JP2C this year...JH2C next year??

[Racerxrated]

Hmm..I was reading about the JP2C on the boogie board, they have a dedicated section lol...and someone mentioned the JH2C(James Hetfield of course) for next year, the simulclass version of the JP2C maybe? Hmmmm......

 

[NewWorldMan]

It's been rumored for a handful of years that Hetfield has had something in the works, but I don't know that they'd ever release anything. Maybe, maybe not. It would have made sense in the mid to late 90's at the height of their popularity, but I'm not sure about now.

The last album they released was 8 years ago, and what...2 albums of new material in what's close to 20 years? If you consider Load/Reload as 1 album worth (all written at the same time), then you're looking at maybe 3 albums worth of material since the Black Album about 25 years ago (discounting the covers).

While there's no denying Hetfield probably turned more people onto Mesa than the next 5 guys combined (me included), his relevance over the last decade or two has declined significantly, especially considering he's become known for amps like the VH4 as much in recent times, or used the Axe-FX live on some recent dates. Petrucci has consistently used Mesa and been a champion for them in every album, and Dream Theater consistently churns out new albums and tours to this day (whether you like the albums is subjective).

My long winded way of saying there's probably no one who deserved a signature Mesa over the course of the years more than Hetfield, who has arguably been their highest profile user and used their products on iconic albums with tones people still try to cop today...I just question whether time has closed that window of relevance to where a signature model would even make sense in current day.

 

[Tone Monster]

It's been rumored for a handful of years that Hetfield has had something in the works, but I don't know that they'd ever release anything. Maybe, maybe not. It would have made sense in the mid to late 90's at the height of their popularity, but I'm not sure about now.

The last album they released was 8 years ago, and what...2 albums of new material in what's close to 20 years? If you consider Load/Reload as 1 album worth (all written at the same time), then you're looking at maybe 3 albums worth of material since the Black Album about 25 years ago (discounting the covers).

While there's no denying Hetfield probably turned more people onto Mesa than the next 5 guys combined (me included), his relevance over the last decade or two has declined significantly, especially considering he's become known for amps like the VH4 as much in recent times, or used the Axe-FX live on some recent dates. Petrucci has consistently used Mesa and been a champion for them in every album, and Dream Theater consistently churns out new albums and tours to this day (whether you like the albums is subjective).

My long winded way of saying there's probably no one who deserved a signature Mesa over the course of the years more than Hetfield, who has arguably been their highest profile user and used their products on iconic albums with tones people still try to cop today...I just question whether time has closed that window of relevance to where a signature model would even make sense in current day.

Well said.

 

[Avi8r2005]

All very good points. With all the fan boys out there I think it would still have a lot of appeal. However, as closely guarded and secretive as Hetfield seems to be about achieving his tones, would he really want to give up the secret sauce that makes it what it is?

 

[johnpace2]

It's been rumored for a handful of years that Hetfield has had something in the works, but I don't know that they'd ever release anything. Maybe, maybe not. It would have made sense in the mid to late 90's at the height of their popularity, but I'm not sure about now.

The last album they released was 8 years ago, and what...2 albums of new material in what's close to 20 years? If you consider Load/Reload as 1 album worth (all written at the same time), then you're looking at maybe 3 albums worth of material since the Black Album about 25 years ago (discounting the covers).

While there's no denying Hetfield probably turned more people onto Mesa than the next 5 guys combined (me included), his relevance over the last decade or two has declined significantly, especially considering he's become known for amps like the VH4 as much in recent times, or used the Axe-FX live on some recent dates. Petrucci has consistently used Mesa and been a champion for them in every album, and Dream Theater consistently churns out new albums and tours to this day (whether you like the albums is subjective).

My long winded way of saying there's probably no one who deserved a signature Mesa over the course of the years more than Hetfield, who has arguably been their highest profile user and used their products on iconic albums with tones people still try to cop today...I just question whether time has closed that window of relevance to where a signature model would even make sense in current day.

100% agreed. Plus, it seems the Boogie is only a small piece (if any) of his tone now. I rarely say this, but their tone is too much mids and not enough gain. Just doesn't sound pissed off at all.

 

[Racerxrated]

Maybe its the allure of selling a Simulclass version, and that's what Hetfield used years ago. God knows the 2C+ guys believe that's the best version. I've never played one, only my 60w SRG which I compared to an original HRG. Liked my 60 better. Go figure. Mines a dreaded upgrade too lol..

 

[NewWorldMan]

Maybe its the allure of selling a Simulclass version, and that's what Hetfield used years ago. God knows the 2C+ guys believe that's the best version. I've never played one, only my 60w SRG which I compared to an original HRG. Liked my 60 better. Go figure. Mines a dreaded upgrade too lol..

Well, I've got 4 Simul's right now (5 if you count my III), and I've had my share of HRG's over the years. To each his own, I've not consistently liked one more than another, though I do like running 34's along with my 6L6's.

People love to start drama on upgrades vs originals. Upgrades are no less legit than originals, and I say this as someone that has 2 of both. My '82 is a IIB upgrade (done back in the mid-80's when Boogie would still upgrade them). It's also got an export transformer, but it is a character I dig. Feels like it saturates earlier than the others, though it doesn't. Not as bold, but just as tight. A little more hair on the notes.

I can see where some folks would prefer a 60W vs an HRG, especially if it had a 105 PT. The HRG would stay a little "cleaner" until a higher volume ("feel" less saturated), have to push it a lot harder to get the same feel you'd get from the 60W at lower volumes. It's all preference.

 

[stanbog]

While I agree with the points said, I also think there is also something else to consider: For his influence in the guitar world and corresponding potential in terms of selling products, Hetfield has always been very hesitating in regards of gear endorsement. Point is, as long as he has enough money, I don't see him agree. He never liked to promote things, he prefers to be "independent".

 

[Racerxrated]

(New world man)Definitely. And I don't say '2C+ guys' to mock anyone....I own one lol. But on the Boogie board they do get condescending at times when it comes to 2C+s. If you go there there's a JP2C section, 2 guys already have one and dig it. One has clips up, sounds thick and mean.

 

[rokket2005]

While I agree with the points said, I also think there is also something else to consider: For his influence in the guitar world and corresponding potential in terms of selling products, Hetfield has always been very hesitating in regards of gear endorsement. Point is, as long as he has enough money, I don't see him agree. He never liked to promote things, he prefers to be "independent".

While I'll agree that he doesn't seem the type to blatantly push products at people, he does have several signature ESP's that he's had for at least 8 years or so, as well as Hetfield EMGs so it's not like he's averse to having signature gear.

 

[232cap]

Next year they are doing the 2C++.

 

[7 Stringer]

Well first of all Metallica is the biggest metal band in the world and Jaymz has used and been associated publicly with Mesa before, sooooo, he could develop a signature amp with them to his specs and criteria and start using that and promote the shit out of it and they would sell like hot cakes in the middle of Ethiopia.

I think it would be a win win.

Even if they don`t put out awesome albums every other year, there mark is made and it will never go away. Hitler made his mark no? Be it good or bad, he still is one of the most known and talked about character in the world, everybody knows him.

Oh oh, am i in trouble here

 

[mojotone]

MESA could take the JP-2C platform and use a Simul-Class power section without attaching anyone's name to it, if they wanted to do so. While we're dreaming, let's have Sylvania start making 6CA7's again, and cheap!

 

[metalfan32]

I'm sure the majority of people buying the JP2C aren't buying it because of JP they are buying because of the tones of the 2C.

To say Mesa shouldn't give a signature to JH for the above reasons makes no sense. He is in one of the biggest bands of all time. He's written some of the best riffs with Mesa gear.

Who cares what he uses now. He used the best with Mesa as most people seem to agree with. James still sells out stadiums from the songs he used Mesa gear with.

Makes complete sense to me that he would get a signature amp with Mesa if they wanted to do one. And if they do I will own it!

 

[Mailman1971]

+1 on this.
EVH put out his own Amps and they haven't put out any good music in years as well.
Yet his stuff sells because it does sound good.

 

[NewWorldMan]

Giving Hetfield a signature amp would contradict all the reasons Mesa cited for breaking the mold and giving Petrucci one. They cited their enduring 30+ year relationship and friendship with him, his musical vision and integrity, his "unaffected by stardom humility", and his life long or career long dedication to Mesa products. Hetfield turned me onto Mesa back in the day, but let's be honest, he embodies virtually none of that.

From Napster lawsuits against fans, trips to rehab, counseling and debauchery, and on and on...Hetfield hasn't always had the greatest image, and Mesa values that. Lifelong dedication to Mesa products? No. Here's a guy that made infinitely more money than Petrucci ever dreamed of, yet stopped taking his Mesa racks around live because he didn't want to pay the freight bill and switched to Fractal.

That's not dedication to Mesa. What would he do, create a signature amp with them, then use it on a new album another 8 years from now when he's 60 years old and tour with the Axe-Fx?

All that being said, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get one. It's been rumored for years. I just don't believe it makes any sense, if nothing else based on Mesa's own reasoning.

 

[metalfan32]

You bring up some good points but I don't know. I could see how a small few would feel that way but from a business stand point putting James Hetfield and 2C on an amp is going to make money. After all it is a business. Maybe it will happen maybe not.

James is very respected. He went to rehab once and has been sober for almost 15 years. Never had issues with drugs. I've never heard anybody bad mouth Hetfield in the music industry.

From what I've seen and read Mesa still has a good working relationship with the Metallica camp. Whether he has been 100% loyal to Mesa or not James has almost always incorporated some type of Mesa product in his rack for 25 years give or take?

Anyways, I could see how some would disagree. I think if it happen it would be a good business move for Mesa even though some people might not agree with it.

 

[peterc52]

You bring up some good points but I don't know. I could see how a small few would feel that way but from a business stand point putting James Hetfield and 2C on an amp is going to make money. After all it is a business. Maybe it will happen maybe not.

James is very respected. He went to rehab once and has been sober for almost 15 years. Never had issues with drugs. I've never heard anybody bad mouth Hetfield in the music industry.

From what I've seen and read Mesa still has a good working relationship with the Metallica camp. Whether he has been 100% loyal to Mesa or not James has almost always incorporated some type of Mesa product in his rack for 25 years give or take?

Anyways, I could see how some would disagree. I think if it happen it would be a good business move for Mesa even though some people might not agree with it.

I like Hetfield and dont blame him for it, but never had issues with drugs?? How do you define issues?

 

[metalfan32]

Alcohol was an issue for James because it affected his family and relationships with people. Drugs were not an issue for James like alcohol was that required rehab. I've never seen or read anything about James using drugs.

 

[jlb32]

I'd love to see Mesa and Hetfield get together and do a unique amp. He's used many different Mesa's over the years for his studio and live tone. A lot of his Mesa amps are modified so they would have alot of options to come up with something different and unique.

With the JP2C coming out now IMO doing another 2C+ and calling it a JH2C would be kind of redundant now.