John Frusciante’s Mesa Boogie Strategy 400 Stereo Power Amp

John used this power amp in combination with a Mesa Boogie Quad Preamp very early on in the band circa 1989. Most notably, it can be seen on the Psychedelic Sexfunk-Live From Heaven footage recorded on December 30, 1989.

Photo source: Screencap Psychedelic Sexfunk-Live From Heaven

As far as how long he used the amps, that’s unfortunately unknown. It seems that from 1989 to 1991 he occasionally used Marshalls and some other amps, so his rig was nowhere near set in stone. In a February 1991 interview with Guitar (UK), he mentioned that he was using a Mesa Boogie at that time.

As far as amps go I have a Mesa/Boogie, and I don’t know what kind it is. But it’s two amps in one. The knobs are frozen in a good spot. I can control the volume, just not the treble or bass, but I don’t have a problem yet. I’m sure it’s going to grow little legs and walk away from me soon.

Guitar (UK), February 1991

Based on his description, it could be that the “two amps in one” refers to there being a preamp and a power amp, or it could be that he moved on to a different Mesa Boogie by this time.

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