Mesa/Boogie DC-3 Combo

This 2 channel combo has been with me since it was new around 1995 or so. I bought it originally as a practice and back up amp to my Mark 4. I actually like the gain channel better on the DC than the Mark. More focused and a tighter overall tone. The footswitchable EQ is great for punching up the lead sounds and getting a sort of "Brown Sound'. Has a speaker mute that is nice but have never really had to use it. Has a headphone out on back as well as a very quiet and functional effects loop. Wish it was footswitchable like the Mark 4 is. The footswitch controls the channel and EQ. Has reverb controls for both channels but is rather weak. That is really my only beef with it.

I have spent many hours and $$$$$$$$$$$$$ on getting this amp JJJJUUUSSSTTTT right. First was the tube quest. I endded up staying with the Low Noise Mesa preamp tubes but am using JJ's for the power section. I went with a cleaner headroom tube and installed a variable pot so when I install tubes I can check and adjust the bias. If you keep Mesa power tubes in it this is not nessacery. I also want the clean channel to be cleaner and I found that the speaker was at fault as much as the power tubes. I tried many speakers and when I put an EV classic in my Mark $ the Black Shadow 90 watt Celestion that came out of it went in. BINGO!!!!! Just what the doctor ordered. Since this amp is loud and only rated at 30 or so watts I think the little 30 watt vintage celestion it came with just wasn't enough. I'm very pleased now and it gives me anything I need. You just need to go slow on the controls like someone else said the EQ on the channels and the graphic are very sensitive. I use a PRS custom with humbuckers, Gibson Les Paul with duncan pups, a Strat with duncans and a Tele with Lindy Fralins. They all sound great in it but some guitars may need some small tweeks because of output differences. This amp is also quite quiet for the sound levels it produces!

This amp is very rugged but like any tube amp you can't just toss it around and think that it will not result it problems eventually. Tubes can be very funny if not handled properly. I did notice that the top of the amp use to get rather hot and this began to bother me. I had a very qualified teck that I have used for years to install a small fan on the left side looking from the back blowing across the power tubes and this made a huge difference in the operating temp. I think it likes me more now!!! The only time it ever failed me was one night at a small christian coffee house I play regularly I thought I'd use my 4x12 marshall cab. After about 30 minutes it shut down. I FREAKED!!!! I unhooked the cab and after several minutes I got sound out of the combo speaker. Wheeewwww. I later found after thinking it must have been an impedance problem my switch on the marshall cab went south. Got another one and no problems since. ANY MARSHALL CAB USERS BETTER CHECH THESE REGULARLY WITH A METER111111

i HAVE NEVER HAD A BETTER EXPERIENCE WITH ANOTHER COMPANY THAN MESA BOOGIE. Even my nickname for years has been Boogie Bob! They are very helpful and always willing to do whatever to help you. I don't remember how long the warranty was on my amp. I think a year or maybe more but it has been out for so long that should tell you the build em' right.

I have played for over 30 years and I cannot find any other amp maker that I would switch to.If it were stolen I'd be up the creek cause they don't make this one any more. I love the compact size and the huge sound this thing delivers. Wish the reverb was more like a Fender. Then it would be the perfect amp!

This is a 30 watt all tube (minus the rectifier) amp run with 4 el84s. It also has- 2 separate channels, each with their own gain, bass, mid, treble, presence, reverb, and volume controls, an FX loop, and switchable boost.
I use(d) the amp primarily for practice, though I used it in small venues numerous times, and it had plenty of power for anything that I did with it.
The graphic eq was pretty cool too.

I use primarily a Gibson Les Paul Std- with the stock Burstbuckers and a few effects, but I like to keep it pretty sparse.
This amp is great for clean. I loved the clean channel for warm, yet a glassy quality to open chords and slower leads. The DC-3's break up early (3 to 4 out of 10 on the gain side)- but that was not the amp's fault since you can't expect a great clean with humbuckers and a lower output, low(er) headroom amp. The plus side to that was classic bluesy breakup was fairly easy to achieve.
The gain channel was actually fairly disappointing to me, and it was the reason I ended up selling the amp. It has a buzzy/fizzy quality to the distortion, especially at low volumes. I ended up using the amp at a gain setting no higher than 4 or 5. This helped but it was never great. I think that though the distortion is thick- it lacks power and the ability to really cut through. I play anything from progressive rock/metal to blues to a bit of jazz. When all is said and done, the mids and the fizzy gain were my biggest issues with the amp.

The amp had a few glitches- but I think most of them were user errors. Never broke down.

Never talked to them. I've heard they're good but I wouldn't know.

I've been playing for 9 years, owned amps made by carvin, marshall, peavey and crate. This was probably the most durable and professional quality out of any of them.
I bought the amp because I fell in love with the sweet clean sounds, but when it comes down to it I am mostly a rock guy.
I sold it about a month ago and have been on the amp search ever since- still trying to find "that tone".

Dual Channels - clan and distorted. EQ's up the wazzu and a Graphic EQ to further shape the tone. Foot pedal to switch from rythem (clean) to distorted and to engage the graphic EQ in each setting. Rule of thumb on this amp is that the slitest moverment of any EQ knob or graphic EQ level will have big impact on the tone. It takes a lot of patience to figure out the sensativities of each EQ then to eventually get your sound. It took me a good 3 weeks to get the hang of it and i'm still learning. There are so many variations with the knobs and the graphic EQ that you can intermix that I think you can spend a whole life time experimenting.

I play Metal Metal metal.. you get the point right. I delve into a some blues solos and hard rock but, i'm mostly inspired to play thrash to metalcore. When I first got this amp i was dissapointed at the lack of distoriton but, that was just a stupid mistake i made by not knowing how to properly EQ this amp. Having a never owned a tube amp and mainly having played SS amps with digital and analog pedals, I never really gave great focus on EQ's. On digital and analog pedals turning the eq 1/4 one way or another will make a slight impact however, if you so much as blow on an EQ knock or slider on this amp you will get a completely different sound. I finally figured out the V combination on the graphic EQ which really made a difference but dont think its as simple just making a V. THe V configuration in iteslf has tons of variations which impact the treble,mid, huge bottom, and bass. I found that 2200 and 6000 slider up high dropping te 750 all hte way down and keeping the 60 and 240 slider below the middle gives a great balance of a scooping the mids while maintaining the high's and lows. The funny thing was that when I first played this amp I was thinking that this almost sounds like a metal zone or a Line 6 metal/ insane feature then It occured to me "hey stupid this is the real thing that that those companies were copying" lol

Very well made, the tubes are very exposed though so you do have to pay special care to the way you transport this amp. Definitely need a case for this amp to ensure its safety

Had some questions, called mesa and spoke with a rep who was very knowledgable and gave informative advice on how to maximize the tone.

I've been playing for 8 years, I started out late when I was 25 and am now 34. Initially got inspired to play blues and rock but, then that lead me into liking metal since in my opinion it brings about the most range for the guitar. This is by far the best amp i have ever owned. After buying the DC-3 i kinda went on a Mesa binge and also bought the Nomad but, the DC-3 is better. THe graphic EQ can cover most to any sound. I would also suggest using a tube screamer with this amp which really bring out the sharpness. I dont really hate anything about. I guess every guitarist spends their entire life searching for the ultimate tone, This is close, the only thing I wish it had more of is a little more smoothness and lush to its tone but, its a mesa which are known for the gritty bottom which no other amp matches. I can always add a pedal to the mix to enhance the tone so that doesnt bother me. THe core sound I want is in this amp. Its not a rectifier but, I can get those tones by manipulating this amp with my tube screamer and noise gate. I dont think i will ever sell this amp unless I get a great deal on a rectifier. Then again this thing is so compact and packs such a great punch that it would be hard to get rid of even if I did get my dream rig

Overal it has good features, but it really could use some other things. It is a 2 channel amp, I really wish it was 3, that would make my day. The reverb is independently on both channels, sweet. The fixed bias is wonderful. The EQ is one of the most wonderful things that Mesa has put on a few of thier amps, I dont see why they dont install it on all of their amps! If you are turned off of this amp because it is only 30 watts..... well iv got a surprise for you.... Its the loudest 30 watts you will ever hear. I have acually played in concerts where this will hold up against a 200 watt solid state half stack, and even in thoughs concerts, I never went past 5 for the output.

Ah the sound, this is where it gets very interesting. Both of the channels are great. The stuff I like is a mixture of lighter and harder stuff. The sounds I like to get are from groups like, Jars of Clay, Skillet, Alter Bridge, Dream Theater, Jeremy Camp, Rush, U2, Kutless... so ya, I really need something that can handle both ends of the spectrum well. Currently in a band called Chosen (www.myspace.com/chosenrock). The clean channel is very appealing. It can be set to have no break up or some break up. It is very nice to use in soft songs, specially when reverb is used. The distortion is great as well. It can deffinatly get into that heavy territory. It may be not as massive as a triple rec, but it is much more versitile then one. It has a nice saturated sound, has a nice ballance low end. The only problem here is that the lead channel isnt really good at not having that Mesa sound (if that makes sense). You kind of seem stuck with the heavish territory (changing the preamp tubes could probibly help here). sure you can turn down the gain, but, it still has the same characteristic. For me this really is not a big deal, but for people that want the vintage classic rock stuff, well this might be a problem. What even makes this amp sound good is the 5 band EQ, you can really tweak your sound. WHY DOES MESA NOT DO THIS ON THIER NEW AMPS !!! Another great thing about this amp is the output options. Each channel has a seperate output level, then there is another master output level, very helpful in a live setting.

It is preaty good. I had a problem with it once, something blew in it, and made it unplayable. However I think it was because of a surge, so it is not really the amps fault. And this is a 10+ year old amp, and who knows what the previous owner did with it. So I say this thing gets a 10.

Never really had to deal with them. I did make a call before about something and they were helpful, I was not on hold for long (that right there earns high marks)

Overall, this is a great amp that one can buy for 600 bucks. It is a great shame that Mesa stopped making these. The Express I think is suppose to be its replacement ( and the F series as well). Id does not have the EQ, which makes no sense, so therefor it is not a true replacment. It is very reliable, no problems on stage. The 30 watts is more than enough for me, it would be hard to use if playing in arenas or something, but I dont see that as an issue for me. Even at practice it gets loud, I usually stay at about 3 1/2, which is plenty, belive it or not. I think the only other amp that could truly replace this amp is a Mark IV (which has 3 channels). The amp can scream with high gain, but it can also dish out a very pretty clean sound (think Alter Bridge). I truely don't need another amp other than this. This is one of though things that I will keep forever becasue of the memories, quality, and sound this amp has.

I bought this amp for 500 bucks used, and it was the best deal i ever got. I mainly play classic and 90's rock, but a ton of blues mixed in. This amp has a great overdriven blues tone. Mesa's are not typically know for having a good clean channel, but this one is friggin awesome. The celestion v30 sounds great! One of the great features of this amp is the graphic eq. You can set it to be used as a volume boost, or to make it sound completely different. The spring reverb is a good thing to have and this amp has it, with an awesome set up too. It has reverb separate for both channels and it almost sounds like a fender on clean. It has an fx loop and a headphone jack...very handy! And sure, this amp is heavy, but dont be a wuss, its worth carrying to be able to hear it! This amp is 35 watts, and that may not sound like alot, but this baby is loud! I cannot stand to turn it up past 5 without ear plugs. The unique thing about its volume system though, is that it has an output level control and then two master controls for each channel. It also has the usual controls plus a great presence control for each channel. I usually put the output on 4 and the dist. on 3 and the clean on 3 1/2 for band practice and loud gigs. This amp will kick a marshalls ass any day. This amp is all tube power too! 4 EL-84's and 6 12-AX7's. This amp has it all no matter what style of music you play. I honestly have no idea why they stopped making them.

This amp is pure dirt. The distortion is incredible. It has an extremely high gain that is good enough to play metallica on. It sounds like a Mark IV, but has more growl in the distortion. I'm currently playing it through an '02 usa fender stratocaster with 3 single coils. That combo is great for blues and hard rock. However, if you want this amp to sounds its best, play it through a les paul. Holy Crap! This baby truly growls, and the eq only makes it better. I like to use it as a solo/ volume boost channel. The amp hardly buzzes at all, even through my single-coiled strat. This thing has great rhythm and an incredible soloing sound. The clean channel is great for any style of music, even at high volumes. True tube tone! And if you're a solid-state junkee, wake up, cause they suck!

This amp is like a rock, you can practically drop it off the roof and still play it. I've never had a problem with it and probably never will. Some people like to think that mesa amps burn out tubes too quickly..BULL!!!! They're just fine when it comes to the tubes. One of the most reliable tube amps out there.

No problems, never had to deal with the company!

This is the best amp I have ever played through besides a triple rectifier. I will never get rid of it, and will gaurd it with my life. I love everything about it except its weight, but its well worth it. If you want a great sounding amp, its going to be heavy! All tube amps are. The only thing I wish it had was more reverb cause i like a load of it, but there is still plenty. I garuntee this is the best deal you will ever see unless someone gives you a recto for free!

Covered.

Amp's used, older but mint. Doesn't look like it ever left the 'basement'. ;- )

Super versatile amp for the money and portability!

1st channel reminds me of a nice Fender Twin and can get the light-clip tone for great rhythm base or new country clean. Can get a really warm sizzle with a nice crisp edge for that neck clean jazz tone...killer!! Also gains up nicely for a smooth blues tone!

2nd channel is nu-metal/90's-00's rock (typical Mesa + PRS tone). But, gain can be rolled back for a nice crunch rhythm. Also, with the use of the 5-band EQ, the amp can really soar into the fusion gain-meets-clarity/articulation tones.

Nice, usable Accutronics reverb and V30 speaker - great!

Overall, very versatile amp - quite surprised!!

Will say the stock Mesa tubes are typical generic tube tone - buzzy, cold w/o character. Throw in a set of JJ's (eurotube.com has a couple complete DC-3 retube kits available at great prices for a quick solution) and the amp really came to life!

It's a tank! Very solid. No worries at all.

Called Mesa to find out the age of the amp based on the serial #. Received a return call less than an hour later with helpful info and a brief but pleasant chat with the gent (Michael Taylor). Nicely done folks! One of the best mfg interactions I've had in a long, long time and MUCH appreciated!

Playing for 28 years. Fulltime pro musician.

Own Dr. Z, Vox, Fender, Mesa amps; G&L, Fender, Gibson, Danelectro, Seagull, Yamaha, Ibanez, Blade guitars; Keeley, Fulltone, Boss, Ernie Ball, Line6, ProCo, Seymour Duncan, Digitech, Ibanez effects. Like great tone, great mfg'ing, great quality, reliability and versatility. Had a Triaxis/2:90 rack rig once-upon-a-time but wasn't crazy about it. After hearing several folks get great tone out of their MK series and Blue Angel amps I decided to reinvestigate Mesa amps for their non-rectifier models. Glad I did...but it's still nice to have that rectifier channel there when studio or sub-date gigs call for it.

Great amp!

You could almost call this a four channel amp, since - it has a footswitchable clean/OD, plus a graphic EQ for both channels. The Graphic can morph this bad boy into a brand new beast.

It has two sets of knobs for the clean and the overdrive, which is a HUGE improvement over the caliber/studio series (they had paired controls for both channels, so you either had to compensate crystal clear cleans for mildly dirty, or compensate heavier gain to keep it clean on the rhythm channel). However this is NOT a Caliber or a Studio upgrade, it's a totally different amp. It's closer to a Mark than a Recto, but it has plenty of sweet spots.

Master volume, four EL84s, and six (count 'em) 12ax7s tucked firmly wayyyy back in the amp. Is it versatile? Depends on what you're looking for. I think it's quite versatile.

The clean (rhythm) channel has a very clear sound to it. I would rate it pretty close to a Twin or a Bandmaster but a few shades darker. Mesa is known for that dirty, dark tone, and I LOOOOVE it! It definately favors single coils. If you have a Strat or a Tele, this thing will eat it alive. That's not to say that if you have an SG or a Les Paul it will be a stinker. They both sound exceptionally good, but there's more feel, more bite, and more blues with a single coil guitar. I have a 70s Strat and on the neck pickup, it's the most beautiful blues clean you have ever heard. Mmmm!

The overdrive is pretty moody. It's really dark, really dirty, and VERY midrangey. It growls more than it bites or sizzles. This amp WILL NOT achieve Marshall-esque sounds. It will achieve Boogie sounds, because that's what it does best.

This amp will not sound like a Recto either. It simply does not have enough gain or high end bite for that. As stated earlier, it's much closer to an early Mark-series amp than a rectifier or a stiletto.


So what about the graphic EQ? What does this have to offer?


For one, you can use it as

a) an extra channel for a different flavor of overdrive or clean

or

b) a solo boost (or cut, depending on how you set it).


I personally opt for choice "a", because I typically don't need a boost when it's solo time (this amp screams loud enough as it is). It really does add a different flavor to your distorted tone, so it's kinda like having an extra channel built in. Will this graphic EQ scoop your sound so you can do metal? Nope. It might permiss you to get in the ballpark, but unfortunately it doesn't have nearly enough gain for 7-string chug-a-lug.


On the other hand, Weezer tones are very easy to achieve with this amp. With the right guitar (I use a 70s Stratocaster - my '57 doesn't exactly cop it as well), I can NAIL Weezer's blue album tone. Abra Cadabra. Easy peezee. Considering Rivers used a Mark I on the blue album, and this amp closely models it, I would say that makes sense.

Both channels are great. I give an A+ to both of them.





HOWEVER!!!!


Turn this amp past 2, and your ears will bleed. Not only is it loud, but the MIDS DO NOT DIE. And these are not gentle, warm, soothing mids. These are ear-piercing-make-you-squirm-in-agony mids. I felt raped when a tone that I spent a half hour developing just totally disappeared once I decided to crank it a little. I spent literally three hours (in two different segments) trying to get a LISTENABLE (not even desired...but just a listenable tone that didn't icepick your ears to death) clean and distorted sound. I felt cheated.

I thought, tube amps are generally supposed to sound good cranked, right...? So WHY am I getting anally raped of my tone by having it masked in honky mids that make me involuntarily $%^& my pants?! It was that bad. I know this is a love/hate positive/negative thing, but this amp is not the same cranked as it is when it is quiet. It feels like the speaker is not engaged, and the preamp is the sole contributer at low volumes, then when you brush the volume knob, it kicks in and about blows your head off.

So this amp gets a solid 10 when the volume is at 2 or below; it gets about a 4 when the amp is turned up. I'll average it at about a 7.

VERY solid. May I say it again? VERY VERY solid. Drop it out a two story window. I don't care. I'm positive my Boogie will still be up and running (after you replace the tubes of course) after the drop.

At least double the durability of Marshall amps, and pretty much more reliable than any amp built these days. Solid.

This amp is excellent if you're into that dark Boogie sound but don't always need to crank it. Like I said, it sounds like a monster at low volumes, but it sounds like a failed lab expirament on anything past 3.

So if you're looking for a gigging amp, this is probably not the best amp for the situation. It's SUPER LOUD however... 35 watts? You have got to be kidding me. Multiply that by ten! Class A watts are typically much louder than Class A/B anyhow, but wow DC-3...with the volume at 4, I shook $%^& from my walls and had dogs barking outside! No joke!

Whether this is the amp for you or not, is completely your decision. I like this amp for what it is, but I'm afraid if I start gigging out again I'm going to have to keep looking for an amp that will remain true to its settings even at loud volumes. As they say, the quest for tone is a neverending one - but still I search!

Kudos.

Somewhat diverse. I have grown to really like this channel. Its pretty dirty for a clean channel, but i like grit even in my cleans. EQ knobs dont really have a wide range here, you can assign the graphic EQ too but that doesnt really change the sound that much more. Reverb is quite nice. not as deep as a fender but still nice. For the real dirty stuff, the lead channel is pretty good. You can effectively get 3 channels out of this amp by having the clean, dirty/knob eq channel, then dirty/graphic eq channel.

Ive had this amp for about 6 years now so this is a follow up review i think. I use a HB equiped godin telecaster and les paul. Contrary to what a lot of people think, I say that this amp can really show off the differences in guitars, its just some work to get that going on. I can hear the coilspliting switch on my Godin TC very well on this amp, on other amps, that option on my guitar is a waste. This is not a metal amp. It has TONS of gain but things really get mushy above 8 on the gain knob. I leave my max gain at 7. When you do this, the notes and guitars have a pretty damn good character clarity. The channel is very dirty for a 'clean' but its still a very nice, warm clean channel. Reverb is good and deep on this channel. Reverb on the high gain channel really colors the sound a lot. Gain at 7 and reverb at 0 and this amp smokes. The amp is overall very midrangey...that can be a plus or minus for you, use the knob channel at treble 10, mids 0 and Bass 10 and its still very midrangey. Personally I like midrange so is something thats not an issue. The graphic EQ channel can really cut those mids out though. You can get a really scooped sound with gain at 10 but i still think it lacks some clarity...again this aint really good for metal, its got more than enough gain for that, its just that it doesnt sound like scooped recto...I play hard rock mostly (stooges, turbonegro, QOTSA) and its a pretty damn good amp at that.

This amp is a LOUD 30 watts. I had a 100w JCM900 before this and it is just as loud, but not as thumpy as the marshall.

im still on the first set of tubes with it (6 years later!!...though they could definitely be replaced), i used to play in bands way back with it, even the tolex on it is tough. think is built like a tank so they say.

no opinion here...never dealt with them.

Very good amp with little to complain about If you like your gain upto hard rock type Gain. I give it a very critical 8

2 channels (rythym and lead) reverb and 5 band eq, tubes, effects loop etc...

I use a strat , a gibson, depending what sound I want. The amp gets a little noisy at louder volumes. I play mostly rock and blues and some heavy metal. The clean channel is the best on this amp. It does tend to distort at higher volumes but what amp doesnt. The lead channel, well just isnt very satisfying to me. Without the eq it sounds so boxy and too midrangey. Even with the eq its hard to dial in a good lead sound. There is a lot of distortion but not really enough for heavy metal. My Crate g130cxl 2x12 combo has a beter lead channel.
It has more base, more treble and more saturation. Its sad to say a solid state amp sound s better, but it does. The dc-3 is too midrangey. Cant get any good squealing highs like a Marshall and it has no low end. It is plenty loud enough and cuts thru well in a band situation, but the tone just is'nt there for me even with the eq set in the "v" pattern and the mid at 0 and treble at 10. Oh yes every guitar sound about the same thru this amp.

its reliable

n/a

I bought this amp from guitar center used for $500 and tried it for
3 & 1/2 weeks and could'nt talk myself into keeping it. I took it back. My old Crate 130 watt solid state amp sounds better and not just to me, to several people who heard it. Compared them side by side. I dont know why so many people rave about mesa's. I played a Mark 3 and it sounded great but so damn heavy. Mesa are very loud amps though. The mark series are the best mesa's. To me the dc's and the .50 cal's just dont have the tone.

I've owned this amp about a month now, so I believe I can give it an objective review after using it on MANY gigs.

It has a TON of features. 2 channels with parallel controls for each channel, reverb for each channel, assignable graphic EQ and VOLUME!!!! Lots of volume!! Plus- the tone controls really work. I mean-what else could you ask for?

The only problem is(was)- the chassis gets REALLY hot. Class A amps get really hot. i mean REALLY hot. I fixed that problem with a $5 desk fan from Wal-Mart. I set it behind the amp and blow on the chassis. Now it stays nice and cool. No problems now.

This amp sounds great.

When I first got it, after I would play it a few hours it would start making some weird, LOUD static noises (like the tubes were shorting out). It did this at the gig- and that aint cool. Then I realized it was getting really hot- so I bought the fan to blow behind it and that cured the problem. No more static noises. In fact, no noises at all. This amp is really quiet- especially for all the tubes it has in it.

One of my favorite set-ups is to run a Dan-Electro Daddy-O and a Dan-Echo in front of the clean channel, but the O/D channel is great too. I'm just too lazy to run the extra cords to the FX loop from the Dan-Echo~

It's by far the most versatile amp I've ever owned (I have two other Boogies and a couple Fenders and Marshalls). I can get a cool scooped-out Marshall sound on the clean channel and a great clean sound or a great, versatile Boogie O/D sound. LOTS OF TONES!

Four sounds I've learned to get right off the bat are:
1) Clean, fat, fender-ish tone (low gain on the clean channel).

2) Fat, overdriven, clean/crunch sound (high-gain on the clean channel, and adjust the tone controls). What a great tone this is. No other amp I've ever owned has nailed this tone so well.

3) Wide-open Marshall sound (with the scooped mids via the graphic EQ, and punch up the treble and bass) I actually like this sound BETTER than my Marshall stack!

4) Fat, overdriven Boogie lead sound (and I dont mean that weird, boxy O/D like a MK-4, but more like my MK-1)

I give them a 10.

I thought I was going to have problems after I first bought the amp. Class A amps get HOT! Thats the only negative. Like I said- I fixed the crackling noises with the small fan blowing behind the amp. No problems at all.

Good quality switches and pots and vinyl covering. Plus- Boogie was thoughtful enough to include a little bag made in the back of the amp to carry extra tubes/fuses. Thanks, Boogie. If I had to gripe about something it would be the cheap-ass PLASTIC power cord they put on it. Why did they do that? My MK-1 has a nice RUBBER power cord. That's the only hint of cheapness on this very nice, solid-built amp.

I love it.
I give them a 10.

Their C/S is the best. You can't get anyone on the line from Marshall or Fender. Forget about it. Mesa/Boogie has always been helpful any time I have called them. I give them a 10.

This amp is definitely a 10.


I feel that you can get a variety of great different tones (if you tweak the controls-it's in there!) the tone controls really work too!

The build-quality is great. Workmanship is great. Quality of materials is very good, and the tones are really great.

It could definitely be the one amp that you would choose if you could only have one amp. Like I said before I have two other Boogies(a MK1-reissie and an '85 S.O.B.) and I can cover those tones with the DC-3.