Need some input/advice on custom Mesa Boogie options for Mark V

[tonemonster]

OK, I am gearing up to get a Mesa Mark V. now I am not one to sell off gear. I have a long track record of keeping stuff. I study alot before I buy. Now, I have a custom Mesa Road King I ordered 10 years ago and I am glad I ordered something special. I will likely have the amp till I die. I am thinking of going custom on the Mark V order for the same reason. I think I am going to order a V30 in it instead of a C90 as well. anyhow..... the prices of the custom options have gone up considerably since I got my RK 10 years ago. to change vinyl color its $180 to get leather its $350 embossed leathers are $700 stained hardwoods are $820 and private reserve woods get up to $1400 (no chance of me getting that).

I will show you some examples from the mesa site. keep in mind, they are not all Mark V models, but just so you get the color ideas.

The ones I am considering are:

Purple vinyl and black grille cloth
http://www.mesaboogie.com/gallery/gallery.php?id=485

Blue leather and black grille cloth
http://www.mesaboogie.com/gallery/gallery.php?id=393

White vinyl and black
http://www.mesaboogie.com/gallery/gallery.php?id=579

and this one is really wild, Oceania croco embossed leather.... but I would get it with a black grille cloth
http://www.mesaboogie.com/gallery/gallery.php?id=507



ideas??? opinions? talk to me folks.

[tonemonster]

keep in mind, the Mark V is $2250 before options, so cost is a bit of a factor.

[Chad]

I like to have cool looking guitars, but for my other gear I prefer simple and pedestrian, so I'd go with the stock vinyl/cloth. The cost savings would be even more of a reason.

But out of the ones you picked, I like white/black the best, but if you so much as break wind it's probably gonna show up in some way on that vinyl.

[tonemonster]

I hear you. I have considered it alot. I just would like to do something different than the normal standard amp. that Oceania croco is cool stuff, but damn.....$700 for embossed leather is alot of cash. that brings the cost of the amp to $2950...... thats alot.

[Larz]

I love the Mesa hardwoods, but I likethe croc version the best among those you listed. The embossing adds a little extra something to it if you're gonna go down that upgrade route.

Not a fan of the purple, but if you're never gonna re-sell it......

My Dr. Z is red tolex w/ salt/pepper grill so I like going beyond the basic black too.

[tonemonster]

I wonder how people like the embossed leathers long term. obviously they are going to show wear in time if they are heaily used. my amps spend 99% of their time in my home. I dont gig much. but the inner cheapskate in me dont want to drop $700 on it. I know in the long run I might be happier though.

[markD]

i have seen a couple of the embossed leather amps in person and they don't look that cool. i LOVE the oceania color, but the embossing...not so much. something cool, with flair could be a red, blue or the purple vinyl with the wheat colored jute grille cloth - or, if it is an option the cane grille cloth is always classy and flashy at the same time!!

[tonemonster]

i have seen a couple of the embossed leather amps in person and they don't look that cool. i LOVE the oceania color, but the embossing...not so much. something cool, with flair could be a red, blue or the purple vinyl with the wheat colored jute grille cloth - or, if it is an option the cane grille cloth is always classy and flashy at the same time!!

I do like the wicker can grille, but the problem is they look SO bright. I think they look cool when they get aged and turn a yellowish brown. thats when the look classy IMO. I think it looks best with the hardwoods though. The hardwoods are cool, but I have my RK that is hardwood. maybe I should try something new.

I appreciate your input on the embossed leather. real world input makes a big difference when your potentially spending $700 on something that might not be that cool in person.


anyone have any experience with the smooth leathers Mesa cabs?? how do they look in person?

[markD]

i have experience with the suede. it was REALLY durable. stained easily when a little coke got spilled on it, but much like my shoes, i just took a suede kit to it and fixed it right up. a buddy of mine had a smooth leather covered recto and that thing got beat-to-shit!!! of course, he is a bit rougher on his gear than i am, but still, i was shocked.....it looked good though!!!!

[tonemonster]

i have experience with the suede. it was REALLY durable. stained easily when a little coke got spilled on it, but much like my shoes, i just took a suede kit to it and fixed it right up. a buddy of mine had a smooth leather covered recto and that thing got beat-to-shit!!! of course, he is a bit rougher on his gear than i am, but still, i was shocked.....it looked good though!!!!

I hear ya. I think you generally have to be more careful with anything other than vinyl as its the most durable. If I do take an amp out of my house, I have a big roadcase for my RK that will fit most any smaller amps too. I just fill in the empty space with big chunks of styrofoam. so no problem there. but I can see where water or any liquid would be bad for the hardwoods, the suede, the smooth leather, or the embossed. I have a buddy that has a purple suede RK and it shows its age and wear alot. After seeing his, I dont think I would get suede.

I wish they did them in full diamond plate aluminum. that would be cool, and durable.

[Michael Scarn]

i would go for black tolex and that tan color grill, or if i wanted to be a baller do the hardwood thing w a wicker grill.

[Chief_CrazyTalk]

Option out now, thank yourself later, is my opinion.

[Shawn Lutz]

why not buy the head and just use it with whatever cab/speaker you like. BTW, I like the C90 with Mesa stuff better than V30's

[Dog Boy]

anyone have any experience with the smooth leathers Mesa cabs?? how do they look in person?

I've had a smooth leather combo for almost 15 years and I've giged the hell out if it. It is AMAZINGLY durable and if it gets scuffed up I just get out the black shoe polish and go to town on it. Still looks fantasic.