Guitar Journal: MESA Rumors, RATs & Billy Corgan
Billy Corgan has expressed frustration at being overlooked in lists of the greatest guitarists
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This week, we discuss the potential MESA rumor of the Mesa Mark IIc+ and Dual Rectifier amplifiers reissue, as Gibson now owns the amp brand, and images are circulating online. Next, we look at the new Barstow Bat from Supercool pedals based on the Proco RAT. Finally, Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan laments his underrated guitarist status.
Guitar Journal
MESA Rumors
Gibson CEO Cesar Gueikian has been sneaking more ‘prototypes’ of Mesa amps into his social media streams.
Several guitar forums have also discussed leaked Mesa Mark IIc+ and Dual Rectifier images, and online rumors suggest that Gibson will release new amps very soon.
Instagram Tease
Cesar’s recent Instagram post even had the following to say;
E-Kramering in my office with a top secret #dualepic Mesa amp #90s
#gibson #kramer #epiphone #epic #DES #doepicshit #office#toys
You can also see a MESA amp in the background, so something must be coming maybe before the end of the year or early in 2025.
NAMM 2025
This all suggests that new Mesa amps are probably due relatively soon, and maybe we will see a NAMM 2025 unveiling or even sooner. Gibson purchased the Mesa in 2021, and Randall Smith, the founder of Mesa, stepped down earlier this year.
This means that Gibson can do whatever they want with the amp brand. We all know how much Gibson loves reissues, so it makes sense for them to reissue these two well-known amp models.
Barstow Bat
Supercool Pedals has announced the Barstow Bat, available in two distinct editions. You may remember their Dr. Seuss-themed Klon-style Thneed overdrive. Now, they have created their take on the classic RAT pedal.
Standard White
The standard white version offers essential controls: Drive, Level, and a 3-band EQ. A top-mounted Turbo button unleashes a silicon-to-LED clipping switch, delivering increased midrange and gain, reminiscent of the classic ProCo Turbo Rat.
This mode doubles the output, kicking the front end of your amp or preamp, making it scream.
Limited Edition Black
The limited edition black version offers the same core controls but adds a unique twist: rare NOS Germanium 1N34A diodes, activated via an internal dip-switch, for the Turbo mode.
“The Barstow Bat is a versatile tone-shaping tool,” says Supercool. “It effortlessly transitions from searing distortion to natural overdrive, crunchy leads, and dirty boosts, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities for guitars, basses, and beyond.”
Both versions are the same price and are available directly from Supercool Pedals.
MSRP – USD 205 white or black
Many RAT pedals are available, including the original Proco RAT 2 and Proco Lil’ Rat Distortion.
Smashing Pumpkins’ Corgan: A Guitarist Overlooked
Billy Corgan, the frontman of Smashing Pumpkins, has expressed frustration at being overlooked in lists of the greatest guitarists. Despite his significant contributions to 90s alternative rock, he believes he’s consistently underrated.
Cherub Rock
Corgan played a key role in shaping the Pumpkins’ sound. He is known for his aggressive style and memorable riffs in songs like “Cherub Rock” and “Tonight, Tonight.” He often performed lead guitar duties, complementing James Iha’s rhythm playing.
In a recent interview with Guitar World, Corgan acknowledged the talent of other guitarists but felt he deserved more recognition. He pointed to his versatility and the breadth of his musical abilities, including songwriting and production.
Despite his achievements, Corgan often finds himself excluded from top guitarist lists, which he attributes to a combination of factors, including the bias towards earlier generations and the disbelief that one person can excel in multiple areas of music.
Reverend Guitars
Corgan must be doing something right as he has several Reverend signature guitars in his name, so he hasn’t exactly been forgotten.
These include the Reverend Billy Corgan Z-One and Reverend Billy Corgan Drop Z.
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