to replace the 75’s he was using and demonstrated it to me with. Dunno, just think V30’s would be better suited than 75’s.
@@markcripps2384 the Black Label EV12Ls kind of do the V30 thing. 300a watts rms. They don't break up at all so they kind of show off what the amp sounds like. The cab I have is a BEAST! I love it! I caulked the whole thing up. It's a Marshall 1960 A Lead cab. It had 4 G12T-75s in it and those at low volume are muddy and dull sounding. But when I'd really crank an amp they would sound pretty good actually. I didn't hate them when they were being pushed hard. That's why I was thinking of throwing 2 of them in a 2X12 an sell the other two. I want another Mesa 4X12
Love the unique tone of those amps . Those were the basis for the newer triple crown. This was the best sounding demo of this amp thus far . Great work 👍🏼
Unique is definitely the right word for this amp mate. You’re right. After the Stiletto was discontinued they released the Royal Atlantic which then went on to become the Triple Crown 👑. I’d love a Royal Atlantic. I have played one and though it sounded and felt nothing like the Stiletto, it was super fun and interesting. Thank you for the feedback mate. I appreciate it 🙏😎 Have a great day.
Yes! It can sound JCM800. I got stiletto trident A/B switch with friends JCM 2204. Dialed in. Closed eyes. Couldn’t tell difference. Plus all the other voicing you get with this amp. I love my Stiletto.
I currently own a Mark IV and a Triple Crown, have previously owned a Road King, Mark V, Badlander and a 3 channel Recto. I’d love to get a Stiletto and a Royal Atlantic in my stable someday
I owned a Stiletto Ace for a little while and I played it through an orange 4x12 which removed those spikey frequencies and also gave it noticeable bass.
Yeah cool. I’ve played this one through a KSR cab with Redback speakers. Seemed to have a more forgiving response than the V30s in the Mesa cab. But I agree with you buddy. A different cab can make a huge difference!
@@whatsmylifeforire I could never along with MESA V30's. I A/B MESA V30 with a ENGL V30' (both straight) and the ENGL cab added a 'wetness' to the tone which I enjoyed (played a Dual Recto in this case). I found the MESA V30 cabs dry sounding. Yep, 100%...the cabinets make a colossal difference.
I almost went with the ENGL standard cab a long time ago! I rate them highly. They sound and feel awesome. As for the dryness in the Mesa cab. I love that. For whatever reason I enjoy the battle and push you have to have in the playing itself to force a brutal tone through a dry sound. 🤷♂️ In building a few 4x4s at the moment. Stay tuned for those as there will be multiple speaker tests going down 😈
I loved mine at the guitar store, and then had a lot of trouble dialing in a good tone. I spent years hating on it, and just playing through a modeler. I've recently started playing thru it again, and with the right boost pedal, it's stupid good. Mine is a stage 1, but I don't have any trouble getting high gain metal goodness. I do like you and crank the bass, but I turn the treble to zero and turn up the presence. Also helps that my boost is a T Rex Totenschlager which has an EQ, which I use to bring even more bass in.
I’ll never argue that it’s an easy amp to get along with. I hated it for years. But the resale value was so low I kept it just because I didn’t want to lose value. But it really started to grow on me. You are right. The right boost it very important in this case. Though I have enjoyed burst of playing without one. It’s always interesting playing with the balance of treble and presence. Sometimes I like the presence quite high, others it’s mostly dialled down. I’ve grown used to the fact that tone has a mood of the day, and if I feel like playing with more or less gain or treble or whatever then it is what it is for that day and it can be different the next. I think it’s a great amp. I love mine. It’s just misunderstood mostly I think. Thanks for your comment brother. 🙏 Have a great day. 😎
Man, the Stiletto sounds so juicy wit the Strat. Zilla cabs did a shootout a couple of years ago with the Stiletto, the Royal Atlantic and the Road King. Hafta say, the newer amps were not an improvement in tone. In that video the Stiletto had a certain body that’s noticeable in direct comparison. I really wish they had kept the model and put out a 25-watt version to involve the power amp more!
It’s a cool amp dude. I love the layout of it. 2 channels one above the other. Its so nice compared to 3 channels or next to each other. And it’s light gain tones are so good. I’ve played a Royal Atlantic. I’d love to have one. Very unique and smooth. Not like the Stiletto at all. The Stiletto is not smooth. It’s very stiff and dry. I’d love to see it make a comeback with a few tweaks 😎 Thanks for checking out the video mate. 🙏
Im looking at buying a Stellate, so my rig for years has been 2 triple rectifiers, but both are loaded with EL34s, I love the straight clean almost sterile, but these are pre modded, I know Mesas are a tad flubby, but can you tighten up the lows or switch to KT88s
Cool man. It’s a great amp if you can find one. Just be mindful, it’s nothing like a rectifier. The cleans are bright and lively and it’s not flubby. It’s a very different amp. If you love your rectos you may be disappointed by the Stiletto? You can only try it and find out? Let me know if you want to know anything that might help you out? Thanks for checking out the video 🙏
I'm trying to buy the one that is in my local shop. I play it every time I go in, and I freaking love it. That one is the 1x12 combo, but sounds just as good. It feels like that land between a dual rectifier and a JCM 900. I have an Orange Super Crush at home, and it is awesome too, what I really want to do is run them together. I'll get there. I've run Dual Rectifiers and Thunderverbs together before, and it's almost like the dude's at Mesa called the dude's at Orange and collaborated together on building a set of amps that will compliment each other well. Especially when pushing the Oranges through a Creamback loaded cab. It shocks me how little most guitarists consider the cab and speaker, especially since it's the thing actually making the sound.
100% dude. The speaker choice is massive! The Stiletto loves Creambacks I’ve discovered! More experiments to be done but I am building some cabs with various combinations of speakers. I’m running a Source Audio Nemesis Delay in the loop and out front on the clean is a Walrus Audio Juliana set to a warped vinyl type of vibrato. The delay sounds are tape echo. Very important part of the sound. 😎 Thank you for your comments mate. 🙏
Love this amp. Started with version 1 and then acquire a version 2. Had both at the same time. Sold the version 1 due to less gain and really loose Fluid Drive mode. Retubed my Version 2 with 6CA7 tubes and made it so much better. Use it in 4cm with an Axe Fx. When I play stereo, a Rev G recto acts as a second power amp (and 3 extra preamp channels ). Picked up a Stiletto Ace combo for a quick grab and go solution (albeit heavy) a couple years ago for $500. Also, ditch the V30 speakers. Way too mid spikey . I prefer the old G12K-85 One more tip. When using The Axe Fx in 4cm , I use an EQ block to shape the tone going into the preamp (like a mark amp). A few minor tweaks really helps dial out any harshness/brightness, or you can go more radical and get just about anything you need…crazy versatile 2 channel amp…❤
I’d love to try a version 1! Love your descriptions mate. 🙏 I recently plugged this into a v30 and creamback Krank Cab and it sounded absolutely massive and very unlike the all V30 Mesa cab. Thank you so much for your comments. I love reading about the love for this amp.
@@whatsmylifeforire if you like or prefer more vintage British sounds, then the Version 1 will definitely hit the spot. I almost wish I’d kept it for variety because it does not sound or feel exactly the same as the Version 2 (which is more modern). But being a heavy rock/metal player, the version 2 was superior (for me)…
Ahhhh, that’s a good description mate. I’ve got an 800 and a Silver Jubilee in the studio also so the vintage voice is covered. I’d still like to try one for curiosity sake. But I lean towards a modern sound these days. 🙏
These amps are just incredible. I'm buying one that is for sale locally here. The one I'm going after is the combo, but it is a super great sounding amp too.
When the amp is turned up the EQ flattens out more and you don’t need the extreme setting of Treble and Presence to be almost off when at low volume. But people shouldn’t sweat having the presence and treble real low for low volume playing. That’s what knobs are for. The amp is only too bright if you dial it to be.
That’s the best and simplest explanation I’ve ever heard! Great job summarising it. I fully agree with what you’ve said. Thanks for the comment mate. 🙏
I fall on the love it side. It takes pedals really well and it's response to pick dynamics is amazing. To help with the bass running a GEQ in the loop provides more flexibility. There also is a very simple resonance mod, based off a SLO that one can make which does assist with the low freqs. Yea it needs volume to come alive. FWIW I have a IIC+, V:90 and LSS but my Stiletto is a keeper. May have missed it but what were the active PUs used in the Lester? Plus what IR cab were you running in the Captor X? Great vid mate!!! Enjoyed it.
Thank you for your wonderful comments mate 🙏 after so much positive feedback I can see there is a not so obvious and small selection of guitarists that do in fact love the Stiletto. You’re 100% right. It takes pedals VERY well and super responsive to picking dynamics. So much so that these elements I fundamentally expect now when I play any amp. I didn’t mention in the video. But the EMGs in the Les are the 57/66s. I love the 57!! IRs are from Ownhammers heavy hitters pack, a combination of an Orange cab and a Diezel cab. 🙏
@@whatsmylifeforire thanks for those details. So, so true the Stiletto response to "pick dynamics" enabled a new dimension to my playing and notice now when amps just don't have as much of that feel. My main Lester has Fish Fluence and it responds very well to actives as you showed, plus single coils. IMHO speaker choice is critical with the Stil... I see those Ownhammers have speaker different choices. Curious which ones did you specifically use? G12, Gov, v30s? or a mix of them? BTW, I assume that's a factory tolex/grill cloth... great look.
Again you nailed it. The speaker choice with the Stiletto is a big factor. It gets pretty spiky with the typical V30s. I’m building some 4x12 at the moment and in an experiment cab I’ve got in an X pattern, 2 V30s and 2 75watt Creambacks. I was blown away how well this combo played with this amp! More on that later. The IRs were both V30. I’ll have to open the software again but I believe the Orange cab had a greenback/V30 combo? Also in this video I was adding some of the Two Notes software EQ. I’ve since removed the EQ as the IR feels more natural to play without it. I’ll have to do a follow up video and outline these details. They can be more relevant than amp choice in some cases.
@@whatsmylifeforire No mate you nailed it, going through the review your comments revealed a depth of experience that comes only with thoughtful analysis of this amp. It is no doubt a very unique and sometimes perplexing one to deal with actually. It's certainly not for everyone, but IMHO it can be extremely rewarding to a subset of patient players who dial in the complete system with their ears. You showcased the pos/negs of the amp well. I, for one, look forward to your take on speakers. V30s mixed with "the right pairing choice" is the proper path to take. I have a Mesa v30 + Scumback M75 in a vert Recto 2x12 and that works well, but would most welcome hearing other examples, especially in a 4x12 arrangement. Carry On!!! 👍
Thanks mate. Reading this has inspired me to make a follow up video. I might even have to read your example as I completely agree! For a patient player this amp not only delivers tones but teaches you as a player all kinds of subtle techniques. Things the common high gain amp wouldn’t have the detail to expose. I look forward to hearing from you in future when I go further with this amp and it’s capabilities. Thank you for your thoughtful comments 🙏
Its reminiscent of a jcm800 with an 808 or super od BUT with a slightly shifted midrange frequency. The low end is rectoesque. It sounds great. Mine is so bright i have to cut treble and presence. My mapke necked guitar i have the treble at 2 lol. You cant apply common amp knob logic to these. Close your eyes and turn the knobs.
You’re 100% right mate. Since making this video I plugged the old 800 in for the 1st time in ages and realised I may have spoke too soon. Yes, the Stiletto is reminiscent of the 800. But it’s much more refined with obvious Mesa traits built in. The 800 is unruly, wild and Massive! The Stiletto takes that framework and makes it more usable and flexible. Depending on your needs as a player of coarse 😉 and depending on if a player can handle the presence and treble lower that they may be used to. Thanks mate 🙏
Thanks mate. How cool is the scene where Zeratul gives his life to separate Artanis from the Khala! My Life…………For Auir!!! Epic! Glad you enjoyed the amp. More to come 🙏
Stage 2 mate. It could do death metal. Weather you like it for that or not is yet to be determined. It will easily have enough gain for it. But keep in mind it’s a Marshall inspired amp. Nothing like a recto or 5150 that would normally be standard for death metal. With the mids scooped it sounds nasty as. It could work for sure.
iirc, i believe that mesa built the stiletto to blend with a dual rec in the 2 guitar band situation. you are correct about the clean channel. that is why i bought mine. its nice to run the clean channel at 100 watts and the crunch channel at 50 watts...
I’ve heard that too mate. Overall it’s a very functional amp with usable cleans and gains. I’ve chopped and changed over the years between 100w and 50 for the crunch.
I added a resonance circuit to my stage 2 deuce to solve that lack of bottom issue. If I’m not sure what kind of gig I’m going to be playing I’ll grab my stiletto and know I’ll be juuust fine. One of the most versatile amps in my stable.
I love that! I’ve wanted to put a resonance circuit in mine forever! With that one addition from stock, I recon this amp would have been much more successful than it was. Thank you for your input 🙏
@@whatsmylifeforireresonance and variable NFB make massive difference. But revoicing a bit makes it breathe fire. Also adjusting icepick cap and no more issues with the high end issue many find.
Played one on a Warped Tour backline through Vintage 30's. Good amp but it was a bit much for what we played. Ended up grabbing JCM 800 when we played my home town.
It does have a more refined sound and can go well beyond the 800 in terms of sculpting a sound and gain. I feel you though. I used an 800 for years while the Stiletto sat around doing nothing. Sometimes you just need the real thing 😈
The stiletto has a British accent for sure and it rocks!!!!! But the clean is like a hiwatt what more could you ask for. Shout out form Albuquerque new Mexico usa whats up my British hommies
You make me want to do another vid of this amp for the fans 😎 I’ll do a Stiletto Vs JCM800😈 Thanks for your comments bro. I appreciate it. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺
@@whatsmylifeforire that would be a very cool video sorry i thought you were British do you know leon todd? He said Australia is very similar to new mexico
Hey mate. The mic is speaking into is the Shure SM7B. I don’t know if it’s omnidirectional? But it’s a great mic for vocals and speech. But I’ve got it plugged into 2 Warm audio compressors, mic pre and eq. So the mic alone doesn’t sound anything like the way I’ve got it set up. No, the mic is not capturing the cab. All amp sounds are coming from the Two Notes torpedo with Impulse Responses loaded into it.
Dude shouldn’t be raising the price. That’s just poor ethics. Bargain the bastard down to his original price and scoop it up. I hope you can get your hands on one mate.
Mate if you love your stage 1, keep it. No need to make changes to something that already working for you. From what I read years ago the only difference is a common modification Mesa was doing called the ‘Hollywood’ mod. Which was just adding more gain to the amp. You may even be able to take it to an amp tech and have the Hollywood mod done? That would be cheaper than buying another whole amp. But if it ain’t broke. Don’t fix it.
@@whatsmylifeforire you're right about that more gain don't make a amp necessarily better great demo by the way like your playing so how are British girls like?
I don’t know dude. I’ve never played one so I don’t have an opinion? Would love to try one though. I’d be interested to see if it’s more open and broad sounding as a less gain design?
@@whatsmylifeforire you should check out my main rig it's a mesa triple recto with el34s and a Marshall vintage modern. The mesa is set up with tons of mids and the marshall cover highs and lows i get a huge Soundgarden tone i love it
@@whatsmylifeforire i need to start my Chanel but it sounds great the Marshall vm is so awesome gets a great bassmen like clean and great overdrive sounds takes to pedals like a champ if you can get one it's worth it
@@whatsmylifeforire well that’s gotta be where the name come from? I like mine but need some Barron’s to calm the highs. Danger Mouse fans will know what Barron speakers are lol.
Sounds 800-like for sure. Old Marshalls have a looser feel though…The Stiletto is great, preceded the Royal Atlantic, Triple Crown, and the current Badlander in Mesa British sounding amps…
Yeah mate. I played the 800 after making this video and realised I may have spoken too soon. It is like the 800 but it’s much more refined and tight. The 800 is unruly with a bombastic low end. Thank you for your comment. Stay tuned for more. I’m going to do a direct comparison video soon. 🙏
This is the issue I had with the Stiletto. It still sounded like a rectifier, generic and nothing like a Marshall etc. Why buy the Stiletto when you can buy a Marshall and get that EL 34 crunch.
Doesn’t sound like a rectifier at all. It’s Marshall inspired. Not a Marshall rip off. If you want the Marshall crunch, buy a Marshall. I like the Stiletto because it’s a quality build, 2 independent channels, amazing cleans unlike other high gain amps of that time, with a great effects loop. A JCM 800 is only one channel, no effects loop etc. It’s not always a choice of tone. For me functionality plays a role.
What a great video and a love letter to such an amazing amp from a fantastic company. The Stiletto led to the Royal Atlantic, which led to the Triple Crown, and they finally got the circult nailed with the Badlander in 2020. All of these were amazing amps, and the Stiletto IMO started it all. Subscribed, and I hope you do a ton more videos!
I sincerely thank you for your awesome comment mate. 🙏
It is an awesome amp. For those who think it’s a bad amp, I recon they need to take a look at their skills, rather than blame the amplifier.
Thanks again mate. Very motivating. 😎
It’s the other way around. They nailed it on the Stage II and it got progressively worse and less bold as it moved towards the Badlander. Mesa faltered with this because the Stage I did not have CH2 dialed in. By the time the stage II fixed the voicing the amps rep was already tarnished a an under performer for high gain. I’ve had my Stage II for 15 years. Can’t imagine selling it, unless for an emergency.
man, this is one of best amp reviews I´ve ever seen and your sound rocks!
Thank you buddy. I appreciate that 🙏
Stay tuned for more. I’m going to do the Dual Rectifier and KSR Colossus soon. I might even pit the Stiletto up against them to show how valuable this amp can be.
It will be gear focused but I also offer some philosophy when it comes to chasing tone and having gear acquisition syndrome.
Thanks again 🙏
that amp is absolutely brutal!! great demo👊
imho, the stiletto doesn't get enough love. i dig mine to no end! i was wondering if your stiletto is phase 1 or phase 2? also i missed what rectifier mode you were using in the demos (tube or silicon)? you may have answered both of those questions in the video and i just happen to miss it. if that is the case, i apologize. thanks for a great video!
All good mate.
I always have it on silicone diode rectification.
It seems to hit harder. Though it is subtle.
This is a stage II mate 😎
thats actually the best tones i've ever heard from a mesa head on YT
That’s a nice thing to say buddy 🙏
Thank you and thank you for your subscription.
Stay tuned mate. I’ve got more amps to go through and lots of music and riffs to produce and I’m going to document all of it.
Are you a guitarist?
yes but idon't really play much anymore.. killer playing too bro!
Thanks again buddy. You’re a gentleman. 😉
What would it take for you to pick it up again?
I went into a shop intending to buy a Marshall 2555, and they had one of these there also. I played it for about 45 minutes - It out did everything the Marshall did, and it did a lot more. No doubt, it can be bright. But through a Marshall 1960 - pure awesome!
It’s true mate. For a simple amp it’s very versatile and sounds great.
Thank you for your comment 🙏
I thoroughly enjoyed your video - imho it's the best demo of this amp out there and I really enjoyed your playing, comments and general demeanor. Thanks so much for sharing this video.
Thank you so much for your kind words mate. 🙏 very encouraging and you’re welcome.
Looking forward I’ve got an 800, silver Jubilee, Dual rectifier and KSR Colossus to demo.
I’ll be sure to maintain this format of video thanks to comments like this.
🙏
This is my favorite Mesa amp, I've owned various Mark IIIs, IVs, a V, Dual Rec Rev D, F, G, 3 channel, multi watt, mini Rec, DC-3, DC-5, DC-10, Formula Pre, and a V Twin pre pedal an I can't live without my Stiletto Stage II
Awesome dude.
You make me want to put it back as my main amp 😎
It is cool. It does what it does so well. It only needed a few minor tweaks to be the perfect amp. No need to discontinue.
Thank you for subscribing 🙏 much appreciated.
@@whatsmylifeforiredude the Stiletto Duce and the Mark IV I will never get rid of. I use a Peppers Dirty Tree as well to boost it but what I fucking love is using the Airis Savage Drive V5 and add some grit from the pedal to thicken up the Fluid Drive on the second channel. Pure nastyness! And I run it with a Fortin Zuul through a Marshall 1960 A cab I completely sealed up and threw in Electrovoice EV12L Black Labels...holy shit! I love using my guitars that have Duncan Black Winters. Black Winters have a really gnarly sounding highs and and lots of mids with a tight low that accentuates the amp. Also the Bare Knuckle Ragnaroks sound awesome through it because of the pickups thickness and tight lowend. I can play for hours on end with those two guitars. I need a strat or a tele for the clean channel. The cleans are beautiful on that amp. I've got a tc electronics hall of fame reverb, mxr analog chorus, and a mxr carbon copy deluxe delay I run though the loop.
Kyle Bull, another UA-camr and actually the guy I bought my Stiletto from, ran a Stiletto Ace (same but only 50 watts) through a Marshall 4x12 with green backs. I'll bet it would sound awesome with G12 T-75s too, cuz the T-75s are supposed to just be 75 watt green backs...that's what Celestion says about them, not sure of that. I've got two 16ohm G12T-75s that I want to throw in a 2x12 and find out!
Na, two 75’s and two greenbacks X style maybe. The guy who I bought my ace head from said if he was keeping it he’d get greenbacks to replace the 75’s he was using and demonstrated it to me with. Dunno, just think V30’s would be better suited than 75’s.
@@markcripps2384 the Black Label EV12Ls kind of do the V30 thing. 300a watts rms. They don't break up at all so they kind of show off what the amp sounds like. The cab I have is a BEAST! I love it! I caulked the whole thing up. It's a Marshall 1960 A Lead cab. It had 4 G12T-75s in it and those at low volume are muddy and dull sounding. But when I'd really crank an amp they would sound pretty good actually. I didn't hate them when they were being pushed hard. That's why I was thinking of throwing 2 of them in a 2X12 an sell the other two. I want another Mesa 4X12
Love the unique tone of those amps . Those were the basis for the newer triple crown. This was the best sounding demo of this amp thus far . Great work 👍🏼
Unique is definitely the right word for this amp mate.
You’re right. After the Stiletto was discontinued they released the Royal Atlantic which then went on to become the Triple Crown 👑.
I’d love a Royal Atlantic. I have played one and though it sounded and felt nothing like the Stiletto, it was super fun and interesting.
Thank you for the feedback mate. I appreciate it 🙏😎
Have a great day.
Yes! It can sound JCM800. I got stiletto trident A/B switch with friends JCM 2204. Dialed in. Closed eyes. Couldn’t tell difference. Plus all the other voicing you get with this amp. I love my Stiletto.
That’s it mate. That’s where this amp shines as it takes off where the 800 left off. Plus the awesome fx loop.
I currently own a Mark IV and a Triple Crown, have previously owned a Road King, Mark V, Badlander and a 3 channel Recto. I’d love to get a Stiletto and a Royal Atlantic in my stable someday
I’m with you on getting a Royal Atlantic bro.
I’ve played one once! I remember it fondly. Very interesting sound and feel. One day 🙏
I owned a Stiletto Ace for a little while and I played it through an orange 4x12 which removed those spikey frequencies and also gave it noticeable bass.
Was it a combo?
@@whatsmylifeforire No. MESA Stiletto Ace head through an
orange cab.
Yeah cool. I’ve played this one through a KSR cab with Redback speakers. Seemed to have a more forgiving response than the V30s in the Mesa cab. But I agree with you buddy. A different cab can make a huge difference!
@@whatsmylifeforire I could never along with MESA V30's. I A/B MESA V30 with a ENGL V30' (both straight) and the ENGL cab added a 'wetness' to the tone which I enjoyed (played a Dual Recto in this case). I found the MESA V30 cabs dry sounding. Yep, 100%...the cabinets make a colossal difference.
I almost went with the ENGL standard cab a long time ago! I rate them highly. They sound and feel awesome.
As for the dryness in the Mesa cab. I love that. For whatever reason I enjoy the battle and push you have to have in the playing itself to force a brutal tone through a dry sound. 🤷♂️
In building a few 4x4s at the moment.
Stay tuned for those as there will be multiple speaker tests going down 😈
I loved mine at the guitar store, and then had a lot of trouble dialing in a good tone. I spent years hating on it, and just playing through a modeler. I've recently started playing thru it again, and with the right boost pedal, it's stupid good. Mine is a stage 1, but I don't have any trouble getting high gain metal goodness. I do like you and crank the bass, but I turn the treble to zero and turn up the presence. Also helps that my boost is a T Rex Totenschlager which has an EQ, which I use to bring even more bass in.
I’ll never argue that it’s an easy amp to get along with. I hated it for years. But the resale value was so low I kept it just because I didn’t want to lose value. But it really started to grow on me.
You are right. The right boost it very important in this case. Though I have enjoyed burst of playing without one.
It’s always interesting playing with the balance of treble and presence. Sometimes I like the presence quite high, others it’s mostly dialled down. I’ve grown used to the fact that tone has a mood of the day, and if I feel like playing with more or less gain or treble or whatever then it is what it is for that day and it can be different the next.
I think it’s a great amp. I love mine. It’s just misunderstood mostly I think.
Thanks for your comment brother. 🙏
Have a great day. 😎
Man, the Stiletto sounds so juicy wit the Strat. Zilla cabs did a shootout a couple of years ago with the Stiletto, the Royal Atlantic and the Road King. Hafta say, the newer amps were not an improvement in tone. In that video the Stiletto had a certain body that’s noticeable in direct comparison. I really wish they had kept the model and put out a 25-watt version to involve the power amp more!
It’s a cool amp dude. I love the layout of it. 2 channels one above the other. Its so nice compared to 3 channels or next to each other.
And it’s light gain tones are so good.
I’ve played a Royal Atlantic. I’d love to have one. Very unique and smooth. Not like the Stiletto at all. The Stiletto is not smooth. It’s very stiff and dry.
I’d love to see it make a comeback with a few tweaks 😎
Thanks for checking out the video mate. 🙏
Nice video! I never played the stilettos. Might buy one for testing.
Honestly. It could be the only amp in my collection and I’d be just fine.
Im looking at buying a Stellate, so my rig for years has been 2 triple rectifiers, but both are loaded with EL34s, I love the straight clean almost sterile, but these are pre modded, I know Mesas are a tad flubby, but can you tighten up the lows or switch to KT88s
Cool man. It’s a great amp if you can find one.
Just be mindful, it’s nothing like a rectifier. The cleans are bright and lively and it’s not flubby. It’s a very different amp. If you love your rectos you may be disappointed by the Stiletto?
You can only try it and find out? Let me know if you want to know anything that might help you out?
Thanks for checking out the video 🙏
I'm trying to buy the one that is in my local shop. I play it every time I go in, and I freaking love it. That one is the 1x12 combo, but sounds just as good. It feels like that land between a dual rectifier and a JCM 900. I have an Orange Super Crush at home, and it is awesome too, what I really want to do is run them together. I'll get there. I've run Dual Rectifiers and Thunderverbs together before, and it's almost like the dude's at Mesa called the dude's at Orange and collaborated together on building a set of amps that will compliment each other well. Especially when pushing the Oranges through a Creamback loaded cab. It shocks me how little most guitarists consider the cab and speaker, especially since it's the thing actually making the sound.
Also, I'm really interested to see what pedals you are running on your clean playing. It sounded REALLY good
100% dude.
The speaker choice is massive!
The Stiletto loves Creambacks I’ve discovered! More experiments to be done but I am building some cabs with various combinations of speakers.
I’m running a Source Audio Nemesis Delay in the loop and out front on the clean is a Walrus Audio Juliana set to a warped vinyl type of vibrato. The delay sounds are tape echo.
Very important part of the sound. 😎
Thank you for your comments mate. 🙏
Love this amp. Started with version 1 and then acquire a version 2. Had both at the same time. Sold the version 1 due to less gain and really loose Fluid Drive mode. Retubed my Version 2 with 6CA7 tubes and made it so much better. Use it in 4cm with an Axe Fx. When I play stereo, a Rev G recto acts as a second power amp (and 3 extra preamp channels ). Picked up a Stiletto Ace combo for a quick grab and go solution (albeit heavy) a couple years ago for $500.
Also, ditch the V30 speakers. Way too mid spikey . I prefer the old G12K-85
One more tip. When using The Axe Fx in 4cm , I use an EQ block to shape the tone going into the preamp (like a mark amp). A few minor tweaks really helps dial out any harshness/brightness, or you can go more radical and get just about anything you need…crazy versatile 2 channel amp…❤
I’d love to try a version 1!
Love your descriptions mate. 🙏
I recently plugged this into a v30 and creamback Krank Cab and it sounded absolutely massive and very unlike the all V30 Mesa cab.
Thank you so much for your comments.
I love reading about the love for this amp.
@@whatsmylifeforire if you like or prefer more vintage British sounds, then the Version 1 will definitely hit the spot. I almost wish I’d kept it for variety because it does not sound or feel exactly the same as the Version 2 (which is more modern). But being a heavy rock/metal player, the version 2 was superior (for me)…
Ahhhh, that’s a good description mate.
I’ve got an 800 and a Silver Jubilee in the studio also so the vintage voice is covered.
I’d still like to try one for curiosity sake.
But I lean towards a modern sound these days.
🙏
These amps are just incredible. I'm buying one that is for sale locally here. The one I'm going after is the combo, but it is a super great sounding amp too.
They are good mate. Most people have a preconceived idea of what it will be like. When it’s not that, they shit all over it.
When the amp is turned up the EQ flattens out more and you don’t need the extreme setting of Treble and Presence to be almost off when at low volume. But people shouldn’t sweat having the presence and treble real low for low volume playing. That’s what knobs are for. The amp is only too bright if you dial it to be.
That’s the best and simplest explanation I’ve ever heard! Great job summarising it. I fully agree with what you’ve said.
Thanks for the comment mate. 🙏
I fall on the love it side. It takes pedals really well and it's response to pick dynamics is amazing. To help with the bass running a GEQ in the loop provides more flexibility. There also is a very simple resonance mod, based off a SLO that one can make which does assist with the low freqs. Yea it needs volume to come alive. FWIW I have a IIC+, V:90 and LSS but my Stiletto is a keeper.
May have missed it but what were the active PUs used in the Lester? Plus what IR cab were you running in the Captor X? Great vid mate!!! Enjoyed it.
Thank you for your wonderful comments mate 🙏 after so much positive feedback I can see there is a not so obvious and small selection of guitarists that do in fact love the Stiletto.
You’re 100% right. It takes pedals VERY well and super responsive to picking dynamics. So much so that these elements I fundamentally expect now when I play any amp.
I didn’t mention in the video. But the EMGs in the Les are the 57/66s. I love the 57!!
IRs are from Ownhammers heavy hitters pack, a combination of an Orange cab and a Diezel cab.
🙏
@@whatsmylifeforire thanks for those details. So, so true the Stiletto response to "pick dynamics" enabled a new dimension to my playing and notice now when amps just don't have as much of that feel. My main Lester has Fish Fluence and it responds very well to actives as you showed, plus single coils.
IMHO speaker choice is critical with the Stil... I see those Ownhammers have speaker different choices. Curious which ones did you specifically use? G12, Gov, v30s? or a mix of them?
BTW, I assume that's a factory tolex/grill cloth... great look.
Again you nailed it. The speaker choice with the Stiletto is a big factor. It gets pretty spiky with the typical V30s.
I’m building some 4x12 at the moment and in an experiment cab I’ve got in an X pattern, 2 V30s and 2 75watt Creambacks. I was blown away how well this combo played with this amp!
More on that later.
The IRs were both V30. I’ll have to open the software again but I believe the Orange cab had a greenback/V30 combo? Also in this video I was adding some of the Two Notes software EQ. I’ve since removed the EQ as the IR feels more natural to play without it.
I’ll have to do a follow up video and outline these details. They can be more relevant than amp choice in some cases.
@@whatsmylifeforire No mate you nailed it, going through the review your comments revealed a depth of experience that comes only with thoughtful analysis of this amp. It is no doubt a very unique and sometimes perplexing one to deal with actually. It's certainly not for everyone, but IMHO it can be extremely rewarding to a subset of patient players who dial in the complete system with their ears. You showcased the pos/negs of the amp well.
I, for one, look forward to your take on speakers. V30s mixed with "the right pairing choice" is the proper path to take. I have a Mesa v30 + Scumback M75 in a vert Recto 2x12 and that works well, but would most welcome hearing other examples, especially in a 4x12 arrangement. Carry On!!! 👍
Thanks mate. Reading this has inspired me to make a follow up video. I might even have to read your example as I completely agree! For a patient player this amp not only delivers tones but teaches you as a player all kinds of subtle techniques. Things the common high gain amp wouldn’t have the detail to expose.
I look forward to hearing from you in future when I go further with this amp and it’s capabilities.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments 🙏
Its reminiscent of a jcm800 with an 808 or super od BUT with a slightly shifted midrange frequency. The low end is rectoesque. It sounds great. Mine is so bright i have to cut treble and presence. My mapke necked guitar i have the treble at 2 lol. You cant apply common amp knob logic to these. Close your eyes and turn the knobs.
You’re 100% right mate. Since making this video I plugged the old 800 in for the 1st time in ages and realised I may have spoke too soon.
Yes, the Stiletto is reminiscent of the 800. But it’s much more refined with obvious Mesa traits built in. The 800 is unruly, wild and Massive!
The Stiletto takes that framework and makes it more usable and flexible. Depending on your needs as a player of coarse 😉 and depending on if a player can handle the presence and treble lower that they may be used to.
Thanks mate 🙏
Love the amp, it sounds awesome - and a StarCraft fan
Thanks mate.
How cool is the scene where Zeratul gives his life to separate Artanis from the Khala!
My Life…………For Auir!!! Epic!
Glad you enjoyed the amp.
More to come 🙏
Is this amp the stage 1 or 2. And do you think it could possibly do death metal. I am getting this amp next week and I hope you can do metal with it
Stage 2 mate.
It could do death metal. Weather you like it for that or not is yet to be determined. It will easily have enough gain for it. But keep in mind it’s a Marshall inspired amp. Nothing like a recto or 5150 that would normally be standard for death metal.
With the mids scooped it sounds nasty as. It could work for sure.
iirc, i believe that mesa built the stiletto to blend with a dual rec in the 2 guitar band situation. you are correct about the clean channel. that is why i bought mine. its nice to run the clean channel at 100 watts and the crunch channel at 50 watts...
I’ve heard that too mate. Overall it’s a very functional amp with usable cleans and gains.
I’ve chopped and changed over the years between 100w and 50 for the crunch.
I added a resonance circuit to my stage 2 deuce to solve that lack of bottom issue. If I’m not sure what kind of gig I’m going to be playing I’ll grab my stiletto and know I’ll be juuust fine. One of the most versatile amps in my stable.
I love that! I’ve wanted to put a resonance circuit in mine forever! With that one addition from stock, I recon this amp would have been much more successful than it was.
Thank you for your input 🙏
@@whatsmylifeforireresonance and variable NFB make massive difference. But revoicing a bit makes it breathe fire. Also adjusting icepick cap and no more issues with the high end issue many find.
Played one on a Warped Tour backline through Vintage 30's. Good amp but it was a bit much for what we played. Ended up grabbing JCM 800 when we played my home town.
It does have a more refined sound and can go well beyond the 800 in terms of sculpting a sound and gain.
I feel you though. I used an 800 for years while the Stiletto sat around doing nothing.
Sometimes you just need the real thing 😈
Great and honest review!
Is this a stage II series?
Thanks mate 🙏 I appreciate that.
It is a stage II yes.
The stiletto has a British accent for sure and it rocks!!!!! But the clean is like a hiwatt what more could you ask for. Shout out form Albuquerque new Mexico usa whats up my British hommies
You make me want to do another vid of this amp for the fans 😎 I’ll do a Stiletto Vs JCM800😈
Thanks for your comments bro. I appreciate it.
Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺
@@whatsmylifeforire that would be a very cool video sorry i thought you were British do you know leon todd? He said Australia is very similar to new mexico
I don’t know Leon personally.
I believe he’s at the top of Australia.
I’m at the bottom.
@@whatsmylifeforire it's cool to talk to my common wealth cousins
love the stiletto. I have the Stage 2 Version.
Nice! I’ve just plugged mine back in to do some writing. Still love it.
Is your microphone omnidirectional? Is the microphone you’re speaking into is capturing the cabinet too?
Hey mate. The mic is speaking into is the Shure SM7B. I don’t know if it’s omnidirectional? But it’s a great mic for vocals and speech. But I’ve got it plugged into 2 Warm audio compressors, mic pre and eq. So the mic alone doesn’t sound anything like the way I’ve got it set up.
No, the mic is not capturing the cab. All amp sounds are coming from the Two Notes torpedo with Impulse Responses loaded into it.
I dont care what anyone says that amp sounds awesome!
That’s my stance too mate. Make up your own mind with your own ears.
Thanks for leaving a comment 🙏 I appreciate it.
Agreed! I've never looked into the Mesa amps but this would definitely make me buy one!
Nooooo we don’t need this one to get UA-camrs to make videos on it, I’m trying To buy one currently and the dude already raised his damn price twice
Dude shouldn’t be raising the price. That’s just poor ethics. Bargain the bastard down to his original price and scoop it up. I hope you can get your hands on one mate.
You think i should get a stage 2
Mate if you love your stage 1, keep it. No need to make changes to something that already working for you.
From what I read years ago the only difference is a common modification Mesa was doing called the ‘Hollywood’ mod.
Which was just adding more gain to the amp.
You may even be able to take it to an amp tech and have the Hollywood mod done? That would be cheaper than buying another whole amp.
But if it ain’t broke. Don’t fix it.
@@whatsmylifeforire you're right about that more gain don't make a amp necessarily better great demo by the way like your playing so how are British girls like?
That strat you have is so cool looks like my mahgony stratocaster
Cheers dude. I love my strat ❤️ had it for years.
Unloved redheaded step child 😅😅😅😅😅
😂 it’s true. Deserving of love and attention and plenty to offer. But unloved all the same.
Why doses everyone hate the stage 1 i have one i think it's great
I don’t know dude.
I’ve never played one so I don’t have an opinion? Would love to try one though. I’d be interested to see if it’s more open and broad sounding as a less gain design?
@@whatsmylifeforire its less gain of sure but that's not a bad thing the mids are insane i have the 150 watt version
@@whatsmylifeforire you should check out my main rig it's a mesa triple recto with el34s and a Marshall vintage modern. The mesa is set up with tons of mids and the marshall cover highs and lows i get a huge Soundgarden tone i love it
Where can I see it mate?
@@whatsmylifeforire i need to start my Chanel but it sounds great the Marshall vm is so awesome gets a great bassmen like clean and great overdrive sounds takes to pedals like a champ if you can get one it's worth it
have one in the past sold it not for me harsh sounding
I get it mate. It’s that bloody presence knob. Can be like a high heel being stabbed into your ear.
@@whatsmylifeforire well that’s gotta be where the name come from? I like mine but need some Barron’s to calm the highs. Danger Mouse fans will know what Barron speakers are lol.
Had a Trident that was nasty AF 🤘
Awesome.
I imagine the 150 watt power section would help this amp a lot 😈
@@whatsmylifeforire It gave it a little extra low end frequencies. Epic amp.
Nice. I’d love to try a Trident to see how much low end it can punch.
I have a trident i love it
Sounds 800-like for sure. Old Marshalls have a looser feel though…The Stiletto is great, preceded the Royal Atlantic, Triple Crown, and the current Badlander in Mesa British sounding amps…
Yeah mate.
I played the 800 after making this video and realised I may have spoken too soon. It is like the 800 but it’s much more refined and tight.
The 800 is unruly with a bombastic low end.
Thank you for your comment. Stay tuned for more. I’m going to do a direct comparison video soon. 🙏
@@whatsmylifeforire 800 with a boost and Im in my zone...
red headed step child🤣 Aussie as f**k
Ya mum’s Aussie as F**k 😎🇦🇺
This is the issue I had with the Stiletto. It still sounded like a rectifier, generic and nothing like a Marshall etc. Why buy the Stiletto when you can buy a Marshall and get that EL 34 crunch.
Doesn’t sound like a rectifier at all.
It’s Marshall inspired. Not a Marshall rip off.
If you want the Marshall crunch, buy a Marshall.
I like the Stiletto because it’s a quality build, 2 independent channels, amazing cleans unlike other high gain amps of that time, with a great effects loop.
A JCM 800 is only one channel, no effects loop etc.
It’s not always a choice of tone. For me functionality plays a role.
Protoss
Indeed my friend 😎