Mesa Mark III or Mark IV?

[bikerdude2]

I'm currently in the market for a combo amp. I owned a Mark 3 a few years back, and enjoyed the amp. I also owned a Mark IV about 10 years ago, but didn't give myself a chance to understand the amp before selling, so I don't remember much about it. I will be using the amp for classic to modern rock and probably some metal. Is the IV more modern sounding than the III? I'm aware that neither will cop recto tones. Thanks in advance

 

[Dale B]

They're extremely similar sounding on the lead channels. The III just has a deeper low end and the highs are extended a bit more. The IV has a looser, less deep low end and the highs are rounded off a bit. Both amps can be considered modern sounding, but they're very close in tone. The III has more presence on tap as well.

The main biggest difference between the two is more "on the fly" versatility with the IV as opposed to the III.

I have a Blue Stripe Simul-Class III and a Mark IVB from '08.

 

[blackba]

Saw your post on TGP as well. I am pasting my response here as well. Your sig on TGP says you have a mark IIC+, is that still accurate?


Since you already have a mark IIC+ I would go with the mark IV for the versatility. Is there any reason you aren't considering the mark V?

Also, I have heard a mark IV combo and run my mark IVA through an opened back cab. I much prefer the mark IV through a closed back cab, not sure I would want the combo because of that.
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[bikerdude2]

Thanks guys. My 2c is long gone.

 

[mesanatic]

No IIc+. Should have kept that. But the Mk III will be closer to that. I prefer the raw aggressive rhythm and searing lead of the Mk III. Also the simplicity compared to the IV is a plus for me. Just about as many usable tones but easier to get with the MK III. I had all three Mk's at the same time and the IV was my least favorite. Just the IIc+ now.

 

[blackba]

Thanks guys. My 2c is long gone.

In that case get the mark III, that is if you liked your IIC+....

 

[bikerdude2]

Loved the 2C+. Just didn't think it was worth what I could sell it for. Sounds like a Mark III is in my future. Thanks guys

 

[philb]

After owning both a III and now owning a IVb, I would say the IV.
The III is more aggressive but harder to tame tweaking wise.
I liked both but prefer the IV by a long shot.

 

[tubebury51]

I have owned 3 Mark IIIs.... A black dot, a Green Stripe, and finally my Red Stripe, which I love. The black dot was raw and loud - too raw and rowdy, but was 100% metal, the green was pretty cool/more refined, but I prefer the red's crunch and lead channel. I don't use the R1/clean channel as it's too clean unless ya dime the Gain.

I have also owned two Mark IVs (head and combo), but I never liked the Lead channel as much as the IIIs for some reason, especially compared to the Red Stripe.

If you need a pristine RI/clean channel, I'd suggest the MK IV.... If you only need crunch and lead, a MK III will do. The III has shared EQ controls which are a pain, but get one that's a Simul and has the graphic EQ for more tone shaping. Especially if you are gettin' a combo - they can sound boxey and you'll wanna trim some of that mid honk...

 

[Little B]

I would say the same thing: the 4 gives you more options and versatility, but the 3's tone may be a bit more in your face