And there is the end of the thread. You spend on messing with the Mesa cab and then you will remember that the TKS 1126 is awesome. Sell the Mesa and buy another TKS 1126. Job done.
I would suggest a "clothing without zips or metal buttons" clause in the post above. Some of what I will bring will not care about being gouged. Most will be deeply upset.
He can already play, don't worry. Grab that plectrum and play too many notes at the neck. Guitarists get secret lessons for this.
Obv this is a gross generalisation and no reflection on Roland's friend.
I tried to do thw individual string thing on a guitar with a raised nut and a pedal steel bar. It was very far from being great I just need samples of some grown up playing it properly!