Q: What’s the difference between Mesa/Boogie’s Stiletto and Rectifier 4×12″ cabinets? Do they sound the same?

A: First let’s look at how they are similar — in fact, these points apply to all of Mesa’s cabinets:

• All Mesa/Boogie cabinets are made using the finest void-free marine-grade Baltic birch in varying thickness of no less then 9 ply and as much as 14 ply.

• Handles are made of metal.
• Baffles are fitted with superior dado joint construction and braced.
• Grille material is made of strong twisted jute dipped in a special coating that filters top end for sweeter response.
• Celestion Vintage 30 and Custom 90 speakers are handbuilt in England.

Now, as far as the Stiletto 4×12 versus the Rectifier 4×12, the Stiletto is said to offer a more “vintage” tone, with tighter bass and more percussive attack than the Rectifier 4×12. Mesa recommends the Stiletto for capturing the “familiar” rock sounds from the 1960s through the 1980s.