The Buster sounds very tubey to me. And it’ll do a little grit with the pre gain up and master turned down some. Less gritty than most tube amps but there is some thereZ Try it out and you might like it.
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Mesa 200 Buster club
- Thread starter Stevosimpson
- Start date
It really depends on the sound and feel you want, as each model tends to have it's own sound a personality. I have 28 amps, and 2/3rds of them are tube amps. I don't own a Buster but I would not turn one down if I could get it for a good price.
The Mesa D180 is probably what you want to look for if you want OD, but they are getting pretty rare. The D180 had an usual Master volume control that starved the driver tubes so they went into distortion early. The idea is to create push pull distortion in the output section rather than the type of distortion you get by overdriving a single ended preamp tube. The circuit is not very effective as a Master volume, but a lot of people like the distortion it produces. Some say it's a one trick pony as well.
The D180 evolved into 400, and 400+, so check those models out if you get a chance. The 400 and 400+ have regular Master volume. As three different people which of these three models are their favorite and you will likely get three different answers. The D180 is near the top of my bucket list.
Another all tube amp that is in the Fender style is the Orange AD200B. I actually own one of these. Max out the volume control and this amp is about as close to a big blackface Showman as any modern amp I have played through. If you turn the Volume down and crank up the Gain the preamp tends to go into OD rather quickly. Some people complain because the gain comes on so soon.
The only other current production tube amp I own is a Ashdown CTM300. This amp has a fairly high gain preamp like the AD200B, but it's voiced a lot darker than the AD200B IMHO. Also the tone controls are very quirky and can be frustrating. At some control settings nothing happens, and at other controls settings the opposite happens of what you expect. Here's a trick if you try a CTM100, 200, or 300 (I believe they all share the same preamp): Start with the tone controls at 9:00 and only adjust them +/- 2 clock face settings. Within that range the controls are relatively intuitive and there are a lot of different sounds.
Lot's of other tube amps to be found. My advice is try as many as you can, and don't be in a rush.
Thanks so much, that’s super helpful! I’d love to try the Orange but it’s like 3x the cost of the Mesa and there’s only so much I can spend right now. Thanks for the advice!
I don't know how much the Buster is listed for, but I found my AD200B for $1400 in mint condition, shipped. The only mark on it was a black scuff on the back panel which came off with a little goo gone. I paid $1,100 for my near mint CTM300, but it need a new set of KT88s, so add about $240 to the sunk cost. This amp has a built in meter so the user can set the bias.
You can often find Mesa 400s and 400+s for under a grand.
I suggest budgeting for at least a set of output tubes and a bench fee to bias the amp. About half of the tube amps I have bought needed new tubes.
The Buster will give you some OD if you crank the preamp, especially if you play a bit aggressively. The Buster can also be set very clean and quick while still offering some great harmonic content and nice top end sheen. Or somewhere in between.
I think the buster is worth a try.
True it does a really nice clean, but you can push it.
Your speakers will play a part. With an 810, you might not be able to push it enough without getting too loud. But maybe with a 115, you would be able to push it to the point of breakup.
I remember a gig I did with a buster and a 115, and it was breaking up.
I wanted the more clean sound and wished I had brought my 212.
Anyway- great amp. I say do it!
True it does a really nice clean, but you can push it.
Your speakers will play a part. With an 810, you might not be able to push it enough without getting too loud. But maybe with a 115, you would be able to push it to the point of breakup.
I remember a gig I did with a buster and a 115, and it was breaking up.
I wanted the more clean sound and wished I had brought my 212.
Anyway- great amp. I say do it!
You’ve gotten some good input already, and I will add to the chorus saying there’s grit to be found with the right settings and speakers, but Busters won’t get as dirty as D-180s or 400(+)s on their own. With hot pickups and an outboard tube preamp (Night Owl Industries Edison, in my case) with everything set to about unity gain, I get some pleasing drive from my 1x15 Buster combo, especially when digging in with a pick. If I dime that Edison in the effects loop, I get great power tube distortion at somewhat-less-than-insane volume. I use Mesa’s V-1 Bottle Rocket tube preamp pedal if I want Mesa distortion the easy way; I have heard they used this circuit in some hybrid bass heads such as the Big Block.
Nice, like you said, patience will likely pay off. I looked around for an AD200B for a while but I didn’t see anything at that price point yet, but I might if I give it some time.
I’m still working through this thread, but thanks to everyone that’s offered some input. I do have a chance to check the amp out, so that’s nice.
I have an OD pedal that I really like, a Wampler Tumnus which is based on the Klon circuit. I’ve seen quite a few mention that the Buster takes pedals really well so I’m interested to hear what the Tumnus sounds like through it. Thanks everyone for being so helpful!
Hi all,
I’m new to the club. I recently bought a Buster 210 combo. And when it is working correctly it sounds wonderful.
The sound gets really thin for about 5 seconds every few minutes. I bought it knowing that the tubes were failing and need to be replaced.
I have a couple questions:
What tubes does MESA recommend for these? The manual states it came with 6-6L6 427 power tubes. These aren’t even available on their website.
Does MESA have a say anything about the longevity of the capacitors? Tube amps usually need a full cap replacement around 20 years and this amp is older than that.
Other than that, I wanted to say the craftsmanship of this amp is remarkable. It is easy to see they really wanted to make a product to last.
I’m new to the club. I recently bought a Buster 210 combo. And when it is working correctly it sounds wonderful.
The sound gets really thin for about 5 seconds every few minutes. I bought it knowing that the tubes were failing and need to be replaced.
I have a couple questions:
What tubes does MESA recommend for these? The manual states it came with 6-6L6 427 power tubes. These aren’t even available on their website.
Does MESA have a say anything about the longevity of the capacitors? Tube amps usually need a full cap replacement around 20 years and this amp is older than that.
Other than that, I wanted to say the craftsmanship of this amp is remarkable. It is easy to see they really wanted to make a product to last.
Mesa's website has this to say about the STR425:
The STR 425 is also commonly used in older MESA all-Tube Bass Amps using 6L6s like the MESA D-180, Bass 400 and Bass 400+ models.
Ref: 5881 STR-425 6L6 Power Tubes | MESA/Boogie® (mesaboogie.com)
The store currently shows out of stock, but you can buy matched duets from third party sources.
AFAIK the STR425 is a relabeled Sovtek 5881 that has been tested and graded by Mesa. A good tube vendor should be able to put together a set that will work in the Buster. I suggest using a source who does a good burn in before testing and matching. The burn in runs the tubes at operating voltage for an extended time. This does two things: 1. eliminates bad tubes; 2. clears the vacuum of any remaining contaminates to stabilize the tubes operating characteristics, which increases the efficacy of matching.
If an amp was used regularly the capacitors should be good. I have several tube amps from the 90s that are still running the original caps. The capacitors get out of condition if the amp is not powered up for really long periods of time. So if the amp has sat unplayed for 20 years, the capacitors may be bad.
I don't think you can bias the Buster, so you need tubes that fit into into what ever parameters the Buster is set up for.
Mesa would sell you those tubes. I've also heard that places like the Tube Store can sell you a set that fits the parameters if you tell them the tubes are for a Buster. Don't know if that's true.
If it is, or you can get the tubes from Mesa, then you should be able to drop in new power tubes pretty easy.
I would assume the cabs are fine until a good tech tells you they are not. Even then, it might be one and you might not need a "cap job."
The tube amp tech go-to seems to be all new power tubes and a total cap job for any noise.
My recommendation is to find the best, most reputable tube amp tech you can, and take the Buster in for a checkup.
Mesa would sell you those tubes. I've also heard that places like the Tube Store can sell you a set that fits the parameters if you tell them the tubes are for a Buster. Don't know if that's true.
If it is, or you can get the tubes from Mesa, then you should be able to drop in new power tubes pretty easy.
I would assume the cabs are fine until a good tech tells you they are not. Even then, it might be one and you might not need a "cap job."
The tube amp tech go-to seems to be all new power tubes and a total cap job for any noise.
My recommendation is to find the best, most reputable tube amp tech you can, and take the Buster in for a checkup.
Here’s the couple of Mesa Buster Bass 200 amps I have .
Howdy fellow Talkbass members!
I've been using my Buster with a 410 Diesel cab off and on for about 20 years now. It's always been very easy for me to get a great sound put of it. It's actually the only amp I currently own. I recently re-tubed it and don't plan on letting it go anytime soon.
Most jam sessions have been at my place so haven't had to move my rig much. I've recently started jamming with some old friends and one of them has a great place to
Get together and play. So now I've been hauling my rig quite a bit. I'm now 43 and forgot how heavy that amp and cab are (it's probably been 10 years since I last left the house with it).
I would like a lighter rig and have been doing a lot of research on the new Mesa Subway series. Problem is I dont have a place to audition any Mesa gear anywhere near me. I like playing most styles of modern music and was wondering if any of you fellow Buster owners have been happy with any of the new Subway D series amps and cabs. I was thinking about preordering a 115 and ordering a subway amp to try out (I could always sell it if I dont like it). I've always loved the punchy tone the buster has but sometimes wish it had a little more warm grind. So which of the 4 Subway amps would get me closest to the Buster and give me a more dirty sound if I want it
I've been using my Buster with a 410 Diesel cab off and on for about 20 years now. It's always been very easy for me to get a great sound put of it. It's actually the only amp I currently own. I recently re-tubed it and don't plan on letting it go anytime soon.
Most jam sessions have been at my place so haven't had to move my rig much. I've recently started jamming with some old friends and one of them has a great place to
Get together and play. So now I've been hauling my rig quite a bit. I'm now 43 and forgot how heavy that amp and cab are (it's probably been 10 years since I last left the house with it).
I would like a lighter rig and have been doing a lot of research on the new Mesa Subway series. Problem is I dont have a place to audition any Mesa gear anywhere near me. I like playing most styles of modern music and was wondering if any of you fellow Buster owners have been happy with any of the new Subway D series amps and cabs. I was thinking about preordering a 115 and ordering a subway amp to try out (I could always sell it if I dont like it). I've always loved the punchy tone the buster has but sometimes wish it had a little more warm grind. So which of the 4 Subway amps would get me closest to the Buster and give me a more dirty sound if I want it
Always best to try before you buy if you can. Four models have been released: D800, D800+, WD800, TT800.
@agedhorse is probably your best bet since he designed the Subway series.
I know the TT800 Boogie channel is closer to the Mesa 400. I haven't played through a Buster, but I get the impression it may be more like the Carbine series. So it would probably come down to the Subway channel on the TT800 or the D800+ which can be dialed in a bit brighter than the D800. AFAIK, the Subway channel on the TT800 is similar to the D800+ preamp, but the TT800 uses tubes in the preamp (both channels) and the D800+ is a pure solid state. So if you have to buy blind, I think your choice will be the TT800 (but this is a guess). I am sure others with actual experience will come along shortly.
Good luck!
I've used a Buster with the 2x10 combo, a Powerhouse 15, and (currently) the 15 combo, which is my favorite. I have also gone through the Subway 800+, the WD and the TT. I have stuck with the TT and the Subway 15. I found that either channel of the TT could get close to the Buster 15 with enough tweaking. Currently, when I want that sound from the TT I use the Subway channel with an Night Owl Edison preamp in front adding just a bit more tube goodness.
Just re-housed my Buster in a custom enclosure (pulled from the wedge combo). Stoked!
scotch
It's not rocket science!
- Nov 12, 2006
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Was fortunate to come across a Buster 15 combo in semi-working order. I've been carefully and meticulously taking my time cleaning it up. Pretty sure I've fixed all of the problems & should have it ready to test again this coming week....
Only thing missing is one of the eq slider "knobs". Anyone have an idea where I can find one??? I've searched & searched and no one seems to have even the newer compatible slider knobs in stock.
Only thing missing is one of the eq slider "knobs". Anyone have an idea where I can find one??? I've searched & searched and no one seems to have even the newer compatible slider knobs in stock.
AFAIK the P/N is 408550. Mesa recently got these back in stock.
Knob - 408550 - Graphic EQ Slider - MESA/Boogie (mesaboogie.com)
