Amp Combination

[JLagoon]

Hi all,

What amp would you match Mark IIC+/III/IV with? This is for both solo and rhythm tone.

Since the Mark series amps are quite focused in sound, I think that a Dual Rectifier would be a good option. I'm not trying to get over the top gain sound, just want to have a bigger sound that doesn't lose clarity.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Amp Combination

Having used the IIC+, IIB, and IV - I would say they work well with Fuchs and Two Rocks. Santana has proved Dumbles work well.

I think you can also use a Soldano SLO or a Diezel.

The Dual Rec is a good choice, as is a Marshall.

When mixing it you have to decide, do you want more mids, snarling mids, or a browner tone? If I were you I would go browner which means using either a Marshall, or if you wanna stay in the Mesa vein - a Fuchs or Dual Rec.

I'll give yiou a great 3rd option - mix it with a TriAxis, VTWIN, and/or possibly even the JMP-1

 

[JLagoon]

Re: Amp Combination

Thanks for the reply OlinMusic.

Soldano is a bit too trebly for my taste, and Diezel is just too expensive. I don't know about Fuchs and Two Rocks. I don't think I can demo those amps.

Nevertheless, I want a stronger low-mid and mid crunch that would make my tone sound bigger/wider not fatter.

By the way, I actually use a TriAxis, but the power amp is VHT2502. The modes I use the most are based on those three Mark series amp I mentioned.

 

[Jeff Dunne]

Re: Amp Combination

Hmm... the TriAxis on it's modified recto lead setting should be getting pretty damn heavy and chuggy.

That said, I'd definitely pair a Mark with a 5150.

Hell, I'd pair anything with a 5150, and just use the latter.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Amp Combination

Since the Mark series use 6L6 tubes, I'd go for something with more of a British voice to compensate. If it were me, I'd use a good stereo chorus or reverb from the fx send of your Mark into a Marshall poweramp.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Amp Combination

Go two rock or get a Marshall 6100, JCM800, DSL or hmm my fave choice would be a Jubilee for what you just mentioned.

Every considered a Bogner Shiva or Ecstasy? You might like them for a bassy brown tone.

 

[Mkf411]

Re: Amp Combination

I recently saw a gig where one lead guitarist was using a Mark IV and the other guitarist was using a current issue Fender Bassman with a Plexitone Pedal in front of it. That was a very good combination for his Les Paul.

I thought the Bassman sounded great and was impressed that the Mark IV complemented it well and kept up fine, not sure how they had it mid'd, though.

The Bassman would be easy to try out if you're near a major guitar store. If you buy from a store with a good return policy, it'd be easy to see if it would work for you.

 

[JLagoon]

Re: Amp Combination

I like Bogner Shiva and prefer it to Ecstacy, but that's more money. I wonder if it's worth it in comparison to the Dual Rectifier. If it is, I might as well wait longer to get a Shiva head.

ratherdashing, I don't use 6L6 tubes with my TriAxis, instead EL34 and KT77.
Also, the recto channel on my TriAxis is a bit thin, and 5150 is a bit buzzy to me.

So far, Bogner Shiva, Dual Rectifier and DSL MMmmm......

 

[Jeff Dunne]

Re: Amp Combination

Honestly, I think part of the problem is that behringer cabinet. Get a real cabinet, and then judge!

It's a sin to be running a 2 grand rack through a 250 dollar cabinet .

 

[JLagoon]

Re: Amp Combination

Well, I can always upgrade the speakers. Have you tried the Behringer cabinet I have?

Anyway, thanks for the replies, guys!