Originally posted by DisposableHero
Output 9 o clock
Master 9 o clock
Presence 10 o clock
Bass 5 o clock
Mids 1 o clock
Treble 1 o clock
Gain 2 o clock

modern and vintage mode the same+

There's your problem right there. That's not going to work for anything.

Depending on the pickups (I've never used those) try something like-
bass: 5
mids: 4-6
treble: 4
gain: start at 1 and turn up when you get the eq set
And turn the presence down if you want a warm sound.

I'm kinda guessing with those because I've never used that type of amp, but it shouldn't be hard to get something that sounds better than 5/1/1. Mesa is definitely a tweakers amp, I would play with it for as long as possible before making a decision.

And, if all else fails, check the tubes.