Mesa/Boogie Nomad 55 112

I bought this amp in december 2004.
This amp is great - the best amp I ever try. You can play all kind of music and you'll always be amazed by pure tube tone - full tone. I play Blues, Hard rock, Progresive rock, and Heavy metal.
I use all features (3 ch, rec out...) for live shows and studio. (6L6 tubes for live performance, EL34 in studio)
This amp loves good guitars. If you have $100 guitar, you'll get $100 sound. I play Ibanez John Petrucci plugged in Nomad 55. Effects: Alesis Midiverb4 and DBX 266XL.

This amp loves good guitars. If you have $100 guitar, you'll get $100 sound. I play Ibanez John Petrucci plugged in Nomad 55. Effects: Alesis Midiverb4 and DBX 266XL.

Clean channel is like all Mesa Boogie clean channels - The best! (I tested it with Fender Strat, Ibanez John Petrucci, some great old USA made Hamer models - sounds great!

Works great, but it's still new. I had problem with reverb, but changing two reverb cables solve the problem.

dont know, No customer support for Croatia (where is that?)

8 years of active playing - lots of amps, preamps, racks, pedal boxes...
Now, like I said: Ibanez John Petrucci plugged in Nomad 55. Effects: Alesis Midiverb4 and DBX 266XL. Hooked up with Planet Wave cables - and you are ready to ROCK

has a lot of features i'll give it that...maybe too many...see other reviews for the details

sounds ok. but ....it is not worth the $$$. it is too brittle and honky-read midrange...yeah i know ya have to work at it to get your sound out of it. why? why would i have to work at it? these are expensive amps. shouldnt they sound good with a standard setting,without all this tweaking,and then just get better as you tweak it.?i honestly wanted to give this amp a chance but it took to long for boogie to repair it...after it died...see reliability.

this is the good part... worked for a bout a two weeks it started acting up. the treble controls on all three channels died and would only work past half way after that they would suck all the tone out so it sounded like a moving blanket was just thrown over it......i took it in to my AUTHORISED RIPOFF CENTER ...READ: BOOGIE DEALER and they said they would fix it...fast forward to SIX weeks later...still no fixed amp...they are waiting on parts and are gonna replace all of the pots on the amp.they said boogie told them to just go ahead and do this...uh-huh....why? that was today.... they told me maybe by the end of the year it would be repaired i said like hell give me my money back &never buy another boogie again....

never bothered i took it straight to the dealer and got jerked around by them instead...

dont buy this amp. it has serious design flaws. boogie wont admit it. but they actually have now. cause they discontinued production. i can honestly say... this amp doesnt even come close to my Marshall DSL in sound,reliability,looks .you name it. it is over priced for the sound it delivers.i have heard the nomad 100 212 and it sounds alot better, but get this,and i am being totally honest here... my friend owns one and its been in for repair 3 times!!! once for the reverb , another for the channel switching and now the clean channel is making alot od strange noises. boogie needs to throw in the towel with these amps they are junk. they can sound decent when they work and have great features. but there is something wrong in the design. you watch they will stop production of the 100 and the 45 next within a year.if your gonna buy a boogie look for an older one maybe a mark2c or a mark 4. i have heard these amps and they can sound great. but i think the new boogies arent what they should be. my marshall sems a litle cheap when com[plared to build quality of the boogie. ok i'll admit it. but they sound killer and they are alot cheaper at least here they are. so good luck if you get a nomad.you'll need it

I bought this amp three years ago and I could not be happier. SO much versatility! You know the specs form reading other reviews so I'll save a half hour of your reading time, because they are so numerous. I use every knob, switch, and input/output on this amp to record, play live, dial in any sound imaginable.

I play with a Schecter C-1+ w/ PRS McCarty pickups, an Ibanez EX series, and a homemade strat-type guitar w/ 3 Texas specials and each not onyly sound great, but sound unique. This Amp lets the tone come through in a blaze of glory. I play everything: jazz, bluegrass, folk, jam, rock, metal, shred, funk, fusion...the list goes on and on, and this amp takes me to all of those palces. My favorite aspect of this amp is thta not only cna I dial in the tone of any guitarist that I listen to and wish to mimic...but I can dial in MY TONE, which is why I bought this amp in the first place. There are many knobs and toggles to twist and flip in order to get to wher eyou want, but the journey is worth it. The tone controls are also very sensitive , which to me, is a good thing. Some have complained of this, but I see it as more oportunity to experiment. You can dial in the cleanest sound ever heard by man, and then boost the treble and all of the sudden you have warm fuzz...a little more and you have more grind. Definitely read the manual, even before you go and try it out at your music shop.

This is definitely a dependable amp...at least mine is...I've read some horror stories about changing tubes every-other-week, but mine have there stock MesaBoogie tubes (now 3yrs old) and they sound great. I take great care of all of my equipment and have never had any trouble thus far. I gig with it all of the time without a backup...sometime I know this will bite me in the ass, but it won't be because my Mesa is junk...every once in a while things need replacing i.e. tubes, switches, etc... No problems after 3 yrs of regular use...I can't complain at all.

I have not dealt with these fine people...My warranty was a 6 yr one, and I don't expect to have to use it.

I've been playing for 8 yrs now, and do not claim to be an expert in the art of guitar; however, I can say that through much use this amp has been kind to me. The sounds that I can dial in (it does become easier after getting used the sensitivity) and the reliability alone would make me buy this amp again if it were lost or stolen. I compared this amp side by side using my #1 guitar (something I recommend everyone do) with Marshall tube and solid state amps, fender tube amps, and a vox AC30 and found this amp to be what I was wanting...not to say anything bad about the other brands, they just did not suit my tonal tastes.

Don't know year, and paid $900 US. A real tube amp. 3 "real" channels with switching pedal. FX loop, outs, speaker out patch bay with ohm matching. Direct out, with speaker mute feature to record. Used on stage and studio.

Les Paul, 335, Tele, Strat and Ibanez "F" hole jazz guitar. This was the amp I waited for all my life. I've only used Fender's and Music Man amps in my life. I've tried many amps over the years, but like most "old school" pickers, I'm a Fender Deluxe guy. I've read otehr reviews and everyone is bitching about the noise when this amp is over driven, and that's like a Strat, "the noise is part of the sound on stage." I didn't want brutal distrotion, as I'm a Blues, R&B, Soul, Funk, Oldie and Jazz guitar player. I did need more than my Fender Deluxe could offer. Fender is the "blues" amp dating back to "T" Bone Walker. Many new era players like Santana and Chris Cain are using Boogie amps. Now I know why. They sing sweet, but are very clean too. They offer many settings of tone and overdrive.

Boogie seems to be way better than Fender, Gibson or Ibanez. They are responsive to players like Paul Reed Smith. Hopefully I'll never have to find out, but most pickers say the try their best.

See above.

Like I said, I need a Fender sound, but with real channels. Fender DeVilles and Deluxes only have two channels with a "more drive" on channel 2. This amp has actual 3 seperate channels, 3 tone settings, 3 reverb settings, and solo "more drive" on each channel. On stage, I need this. Clean for Jazz and Standards. A little bite for Blues and Funk, and some crunch for Boogie tunes - All without fiddling with the knobs all the time. What do they say on TV, "Set It & Forget It.

This is 2002 Mesa Boogie Nomad, 55 Watts, with Custom 90 Celestion Speakers. Three channels (green, orange, red), with 3 separate reverb control, channel master volume, and presence control. It has one toggle switch per channel for 2 different sounds per channel (total 6). It does not have a built in equalizer. For finer tuning, a built in equalizer would definitely be a plus.

There is a separate Master Output, solo boost & effects loop, headphone & recording output, plus a channel switching pedal. I never used the solo boost or effects loop. I prefer preamp & power amp distortion, and will use the effects loop on the mixer board. A slave out is provided to connect to separate power amplifier. I never use a separate power amp.

The downside to all the features is that it will take at least 6 months before you will feel comfortable with it. I have had this amp for more than a year, and I am still finding new tones. I feel like a nomad, traversing the complexity & myriad of guitar tones! If you like plug and play, AVOID THIS AMPLIFIER!!!

Guitar: Schecter C1 with George Lynch Screamin Demon in Bridge & Pearly Gates in the Neck

Style: I play rock, heavy metal, blues; some jazz & alternative. It can perform all styles very well. It will excel in the styles of classic & 80's rock, alternative, blues; as well as country & jazz. It does a a fair job with nu-metal. However, if you like rectifier/Diezel/Bognar/Soldano distortion, this is not your amplifier. The Nomad's distortion is smooth, reminescent of 80's rock & metal; great for blues! It's also mid heavy & bright. If you like to scoop your guitar sound, STAY AWAY FROM THIS AMP! IF you want to chance it, try a distortion or eq pedal, or go for the Nomad 100 (which has an EQ). Mesa Boogie amps lean towards the midrange. I prefer a mid-range tone, ala Santana, Zakk Wylde, SRV, Slash, etc. This amp has tons of mid range complexity!!!

Green channel (8/10): Normal is very clean with much mid range. Can distort at higher levels. If you need headroom, consider a Nomad 100. Custom 90's (speaker) are wonderfully balance, reproducing lows well, and providing much needed shimmer. It is Mark I'ish, and not quite Fender Delux Reverb, Lone Star, F-50. Great for jazz & country due to its warm tone. Push mode is great for blues. When the gain is dialed up (3 O clock), you can get Fender Delux like distorted sounds.

Orange (9.5/10): The vintage mode is the bread and butter of this amp. It is FAT!!! Classic mesa boogie. At lower gain settings, it sounds like a Mark I distorted. Incredible classic rock sounds (iron butterfly anyone?) At higher gain settings, tends to sound like a Mark III, with much less distortion. There are tons of lows. When connected to a 2 x 12 (TQ) Mesa, it provides a heavy, crunchy sound. Great for Metal & Alternative. The modern mode is less useable. The master volume is much louder than any other channel, making it impossible to switch to this channel without bursting an ear drum. There are too much blistering highs. If you set the eq just right & crank the distortion, this will easily sound like a Dual Rectifier with tube rectification & in vintage mode!

Red (9/10): The theme is how tight & fast can you play. At lower Gain settings, the modern mode is reminescent of Marshall Plexi. Great for classic rock (thin lizzy, early van halen, etc) & blues (buddy guy, srv). It cleans up very nice as well. Great alternative to channel ones clean. At higher gain settings (pass 1 o clock), the sound transforms into Mark IV rhythm channel. It doesn't have quite the same distortion as the lead channel, but you can definitely shred (think dream theatre, Metallica)! It provides tons of chunk when connected to a 2 x 12. The bass is set higher so shredding is much easier. The downside of this channel is that it can be too bright. Finally, the vintage mode. One of the best blues sounds at low gain. Sounds much different than the red modern or green mode. Very dynamic & touch sensitive! blues players will love this channel at low gain settings. Higher gain settings sound identical to the modern mode, but it is much warmer. Great lead tone, actually better

Overall, I would rate it a 9. There is an enormous amount of midrange complexity. If you take the time, you can dial in just about any tone you like. I have tried a vintage 30 speaker, it sounded horrible. It loss the tight low end & shimmering highs. The vintage 30 compressed the sound, and brought out even more midrange. I would avoid this speaker, unless you like that tone. If connected to a Mesa Boogie 2 x 12 close back (or 4 x 12), it turns into another animal (since Mesa boogie cabinents tend to sound darker than other cabinents). It isn't as bright or midrange heavy. There are loads of low end. Great for metal/alternative riffs.

Very dependeable! I have change the power tubes once without a problem. I don't have a problem with the fixed bias. This makes changing tubes easier. If you like your tubes to burn out quickly or want a "warmer tone," (p.s. there are so many other ways to get a warmer tone....mahogony body/neck, alnico guitar pickups, different speakers, heavier strings & picks, different types of tubes, etc) you can have the bias adjusted by a guitar tech. I prefer longer lasting tubes. This amp is heavy, & has solid construction. I expect it to last several years/decades. If you gig, always have extra tubes & fuses on hand. As always, great care and attention to subtle problems early will cause your instrument (amp) to last forever.

Tim Mckee & Kevin Robertson are outstanding, knowledgeable support technicians. They always called me on same day, and willing to help. I haven't had a problem with the amp, and did not need service. I don't think I will have a problem. They are prompt, helpful, and very courteous!

If you are a patient individual, in search of that elusive tone & prefer a smooth, mid-range heavy distorted amp; with tons of features, and outstanding service & reliability, consider a Nomad. If you are a perfectionist and want one great tone, consider a lonestar, matchless, komet. If you want over the top distortion, no midrange, overzealous low end & piercing highs, buy a Rectifier. The Nomad is not for everyone, reserved for those who use distortion to serve and not dictate (from Randall Smith).

This is a new (2003) model. Amazingly I got this for 599.00 from GC since it's being phased out. Play mostly Blues (SRV) and old ZEP. This amp had 3 seperate channels AND a SOLO. I thought my CyberTwin was versatile but this thing is amazing. Imagine and amp that has 3 absolutely seperate channels WITH Reverb control for each. What you should know is there is 6 controls for each channel on the front. They are Gain, Volume, Presence, Bass, Mid, Treble. HOW SIMPLE IS THAT? There are 3 clusters of these 6 controls across the board and it's amazingly simple and fast to understand. At first I was a little intimidated but read the book (excellent by the way) and had it down in around 20 minutes. Each Channel has it's own mini-toggle for overdriving the tube just a bit. Head phones and parallel loop effects grace the back in a simple and straightforward manner.

Well, anyone like me who loves different guitar sounds and versatility would understand why I bought a CyberTwin by Fender. But there is NO MISTAKING TRUE TUBE WARMTH. I love the Fender Clean with Reverb and in this setting the Fender shines. I honestly didn't think I could find anything in a true CLASS A amp with versatility until Mesa Boogies Nomad 55.

I play a G&L Commanche (2002) with a gun oil neck and will save up to buy a hand-built guitar or amp. This is a triple single coil that is offset to give it a Z type look on the pickup. The idea was to have them quieter yet slightly hotter by offsetting the pickups just a bit. Well guess what - it works!

Well, if you love that glassy clean reverb tone that only a strat can usually produce, then this is your amp. Why? I mean you could buy a Fender Amp.? Well, that's where the distinction comes in. This amp uses 6L6's tubes which gives that ultra clean and that frankly a EL34 or EL84 can not. Don't get me wrong, the EL's are a great sound too - (more Marshall sounding) What's really cool though is how you can flip to "vintage" and push even the clean tone just a bit to really make it sound like the older blackface twins.

Now, if you like ZEP, Gilmore, etc. you need a Marshall sound too right? well, by having only 55 Watts it breaks the 50w barrier when most amps start using 6L6's. This is a big Power tube and to get that truly thick awesome rock sustain and sound you would normally have to have a Big Wattage Amp pushing the sound so loud it's impractical. This thing just breaks up a little earlier without ear splitting levels and the sound nothing less than remarkable.

Click the Solo footswitch and you have that classic Santana mellow "sustain for days" that made Mesa famous.

True spring reverb with seperate controls for EACH channel is unheard of to me. This alone makes the amp better sounding when switching from cleaner rhythm to a heavily distorted chord progression to a lead.

I hate a noisy amp especially since today's technology can give us much better tolerances and tighter specs. There is nothing smart about having a noisy amp. If you've ever read Aspen Pittmans Tube Amp Book you'll know this is NOT a sign of quality, it's more a sign of poor connections and components.

Well, this thing is amazingly quiet considering the number of tubes in it. Keep in mind this is the "oldest" part of the amp. Tube technology has stayed basically the same for 50 years. The difference is that they are "seated" better and can be matched almost exactly. The only "noise" you might hear is if you crank up the gain all the way WITH the volume, you'll hear a slight hum. But why would you do that anyhow?

If you can't get enough variety between Channel 1 Clean, Channel 2 Marshall / Mesa and Channel 3 Super brutal, then you need multiple amps and the headaches that go with that.

I know everyone raves about what they bought, but I really feel so good about this "GEM" of a find I thought it would help others to at least check this out. MAKE SURE YOU SIMPLY SET THE CONTROLS AT THE STORE TO THE SUGGESTED SETTINGS IN THE BOOK FOR THE SAMPLES OF EACH CHANNEL. YOU COULD LEAVE THE AMP AT THOSE SETTINGS AND BE HAPPY I'M SURE.

I don't gig now but can't imagine this not being miked up perfectly. It's ruggedly built and heavy for a 1 x 12. Much like my Trace Elliot wide cabinet and the workmanship looked flawless.

Mesa actually calls you back PROMPTLY for even the simple questions. NEED I SAY MORE?

I've been playing for 35 years. Have owned everything from big Marshall rigs to digital rack Groove Tubes boutique end gear. But this one, and I mean it would be replaced in a minute.

You know I originally wanted to get one of the Mark IV's since it's essentially the same layout but with more power. But after owning this I can't imagine how more power could make this tone and dynamics any better.

I really hope this rather lengthy review will help someone. I know I read up on these amps plenty before I started driving around in the cold up here in Chicago to find this one. The many contributions are really a treasure and helped me tremendously - I hope this helped someone out.

I won?t go into too much detail, as you probably either already know the features or can read them below. 3 channels, 2 modes per channel, 1x12 Black Shadow speaker, 4:12AX7s and 2:6L6 good for about 55 watts. Independent reverbs, loop, silent switch, and separate solo boost level knob. More features than I typically want, but all are useable without too much headache.

Channel 1 normal: Lots of headroom available. Despite reports below that this channel/mode is excellent, I think it could be much better. It?s not bad; but feels a bit flat and one dimensional to me. It lacks some of the bounce, depth, and sweetness of a truly great clean channel. It?s a bit stiff and lacks any real booty. To its credit, it does sound good in a band context.

Channel 1 pushed: This reminds me of the clean on an old Sunn ? loud, brash, beligerent mids, and breaks up and barks with authority. The tone is thick and firm and the gain can dial in some good barely-overdriven and classic rock sounds. Sounds like a sweaty, obese vintage amp cranked up. I like this mode a lot, but unfortunately don?t have much opportunity to use it in my current band.

Channel 2 normal: This is my favorite mode of the Nomad. The booty is thick, the midrange is syrupy and the highs are sweet and creamy. I use this as for my leads and it is just the ticket. The enormous girth is perfect for single-note comping and harmonizing. The big fat mids cut through without being overbearing and there is a perfect amount of slight looseness on the bottom. This mode itself is worth the price of the Nomad. Vintage Boogie.

Channel 2 modern: This is similar in voicing to the channel 2 normal mode, but with more firmness and control. The booty is firmed, the highs are extended, the presence is increased and it feels a bit stiffer and more defined. Good for edgier solos and more defined chords without sounding too modern. It bridges the gap between channels 2 and 3.

Channel 3 normal: This mode has a much tighter bass, more present highs, and a solid tight midrange. The tone has more bite and edge, but is still pleasing and doesn?t get harsh or raspy unless you use extreme tone control settings. Don?t expect a Recto here ? although there is plenty of gain and moderate aggression, it isn?t as raw as a Recto. It is a bit more refined and has more of a ?modernized-vintage-amp? thing going on. I use this as my rhythm channel. It is great for big chording and sounds killer in a band context.

Channel 3 vintage: Very similar to normal mode, except it loosens up the overall character and gets a bit fatter and less focused. There are some very good tones in this mode, especially if you want a less modern take but more tightness than channel 2 normal. It is easier to push around than the obese tones of channel 2. This channel also sits perfectly in a band context.

The reverbs are pretty nice, as is the solo boost feature.

Although this is a new amp, the reverb switching from the footswitch only works about 40% of the time. This switch is IC-driven and not relay driven, so I?m assuming it is either the footswitch cord or one of the pin receptacles on the amp or switch. Not a big deal to me since the reverb levels are independent for each channel, and probably very easy to fix, but a little frustrating. Although it is too early to give a rating, the amp is very well constructed and all components from the cabinet to the innards appear to be of excellent quality. By nature, more complex amps are prone to more problems, but Mesas have a good track record.

Excellent support, especially considering their size and how busy they are. If you call them, they will call you back, usually the same day, and will make sure you are completely taken care of before they end the call. Can?t ask for more than that. They even manage to remain friendly despite the fact that they certainly have to take calls from young Recto-toting punks with more money than brains.

A good sounding, well-constructed, versatile and gig-worthy amp that I got for $599 new. You can?t beat that. The overall tones are great (although the clean leaves me wanting) and it fits the bill perfectly for modern rock with a vintage nod. I would buy it again if I could get it for the same killer price.

Amp made in 2003
The amp is very versitile and this is a second review that I believe will be very helpful.

I play PRS exclusively the amp sounds very different with each one as they have different pick configurations. The amp is very quiet and has an infinate number of sounds. I have owned it for several months and I am still dialing in preferences.

Up to this point no problems.

I talked to Boogie when ordering an extension speaker and they were very friendly and helpful. I also talked to them about tubes and again very helpful and persistent in paging and leaving messages for me.

My opinion of this amp has increased greatly based upon the fact I added a 12" speaker in an extension cabinet. The additional speaker at least tripled the quality of the sound. If you are planing on purchasing a Nomad plan on buy an external cabinet.

Another problem I had was I was straight lining my effects thru the guitar input. The sound became muddy and I was searching for a cleaner sounding tube set. Well..I finally used the effects loop and the entire situation changed and the amp sounds fabulous.

I would absolutely replace with a Boogie product probably a Nomad because I have figured out how to achieve my sound. I have played many amps including a boat load of old black face Fenders. This amp has all the tone you need and a very expansive distortion even at low volume settings.

Purchased new in 2003. If you're reading this then you've probably seen all of the specs. If not visit the Mesa/Boogie web site. I will say that I wish it had a switchable effects loop (to switch out my processor/effects completely). Also note that some previous reviewers strongly disliked the black knobs because the settings were hard to determine. Mine came with decals you can put on the knobs to help indicate relative positions.

You really need to play this amp with YOUR setup and spend some time with it. It sounds completely different with my American std strat. with EMG DG pickups vs. my ES-335 Gibson. Furthermore, each pickup setting sounds drastically different. When you couple these variables with all of the permutations for gain and tone the Nomad affords you, then sounds and tones seem infinite. This things oozes tone, but you will need to spend a considerable amount of time familiarizing yourself with the adjustments and their affect. As others have said, the clean is not "Fender", but I own a good Fender and this clean is nice in its own way. The dirty channel does not quite get Rectifier nasty, but it does more than I need for classic rock and blues. If you want a Fender, get a Fender. If you need Rectifier distortion, get a Rectoverb (etc.). If you love Boogies, spend some time demo'ing this one.

Fairly new owner so can't say.

I bought directly from Mesa/Boogie at their Hollywood, CA store. They retail and do repair there. Staff seemed freindly and very competent.

I'm a hobbiest that owns a lot more and better gear than I need. Been noodling around for over 30 years. Own American Std. Strat. with EMG active pickups (ala Gilmore), an ES-335 Dot Reissue Gibson, Rickenbacker 360-CW 12 string and an Ovation Elite. I've loved the sound of Boogies since the MK-1 in the very early 70's. I love the boogie sounds and this one has a lot. I chose this particular amp due to its versatility. I'd replace it if stolen. Only wish is that it had a switchable effects loop.

Just purchased this amp believe its a 2003. The features appear to be very good. I had purchased a number of Fulltone boxes in the past that don't seem of much use now. I am still experimenting daily with the controls trying to achieve my "sound".

At this point I am very pleased with the sounds I have found. There are new discoveries all the time. At first I loved the Modern setting on channel three. But I then tried the modern setting on channel 2 and it was even better, less muddy. Channel one is beautiful for clean and jazz tones.

I can't really speak to reliabilty as the amp is brand new. I read the Harmony Central reviews after the purchase and hope that Mesa has addressed all of the problems that have arised out of earlier models. I would like to feel very comfortable with this amp. It sounds great I hope it continues to perform.

I am very close with the dealer I purchased the amp from. I have no reservations about the customer service through him. I am planning on contacting Mesa about the reliabilty indicated in the reviews.

I have a hard time believing it, and my playing doesn't always reflect it, but I have been playing for 40+ years. If the amp were lost or stolen I would probably buy another. I love the workmanship and the flexibility. I chose it because several artists I truly admire play Boogies and I have come to like the sound.