Mesa/Boogie... What don't you like?

[fretout]

I originally started looking for a Mark series because my Rectifiers (Duals and Triples) didn't seem to track fast enough when I played quicker. I love how chords sound through them, but I wanted to be able to get tighter, more percussive tones, and that's where I started looking to the Mark series.

The first Mark I bought was a Mark IV based on several awesome clips I heard on HCAF, and after learning a bunch of my favorite tones on records were recorded with them, I had to snap one up, but they were really, REALLY hard to find at a decent price.

After a few years, I started to feel like the Mark IV was tamer than I wanted it to be. It sounds great, but I wanted more aggression. I went to check out a Mark III on CL, and that sealed it. Now I have three of them because I can't stand the idea of not having this amp around.

After a few recording sessions with the Mark III, I found that I was backing down the gain in the studio, and it improved the way the layered tracks sounded. After I got back home, I plugged right in and found that the grind sounded really Marshally, so I started messing more with Rhythm 2 and tried to find a tone like Jerry Cantrell's BGWTB tone. I think, for the most part, I have it nailed.

One thing that surprised me is that even when the Mark III is dialed back, it still cuts through other amps known for cutting through a mix. It's pretty funny to see guys constantly turning up the volume to be heard...

 

[headlessdeadguy]

I originally started looking for a Mark series because my Rectifiers (Duals and Triples) didn't seem to track fast enough when I played quicker. I love how chords sound through them, but I wanted to be able to get tighter, more percussive tones, and that's where I started looking to the Mark series.

The first Mark I bought was a Mark IV based on several awesome clips I heard on HCAF, and after learning a bunch of my favorite tones on records were recorded with them, I had to snap one up, but they were really, REALLY hard to find at a decent price.

After a few years, I started to feel like the Mark IV was tamer than I wanted it to be. It sounds great, but I wanted more aggression. I went to check out a Mark III on CL, and that sealed it. Now I have three of them because I can't stand the idea of not having this amp around.

After a few recording sessions with the Mark III, I found that I was backing down the gain in the studio, and it improved the way the layered tracks sounded. After I got back home, I plugged right in and found that the grind sounded really Marshally, so I started messing more with Rhythm 2 and tried to find a tone like Jerry Cantrell's BGWTB tone. I think, for the most part, I have it nailed.

One thing that surprised me is that even when the Mark III is dialed back, it still cuts through other amps known for cutting through a mix. It's pretty funny to see guys constantly turning up the volume to be heard...

 

[Tone Monster]

Does it even matter? Tone is in the fingers, yeah?

 

[V-Type]

Yeah the Mark III is loaded with gain. I like the R2 engaged with the lead channel s gain at 5.
The presence and bright, deep shifts really allow a lot of voicing options.
As much gain as a Dc or Recto but more aggressive imo.
The R2 and a Ts9 nails slammed british tones btw.
And a clean as big and comforting as a big tube Blackface too boot.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

For anyone interested, it's not mine, but here's a 1981 MarkII on craigslist, I think a IIB?
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/msg/4588472712.html

I do enjoy Mesa, but yeah, my Diezel kind of squashed my Recto love

 

[Valtyr]

I like both, but I'm more of a bass player so my guitar gear is rarely played outside the home.

I have a JVM1 (1 watt Marshall head) and a Mesa Mark III. I like the Marshall for lower gain/classic rock tones and prefer the Mesa for cleans or higher gain tones.

 

[RJF]

Comparing a Mesa/Boogie Mark series amp to a Marshall based circuit. Why do most of you prefer Marshall? Does the Boogie not sound and/or respond as well as the Marshall? It seems 9 out of 10 players choose Marshall-esque amplifiers... Why?

Dude, it's simple. Look where you are at. It's 1984, EVH and Motley Crue are at the top of the charts. Seriously, it's always 1980 something around here at RT. So, Marshall it is.

I personally love the Mesa/Diezel/VHT/Framus type tones. Every marshall I've had, I was thrilled to see it go out the front door. My last Marshall I had, was a flip and I made a fortune off it. Thought I would keep it, but nope.

Even the Fortin Bones.... brought it home and thought I had found my new favorite amp. Every time I played it, I liked it less. Couldn't dial out a mid honk and it quickly got old.

A couple of my favorite 80's guitar tones are:

Brad Gillis on "Speak Of The Devil"
John Sykes on "Whitesnake"

Both are Mesa Boogie Marks

I give in then. As a whole, Mesa RULED the 80's. I think Marshall went out of business in 1979, because when 1980 rolled around, there was nothing but Boogies on every stage, everywhere, any time of the day or night.

What was that guy's name again? Bill Marshall? Who knows didn't even matter in 1980!

 

[jkkkjkhk]

I'm thinking about getting a Mesa Mark V, or maybe a Mark III. I'd love to have a Mark IIC+, but... $$$!!!

I know of 3 different IIC's and IIC+'s for $800-1000 right now. Also a couple red and blue/green stripes for $550-700. I check craigslist search all every couple weeks, the deals are out there.

 

[TrueTone500]

I'm thinking about getting a Mesa Mark V, or maybe a Mark III. I'd love to have a Mark IIC+, but... $$$!!!

I know of 3 different IIC's and IIC+'s for $800-1000 right now. Also a couple red and blue/green stripes for $550-700. I check craigslist search all every couple weeks, the deals are out there.

Mark IIC+ w/EQ, and SC?

 

[RJF]

I'm thinking about getting a Mesa Mark V, or maybe a Mark III. I'd love to have a Mark IIC+, but... $$$!!!

I know of 3 different IIC's and IIC+'s for $800-1000 right now. Also a couple red and blue/green stripes for $550-700. I check craigslist search all every couple weeks, the deals are out there.

Pretty scary asking someone to ship on a CL deal. It's one thing to trade with the guys here at RT that have been long time members, good track records, etc... but man, sending cash to a craigslister?

 

[TrueTone500]

I'm thinking about getting a Mesa Mark V, or maybe a Mark III. I'd love to have a Mark IIC+, but... $$$!!!

I know of 3 different IIC's and IIC+'s for $800-1000 right now. Also a couple red and blue/green stripes for $550-700. I check craigslist search all every couple weeks, the deals are out there.

Pretty scary asking someone to ship on a CL deal. It's one thing to trade with the guys here at RT that have been long time members, good track records, etc... but man, sending cash to a craigslister?

Yeah... I'd never risk it.