This was my very first Mesa Boogie amplifier. Even though I play an Fractal Ax8 rig nowadays... this little guy is still one of my favorites. So much tone!
This amp is a gold mine for recording. Have the blackout version it's a workhorse. Dial in any tone you can ever need and dont have to peel paint off the walls
2 years ago, I watched this video. I at the time decided to try, & save, so I went with a Peavey 6505mh. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't for me. I am ecstatic to say finally a Rectoverb 25, is heading to my house as I type this. Yay!
Surprisingly - considering I always coveted the high-gain recto sound as a kid - I really enjoyed the clean and pushed clean tones you go from this amp.
Rectos have some of the best clean/crunch tones of most high gain amps, specially the more modern ones (Dual & Triple Rectos). The clean mode takes Distortion/overdrive pedals very well too.
This was the first Mesa amp I ever played through and after an hour with it I understood why Mesa were so highly regarded. I mostly play country so for this type of amp to be on my radar gives you an idea how versatile it is. I ended up getting myself a Carr Rambler 1x12 combo which I love - but the Mesa Mini Rectifier was under consideration for a very long time.
Awesome! - what a cute little baby - I immerdiarely fell in love !!! Hrrrr, THANKS for igniting my G.A.S. again ... :-/ I have played (and still own) an old 2-channel Recto for over a decade and have switched to AX8 & FRFR (or Inear) about 3 years ago now, and was super-happy all the time since , but seeing - and HEARING - this cutie now ... hm ... oh dear 🙄🤩😜
Also I just wanna say I always appreciate Leon's riffs: very meat and potatoes ...but that doesn't mean they aren't VERY tasty. Classy, heavy, and great mix of old school and modern.
Great demo!!! I'm buying one of these in a few months time, I'm in love with that tone for a very long time. I have a question, we all know that Gibson souds great with Marshall, Stratocaster with Fender amps. Guys, which guitar will make that amp sound the best??? I will use this amp mostly for metal. I'm thinking about ESP ltd SNAKEBYTE with EMG JH James Hetfield Signature Humbucker Set, or I should go with some Gibson??? Or maybe some Duncans???
this video was instrumental in me deciding to give this amp a whirl, you've captured it perfectly. An outstanding amp in every way except for its lower volume. Even 10 watts wants to be loud. No real complaints though.
I owned this amp and actually bought it for the clean/dirty tones. When I got more into metal I sold it lol. Couldn’t get it to sound good to me for the metal tones I was looking for. Solved that by getting a 6505+ 😁
Well done sir. Your demo has driven the nail in my decision, one made only after the better part of the last 18 months. Ill get a mini Recto. Why couldn't I have just found this video earlier?..oh well thank you, & great work
Hi Leon, Brilliant Video 👍👍👍. I've been waiting for this Video, I was not disappointed. What a Massive Sound for a Mini Recto. I am very Lucky to own one of these Little Beasts, So many sounds from this Amp, Runs a 4 X 12 Cab easily. Personally I don't think that this Amp has been given enough Attention and Credit for its Versatility and Absolute Power! Take care mate♥️. Melbourne, Australia
Leon Todd, I have to say I was so excited when I saw the thumb nail with Mini Me, Love Austin Powers. When you play through a 4x12cab the Nuances of your Playing Shine! The other bonus is its weight, The Mini Recto sounds Huge, takes Pedals really well, the Mesa TH-cam Channel do an in depth, pure Genius. It was Joao from Orpheus Omega who got the Rig for me, forever Grateful to him, such a kind hearted Guy, just like someone else I know. Thank you again 👍👍👍
I plugged into this recently and was also shocked by the great clean tones. I used to own a Single Recto which had downright unbearable non-Metal sounds. Considering purchasing this. It sounds awesome with single coils...
I'm Tired of heavy cudgel to the head death to all,metal demos. Which I still like but do other shit too plz!!! this demo is appreciated for showing what this head can do besides crush your skull. NICE !!
How do you like it compared with the Son Of Yeti? I like the versatility of the 2 channel mini DR - but some of those Yeti tones sound tasty enough to think about another lunchbox...
Leon Todd sweet! Would be good to hear what you think (including if the fan is too loud), if you don't get to it, no dramas! We'll all just look forward to your next vid 👍 I got Martin to rewind a horseshoe pickup the other day based on your rec, sounds awesome!
I was torn between the mini recto and the mark v25. I ended up picking up the mini recto a couple of months back and I couldn’t be happier. This amp is a beast. By the way, what is the Strat that you’re playing in this video? Can’t figure out the color and it just looks great.
I had to choose between them too nine years ago. Chose the Mark v25. It is brilliant. This year I had the opportunity to buy the Mini Rec too. Just wow. And another thing that makes it a complete package: the Fryette PS100.
That sounds pretty impressive. If I didn’t already have quite a few tube amps and the FAS devices, that would probably be my amp of choice. I really like the Rectifier. BTW, A lot of your videos on various subjects could also serve as a clinic on how to properly play rhythm rock guitar.. Your use of rhythm elements in your solos make it as far as I’m concerned. I saw ZZTop perform live on six separate occasions and they will groove you to death. Some of the jams have an almost trance effect. IMHO, great playing might be more about consistency, endurance, listening, and the ability to remain relaxed than how fast one can play or how many circus tricks one knows.
Hey @Leon Todd! im between the Mini Rectifier and the Orange #4. Ive been listening to both of your demos and the #4 seems like the perfect mini amp for metal if you come from the Marshall camp. Am i right? Im lookin for a high gain min amp for my 7 string guitar. Mesa seems the perfect choice but i like a bit more midrange and girth ala' modded JMP! Thanks!.
Honestly you'll be stoked with either. The Mini Rec does require you to play around with it a little more and get used to how the tone controls interact, but in turn it's more versatile.
you should try the PRS MT 15 too... i have it and it's a beast. I like the heavy tone but it seems a bit "tamed", maybe is just from youtube compression
Hi Leon, this is my first YT comment ever and its for you! I love your content & tunes, keep it up! Thank you very much for reviewing the mini as I think it hasnt recieved the attention and credit it deserves although it has been already released ages ago (ive got one myself - love it). Will you do some more content with this one e.g. comparing it to the big one? Please can you also share your signal chain (did you boost the front?) and amp settings for your crunch mode (CH2 Modern 25W)? Regards, JP
Hey Leon 👍 was just watching one of Dimebags guitar clinics from the vulgar days when I received this notification of your new upload , your smashing the vids out man , nice work 🤘that AC/DC tone was well done man 👍 strange considering they never touched a Mesa 🤔
I know right? I always justify it in my head that AC/DC used Marshalls which are Fenders with tweaked DNA, and Mesa's evolved from Fenders so there must be some crossover.
How does this compare to the recto-verb 25? The recto-verb says it is a dual rectifier, but in general they sound pretty similar to me. I wonder why there was a need for two amps
Lots of versatility in these amps. I have a Panama Shaman which is a 100% clone of this amp. For you guys here that can't afford a Mini, the Panama does the same thing. Just needs a tube upgrade.
Have you turned upside down the 3 way switch on your Les Paul? Is in rithm position the bridge p.u. and in the lead position the neck p.u.? Great sound anyway!
Most of them were with bass around 10 o'clock and treble and middle around 1 o'clock. Change the drive, presence and channel to suit your speakers/guitar etc. but the basic EQ was the same on everything.
Hey Leon have you got any suggestions on keeping a les Paul in tune I’ve got. 2019 Gibson standard and I’ve set it up well it plays super nice but as soon as you get to soloing and bending man it goes out every single time. I widened the nut slots bc the strings weren’t fitting down in it like they were supposed to used graphite I mean I’ve done everything I can think of and nothing seems to help. I know there must be a way around it.
I sold mine, but I really liked using the clean pushed channel with a tube screamer into a mojo mojo into the front of the amp. It almost sounded jcm 800ish, but super tight. A lot less compressed than the red channel. I put a carbon copy in the effects loop, and it really really took that pedal well. John pettruci has a video of him demoing a flashback delay using a big recto. I was able to nail that tone with the vintage red channel on the mini. The delay makes a huge difference.
Leon you don’t know how made happy this man, I was thinking getting rid of this amp. So It is said they kept the same preamp section as dual rectos, have you found any similarities/differences ?
I had this as my first MESA amp since 2013 and I haven’t needed any more MESA ever since. It is a killer amp in small package.
This was my very first Mesa Boogie amplifier. Even though I play an Fractal Ax8 rig nowadays... this little guy is still one of my favorites. So much tone!
Thanks for producing so much great and informative content. You are one of my favorite TH-camrs.
Thanks for checking it out :) Which tone here was your favourite?
The red channel in vintage mode with the Les Paul sounded amazing and was my favorite.
This amp is a gold mine for recording. Have the blackout version it's a workhorse. Dial in any tone you can ever need and dont have to peel paint off the walls
Never knew there was a Mini Rectifier, sounds great really diverse; of course I'm sure your playing is a big part of that as well!
Honestly Mesa has some of the best clean tones out there.
What do you think about prs mt-15 ?
I love that peice of music he plays in drop tuning
I like how mesa has so many features, mesas are so beautiful too.
That’s probably my favorite amp that’s out right now.
2 years ago, I watched this video. I at the time decided to try, & save, so I went with a Peavey 6505mh. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't for me. I am ecstatic to say finally a Rectoverb 25, is heading to my house as I type this. Yay!
Congrats! Shake those walls with the little brute
@@LeonTodd thanks, & brother, I plan to. Don't know that I would have considered a Mesa, of not for your demo.
Hands down the best video on this amp!!
Simply the best demo on TH-cam, excellent and sick as hell playing!
Much appreciated mate!
Getting back into guitar playing after a twenty-year break. Was confused about what amp to go with...but your video gave me the right answer. Thanks!
much appreciated!
3:19 - well... now I gotta go binge on some old Badlands. Thanks for that. lolololol
Hiiiigh wiiiiyaaaa!
Surprisingly - considering I always coveted the high-gain recto sound as a kid - I really enjoyed the clean and pushed clean tones you go from this amp.
The cleans blew me away on this amp.
Well I guess this growing up...
Rectos have some of the best clean/crunch tones of most high gain amps, specially the more modern ones (Dual & Triple Rectos). The clean mode takes Distortion/overdrive pedals very well too.
That is an impressive little beast! Thanks for posting, Leon.
I once tried one, the vintage mode on the second channel is just unbelievable!
You make every amp sound good.
Just bought one and I'm an old 2 channel guy......Haven't had one in a few years so can't wait to get mine tomorrow. Thanks for the video man!
Hope you enjoy it!
Best of the Mini Reviews mate.
Much appreciated!
@@LeonTodd Subscribed
At 6, the clean sound is lush.
Fun fact: The treble control adds gain on the Pushed mode
Still a classic lunch box head today, although its little cousin Mark V 25w stole its spotlight LOL
This was the first Mesa amp I ever played through and after an hour with it I understood why Mesa were so highly regarded. I mostly play country so for this type of amp to be on my radar gives you an idea how versatile it is. I ended up getting myself a Carr Rambler 1x12 combo which I love - but the Mesa Mini Rectifier was under consideration for a very long time.
Heard a lot of great things about the Carr amps, especially the Rambler. The cleans/edge of breakup tones on this amp are really great.
Very Well Done! Great examples of voicing and variety of tones and Guitars! Enjoyed every one of Them! Thanks for sharing brother! Be Well Leon!
Glad to hear someone playing that Badlands riff!
Awesome! - what a cute little baby - I immerdiarely fell in love !!!
Hrrrr, THANKS for igniting my G.A.S. again ... :-/
I have played (and still own) an old 2-channel Recto for over a decade and have switched to AX8 & FRFR (or Inear) about 3 years ago now, and was super-happy all the time since , but seeing - and HEARING - this cutie now ... hm ... oh dear 🙄🤩😜
Also I just wanna say I always appreciate Leon's riffs: very meat and potatoes ...but that doesn't mean they aren't VERY tasty. Classy, heavy, and great mix of old school and modern.
Excellent video. Thanks!
You make the best amp Demo vids on the net
Great demo!!! I'm buying one of these in a few months time, I'm in love with that tone for a very long time.
I have a question, we all know that Gibson souds great with Marshall, Stratocaster with Fender amps.
Guys, which guitar will make that amp sound the best???
I will use this amp mostly for metal.
I'm thinking about ESP ltd SNAKEBYTE with EMG JH James Hetfield Signature Humbucker Set, or I should go with some Gibson??? Or maybe some Duncans???
BbYyTtOo I would probably say Jacksons from my experience
Excellent review - demo.
Such a nice combo, love the gibson!
Nice top on that Les Paul!!! Those are great little amps. 👦🏻
this video was instrumental in me deciding to give this amp a whirl, you've captured it perfectly. An outstanding amp in every way except for its lower volume. Even 10 watts wants to be loud. No real complaints though.
I owned this amp and actually bought it for the clean/dirty tones. When I got more into metal I sold it lol. Couldn’t get it to sound good to me for the metal tones I was looking for. Solved that by getting a 6505+ 😁
This is great for metal, what are you talking about?
I tried this out in the store, I like, will be getting one soon!
Well done sir. Your demo has driven the nail in my decision, one made only after the better part of the last 18 months. Ill get a mini Recto. Why couldn't I have just found this video earlier?..oh well thank you, & great work
Much appreciated! Stellar amps.
Is it able to live up to the tone of a full on rectifier? That’s the only thing holding me back. The volume isn’t necessary. Just the rectifier tone,
Hi Leon, Brilliant Video 👍👍👍. I've been waiting for this Video, I was not disappointed. What a Massive Sound for a Mini Recto.
I am very Lucky to own one of these Little Beasts, So many sounds from this Amp, Runs a 4 X 12 Cab easily.
Personally I don't think that this Amp has been given enough Attention and Credit for its Versatility and Absolute Power!
Take care mate♥️.
Melbourne, Australia
Thanks for turning me onto it - I see why you love it!
Leon Todd, I have to say I was so excited when I saw the thumb nail with Mini Me, Love Austin Powers.
When you play through a 4x12cab the Nuances of your Playing Shine!
The other bonus is its weight, The Mini Recto sounds Huge, takes Pedals really well, the Mesa TH-cam Channel do an in depth, pure Genius.
It was Joao from Orpheus Omega who got the Rig for me, forever Grateful to him, such a kind hearted Guy, just like someone else I know.
Thank you again 👍👍👍
excellent !! the bad point is the price even used in Europe
Love the high wire Jake e Lee piece. So raw, nice job buddy.
Nice to hear a bit of High Wire by Badlands in there!
great album!
Solid review of a solid amp!
I plugged into this recently and was also shocked by the great clean tones. I used to own a Single Recto which had downright unbearable non-Metal sounds. Considering purchasing this. It sounds awesome with single coils...
i see you flipped the pick up selector switch there van halen style.
Браво! В классическом строе хоть послушал Messa) Спасибо!
Way to go with the Badlands intro...Jake is a bad ass...
Hi Leon, great vid. I just bought one and i would like to try these 5 killer tones. Could you please share the settings ?
Thing is truly amazing.
I see you pickup selector switch is upside down. Is it because you're compensating for being in Australia?
THIS
Which cabinet did you have connected to the head?
I'm Tired of heavy cudgel to the head death to all,metal demos.
Which I still like but do other shit too plz!!!
this demo is appreciated for showing what this head can do besides crush your skull.
NICE !!
Hahaha cheers mate. Crushing riffs are fun but so is the rest of the range of music :p
Nice vid, thank you mate!
Thanks Leon, Thanks!!! 🤘
How do you like it compared with the Son Of Yeti? I like the versatility of the 2 channel mini DR - but some of those Yeti tones sound tasty enough to think about another lunchbox...
Would be awesome to get your hands on a mark v 25 and see how compares? That crunch is no joke rectifier tone though! Perfect match for the 245
I've got someone who has one i can borrow, just trying to find the time to check it out. Recto + 245 is my bag!
Leon Todd sweet! Would be good to hear what you think (including if the fan is too loud), if you don't get to it, no dramas! We'll all just look forward to your next vid 👍 I got Martin to rewind a horseshoe pickup the other day based on your rec, sounds awesome!
great! share the eqs of each tone
Loved that badlands riff.
What a great album
Leon Todd jake is just an absolute mastermind, love his playing and tones
It sounds great.
Bro!!!! Mesa Official shared your shit. Look at you going big time!
That's rad!
I was torn between the mini recto and the mark v25. I ended up picking up the mini recto a couple of months back and I couldn’t be happier. This amp is a beast. By the way, what is the Strat that you’re playing in this video? Can’t figure out the color and it just looks great.
I had to choose between them too nine years ago. Chose the Mark v25. It is brilliant. This year I had the opportunity to buy the Mini Rec too. Just wow. And another thing that makes it a complete package: the Fryette PS100.
That sounds pretty impressive. If I didn’t already have quite a few tube amps and the FAS devices, that would probably be my amp of choice. I really like the Rectifier. BTW, A lot of your videos on various subjects could also serve as a clinic on how to properly play rhythm rock guitar.. Your use of rhythm elements in your solos make it as far as I’m concerned. I saw ZZTop perform live on six separate occasions and they will groove you to death. Some of the jams have an almost trance effect. IMHO, great playing might be more about consistency, endurance, listening, and the ability to remain relaxed than how fast one can play or how many circus tricks one knows.
Rev Billy G understands how to make people move
Leon Todd Yeah he does!
Great informative demo. I have this amp and you just reminded me why I like it.
Amazing amp !
Agreed!
Hey @Leon Todd! im between the Mini Rectifier and the Orange #4. Ive been listening to both of your demos and the #4 seems like the perfect mini amp for metal if you come from the Marshall camp. Am i right? Im lookin for a high gain min amp for my 7 string guitar. Mesa seems the perfect choice but i like a bit more midrange and girth ala' modded JMP! Thanks!.
Honestly you'll be stoked with either. The Mini Rec does require you to play around with it a little more and get used to how the tone controls interact, but in turn it's more versatile.
you should try the PRS MT 15 too... i have it and it's a beast.
I like the heavy tone but it seems a bit "tamed", maybe is just from youtube compression
Fabio Rivola It does sound compressed in this vid. Not so, in real life.
Tried one in the states a month or so back - very impressed!
Hi Leon,
this is my first YT comment ever and its for you!
I love your content & tunes, keep it up!
Thank you very much for reviewing the mini as I think it hasnt recieved the attention and credit it deserves although it has been already released ages ago (ive got one myself - love it). Will you do some more content with this one e.g. comparing it to the big one?
Please can you also share your signal chain (did you boost the front?) and amp settings for your crunch mode (CH2 Modern 25W)?
Regards,
JP
Thanks for weighing in! This was unboosted which is pretty cool. It belongs to a friend so I'll try borrow it again soon.
I'll have to revisit my notes and get back to you about the settings
Hey Leon 👍 was just watching one of Dimebags guitar clinics from the vulgar days when I received this notification of your new upload , your smashing the vids out man , nice work 🤘that AC/DC tone was well done man 👍 strange considering they never touched a Mesa 🤔
I know right? I always justify it in my head that AC/DC used Marshalls which are Fenders with tweaked DNA, and Mesa's evolved from Fenders so there must be some crossover.
Leon Todd Absolutely! It’s like they work off each other to see who can achieve the more superior circuit.
on top off cutting out all the extra features you'll save money on tubes because the full size Mesa has a ton of tubes!
How does this compare to the recto-verb 25? The recto-verb says it is a dual rectifier, but in general they sound pretty similar to me. I wonder why there was a need for two amps
Just bought a mini. In the studio with IRs. How close is it to the big brother?
Great review! How well does it take pedals and are you using an overdrive/boost and EQ pedal with it?
No pedals here but it takes boosts like a chuck and the fx loop works fine.
Walking attitude!!!
Awesome! What pickups are in your Les Paul
Awesome video! Would you mind telling me the settings for that high gain tone with the black PRS? Thanks
That Les Paul, is it one of the re-issue models?
It's a 2002 Premium Plus - definitely one of the better non-CD LP's made in recent times.
Lots of versatility in these amps. I have a Panama Shaman which is a 100% clone of this amp. For you guys here that can't afford a Mini, the Panama does the same thing. Just needs a tube upgrade.
Never heard of those, interesting...
Hey Leon! Great job as always. Any thoughts on the mesa boogie nomad 100 head? I’d love to see your take on that amp.
Keep it up mate!!
Would love to try one. Played a nomad combo a while back and it had sweet cleans.
What were the amp settings on the clean edge of breakup sound??
What's that riff 4:29 to 5:25? Sounds killer!!!!!
That's the bridge riff from a Ragdoll song called Letting Go
Hey does it have headphone out? this w,/keep me out of trouble when I can't turn it up w/wife,so it w/b a blessing&a 1/2?no bothering nobody!🎸🤗
did you reverse the pickup selector
No, they are reversed down under.
What riff were you playing at 4:50? It sounds sick
This one - th-cam.com/video/Jb89T8QcJzU/w-d-xo.html
I really wish I could see the settings. Also what cab, mic, etc are you using? I'm always struggling with this amp, had it for almost 10 years now.
Great demo dude! Can I ask what pickups were used here? (In the first Les paul)
Have you turned upside down the 3 way switch on your Les Paul? Is in rithm position the bridge p.u. and in the lead position the neck p.u.? Great sound anyway!
Yep :D
Just seen this "old" video, great! Do you think it is possible to make a preset such as responsive to pick attack on the FM3 or Axe Fx 3 ?
This or Orange Jim Root Terror #4 for detuned metal?
That was lovely! When you say it was plugged into a "Greenback cab" is that a 4x12 or ??? Thanks!
I have a Marshall 4x12 TV cab with greens :)
@@LeonTodd Thanks! I love those cabinets! Still kicking myself for not grabbing a nice used one when they were cheaper.
Excelent Amp !!!!!!
That’s cool but I’m a Mark guy definitely.
Can you show us the settings you have on the dials? I dig the tones and would like to see if I can use them as reference on my rectoverb.
Most of them were with bass around 10 o'clock and treble and middle around 1 o'clock. Change the drive, presence and channel to suit your speakers/guitar etc. but the basic EQ was the same on everything.
@@LeonTodd thats interesting. Thank you. I will try those out. Did you by chance use any boosts/OD or was that all amp?
All amp
Hey Leon have you got any suggestions on keeping a les Paul in tune I’ve got. 2019 Gibson standard and I’ve set it up well it plays super nice but as soon as you get to soloing and bending man it goes out every single time. I widened the nut slots bc the strings weren’t fitting down in it like they were supposed to used graphite I mean I’ve done everything I can think of and nothing seems to help. I know there must be a way around it.
Chuck the Klusons, mate, and replace em with Grovers or some type of locking tuners. Ive done this with all my Gibsons, solves everything.
Hi is there a way to play this mini rec with headphones? Without killing neighbors in an apartment?
you'd need a load box/IR loader
How's it take tube-screamers?
I sold mine, but I really liked using the clean pushed channel with a tube screamer into a mojo mojo into the front of the amp. It almost sounded jcm 800ish, but super tight. A lot less compressed than the red channel.
I put a carbon copy in the effects loop, and it really really took that pedal well.
John pettruci has a video of him demoing a flashback delay using a big recto. I was able to nail that tone with the vintage red channel on the mini. The delay makes a huge difference.
I miss my Carbon Copy. Got another cool analog delay on the way at the moment though which I look forward to putting up some clips with.
Leon you don’t know how made happy this man, I was thinking getting rid of this amp. So It is said they kept the same preamp section as dual rectos, have you found any similarities/differences ?
Why would this video change your mind?
I have to ask, since I'm not sure if its the camera making it look that way, but... does that strat have a fully scalloped fret board?
Fully scalloped, well spotted!
Are these mini amps recommended for small gigs ? Any sort of negatives with doing it
Blokes with big amps and an inferiority complex will give you shit - until you crank this up!