Mesa/Boogie 2x12 Recto Cabinet

Celestion Vintage 30 at 16 ohm each, cab is 8 ohm mono only, no stereoswitch. V30 speakers sounds great, especially in this cab, very versatile speakers, can do all musicstyles good, does Rock/Heavy Metal extremely well, cuts through in any situation. If it weren't for the sound, versatility in the speakers and great sound I would give it a "1" here because it's very simple and doesn't have any features at all actually, no stereoswitch is a bit poor in my opinion. Could be easily installed tho. I'll give it a "7" just because of the great sound it produces.

Great, it doesn get any better. I've heard some people complain about this cab to be to directional, I have to say I couldn't disagree more. It spreads the sound very well and it cuts through in any situation. This is a tone machine.

Great I can't see how it could be any better.

It's bad from my personal experience, I believe it's better in USA but that doesn't really matter since I've had bad experience with their customer support, it should not matter where you live.

At the end of the day you buy cabs for their sound and their quality, so it's a given "10" here, no matter if it costs $1,000,000 or $500 it still sounds great.

2008 model. Just a 2x12. No stereo capablility as configured currently but someone here previous gave good instructions on how to convert it. I have seen alot of people here saying it is heavy but I think it is great compared to it's big brother (Mesa Recto 4x12) that I have been lugging around for several months. Let's put it this way, I can move this entire set-up by myself now. Couldn't do it before without another person helping me with the 4x12. Can also move this in a car versus a truck. Thumbs up on that!

This is where I was pleasently surprised. I bought this to keep at home for practice and I was going to leave the 4x12 at the practice space and just move my Road King II back and forth. This thing sounds great! I think it compresses the sound a little more so you a little more gain and bass thump. Usually, you lose bass when you compress but not in this case. This cab does not hinder the the amp's ability to cut through the mix either. The other guitar player in my band plays a newer Marshall full stack and I have to turn down to about 1.5 so that I don't drown him out. I love it ;-)

I am comfortable that this cab can handle most playing situations that I would find myself in. If I fry a speaker then I have the volume maxed and that would be my fault, not the 2x12's. If I ever get famous and I am playing stadiums, which will be never, then I will run both the 4x12 and the 2x12 at the same time but I will pay someone else to move them for me. Mesa = quality!

Have yet to deal with them directly. From the posts I have read about Mesa though I feel pretty comfortable that I could get any problem I may have resolved relatively quickly.

I have been playing for about 25 years. I have owned lots of gear and lots of amps and cabs. There really is a difference. I learned the hard way, you cannot buy cheaper and replicate quality sound. If I could go back and do it all over again, I would just buy Mesa to begin with and skip a few meals and save myself alot of cash trying to get the Mesa sound.

The good...
Great casters. Lightweight (compared to my 4x12's. Nice handels. The oversize fits my Marshall head perfectly. On my old ADA 2x12, my amp wouls sit "off the feet".

The bad...
Thin tolex. Mono jack. Leather corners.

I bought this cab simply because I was sick of hauling around a 4x12 cab. I was hoping to find something affordable that was at least close enough in sound quality.

I bought this cab after seeing it in an ad. I could tell that it had never really been played (the guy I got it from has tons of gear and is always swapping something for something).

When i first got it home, I loved the low end. The mids seemed to push a little too much and the top end seemed a little spitty. After about three weeks, and a few shows, the sound changed. The rich low end was still there but the mids, while still very present, smoothed out and the spittiness disapeared. I think the speakers needed a chance to "break in". Now this thing sounds fantastic. I would get another in a heartbeat.

I have owned it for about a year and a half and it still feels as solid as when I bought it. No rattles at all.

I don't expect any problems with this cab...ever.

If the tolex was a little stronger and it came with metal corners I would give this cab a 10. I play hard and this guy delivers. Being "oversized", most people think it's a 4x12. After hearing it, no one even questions that it is (only) a 2x12.

Sometimes I still use a 4x12 for recording (only for a different sound - not a better sound) but when playing my Marshall live, this is the only cab I need.

Mesa/Boogie Rectifier 212 Cabinet. 2 Celestion Vintage 30 speaks, 8 ohms mono, parallel out (covered w/ shorting jack plug), black taurus finish. 2008 manufacture, I believe. Unlike previous years, mine actually came with the detachable casters!

HUGE!

I was playing a Mesa/Boogie Road King 412 stereo cab before this (C90s and V30s, 3/4 back) which I loved but was too massive, and didn't do it for me distortion-wise. Switching to this I still had great cleans but what really shines is the heavy, chugging, in your face distortion. I was surprised how loud this sucker is too. Not as loud as the 412 (which thus allows me to crank the amp more), but still damn loud. Pretty directional though (212 cabs are like that).

I give it a 9 only because it doesn't do the UNGODLY cleans my RK cab did. But otherwise outstanding...I don't even feel the need to use my OD anymore in front of my Roadster!

Mesa is solid beyond compare. Heavy stuff designed for the next World War.

They've always been very good to me.

Great cab. Excellent construction, ENORMOUS distorted sound, very good (but not AMAZING!!!111one cleans). HEAVY AS HELL. But very portable. Play one and you'll see the hype.

It seems like a good cab for a small venue or home studio. Best for playing metal music or tick sounds. It has two 60 Watt Celestion Vintage 30 speakers inside, wired in paralel with one mono input. I felt the need to have it wired in stereo, because I have a Mesa/Boogie 20/20 amplifier which is stereo.

After a quick search on eBay I've found a MESA BOOGIE 2X12 CAB MONO/STEREO JACK PLATE W/SWITCH and got it right away. It has a metal switch which doesn't feel cheap and looks like it will last for life.

The switch can't be switched accidentally because is placed right between the two jacks, beside, it needs some strenght to be switched. Looks and feels strong. The plate is also labeled nicely with Mesa/Boogie logo and it has marks for mono/stereo mode of operation. Very clever. I was surprised how easy was to install the jack plate!

Now I have what Mesa Boogie should have done from the start: a Stereo 2 x 12 V30 cabinet that can be switched to mono when I need more power - usualy when playing in clubs or other venues.

The sound is thick and black. Powerful. It suits my metal music. The heaviness of the cabinet might be the secret to this sound. It's heavy - over 30 kilos. It seem built like a tank.

The grill cloth is made of some sort of plastic, but I am pleased that this is well fitter to the cabinet so it doesn't buzz during loud playing.

The V30 speakers are awsome and make all the difference! Punchy, quick, linear in reproducing lows and mid-lows, yet crisp and clear on highs.

I feel that I can depend on this cabinet. I use it mainly in studio and from time to time in small venues. It never broken down.

Never dealt with the company so far, regarding the cabinet. I had a question once, regarding my amplifier and I got an email response the next day. Nice and supportive!

I have this cabinet for a few months now. It seems like the best choice a metal player could have.

Now, with added versatility from the mono/stereo jack plate w/switch I could say that this is simply the best 2 x 12 V30 guitar cabinet ever. The switching jack plate really helps for that - I can switch from 60 Watt Stereo mode to 120 Watt Mono mode, instantly.

Made in 2007, It also handles every style I throw at it. I play mainly Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Tool, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus, Wolfmother, Jimi Hendrix.... As you can see a very versatile palette of music. This thing gets loud as hell, its unreal...

It's a Cab... How many features can it possibly have to give it a 10

Well I am very impressed with it overall, it's got the deep and throaty tone you would expect from a Mesa Boogie Cabinet, yet amazing midrange and highs too. The clean in my honest opinion also sounded amazing, I've only played through a couple different cabs before including a Marshall 4x12 1960 Cab, a Vox 4x12, and a Marshall 1936 2x12 cab, and this thing blows them away. I'm not just some Mesa fanboy this cab really does produce any sound that the head throws at it. I've played it through 2 different heads so far. A Marshall DSL 2000, and a Mesa Boogie Road King Series 2, and let me tell you both sound absolutely amazing, I don't know what people are talking about when they say they hear a Booming sound all of the time, they must have their lows all the way up... who does that?

If it was big enough... I would be buried in it, because it could easily withstand anything, I'm almost confident enough to say that if a Damn Semi would hit it..... It might still work. It weighs like 75 lbs and is just solid as hell, and people why complain so much about tolex... It's just tolex... And It looks way sexier than the tolex Marshall uses. Seems like its made out of Solid Steel its so damn solid.

Haven't had to deal with Mesa other than to order a kick ass head like the Road King, and I was very impressed on how responsive they were to every question I had and how quick they were to respond. I will never need to repair it, and the thing has a 5 year Transferable warranty on it. Did I mention it was Handbuilt in the USA... It's solid. I'm confident I will never need an authorized service center... so I don't care.

Been playing for about 6 years, I own a Mesa Road King Series 2 Head, and the Recto 2x12 Cab. For guitars I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard w/alnico's and a Danelectro, and I've played my friends Fender Jazzmaster and Telecaster through it and they all sound nothing less than amazing. If it was stolen or lost I'd save for another. I love it. I don't hate it ever. I wish it had Casters because it's damn heavy, but I guess that means quality.

I just wanted to put out a comment about modifying the 2x12 Recto cabinet. I know a number of reviewers here said that they wished this cab had stereo capability. I have the good fortune of living within driving distance of Mesa/Boogie's Hollywood outlet store, so just recently I was able to go there and put in a custom order for a 2x12 Recto cabinet with 4 ohms mono / 8 ohms stereo (as opposed to the normal 8 ohms mono only), at no extra charge. There were only a few conditions:
- I had to put 25% down
- it'll take Mesa 4 to 6 weeks to build this
- the normal 5 day cash-back / 30-day store credit return policy would be void

It's certainly possible to replace the 16 ohm speakers with 8 ohm speakers and cut the connecting wires myself to achieve the same effect, but that would void the 3-year warranty. If a buyer wants Mesa to modify the cab, and doesn't live close to the Mesa outlet store in Hollywood, it may be worthwile to ask his Mesa dealer if they could talk to Mesa and handle such a request for a custom cab.

75 lbs
2x12 Celestion Vintage 30s
closed back
8 ohm input jack
parallel speaker output jack

Throaty, thick mids. Good, very tight lows. Not quite as boomy and big feeling as a 4x12, but I tend to like the place this cab finds in the mix. Lot's of personality. There's plenty of cut on the highs.

Solid. VERY solid.

no need.

I've used just this cab, or this cab and a 4x12 Marshall 1960a. Either way, it sounds amazing for guitar. Right where the guitar should be. It's pretty dang heavy though...75 lbs and no wheels, kinda awkward. It's a sacrifice for tone that I can afford.

Don't know what year. Celestion Vintage 30's, 140 watts, etc, etc.

I play an Agile Septor 7-string through a Peavey XXL solid state head, and the Mesa cab makes this decent rig sound fucking awesome. It's replacing a Peavey 412M with Sheffield 1200s. Not only does the Mesa sound better, but is ssoooo much louder. The lows are huge. Not quite as tight as I would want them, but shit, I'm not too picky. Sounds great. I can't even imagine what it would be like with a good high gain tube head.

This thing has already seen some rough days, and will continue to. Built like a goddamn tank, that's for sure. MESA rules.

Never dealt with Mesa, but I'm sure they're great.

Amazing cab, perfect for what I do. Loud, portable, and crystal clear. Bravo.

Age unknown. Bought used from local GC. Replaced two 1x12 half-open MB cabinets with this single 2x12 unit.

I play Gibson, Fender and Ibanez through various mod-Pedals (Keeley,etc) into a Mesa Boogie V-Twin preamp and then into a Mesa Boogie 20/20 stereo amp.

I cut the conncetor wires on the cab jack plate to give me a stereo cabinet.

No complaints from this thing. Built like a tank and the weight proves it.

Have not needed them for this but have used them for other things related to my amps. Decent support. Sometimes you have to leave a message.

Played 23 years. Rock and Christian rock. I love this cabinet. The closed cabinet is great. My Gibson is so thick it blows you over.

I believe it was made around 2003-2004, same as everyone else's reviews. 2 celestion 30's. 140 watts, 8ohm, mono.

This sounds amazing, my setup is an epiphone les paul elite standard or my epiphone SG301, to a boss dd20, peavey xxx with mesa tubes, then to my mesa cab. the high gain channels from the xxx sounds amazing through the mesa.

i would sooooooo use this at a gig with no backup whatso ever, its built like fort knox wearing a bulletproof vest... tough.
it gets an 8 for the tolex though, its not very tough.

i havent had to deal with them, but i have called them about catalog and ordering information. they are very helpful.

if it were stolen or broke. or randomly caught on fire, id buy another, its very nice and compact. i have played a 4x12 recto cab, it sounds the same as my 2x12

Don't know exactly the year of production.
I've played with this nice cabinet at various gigs.
The Cab has a good power, but I must admit that the other guitar player in my band told me to try the Blackshark cabinets 1x12 and 2x12and I would not be disappointed.
Two days later, after a couple of sessions, I sold my Mesa and ordered the same cab of my friend at BLACKSHARKCABINETS.COM at the half of the price of a Mesa or Bogner!
Sorry...non comparison in price and full sound!!!

Bill Lawrence XL 500.Evolution pickups.
The Blackshark 2x12 "Rattlesnake" blew away the Mesa on clean and distorted sounds, completely.

I sold it and bought a pair of new handcrafted cabinets.

Never needed : after only 6 months of use!
But it seems well built.

I 've been playing for 18 years more or less every kind of style.
If it was stolen I will defenetly buy another Blackshark cabinets.Also their customer support seems to be ok.

Not sure of the year on mine since I got it used locally from another guitarist who likes Marshall cabs better (he's crazy!). I play many different styles from metal to blues to jazz. This cab can suit them all, just depends on what you are running into it. Nice tight low-end, and the highs are still clear! I wish it wasn't so heavy, but I guess the thickness of the wood affects the tone you get, so whatever Mesa does, it's worth it! I know it doesn't MAKE the actual tone, but it amplifies it better than most cabs I have played through!

I haven't had a chance to REALLY crank it, but I played it once at VERY loud volume and it was GREAT! Chest pounding lows were abound, as promised by others that have played Mesa! This cabinet works pretty well with my cheap setup (Guitar ---> POD XT Live ---> Tube Works MosValve ---> Mesa Recto 212 cab), but man pair it up with a tube head and this thing ROCKS! I am planning on buying a Mesa Boogie Nomad 100 watt head from a friend, and that will make my perfect setup! Cleans are super-clean (not quite fender, but they are more versatile than a fender anyways!) but the distortion is AWESOME!!! The lows are tight and the highs and mids are perfect!

I would totally gig without a backup. I never understood all the hype behind Mesa cabinets before I tried one, it seems like it will last for a very long time! The only complaint I have is that the tolex, although smooth and nice to the touch, is quite prone to scratches. I have a used cab and it has scars from the last owner not being careful with it. It seems realiable but the tolex being thin is my only complaint here.

I just got off the phone with them! Mesa has THE best customer support! I got through right away and talked to a very friendly customer service rep! He answered every question I could think of, and even some I didn't! Very friendly, very helpful, very nice experience overall! Thanks Chris! (that was the guy I spoke to at Mesa, very nice individual... hope they are all that friendly!)

If this ever gets stolen, I'm going to save up for another one! Chances of this getting stolen are slim though, as the person carrying this thing would have to be waddling away with it (65 lbs for a 2x12!)! I love the tight lows, I've never had a cabinet capable of producing lows as nice as this, I really can't stress that enough! I just sold my Peavey Triple XXX 4x12 cabinet for this... I think the Celestion Vintage 30s in it are my favorite speaker now! Only thing I wish for now is maybe another one with the 3/4 back convertible option (if they make one with the vintage 30s that is), but I'm not sure if that would kill the lows I love! Overall the best cabinet I've played through! Wish I lived out in California, I would try to get a job with Mesa! Discount would be nice!

Mesa Recto 2x12 UPRIGHT cab.

Made in 2003. I purchased a yearish ago new.

Not too versatile, 8 Ohm in and thru (to another 2x12 I assume). Stereo might have been nice. 140 watt capability (2 70 watt Celestion 30's)

It gets a five, because it's a cab.

Used it with two amps: Hughes and Kettner Triamp (EL-34), and a Zinky Superfly (5881). Played a Les Paul DC, and an American Strat through this.

Contrary to most of the reviewers, I DO NOT play exclusively metal, death metal, etc. Maybe I should if I use this cab and that's all I played. Otherwise, I play anything from country to metal (or harder Rock if you like ala Kidney Thieves, Nickelback, etc).

Here's my beef(s): The cabinet always sounded boomy to me. Sometimes I felt like great tone was trying to come out of the speakers, but could not. I like versatility, and this thing just plain doesn't have it. Honestly didn't know until another purchase (see below). The highs sounded shrill, okay mids, the lows were pretty tight, but again those BOOMY sounds. Also irritating is the overly directional aspect of this cab. It was peeling my face off standing anywhere in front of it, but the drummer who was about 45 degrees to the side couldn't hear me at all. Fah.

Great speakers, but the cab construction, or DESIGN rather, fails this thing significantly.

Not horrible, but it still gets a 4. (My rating system means that a 8 is a very good score...almost nothing is a 10)

The cabinet seems to be well made. Very tough, very heavy duty.

One complaint: The tolex seems to scuff and rip if I sneeze in it's direction. Pretty common though on tolex in general. Gets a 7 here.

In research for other amps, I have found them to be very responsive in every aspect of question. They get a 9.

Been playing for 30 years. Here's where I found out the problem with this cab, or rather how others are just plain better:

I first tried another cab with Celestion Greenbacks, but both amps indicated above pretty much overpowered it. In some desperation, I found on Ebay a Bogner 4x12 cab here in Denver.

Now THAT is a cabinet. Full sound across the spectrum. Very focused and tight bass, but still good projection around the room...fills the cracks (almost like it's an open back'd cab, but it's not.)

I might have given this a higher rating had I not found out about this cab vs other cabs. But after being sort of vaguely disappointed in my tone, to incredibly satisfied, I have to dock points accordingly.

Anyone want a Mesa 2x12 upright cab? Cheap(ish)?

Again, I do not dislike this cab, it is just not very versatile. Metal yes, Beatles no.

I USE IT TO NPLAY OUT AND OUT HEAVY ROCK.MY FAVOROTE BAND IS Y&T AND THEY USE MESA GEAR.IT SOUNDS AWESOME AT ANY VOLUME,AND HANDLES CLEAN AS WELL AS HIGH GAIN DISTIRTION,AND ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN.THE MASSIVE BASS IS ONLY ACHEIVED WITH A MESA RECTO CAB WITH ITS CLOSED BACK.I HAVE TRIED OTHER CABS MAINLY 4X12 AND THIS BABY KNOCKS EM ALL DEAD.!!!!!!!!!.

HARD TO RATE THE RELIABILITY AS I HAVE NOT HAD IT LONG ENOUGH TO COMMENT FAIRLY.BUT,,,,SO FAR IT HAS TAKEN EVERYTHING I CAN THROW AT IT FROM MY MESA DUAL RECTO HEAD.I WOULD ALWAYS HAVE A BACK UP HEAD BUT THE CAB IS BULLET PROOF AND WOULD RELY ON IT 100%

N/A

I HAVE BEEN PLAYING FOR 25 YEARS.I ALSO OWN MESA DUAL RECTO HEAD,AVT 150 MARSHALL COMBO,PEAVEY EVH CUSTOM WOLFGANGS X 2,GIBSON LES PAUL.I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HAVE THE 4X12 FOR A 6X12 STACK BUT I DONT HAVE THE ROOM,AND I'M NO ARNI SO MOVING IT WOULD BE A PROBLEM.IT COULD DO WITH CASTORS AS ITS VERY HEAVY.....

OVERALL...ONE OF THE BEST PURCHASES YOU WILL EVER MAKE,YOU WILL NEVER NEED ANOTHER CAB,YOU WILL NEVER GET THE MESA SOUND FROM ANYTHING ELSE,BELIEVE ME IVE TRIED.GO ON BUY ONE.YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2x12" Celestion Vintage 30 speakers (each 16 ohms)
i think they're wiring in "Parellel" (use Resistance Law to calculate it)

one 8 ohms input-jack and parallel output-jack

closed-back and over-sized design cabinet

i'd tried Diezel 1x12", Marshall jcm900, Orange and Soldano 2x12"
close-back cabinets in the shop.

Finally, i choose the Mesa/Boogie 2x12" Rectifier cabinet
for Single Rectifier Solo-50 and old DC-5 heads

it's denifitely awesome sound for modern rock/metal guys

" very tight and agressive voicing ! "

goddamn heavy and built-like a jumbo jet

great customer service both for international and domestic clients

thanks to Mr.Kevin Robertson (mesa/boogie LTD)

nothing to say anymore,

just believe in your ears and judge by your personally tone-favour.

I love this cab. I have played out of the 4x12 for a previous band and its easy to say i love the 2x12 as well.

I have a bunch of guitars and I've I played out of many cabs. I've played a 73 fender musicmaster, a custom 89 soloist with a emg 81 and sa w/chandler neck, and scalloped fretboard, and a ovation tangent. I love how it sounds. The bass is definately there and the highs and mids are not overpowering. In most cabs its a struggle to get a deep bass sound. Luckily, thats how this cab is built to perform. You can also get fender type cleans out of it, just roll off the bass knob on your amp. Any kind of sound you have, this cab's ready to take it and make it better.

so far incredibly good!!!

I love it. You would too. Unless you're tone deaf.

Brand new from guitar center. Very powerful. Wish it had castors thoguh so wheels could be used as it is very heavy.

Im using a jackson dr3 with emg-81 pickups. I'm running this cab through a tremoverb 2x12 combo as the combo alone lacked the "Low end" i was looking for. This cabinet Done just that. It gave me the low end & power i was looking for i absolutly love it!!! Sounds huge.

Build like a tank. Weighs like 75lbs so its solidly build. Im sure nothing will go wrong with it its a beast.

Never had to deal with them.

I'v been playin for around 6 years. It is a great cabinet. I look forward to playing through it for many more years.

2002- basic black , vintage 30's- 2-12- 75 lbs. - heavy metal man - cool for small cars - not subways - 75 lbs + recto head -40 lbs or so + 2 guitars + cables = wheaties

I REVIEWED THE RECTO 2-12 UNFAVORABLY A WHILE BACK. AFTER TWO SHOWS WITH IT SOUNDING LIKE HARSH, SPITTY CRAP, I HAD TO DO SOMETHING.
SINCE IT WAS 500 BUCKS I WASN'T GOING TO BUY ANOTHER CAB IN A FLASH - SO I MODIFIED IT MYSELF.
THIS MOD WAS EASY, COST NOTHING, AND CHANGED EVERYTING !
THIS CAB SOUNDED VERY BOOMY - ALOT OF LOW END, SPITTY RAZOR SHARP HIGHS, AND MUDDY CARDBOARD MIDS. IT SOUNDED LIKE A HOLLOW WOOD BOX.
I OPENED IT UP - AND THAT'S WHAT IT WAS - NO SOUND DAMPING MATERIAL INSIDE AT ALL !
I GRABBED SOME 2 INCH WEDGE- SHAPED AURALUX FOAM REFLEXION KILLING MATERIAL I HAD LEFT OVER FROM MY LIVINGROOM WALLS - DON'T LET YOUR LANDLORD SEE YOU PUT THAT CRAP EVERYWHERE - HE WILL FREAK !
THE STUFF IS CHEAP - GO TO , " YOUR AUDIO" - ON WEST 30TH ACROSS FROM ULTRASOUND - TALK TO BOBBY NEILL- HE'LL TRY TO SELL YOU A 500, 000 DOLLAR MIXING BOARD BUT TELL HIM YOU JUST NEED SOME GOD DAM FOAM !
USE STRONG GLUE - GOOD FOR SNIFFING - AND LINE THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE CABINET WITH THE STUFF.
HINT- WHEN YOU TAKE THE BACK OFF- UNSCREW THE JACK PANEL, DROP THE JACK PLATE THROUGH THE HOLE, AND LIFT THE BACK WOOD PANEL FROM THE CENTER HOLE. THAT'S THE ONLY WAY IT'S GOING TO COME OFF - I TRIED PRYING THE PANEL OFF FROM THE CORNERS WITH MY TRUSTY BUTTER KNIFE BUT THAT IS BECAUSE I USED TO SMOKE ALOT OF POT. THE JACK PLATE REVELATION CAME QUICKLY AFTER I REALIZED I WAS GOING TO DESTROY A SWEET LOOKING CAB WITH A BUTTER KNIFE ! I HAVE DONE DUMBER THINGS - DON;T ASK MAN - JUST SAY NO KIDS !
AFTER THE FUMES DISPERSE AND YOU BURY YOUR DEAD PETS, PUT THE THING BACK TOGETHER.
"PESTO - CHANGO" - TIGHT LOW END, NICE MIDS, -NOT VINTAGE 4-12 MIDS, BUT MUCH BETTER THAN LITTERBOX MIDS, AND CHILLED OUT HIGHS.
STILL ONLY A HEAVY METAL CABINET, SO BRING YOUR TWIN TO YOUR GOSPEL GIG. BESIDES, RECTO'S MELT IN THE HOUSE OF GOD - SWEEEEEEEET !
OH YEAH - I PLAY HARD ROCK - MELODIC METAL - G+L'S WITH DIMARZIO SUPER DISTORTIONS - CLASSIC METAL TONE. -

IF YOU HIT IT WITH YOUR CAR AND YOU DON'T HAVE A HUMMER - BUY A NEW CAR. I GIG WITH IT ALL THE TIME -NO PROBLEMS - RAYZHELL.COM

DON'T BOTHER RANDALL SMITH -HE IS DOING BONG HITS AND TRYING TO FIND HIS LEFT SANDAL. BUT HE DOES MAKE DAM GOOD STUFF FOR THE MONEY ! YOU CAN SPEND ALOT MORE AND GET TOTAL GARBAGE. NEVER HAD TO CALL HIM. SO THAT'S COOL.

WITH MOD IT RULES - WITHOUT MOD YOU WILL NEVER GET THE BEST FROM YOUR RECTO HEAD. LIFE IS SHORT - BE HEAVY METAL !

This one is really new ...vertical...even though I got it used, I even got the original warranty card and Mesa/Boogie company card. It has Celestion Vintage 30's which POUND! It is mono 8 ohms, which doesn't bother me, but I wish i could do stereo. Apparently, there is a way to do that, but I am not sure how. But in reality, I'd just get another one to run out of my power amps other channel for stereo. This thing is actually really light for a cabinet (I have dealt with too many in my day). It's a hardwood cabinet and it has really sturdy casters on the bottom, a definite plus!

Incredible. I play black/oddball metal. I use a LIne 6 Pod Pro, Peavey Classic 50/50, and a EMG loaded Ibanez 7 string. This thing is beautiful clean, totally even sound, but distorted, this thing crushes all. It even sounds like I got a bass player behind me (so when my bassist does play, whoa). It is clear, loud, and destructive!

I don't think you can break this thing. Not without seriously trying!

never dealt with them, probably never will have to

The fact I got this thing for 350 is scary, with all the tags and such in place. It's in flawless shape. I am maybe thinking an employee screwed up, cause the one right next to it is brand new, and you coulda switched the tags and no one would know. Just that the new one is 550!!!!!!!They sound the same so who cares. I got such a sick deal, and this cab is perfect for me. I have even heard the 2X12 is better than the 4X12, and I actually agree somewhat, this one did perform better. For metal, rock, blues, or anything really, this would do you good. It's just a solid piece of equipment. Mesa is just so damn expensive, you really gotta find them used not to pay through the roof!

i wrote the review below. . .just wanted to add something. I decided, just for fun, to change out one of the vintage 30's for a celestion G12T-75. This cab, as I say below, kicked ass before, and kicks ass now as well. If you like the sound of the cab, but want a slightly more "modern" sound, than this is a mod that could help. The highs were nice before, but now they sound really. . .good. theres no other word which will work better there. This cab had great lower mids and bass before, but now with this mod the whole cab goes to a whole new level. maybe G12T's dont sound very good when its just 4 of them on their own, but when one is combined with a vintage 30. . .truly beutiful.

Mine is the Vertical version, not too many reviews here on that one so ill put in my two cents. I got it "used," but it was from somebody who had bought it like two days earlier new, i even got the warranty papers unsigned. It has two 16 ohm Celestion Vintage 30 speakers, which themselves are not the bass heavy monsters everyone makes them out to be. but ill take that cause up during the sounds portion of the reivew. it has another jack for daisy chainig, and it is heavy because its so well made. I took a look inside, and it was very clean, everything was tight, and the joints were soldered. the jacks are heavy duty. . .basically no expense was spaired in making this cab top-of-the-line, so I'm happy. It gets a 7, because it is what it is and it does it well.

I'm playing either a telecaster with a Seymour ducan STL-2 hot single coil or a Tom Delonge strat with a telecaster hot rails pickup. These guitars go straight into my Fender Prosonic head (dont underestimate my Rectifier Killer), and then into this cabinet. I play modern punk rock, in the vein of finch or NoFx or The Used.
These speakers are not all that bassy. . .actually they are known for a nice warm midrangy sound with very natural breakup, all the things a "vintage" speaker has. So how do these Mesa cabs all sound so thick and bassy? simple. . .the cabinet. When you have that much wood and that much open space inside a cabinet with just two speakers (the same principles applies to the 4x12's), you get the huge sound the mesa is known for. The reason that there isnt very much midrange in these cabs isnt because of the cabs, its because of the amps. usually an amp with 6L6GC tubes is used on these cabs. 6L6 tubes, by nature, have less midrange than their brothers, the EL34's used in marshall amps. THIS is what leads people to belive that Vintage 30's are Scooped-mid bass monsters. i lift this cabinet up off the ground with my other guitarists amp case, so i can get isolation, and i get a great crunch. . .not to bassy, not to mid heavy, and not to trebly. This caibnet is more than loud enough for any setting i have to play in, even with just the 50 watts coming out of my fender, i can get loud enough, even too loud. stupid sound guys always telling me to turn my beutiful tube tone down, so that they can process it through their stupid pa systems.
Oh i forgot to mention. . .i have played the cabinet in every possible possition. . .on the casters, upright without the casters, on its side, raised up to chest level, whatever you can think of ive tried it. I found through out this testing that if i want massive bass response, than all you have to do is lay the cabient on its side, on the ground. If you want to sound like trebly crap, then go ahead and stand it on the casters. however, if you wnat to do the best for yourself and your tone, than do what i do now and raise up your cabinet. Another reviewer below said that his tone turned to shit when he brought the cabinet off the ground. obviously you have two different opinions, but for me, for punk rock, for my tone, i have to lift he cab up, and at ear level i dont have to depend so much on my stage monitoring, because i can hear my amp, wow what a novel idea right! I love this cabinet, and for hard stuff, rock or punk or whatever, there is NOTHING better. . .believe me ive looked! 9's all around.

oooh, see heres the thing i get worried about. i have only played like 4 gigs with this cabinet, and its already pretty much covered in war scars. the headstock of my strat went straight through the grill cloth, like it was paper. . .ive never scene anything so fragile thats meant to protect something else. I didnt think aobut it because ive hit the front of my old marshall AVT cabinet, and i never actually went thorugh the cloth. I found a place online that sells mesa grill cloth though, which is pretty cool because im replcing the fender silver cover on my head iwth the mesa stuff, and whenever i feel the need i can replace the front of my cabinet. . .and no buyer will ever know the difference, although i wouldnt lie, id tell them i replaced it just as any of you would of course!
The casters are great, the trac-loc system should be the industry standard. . .i use it constantly, and without it id be screwed.
The leather corners are STUPID! they are just as bad as the covering, because they ARE the covering. I'd really even wrather have plastic than this crap. . .not a good decision. If you want a cabinet for reslae value only though, than good luck findign one thats built today that will stand the test of time! mesa's, right now, are the best at holding their value, but only if you baby the thing to hell and never actually take it out! over all this thing sounds great but the outside just dosent hold up for me. . .it gets a 4 because they could have done so much better. (i know before what i said about how no expense was spared, but that was on the inside of the cab)

never used it, never will. this cabinet will never break, and if something with the wiring goes wrong than ill just fix it myself.

overall, this cabinet is impressive. . .it holds its value, realatively speaking, and the sound is explosive, beutiful even. I'll be brief. . . because i want to go play my babies. I'll give it, based on all of the above high and low points, an 8 overall, because the inside cinstruction and sound outweigh the problems outside. . .and i supose that its better to have external than internal problems like most other cabs and amps have. feel free to email me aobut anything. . .ill try to help any way i can.

Vintage 30s, input, handle, all enclosed case (straight front, none of that slanted malarkey). Its not an all-singing all dancing cab, no stereo options etc. But that doesn't bother me. The handle is almost pointless when you're lifting it (this thing weighs around 75lbs and a bit of slim rubber on top isn't fun)and there's no wheels (better for sound and stability, if neccesary you could get removable castors). Start smashing up your house because this thing is pretty big and doors are only so wide.

Its enclosed, so its got bass, an impressive amount of bass for a 2x12, it sounds really deep especially with a nice valve amp. The mids are nicely rounded. The highs can really shine through, you have to go careful with your treble control. Volume wise - its loud, but still respectable at home. You can play niceenouogh not to hurt the neighbours, but then you crank hard and kill the drummer at practices. WARNING: Do not take it off the ground. I know what you're thinking: "I want to lift it up so people can hear me clearly through the band". I tried this, I nearly cried, after staring in confusion at my amp for a bit I realised that the speaker had lost 50% of its depth and "grrrrr". I think its afraid of heights because it sounded a bit girly up high. If you want people to here you better then get another 2x12 and pu it on top or just buy a 4x12.

Boogie = Reliable. Thats what everyone says. I have no reason to disbelieve this. The cab is solid, I've read some other reviews that say boogie skrimp on the quality of the joints but the cab seem solid enough to me. I think if it fell out of a window onto my car (unlikely I think) then my car would be scrap but the cab would be ready for gigging. Its a tank, rhino, brick, etc., etc.

I sent boogie an e-mail about my amp and within a week or two (maybe sooner I was away from my computer for a bit) they had sent me a reply that was very comprehensive, friendly and helpful. It was like an essay! "I'm not trained all the way down to component level but..." They no their stuff man and they're only too willing to have a look at your product if you're not satisfied. They're supposedly quite flexible even if your warranty has run out. Of course if you do have a problem then you'll most likely have to ship it to the US, not too bad if you live there but a bit pricy and time consuming if you don't, like me.

I've had this a couple of months and no problems encountered. The price tag is ridiculous, the handle is hilarious and if you were thinking of buying a cover for it... thats #40-odd pound for you sir! But economic griping aside this is quality. I use it with my 3 chan. dual recto head and Ibanez Jem 7v(wh) (Thats a lot of money right there baby). I considered getting a Marshall 2x12 because they're a third of the price, but this cab was designed for my amp and it sounds great and looks menacing. Its like a little black monolith. I was really impresses by this cab when I heard it. Its almost as powerful as the 4x12 but works better at lower volumes so you don't have to make your ears bleed to get a good sound from your amp. The super-size construction doesn't take up that much room but can be a bit awkward for moving around. Don't get the 1x12 its not going to do your amp justice, get this its a good all-round cab volume-wise, and sounds great with a nice recto head.

THE FEATURES ARE AN INPUT AND A HANDLE.

I JUST GOT THE RECTO 2-12 CABINET TODAY-2-24-03 FOR 500 BUCKS.AND I AM WONDERING IF I MADE A MISTAKE. I HAVE USED MY 2 CHANNEL 1997 DUAL RECTO HEAD SINCE 1997 WITH A VINTAGE LANEY 4-12 -1980- OR SOMETHING WITH AMAZING RESULTS. IT SOUNDED HUGE- WIDE OPEN- LIKE THE GRAND CANYON - WITH BEAUTIFUL MIDS AND SOARING HIGHS.
THE RECTO 2-12 CAB RIGHT NOW SOUNDS A LITTLE MUDDY IN THE MIDS- SURE THE LOW END IN COOL BUT THE REST SOUNDS HARSH. I WAS WONDERING IF THIS WILL CHANGE AS THE SPEAKERS BREAK IN OR SOMETHING.
I'VE ALWAYS HEARD AUDIOPHILE FREAKS USE PINK NOISE GENERATORS TO BREAK SPEAKERS IN AND CRAP- BUT HEY - I SOLD MY PINK-NOISE GENERATOR LAST WEEK FOR CRACK- WILL ONE OF YOU GUYS TELL ME IF THIS CAB IS GOING TO SOUND SWEETER IN A FEW WEEKS OR WHAT?! BECAUSE RIGHT NOW I AM A BIT BUMMED.- MAYBE IT WILL NEVER SOUND LIKE MY 4-12- I STILL GOT IT BUT I WAS TRYING TO MAKE THE GIGGING SITUATION A LITTLE EASIER CONSIDERING I HAVE A CAMARO.

NOTHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THIS THING - COME ON MAN- IT LOOKS LIKE A BABY RHINO.

I HAVE NEVER HAD TO CALL BOOGIE EVER - SOLID- GEAR - BUT I AM SURE THEY ARE COOL.

BOOGIE IS THE BEST THING OUT THERE IN ITS PRICE RANGE-BY FAR- KILLS ALOT OF GEAR THREE TIMES AS EXPENSIVE. IT IS JUST THAT THIS THING SOUNDS A LITTLE TOO, "IN YOUR FACE". RIGHT NOW. I LITTLE TOO MUCH LIKE A SOLDANO OR A RIVERA - I HATE THOSE AMPS. I JUST WANT IT TO MELLOW A BIT AND SOUND LIKE IT DID WITH THE BIGGER CAB- LATER-RAY H.-WWW.RAYZHELL.COM

As other reviewers state below, it's mono and not switchable to stereo. I don't use stereo, so it doesn't matter to me, but I guess I have to take off points for that. Apart from that, it has the features I want: nicely made sealed cab with 2 Vintage 30s.

I converted my Voodoo modded Mesa Heartbreaker combo to a head by buying a head cabinet direct from Mesa. I also bought this 2x12 cab to go with it.

I love this cabinet. Beautiful midrange and bottom end. I find that the highs are sizzling, but very appealing. I think some people consider the highs to be harsh, but harsh means bad to mean. I think the highs sound really good, but they are overly pronounced, so I installed Weber Beam Blockers to diffuse the highs a bit. I may take them out some day if the cab mellows bit, which is supposed to be what happens as the speakers break in more.

I would give this cab a 10 if the highs weren't so loud. I know this is largely a function of how sound waves work, i.e. I've read that high frequency waves are very directional and are smaller, so you get the full effect of the highs without the full effect of the lower frequencies when you stand close to the amp. This is why I think the beam blockers are a good idea. Even though there's a scientific explanation, I do think the effect is even more pronounced with Vintage 30s, so I took a point off. If it weren't for the Beam Blockers (a cheap solution), I'd have taken more points off.

Seems to be built well. I've heard they're made of 14-ply birch, which is apparently a good thing! But I've also heard that the joints are not the best construction, which is a bad thing. I forget how it's made, but apparently Mesa usses a carpentry shortcut.

Overall, it seems really solid and reliable. I would have given it a 10 if I hadn't heard about the inferior approach used in joining the cab.

Top notch. The people I talked to at Mesa were knowledgeable and extremely helpful.

I would buy this cab again for sure. It goes really well with my Voodoo modded Heartbreaker head. Seems to be a perfect match.

Not much to speak of. It's a cabinet, what is it supposed to do?

I found the speakers to be great. Nice, ballsy sound. Midrange is pronounced. Seems a little bassy at times, but I just try to watch the bass knob on my amp. Very distinct sound from the V30's.

No problems at all. Did a 2 week tour with it. Kicked ass.

Never tried contacting Mesa/Boogie

Overall, great compliment to my Dual Recto head. A million times better than having a huge 4x12. Great sound. Although, I must mention, although its shorter than a 4x12, its really wide and heavy. This isn't a bad thing, just the truth. I highly recommend this cab for a nice, ballsy rock sound.

2002 Model, This thing is built like a tank! There isn't a whole lot to it. The only thing I would wish is due to it's heavy weight (80lbs) I would have like to have seen some casters and a beefier handle.

Sounds great! I matched mine with a 2002 3 Channel Dual Rectifier. The two together are like peanut butter and jelly. The 2x12 easily beats many 4x12's and unleashes a tight deep sound that projects well.

No problems here

I have listed pretty much everything there is to it. I would definately replace and recommend it to any one that is willing to put up with the weight for sound.

I'd like to concur with the commentary in general. Two speakers both are 16 ohm Celestion Vintage 30's. The quality of the sound and contruction are above anything else I have seen.
One thing I can't figure out is, this is a MONO 8 ohm cab. Why isn't it switchable to a 16 ohm stereo cab? As soon as I got mine, I removed the back plate where the two inout jacks are. Inside there are two thin wires that connect the two speakers in series. If you snip the two silver wires, Wala! Stereo! Now when you plug into the left jack it's your pluggin directly into the 16 ohm left speaker. Plug into the right jack, and your plugging directly into the 16 ohm right speaker. by installing a simple toggle switch available from radio shack you can easily make this a stock mono 8 ohm cabinet or a stereo 16 ohm cabinet.
I own the Mesa Boogie Road King combo(Best Mesa Boogie amp hands down) so what I wanted to do was keep the combo dry and use the line out into a TC G Major effects unit, then stereo out into a Mesa 50/50 power amp, into the Mesa 2x12 recto cab, which has now been converted to stereo. I stuck the Road King on top of the 2x12 and does this right sound amazing!!!
Anyway, my rating is based on the stupidity of not having the ability to switch this thing to stereo right out of the box.

My 3 main axes are a Les Paul Custom, A vintage Strat, and a Gibson custom SJ-200. They all sound amazing through this setup. The closed back of the the 2x12 Recto cab really compliment the open back of the Road King. It's a very "thumpy" cabinet. Very sweet!

As everyone pointed out there really is nothig that can go wrong. It's top notch quality all the way.

As someone mentioned a few reviews down, dealing with Mesa can be a little frustrating. If you have a problem with crushed tubes or need something that was missing in the box of your new Mesa item, they really bend over backward to help. They are all over it like flies on a dead bunny. BUT....
If you need some extra part or something custom, FORGET ABOUT IT! They SUCK BEYOND BELIEF!!! For example, I tried to order one of those cool cabinets they show on their website with the "embossed red leather" (but no dealers seem to ever carry). Talk about a run around. One guy told me the cabinet for for my road king would cost $700!! AND take 6 months to get!! Another guy told me he wouldn't mess with it because it would be a big hassle to get done, let alone in a timely manor. What a load of crap! If they wanted 7 bills for the road king cabinet I wonder what they would want for the 2x12 recto? Being it's not much smaller than the Road King, but because of the closed back cab, has more area that would need to be covered by the leather... It makes absolutely no sense to me. Another guy told me the cab would cost $500 and that I could trade in my old cabinet and would get back to me with the details. He never called back. When I called him back he said he acted like I was irritating him and wanted to pass me on to someone else. Nice....
Technically this would be considered after market and not actual support of an actual operational problem so I will grade them accordingly. Screw that.

It's a great cabinet, and I would buy it again if it were lost.
It totally destroy's something like a Marshall 1936 2x12 cainet sound wise.

2x12 Recto cab. Pretty straight forward. I use with Mesa Trem-o-verb, 63 Fender Bassman, and Zinky Mofo. Sounds great on all of them, clean or dirty. I play alt. rock with a Les Paul Jr., Les Paul Deluxe, and a Guild Bluesbird. I have 2 other 2x12 cabs, a fender and an Orange.

This cab really blows my mind. I think it sounds better than the recto 4x12 that I also own. I opened the back to see what speakers were in there because I assumed they were different than the vintage 30s in my 4x12.

I've had it on the road for 6 months now and it shows no signs of trouble.

Mesa has always been great with me.

If it were stolen, I would CERTAINLY buy another. In fact, I'm thinking about selling my 4x12 for another 2x12,except for having to have a new case made.

Made in July 2001. Horizontal version. Built like a tank with 1" No Void marine grade plywood. Has 2x12" Celestian vintage 30 speakers. I think this cost me $460 new (without looking it up)

I mostly play classic rock to heavy metal. This cab is great for all of the above, even sounds decent on clean where a open back or half back would excel. Excellent bottom end, great power handling. I was looking at the 4x12 rec cab before this one. I had a Mark IV at the time and played it through both... due to the size and not much of a sound difference I got the 2x12 and I haven't been disapointed at all! The low end may be a little lower on this cab, where the 4x12 seems a little brighter. I'm getting a Road King and I have a open back cab that I will probably use for clean sound (can assign channels with certain speaker cabinets/combinations) and use the 2x12 for everything else. My friend built one of these cabs out of 3/4" plywood and it just doesn't kick the bottom end like this one. It's made like a ROCK! This is the first cab I have had with Vintage 30's.. and they sound awesome at any volume (especially cranked a little). I thought about building another one with 1" plywood identical to this and stack them when needed.

Built like a ROCK! If you damage this unit I feel for you, cause you were just in a car wreck and a semi hit you! :)

I have never called Mesa directly. I shouldn't have to on this Cabinet... not much that could go wrong! (hopefully I wont have to on the new road king! :/ )

Excellent Cabinet if you play heavy metal, rock, blues, Dream Theater, etc... I'm currently running a Peavey Classic through it and it sounds awesome! If you play christian clean, or cawntry then this may not be the cab for you. It does what it's suppose to as a closed back cabinet.

Made in 2001, mine is the horizontal version with 2x12 Vintage 30's. Ordered detachable casters from Mesa, as this thing weighs about a Metric ton! Plenty of bottom end from this oversized, muscular looking closed cabinet.

Massive bass tone and the Vintage 30's help get every drop of sustain and cream from humbuckers. I play a mix of classic to newer pop/rock and this cab excels at pushing heavy riffs and power chords across the room. I am a rhythm player in a classic pop/rock band playing a stock Gibson 335, a Rick 330 and a Gibson WM-45 w/ Fishman Rare Earth p/u. My amp is a Mesa/Boogie F-100 2x12 100 watt combo. Together with this cab, my rig is a semi-portable (well, both pieces weigh about 70-75 pounds) half stack.

Well built with no defects whatsoever.

Can't beat Mesa/Boogie for customer service. They answer the phone and give you same day call backs with answers to your questions.

Been a rhythm player in classic pop/rock bands since the mid-80's. Nothing like this cab for the heavier, power chord rhythm work. High power capacity, amazing depth.

This one is a 2002 model and unchanged from years prior..75 lbs Celestion Vintage 30's...I picked it up to complement my Dual Recto.

Wow, nice punch and clarity! It even makes the clean channel on my Dual Recto shine! The design really lets this thing act like a 4x12....nice tight bass.

I play a pretty wide variety of music and this cab works for all of them.

Built like a tank and I don't think I would need a backup.

Haven't had to use them.

For this cab, I play my PRS Cu22 and Les Paul Classic into a 2002 Mesa Dual Recto through it. Between the guitars and the amp I can create pretty much any sound I wish...Clean,Vintage, Modern dropped tuning stuff etc...But honestly I get the biggest grin from running the clean channel on the Mesa with a Holy Grail Reverb. Odd I know, I usually reserve those sounds for my Nomad 55. Anyways, all in all, I am very pleased and would replace it if disaster happened. I don't think there is another cab out there that meshes with the Recto head as well as this one. I guess that's why you see a lot of people running boutique heads througgh it as well.

My one improvment idea would be side handles since the thing does weigh 75 lbs. Maybe even recessed casters on one side corner and a handle on the other?

2x12, closed back, vintage 30's. features have already been discussed.

This thing sounds great. It gives clear highs and great lows. Great for palm mute thumps. I play a Santana Se, with a Seymour Duncan distortion in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. I run it thourgh a Marshall avt 50. This cab is gret, makes me want to go get a better amp to do it justice. I play rock, Creed, STP, Sevendust, Green Day. This cab fits all though styles perfectly. It sounds great at both low and high volumes. This cab sounds better than alot of 4x12 out there.

It has worked fine for me. Seems to be built sturdy.

Haven't had to deal with them

This is great. I would be pissed if someone stold it, and I would buy another. This was my first speaker cab, and I couldn't be happier. I suggest trying one out. They are great.

2x12 Celestion Vintage 30s, 8 ohms, linkable in parallel with other cabs via 1/4 inch jack. Fantastic construction. There needs to be handles on the side instead of the one on the top. I wish it had stereo ability, but it is just a 2x12 after all.

I run a Marshall JTM60 and a Soldano Hot Rod 50 through it, and neither has come close to maxing this cab out. The sound is transmitted beautifully. My friend and I both also have a Marshall G12-75T 4x12, the Mesa has more bass and "juice". I absolutely love this cab. I would almost definitely get the Mesa Rectifier 4x12 if I needed a larger cab.

It feels super solid, weighs 75 pounds, and was in perfect condition after supposedly travelling through part of the country on tour (I got it used). I would never ever ever worry about this thing going bad.

No idea ... would probably never need it.

This was my first cab (I needed one after I bought my Hot Rod 50 head) and it is still the best one I have ever played through. I also have the Marshall, but I always plug back into this one.

This is a 2002 horizontal Recto cabinet. The build quality is very good. Mine is black with black grille cloth. It has two Vintage 30 speakers made by Celestion. On the back are two jacks; one for input and the other for output to another cab. The 2x12 is very nice because it is not nearly as bulky or heavy as the 4x12 cabs.

I use either a Lentz Tele or a Lavelle Squire with a Komet 60 watt head through this cab. The tone is phenomenal. The amp and the cab are a wonderful combination. I was going to go with the Dr Z cab or even the Jenkins, but I couldn't justify the extra cash and shipping and the wait. I saw this cab at GC in Tacoma and just got it. I'm into this immediate gratification stuff. I'm glad that I did.

Seems to be built like a tank. I've had and used Boogie stuff in the past and have never had any problems with it. I've had a Boogie power amp take a nasty fall (no case) and it worked fine. I would have broken a bone if I would have fallen like that.

Haven't called them ar needed to. Hopefully I won't need to.

I'd say that this is a great cab. Sounds much bigger than any 2x12 that I've ever played before. Good "chunk" and really doesn't even budge when hit hard with a high power amp.

Mine's a 2001 model. I wanted a 2x12 for its versatility and the advantage of not having to lug a 4x12 to gigs. I plan on getting a Mesa 20/20 so I wanted a stereo cabinet to evenly distribute the load. One of the guys at my local Mesa/Boogie dealer got the stereo option for me for free - not bad! I had to wait a while for it to be built but it was worth it!

I'm running an ADA MP-1 through a Peavy Bandit through the cab. My original setup was a Digitech RP-12 through the Bandit which is what I used for gigs. Not bad (or so I thought ;) I graduated from high school last year and I bought the cabinet with my graduation money (hehe). This cabinet is pretty amazing. The Vintage 30's added so much clarity and warmth to my amp (considering I have an 80's Bandit with the old school Scorpion speaker). Anyway, it sounded so good that I stopped using my RP-12 altogether because it brought out the unit's limitations. The Vintage 30's are incredibly tight, focused, bassy, not too harsh, the right amount of mids. I've seen people complain about Mesa's prices, but I'm sure they've never heard of VHT or Bogner ;) Next time my parents are out of town I'll morgage the house and buy a Soldano, but that's another story... I'm giving the cab a 9 because it's not the best but it's damn near close.

When I opened the box at the store, I was amazed at how well it was packed for shipping! Mesa really goes the whole 9 yards. The cabinet is extremely solid and weighs a good 75 lbs. I'm amazed at the detail and love the hardware quality and how it's built. I definitely would use it without a backup.

Here's where I had trouble. I was having a hard time getting in touch with my local Mesa guy and was really getting frustrated. I even called Mesa myself and found out that they don't deal with customers directly unless there is no certified dealer within a 125 mile radius. I was seriously thinking about getting a Carvin Legacy 2x12 and doing the stereo mod myself, but I knew I'd be happier in the long run with Mesa... so I'm about to call Carvin and order the cabinet, when the guy from the local store calls me (funny isn't it?) So that bothered me. Then (I'll cut out the details but I'll just call it a communication difficulty) it took FIVE MONTHS ordering and shipping... I ordered a slip cover too and that STILL hasn't come in yet. I talked to one of the other guys and apparently it wasn't Mesa's fault, the guy I was dealing with put off my order and didn't order the slip cover with it, so they had to order one. I'm still looking at a couple of weeks for the slip cover. The only thing I can say is, I'm so impressed with this cabinet that I don't even care... it sounds that great. I'll give the customer support an 8 because even though I had alot of trouble it was just the guy I was dealing with. Mesa was cool enough to build a stereo cab for me at no extra charge. When I called Carvin they told me they didn't do custom work (except for their guitars of course). So that's my short little story...

I've been playing 7 years now and my current setup is an Ibanez RG-470 to an ADA MP1 to a Peavy Bandit to the Recto cab. A great cabinet. If anything happened to it I would probably get a Legacy 2x12 because I couldn't afford another one or wait for another one right now. In the future though I'd definitely buy another one. I haven't got a chance to hear some of the higher end cabs but I can tell you that this one kicks the crap out of Marshall, Crate, Line 6, etc cabs. But to each his own. I give it a 9 because although I went through so much trouble to get it and it made a heavy hit in my wallet, it'll outlive my grandkids.

This is not your ordinary 2x12 Cabinet. This thing is very solid. It is built like a tank and it is closed backed. It is thicker and bigger than most 2x12's, which helps mold the sound of this monster. It comes with 2 vintage 30's wired for 8 ohm. It has an extension out jack built in it for daisy chaining cabinets. Oh, and it comes with the best low end capability of any 2x12 in the market, and it dwarfs some 4x12's in the low end capability category.

My setup consists of the following: 2000 Gibson Les Paul Classic (1960 Re-Issue) plugged into a 2001 triple channel Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier which drives my 2x12 Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Cabinet.

This cabinet provides me with an unlimitted amount of razor sharp low end crunch. It has a load of punch and it has not ceased to amaze me. It is built very sturdy and it is very heavy for a 2x12...which is one of the main factors why it puts out such quality sounds. Although this cab handles crunch with awesome ability, it is very diverse and can handle any other style in the same fashion. I receive compliments on my rig/sound and tone very frequently. If you are looking for a 4x12 sound in a 2x12 enclosure...look no further. This cab is amazing...in fact this 2x12 eclipses some 4x12's in the low end capability category. It is absolutely amazing.

This cabinet has the same characteristics as a brick house. It would take a lot to damage this thing (if nuclear destruction were to occur...there would be a lot of cockroaches playing through Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Cabinets)! It is a Mesa/Boogie product, so rest assured that they will go out of their way to help you if there is a problem...I have first hand experience with them and trust me...they treat their customers like family.

Grade A support here guys/gals...the best in the business!!! I had a rectifier tube in my Dual Rectifier that was arcing. I called and emailed Mesa/Boogie and left a message. The next day they returned my call. I explained to the tech what was going on, he said that the tube was acting improperly and that he was going to send out a new rectifier tube. I told him that I would like to have my tube by a certain date, as I had a gig and wanted to use the "tube" rectifier setting on my amp vice diode setting. He ensured me that he would do what he could to get a new tube to me as soon as possible. The next day I received an email that said that they mailed the tube via 2 day air to ensure I would have it in time for my gig. It arrived with 2 days to spare and the gig was a big success. That is quality service. I swear by Mesa/Boogie products, and their customer support just makes their stuff that much sweeter.

In closing, this cabinet basically gave me the sound of a 4x12...(in some cases better than a 4x12) in a 2x12 enclosure. It is smaller and easier to transport to and from gigs. It sounds absolutely killer from clean to bone crushing low end crunch. I am totally happy with this purchase and have not looked back since. Although this cabinet is pretty expensive...it is worth it. It gives you a huge, thick sound without having to break your back when transporting your gear to and from your gigs. Go try one for yourself...you will see what I mean.

Just 2x12" vintage 30's in a solid, well made cab. I wish that there was a stereo input (although the ohmage might be a little odd) or a parallel out.

The vintage 30's are great speakers in my opinion but not for everyone. They definately color your sound which is a good thing if they color it the way you like but it can be pretty bad if it's not the tone you're looking for. The top end is a little rolled off the the low-end can be a bit rounded. The mid-rage is the real power of this speaker. It's powerful and cutting with great grind. This speaker is especially great for blues players, which I am not but I use this in combination with a 1x12" Mesa Thiele cab which has a 200-watt EVM speaker. The EVM is bright and deep sounding and the combination of speakers together works very well for me. For me this speaker isn't a perfect solution for my tone by itself but with the EVN I get exactly what I'm looking for.

I basically play math-core style music which is similar to metal or hardcore but with lots of jazzy chords and odd time signatures and syncopated guitars so I basically need lots of tight low-end and clarity.

The gear I'm using is a Mesa 20/20 power amp, ADA MP-1 preamp (somtimes I'll use a Mesa V-twin, or even Johnson J-station), Marshall JCM 800 2210 head and a modded Sovtek Mig100H. For guitars I have a Les Paul with EMG 81's, Peavey Wolfgang, Schecter C-7 with Duncan Invader bridge pickup and Schecter CB2000 with EMG 81. My tunings range from standard and drop-D down to a perfect 5th (A).

Never had a problem with it. It's very well made and more solid than my Marshall 1960a. I added Mesa casters to it and they are sturdy as well.

I've rarely delt with Mesa. I like that you can now email the tech. people though.

This is a great cab. I do wish there were a few options like stereo options, or parallel out like the Thiele cab. I'd also like it if the cab was ported, too much low-end can be a little hard on it but that's usually only at extreme volumes and with my lower tuned guitars.

2001 model. 2 12 inch speakers (don't know what kind, but they rock). Closed back with a half back board included, a very pleasant surprise. I play jazz, pop and rock, more often pop and rock. This cabinet will be used for recording and a few live gigs.

I'm using an American Strat Deluxe with the humbucker on the bridge and a Heavy Metal Strat. I tried it out at the store with a TSL 100 head and a Rect-O-Verb combo. The Mesa 2x12 blew way past the Rect-O-Verb's speaker, and even silenced a Marshall 1960B cabinet (that's a 4x12). Woah. By the way, I liked the Rect-O-Verb amp a lot more than the TSL head. I really was not expecting that.

It's a rock. Should last a good long time.

Pretty good. This is my second Mesa product. My first was a DC-2 Studio Caliber. Mesa told me today that there is no warranty card or other paper work shipped with speaker cabinets, but they are covered by a warranty. They also told me the new Road King head would be about $2,400 and weigh around 80 pounds. I could get a TSL head AND a Rect-O-Verb head for that. But I'm sure I'll be the first in line at Chuck Levin's Music Center to try one out.

I really like this cabinet. I'm looking for a used Trem-O-Verb to plug into it. Up until last night I was getting a Marshall TSL 100 head to go with this cabinet, but the Mesa amps are thoroughly superior in my opinion. I really wanted to get a used cabinet and save a few bucks, but there were none in my area (Northern Virginia) over the last few weeks. Of course, I wished the price were closer to $400 new.

Well, it's a box with speakers in it, what kind of features do you want? It has an 8 ohm input and 2 Celestion Vintage 30 speakers. Looks nice too.

I am using this with a Mesa MkIV and Jackson Rhoads w/ EMG 81/85 combo. The cab sounds great, very good bass response that will hit you in the chest and crisp highs. It looks like very professional too.

Well, I've only had it for a couple weeks so whatever. Looks sturdy and it weighs more then a Fuckin tank so it should be fine.

Never dealt with them

An overall excellent cab, Especially for METAL. The only bad thing is the damn price.

Typical 2x12 cab. Loaded with Vintage 30s at 70 watts each.

I compared this cab with the new Genz-Benz George Lynch G-Flex 2x12".
The two were side by side so I could do a very direct comparison. Sorry Mesa owners, the G-Flex won handily. If you like high gain and bottom end, there is no comparison...get the G-Flex and save yourself $75. The Mesa's treble was harsher, too.

It's a cab. Don't over power it and you'll be fine.

I've called Genz-Benz/Tubeworks and they have been kind, informative, and efficient. I don't have the time to call Mesa. You might as well have something to do while you're on hold.

Because I was able to do an a-b comparison on the two cabs I wanted, I figured I'd go public with my observations.

This cabinet can make anything sound good. Very versatile.

If I could give this thing a higher score than 10, I would. It is that good. I had heard people say Mesa cabs are better than others, but didn't know they were THIS much better! I had a Marshall Valvestate 100 1X12 combo amp (which some people say is a piece of shit but I like it a lot), and bought the Mesa 2X12 to go with it. The amp sounds 10 times better now. It sounded good before--but now its phenomenal. I play very hard and heavy--I downtune a step and a half and boy, when I play muted power chords, the bass just thunders. Wall-shaking (my Mom loves it).

I can't imagine this thing ever breaking down. It's too well-built.

I've been playing almost 3 years and have 2 Ibanez S470's and the Marshall Vavlvestate 100 watt combo. Adding this Mesa 2X12 cab was the smartest idea I've probably ever had. My amp sounds phenomenal now. I still can't believe someone could make a cabinet that improves an amp's sound this much. $499 well spent. I might buy another one.

Bought this cabinet in april of 2000. Contains two 90 watt celestion speakers. Its wrapped in black leather, blah, blah, blah....you've seen it.

Ok...This has to be the craziest cabinet I have ever played out of. I play extremely heavy music and this thing suits my style perfectly. This cabinet is much tighter and and louder than alot of 4x12 cabinets that I have played out of...seriuosly, this thing is no joke. It can handle extreme amounts of volume and still sound great. It however does not have as much bass response as a 4x12, but it comes really close. When teamed up with a mesa rectifier 4x12, I will garuntee you will have THE best speaker combination known to man. I play out of a mesa tri-axis and a simul-2:90 power amp going to this cabinet and a 4x12 rectifier cab. This thing alone would have no problem handling the 2:90 but when teamed up with 4x12 recto cab, unbeleivable!!! I have also used this cab with a dc-10 head and it worked great for that(when the dc was working right).

Its mesa isnt it. Unbeleivable product!! My bands plays about 2-3 gigs a week and this thing never gives me even the slightest problem.

I never have dealt with mesa and with a product this good I dont think that I ever will.

I have been playing guitar for about for years and I am about as serious as you can get, especially when it comes to gear. I am probably one of the pickiest guitarist ever!! It takes alot to satisfy me and money is no thing for me, it shouldnt be if playing is more than just a "hobby" to you. I must say that for the price this is the best cabinet you can get. This cab IS, and I will stress IS much better than any 4x12 you can get in its price range. Between craftsmanship, price and sound you just cant beat it. And dont even think you can buy a cheap 4x12(peavey, marshall valvestate, etc.)and expect it to be better than this cause they have more speakers cause they are not. Like I said I am hard to satisfy and have played through and owned ALOT OF EQUIPMENT! Trust me, if you dont wanna spend the extra $$$ on the recto 4x12 or would just rather have a 2x12 then do yourself a favor and buy this, its the best out there!

1999 2x12 with Celestion vintage 30's

i am using a mesa 20\20 amp and a formula preamp. these cabs give remarkable low end response.

they are heavy...but not as heavy as a 4x12!!! they can takwe a scuff or a drop.

have called mesa...they called back within a week. had a goood talk .
these cabs will go on and on...like cockroaches after the nuclear winter or the sun goes nova.

i've played for 10 years. yea, i would get mesa stuff again...in fact my mesa amp was ripped off, and i got another one! i dig mesa engineering. i liked the bass response of this recto cab better than the marshall 1936.
sounds great.

I bought this cab new for $499. Compared to my 4x12, it sounds quite a bit grittier- not as smooth. Perhaps a characteristic of those celestion vintage 30's. Tremendous bass output, nice highs, and even mids. This cab will not fart out at even moderately high volumes. Good deal.

Well, this is a very simple featured cabinet, it is mono 8ohm cabinet loaded with 2x12 vintage 30 speakers, it also has one output to string cabinets together, i love the fact that it is much smaller than a marshall 2x12 but it sounds alot better.

I have tried it with a bunch of heads power amps and guitars, what surprised me the most is the quality of the sound that it generates, the speakers could not be better, i tried it with a mesa single rectifier solo 50 head and it just sounded amazing, then i had a friend's blue voodoo head and cabinet, i tried the blue voodoo with the matching cabinet and it didn't sound as good as the mesa head, but then i pluged the blue voodoo into the mesa cabinet and it made a great difference, even the horrible feedback i was getting with that head before disappeared!!, it just sounded soo close to the boogie dual rectifier, i became sad cause the blue voodoo is half the prive of my boogie head and it sounded just as good, i bet that with better tubes the blue voodoo would sound just amazing, the 2x12 recto caninet can bring up the best of a head, and it is just as good as a recto 4x12 but a little cheaper , at half the weight and half the size without compromising the tone.

Never given me a problem, i trust it as i trust any essential part of my rig, i only have a back up guitar ( thats all i can afford ), i depend on mesa/boogie, i know they won't let me down ( most of my rig is mesa ).

I have only called them to ask about some prices, and some custom options, and they were more than helpful

I have been for a while, and i was looking for something small, with great sound, and that wouldn't compromise sound, and i'm glad to say that i found it.

Made in '99 it is a horizontal 2x12 cabinet with 2 Celestion Vintage 30's. It has a parallel out for stringing cabs together and an 8ohm out. Very sturdy construction with thick birch sides, bottom and top. It is covered with a black tolex-like covering. However you can get an upgrade covering and/or grillecloth change for $300 and up.

It is a closed back cabinet, but it does come with a half-back panel to substitute for a more open sound.

I use it mainly for HUGE rock and metal tones with a Les Paul Standard (Duncan JB and Jazz pickups). I also use it with an American Deluxe Strat (Vintage Noiseless pickups) for blues and classic rock, and even some funk and it sounds great.

It suits my all (of my) styles perfectly because it sounds huge, like a 4x12 (I also have a recto 4x12), yet it's somewhat compact.

When cranked it does not falter at all. It can handle an immense amount of input. I am using it with a Mesa/Boogie Mark IV, a Subway Rocket and have used it with a Dual Rectifier. Laying on the floor, it sounds best. I used to have it elevated to be directed at me, but this dispersed the highs too much. On the floor is where it comes alive.

It has a great tone at low volumes, but at higher levels, when the speakers break up a bit, sounds incredible.

It is a no-nonsense cabinet. It is solidly made and sounds huge. I would use it without a backup. The speakers can handle a lot.

I have dealt with Mesa exclusively for the last 12 years and they have NEVER let me down. I have had other pieces repaired by the factory and they are top-notch. The warranty is one year parts and labor.

I have been playing for 18 years and have owned a lot of gear. I see no reason to go with other than Mesa equipment. They solve all my tone problems.

I would definitely buy it again. I love the portability and the fact that you don't sacrifice that open bigness in tone vs. a 4x12. There is nothing I don't like about this cabinet.

You can't compare the quality craftsmanship of Mesa to any other company because it is no comparison. The only thing this cabinet does not have is a stereo out, for players that require one. I guess you could get two recto 1x12's for that.

Two jacks, open/closed back panel available (not on mine), solid birch ply construction, Vintage 30's, heavy! Big heavy duty handle and rubber feets. Fairly versatile sounds.

This cabinet is excellent in response and tone. It sounds great! It is a heavy, thick, solid, airtight cab for fabulous tone and bottom. Tight and fat yet defined. It has a great, thick, low end, sizzling but not harsh highs, and a woody midrange. Very nice...bassy and warm throughout the frequencies...seems almost full range to me, doesn't favor any one frequency above another...nothing harsh or unbalanced. Best cabinet I've heard or owned (except of cours the 412 Recto cab). Does not have quite the bottom of a 4x12 unfortunately...misses a little chunk. However, it does have a clarity and presence... and does not fart out...incredible! I wish I had two! The V30s are somewhat bright, but that adds to the sizzle and presence...and crunch! I like bright. I turn the prescence down to 3 on the red channel. These are very efficient and loud speakers. This cab does great, except when you are really cranking it LOUD, it thins out a bit. And I mean LOUD. I hear people talking about LOUD saying their Dual Recto on 3 is LOUD, well I'm talkin about 6-7 with Solid state rectifier and full power red channel gain almost maxed. But I think this becomes a function of the amp and the acoustics of a room as much or more than the cab though. I've recorded with it and my Dual Recto Rackmount, sounded perfect. I've tried this cab with Celestion G12T75s, they just don't do it at all. The V30s are a big part of this cab.

Clean sounds are good. Not airy like a open back (obviously), but you can get an open back option on this cab. I prefer closed back cabs for the balls, push, and chunk, even on clean tones.

I give it a 9 because it's the closest I've heard to what i want to hear in my head.

Speakers should be fine, they are efficient and so loud that I don't think you need to drive them hard. However, because there's only 2 of them, you tend to crank more than a 412 (and more power to less speakers...could be dangerous for me.)

Cab is solid and heavy. Mines an older one with the black Mark series tolex, not the fake leather. That's right guys, it's not real black leather on your Mesa cabinets...unless it's custom suede which costs a lot of money extra.

Used cabinet...

An incredible value, fits in the trunk, and in any normal band/stage situation will offer plenty of power. My band of course has 8 guys and that's a lot of noise to compete with, so i'm going to get another one (or a Marhsall 1936 for the variety and to save some bucks)!

I got this cab brand spanking new and it rocks. I use a Peavey 5150 head and this cab really gives it that beefed up punch Ive been searching for the last year or so. I basically got this cab cause I figured I went out and finally got a nice tube amp so why go cheap on the cab. And man its well worth it. It looks really sweet too.

Ok, this cab is made as good as it will ever get. The thing is thick walled and air tight. This means the sound is very contained in the cab, which means the lows stay tight and dont rattle the surrounding area or walls like a crap cab will. Where other cabs would start to 'fart' or break up, this cab just keeps on going. It really allows for a thick bottom end that stays solid and doesnt break up because of the great design of the body. To put it simply this cab is made to sustain great tone and add character to a good amp. Its the best there is, and if you can afford it there is no reason you should consider anything else. While I was waiting for this amp to get built, I was able to use a loaner cab from the store. It was a Genz Benz 212 and man what a difference with the MESA. The Genz is a great cab, better then any new Marshall, but the MESA shines way beyond the Genz. For one the body of the MESA is just superior, and the Celestion Vintage speakers make sure the bottom end is well maintained.

Umm, this thing has the thickes ends of any cab I have seen. Its built rock solid. They could use this thing to transport bombs and it would hold up if one blew up. But not to take any chances Im going to treat this thing like its made of glass, I cant afford to have to get a new one. But Im sure it will last.

Never had to deal with them. Although the building of the cab after I ordered it took forever, like over a month cause they ran out of speakers or something. But the store gave me a loaner, so you know the dealers will back them up.

Its a MESA! You know it rocks, you know its the best, so just save up and get one. Otherwise youll do what I did and get cheaper stuff and keep dreaming of MESA. So just save your time and get this one first.

The Recto 2x12 is a 2x12 cabinet based on Mesa's very successful 4x12 Recto cabs. The layout of the cabinet is horizontal, as opposed to the 2x12 cabinets Mesa used to put out under the "Boogie" nomenclature. Overall, the cabinet size is also bigger than the Boogie-style cabinets, a design which reflects Mesa's more recent emphasis towards a bigger, looser bottom end. The cabinet is designed to be used with Mesa's Trem-O-Verb and Dual Rectifier series of heads (Solo Head, Maverick, Palomino, and Blue Angel). The cab also features two Celestion Vintage 30 drivers, which I understand Mesa specifiically selects--evidently there is enough variation between Vintage 30's for Mesa to reject the ones they don't want. I believe Matchless does the same thing; Matchless also then further modifies the speakers to produce the tone that they want out of it. Basically, the aim of this cabinet, according to Mesa, was to produce the big, dark tone of the Recto 4x12 cab in a smaller, more portable size. I got the cab with the vintage gold grille, which I believe there is an upgrade for now. I also own a Recto 4x12 bottom cab with the vintage gold grille, so you might say I have a matching set. Other features about the cabinet? The cabinet is wired in mono at 8 ohms and heavy as hell--I would guess at least 50 pounds alone for this cabinet, almost as much as my early-'70s Marshall 4x12 slant cab. I have to give the cab an 8 in this category, because the criteria here is VERSATILITY. This cab was designed to deliver a huge bottom end and a big overall sound, which is great for its intended applications (rock, alternative, metal, etc.) but likely isn't versatile enough for styles such as jazz, blues, fusion, etc. So while I DIG the sound of this cabinet and what it does for ME, i wouldn't be hauling this cab to every type of gig i play. keep in mind i am going for a big high-gain rock tone, a la dann huff's tone on the second giant album.

after using this cab in rehearsal, i can honestly say that this cab has the HUGE sound of the recto 4x12, but smaller and more compact. one great advantage about using the 2x12 recto cab as opposed to the 4x12 is that i can actually open up the amp more--the fewer amount of speakers make the amp less efficient, and so i can open up the master much higher than i could have done with the 4x12. for more info about the recto 4x12 sound, check out my review. basically, this is a smaller, more compact version of the 4x12 sound: for all you recto 4x12 owners, take a look at this cabinet. you no longer have to deal with lugging around a huge cabinet in order to preserve your tone around town. give these cabinets a show--they are THE REAL DEAL.

i haven't had a chance to really test this cabinet out, but i have really put some serious volume and hours into the recto 4x12 i have. the recto 2x12 looks like a smaller version of the 4x12, and if the 4x12 is any indication, i would say this cab is just about bulletproof. even with a REALLY loud 100-watt tube head, you should have some headroom with these cabs--the vintage 30's are rated at 70 watts a piece, so theoretically you have 140 watts. but keep in mind that a 100-watt tube amp, when cranked, can generate bursts of sound which are up to 250 watts in a shot, so you CAN still blow up the cab. but i can tell you that i run my trem-o-verb head at 11:00 on the red channel's high-gain mode (bloody loud), and the cab DOES NOT fart out in any way, even with the huge amount of low end of the head. honestly, i can't even say this about my early-'70s marshall 4x12 slant cabinet, so i think that says quite a bit about the construction of this cabinet.

i've had mixed dealings with mesa, but this is what it amounts to: when you can get through and talk to someone, they are extremely helpful. when you have to leave a message, it sometimes takes DAYS for them to call you back. also, i have found that it really depends on how you deal with. john marshall at mesa has been fantastic to deal with, while other gys haven't been so cooperative or helpful. everyone is KNOWLEDGEABLE, mind you--but certain guys are more willing to send replacement tubes out without giving you grief. again, as i've said before, mesa is a small company which has been growing quite a bit as of late--they may be experiencing growing pains in the customer support department, but overall they are about as good as you can get for a company that size.

i would buy this cab again. the thing i was going for was to get a recto 4x12 cab sound in a smaller, more compact package. i didn't want to deal with lugging around a big 4x12 cabinet to every gig, but on the other hand i didn't want to sacrifice my tone, either. if that's what you're going after, check out the recto 2x12. they are very pricey--$500 new without the vintage gold grille option, slip cover, or optional open-back panel, all of which i got with the cabinet in MINT condition--but you DO get what you pay for. for all you used gear junkies, keep your eyes out for these...if you find out for the price that i did, don't hesitate and buy it! chances are, you can at least make some money if find out that you don't like the sound as much as i do.