Mesa Mark IV

[lespaul3013]

Talk to me about the Mark IV...thinking about getting one used. I know it can get pretty heavy, but how does it do for other types of music besides metal?

 

[spirit7]

I have a Mark IVb combo. Obviously the lead channel is excellent: tight, dry and punchy, with far less of the 'sag' you'd get with a Recto.

The other channels are acceptable. I wouldn't say the clean is world-beating, but it's perfectly usable and takes pedals well. The rhythm channel is the same.

My main gripe with the amp is that it's a pain to dial in, but when you do it's very rewarding!

 

[lespaul3013]

I have a Mark IVb combo. Obviously the lead channel is excellent: tight, dry and punchy, with far less of the 'sag' you'd get with a Recto.

The other channels are acceptable. I wouldn't say the clean is world-beating, but it's perfectly usable and takes pedals well. The rhythm channel is the same.

My main gripe with the amp is that it's a pain to dial in, but when you do it's very rewarding!

I was debating as to whether or not I wanted the Recto-ish sag, but I feel the the Mark IV is more of a versatile, all around amp. Am I right?

 

[lolzgreg]

You can make the Mark sag a bit too... triode and tweed power will do it

 

[blackba]

The mark IV can do alot more than metal. The lead channel is the amps strength. The clean channel is very good and takes pedals well. The Rhythm 2 channel is kind of hit or miss, its the tough one to dial in. R2 responds really well to a boost, I use a Maxon OD-808. I love my mark IVA. I have thought of adding a mark V, but I don't be selling my mark IVA.

Also, I much prefer mine through a closed back cab. Through and opened back cab, the cleans are better, but R2 and the Lead channel are worse. The combos are bricks if you are going to move them around.

 

[yngzaklynch]

I've owned 2 Mk IV heads in the past and I'm sure I will own another. They are unique but boy do they sing and are a blast to play. I'd rather own a Marshall for classic rock and crunch tone. YMMV

Jim

 

[stephen sawall]

The Mark IV can do any gain level and many styles.

I agree it is not like a Marshall when it comes to crunch.

 

[JakeAC5253]

I have a Mark IVb combo. Obviously the lead channel is excellent: tight, dry and punchy, with far less of the 'sag' you'd get with a Recto.

The other channels are acceptable. I wouldn't say the clean is world-beating, but it's perfectly usable and takes pedals well. The rhythm channel is the same.

My main gripe with the amp is that it's a pain to dial in, but when you do it's very rewarding!

I was debating as to whether or not I wanted the Recto-ish sag, but I feel the the Mark IV is more of a versatile, all around amp. Am I right?

If you go into it with that mindset then you are going to be disappointed. Both amps are very good at what they do, but they don't sound like other amps. A Mark amp sounds like a Mark amp, they have a unique voice that I've never really heard another amp cop. I wouldn't consider either amp to be more or less versatile than the other. I think that dialed to sound its personal best, either amp would get you by for a bunch of styles in a pinch.

 

[daveg62]

I agree Mark amps do not sound like any other amp. A lot of guys try one without knowing how to dial them in, which can take some time. There's kind of a learning curve and what I would call growing pains with all Mark amps. Love-hate relationship for awhile until you realize it's probably one of the best amps ever if you stick with it long enough. Just takes some patience.
I've really discovered you can also make them sound and feel the way you want by experimenting with different preamp tubes. Not only different brands, nos, but also 12ax7,12at7, and 5751's in different spots. Really changes the amp to suit your style, but also takes some time and $$$.
Mark IV still has one of the best lead sounds IMHO, always loved it.