This 2nd Chapter of MESA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration finds Founder and President Randall Smith sharing his perspective on the impact of his landmark discovery, the cascading High Gain preamp and the contribution the MARK I became to guitar amplification. Throughout, numerous Guitar Greats reflect on their first encounter with this game-changing and pivotal MARK I’s performance. Randall also shares the passion that drove him on to continuing refinement throughout the MARK II’s evolution during the 1980s.

In this series of short videos, Randall and iconic guitarists look back and touch on the things that first drew them to the “Family” and share what the amplifiers have done for their playing and their music. From the early inspiration and beginnings in the late ’60s and early ‘70s, through the “Big 80s” and Guitar-Culture sea change of the 90s, up through the new Millennium and today, Randall and his team of fiercely passionate “band mates” as he calls them, have contributed every major feature found on modern amplifiers and a universe of iconic Tone to the sound of the electric guitar, changing it forever more.

From inventing the pivotal High Gain Preamp in the first Mark i’s, to Footswitchable Modes and Effects Loops in the Mark II’s, to Multi-Channel/Multi-Mode Preamps in the Mark III’s, IV’s and V’s and Dual Rectifiers, to the several patented tunable Tube power, wiring and operating class configurations found throughout, the innovation and pioneering spirit has remained at the forefront of the small Northern California Company’s ethic.

Enjoy this up close and personal look into the history of MESA/Boogie with Randall and company highlighting points along a 50-year journey that would lead to MESA’s cult status leaving an indelible mark on the sound of amplified guitar and modern music.