1976 MESA/Boogie Letter from Randall and Rayven Smith

for perspective buyers

 


 Greetings

Thanks for inquiring about our Boogie amplifiers. We still make them here at home, individually, and with as much fondness and personal care: as ever, so don't think because we ran a full page ad that this has changed! We just figured that Carlos Sanlana didn't deserve any less, and that ad was a token of our appreciation.

We have enclosed an illustrated sheet for you to look over which gives some idea of the Boogies' appearance. We also make amp tops, extension cabinets, and are' now offering a slightly larger amp with four levels of brightness and a fifteen inch JBL or Altec speaker. All models are available in either Black or Cream colored vinyl tolex as a standard finish, or you may select the optional dovetailed solid Hawaiian Koa cabinet with the wicker cane grille. All models are custom made your selection of optional circuits and equipment. The amplifiers are small, versatile, and powerful. An amp head weighs about 40 1bs. and is 19 1/2" x 10 1/4" x 10~1/4". The Super Sixty is 19- 1/(2" x 19 l/a" x 10 1/4", and weighs 48 Ibs. With the 100 watt option, it is the strongest sounding and strongest made little amp there is. With a 15" JBL speaker, the i5 model weighs about 62 lbs. and measures 22 1/2" x 21" x 10 1/2".

The famous sustain and versatility of the Boogies are in part due to the unique pre-amp circuit that utilizes more stages of amplification and tone shaping than any other amplifier. Volume controls between the stages select the amount of signal strength and type of tone which will be passed on and further amplified. So, with an instrument plugged into Input 1 it is possible to get a vast degree of sustain and natural tube overdrive even at the softest playing levels. A clean tone or any degree in between can be blended with the three volume controls. Plugging into Input 2 inserts the signal directly into the second stage so the first stage and its control (Volume 1) will have no effect and should be turned off; Using Input 2 gives the Boogie a similar degree of amplification as other units so that a loud clean tone is easy to get. The Channel Selecting Footswitch which is included allows you to pre-set Volume 1 and switch from rhythm to lead type settings. This device works best at actual playing levels as some volume increase is inevitable when switching from a low, clean, chording tone to an equally soft but heavily distorted lead tone.

There have been several modifications in our design and construction, all aimed at making the amps better. All units now come standard with a Presence control which boosts the upper harmonics, Bright Switch, Gain Boost switch which bypasses the tone controls, as well as Bass, Mid Range, Treble, Volume 1, Volume 2 and Master Controls. Also included are socket clamps for the 6L6's, a special neutralizing circuit which prevents unwanted feedback without sacrificing brightness, and a modified input stage which virtually eliminates problems caused by noisy or microphonic tubes while bettering overall performance. The 100 watt models feature improved cooling for longer tube life, and our Reverb system has been modified for a smoother decay and has a locking device to insure safe transportation. Footswitch jacks are now provided for Gain Boost, Reverb, and the Graphic Equalizer. So, you can see we are devoted to attaining the highest degree of perfection in every amp we make.

For lead work the Boogie is absolutely unbeatable. To get so much tone and volume from such a tiny package seems completely impossible, yet a little Boogie with one 12" speaker can slice through a Marshall and actually sound louder! That's one way to play it. Here at the house we play mainly jazz and actually developed the amp to give a warm, clear, clean tone with controls able to differentiate subtle shades of tone color and to be the absolute minimum in size and offer the maximum in no-compromise quality.

If you have not had a chance to hear one in person, you can hear how they sound on any of Carlos Santana's recordings, Larry Carlton's playing on the Crusaders' albums, John Mclaughlin's albums of the last three years, the Elton John Band for the last two, Jerry Garcia's playing for the last two years, and recently Al DiMeola.

STANDARD FEATURES AND OPTIONS After selecting the basic configuration of your Boogie ( 1-12", 1-15" or Amp head) you may add any combination of the following options:

HUNDRED WATTS is a standard feature in the 15" series and an option in the 1-12" and amp head series. All Hundred watt models came equipped with a power selector switch which can be used to prevent speaker overload. It simply turns off two of the four output tubes. The 100 watt position should be reserved for either very clean moderate level playing, or for use with extension speakers when blasting since the measured output of a Boogie going full tilt in the 100 RMS mode is well in excess of 220 watts with peaks that are even higher.

REVERB Our reverb system, which is optional, uses the Hammond/Accutronics double long-spring device with the longest possible decay and matched send and receive circuits adjusted for best tone. The spring pan is mounted across the back (for less interference from stage vibration) and comes equipped with a locking device for safe handling. A footswitch jack is provided as stated below.

GRAPHIC EQUALIZER The Graphic Equalizer is a five band active tone control expander, coming after the regular tone control circuit and giving an additional 12 db cut or boost around the frequencies of 80, 240, 750, 2200, and 6600 cycles. This spread, when combined with the four rotary tone controls provides an unequalled degree of precision control tailoring, as well as making possible a wide variety of strange and bizarre tone settings. With it, room acoustics can be balanced, a rhythm pickup (as Les Paul) used for a searing and ballsy solo, or treble lost from accessory devices restored, and so on. However, there would be little use for more filter bands, since any setting other than smooth curves (with ten or more band equalizers) merely results in a few notes being louder rather than a shift in tone color. Placement inside the amplifier circuit contributes to optimum performance and minimum noise. Equalizer In-Out is controlled by switch on amp or optional footswitch.

GAIN B005T SWITCH is standard an all units and derives extra fat signal strength from bypassing the regular tone controls-but not the Graphic-and is footswitch controllable. It can turn a flute with a pickup into a lead instrument rivaling the hot guitars and make an unbelievable fat honk come out of an electric piano. At low playing levels the Gain Boost can be used for added overdrive and will give almost indefinite sustain on any note.

SLAVE OUT A 1/4" guitar type jack is furnished as a standard feature and
provides an output capturing the entire circuit for direct hook up to P.A., slave amp, or mixing board, and includes its own level control.

FOOTSWITCHING For optimum performance we have begun including heavy duty low capacitance cables with our Channel Selecting Footswitch Box. This is the box which allows you to pre-set Volume 1 and Volume 2 and switch between clean and lead Settings, and is included with all amplifier models. (Many cables, especially the heavy duty Belden 8412 type and several other good Quality cords have such high capacitance they actually change the tone considerably.) We also offer a double footswitch box and cable which can be used for the Graphic Equlizer, the Gain Boost and/or Reverb. If you order your amp with neither Reverb, or Graphic Equalizer, then you get an RCA phono type jack for footswitching the Gain Boost and any old Fender foot switch will work. When Reverb or Graphic is ordered, then a stereo guitar type jack comes installed in the amplifier. When an amp has Reverb and Graphic, then we wire the jack to provide foot-switching for the Graphic and the Gain Boost, as it cannot accommodate all three. If you prefer Reverb over Gain Boost for your footswitch, merely specify in your order. The stereocord and double switch box is available as a set for $25.

HAROWOOD CABINETS In addition to our standard black or cream tolex Covered cases, we offer superb cabinets of dovetailed solid hardwood, though they produce a slightly brighter tone, they are primarily intended for connoisseurs of fine hardwoods and hand craftsmanship, Each is made from a single plank so grain is continuous and the contrasting wicker cane grille makes this an exceptionally handsome package. They are surprisingly rugged in their finish and look great even after years of abuse. A vinyl slip cover is included. These cabinets are subject to availability of suitable hardwood. Please list second choice of cabinet (black or cream) and relative importance of the hardwood to you, as these cases are not always available.

SPEAKERS The standard l2 inch speaker is either a Vega,G-l2 or, with the Hundred Watt option, an Eminence speaker designed especially for us. It features a 2 3/4" voice coil 4" paper dome, and a 125 watt rating. It is capable of crisp tones over a fairly large dynamic range and is reliable under heavy conditions. As options we also offer the Altec 4l7-8H Series II (list price now $l79) for $85 from us when installed in your amplifier. It is the most popular and highest recommended for its fat tone, and outstanding reliability at high volume, and is the continuing choice of Santana. For jazz and country players the brighter, more sensitive response of the JBL IC-120 might be preferable as used by Garcia or Carlton; it has a clearer, more present sound and has the most versatile range of volume-tone response. So, in summary: the Altec is best for continuous loud playing but loses presence at soft volumes, the JBL is best for all around playing at all volumes and clean or funky versatility; the standard Eminence works well with 100 watt amps and loud playing but again lacks low volume presence and clarity. To get super performance from a Sixty watt model, we recommend the JBL K-l20. Gauss and Electro-Voice EVM speakers also sound great in a Boogie and have a generally tauter, more rigid sound than the others. They also weigh more make access to the Boogie's tubes a little hampered. In the 15" series, we prefer the JBL K-130 as having the best balanced tone at any volume, again clearer and brighter but still very fat. For the sound of raw power, especially where the amp is used for heavy rock lead, we recommend the Altec 15 as being the thickest sounding but lacking in versatility. All of the above are 8 ohm speakers. The amplifier likes any load between 3 and 8 ohms--4 ohms is ideal--so extensions can be used very successfully with any amp. Generally though, no more than three 8 ohm speakers should be used at once for optimum performance. All 100 watt amplifiers now come with 8 and 4 ohm outputs which allow a wide choice of power levels and speaker matching when used with the 100/60 watt switch. Four-12 Marshall cabinets work well as is, especially in conjunction with the Boogie one 12 or one 15. Otherwise for maximum power, where a Boogie top and a Marshall cabinet is to be used, you can usually rewire the cabinet for lower impedance.

BOOGIE EXTENSION CABINETS We currently make matching 1 12 extension speaker cabinets which are economical and versatile. You can stack your units for a solid compact effect, or place extensions elsewhere on stage for best results. Santana's current set up consists of a top and a separate 1 12 speaker cabinet. This is only because we were experimenting with several other speaker combinations and were gratified to see that the same amp and 1 12 Altec combination remains his choice on the basis of comparative performance. In other words, his system has remained the same and only the case style is different.

EXPORT MODELS WE have recently refined our export model with six switchable AC mains of 115V., 200V., 210V., 220V., 230V., and 240V., so a player can go from country to country without the necessity of power conversion. This option is available for $25.

GUARANTEE Since you may not have the opportunity to try a MESA/Boogie, we offer a money back guarantee of satisfaction. If for any reason you are not completely pleased with your amplifier, you may return it within five days for a full refund (less shipping costs) as long as it is in new condition and sent fully insured. Careful work and thorough individual quality control plus years of experience mean that you can expect reliable performance from your Boogie. When problems do occur, they are almost invariably caused by faulty tubes and are user maintain-able. Otherwise, the clean, well organized layout and sturdy construction makes on-the-spot repairs easy. A schematic diagram is provided with the amplifier. Any problem which cannot be solved by yourself or a local technician may be referred to me for repair, service free for one year, but notify in advance.

All the amplifiers are custom order and completely handmade to the highest possible standard of craftsmanship. We maintain no stock of finished products, nor do we maintain distribution networks. Instead we concentrate on quality, reliability, versatility and service in the old traditional sense as applied to musical instruments. Where other companies strive to sell the most, our goal is to make the best and enjoy a very high reputation. We know that there is a difference between factory mass production and individual master craftsmanship--with the instrument selling on its own merit rather than the strength of a sales approach. The growing list of great players having Boogie amplifiers bears this out.

ORDERING If you decide to order a Boogie, you may either send the full amount for the amplifier, or a deposit of $150 or more (US$, please) to hold your place on the waiting list, with the balance due before shipment. When you order, you should send us a certified letter (for safety) with a certified check or money order, including your name, address, phone number, the name and location of the nearest commercial airport, and the amplifier and options you would like. We will send you a statement confirming your order, custom build your amplifier to your specifications when your name comes up on the waiting list, and notify you with the shipping instructions when your amplifier is ready to be shipped.

SHIPPING Shipping is generally by air cargo collect, which is fast and reliable, and runs between $30 and $60 to most locations in the US. If the amplifier model you order is under 50 Ibs. in weight, we can ship it via UPS to many locations for about $30. For same models which weigh over 50 Lbs., we can ship your amplifier and speaker separately via UPS, if you wish to save money on shipping by installing your own speaker. Only a phillips screw driver is needed, and all hardware and drilling is furnished for 5 minute speaker installation. UPS service is available to most states. Please specify in your order whether you prefer air cargo or UPS shipping. The amplifiers are packed in sturdy shipping crates especially made for them, and are fully insured. For Canadian customers, we will prepare all customs papers and try to arrange a direct flight to save shipping costs. For customers in other countries, we will arrange overseas shipping via International Air Cargo.

If you have any further questions after reading all the enclosed information, you may call us any Wednesday (10-6 California time) when we are by the phone all day and we will be glad to answer them. The telephone number is (415) 488-4587.

Thanks again for your interest in the Boogies. We wish you the best of luck, and most of all-

 

 

 

This letter came with a 1976 Mark I, Serial Number A857

A Unique insight to how the company was run at that time.

 

1977 Mark I