Diffferences between Mesa Roadster and Mark V?

[procos]

I just started looking into Mesa's. I have owned numerous amps over the years but never really got into checking out Boogies. I currently own a Soldano SLO, a couple of Two Rock Onyx's and a Vox. After all my searching over the years these amps are the ones I have settled on. I however want to start checking out the Boogies. How will the Mark V differ from the Roadster tonewise? I have played a Mark III before but not for long. I have played the Tremoverb and Dual Rectifier before. I am going to head over to check out the Roadster this week but obviously no Mark V's for awhile. How would you veterans say the Mark line differs from the Roadster?

Thanks,

Chuck

 

[scottcrud]

The Roadster is a super duper Rectifier, the MKV is a MK1, MK2C+ and MK4 all rolled into one. No similarity in tone between the two amps.

 

[procos]

The Roadster is a super duper Rectifier, the MKV is a MK1, MK2C+ and MK4 all rolled into one. No similarity in tone between the two amps.

I know what they are but was hoping to get a description not just told that there are no similarities which I already knew.

 

[thiswaythatway]

You're talking about the Roadster being from the Recto family, and the Mark V which is from the Mark series.

I'm a big fan of the Mark series. Tones that come to mind are Petrucci on Scenes from a Memory, old school Metallica from Puppets or Justice, Brad Gillis from Speak Of The Devil and his lead tones from Night Ranger. Sykes on the WHitesnake and Blue Murder stuff. And some other bands like the Offspring and Chevelle.

The Mark series are known for singing fluid lead tones, or scooped metal tones which can be dialed in easy with the graphic EQ. But that doesn't stop a blues guy like Walter Trout from using a Mark IV either. These amps are really versatile but in general they are more focused and tighter than Rectos, MUCH better for lead work.

Rectos have that big huge wall of gain sound. Big deep low end with a slight fizzy top. Think of the numerous bands from the Nu-Metal days since most of them sported Rectos. Godsmack, Hoobastank, DIsturbed, Lincoln Park, etc etc etc.

I like Rectos when they're boosted. But the Mark series kills them for lead tones. My opinion of course. The Mark V and Roadster are both pretty versatile but will generally sound different.

Going by your amps you own now, I'd say the Mark V would fit in nice.

 

[procos]

You're talking about the Roadster being from the Recto family, and the Mark V which is from the Mark series.

I'm a big fan of the Mark series. Tones that come to mind are Petrucci on Scenes from a Memory, old school Metallica from Puppets or Justice, Brad Gillis from Speak Of The Devil and his lead tones from Night Ranger. Sykes on the WHitesnake and Blue Murder stuff. And some other bands like the Offspring and Chevelle.

The Mark series are known for singing fluid lead tones, or scooped metal tones which can be dialed in easy with the graphic EQ. But that doesn't stop a blues guy like Walter Trout from using a Mark IV either. These amps are really versatile but in general they are more focused and tighter than Rectos, MUCH better for lead work.

Rectos have that big huge wall of gain sound. Big deep low end with a slight fizzy top. Think of the numerous bands from the Nu-Metal days since most of them sported Rectos. Godsmack, Hoobastank, DIsturbed, Lincoln Park, etc etc etc.

I like Rectos when they're boosted. But the Mark series kills them for lead tones. My opinion of course. The Mark V and Roadster are both pretty versatile but will generally sound different.

Going by your amps you own now, I'd say the Mark V would fit in nice.

Thanks alot for the reply. That is the kind of detailed answer I was looking for. I am leaning towards waiting on a Mark V but might pick up a used Roadster if I like the one I check out at GC. That way once the Mark V came out if I liked it better I could just sell the Roadster. I don't care much for Nu Metal so the Roadster might not be my sound.

Thanks,

Chuck

 

[marvcus]

I just started looking into Mesa's. I have owned numerous amps over the years but never really got into checking out Boogies. I currently own a Soldano SLO, a couple of Two Rock Onyx's and a Vox. After all my searching over the years these amps are the ones I have settled on. I however want to start checking out the Boogies. How will the Mark V differ from the Roadster tonewise? I have played a Mark III before but not for long. I have played the Tremoverb and Dual Rectifier before. I am going to head over to check out the Roadster this week but obviously no Mark V's for awhile. How would you veterans say the Mark line differs from the Roadster?

Thanks,

Chuck

I'm going to preface my "advice" by saying I know components and values change the tone, but I am pretty sure the Rectifier has generally the same circuit as the SLO. Obviously they sound different, but that may give you something to think about when weighing your decision.

Judging ONLY by the types of amps you own, I think you could fill a void with a Mark series. Mark 5 or IIC+ would fit the bill nicely. Don't let anyone tell you the IV can cop the IIC+ --i've had both--it can't. Never heard the 5 live, so no judgment by me on that one, but I hear good things.

 

[titanamps]

good luck getting a MKV any time soon, though.

 

[procos]

good luck getting a MKV any time soon, though.

I am sure once they start shipping they will show up on ebay. Always happens with the new flavor of the month.

 

[cyndicate]

Problem is when exactly are they going to first start shipping

Mid March becomes June, June probably becomes Winter

 

[procos]

Problem is when exactly are they going to first start shipping

Mid March becomes June, June probably becomes Winter

I can wait. I have a SLO and a few Two Rock Onyx's. I'd rather have them wait and get it right then ship out amps that end up having problems.

 

[titanamps]

i wouldn't expect them to be on the broader market until xmas, TBH. there is MASSIVE demand for this amp. then again, if i could get one of the first ones to roll out, play it a bit, then flip it on egay for a healthy profit...

 

[cyndicate]

Problem is when exactly are they going to first start shipping

Mid March becomes June, June probably becomes Winter

I can wait. I have a SLO and a few Two Rock Onyx's. I'd rather have them wait and get it right then ship out amps that end up having problems.

Doesn't hurt to try out a Roadster in the meantime!

 

[thiswaythatway]

I just started looking into Mesa's. I have owned numerous amps over the years but never really got into checking out Boogies. I currently own a Soldano SLO, a couple of Two Rock Onyx's and a Vox. After all my searching over the years these amps are the ones I have settled on. I however want to start checking out the Boogies. How will the Mark V differ from the Roadster tonewise? I have played a Mark III before but not for long. I have played the Tremoverb and Dual Rectifier before. I am going to head over to check out the Roadster this week but obviously no Mark V's for awhile. How would you veterans say the Mark line differs from the Roadster?

Thanks,

Chuck

I'm going to preface my "advice" by saying I know components and values change the tone, but I am pretty sure the Rectifier has generally the same circuit as the SLO. Obviously they sound different, but that may give you something to think about when weighing your decision.

Judging ONLY by the types of amps you own, I think you could fill a void with a Mark series. Mark 5 or IIC+ would fit the bill nicely. Don't let anyone tell you the IV can cop the IIC+ --i've had both--it can't. Never heard the 5 live, so no judgment by me on that one, but I hear good things.

I agree. The IV just doesn't capture the same feel as the IIC+. I've 2 IIC+'s, played a bunch, and have owned about 4 IV's. But it is pretty close, close enough where a live audience wouldn't know the difference.