Mesa Badlander
- Thread starter KingsXJJ
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Never messed with a badlander in any capacity , but I've recanted some of my disdain for EL84s after jamming with and seeing live my buddies mini recto 
KingsXJJ
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Good point. I’ve got plenty of great cabs to through at it!
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I’ve run my Badlander head primarily thru a Randal Diavlo 212 w/V30s and love it. If you wish there was such a thing as a JCMRectifier, this is your amp.
As an aside, Ive also run it thru a Peavey 412 with Sheffields and a Peavey 412 with 2 Sheffs and 2 V30s. The Badlander sounds killer thru all three and is unmistakable no matter the cab.
All that to say, I am likely getting rid of it. Not because I don’t love it, but because I seldom use it and would like to put the money in it into something I do use and/or “be responsible” and pay bills with that cash… man, I could barely keep a straight face typing out that last part.
As an aside, Ive also run it thru a Peavey 412 with Sheffields and a Peavey 412 with 2 Sheffs and 2 V30s. The Badlander sounds killer thru all three and is unmistakable no matter the cab.
All that to say, I am likely getting rid of it. Not because I don’t love it, but because I seldom use it and would like to put the money in it into something I do use and/or “be responsible” and pay bills with that cash… man, I could barely keep a straight face typing out that last part.
KingsXJJ
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Thanks very much for the info! I’m sorry you are letting it go. But I completely understand… been there, done that.I’ve run my Badlander head primarily thru a Randal Diavlo 212 w/V30s and love it. If you wish there was such a thing as a JCMRectifier, this is your amp.
As an aside, Ive also run it thru a Peavey 412 with Sheffields and a Peavey 412 with 2 Sheffs and 2 V30s. The Badlander sounds killer thru all three and is unmistakable no matter the cab.
All that to say, I am likely getting rid of it. Not because I don’t love it, but because I seldom use it and would like to put the money in it into something I do use and/or “be responsible” and pay bills with that cash… man, I could barely keep a straight face typing out that last part.
TSJMajesty
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My bills and my gear don't even know the other exists.
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Yeah, sounds so awesome you're getting rid of it?!I’ve run my Badlander head primarily thru a Randal Diavlo 212 w/V30s and love it. If you wish there was such a thing as a JCMRectifier, this is your amp.
As an aside, Ive also run it thru a Peavey 412 with Sheffields and a Peavey 412 with 2 Sheffs and 2 V30s. The Badlander sounds killer thru all three and is unmistakable no matter the cab.
All that to say, I am likely getting rid of it. Not because I don’t love it, but because I seldom use it and would like to put the money in it into something I do use and/or “be responsible” and pay bills with that cash… man, I could barely keep a straight face typing out that last part.
JiveTurkey
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Jaji
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I've had the 25w combo for quite a while now. I got mine not long after the 25w combo was released. It's my go to "grab and go" amp. In some respects, I kind of wish I got the 50 instead, but overall, I have zero regrets. I have enough 50 and 100 watt amps anyway. This Badlander is a straight-forward rock and roll machine. I use clean and crunch only. If I need more gain, I hit it with my EP booster. The amp takes pedals like a champ and the loop is flawless - at least for what I run through the loop which is a wild selection of cheapo pedals and "name brand" ones. I did change the speaker, however. I installed a WGS Invader 50. In all honesty, I think it sounds extremely similar to the factory Creamback 65. That was just something I wanted to do. I won't be selling it any time soon.
I used to have the 90 watt Mark V. I do not feel like these 2 amps are similar at all. Of course, the V has way more tonal options, but for straight up rock, you can't go wrong with a Badlander IMHO.
I used to have the 90 watt Mark V. I do not feel like these 2 amps are similar at all. Of course, the V has way more tonal options, but for straight up rock, you can't go wrong with a Badlander IMHO.
Life Eats Life
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WORD.
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I would love to have a 25w combo, but can't seem to find one for less than the 50w head... one of these days I'll stumble on a deal for one.
KingsXJJ
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I got mine for $1599 after a $200 price drop and $400 in cart discount for being a MF member (free registration). Quite a bit better than the $2199 street price not long ago. An over 27% difference.
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Desertdweller
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So here’s the problem with EL84s, headroom. If you’re playing at home, in a studio, or in a bedroom, they’re fine and everyone is happy. Great amps. If you’re playing country, blues, rock, etc in a bar, they’re fine too.
If you’re playing metal in a band, playing in a 2 guitar band, or playing with a powerful drummer, they’re just not going to cut it. I’ve owned all of the 25 watt Mesa amps and the only one that had enough volume to work in a band context was the V25 and only in Extreme mode. Even then, I could not get enough power out of it for a lead boost. Once you hit 11 o’clock on the master knob, it’s over. It’s all power tube grit you’re adding from there on. For someone that needs even a little more clean headroom, it’s not it.
The Mark V35 solves this and if you’re looking for a EL84 amp, that’s the one I’d suggest. I honestly have no idea why the Badlander 25 exists, as the 50w can be found for a similar price on the used market and solves every problem you’d have with the 25. It’s also a 17” chassis out of the headshell, so if space is an issue, buy a 4 space shallow rack and the rack kit, and now you have a full size 50w EL34 amp in a similar sized enclosure as the 25w head.
If you’re playing metal in a band, playing in a 2 guitar band, or playing with a powerful drummer, they’re just not going to cut it. I’ve owned all of the 25 watt Mesa amps and the only one that had enough volume to work in a band context was the V25 and only in Extreme mode. Even then, I could not get enough power out of it for a lead boost. Once you hit 11 o’clock on the master knob, it’s over. It’s all power tube grit you’re adding from there on. For someone that needs even a little more clean headroom, it’s not it.
The Mark V35 solves this and if you’re looking for a EL84 amp, that’s the one I’d suggest. I honestly have no idea why the Badlander 25 exists, as the 50w can be found for a similar price on the used market and solves every problem you’d have with the 25. It’s also a 17” chassis out of the headshell, so if space is an issue, buy a 4 space shallow rack and the rack kit, and now you have a full size 50w EL34 amp in a similar sized enclosure as the 25w head.
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I will say this, the 2 6v6 in my '76 DR certainly have the capability to rip my head clean off, and can't imagine any situation where it wouldn't hold up 
