For those who send Mesa's in for service...

[skullfxr]

About how much would it cost to freshen up an older MKIV. I just want it gone through and 100% straightened out. No major issues, I just don't feel comfortable working on a relatively complex amp. Also what are some mods that they can do?

 

[Beyond Black]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

 

[skullfxr]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

Is that plus shipping there and back?

What do you get for that?
I want a recap and just for it to function just like new.
Does that include new tubes? (I would rather just use my own stash).

 

[Beyond Black]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

Is that plus shipping there and back?

What do you get for that?
I want a recap and just for it to function just like new.
Does that include new tubes? (I would rather just use my own stash).

That did not include shipping, and he didn’t give any other details. He says it sounds much better now. “More compressed and less fizzy” is how he put it. I’d give Mike B a call for specifics.

 

[skullfxr]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

Is that plus shipping there and back?

What do you get for that?
I want a recap and just for it to function just like new.
Does that include new tubes? (I would rather just use my own stash).

That did not include shipping, and he didn’t give any other details. He says it sounds much better now. “More compressed and less fizzy” is how he put it. I’d give Mike B a call for specifics.

how would one get hold of mike b.? email through mesa or call?

i have heard a lot about him, but am unfamiliar with his position. does he do it personally? or someone on his crew?

 

[psychodave]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

There are plenty of mods for the Mark IV. Mike just is tired of doing them.

 

[skullfxr]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

There are plenty of mods for the Mark IV. Mike just is tired of doing them.

Oh. Didn't know that. Any great ones you know of?

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

There are plenty of mods for the Mark IV. Mike just is tired of doing them.

... because it's super tight inside the MKIV... and to swap 1 part... you have to spend 2 hours moving 3 other parts.

 

[skullfxr]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

There are plenty of mods for the Mark IV. Mike just is tired of doing them.

... because it's super tight inside the MKIV... and to swap 1 part... you have to spend 2 hours moving 3 other parts.

Exactly why I am not servicing it. Lol.

 

[psychodave]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

There are plenty of mods for the Mark IV. Mike just is tired of doing them.

Oh. Didn't know that. Any great ones you know of?

More gain.
Can make channel 2 more like the lead channel.

With Mike, you have to tell him what you’re looking for...not ask for a menu. I’ve learned there are some mods he just doesn’t want to do anymore because it’s a pain in the ass as Wizard said.

Note that Mike will not do any mods unless the amp has been serviced. He just won’t do it.

 

[skullfxr]

OK. Will talk to him in the near future.

I wouldn't mind that mentioned gain channel mod.

 

[Beyond Black]

I just read on a Facebook Boogie group post that a dude just sent his in for a full tuneup and it was like $330. A few weeks ago I asked Mike B if there were any mods for it and he said with a laugh, “No, isn’t there already enough bells and whistles on it?”

There are plenty of mods for the Mark IV. Mike just is tired of doing them.

Understandable and makes sense.

 

[Fordman65]

I'm likely sending my dual rect to Mesa for service as well. It's a very early version that other than tube changes, don't think any service has ever been performed. Certainly not in the decade or so that I've owned it.

So, including shipping both ways, about $500 all-in assuming nothing major is needed. Doesn't seem totally unreasonable, considering where you're sending it.

EDIT: in fact, I just submitted a request to Mesa for an RMA to have them service my amp. What the hell; why not? Not planning to sell anytime soon, so might as well get it sounding its best.

 

[skullfxr]

OK. Will talk to him in the near future.

I wouldn't mind that mentioned gain channel mod. I don't want to pay out the ass, but I mean if there is something I will get it done since it's getting service and it is there.

 

[skullfxr]

I'm likely sending my dual rect to Mesa for service as well. It's a very early version that other than tube changes, don't think any service has ever been performed. Certainly not in the decade or so that I've owned it.

So, including shipping both ways, about $500 all-in assuming nothing major is needed. Doesn't seem totally unreasonable, considering where you're sending it.

OK. I can deal with that in the near future. Did that include new tubes? Any other thoughts?

I have had this head damn near 15 years and it had minor issues since I had it. There are some pots that may need replacement, tube sockets are a little loose.

 

[skullfxr]

I only paid $550 for mine, and to have it up 100% it's definitely worth it. And still a better deal.

 

[Frehley12]

I'm in the same boat as the OP. Same amp, early 90's. I don't need new tubes. Let me know how it goes and if any mods you had done. I would like RHY2 tweaked with much less flubby bass. Killer amp!! Will keep forever.

 

[LP Freak]

Years ago when I had my Mk IV I asked Mike if there was a mod to tighten up the rhythm channel, his response was “get a better right hand”....lol. I didn’t think it was funny at the time.

 

[skoora]

It could be with RHY 2, they didn’t want a super tight hard rock/ metal friendly tone. They’re ultimately making amps for a wide range of players and a lot of players would want a sound that’s looser for overdriving rhythm tone. They weren’t making specifically metal amps. Just amps that happened to do great metal tones. RHy 2 with a pedal can sound pretty damn good for hard rock though.

 

[Beyond Black]

Years ago when I had my Mk IV I asked Mike if there was a mod to tighten up the rhythm channel, his response was “get a better right hand”....lol. I didn’t think it was funny at the time.

It’s pretty funny now, though!