PENTODES: (Continued)

Thus the proper cocktail waitress - visible through the louvers - is scantily clad so as to be all the more

 

effective at reinforcing the attractive infl uence of her bar and by being located in between the door and the bar, she serves as bait to lure customers past the door’s negative infl uence. Once through the door however, it is the rare Irishman who actually comes in personal contact with the cocktail waitress as, for all intents and purposes, she - like the screen grid - turns out to be a vanishing illusion.Yet, having come this far, the solid infl uence of the bar itself now takes over and attracts the customers to congregate, hav- ing happily reached their destination.

If you’re still following this and haven’t lost track of the count, you’ll know we’re still one element short of the fi ve needed to make a Pentode. This last part is a pair of beam-confi ning shields which being negatively charged, serve to direct the fl ow right toward the plate. This is much the way a short entrance hall to the bar prevents wandering accidentally into the Men’s room on the way.

Once at the bar though, the circuit is complete and the process of soul-nourishing works its ritual magic. Biases having been over- come, illusory nightingales having vanished, the spirits truly soar and the once surly Irishmen now are fi lled with warmth, wit and kindred friendship, enjoying the music and glowing nicely with their heaters on.

With appreciative thanks to the inhabitants of the Land of the Leprechaun, we have now concluded our little diversion into the mechanics of proper bar lay-out.

A feature article by Randall Smith

Designer / President

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Mesa/Boogie LoneStar Amplifier owner manual

LoneStar Amplifier specifications

The Mesa/Boogie LoneStar Amplifier is a standout choice for guitarists seeking a high-quality, versatile tube amplifier that excels in both clean and overdriven tones. Designed for performers who require reliability and tonal variety, the LoneStar is a blend of vintage warmth and modern performance, making it ideal for various musical genres, from blues to rock to country.

One of the main features of the LoneStar is its dual-channel configuration, allowing players to toggle between pristine clean tones and rich, dynamic overdrives. Each channel offers independent tone controls, including bass, mid, treble, and presence, enabling precise sound shaping. The amplifier also includes a unique "Boost" feature on the overdrive channel, which provides an additional gain stage for solos or dynamic passages.

The LoneStar is powered by a quartet of EL84 power tubes, which deliver a sweet, harmonically rich output. This choice of tubes contributes to the amp's tonal character; the EL84s are known for their smooth breakup and dynamic response. Additionally, the amplifier can operate in either 30-watt or 15-watt modes, offering flexibility for both stage and studio environments.

A hallmark characteristic of the LoneStar is its use of the "CabClone" technology, which gives players the ability to silently record or practice by sending a speaker-emulated signal directly to a mixing console or recording interface. This innovation means you can achieve high-quality recordings without the need for a mic'd cabinet.

The amplifier also features a rugged design, with a sturdy chassis and durable tolex covering, ensuring it withstands the rigors of touring. Its aesthetic appeal, paired with its functional controls and footswitch capabilities, makes it a favorite among professional musicians.

With its distinctive tone, versatility, and advanced features, the Mesa/Boogie LoneStar Amplifier has established itself as a modern classic in the amplification world. Whether you are seeking lush clean sounds, soaring leads, or earthy mid-range overdrive, the LoneStar provides all the tools you need to shape your signature sound effectively. For players who appreciate quality craftsmanship and performance, this amplifier is an investment that pays dividends in tonal richness and reliability.