MESA MARK IIC+, SIMUL VS. 60/100?

[steve_k]

If you really want to get down to modelling James's earlier rig....for the most part, his live rig used only the IIC+ preamp section (FX loop send) into the parametric's then to the Mesa Strategy power amps. At least at one point, anyway.

That's the thing hey. Musicians like James Hetfield & Brent Hinds often changed little bits of their rig all the time. Heck I do as well, I'm always changing around how my pedals are configured, so much I bust my solderless patch cables! ( ) .
I've read that James would slave out his IIC+ to the effects loop of a mid-80s model JCM 800. And then I've also read that "Simul-Class is the main part of the sound", implying that he used the whole amp head and didn't slave out.


Now while I enjoy reading up on how other guitarists achieve their sounds, I personally find it much more fun to make my own sounds.

Right on. You would be chasing that pipe dream forever trying to duplicate his live rigs. 60/100 watt vs. Simulclass - it really don't make two shits of difference in a live rig. Moderate volume raw recording, maybe so. On the road, it's reliability, hence the power amp driven rigs and ISO cabs.

Like you though, I do like looking back through the photo's and history to see what they (and other bands) were doing on the road.

Steve

 

[Dark Helmet]

Picked up a Mark 2C+ Combo about a month ago. After having 3pins break on me (two I did myself and one the Repair tech did) I decided to send it to Mike at Mesa. Got it back and it sounds Killer, way better than it did when I first fired it up. He had to install new Tube sockets and filter caps along with about seven other caps and about four resistors. It is the Simulclass model and currently has the EL34's on the outside. I plan on putting 6l6's on the outside sockets. That's what I have on my Mark IV and I love it.

I almost forgot. I have a African Mahogany Headshell coming from Dr. Hardwood.

 

[sjk]

Picked up a Mark 2C+ Combo about a month ago. After having 3pins break on me (two I did myself and one the Repair tech did) I decided to send it to Mike at Mesa. Got it back and it sounds Killer, way better than it did when I first fired it up. He had to install new Tube sockets and filter caps along with about seven other caps and about four resistors. It is the Simulclass model and currently has the EL34's on the outside. I plan on putting 6l6's on the outside sockets. That's what I have on my Mark IV and I love it.

I almost forgot. I have a African Mahogany Headshell coming from Dr. Hardwood.

So since you have both the IIC+ and the IV can you give a comparison or which one you prefer and why?

 

[Dark Helmet]

Haven't tried the 2C+ with all 6l6 tubes yet, but to my ears the 2C+ is a little bigger and more raw sounding compared to the IV. I love the IV though and it will probably be the head that i gig with due to it's flexibility and the better clean channel. If I had to choose between the two I would take the 2C+. Fortunately i don't have to choose. .

You just have to spend some time with them (the Mark IV more so) to really get them to sing.