market question for Mk II C/C+ folks

[EXPcustom]

Why would no reverb and presence on front make it more desireable? Is it just because it's more rare?

It makes it like the James Hetfield “crunchberries” Mark 2C+. There is a tonal difference between reverb and non-reverb models. I much prefer non-reverb models.

If it was modded to have the reverb removed, would that make it sound the same or is there more to it than that? I'm guessing presence on front is just a cosmetic thing?

I see settings for the Reverb on Flemmings notes. I am almost 100% sure Metallica's heads had reverb. Reverb knob is switched front to back when the export transformer is used.

 

[Racerxrated]

I can almost guarantee that an original long head 2C+ without reverb and presence on the front would sell for $5k+.

FWIW, i have a friend who sold his coliseum 2C++ for $14,000 to someone overseas a few years ago. I saw the emails and the transaction. It all comes down to supply and demand. I bet when Mike B retires, prices will go up.

I have a custom stereo EQ made out of two original Mark series GEQ’s that I’ll probably sell soon. These are impossible to get...unless you are Metallica. ;0). I’m actually going to sell just about everything in my rack except for some switching, effects unit and power amp. Both Triaxis preamps are modded for gain. Everything was done/made by Boogie.

The one that sold on ebay that I was looking at
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mesa-Boogie-Ma ... 7675.l2557

I was hoping this wouldn't climb much over 3 but I couldn't swing it, never tried a Simul C+.

Missing reverb therefore like I was saying falls between the 2-4k pricing.

Steve K sold his C++ which was upgraded for 4200.

I still stand behind my statement that a loaded C+, C++ or Xport loaded C+ in long chassis will sell for 5k or more.

I don't disagree at all with the your pricing statement. I do slightly disagree on the tonal differences between upgraded vs originals. Had I bought that one for 3 like I was hoping, I felt that would be a good deal since it is an original DG with presence on the front, long head. There have been plenty originals that have fetched 4-5k especially with Hardwood, immaculate condition etc.

 

[Racerxrated]

Real deal C+ or C++ fully loaded and long head are going for 5k plus no problem.

Converted C to C+ or C++ with one or two options missing can be had for 2-4k. Me personally I only want the fully loaded original ones, the upgraded stuff just doesnt sound the same to me.

On what planet and in what dimension?

$5K for a IIC+... no. Not even a factory C++.

2 just sold in the Classifieds Section this week... 1 for $2800 and another for $3000. I passed on another for $2600 a few weeks back.

Sounds like someone is trying to pump up prices instead of living in reality.

Yeah, an original factory IIC+ 60/100w with 105 transformer just sold in the classifieds for around $2600. I'm pretty positive that was the price because I was going to try to sell two guitars worth that much to buy it. But.. if you don't have the money sitting around waiting, you'll never sell anything fast enough to scoop them up.

Like I said and you guys are agreeing with me, upgraded or non loaded C+ or C++ heads are going for 2-4k.

There was a real deal C++ recently non upgraded, like a real deal just like I said and it went for over 5k.

Are you sure it sold? If that one was on Reverb, I thought he ended it because it didn't sell, and that might be because it didn't have the push/pull switchable ++ mod on the mid pot, which means it is NOT an original factory ++.
There was also a 2C+ Coli that a dude was asking 6-7k, I'd be very tempted to pay that if I had it. But it didn't sell either.

I am talking about the one from Maine, confirmed factory C++ by Mesa, if he pulled it... the listing , I know the guy I might just contact him and buy it from him but I am almost a 100% sure it sold for 5k or just over that.

No. It did not sell. He kept lowering the price down finally to $4100 iirc... and then said he would kept it if it didn’t sell... it didn’t sell.


No one is going to pay more the $3K in this market for any MKIIC+... regardless of features, originality or rarity. People aren’t paying those prices.

Oh, I'm quite sure if someone wanted to sell a 2C+ Coliseum with EQ for over 3K someone would buy it. Not 7k like what one was listed for, but 3-5k absolutely. IMO. I'd fire sale a lot of gear and come up with it myself.

I've tried to firesale, it's never fast enough. I've decided this year I'm putting aside some money for when two very specific pieces of gear pop up, I can just buy them right away. One being a IIC+ and another being a JEM77BFP. Just need to figure out how to tell the wife why $5-6k is being hidden.

Right?? Lol. My C++ I bought on a friday, told the seller I'd PP the cash on Monday and the Sat before I went and sold a few painful items and quite a few others I never used to come up with half the cash, and paid on Monday. Lost on the trade-ins but had to have the C++..lol

 

[psychodave]

Why would no reverb and presence on front make it more desireable? Is it just because it's more rare?

It makes it like the James Hetfield “crunchberries” Mark 2C+. There is a tonal difference between reverb and non-reverb models. I much prefer non-reverb models.

The Crunchberries one has the X-port aka Export transformer. This is what people are tone chasing because supposedly the transformer give it a tonal difference.

I do know that the original transformer blew up and it now has a Mark IV transformer.

I had a 2C upgraded to a 2C+ with export transformer. I still think the 100 was better. Of course, as you know, I use my own ears and rarely take others advice unless it come from Mark. Haha

 

[GJgo]

So over the last few days I was talking to a guy about buying his original IIC+ DRG with the RP11 & PT105. I came up to $2750, He was wanting $3250, we just couldn't get together. It's a hardwood head, but it was cut down from a combo.

..Then a friend of mine sent me info on an original IIC+ DR combo with the RP11 & PT105. I worked out a deal with the guy for $2K shipped.

Not that I need another one but WTH! I want to compare the tone & feel of the DR to my DRG.

 

[vultures]

$2K shipped.

 

[Racerxrated]

$2K shipped.

That has no GEQ. I'm sure It's a cool amp but if I'm after a C+ I want one with EQ.

Since he has a few others with EQ, I can understand trying one without, but if I were after my first C+ I would wait until one with EQ shows up.

 

[GJgo]

A lot of people say that the no-EQ models are tighter and more harmonically rich. I played a 2B like that one time that sure was. Can't wait to compare for myself. At any rate, if the price is right, for $150 you can pick up a used Mesa 5 band EQ to run in the loop and it's pragmatically the same thing. Looking at Reverb history I've seen a few no-reverb models sell in the $2500 range, it just depends on who's looking when they pop up.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

So over the last few days I was talking to a guy about buying his original IIC+ DRG with the RP11 & PT105. I came up to $2750, He was wanting $3250, we just couldn't get together. It's a hardwood head, but it was cut down from a combo.

but, but, but... aren't these the ones everyone swears only sell for $4K and up?!?! Shocking.

Hahahahaha...

As I said earlier... many are out of touch with current prices. Good luck to those sellers hoping for $5K.

 

[psychodave]

A lot of people say that the no-EQ models are tighter and more harmonically rich. I played a 2B like that one time that sure was. Can't wait to compare for myself. At any rate, if the price is right, for $150 you can pick up a used Mesa 5 band EQ to run in the loop and it's pragmatically the same thing. Looking at Reverb history I've seen a few no-reverb models sell in the $2500 range, it just depends on who's looking when they pop up.

Running a Boogie GEQ in the loop sounds nothing like the onboard GEQ. I even have a custom stereo EQ made by Mike B out of real original GEQ’s and even they don’t capture the onboard GEQ tone (and they sound incredible). The GEQ amps are better IMO.

 

[GJgo]

Wizard- I think he'll get what he's asking, just not from me since I already have a couple. My first one, a IIC HRG, I got super clean for $1800 & had Mike B. + it for me. My second one, a factory DRG, I got for $2K since it had a couple issues (That Mike fixed for me).

psychodave- I have a DRG & a HRG so I'll let you know. I'll likely post a YT review. There are those who say the GEQ kills the tone. Personally, I am just a big fan of SimulClass and the high PV of the 105 PT. SNARL!

Edit- My C+ amps I can honestly run w/ the GEQ off & love the tone. Same with my old JP-2C. Same with a friend's IIB I played. I could never do that with my old IIIs, and barely with my IV. Unless I'm playing Metallica I actually think they record better with the GEQ off.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Wizard- I think he'll get what he's asking, just not from me since I already have a couple. My first one, a IIC HRG, I got super clean for $1800 & had Mike B. + it for me. My second one, a factory DRG, I got for $2K since it had a couple issues (That Mike fixed for me).

Oh I agree. I think that is a reasonable price... however $4-5K is getting in to very "wishful thinking" pricing territory. Even if Hetfield himself spray farted all over the chassis. Not in this market.

 

[Racerxrated]

The only one I'd pay 4K or more for would be C+ Coli with EQ.

 

[GJgo]

Just got my $2K DR today. It's all there & original. Definitely needs a cap job & service, but that's to be expected. Smells vintage!

Anyway looks like we get to check the theory on how much a fully loaded one will go for.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mesa-Boogie-Mark-II-C-Fully-Loaded-13XXX-/202178451269?

 

[NewWorldMan]

It's like a soap opera. I disappear for a couple of months, come back, and we're still talking about the same 'ole s*&^

I think the bottom line here is price is always subjective and contingent on the buyer looking. Prices on C+ amps have always been all over the board, and probably always will be. One will sit for $2k and take 3 months to sell, then someone will buy the next one 1 day after it's posted for $4k. Welcome to the used gear market!

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Just got my $2K DR today. It's all there & original. Definitely needs a cap job & service, but that's to be expected. Smells vintage!

Anyway looks like we get to check the theory on how much a fully loaded one will go for.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mesa-Boogie-Mark-II-C-Fully-Loaded-13XXX-/202178451269?

Well... no buyers at $5.5K.

Shocking!

 

[mxr2000]

I sold an upgraded SRC C+ earlier this year for 2500, combo. I just picked up a C++ HRG head, new headshell for 3K with nos Mesa Sylvania 6L6. At the same time I was looking at an original DRG long head on eBay that sold for 3600. As far as my experience with original v upgrade, when I had my SRG upgrade I also nabbed an original HRG, A/Bd them for 2wks and sold the original. Liked the upgrade better. Most C+ users will tell you there is no difference, only the inherent difference between any 2 amps.

To me Mark iic+ SRG are the best from all 2c+ models.

 

[EXPcustom]

Just got my $2K DR today. It's all there & original. Definitely needs a cap job & service, but that's to be expected. Smells vintage!

Anyway looks like we get to check the theory on how much a fully loaded one will go for.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mesa-Boogie-Mark-II-C-Fully-Loaded-13XXX-/202178451269?

Well... no buyers at $5.5K.

Shocking!

Most of the people I know that would drop cash on one of these arent looking for a short chassis hardwood combo. It's the long heads that get the big bucks.

 

[GJgo]

I wonder why? All mine are shorts & I prefer it this way. Easier to lug around.

Do you guys know about the early "warm" configuration vs. the later "bright" configuration? The early factory DR I got turns out was "warm". During service last week Mike asked me which I preferred. After describing some things he said he'd change it to "bright" for me. Can't wait to get it back & hear the difference.

I haven't played a SR C+ but my friend has one that Mike modded to have ++ on a pull pot. Of all the Marks I've played, I personally really prefer the Simul ones. Something special about Class A..

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Just got my $2K DR today. It's all there & original. Definitely needs a cap job & service, but that's to be expected. Smells vintage!

Anyway looks like we get to check the theory on how much a fully loaded one will go for.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mesa-Boogie-Mark-II-C-Fully-Loaded-13XXX-/202178451269?

Well... no buyers at $5.5K.

Shocking!

Most of the people I know that would drop cash on one of these arent looking for a short chassis hardwood combo. It's the long heads that get the big bucks.

... if they're spending that sort of coin on an amp, pulling the chassis and spending another $300 on a custom head box shouldn't be a deal breaker for them.