The Mesa Boogie Cleo is a Mesa Boogie distortion pedal, currently around $199. Close alternatives include the JHS Kirkland Custom Boost and the Universal Audio knuckles. It pairs well with the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head (Multi-watt) and the Orange Rockerverb 50 MkIII 2-Channel 50W Head.
Mesa Boogie Cleo
Mesa Boogie · pedal
The Mesa Boogie Cleo is a premium boutique overdrive pedal from Mesa Boogie, the legendary California amplifier company. The Cleo applies Mesa Boogie's deep amp circuit knowledge to produce a premium overdrive experience with the harmonic complexity and natural response associated with Mesa Boogie's finest amplifier designs. Used by professional musicians who want Mesa Boogie circuit character in a compact pedal format.
- consistent
- mesa boogie circuit character
- reliable
- boutique
- natural
- mesa boogie
- brand
Price updated Aug 27, 2026
Amps that pair well with the Mesa Boogie Cleo
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head (Multi-watt)
Mesa Boogie
26% matchRun Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head (Multi-watt) into that transparent platform and it finally gets some high gain
Orange Rockerverb 50 MkIII 2-Channel 50W Head
Orange
25% matchOrange Rockerverb 50 MkIII 2-Channel 50W Head's own voicing points at Marshall-style amps, and Mesa Boogie Cleo delivers it
Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-100 Head
Mesa Boogie
tonal matchVoiced for Mesa-style amps
Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/50 1x12 Combo
Mesa Boogie
tonal matchVoiced for Mesa-style amps
Mesa Boogie Rectifier Badlander EL34/100 Head
Mesa Boogie
tonal matchVoiced for Mesa-style amps
Synergy SL2 Module
Synergy
tonal matchThe transparent tone has headroom to spare — Synergy SL2 Module gives it high gain to fill it with
Friedman BE-Mini Head
Friedman
tonal matchInto a transparent tone, Friedman BE-Mini Head brings the high gain it's missing
Egnater Tweaker 88 Head
Egnater
tonal matchEgnater Tweaker 88 Head's low gain fills in what this transparent tone doesn't make on its own
Pedals that stack with the Mesa Boogie Cleo
Walrus Audio Eons
Walrus Audio
21% matchInto a transparent tone, Walrus Audio Eons brings the low gain it's missing
Suhr Rufus Reloaded
Suhr
21% matchInto a transparent tone, Suhr Rufus Reloaded brings the fuzzy it's missing
EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter
EarthQuaker Devices
15% matchKeep EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter after Mesa Boogie Cleo in the signal chain, clear of Mesa Boogie Cleo's own gain stage
Vox Valvenergy Silk Drive
Vox
12% matchWhat Vox Valvenergy Silk Drive brings here leans toward smooth — that's worth building a pairing around
Malekko Electro-Harmonix Memory Toy Analog Delay
Electro-Harmonix
7% matchKeep Mesa Boogie Cleo's transparent voice out front: Malekko Electro-Harmonix Memory Toy Analog Delay goes after Mesa Boogie Cleo in the signal chain so its modulated voice doesn't muddy it — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Strymon BigSky
Strymon
7% matchKeep Strymon BigSky after Mesa Boogie Cleo in the signal chain, clear of Mesa Boogie Cleo's own gain stage — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Tone City Dry Martini
Tone City
tonal matchInto Mesa Boogie Cleo, Tone City Dry Martini is right at home: it's built around a clean amp's front end
Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler V2
Dr Scientist
tonal matchInto a transparent tone, Dr. Scientist Frazz Dazzler V2 brings the fuzzy it's missing
Cheaper alternatives
Keeley Fuzz Bender
Keeley
83% similaritysimilar tone character
EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2
EarthQuaker Devices
82% similaritysimilar tone character
RHC Audio Ydrat
Rhc Audio
81% similaritysimilar tone character
Keeley Manis Iconic Overdrive
Keeley
81% similaritysimilar tone character
Catalinbread Octapussy
Catalinbread
80% similaritysimilar tone character
Ibanez SM Mini Super Metal Distortion
Ibanez
80% similaritysimilar tone character
Boutique & premium upgrades
Similar charactersee all similar tone character →
See all alternatives to the Mesa Boogie Cleo (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Mesa Boogie Cleo?+
The closest matches in character are the JHS Kirkland Custom Boost, the Universal Audio knuckles, the Keeley Fuzz Bender. Budget picks: Keeley Fuzz Bender, EarthQuaker Devices Bit Commander V2, RHC Audio Ydrat. Boutique upgrades: EarthQuaker Devices Hoof Reaper V2, Beetronics Swarm Shop Aqua Flames, Maxon ST-9 Pro+ Super Tube.
What pairs well with the Mesa Boogie Cleo?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head (Multi-watt), Orange Rockerverb 50 MkIII 2-Channel 50W Head, Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-100 Head — Run Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Solo Head (Multi-watt) into that transparent platform and it finally gets some high gain.
How much does the Mesa Boogie Cleo cost?+
Around $199 (live listing price, updated Aug 27, 2026).