I bought another Mark amp. I think I have a problem..

  • Thread starter Thread starter GJgo
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GJgo

GJgo

Well-known member
You know when you really don't need any new gear, but you keep browsing Reverb / EBay / Craigslist anyway? Yeah that's me. I should just stop looking. Well I didn't, and I scored a clean Mark III red stripe DRG head for $650!

I had a couple blue stripes but sold them, the tone was always a bit harsh for me. I much prefer the gain structure of my Mark IIs. I also picked up a Mark IV this summer, it's pretty awesome, I think better than the III but not as smooth as the II. It's like I'm a freakin' halfway house for old Marks to come get fixed up!

Anyway I can't wait to plug into it. :D
 
It's not bad until you've owned at least two of the three Mark preamps (Studio, Quad, Triaxis) and start getting serious about testing IIB vs. IIC vs. IIC+ vs. IIC++.

And then there are the Coliseum heads, the A/B variants vs. Simul-Class, no GEQ models with EQ in the loop vs. models with the GEQ, EL34s in the outer sockets, etc...

You're gonna be broke. And in tone heaven. :D :D
 
Oh!

And the lesser traveled road of preamp and power amp combinations.

A Studio preamp in to a Strategy 500 (the 400 with the Dual Track thing) in to two 4x12s is impossible the explain. You must experience it.
 
We suffer from the same condition...how many do you have now? I find something I like and I must have multiples of it, amps, guitars, motorcycles... its some weird type of hording trait, yet its not hording in the classic sense. Enjoy the amp(s)!
 
I have a 2B+ Coliseum that is just amazeballs. It has the loop mod which puts the loop in the same place as the C+ and after Marks. I also told Mike B to add another gain stage if it made sense to him, and worked well. I basically said have fun and see what you can squeeze out of her.
I've had 2 C+'s and 2 III's and this one is just an organic steamrolling monster that lays waste to anything and everything in its path. It has most of the 3D quality of the C+, and some of the feel. So if any of you can score a 2B, send it in to Mike B and have him do this mod. It is WAY closer to the real C+ than a Mark III, and closer than the JP IMO..I haven't owned one but I spent some time with one recently.
I'm sure the more vintage circuit has a lot to do with the closeness to the C+. This amp has as mch gain as the C+, maybe more.
Congrats on your Mark collection!
:rock:
 
Yeah, I've kind of become a Mark whore. I've just never played any other circuit I like anywhere near as much. I do have a Tremoverb because it's awesome, but otherwise it's all Marks. Tally now is a pair of IIC++ (HRG & DRG), this III, the IVa and the JP2C. I have the JP up for sale though, I really prefer the vintage ones. I've played a couple Coliseums and they were epic. I actually have the space to open them up where I live. On the fence if I need one though.. (Duh yes!!)

I'd rate the pecking order of the ones I've owned / played like this-
IIC++ DRG > IIC+ HRG > IIC+ > IIC > IIB > IVa > JP2C > III blue.

I've thought about getting a IIB if the price is right. I wasn't looking for another III, but the price was right. :)

EB- now imagine a pair of IIC++ half stacks in stereo :D Oh yeah.
 
I've been following Mark prices for years. For IIA / IIB / III / IV guys like to ask $1000-1200, but in reality they sell in the $800-900 range. That's why I scooped up this III for $650, I can always flip it and come out OK. So, I'd call a good price for any of these below $700.

I got my IIC+ for $2000 by being patient & watchful. :)
 
I missed out on a C+ DG combo last weekend, the serial was under 12300 but it had the pull deep faceplate. He wanted 1800, I told him I wouldn't haggle on the price. He said if the first guy didn't buy I'd be next. Of course he bought it.
:cry:
:doh:
 
GJgo":kmsa6v9n said:
You know when you really don't need any new gear, but you keep browsing Reverb / EBay / Craigslist anyway? Yeah that's me. I should just stop looking.
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Damn dood... Thats is me all the way. I'll start off looking at higher end shit and start getting familiar with pricing and what not then the next thing you know I find the diamond in the rough, a total steal for the price kind of thing... then for some reason it starts to feel like a justified purchase because it is such a good deal.... regardless of not needing it at all lol. You are not alone! lol :lol: :LOL:
 
lespaul6":1udkvf2u said:
We suffer from the same condition...how many do you have now? I find something I like and I must have multiples of it, amps, guitars, motorcycles... its some weird type of hording trait, yet its not hording in the classic sense. Enjoy the amp(s)!
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I got it it too, all facets of life!
 
sjk":2rfp1v5t said:
lespaul6":2rfp1v5t said:
We suffer from the same condition...how many do you have now? I find something I like and I must have multiples of it, amps, guitars, motorcycles... its some weird type of hording trait, yet its not hording in the classic sense. Enjoy the amp(s)!
Click to expand...


I got it it too, all facets of life!
Click to expand...
Hobbies man, good healthy hobbies. Nothing wrong with that, although they ain't cheap.
:lol: :LOL:
 
sjk":1kzb9rbw said:
lespaul6":1kzb9rbw said:
We suffer from the same condition...how many do you have now? I find something I like and I must have multiples of it, amps, guitars, motorcycles... its some weird type of hording trait, yet its not hording in the classic sense. Enjoy the amp(s)!
Click to expand...


I got it it too, all facets of life!
Click to expand...

Add me to this list. :lol: :LOL:
I always stop at garage sales.
Got this other hobby of picking up vintage toys. :aww:
:lol: :LOL:
 
Mailman, didn't you get yours modded to a III+? I regretted not doing that on my last blue stripe but it seems I have another opportunity now.

Or, I just flip all my non-IIs and get another II. Which would be legit.
 
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