Really considering selling my Mark IV

  • Thread starter Thread starter HerbieTheRadDorklift
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HerbieTheRadDorklift

HerbieTheRadDorklift

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For a Bogner XTC or Diezel VH4.

Only thing that's stopping me is the fact I bought the Mark IV new, and got the custom headshell for it.

I'd be losing money straight away...but it's not as if I won't be able to find another Mark IV combo for £1000ish, and get another headshell made...

However, the XTC and VH4 are often in the top amp lists around...

What's everyone's opinion on them?
 
I would lean toward the VH4, but the XTC is quite a step up from a mark IV too.
 
I don't get it. I'm not trying to be a douche but:

Who cares what "lists" you see the XTC or VH4 in? And why is an XTC a step up from a Mark IV or any amp? Each amp does things the other doesn't.

Play the Mark IV because you dig it. You must. You bought it in the first place. Don't play another amp because alot of other guys have it.
 
dfrattaroli":1q4m3x3z said:
I don't get it. I'm not trying to be a douche but:

Who cares what "lists" you see the XTC or VH4 in? And why is an XTC a step up from a Mark IV or any amp? Each amp does things the other doesn't.

Play the Mark IV because you dig it. You must. You bought it in the first place. Don't play another amp because alot of other guys have it.
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The Mark IV is excellent, but I want something else. So what?

XTC and VH4 seem to pop up a lot, so they must be decent.
 
I sold my Mark IV after I got my XTC. I regretted it. I still like the XTC better, but the Mark IV is an awesome amp. If you are tired of it, sell it for something else. If you still love it, why even think about selling it.

I loved my old VH4 at first, but after awhile, the compression began to grate on me. If you don't like compressed amps, avoid the VH4.
 
mhenson42":1lvfibad said:
I loved my old VH4 at first, but after awhile, the compression began to grate on me. If you don't like compressed amps, avoid the VH4.
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That's a pretty common experience. At first, everyone thinks "Holy crap! This amp is awesome! I've never heard ANYTHING like it!"...but eventually, a lot of people (myself included) start missing the openness of other amps and start trying to dial out the compression...which just ain't going to happen.

If channels 3 and 4 weren't so damn compresed, I'd still have my VH4. I loved the overall tonality and the tightness, but the compression killed it for me.
 
mhenson42":2brt5e0w said:
^ I should say "ultra" compressed amps.
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Hey Matt (or anyone else), I see you still have the Herbert. Is it waaay more open than the VH4? I've been considering a Diezel but the VH4 is scaring me away because of what you just said, the compression. I already have an ENGL SE which is super-D-dooper compressed although much better with a 5751 in the V1 spot. Did you ever try a 5751 in the VH4?
 
Hmm.

Now that I think about it. What I'm after is more OPEN sounding amp...so I guess a VH4 isn't right for me! Not right now anyways.
 
HerbieTheRadDorklift":ank9c47b said:
Hmm.

Now that I think about it. What I'm after is more OPEN sounding amp...so I guess a VH4 isn't right for me! Not right now anyways.
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I would if possible play one in person. I love my VH4. I have owned super compressed amps and this one dont strike as that compressed. But its all in the ears of the player. ;)
 
The Bogner is a compressed amp as well. It is just voiced much differently than the VH4. More juicy and not as dry or tight.
I honestly think you will miss your Mark IV's lead channel once you get used to the XTC's Red channel. The XTC is a great amp, but the lead ch is its weakness IMO.

If you want "open" maybe try to check out a 20th Anniversary or a Classic XTC. More open and voiced more in the high mids and less low mids. Maybe look into some others like Soldano, modded Marshalls, etc also.
 
all 3 amps i would call equals, but get a herbert
 

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glassjaw7":27mr2lp3 said:
The Bogner is a compressed amp as well. It is just voiced much differently than the VH4. More juicy and not as dry or tight.
I honestly think you will miss your Mark IV's lead channel once you get used to the XTC's Red channel. The XTC is a great amp, but the lead ch is its weakness IMO.

If you want "open" maybe try to check out a 20th Anniversary or a Classic XTC. More open and voiced more in the high mids and less low mids. Maybe look into some others like Soldano, modded Marshalls, etc also.
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I disagree about the lead channel. I had an XTC, Mark IV and a IIC+ and preferred the XTC over both Marks. It's the only amp I miss. The XTC lead channel is fantastic and whilst it's not as focussed as the Mark IV, I personally prefer it. Plus, the Blue channel is out of this world good - you could do entire gigs on that one channel. I would get the XTC if it were me in this situation.

It's definitely compressed though but so is the Mark IV. Definitely look into the XTC classic/20th if you want more open. Or maybe just get a Shiva which is what I would get if I were buying an amp right now.
 
I've been playing a Mark IV for years...tried an XTC last winter and didn't care for it in the long run. It's a great amp and very flexible, but it's definitely voiced in the low mids which got a little muddy for my taste. I had the post 04 version with the hotter red channel...I wish I would have modded it to the older version. The blue channel is awesome like everyone says...

If you're getting tired of your Mark IV, let me suggest that you try a different set of speakers or cab. I've been playing mine forever through some boogie cabs with EV's...I just hooked it up to a mojo 2x12 with some scumbacks and it's like a whole new amp. Sounds great and a lot cheaper than changing heads!
 
I really don't dig VH4's at all. Prefer the Herbert.....but that isn't saying much. Not a big Herbie fan either. :aww:

I would take a Mark IV over either in a heart beat. Hell, I would take a Mark III over either.


Haven't played an XTC more than 20 minutes or so, so I don't have an opinion on it :thumbsup:
 
dude u can use the mid switch features on the herbert to reverse the scoop and it actually can make it sound more open. that is why i prefer the herbert to a vh4. its the most underated feature ever. plus people on think of it as a scoop feature. but you do more to taylor your sound and get a less compressed sound if you barely have the knobs up, but turned on
 
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