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Mesa Boogie
Roadster Head
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Picture this: Top down, radio pumpin flying down a back-country road in a high performance ragtop. Responsibilities behind, miles of S-curves aheadfully in the moment and feeling the rush as you confidently snake your way through shadowed canyons that give way to sunny ridgetops. Freedom, Flow, Exhilaration!
Introducing the new Dual Rectifier Roadster; the most fun a guitarist can have on four wheelswell alright, casters.
This all-tube thoroughbred shares a class with only one other amplifier - and that position is held by its brother the mighty Road King. In fact, the Roadster is a Road King without Progressive Linkage and other rear panel features that some players fear need a higher education to navigate. The Roadster now offers the plug-and-play minded guitarist a way to enjoy a myriad of footswitchable preamp choices without the power option anxiety.
Throughout two lower gain Channels, 1 and 2, youll discover every classic clean sound in the pairs of CLEAN and FAT modes. Once youve dialed in your ultimate clean sound, you can duplicate it in the other Channel and modify it for single note applications, a more pushed version or decide to switch to another mode for a radically different sound. Meanwhile dedicated American Blues and English Rock sounds reside in the easily clippable mid-gain realms of TWEED and BRIT. These dynamic and incredibly expressive modes would make an amazing amplifier all by themselves as they roam the zone between clean and clipped with authentic finesse.
Channels 3 and 4 contain all the mind-altering iconic sounds of the legendary Dual Rectifier Solo Head and hand you the keys to the world of high gainboth retro and future. The RAW, VINTAGE and MODERN modes cover the entire range of gain from a sweet clip, through liquid voice up to a crushing wall of tight grind and are duplicated in both Channels. This again allows you to either find a favorite sound and dedicate the channels to slight differences or, configure them for wildly different styles.
The Channels duplicated modes are a powerful feature - making the Roadster not just an amp for your current style or band but rather, a lifelong companion to your musicoffering limitless configurations, keeping pace with your growth as your playing evolves.
The Roadster also features our Multi-Watt Channel Assignable Power feature allowing you to choose either 50 or 100 watt power for each preamp Channel. This simple to use feature expands the potential of each Channel mode exponentially by enabling you to lower the power-clip threshold or, tighten things up as needed. The two power choices also offer different personalities; 50 watts with its brighter, elastic bounce or 100 watts of tight-tracking low-end girth and mid punch authority.
Add to this power shaping magic our patented Tube Rectifier Tracking feature. Each channel features the ability to choose between the saggy bounce of the 5U4 Rectifier Tubes or the tight, bold authority of the Silicon Diodes. Selecting TUBE RECTIFIER TRACKING brings on-line one 5U4 when in 50 watts and two 5U4s when 100 watts is selected.
Reverb is paramount in an amplifier this versatile and the Roadster gets the best! Weve taken our all-tube circuit from the widely acclaimed Lone Star and the result is lush, ambient Reverb that blooms with sweetness as it bathes each note in old school glory. And because the Roadsters modes offer such a wide range of gain levels and sound styles, each Channel is fitted with a dedicated REVERB mix control located on the Rear Panel so Reverb can be optimized for each sound.
The Roadster is available in both Head and Combo formats. The highly portable 1x12 is rear ported for stunning power to weight performance, while the 2x12 Combo features our amazing closedback design. These cabinets produce low-end spread reminiscent of a 4x12 for crunch and gain sounds while retaining the top-end sparkle and ambience of an open back enclosure. Either way you cruise theres no way to lose.
So when youre looking for an exciting new ride thats easy to drive, has power to burn but can handle the turns check out the Roadster. Its the perfect addition to any guitar garage.
Handbuilt in Petaluma, California
Multi-Watt, Channel Assignable Power Amp (Patent 7,602,927) allows you to assign either 2 or all 4 Power Tubes to each Channel for Power Ratings of 50 or 100 Watts of Class A/B Power via independent 50/100 Watt Power Switches / 4x6L6, 6x12AX7, 2x5U4
Bias Select Switch (6L6/EL34)
Fixed Bias for Consistent, Maintenance Free Performance
4 Fully Independent
Channels with 12 Modes (Channel 1 = Clean, Fat or Tweed, Channel 2 = Clean, Fat or Brit, Channels 3 & 4 = Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain)
Each Channel features Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Master, All-Tube, Long Spring Reverb, Channel Assignable Dual Rectification with Recto Tracking (Diode or Tube Tracking Patents 5,168,438 & 7,193,458), Fully Buffered FX Loop with Send Level Control (over all channels when activated)
Output Level Control
(over all channels when activated)
Footswitchable Solo Level Control Patent 6,724,897 (over all channels when activated)
Bold/Spongy Variac Switch (Patent 5,091,700)
True Hard Bypass Switch that removes FX Loop, Output Level & Solo Level Controls from signal path
Slave Out w/Level Control
Fan Cooled (combos only)
External Switching Jacks for Channels 1, 2, 3, 4, Solo, Reverb, FX Loop & Hundred Watt
8 Button Footswitch (Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Channel 4, Reverb, FX Loop & Solo)
Slip Cover
Introducing the new Dual Rectifier Roadster; the most fun a guitarist can have on four wheelswell alright, casters.
This all-tube thoroughbred shares a class with only one other amplifier - and that position is held by its brother the mighty Road King. In fact, the Roadster is a Road King without Progressive Linkage and other rear panel features that some players fear need a higher education to navigate. The Roadster now offers the plug-and-play minded guitarist a way to enjoy a myriad of footswitchable preamp choices without the power option anxiety.
Throughout two lower gain Channels, 1 and 2, youll discover every classic clean sound in the pairs of CLEAN and FAT modes. Once youve dialed in your ultimate clean sound, you can duplicate it in the other Channel and modify it for single note applications, a more pushed version or decide to switch to another mode for a radically different sound. Meanwhile dedicated American Blues and English Rock sounds reside in the easily clippable mid-gain realms of TWEED and BRIT. These dynamic and incredibly expressive modes would make an amazing amplifier all by themselves as they roam the zone between clean and clipped with authentic finesse.
Channels 3 and 4 contain all the mind-altering iconic sounds of the legendary Dual Rectifier Solo Head and hand you the keys to the world of high gainboth retro and future. The RAW, VINTAGE and MODERN modes cover the entire range of gain from a sweet clip, through liquid voice up to a crushing wall of tight grind and are duplicated in both Channels. This again allows you to either find a favorite sound and dedicate the channels to slight differences or, configure them for wildly different styles.
The Channels duplicated modes are a powerful feature - making the Roadster not just an amp for your current style or band but rather, a lifelong companion to your musicoffering limitless configurations, keeping pace with your growth as your playing evolves.
The Roadster also features our Multi-Watt Channel Assignable Power feature allowing you to choose either 50 or 100 watt power for each preamp Channel. This simple to use feature expands the potential of each Channel mode exponentially by enabling you to lower the power-clip threshold or, tighten things up as needed. The two power choices also offer different personalities; 50 watts with its brighter, elastic bounce or 100 watts of tight-tracking low-end girth and mid punch authority.
Add to this power shaping magic our patented Tube Rectifier Tracking feature. Each channel features the ability to choose between the saggy bounce of the 5U4 Rectifier Tubes or the tight, bold authority of the Silicon Diodes. Selecting TUBE RECTIFIER TRACKING brings on-line one 5U4 when in 50 watts and two 5U4s when 100 watts is selected.
Reverb is paramount in an amplifier this versatile and the Roadster gets the best! Weve taken our all-tube circuit from the widely acclaimed Lone Star and the result is lush, ambient Reverb that blooms with sweetness as it bathes each note in old school glory. And because the Roadsters modes offer such a wide range of gain levels and sound styles, each Channel is fitted with a dedicated REVERB mix control located on the Rear Panel so Reverb can be optimized for each sound.
The Roadster is available in both Head and Combo formats. The highly portable 1x12 is rear ported for stunning power to weight performance, while the 2x12 Combo features our amazing closedback design. These cabinets produce low-end spread reminiscent of a 4x12 for crunch and gain sounds while retaining the top-end sparkle and ambience of an open back enclosure. Either way you cruise theres no way to lose.
So when youre looking for an exciting new ride thats easy to drive, has power to burn but can handle the turns check out the Roadster. Its the perfect addition to any guitar garage.
Handbuilt in Petaluma, California
Multi-Watt, Channel Assignable Power Amp (Patent 7,602,927) allows you to assign either 2 or all 4 Power Tubes to each Channel for Power Ratings of 50 or 100 Watts of Class A/B Power via independent 50/100 Watt Power Switches / 4x6L6, 6x12AX7, 2x5U4
Bias Select Switch (6L6/EL34)
Fixed Bias for Consistent, Maintenance Free Performance
4 Fully Independent
Channels with 12 Modes (Channel 1 = Clean, Fat or Tweed, Channel 2 = Clean, Fat or Brit, Channels 3 & 4 = Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain)
Each Channel features Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Master, All-Tube, Long Spring Reverb, Channel Assignable Dual Rectification with Recto Tracking (Diode or Tube Tracking Patents 5,168,438 & 7,193,458), Fully Buffered FX Loop with Send Level Control (over all channels when activated)
Output Level Control
(over all channels when activated)
Footswitchable Solo Level Control Patent 6,724,897 (over all channels when activated)
Bold/Spongy Variac Switch (Patent 5,091,700)
True Hard Bypass Switch that removes FX Loop, Output Level & Solo Level Controls from signal path
Slave Out w/Level Control
Fan Cooled (combos only)
External Switching Jacks for Channels 1, 2, 3, 4, Solo, Reverb, FX Loop & Hundred Watt
8 Button Footswitch (Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Channel 4, Reverb, FX Loop & Solo)
Slip Cover
Media
Youtube video product demo
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
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F@$#%ng Awesome Amp 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
I just bought a roadster head & rectifier 4x12 slant cab and it's by far the best amp I've owned or played. I run the slave out into the effects return on my Stiletto trident which runs through a stiletto 4x12, and it's the biggest most versitile sound machine going.
Posted by Aaron on Nov 4, 2013
Roadster kicks F'n Ass! 4 of 4 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Edmonton South, Alberta
This amp is a working musicians best friend. There are so many different amazing tones that can be achieved on each channel. It is true - the modern metal tone on channel 4 is a tad bit darker sounding then the regular Dual Rectifier - but that's something about the roadster that I really like. I find that the newer (3 channel dual rectifiers) get a little too fizzy/hairy sounding. That being said, the Darkness can be removed via the EQ. Setting up the EQ on the Roadster is different then the other Rectifiers so reading the owners manual is a must! Channels 1 and 2 are sparkly clean. Channel one absolutely rivals any Fender amp I've played. No BS! Channel 2 is a bit grittier, but it can be anything from clean to old school british rock tones, to even harder 70's/80's rock tones. Channel 3 is a total gem. It gives you everything from searing blues to Classic Rock to modern rock to old-school metal to Modern rhythm metal tones! The vintage rectifier sound can be achieved in channel 3 with some tinkering of the switches and settings. Now onto channel 4. It's pure Modern Metal Chaos with that classic Mesa Roar and Growl, HUGE defined bass for chugs, and tons of clarity for lead. I play in a Metal-core band, my main rig is a Peavey 5150ii Half-stack. The Roadster KILLS it in the tone department. The 5150ii is a killer amp and I love it, but this amp is THICK - I mean REALLY, REALLY F'n THICK!
A couple of tricks with this amp:
1. Get a good cab with good speakers. I'd suggest a Mesa or Randall cab with V30's loaded up or better. This is an absolute must have. Mesa's are extremely sensitive when it comes to speakers and cab construction. Spend the dough and you ears will thank you with it - and so will anyone else listening to you play!
2. Get a boost pedal - Ts9 or MaxonOD808. Set it up so the drive is off, tone is at noon, and level is dimed. This tightens up the bottom end, boosts the mids a bit, and brightens the highs. Makes it sound even more aggressive and huge!
3. Get a noise gate! With any high gain amp the noise and feedback can get ridiculous.
This amp is for anyone that needs an amp that can tackle every variety of music very well. It's a total tone monster on every channel. It can be a bit of a chore to dial in that "perfect tone" - but it's the same with any other Mesa I've played (especially the rectifiers). I rated everything @ 10 except for value. This amp is really expensive! Nonetheless, If it was stolen I'd buy another immediately.
Posted by Jeff on Mar 13, 2013
Awesome Amp 1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Windsor, Ontario
It basically is a smoother, darker sounding dual rectifier with an added channel and I do believe the clean channel is the mesa lonestar clean channel but MAYBE I JUST RED IT ON THE INERNETS. Anyways, I basically run channel 4 everything at noon (excluding presence, it's turned off) and I run a maxon overdrive in front of it. This combination with a stiletto 4x12 is metal city. It can probably do all sorts of other things but I love the metal sound it gets me.
Posted by anonymous on Jan 23, 2013
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Roadster Head | 241300 |
