Mesa Boogie California Tweedchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

The power scaling from very low watts up to 40 watts lets players go from home practice to full gigs on one amp. Comment 15 and 22 specifically bought it for this feature and love how tone holds up across wattage settings.

@mattw36

My 10” 2:20 is my single best gear purchase. What an awesome amp. Beautiful cleans and wonderfully balanced tweed overdrive sounds ie not overly bass and low mid heavy. I think the small cab 10” speaker results in this amp being perfectly balanced. Maybe even better edge of break and low to medium gain tones. Supremely touch responsive. Crazy wide tone range on the EQ knobs. Wattage option isn’t a simple attenuator but actually a noticeable tonal and feel difference. Takes pedals well and loves boost pedals. Mics and records well. Hangs with a light handed drummer (easily reaches 100+db without boosting it). Weighs 28 pounds. And takes up such a small amount of stage space. Looks awesome. I could do with a more usable sweep on the reverb, or at least a lower reverb mix level as it really overtakes and washes out the notes, but at the lowest level is a really great subtle spring reverb. Do yourself a favor and put some medium output P90s through it - killer tones. I love it. What an awesome amplifierlaunch

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May 20, 2025

@jarededlund2052

I have the 4:40 combo California Tweed. \n\nI can for sure te!l you this amp is AWESOME. I use it both with pedals and clean. I bought it for the multi-watt feature. I wanted to have one who that can play quiet or loud and still sound great.\n\nI play a pro 2 Stratocaster and just bought a Harley Benton Telecaster that I am really enjoying. For $145!!! I put '64 fender pickups in it and played through the Tweed it is so incredibly inspiring to play.\n\nMy amp is my favorite piece of gear.\n\nThank you Randal!launch

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March 3, 2025

@jarededlund2052

This amp is my favorite piece of gear, which says a lot because I love my guitar SO much!!\n\nThank you Mick Taylor from That Pedal Show for convincing me to make the purchase without a test drive.\n\nI bought it because I can play it in my house quiet and super clean or at the edge of breakup at 2 watts or crank it to 10,20,30 or 40 watts. No matter the wattage, gain or volume, the tone is awesome. The reverb is intense. I never put it past halfway, usually 25% is plenty.\n\nWOW!!!launch

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February 13, 2025

@didamnesia3575

I picked up a Mesa California tweed head used from the local GC. It is an amazing amp. Super clean when i want it to be, different enough from my 65 and a mojotone vibroverb. Turning it down to 20 watts sounds like the 65, turning it to 10 does a great pushed/compressed tweed sound, and down to 2 watts its just a monster. Clean and crystal clear yet also has a ton of tube distortion and warm compression. The controls are perfect: preamp gain, master volume, presence, a mid control, decent reverb, efx loop, 2 4-Ohm outputs to run 2 cabs, and it looks sweet. In 40 Watts, it gets loud and stays clean and gets driven when you turn the preamp up. \nI'm running it into 2 monoprice 1x12 cabs with the chinese v30 speakers. \n\nIts a great amp. I don't know why they aren't more popular. I was actually planning on buying a fender tweed pro 1x15 combo that day, but I figured I'd plug into the mesa for fun. I haven't once thought i made the wrong decision. \nI'm going to build a 1x15 cabinet at some point\nEdit: 8 months later, still a great amp, I no longer use it on 2w, just doesnt sound great. Mainly 20 and 40w sound best. It does replace a couple amps that I also ownlaunch

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December 20, 2024

Multiple owners praise the amp's clean tones, especially at low wattage settings, describing them as clear, crystal, and sparkling. Comment 25 says clean headroom on the 1-watt setting is amazing and not flubby, while comment 7 calls it super clean when desired.

@mattw36

My 10” 2:20 is my single best gear purchase. What an awesome amp. Beautiful cleans and wonderfully balanced tweed overdrive sounds ie not overly bass and low mid heavy. I think the small cab 10” speaker results in this amp being perfectly balanced. Maybe even better edge of break and low to medium gain tones. Supremely touch responsive. Crazy wide tone range on the EQ knobs. Wattage option isn’t a simple attenuator but actually a noticeable tonal and feel difference. Takes pedals well and loves boost pedals. Mics and records well. Hangs with a light handed drummer (easily reaches 100+db without boosting it). Weighs 28 pounds. And takes up such a small amount of stage space. Looks awesome. I could do with a more usable sweep on the reverb, or at least a lower reverb mix level as it really overtakes and washes out the notes, but at the lowest level is a really great subtle spring reverb. Do yourself a favor and put some medium output P90s through it - killer tones. I love it. What an awesome amplifierlaunch

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May 20, 2025

@vincelupone

This is really a perfect demo of this amp, really well done! I've always thought of the Fender / Mesa Mark clean as sparkling and the Tweed sound as chewy, and you perfectly captured both descriptions perfectly with this demo. Awesome job!launch

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December 22, 2024

@didamnesia3575

I picked up a Mesa California tweed head used from the local GC. It is an amazing amp. Super clean when i want it to be, different enough from my 65 and a mojotone vibroverb. Turning it down to 20 watts sounds like the 65, turning it to 10 does a great pushed/compressed tweed sound, and down to 2 watts its just a monster. Clean and crystal clear yet also has a ton of tube distortion and warm compression. The controls are perfect: preamp gain, master volume, presence, a mid control, decent reverb, efx loop, 2 4-Ohm outputs to run 2 cabs, and it looks sweet. In 40 Watts, it gets loud and stays clean and gets driven when you turn the preamp up. \nI'm running it into 2 monoprice 1x12 cabs with the chinese v30 speakers. \n\nIts a great amp. I don't know why they aren't more popular. I was actually planning on buying a fender tweed pro 1x15 combo that day, but I figured I'd plug into the mesa for fun. I haven't once thought i made the wrong decision. \nI'm going to build a 1x15 cabinet at some point\nEdit: 8 months later, still a great amp, I no longer use it on 2w, just doesnt sound great. Mainly 20 and 40w sound best. It does replace a couple amps that I also ownlaunch

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December 20, 2024

@jamesnelson1443

I am so close to buying this beast!!! I am amazed at the clean headroom in 1 watt setting! I have demoed this with master cranked & set clean on 1 watt & was floored!! \nWas using my PRS 594 & loved that creamy tone on the neck pickup!! \nBoogie Cali Tweed has this sweetness I have sought for years!!! \nContrary to comments it IS NOT FLUBBY OR FLABBY!!!!launch

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June 24, 2023

Owners repeatedly say the amp shines when paired with overdrive, boost, and delay pedals in front and in the effects loop. Comment 5, 12, 36, and 44 all describe simple pedal setups producing glorious, gig-ready tones.

@DanRivers-v4i

I have this amp and I have no regrets. Love the watt options, clean and just-past-breakup tones, the compact size and the reverb. Only thing I don't like is cranking the gain, but I have OD pedals, so I can keep the gain right on breakup.launch

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September 3, 2024

@pdbordelon

I own this amp and can attest to how wonderful it is. A few choice pedals pushing it and a delay in the effects loop and you will be golden all day long!launch

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November 24, 2021

@pdbordelon

I have this amp and use it for gigging, with a Strat and sometimes a Les Paul. What John says about setting it in a sweet spot then driving it with choice pedals is EXACTLY what this amp is built for. For gigs in bars I run it at 20 watts, a Strymon Riverside OD pedal (with the Strymon mini boost pedal on my small board) on the front end with a Boss DD-500 delay in the effects loop. Very simple set up and it sounds GLORIOUS! On the fly I will crank or reduce the gain control and/or crank/reduce the excellent reverb. But that's it, simple with a fantastic tone...HIGHLY RECOMMEND - like me, you guys may have been over thinking it! My band is alternative to classic/hard rock so please know this wouldn't be my first choice for heavy metal (though with a good metal pedal driving it Im sure the amp would be awesome).launch

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July 15, 2020

@pdbordelon

Bought mine last week - wonderful in every way and perfect platform for pedal junkies like myself. Also sounds damn nice on its own (duh). Best built in reverb Ive ever heard. Cons? Yes, its heavy (but manageable), no built in Cab Clone (no biggie but would have been nice) , and I was going to say \"expensive\" but I don't really think it is for what you get. Also, and I know this isn't the most important thing , but it is a BEAUTIFUL amp. The first time you flick that power switch and see that bright orange led illuminate it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end! This amp screams \"professional\" in its layout and is a work of art to behold.. Enjoy!launch

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September 13, 2019

Players report the amp sounds good and inspiring regardless of guitar type, from Strats to Les Pauls to P90-equipped instruments. Comment 30 says no matter the settings it always sounded good, and comment 16 describes insane tones from different guitars with no pedals.

@A_Noid

God damn I feel like an idiot. I’ve had a Cali Tweed for a few years and loved the sound with my SG, but felt it lacked a bit of sparkle with my Strat. A bit too dark maybe. Tried to dime the master with low gain as you mentioned and damn, sounds fantastic with my Strat. Thank you!launch

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January 20, 2026

@lewismcnicholas2631

Love my Cali Tweed - inspiring every time I plug in - she’s a keeper!launch

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November 28, 2023

@marcusbevz6500

I played this amp through both strat, and les Paul with p90’s…. Let me tell you that no matter what the settings where at, it always sounded good and that’s the difference between a good amp and a great amp, the great amp you plug straight in and it just sounds good snd as I played it sounded inspiring and that’s what a great amp is all aboutlaunch

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October 16, 2021

@JB_Eckl

I first used this amp on a session with Los Lobos guitarist David Hidalgo. He played a G&L and a Firebird through it, no pedals, and got so many insane tones from it that I ended up keeping the amp. This is a GREAT old-school flavored entry from Mesa; easy to carry and loud enough for gigs, quiet enough for home. Sounds fantastic at edge of breakup of course, but also amazing at full gain for those early Santana/Bluesbreakers tones. Absolutely overjoyed about the Tweed.launch

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September 22, 2021

Despite being a tube amp, users note it's manageable to carry and takes up little stage space while still delivering big tone. Comment 21 mentions 28 pounds and small footprint, and comment 16 calls it easy to carry and loud enough for gigs.

@mattw36

My 10” 2:20 is my single best gear purchase. What an awesome amp. Beautiful cleans and wonderfully balanced tweed overdrive sounds ie not overly bass and low mid heavy. I think the small cab 10” speaker results in this amp being perfectly balanced. Maybe even better edge of break and low to medium gain tones. Supremely touch responsive. Crazy wide tone range on the EQ knobs. Wattage option isn’t a simple attenuator but actually a noticeable tonal and feel difference. Takes pedals well and loves boost pedals. Mics and records well. Hangs with a light handed drummer (easily reaches 100+db without boosting it). Weighs 28 pounds. And takes up such a small amount of stage space. Looks awesome. I could do with a more usable sweep on the reverb, or at least a lower reverb mix level as it really overtakes and washes out the notes, but at the lowest level is a really great subtle spring reverb. Do yourself a favor and put some medium output P90s through it - killer tones. I love it. What an awesome amplifierlaunch

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May 20, 2025

@mattw36

I’m have the 10” 20 watt and I think it’s the sleeper of the line. The construction of the cab and the quality speaker maintain a lot of bass but the overall speaker and cab size to my ears make a much more balanced tone. The overdrive tones are incredibly balanced and so good.launch

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April 6, 2025

@JB_Eckl

I first used this amp on a session with Los Lobos guitarist David Hidalgo. He played a G&L and a Firebird through it, no pedals, and got so many insane tones from it that I ended up keeping the amp. This is a GREAT old-school flavored entry from Mesa; easy to carry and loud enough for gigs, quiet enough for home. Sounds fantastic at edge of breakup of course, but also amazing at full gain for those early Santana/Bluesbreakers tones. Absolutely overjoyed about the Tweed.launch

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September 22, 2021

@Robert-l5t1u

Thanks Mesa ! This is a beautiful instrument.Another gem that will make me wonder if I play the guitar or the amp.This is the case with my Boogie MK4b head and Recto 212 cab since I bought it.\nThis is also nice and portable.The wattage is perfect.launch

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February 9, 2019

Several commenters single out the built-in reverb as excellent, calling it intense and among the best they've heard. Comment 5 calls it the 'best built in reverb I've ever heard,' and comment 22 says it's intense but tunable.

@mattw36

My 10” 2:20 is my single best gear purchase. What an awesome amp. Beautiful cleans and wonderfully balanced tweed overdrive sounds ie not overly bass and low mid heavy. I think the small cab 10” speaker results in this amp being perfectly balanced. Maybe even better edge of break and low to medium gain tones. Supremely touch responsive. Crazy wide tone range on the EQ knobs. Wattage option isn’t a simple attenuator but actually a noticeable tonal and feel difference. Takes pedals well and loves boost pedals. Mics and records well. Hangs with a light handed drummer (easily reaches 100+db without boosting it). Weighs 28 pounds. And takes up such a small amount of stage space. Looks awesome. I could do with a more usable sweep on the reverb, or at least a lower reverb mix level as it really overtakes and washes out the notes, but at the lowest level is a really great subtle spring reverb. Do yourself a favor and put some medium output P90s through it - killer tones. I love it. What an awesome amplifierlaunch

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May 20, 2025

@jarededlund2052

This amp is my favorite piece of gear, which says a lot because I love my guitar SO much!!\n\nThank you Mick Taylor from That Pedal Show for convincing me to make the purchase without a test drive.\n\nI bought it because I can play it in my house quiet and super clean or at the edge of breakup at 2 watts or crank it to 10,20,30 or 40 watts. No matter the wattage, gain or volume, the tone is awesome. The reverb is intense. I never put it past halfway, usually 25% is plenty.\n\nWOW!!!launch

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February 13, 2025

@pdbordelon

Bought mine last week - wonderful in every way and perfect platform for pedal junkies like myself. Also sounds damn nice on its own (duh). Best built in reverb Ive ever heard. Cons? Yes, its heavy (but manageable), no built in Cab Clone (no biggie but would have been nice) , and I was going to say \"expensive\" but I don't really think it is for what you get. Also, and I know this isn't the most important thing , but it is a BEAUTIFUL amp. The first time you flick that power switch and see that bright orange led illuminate it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end! This amp screams \"professional\" in its layout and is a work of art to behold.. Enjoy!launch

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September 13, 2019

Commenters praise the amp's professional look and quality construction. Comment 5 calls it 'a work of art' and comment 32 says Mesa always delivers visually and tonally inspiring gear.

@pdbordelon

Bought mine last week - wonderful in every way and perfect platform for pedal junkies like myself. Also sounds damn nice on its own (duh). Best built in reverb Ive ever heard. Cons? Yes, its heavy (but manageable), no built in Cab Clone (no biggie but would have been nice) , and I was going to say \"expensive\" but I don't really think it is for what you get. Also, and I know this isn't the most important thing , but it is a BEAUTIFUL amp. The first time you flick that power switch and see that bright orange led illuminate it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end! This amp screams \"professional\" in its layout and is a work of art to behold.. Enjoy!launch

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September 13, 2019

@Mesa3077Boogie

Someone said Koch amps are everything fender wishes it could be. Koch amps are visually unappealing. Kinda the butter face of amps. Any amp that I plug into needs to be visually inspiring almost as much as it needs to be tonally inspiring. Mesa has always done well in both departments.launch

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February 18, 2019

@johnroberts838

The Genius of Mesa, what a Sweet Tone, Articulate and nicely rounded note definition. This will be another Classic Mesa Amplifier!\nI am Proud to own the Mesa Mini 25 Rec and a Mesa 4 X 12 V30 Cab, The sweetest and Nastiest Amp I have ever owned, I cannot speak highly enough of the High Quality and meticulous attention to detail. The same goes for Mesa's Pedals 👍👍👍.\nMelbourne, Australia.launch

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January 24, 2019