Bugera announces the Magician – Mesa Boogie Mark Series Style & Tone!
The Tone King | Mar 24, 2010 | Comments 16
Bugera Magician
Taken from the Bugera Website :
The supernatural power of the 85-Watt BUGERA MAGICIAN is built to satisfy even the most discerning tone chaser. Its unbelievable array of tonal options will take you on a tonal tour of the greatest amplifier personalities to ever emerge from the Sunshine State. With three channels, multiple class modes (Class-A or combined Class A/AB), variable maximum power, switchable triode/pentode operation and a multitude of EQ controls, the MAGICIAN is too many amps to count – all in one!
It all starts with a three-channel preamp design (Rhythm 1, Rhythm 2, Lead) featuring 4 x 12AX7 valves, producing everything from vintage clean to killer crunch. On the back panel, flick a switch to select PENTODE for a clear, powerful punch or TRIODE for a classic, mellow sound. Next, select either CLASS A mode for a bright, chiming tone that pushes easily into overdrive, or MULTI-CLASS mode to combine the Class A sound with the tight, punchy tone of Class AB amplifiers.
Finally, because it usually takes obscene amounts of volume to send power valves into overdrive, the MAGICIAN features a Varipower knob. This allows you to access the sweet sound of this amp’s four 6L6 power valves in overdrive, at a volume that won’t destroy microphones, the windows of your home, or your neighbors’ eardrums. Of course, if you need to get loud, the MAGICIAN is always willing and able.
The MAGICIAN’s vast EQ controls puts your signature tone well within reach. All three channels feature a three-band EQ (bass, mid, treble), and individual PRESENCE controls to adjust high-end clarity. Meanwhile, a multitude of switches give you access to countless tones: PHAT adds mid-range thickness to the RHYTHM 2 and LEAD channels, SHIFT affects the feedback loop and midrange sound of the RHYTHM 2 and LEAD channels, and the BRIGHT switch adds additional brilliance to the LEAD channel. A 5-band graphic equalizer rounds out all these tone-shaping options.
Your favorite stomp boxes will integrate seamlessly with the MAGICIAN via the built-in effects loop. This feature’s on/off status can be stored for each channel and recalled each time the channel is activated. And of course, we didn’t forget to include onboard digital reverb. To further enhance performance, the MAGICIAN comes with a six-button BUGERA FSB106 foot controller for remote on/off switching of REVERB, FX LOOP and GRAPHIC EQ, as well as switching between the three preamp channels— which is even possible through the onboard MIDI input.
The MAGICIAN comes loaded with a Neo-Vintage 12″ BUGERA speaker, handmade in the same factory as the amplifier. This tight transducer provides the tone character of vintage Alnico speakers and an incredible high sensitivity at a mere fraction of the typical guitar speaker’s weight. But there are several ways to route the signal whether you’re out rocking the clubs or recording in the studio. The SLAVE DI output sends a signal out to additional amplifiers or other processors, and its LEVEL knob controls the output signal. A RECORDING output sends a conditioned signal directly to a recording console, and also features a LEVEL knob for controlling the output signal volume.
When the bold, ballsy sound of California meets the chime of merry old England, it’s a glorious sound that used to require at least two amplifiers. But the miracle-working BUGERA MAGICIAN gives you the best of both worlds and more. Its vast array of tone-shaping features give you access to a sound every bit as unique as your playing style, at a price that will leave you with enough gas money to get you and your MAGICIAN to the next dozen gigs. Check out this supernatural new addition to the family at your nearest BUGERA dealer.
Features
- Hand-built 85-Watt guitar combo driven by 4 x 6L6 valves
- Original 12″ BUGERA Neo-Vintage speaker for true vintage sound, high sensitivity and light weight
- 3-channel preamp design (Rhythm 1, Rhythm 2, Lead) featuring 4 x 12AX7 valves—everything from purring blues to mind-blowing crunch
- Multi-Class mode features either Class-A or combined Class-A/AB, blending Class-A purity with the raw power punch of Pentode Class-AB
- Varipower control allows the maximum power to be scaled down to produce a cranked amp sound at much lower volumes
- Integrated high-class reverb with dedicated Reverb control
- Dedicated Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence and Volume controls per channel for awesome sound shaping
- Multi-gain stage Lead channel with voicing switch (Mid Gain/Sparkle)
- Assignable 5-band graphic EQ for ultimate sound shaping
- Manual or auto-assignable FX Loop with independent Send and Return level controls
- Compensated recording output with switchable Recording Mute function plus Line output with dedicated Level control
- Multi-impedance output connectors (4 and 8 Ohms) to match virtually any speaker cabinet
- External Switching connectors for channel selection, Reverb, Graphic EQ and FX Loop for remote applications
- Heavy-duty 6-button footswitch for channel selection, Graphic EQ, Reverb and FX Loop function included–doubles as MIDI IN / THRU for complete MIDI remote switching
- High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
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k well, it’s march 20th, 2012. What the hell is going on with the Bugera Magician? Hasn’t anybody figured out how to squeeze these into the country yet? The demos all sound like a@% to my ears, but I’d love to get my hands on one in a music store.
Hopefully more demos will at least come out, and hopefully a bit better sounding. Check out Petrucci demoing his MarkV for instance, now THAT sounds good. Let’s get a really good player on the Magician and let the gloves come off.
I *still* want to know where these have come ashore in the US. And if Bugera’s reliability issues have been beaten down. The features on the Magician give it so much I need in ONE place….
The tone of 80s Mesa Boogie amplifiers will never be matched by any other manufacturer. Even Mesa has many shortcomings with its newer amplifier line. Your best bet is to find a Mark III, .50 Caliber, or Mark IIC+ or Mark IIB. Then find yourself a good Mesa tech to keep it running for years.
I’v had a Bugera 6262 for only a couple of months and was playing at low volume. not even on 1 and the third tube got so hot and bright. I unplugged the amp, let it sit and tried to turn it back on an hour later and nothing. so maybe there is something about the reliability of Bugera, especially considering that the amps never been moved or played loud.I would never buy another one if I was still playing tours.
I got a V22 and my mind is blown. I also bought a 1990 that screams. Now I want to buy all the Bugeras. I can own all the amps I want for the price of one Mesa or Matchless. I really can’t argue with that logic. I did a persuasive speech in my public speaking class about branding. I come from a marketing background. I asked people what they look for in a car. All were shocked to find that all the categories were met buy a Kia Optima over an Accord. Branding is powerful. Personally, I just want the sound of the Mesa’s, matchless and Marshalls. I am long past the days that I actually need to own one. Don’t make the reliability comment either. I used to manage a music store and the most troublesome amps we dealt with were Mesa’s and Vox’s. They were in the shop a lot. I could replace my V22 6 times for the cost of one Mesa.
All you boogie cry babys, STFU! Boogie has been riding the wave of overpriced stuff for WAY too long. Every amp on the market today has come from a preceding design from the past. Viva Bugera…..viva Beringher!
TTK always is kewl with reping the terueth..these amps from bugera do the working musicains a hella” big service ..no need to buy over priced tube emulation to get a huge tone on stage or home nor at a rape”’in”’ price ..thanks TTK & bugera ……lol..i just wish walmart would start stocking bugera products ..that would get the price a few more bucks lower and better service warranty….because of store clerks commition at say guitar center they would try pushiong bigger buck item first i seen it first hand 1600 for a mesa & my boy could have had 333xl for 800…just as good let not fopr geta xxxl is same kinda as re4cto too!! ~V
Who cares if it’s a rip-off? I mean…. If it sounds good, doesn’t blow the first year, is at an affordable price (unlike the Mesa’s), I’m pretty much happy!
Damn, there’s so many cry-babies around… And this comes from a 16 year old.
when will this be available? 85-Watt BUGERA simply fascinates me!! thanks for the post
Bugera has done spot on marshall, peavey and fender cloens so far so I really want this mark IV clone.
Seriously this isnt underhanded it’s obvious it’s a clone and thats what it is being marketed as without saying it is.
Peavey has been making the poorman’s mesa boogie amps for decades but trying to label them as their own. It’s nice to see someone upfront for once.
Steve’s another paid troll. please move along. Nothing to see here.
This is a blatant rip-off of the Mesa/Boogie MKIV and I think any self-respecting guitar site should distance itself from these kind of underhanded companies.
I have always been impressed with Bugera’s tone.
Looks like they have another winner on their hands !
When will this be available? I didn’t see a date for it.
Bugera site shows it at $1029 (US). Of course that is suggested retail price. Burgera’s usually sell for a few hundred less, so my guess would be around $780. Which is a very decent price for what you get.
I wonder what the retail price for this Bad Boy will be?