Okay...Mesa vs. Mesa

[Tone Zone]

Like others have already said....you're just gonna have to go play them both to decide.

When it's all said and done, I think you'll end up with a MKV anyways.

 

[ibanez4life SZ!]

I currently run a head switching rig, which includes a Mesa Racktifier and a Mesa Mark IV. It's really the best of both worlds...the rectifier and mark series amplifiers are quite different.

Long story short, the Rectifier makes the perfect rhythm amp, and the Mark IV does amazing leads (due to its more fluid response) and cleans.

If I had to have one amp to due it all, it would be the Mark IV, as it is a lot more versatile...the lead channel can handle both rhythm and leads. BUT, the Racktifier has an extended presence and kick in the low end that is just meaner for the punishing rhythm work.

I used to own a Roadster...simply put, it is a darker and smoother rectifier. My rackto, and older 2 channel rectifiers in general, iare MUCH tighter and punchier. The smoothness of the Roadster does, however, give to its versatility. It has an AWESOME clean, and can pull off good leads too, which are usually inexistent in the stiff response of the rectifier series. The typical rectifier high gain sound is a little more refined though, and not quite as aggressive.

In my case, it was worth getting the two 'simpler' amps that cover my rhythm, clean, and lead sounds PERFECTLY between them, rather than compromise for the one amp that does more, but not quite as well. The cost of the two used is about what a new Roadster would cost too

P.S. No experience with the Mark V, so can't help there.

 

[EchelonEngineering]

I don't suppose it would depend on what kind of "lead" the person is playing.

Some people claim the 5150 isn't great for leads. I have to hop in my roflcopter and shoot wtfmissles at that statement.

 

[lolzgreg]

Mark IV has got some insane girth for lead work. even with the classic V position on the GEQ, it slices through quad tracked rhythms like it's no one's business.

 

[Ricky Rockhardo]

Get a Mark V. It can approximate a Roadster/DR's low end girth, but a Roadster/DR will never cut quite like a Mark.

 

[lespaul3013]

Thanks everyone...like I said, this is my last thread on this before I go play them. (I'm sure people are getting annoyed), but I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect before I go try them out...now I just have to find a dealer around here that has them in stock.

 

[Tone Zone]

Thanks everyone...like I said, this is my last thread on this before I go play them. (I'm sure people are getting annoyed), but I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect before I go try them out...now I just have to find a dealer around here that has them in stock.

Let us know when you bring home the MKV.

 

[JakeAC5253]

Thanks everyone...like I said, this is my last thread on this before I go play them. (I'm sure people are getting annoyed), but I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect before I go try them out...now I just have to find a dealer around here that has them in stock.

Let us know when you bring home the MKV.

Hahaha

 

[ACShreds]

I've owned both amps and are currently recording my bands ep with both amps, the roadster for rhythms and mark V for leads. They're both great amps and both can be used for either rhythms or leads. personally i prefer the mark V for lead playing and the roadster for rhythms. I'd say if you mostly play rhythms and a few leads here or there i'd go with the roadster, and if you're a lead player who mostly playing licks and solo and plays rhythms here and there i'd grab the mark V.

 

[thiswaythatway]

If you want a HUGE rhythm sound then I say you'd be better off with the Roadster. And just use a Tube Screamer for leads to tighten it up. The Mark V sounds narrow by comparison, the Roadster will give you that wall of sound. I'm not a Recto/Roadster guy at all either.

 

[lespaul3013]

Thanks again for all the input guys, its been a huge help! Now I just have to play them and decide for myself. I think it'll depend on whether or not I like the Mark V's rhythm sound. I'm gathering that both amps CAN have a nice lead sound. Although I'm actually about to look at the Mark IV because its gotten mentioned so much...

 

[Heritage Softail]

Thanks again for all the input guys, its been a huge help! Now I just have to play them and decide for myself. I think it'll depend on whether or not I like the Mark V's rhythm sound. I'm gathering that both amps CAN have a nice lead sound. Although I'm actually about to look at the Mark IV because its gotten mentioned so much...

I have had both, and have and SLO and Knucklehead now. I think you are exactly right they can both sound good. I would say they sound different. The Rec family just has that heavy riffage I never got out of the MKV. Together they sound excellent. I am a fan of a darker thicker riffing tone and a better cutting lead. Just one opinion though.

Good luck with the amp quest. Either one is good. Hard to go wrong with the MK IV. Killer amp, cheap... Get a used single Rec to go with it and you will be set.

 

[The Hoff]

Both are GREAT amps so try both. I personally would say the Mark V but-couldn't really go wrong with either