So, I played a Stilleto Ace Combo today...

eaeolian · 05-24-2007, 10:33 PM

...and holy crap, did Mesa fix this amp! I played a couple of the series I Deuce and Trident models, and flat-out thought they sucked.

I heard about the "Holywood Mod", figured it was smoke, and thought this would be one of Mesa's short-lived mistakes...

Man was I wrong.

This is the first EL34 amp I've played in a long time that I really liked. Channel one can go from a nice, spanky clean to a nice grit, and channel two goes from a nice grit to rip your head off, depending on the mode.

This is the first time I've seriously considered selling my Triple. I almost walked out with that amp...

sakeido · 05-24-2007, 10:52 PM

Whoa, the gain channel will hit head ripping territory? That doesn't sound at all like the other ones I played. Is it a really stock Marshall sound, or does it get into boosted JCM800 territory?

jaredowty · 05-24-2007, 11:06 PM

It's definitely more into boosted JCM800 territory IMO. It's got a nice amount of hot-rodded Marshall girth to it. I love the gain channel, it's awesome and can definitely rip your head off with the right settings. The clean channel is pretty damn good too for an El34 amp. Definitely an great amp that's on my list of future amps to obtain...

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 06:15 AM

I was running it on Fluid Drive with the gain on about 2:00, and it was ripping nicely - plenty of gain.

Let's put it this way: I've spent most of the night toying with the idea of selling my Triple and buying one. Seriously.

zimbloth · 05-25-2007, 06:25 AM

Intriguing. I tend to believe you, I have never played one. How does the midrange character with heavy distortion differ than on your Triple? What about the responsiveness? Did you try it with a V30 cab or C90?

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 06:35 AM

It was the combo, so it had V30s. The mid is very different than the Triple - it's much more "dense" and growling - it sounds kind of like the "Master of Puppets" tone on steroids.

I could even get the V30 "honk" under control...

7 Dying Trees · 05-25-2007, 07:14 AM

I remember trying out the stilletto about 2? years ago or more, and I sent it back about 30 minutes after plugging it in, it was such a massive let down it was unbelievable.

This does sound promising, which are the models to stay away from then?

budda · 05-25-2007, 07:34 AM

i thought the ace was a 112?

Matt Crooks · 05-25-2007, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eaeolian

This is the first EL34 amp I've played in a long time that I really liked. Channel one can go from a nice, spanky clean to a nice grit, and channel two goes from a nice grit to rip your head off, depending on the mode.

This is the first time I've seriously considered selling my Triple. I almost walked out with that amp...

EL34 FTW!

It has to be a serious amp for you to think about giving up the triple.

I've given a lot of thought to getting rid of the RK and getting a Triple and a EL34 amp (either Splawn or Bogner).... now I may have to really think about the Ace. I bet I could trade the RK and not much cash for a Triple and an Ace... damn GAS!

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7 Dying Trees

I remember trying out the stilletto about 2? years ago or more, and I sent it back about 30 minutes after plugging it in, it was such a massive let down it was unbelievable.

This does sound promising, which are the models to stay away from then?

Two years ago it would have still been the series I, which sucked all sorts of ass. The series II ACE 2-12 combo is what I played yesterday, and I couldn't believe it was the same amp. Gutty, gritty, just nasty enough, and nice bottom end response - I was using my Soloist 7 with the new Wolfetone rewound JB in it, and Dave walked in and said "woah, I want one of those - what amp are you using?"

I had played a JSX (not bad), B52 (yeech), Triple (to check the pickup out, see my post on it, and I *still* hate that amp with V30s), VHT Deliverance, and then the Ace - and the Ace might have been the best of the bunch. I was stunned by how gutty the amp was, and the presence it had - more like a VHT than a Marshall, in some ways, but with that Marshall "density".

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by budda

i thought the ace was a 112?

They make 1-12, 2-12, and heads.

7 Dying Trees · 05-25-2007, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eaeolian

Two years ago it would have still been the series I, which sucked all sorts of ass.

Yep, it sucked seven shades of shit, i was really looking forward to it, but it had no gain, got flattened in the band mix by everything else, sounded flat and bland and had no balls. Couldn't believe it was a mesa, and their marketing about how it'd "complement" a dual rec was just complete rubbish, I tried to like it, but it was turd.

Quote:

Originally Posted by eaeolian

The series II ACE 2-12 combo is what I played yesterday, and I couldn't believe it was the same amp. Gutty, gritty, just nasty enough, and nice bottom end response - I was using my Soloist 7 with the new Wolfetone rewound JB in it, and Dave walked in and said "woah, I want one of those - what amp are you using?"

I had played a JSX (not bad), B52 (yeech), Triple (to check the pickup out, see my post on it, and I *still* hate that amp with V30s), VHT Deliverance, and then the Ace - and the Ace might have been the best of the bunch. I was stunned by how gutty the amp was, and the presence it had - more like a VHT than a Marshall, in some ways, but with that Marshall "density".

Sounds pretty cool actually, more like what it should have been two years ago. Basically a gutsy 800 with more defined tighter low end and without needing to boost it?

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7 Dying Trees

Sounds pretty cool actually, more like what it should have been two years ago. Basically a gutsy 800 with more defined tighter low end and without needing to boost it?

Yeah, pretty much - it's still got the Mesa preamp flavor a bit, too. The amp seems to have caught up to the marketing.

Cancer · 05-25-2007, 08:51 AM

Curious, did you boost it with anything, or just run straight?

Drew · 05-25-2007, 08:53 AM

Really....

Mike, you've heard the tones I've both dialed up with the Nomad in the past, and have been getting from the Tech-21 lately. I've been seriously curious about this amp ever since - what are the odds I'm going to plug in with it and dial it into the sort of territory I've been heading with the Trademark 30?

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cancer

Curious, did you boost it with anything, or just run straight?

A cable (cheap GC cable, at that) straight in. No gain issues - plenty o' grind.

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew

Really....

Mike, you've heard the tones I've both dialed up with the Nomad in the past, and have been getting from the Tech-21 lately. I've been seriously curious about this amp ever since - what are the odds I'm going to plug in with it and dial it into the sort of territory I've been heading with the Trademark 30?

Yes, in a word, although the top end may be a little "stringy" compared to what you're getting...

sakeido · 05-25-2007, 09:20 AM

How does it compare to a Mark IV? I like the comparison of the MoP tone on steroids... I feeel the GAAAS creeping in.

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sakeido

How does it compare to a Mark IV? I like the comparison of the MoP tone on steroids... I feeel the GAAAS creeping in.

It's definitely *not* a Mark. It's not a Recto, either - it's like meeting in the middle between the two, in a lot of ways.

Granted, this was about 20 minutes of playing in a store, but it's enough to make me really, really curious about spending more time with one...

metalfiend666 · 05-25-2007, 09:49 AM

As you're an endorser, are you able to borrow one for a week or two for a teat prior to making a decision?

Drew · 05-25-2007, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eaeolian

It's definitely *not* a Mark. It's not a Recto, either - it's like meeting in the middle between the two, in a lot of ways.

...., that has me even more curious. The high end "stringiness" can probably be tamed by the presence knob, turning up the power section and taming it with a Hot Plate, a TS out front, or some combination thereof.

I NEED to try one of these.

eaeolian · 05-25-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by metalfiend666

As you're an endorser, are you able to borrow one for a week or two for a teat prior to making a decision?

I don't know. Since Mesa's not open on Friday, I'll find out next week.

metalfiend666 · 05-25-2007, 09:55 AM

Please do and let us know what you think long term. If you have a way of doing it, clips would be very nice.

sakeido · 05-25-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eaeolian

It's definitely *not* a Mark. It's not a Recto, either - it's like meeting in the middle between the two, in a lot of ways.

Granted, this was about 20 minutes of playing in a store, but it's enough to make me really, really curious about spending more time with one...

So is it the tightness and articulation of a Mark with the saturation of a Recto, or is it perfectly in between in all aspects? I'm seriously curious about one of these now, because as much as I like the dry Mark sound, I would really like an extra bit of saturation but with the attack I am used to from the Mark now.

Metal Ken · 05-25-2007, 10:13 AM

Is there any place with sound samples? I tried to find some stuff online, but all i can find is a guitar review video with some guy play cliched blues licks through it/

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05-24-2007, 10:33 PM	#1
eaeolian The Church of SEVEN • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 11,764 Thanked: 56 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	So, I played a Stilleto Ace Combo today... ...and holy crap, did Mesa fix this amp! I played a couple of the series I Deuce and Trident models, and flat-out thought they sucked. I heard about the "Holywood Mod", figured it was smoke, and thought this would be one of Mesa's short-lived mistakes... Man was I wrong. This is the first EL34 amp I've played in a long time that I really liked. Channel one can go from a nice, spanky clean to a nice grit, and channel two goes from a nice grit to rip your head off, depending on the mode. This is the first time I've seriously considered selling my Triple. I almost walked out with that amp... Division - American metal that doesn't suck. Much. Even on Facebook, and Soundclick might eventually be updated, too.

05-24-2007, 11:06 PM	#3
jaredowty SS.org Regular Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Missoula, Montana Posts: 867 Thanked: 10 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It's definitely more into boosted JCM800 territory IMO. It's got a nice amount of hot-rodded Marshall girth to it. I love the gain channel, it's awesome and can definitely rip your head off with the right settings. The clean channel is pretty damn good too for an El34 amp. Definitely an great amp that's on my list of future amps to obtain... Born in Memory - Montana Metal

05-25-2007, 06:15 AM	#4
eaeolian The Church of SEVEN • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 11,764 Thanked: 56 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	I was running it on Fluid Drive with the gain on about 2:00, and it was ripping nicely - plenty of gain. Let's put it this way: I've spent most of the night toying with the idea of selling my Triple and buying one. Seriously. Division - American metal that doesn't suck. Much. Even on Facebook, and Soundclick might eventually be updated, too.

05-25-2007, 06:35 AM	#6
eaeolian The Church of SEVEN • Super Moderator • Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Woodbridge, VA Posts: 11,764 Thanked: 56 Feedback Score: 5 reviews	It was the combo, so it had V30s. The mid is very different than the Triple - it's much more "dense" and growling - it sounds kind of like the "Master of Puppets" tone on steroids. I could even get the V30 "honk" under control... Division - American metal that doesn't suck. Much. Even on Facebook, and Soundclick might eventually be updated, too.

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05-24-2007, 10:52 PM	#2
sakeido Is a Pastafarian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 5,597 Thanked: 257 Feedback Score: 12 reviews	Whoa, the gain channel will hit head ripping territory? That doesn't sound at all like the other ones I played. Is it a really stock Marshall sound, or does it get into boosted JCM800 territory?

05-25-2007, 06:25 AM	#5
zimbloth Nick // Axe Palace Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 16,664 Thanked: 179 Feedback Score: 47 reviews	Intriguing. I tend to believe you, I have never played one. How does the midrange character with heavy distortion differ than on your Triple? What about the responsiveness? Did you try it with a V30 cab or C90?

05-25-2007, 07:14 AM	#7
7 Dying Trees Sarcy English Twat Join Date: May 2004 Location: 7th Ethereal Plane of interstellar hell, Innit Bruv, Safe, London, UK Posts: 8,869 Thanked: 139 Feedback Score: 41 reviews	I remember trying out the stilletto about 2? years ago or more, and I sent it back about 30 minutes after plugging it in, it was such a massive let down it was unbelievable. This does sound promising, which are the models to stay away from then? The Chaos has come: www.chaosanct.com

05-25-2007, 07:34 AM	#8
budda Guiterrorizer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London ONT Posts: 18,906 Thanked: 174 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	i thought the ace was a 112? _______________________ J S Moore pickups: www.tonefordays.com Rock on!

05-25-2007, 08:51 AM	#14
Cancer Cancer:The Crucifuct Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 3,122 Thanked: 20 Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Curious, did you boost it with anything, or just run straight? Cancer's Facebook Machines Of Living Death Facebook

05-25-2007, 08:53 AM	#15
Drew Fear the Polo! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 21,656 Thanked: 154 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	Really.... Mike, you've heard the tones I've both dialed up with the Nomad in the past, and have been getting from the Tech-21 lately. I've been seriously curious about this amp ever since - what are the odds I'm going to plug in with it and dial it into the sort of territory I've been heading with the Trademark 30? "...and everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon." http://www.metalguitarist.org

05-25-2007, 09:20 AM	#18
sakeido Is a Pastafarian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 5,597 Thanked: 257 Feedback Score: 12 reviews	How does it compare to a Mark IV? I like the comparison of the MoP tone on steroids... I feeel the GAAAS creeping in.

05-25-2007, 09:49 AM	#20
metalfiend666 - Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Basildon, England Posts: 9,688 Thanked: 47 Feedback Score: 16 reviews	As you're an endorser, are you able to borrow one for a week or two for a teat prior to making a decision? www.metalguitarist.org

05-25-2007, 09:55 AM	#23
metalfiend666 - Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Basildon, England Posts: 9,688 Thanked: 47 Feedback Score: 16 reviews	Please do and let us know what you think long term. If you have a way of doing it, clips would be very nice. www.metalguitarist.org

05-25-2007, 10:13 AM	#25
Metal Ken Hates the Air Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 17,847 Thanked: 82 Feedback Score: 3 reviews	Is there any place with sound samples? I tried to find some stuff online, but all i can find is a guitar review video with some guy play cliched blues licks through it/ If you list your gear in your signature, you're a prick.

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