Identifying the Mesa Trad/Stilletto cab

[OldGtrGuy]

I know this has been answered here before years ago but I just can't find it. Considering getting a Mesa cab and I was the Traditional/Stiletto.

As far as I know they aren't made anymore so I need to look used but I have no idea how to identify that it would be the correct cab.

Anyone have the info?

 

[Beyond Black]

It’s the closed back, V30 loaded cab that’s not oversized.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

It’s the closed back, V30 loaded cab that’s not oversized.

Wouldn't that be the same as their current production Rectifier Traditional cabs? I thought those were different than the stiletto?

Edit: after comparing specs the Legacy Stiletto is 1/4" taller than the current production rectifier Traditional.

Maybe it's not that big of a difference but the Legacy Stiletto is the one I'm trying to be able to identify.

 

[Code001]

There are two closed back cabinets in the Mesa lineup with V30s. The Standard which is also known as the Oversized or Rectifier cabinet. The other is the Traditional also known as the Stiletto.

Standard aka Rectifier aka Oversized:
https://www.mesaboogie.com/en-US/p/Amp/0.412R.STR.AB.F/Black-Bronco

Traditional aka Stiletto:
https://www.mesaboogie.com/en-US/p/Amp/0.412T.STR.AB.F/Black-Bronco

The Standard/Rectifier/Oversized is: 32 7/8'' x 30 1/8'' x 14 1/4''
The Traditional/Stiletto cabinet is 30'' x 29 7/8'' x 14 1/4''

It *used to be* that you could tell by the piping color. However, they've since standardized their looks after moving away from the Stiletto series. I believe they have since switch to the rear jacks even saying the same 4X12 4FB info on the rear panel.

Easiest way? Tape measure.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

There are two closed back cabinets in the Mesa lineup with V30s. The Standard which is also known as the Oversized or Rectifier cabinet. The other is the Traditional also known as the Stiletto.

Standard aka Rectifier aka Oversized:
https://www.mesaboogie.com/en-US/p/Amp/0.412R.STR.AB.F/Black-Bronco

Traditional aka Stiletto:
https://www.mesaboogie.com/en-US/p/Amp/0.412T.STR.AB.F/Black-Bronco

The Standard/Rectifier/Oversized is: 32 7/8'' x 30 1/8'' x 14 1/4''
The Traditional/Stiletto cabinet is 30'' x 29 7/8'' x 14 1/4''

It *used to be* that you could tell by the piping color. However, they've since standardized their looks after moving away from the Stiletto series. I believe they have since switch to the rear jacks even saying the same 4X12 4FB info on the rear panel.

Easiest way? Tape measure.

Yeah but, there used to be this. I know it's nit picking but I like to split hairs.

 

[Code001]

Yeah but, there used to be this. I know it's nit picking but I like to split hairs.

I'm willing to bet it's the same cab but they adjusted their measurements they're reporting. I actually might email Mesa about that since I highly doubt they'd re-tool for 1/4''. It's about the height of the rubber feet on the cabinet if you aren't using casters.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

I'm willing to bet it's the same cab but they adjusted their measurements they're reporting. I actually might email Mesa about that since I highly doubt they'd re-tool for 1/4''. It's about the height of the rubber feet on the cabinet if you aren't using casters.

I may have to do that, if I even get one. I've just heard the older ones were better. The pixie dust smoker in me wants to believe that but yeah, it would be much cooler if the current production cabs are the same exact thing.

 

[JSutter]

My 2004 Stiletto slant is 29 3/16" high box only (not including corner protectors).
With casters 33 3/16". Feet are 3/4".

Handles and jack plate are not inset.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

Yep, looks like just an oversight on mesa's data.

Thank you guys.

(Silver piping still = moar toan)

 

[vmbarrera]

Oversized has 5 screws across in the back and the traditional has 4.

 

[B. Ste]

Oversized has 5 screws across in the back and the traditional has 4.

that's the most useful comment to navigate through used adds I've ever read about this topic...it's always complicated to undertand from pictures if it's an oversized cab or not...thanks for pointing it out!

 

[BesaMoogie]

I'm willing to bet it's the same cab but they adjusted their measurements they're reporting. I actually might email Mesa about that since I highly doubt they'd re-tool for 1/4''. It's about the height of the rubber feet on the cabinet if you aren't using casters.

It‘s either that or I think at one point they changed the diameter size of the casters making the cab smaller.

 

[wtfMagH8U]

Well the traditional cabs are almost square

 

[GJgo]

I agree that they are the same thing (I have various vintages), and personally I'd be much more concerned about the year of the speaker.

 

[OldGtrGuy]

I agree that they are the same thing (I have various vintages), and personally I'd be much more concerned about the year of the speaker.

Yeah I saw some posts about that too and was reading what Nolly had to say. Need to look into that more.

 

[GJgo]

Yeah I saw some posts about that too and was reading what Nolly had to say. Need to look into that more.

Watch some of @the other John Browne 's V30 YT vids.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheOtherJohnBrowne/videos

 

[OldGtrGuy]

Watch some of @the other John Browne 's V30 YT vids.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheOtherJohnBrowne/videos

Holy shit. I did not need to see this channel. See you next month. This guy is a mad scientist I like it.

 

[thegame]

Lots of former traditionals identifying as stiletto wearing oversized fat bottoms these days.

 

[GuitarGuy08]

Holy shit. I did not need to see this channel. See you next month. This guy is a mad scientist I like it.

That's exactly how I'd describe him! Love his comparison vids - so meticulous.

 

[Racerxrated]

You can tell by looking at the logo...on the OS cabs, the logo is a good inch or two above midline, while the traditional the bottom of the logo is right on the slant, on the straight it's right in the middle vs slightly above on the OS.