Gibson Acquires Mesa/Boogie

[MultiScaleMale]

I've noticed a major decline in Mesa over the past 20 years. As such, I don't really care what happens to them. They were already well on their way to the crapper.

There's always one

 

[bikeplate]

Eh

 

[Matt Dean]

I have to admit that as a long time Mesa user and customer, I am bummed about the sale to Gibson. Of course, Randall has the right to do what he wants with Mesa/Boogie. But unless someone can correct me (please), I join in the chorus of the (un)optimistic voices regarding how this may turn out. I love my Mesa gear, I love how it sounds, I love the fact that manufacturing is in Petaluma (a five minute drive from my office), and I love the whole vibe of Mesa/Boogie being made in northern Cali... I was able to drop off gear for servicing in the morning and pick it up on my way home in the afternoon. I will never forget when I helped organize the TB GTG at Mesa to celebrate the new Subway line, that ended up across the street at Lagunitas brewery with everyone including Randall knocking back beers. I remember the hammer test Randall demonstrated on someone’s soon to be D800 rolling down the line.

Hopefully Gibson will work to retain the best of what Mesa represents: it’s values, it’s culture and of course how it manufactures (and tests) its products; but, I will say this regarding the Mesa/Boogie I know and love: RIP.

 

[Ffreddy]

There's always one

I agree with them....I haven't like anything they made since the BUSTER!

 

[JMarkD]

Hmm. Rough day (on many levels). I have been an Aguilar user for over 17 years and Boogie user for almost as long before that. Both in one day? The good news is I am old and don't need any more amps. But a Mesa class D might be a good idea....

 

[Ryno1330]

I have posted a little more info on the "Subway" thread, let's read through this before assuming that the sky is indeed falling and that we all need to start crying in our cornflakes prematurely.

Link? Whats the subway thread?

 

[lermgalieu]

I've noticed a major decline in Mesa over the past 20 years. As such, I don't really care what happens to them. They were already well on their way to the crapper.

Really? Please explain. Not my experience at all.

 

[MetalMaximus]

As an owner of three Mesa/Boogie Amps, I’m concerned. I’ve seen what Gibson has done with past acquisitions. I hope new management does a better job of letting them thrive.

 

[mmbongo]

Well isn't it obvious. Gibson will now sue every amp manufacturer that makes an amp in a square shape. Since they've acquired mesa, the square shape is now thier intellectual property.

lol I was going to say the same thing

Bring on the lawsuits!

 

[DrThumpenstein]

I've noticed a major decline in Mesa over the past 20 years. As such, I don't really care what happens to them. They were already well on their way to the crapper.

They make different, but nobody is making better bass amplification equipment than Mesa right now. Not to mention their guitar amps.

We can all make our predictions, but every acquisition is different and these companies are run by people more capable than a bunch of bass players. I'm sure Gibson knows exactly what they are getting in Mesa, and you'd better bet they know something about brand loyalty. These are challenging economic times, and I have enough confidence in Mesa to think that they are making a decision that they believe to be in the best interest of their company. I'll worry when I see changes in the manufacture, design, or support of their products.

 

[Yellow Bang66]

Gibson can now be a player in the amp business, I guess?
Trying to be optimistic.

Both companies make or made some of my favorite musical equipment of all time so I shall remain hopeful.

I thought Fender had the rights?!

 

[donahue]

I really don't give a hoot as long as the prices of older mesa stuff doesn't unnecessary skyrocket. Prices were just starting to go down a little bit on the class AB stuff and Powerhouse, Subway cabs etc.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

RE: Availability at GC

Don’t they have one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel?

They have been at that status for years and they are still in most major markets and are Gibson's major US retailer.
If Guitar Center is still alive people may have the possibility of trying a Mesa in person much easier than last week.

 

[mikeswals]

Nope nope nope! As a Mesa player since '91 this really chaps me up. Nothing good comes from a Gibson partnership, and so this is where It'll end with me.
I love my (now old) Mesa rigs and they will last me the rest of my playing days.

 

[Folmeister]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pcake]

I can't believe Gibson will do this to Mesa. Mesa is an institution, you can't ruin them without paying the price a way or another.

gibson was an institution, and look what gibson did to that!

 

[Snaxster]

gibson was an institution, and look what gibson did to that!

Really good!

 

[nixdad]

It’s Gibson.
Be afraid.
Be very afraid.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Link? Whats the subway thread?

A 1,147 page thread here on TalkBass about the Mesa Subway amps and cabs.
Official Mesa Boogie Subway Series Club Post #22876

 

[Balog]

lol I was going to say the same thing

Bring on the lawsuits!

At least it wasn’t Rickenbacker...