Mesa Stiletto is my fav amp. I have Owned all 3 versions, still have a Stage 2 head and Ace combo. The Ace is closest to the “Marshall sound”. Any tonal discrepancies can be fixed with a decent EQ before and/or after the preamp section. I use a 4CM setup with an axe Fx and can get my stilettos to sound like Hendrix & Page to nearly like a Mark ala Petrucci. Still like the Stiletto over the Marshall due to master volume, excellent series loop, and 2 channels with full tonal controls plus 3 modes each. And let’s not forget about the Diode/Tube rectifier and Bold:Spongy settings for modern or classic old school vibe…No Marshall I know of has these options and I use them all from time to time depending on what is require
Tengo un Stiletto Ace 50w y pasé por un tiempo de quejas sobre sus agudos estridentes que me costaba manejar. Finalmente entendí que debe trabajar con mayor volumen master para obtener su tono más completo, así que me hice de un atenuador 👌 excelente resultado. Además el cab y sus parlantes deben ser los correctos. Dependiendo de lo que se busque...una cab Marshall con greenbacks o una Mesa Boogie con V30s te brindarán un buen punto de partida. El amplificador tiene demasiadas virtudes como para dejarlo ir sin intentarlo y creo que lo conseguí...la mejor inversión precio/calidad. ❤️👍💰
I love my Mesa Stiletto Deuce II. Very versatile, and like the name implies, extremely razor sharp. Mine has NOS GE rectifier tubes, and a slew of NOS preamp tubes in it as well. I use it driving a Mesa Rectifier 2X12 cabinet loaded with Celestion Alnico Cream ninety-watt speakers. Killer tone/s from that rig. Cheers!
I got the Stiletto Trident then A/B switch dialed it in to my friends JCM 2204. Fabulous. I find that Marshall’s to be a one trick pony, but great tone. My Mesa has so many different voicing’s along with that Marshal Tone. I also have the Mesa Lonestar Classic which I did the same A/B EQ’ing on. Never looked back!
you're right the thing with mesas.. you have to dial the knobs according to how they sound.. don't be scared to put any know to 10 or 1.. depending how it sounds...
I've found that even from Mesa to Mesa, even the same models don't really sound exactly alike, so you really just have to treat all or them like they're their own thing.
It’s a brilliant amp - it really shines in a live setting and the drive channel beats the balls off any pedal distortion you can buy. I can see why the look of it puts some people off - it’s looks a bit Metal but really is versatile amp. The clean is awesome too.
I’ve got a F30 which I use most of the time - that’s a brilliant amp too. Fendery cleans and a ripping drive channel, mods and delays slid great through it too. Love Mesa amps
I have a trident with the hollywood mod! Its really awesome! I love it! Pushed with a maxon 808 it's really good and can be pushed into the metal territory!
Shhhh man, lets keep that secret uncovered 😉. Love my Deuce I and it isnt brighter than my JMP1 preamp. As any Mesa amp you have to spend some time dialing it.
Yeah, I think a lot of Marshall users are used to setting their amps in 30 seconds and being done. Marshall to Mesa feels like it can be a steep learning curve at times.
The stilleto deuce has been my go to amp for the past 3 years. It is extremely versatile. Every setting has so many possibilities. I understand why people hate on it though, If it’s not set up correctly, it sounds very brittle. It takes some serious time to get it dialed in correctly, but once it is, it sounds amazing.
The Nomads are probably the most hated, also the Heartbreaker and the S.O.B. Is up there too. Stiletto is awesome. Have had my Deuce II for 15 years. Definitely need to make sure you get a series II, not a series I. They dialed in CH2 much better on the II. Graphic EQ in the loop can do some great things. The louder it is the more the EQ will balance out on brightness. But at low volumes all you have to do is keep the treble and presence really low.
I'd never thought I'd like this amp (I really didn't give it much thought, to be fair). But now I wonder if this or the Ace might be what I'm looking for as I get back into playing hard rock/metal.
Big difference! Both work nicely, but fall differently in the mix for sure. The Mesa may or may not cut harder live, but the Marshall seemed to have more focus recorded.
@@mikelovesguitars402 Bad assed Treadplate coming your way! Plus your awesome flying V is ready! Aaaaaaaaand I'm sending the loyal viewers something fun for a new episode!!
Never ever have I heard a person hating on Mesa boogie... In the comparison to be fair I preferred the marshall, but that is just taste... Seriously can't even justify it. But I think I would have huge fun with the stiletto. Lots of things to try out I think.
@@mikelovesguitars402 That's what it always is, bro. The internet created a place for know-nothings to go and pretend that they know how to throw punches, drive cars, and shred.
@@shelbyavant5081 well, I still have NO IDEA how to shred, but I like giving "hated" amps a fair shot. Heck, my favorite amp is STILL my JCM 900 and according to the internet, that's the worst amp Marshall has ever made... 🤷♂
I had the Ace 1x12, didn't like. The amp was too bright and thin. Played a duece the other day, very bright, but was able to dial it out unlike the Ace.
They do sound similar. Biggest difference I hear is the mesa sounds more tight and clear where the marshall had a more saturated mushy sound. Neither is good or bad just a preference for what you would want for a specific song. I think the Mesa would work better for more lead and punchy hitting songs where the marshal would excel at more rhythm and chord playing.
I think it's all just a matter of taste. The Stiletto is kind of a Mesa flavored Marshall, but it's totally fine if you prefer Marshall. That's why we have options.
It's all good. The tonal differences might not be particularly apparent if you're listening on less than great speakers. And you're never a pleb here, JC! 🤘
@@mikelovesguitars402 Benefit of living 30 min from Sweetwater! Be cool to sit the Royal Atlantic next to a newer TC series and see how they compare. Thanks again and awesome uploads!
Bought an orange rockverb mk3 , my dream amp, ended up mever getting the sound i wanted, bought a stilleto, and love it, what a fabulous amp
Awesome. Glad you're enjoying yours!
Mesa Stiletto is my fav amp. I have Owned all 3 versions, still have a Stage 2 head and Ace combo. The Ace is closest to the “Marshall sound”. Any tonal discrepancies can be fixed with a decent EQ before and/or after the preamp section. I use a 4CM setup with an axe Fx and can get my stilettos to sound like Hendrix & Page to nearly like a Mark ala Petrucci.
Still like the Stiletto over the Marshall due to master volume, excellent series loop, and 2 channels with full tonal controls plus 3 modes each. And let’s not forget about the Diode/Tube rectifier and Bold:Spongy settings for modern or classic old school vibe…No Marshall I know of has these options and I use them all from time to time depending on what is require
I think it's a great and versatile amp. I've never understood all the hate it gets.
So the Ace is worth getting?
@@deshawn4077 I think any Stiletto is worth getting. And since some many people bag on them unnecessarily, you can usually get one for a decent price.
Tengo un Stiletto Ace 50w y pasé por un tiempo de quejas sobre sus agudos estridentes que me costaba manejar. Finalmente entendí que debe trabajar con mayor volumen master para obtener su tono más completo, así que me hice de un atenuador 👌 excelente resultado. Además el cab y sus parlantes deben ser los correctos. Dependiendo de lo que se busque...una cab Marshall con greenbacks o una Mesa Boogie con V30s te brindarán un buen punto de partida. El amplificador tiene demasiadas virtudes como para dejarlo ir sin intentarlo y creo que lo conseguí...la mejor inversión precio/calidad. ❤️👍💰
Glad you were able to get a solid tone you were happy with. I think Mesa amps always need more dialing and experimentation than Marshalls.
I love my Mesa Stiletto Deuce II. Very versatile, and like the name implies, extremely razor sharp. Mine has NOS GE rectifier tubes, and a slew of NOS preamp tubes in it as well. I use it driving a Mesa Rectifier 2X12 cabinet loaded with Celestion Alnico Cream ninety-watt speakers. Killer tone/s from that rig. Cheers!
Glad to see some people giving the Stiletto some love!
Good page you have, just bought a Stiletto 2x12 and subscribed.
Thanks for the sub! Hope you love the Stiletto!
I got the Stiletto Trident then A/B switch dialed it in to my friends JCM 2204. Fabulous. I find that Marshall’s to be a one trick pony, but great tone. My Mesa has so many different voicing’s along with that Marshal Tone. I also have the Mesa Lonestar Classic which I did the same A/B EQ’ing on. Never looked back!
Marshalls definitely have a particular sound that they do very well... and not a whole lot else. And I say that as a big Marshall lover. 😁
@@mikelovesguitars402 should gave kept it. There are making a comeback. Prices have gone up and harder to find
I love the Mesa Stiletto. I had a Stiletto Trident and it sounded so damn good. It's not a RECTO bros. It's got a great midrange.
No, it's DEFINITELY not a Rectifier. I've always been baffled by the amount of hate it gets.
On a side note, I've checked out some of your videos and dig your stuff. Let me know if you might ever be interested in doing something together. 😁
you're right
the thing with mesas.. you have to dial the knobs according to how they sound.. don't be scared to put any know to 10 or 1.. depending how it sounds...
I've found that even from Mesa to Mesa, even the same models don't really sound exactly alike, so you really just have to treat all or them like they're their own thing.
Sounded good to my ears
Great video man, i got a stilleto duece stage 1 awhile back. Been collecting dust in the corner. I think ill give it another try. Rock on!!!🎉
Thanks! Yeah, it's a cool amp for sure.
It’s a brilliant amp - it really shines in a live setting and the drive channel beats the balls off any pedal distortion you can buy. I can see why the look of it puts some people off - it’s looks a bit Metal but really is versatile amp. The clean is awesome too.
Agreed. It's a fantastic amp.
I’ve got a F30 which I use most of the time - that’s a brilliant amp too. Fendery cleans and a ripping drive channel, mods and delays slid great through it too. Love Mesa amps
@@thomlewis5559 I've mostly been a Marshall guy most of my life, but Mesa's are definitely awesome.
I have a trident with the hollywood mod! Its really awesome! I love it! Pushed with a maxon 808 it's really good and can be pushed into the metal territory!
Awesome. I love hearing all the positive experiences people have with these!
Shhhh man, lets keep that secret uncovered 😉. Love my Deuce I and it isnt brighter than my JMP1 preamp. As any Mesa amp you have to spend some time dialing it.
Yeah, I think a lot of Marshall users are used to setting their amps in 30 seconds and being done. Marshall to Mesa feels like it can be a steep learning curve at times.
The stilleto deuce has been my go to amp for the past 3 years. It is extremely versatile. Every setting has so many possibilities. I understand why people hate on it though, If it’s not set up correctly, it sounds very brittle. It takes some serious time to get it dialed in correctly, but once it is, it sounds amazing.
Great sounding amp, for sure. Just requires some patience.
The Nomads are probably the most hated, also the Heartbreaker and the S.O.B. Is up there too. Stiletto is awesome. Have had my Deuce II for 15 years. Definitely need to make sure you get a series II, not a series I. They dialed in CH2 much better on the II. Graphic EQ in the loop can do some great things. The louder it is the more the EQ will balance out on brightness. But at low volumes all you have to do is keep the treble and presence really low.
Had a Nomad years ago and really liked it. Had to sell it due to the financial issues we all have when we're younger. Wish I still had it...
I'd never thought I'd like this amp (I really didn't give it much thought, to be fair). But now I wonder if this or the Ace might be what I'm looking for as I get back into playing hard rock/metal.
Honestly, I think it's a great sounding amp. If my video helps you to consider it, then I feel like I've done my job. 😁
I have one that could be available for the right price or trade......
🤣
Big difference! Both work nicely, but fall differently in the mix for sure. The Mesa may or may not cut harder live, but the Marshall seemed to have more focus recorded.
The Stiletto definitely sits in its own place. Different than the 800 and different than a Rectifier.
@@mikelovesguitars402 Bad assed Treadplate coming your way! Plus your awesome flying V is ready! Aaaaaaaaand I'm sending the loyal viewers something fun for a new episode!!
@@shelbyavant5081 can't wait, sir!
Ya I have to admit. My marshall cuts through most everything when I test what head I like. I like the look of different heads.
Never ever have I heard a person hating on Mesa boogie... In the comparison to be fair I preferred the marshall, but that is just taste... Seriously can't even justify it. But I think I would have huge fun with the stiletto. Lots of things to try out I think.
I've always been confused by all the hate for this amp. Much like the JCM 900 hate, I think a LOT of it is just jumping on internet bandwagon stuff.
@@mikelovesguitars402 That's what it always is, bro. The internet created a place for know-nothings to go and pretend that they know how to throw punches, drive cars, and shred.
@@shelbyavant5081 well, I still have NO IDEA how to shred, but I like giving "hated" amps a fair shot. Heck, my favorite amp is STILL my JCM 900 and according to the internet, that's the worst amp Marshall has ever made... 🤷♂
I had the Ace 1x12, didn't like.
The amp was too bright and thin.
Played a duece the other day, very bright, but was able to dial it out unlike the Ace.
They do sound similar. Biggest difference I hear is the mesa sounds more tight and clear where the marshall had a more saturated mushy sound. Neither is good or bad just a preference for what you would want for a specific song. I think the Mesa would work better for more lead and punchy hitting songs where the marshal would excel at more rhythm and chord playing.
I like them for their similarities and their differences. I think it's a great amp that didn't deserve the reputation that the internet heaped on it.
I had a stiletto ace but I preferred my Marshall.
I think it's all just a matter of taste. The Stiletto is kind of a Mesa flavored Marshall, but it's totally fine if you prefer Marshall. That's why we have options.
@@mikelovesguitars402 oh I agree. It had some nice tones and looked beautiful.
To my ear I really couldn't tell the difference between the two, but I'm a pleb anyways. :)
It's all good. The tonal differences might not be particularly apparent if you're listening on less than great speakers. And you're never a pleb here, JC! 🤘
Rich people crying about awesome amps unreal.
I'll never understand all the hate this amp gets
Right?
I liked this better than the Royal Atlantic
I've never actually played a Royal Atlantic. Wouldn't mind checking one out one of these days...
@@mikelovesguitars402 Benefit of living 30 min from Sweetwater! Be cool to sit the Royal Atlantic next to a newer TC series and see how they compare. Thanks again and awesome uploads!
The Atlantic is fantastic. Will never sell mine.
@@Yowie722 I'll have to try and get my hands on an Atlantic one of these days
Is this Kurt Cobain's VMA Strat? :)
Ya its too bad I just run clean and use pedals for my sound. I dont like most amp sounds. I just want the power of tunes. I need more metal sound.
Mesa/ marshall sound
Indeed
800 wins.
you should have just kept it
Didn't really need it with all the Marshalls I have. Wanted something with a different sound.
Singlecoil in highgain amp = 💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩💩
Funny story... That Strat has a Seymour Duncan Hotrail mini humbucker. No single coils used in this video... 🤣
Why? There´s nothing wrong with single coils in a high gain amp dude! It´s just a matter of taste!
@@EricDifool #facts
Poor little Dom-troll, he's deaf AND blind😭