Mesa Mark IV vs JP -2C.... thoughts?

[Frehley12]

First of all I am not a fan of the Mark V. To me, it was the jack of all trades, master of none. Too many switches, etc. I played the JP -2C and was floored. Stunning clean channel and thick, mean, tight gain. Very easy to dial in. I have never played a Mark IV, but the clips I heard make me want to pick one up.

There's a IVa combo in walnut in excellent condition for sale, but the price is $1900 shipped with anvil flight case. It was kept in the case its entire life. I think that is $300 too much.

 

[Racerxrated]

I know you can find a couple on GCs website for a TON less, I think one is 1100. If I had 2K that I was gonna spend on a Mark I'd look at the JP2C in the classifieds here for 2200 or look for a vintage C+. But definitely don't spend that on a IV. I know a few here have found them for under 1K. Nothing against the IV but 1900 is 2C+ territory.

 

[reilly]

$1,100 is really the current going rate on a short Mark Iv head, regular tolex combo's can be had cheaper. At $1,900 I would also just pony up the difference for a JP2C.

The IV is my favorite amp and as much as I wanted too I was not a fan of the Mark V. Based on reviews the JP2c sounds awesome and it is on my list for later this year.

 

[thiswaythatway]

A friend of mine, great player, has owned a IV for years. He tried the JP2C at a Mesa demo. He was able to mess with it and play for a while. He said he liked his IV better. But how much of that is because the IV is in his setup, on his cabinet, his guitar, etc. I don't know.

 

[Frehley12]

What's the tone difference on Simul-Class vs non SC or is it more of a feel thing?

 

[shredi knight]

Frehley12, here's a link to a current thread on The Boogie Board on the same subject:


http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=71948

 

[1meanplexi]

First of all I am not a fan of the Mark V. To me, it was the jack of all trades, master of none. Too many switches, etc. I played the JP -2C and was floored. Stunning clean channel and thick, mean, tight gain. Very easy to dial in. I have never played a Mark IV, but the clips I heard make me want to pick one up.

There's a IVa combo in walnut in excellent condition for sale, but the price is $1900 shipped with anvil flight case. It was kept in the case its entire life. I think that is $300 too much.

Yes...that is like $500.00 to much. I have never played the JP signature head. Don't know....but I have to admit I do not hear what most are with the JP amp. I watched the clips of john playing clean, rhythm and lead. Man, I just don't get the hype....when he pulled out the 7 string all was mud....IMHOP. I do however own a MKIV and you have to peel that fucker from my dying hands.

 

[Badronald]

I'd have to check but I think I got my MKIV for $1,100 6 months ago. Short head, minty.
Absolutely love it. One of the best amps ever made for rock/metal.
I'm sure the Petrucci is fantastic but I'd never pay that much if I could get a IV for $1,100!

 

[Badronald]

First of all I am not a fan of the Mark V. To me, it was the jack of all trades, master of none. Too many switches, etc. I played the JP -2C and was floored. Stunning clean channel and thick, mean, tight gain. Very easy to dial in. I have never played a Mark IV, but the clips I heard make me want to pick one up.

There's a IVa combo in walnut in excellent condition for sale, but the price is $1900 shipped with anvil flight case. It was kept in the case its entire life. I think that is $300 too much.

Yes...that is like $500.00 to much. I have never played the JP signature head. Don't know....but I have to admit I do not hear what most are with the JP amp. I watched the clips of john playing clean, rhythm and lead. Man, I just don't get the hype....when he pulled out the 7 string all was mud....IMHOP. I do however own a MKIV and you have to peel that fucker from my dying hands.

Agreed. I'm sure it's great but I haven't heard it in any clips. I know YT clips are generally terrible.

 

[spanny]

I've seen some Mark IV's go for under $1000. Its a killer amp but the JP2C takes the cake hands down. However, you'll be looking to drop at least $1000 more for it. So up to you how much you want to spend.

 

[thiswaythatway]

I'd have to check but I think I got my MKIV for $1,100 6 months ago. Short head, minty.
Absolutely love it. One of the best amps ever made for rock/metal.
I'm sure the Petrucci is fantastic but I'd never pay that much if I could get a IV for $1,100!

And to get closer to the versatility of the JP2C you can stick and EQ pedal in the loop and one into the amps input and use a Tube Screamer to tighten up R2 and even the lead channel.

 

[jdel77]

I can't imagine a Tubescreamer or a boost going into a MKIV. Those things have colossal gain levels as it is.

 

[jharpersj]

I may be selling a mark IV head version A if anyone is interested PM me, it is killer, JPC seems awesome tho !