Mesa Boogie Mark III Black Stripe

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Torgo2003

Torgo2003

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Couple of Black stripes going for around $3k on Reverb, can basically get into a VII at that price point.

I would only use this amp for thrash tones - the more raw the better.

New VII under warranty seems like the prudent play but I've always wanted an older Mark...guessing I could grab a III in the mid 2's with a little bit of work.

Couple of questions I guess - what's a fair price on a clean Mark III? Solid choice for plug and play thrash tones? I don't want this badly enough to entertain IIC+ or even IV prices. VII still an option.

Much appreciated
 
I haven't tried the VII or a 3 but I think I would probably go for a VII or JP2C over a 3k mark III unless you are a collector. They have went up ridiculously over the past couple years but to me 3k is a lot of coin to spend on something you will likely only use one channel of(with an amp that old).

I could be completely wrong but I've heard some really great demos of the VII and it seems like a pretty solid amp. Although haven't heard much good about the VII channel.
 
Go the VII. You can get mark IIC+ tones as well as a great high mid voicing tone for days. I believe the VII beat outs the 5150 III stealth IMO.

I’m actually looking to get a VII myself to add to my collection. It flat out won’t compete with the III++ Coli but offers a ton of gig friendly features.
 
A Mark III these days goes for 2-2500. Sometimes less....I did see one with GEQ at a Music Go Round the other day for 1600. If he's trying to sell a no/black stripe as 'closest to a C+' then he needs to show a pic of the part # of the PT. The 105 PT is the one that was still used until gone with the early black/no stripes. This was the PT of choice for most with the DRG/HRG C+ users...although the 100 PT is said to give a tighter response. If it has the 105 then 3K is legit.
But the only way ANY of the Marks really sound like a C+, is with a C+ pre board. In other words no, the only Mark to sound/feel like a C+ is a C+.
 
I paid $2200ish for a black stripe with cab like 6 months ago. That being said the cab had a blown speaker and the head had small issues.
I’d say 2,000 to maybe 2,500 if it’s exceptionally clean with a mike b service in the past 5 years. That’s assuming it’s one equipped with a graphic EQ. The long heads and ones with the 105 tranny will probably be more expensive but that’s a personal preference thing. I don’t think the 105 makes a drastic difference, nor do the long heads have a magical quality to them outside of looking cooler.
I think it’s a solid choice for thrash, but there will be some compromise between the lead and clean channel. I typically just dial out what I don’t want with the way I set my delay, chorus, and reverb on the clean channel. For me I like relatively simple which is why I’m partial to the 3.
 
Chubbs said:
I paid $2200ish for a black stripe with cab like 6 months ago. That being said the cab had a blown speaker and the head had small issues.
I’d say 2,000 to maybe 2,500 if it’s exceptionally clean with a mike b service in the past 5 years. That’s assuming it’s one equipped with a graphic EQ. The long heads and ones with the 105 tranny will probably be more expensive but that’s a personal preference thing. I don’t think the 105 makes a drastic difference, nor do the long heads have a magical quality to them outside of looking cooler.
I think it’s a solid choice for thrash, but there will be some compromise between the lead and clean channel. I typically just dial out what I don’t want with the way I set my delay, chorus, and reverb on the clean channel. For me I like relatively simple which is why I’m partial to the 3.
Click to expand...
The 105 is THE only connection to a C+, so every seller tries to jack the price based on that. I agree, Mark IIIs are Mark IIIs. Some may sound better than others but it's just straight up BS that ANY of them will sound 'closest to a C+!!' No. Sorry.
 
There’s also the option of a studio Pre or quad into power or return of an amp’s loop.
 
Thanks all, extremely helpful across the board. Lots of interesting options for sure.

Looks like it's a no stripe but does not have the 105 transformers (not that I care, more about market value assessment and potential resale). No mention of a trip to Mike B. either so this one appears to be on the high end. I'll make the dude an offer - it's a clean looking amp.

VII is probably the smart move but I kind of want to go old with this one. Everything I buy is new and the peace of mind is nice but going old school is more alluring to me at the moment.
 
I bough a Mark III DG red stripe long chassis that was recently serviced by Mike B from a member here a few months back for $2200. I'd consider that a fair price given today's market. I'd think $2500 is topping out and 3k is overpriced unless it has something extra special going for it.

Are you specifically wanting a black/no stripe or would you go for any Mark III? In either case I suggest putting out a WTB feeler in the classifieds here. You're more than likely to get a better price, safer shipping, and overall better experience than you would dealing with Reverb.
 
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