Mesa/Boogie 4x12 Stiletto vs Rectifier Comparison Video 412

[givemeajackson]

clean i prefer the recto tough.

[givemeajackson]

stiletto has more mids. i'd take that one. also i think that the recto cab pronounces the top-end fuzz of the recto head too much.

[optic192]

great video. it sounds like the tonal differences become more apparent in each of the cabinets in higher gain/distortion settings. The stiletto cabinet seems to have a narrower range band and has a tighter more focused tonal spectrum. The recto cab sounds more airy, spacial and offers more room on its tonal palate. I have two recto 4x12 and a 2x12 cab, and listening to the tones on this video confirm the recto's tonal characteristics. I also have a tremoverb head and stiletto trident.

[DanteJoseCuervo]

Fantastically informative video here. I'm personally a big fan of the Stiletto, been planning on getting one for a while (but college students lack adequate funding much of the time).

[Guitarplanet100]

I played a rectifier for years and always liked it but after hearing this I would say the stiletto sounds even better.

[MrFunnyfuneral]

Stiletto!

[Leehawkeyboy]

Stiletto ftw.

[SonicProvocateur]

Hey Don, you should do a shootout of the Stiletto 2x12 and the Recto 2x12!

[FlankinspanK]

The stiletto is warmer and less in your face. I prefer warmer.

[ftw1422]

im liking the stiletto just a little bit better than the recto...

[H75119847]

i prefer the recto, more crisp and huge low end

[Pianoblacks]

rectifier rules at high gain

[Luke850222]

rectifier



[lespaulguy32]

I think I prefer the the rectifier...

[cordanscedo]

Cool how slightly different construction/size of the cabinet can change the tone so much, even with identical speakers and materials! I've compared these cabs side by side with a Mark IV and Recto and got the same results when comparing them.

Recto =bigger sounding with less mid punch and harsher high frequencies. Fuller cleans

Stiletto =more prominent mids, a smoother and creamier top end and tighter and punchier low end. My fav cab ever! I need a Stilletto to put on top of my recto 212.

[Scarecrowsbandct]

i like the rectifier's sound to play petrucci :(

[Scarecrowsbandct]

rectifier to play petrucci!!!

[ferlottes]

@Scarecrowsbandct Pettrucci plays with Traditionnal cab : actually stiletto !!!

[kk6downing]

The Stiletto has a low-end sound while the Rectifier has a higher sound

[usalespaul59]

never thought the cab itself makes THAT big of a difference, wow

[PetrucciLifeson12]

I like the Stiletto because it seems to be a bit tighter especially on the rhythms, but the Recto is more in your face. Great demo, and nice song choices!

[grazianism]

for my opinion the rectifier cabinet has more high freq. than the stiletto cab.

[eugeneconrad]

@grazianism yeah agree. Stiletto sounds warmer, but Rectifier cab has more options, as one could roll off a little treble if wanted, but still has it if needed. Bonamassa would probably go for Stiletto.

[grazianism]

@eugeneconrad that's why i bought the the rectifier model, and my 6505 sounds better with recto cab than the stiletto cab.

[topdog2328]

did he get into a fight, it looks like he has a black eye

[guitaristguy20]

You did an awesome job demoing these cabs and the sound difference. I have the traditional cab of tighter bass and focused mids for metal, but I bought the cab when it was called the recto traditional.

[grazianism]

@guitaristguy20 me too, the best cabinet ever played.

[MartinRisk]

great videos, great audio, great quality man! can you do a comparsion between the mark V (head) and mark IIC+ (head)... Thanks!

[aysat]

stiletto rules at high gain

[Stratocoaster08]

ytse jam...nice!

[5150VanAlien]

The Recto cab seems more pronounced. I prefer the Stiletto cab as it's more rounded whilst the Recto cab will give you more bottom end all the time. Which maybe fine for heavy sounds but for cleans, may be a bit too much.

[cobes530]

If you have any Mark Series amp then it won't matter which cab between these two. Just use the graphic EQ until you find your tone. God I love the Mark V... don't you?

[JeffRozak]

Floyd solo.  +5 :-)

[masterbeef92]

ewww i can hear your saliva in your mouth

[SonicProvocateur]

Great video, as always, guys! What pickups are in that killer LP??

[RocketRalf]

I get the impression through watching many of your (very high quality) videos that a large part of the "recto" sound is the big recto cabinet. I wonder how a dual rectifier would sound like through a Marshall or similar cab with greenbacks or another british voiced speaker...

[Darkvinx88]

stiletto wins..its more round

[JBL8863]

The recto cab is a little taller and a little wider giving a fatter sound...I've tried that one out and like how it's voiced over the smaller cabs.

These cabs would also sound differant changing drivers...

[guitarramaniacx]

whats the song that he played on the modern channel comparison???

[haggertysmusic]

@guitarramaniacx John Petrucci's Damage Control  :-)

[stubee5150]

So many players focus so much on the head and overlook the cabinet. It's refreshing to see a cabinet comparison.

[stefinothrashcore]

Beautiful Les Paul, can you tell what model is it?

[haggertysmusic]

@stefinothrashcore Classic antique... again, heavily modified. :-)

[canadaguy2112ca]

Maybe I'm lost. The cabinets sound different but nice in their own way. Since it was played with the same head, couldn't someone just tweak the knobs abit and make both cabs sound the same? PS..I like being lost so bear with me lol

[cfrii90]

How can you playthat tight in two different shots? That's just great!

[ottawadrummer]

that's some great guitar playing man!

[IAMWA]

Stiletto for rhythm, Rectifier for lead - with the tone control rolled off a little.

[allfu93]

the stiletto is really warm. i would prefer that one.

[lec0rsaire]

Good video. As good as a cab demo on YouTube can get. Obviously you really have to play both in person before buying. After a/bing both for 2 hours I took a traditional straight and now I could not live without that can. It's the perfect match to my Single Rectifier. The oversized cab was looser on the low end which is great if you're going for a nu-metal Korn or Creed sound but not for playing Prog or Power Metal where you really want the bass to be as tight as possible. With a tighter amp how

[slayer666rulz]

+1 for playing the Time solo, that was amazing!

[feo130]

Pink Floyd? F*ck yeah. Love your vids, guys. You're one of the few channels that actually gives useful information to the consumer. Keep it going!

[slappywag88]

Rectifier seems to be more scooped and has more Presence. Stiletto for me then!

[vexamatic]

The Stiletto seems attenuated and less bright than the Rectifier.

[RonBurgundyBitches]

The recto cab sounds tighter in this demo but I've owned both and the traditional/stiletto has tighter bass response with more midrange presence. Can't really go wrong with either.

[SuperGuitarMark]

What makes the two sound different if they have the same speakers? Are they made with different woods? I personally like the stiletto better.

[haggertysmusic]

@SuperGuitarMark Same speakers and same woods. What is different is the construction and physical size of the cabinets, and that gives each one a different voicing.

[MrDarinWarren]

Another great demo. Well done guys.

[kickblake]

Good job guys. Useful comparison, and I really like the way the video was done as well.

[bille77]

4 x12 'Rectal Fire'

[rambache]

Great videos as always! I'll subscribe right away!

[MrCecilbag]

cool guy who just rips the guitar apart i love it

[fingerboy18]

Dream Theater, hell yeah. The Stiletto has a more tamed treble.

[SomeYoungGuy1993]

rectifier sounds like it has more punch, and clarity, is the volume on the amp the same in each clip? or is it effecting my perception...:/

[haggertysmusic]

@SomeYoungGuy1993 No changes were made to the amplifier when the cabinet was switched; Exactly the same. The amp was turned up quite loud also so the power amp was involved and the speakers were being driven. Thanks for watching!

[MrDarinWarren]

@SomeYoungGuy1993 Agreed, the Rec seems to have a tighter bottom and be a bit crisper.

[EJOpdahl]

whats better a stiletto 2x12 or a dual rectifier 2x12? I'm planning to get the royal atlantic ra 100

[Ewwwww916]

beautiful playing. bravo

[stubbulon5]

Stiletto sounds better. The rectifier's treble sounds a bit harsh.

[afroantonio]

The Stiletto is definitely more midrangy. I like very much. ;)

[swanky23]

Rec cab sounds more alive

[reticle36]

time for mesa to replace those v30s with G12T-75 celestions!!!!!

[reticle36]

to make the stiletto into the recifier just turn up the treble on the amp..and to turn the rectifier into the stiletto just turn down the treble on the amp and voila

[1612HavenhurstDrive]

@reticle36

You got it. About a millimeter.

[Keepsu]

What a fantastic demo! Well done sir!

[15viceandvirtues]

The stilleto cab was so damn smooth and creamy during the Time solo. Fantastic comparison overall!

[TriviumCrusader17]

This helped slot thank you. Order a recto cab right now

[AndreNieri]

is it just me or the stilleto sounds a bit more midrangy and vintage ?

[pobbrock]

The stiletto cab has a sound I would describe as creamy.

[nandoanalog]

Your face! God damn it!

[EpicGuitarTv]

Great demo but does that guy have a black eye? lol

[ModernProductionss]

i've been thinkin on getting a recto cab. i was gonna get a 2x12,but then i heard that the 4x12 has a much bigger sound, most noticible when recording. i want to record heavy metal btw. so my question is, should i get the 2x12 for recording or the 4x12?

[guitargod445]

i no im gettin a recto cab now :D

[Squa7ch]

It's just not a Mesa video if you don't play some Dream Theater :) great playing, great video.

[PHYSCO331]

This guy looks like he's about to pop.

[mrgrsmitty]

Hey Don, You guys should do the same cabinet comparison but with the Mark V? Thanks!

[pableterg350]

4:38 D: OUCHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cyanide5151]

this reminds me of EL34s VS 6L6s. The stiletto is warmer (6L6), the rectifier is brighter (EL34)

[HENRYoSICK]

@Cyanide5151 recto (6l6) and stiletto (el34) Asshole!!!!! XD

[RamonVerheijen]

wow, Stiletto all the way but... Mesa Boogie has slant cabs or straight cabs, what are these? someone please answer, thanks.

[alwayswiththemagnets]

@haggertysmusic Great demo. What songs did you play from 1:32-3:07 & 3:08-4:03 please? Thanks

[haggertysmusic]

@alwayswiththemagnets Thanks for watching! The first tune is 'Time' by Pink Floyd and the second is 'Ytse Jam' by Dream Theater. Glad you enjoyed the vid.

[dashizzler]

Is it my imagination or does the rectifier sound brighter? I thought the larger dimension of the cab gave it a deeper sound? I own a recto cab and it sounds darker than this one. Maybe I would like a Stiletto better...

[Zeralis]

Can u tell us the settings of high, mid, low, gain?



[Zadig09]

Amazing video! Mesa should be linking directly to you. The best comparisons i've seen on the net !

[hawg427]

I would like to see other comparisons like a Mesa 4x12 Cab against an Orange 4x12 and a Marshall 1960 4x12 Cab. Love the videos.

[Aniva66]

what was the model name of mid eighties Mesa/Boogie 4x12 half-back speaker cab?

it was 360watts and mounted two Celestion Black-Shadow and two EV 12L.

I've found no videos here on youtube. why? it was a gorgeus cab!

[konfrstein]

Absolutli helpful. Thanx so much !!!

[haggertysmusic]

@konfrstein Your welcome. Glad it was helpful!

[gearslut69]

@haggertysmusic Are these cabs slant or straight?

[squirttilithurts]

I used to own a Mesa 412 Rectifier cabinet. I loved it at the time. But since going with a stereo rig, I've switched to TWO Mesa 212 Rectifier cabs. The 212s don't sound as deep as the 412s, but that is actually ok. I get a more balanced and better tone with two 212s instead of one Mesa 412 Rectifier cab. I have never played the Mesa Stiletto cab, so I can't comment. The 212 cabs are great because they are easy to move for smaller gigs.

[hawg427]

I have the Mesa 4x12 Stiletto Cab and I also have a 2x12 Egnater cab with Celestion Elite 80's in it VS the Celestion Made in UK V-30's and the Egmater 2x12 Cab BLOWS the doors of the Mesa 4x12 Stiletto. Tons more Bass and tone in the Egnater cab. I couldn't believe it. All being powered from a MEsa Roadster Head.

[UnhappyTestTubeBaby]

@Aniva66 He's comparing cabinets, not amps. The stiletto 4x12 happens to look very similar to the rectifier 4x12 from this angle.

[Aniva66]

@UnhappyTestTubeBaby

ops! mega-sorry ! damn my lack of english knoledge lol! it was about cabinets only! ok. I own a old mesa/boogie 4x12 cab from '86. I don't know what's its name. It has a metal grid in the front to cover speakers. each speaker is 90watts. the cab is half-back and it has two celestion and two blue shadow EV. What's its model name?

[lildj365]

what was the name of the song you played from 3:17-4:00

and what were your settings on the raw and vintage mods? thanks and great comparison btw :D

[varisk9]

thanks so much, this is very helpful i hope you get an endorsement of some sort from mesa! (if you dont already)

[soggybomb]

Stiletto

[wrona003]

Good n' old Pink Floyd

\m/

Btw, RECTIFIER RULES!!!!

[Jasaxos]

stileeto sounds best to me overall

[unofighters]

We have a pink floyd fan in da house ?  hahahaha Awesome Comparison dude

[Pianoblacks]

No offnece, did you get beat up ?

[judedelux]

The difference is so minimum that price would determine which one I BUY

[Pianoblacks]

@judedelux He already said it costs the same. *facepalm

[snapascrew]

For a dual Rec head the stiletto kicks ass for sure... Dual recs are loose so that's that . If you're using any amp other than a dual or trip Rec test the cabs yourself! I've owned both of these cabs.

[mrgrsmitty]

Thanks for doing this video, it was very helpful. How do you think (2) 2x12 Rectifier cabinets would sound compared to these two 4x12 cabinets?

[haggertysmusic]

@mrgrsmitty Incredible. :-) The 2x12 Rectifier is my most favorite cabinet in the mesa line. Hands down. That cabinet has some serious tone, and I would take two of those stacked over any 4x12 any day of the week. Awesome rig!

[mrgrsmitty]

@haggertysmusic Thanks, but what is your opinion on the sound? Do you think (2) 2x12's would sound more like a Stiletto or Rectifier 4x12...or somewhere in between? You guys should do a demo of the 2x12 cabinet...

[takitezy7]

@haggertysmusic the roadster 2x12 is killer too!

[MultiScoffer]

I like the both of them and I have the Rectifier,but the Stiletto sounds tighter and a little meaner, which I love! But I am still very satisfied with my Rectifier and have NO regrets owning it. Both cabs kick some serious ass!

[ezt123dp]

Stiletto seems more mellow

[asgerms]

Mesa should be linking directly to you. These kind of all-out professional comparisons are extremely useful, so thank you very much.

[haggertysmusic]

@asgerms Thank you very much. Maybe you should let Mesa/Boogie know! :-)

[bcdon1]

Awesome review, Don. And very nice playing too.

[vfrbike]

to my ears the stiletto is definitely the most balanced, even if less aggressive than the rectifier

[weyonchin]

Nice video, I have similar comparison video by using Mark V on my channel too.

[47Wolfgang]

Sounds great Don, Recto cab sound tighter for distorted tones

[AlvisLiquid]

The Rectifier cabinet seems to have more low end and a brighter tone, while the Stiletto has more midrange, tighter low end and less highs.

[haggertysmusic]

@AlvisLiquid I agree. The Stiletto doesn't have the scooped mids of the Rectifier and just seems to be more even sounding overall.

[SirThomasHawk]

Great, quality video, as is the norm from Haggertys Musicworks! The Rectifier cab sounded brighter to my ears, especially in the Modern mode, which I found to be a bit surprising since the cabinet is bigger. I expected more lows and an overall darker sound from the Rectifier cab. Great work Don!

[haggertysmusic]

@SirThomasHawk The Rectifier cab is certainly brighter and more scooped sounding. It really goes to show how big of a difference cabinet construction makes.

[MaestorPaul]

@haggertysmusic Awesome video! Cab construction is definitely as important as speaker selection, pickups, amp, tube selection, electronics, guitar, etc.

Just don't forget, the player is the most important part of all!

[haggertysmusic]

@MaestorPaul Thank you for the kind words!

[bchamorro]

can't thank you enough for this video!!!!

[fluff191]

Why aren't the videos massively popular? So awesome!

Quick question, do you play to a click in order to sync the videos up so well, or do you just a guitar playing machine?

[haggertysmusic]

@fluff191 Thanks for the compliment! I don't play with a click, although our video editor probably wishes I did. He does a great job syncing everything up.

[gynecs41]

Very nice comparison