Re: Just Bought a Mesa Boogie Mark II (new amp content!)
Ive recently been extremely blessed to have play time on the glorious MKIIC+.
Can you modify the B to C+ specs through Petuluma Boogie?
If not, then yours all other Boogies will fall extremely short of the glory of the legendary MIIC+.
( AND IT IS A GREAT GLORY_)
+1 on schechterplayer's post.
They used to do the upgrade to C+ from the later model B that was right before the C, as I understand it. No more. I did a lot of research on this, as I was really interested in the mod. Here's what I found:
1) The mod was originally set up specific to the effects loop. The IIB effects loop was the first of it's kind and they made a "mistake" in putting the reverb BEFORE the loop instead of after. As a result, when you've got the reverb engaged, there can be some serious problems in the effects loop. Not so if you're not using or don't have a reverb on your Boogie.
2) The way the effects loop is set up makes for a punchier sound in the Lead mode than the later "corrected" versions on the Lead channel. It's a little more transparent and not as thick/creamy as the IIC, IIC+, III, etc. But, honestly: it kicks ass if you set it up right with the EQ, Presence, and Treble knob pulled. Very unique sound that you won't find in any (and I mean "ANY") pedal or amp out there on the market, today.
3) The mod will make your IIB into a "poor man's IIC+". Which is not a bad thing at all if you want a thicker Lead tone. I've heard people rave about it. But if you're into the clean sounds, like me, you might want to pass on the mod. It changes the clean tone. Still sounds good…but if you're into what you're hearing now, know that it'll change. I asked Mike B (the only "original" guy there) at Mesa about it and he said it would alter that clean sound, somewhat. Red flag for me. It was right after the IIB that Mesa started getting more heavily into the overdriven sounds. The IIB was the last of the "original" Boogie sounds. I
LOVE the clean tones on the IIB. And with the OD on the clean dialed in right, you can get some ridiculous awesome sounds. If you want serious dirt, pick up an XTS Atomic OD and/or Multi-Drive (I've got the Preamp, which has both and the Pegasus Boost), Suhr Riot, Wampler Pinnacle, etc. They're unbelievably great distortion pedals that work perfectly off of a fantastic clean platform. And that's exactly where the IIB shines: as a fantastic clean platform.
If you play loud, you don't need the Lead channel, btw. Use the Treble, pulled, along with your guitar's volume pot. Serious. If you play lower volumes, see above. The pedals they've got out there are incredible.
Honestly: I've heard that the mod's great. But I wouldn't mess with the original amp if you're into the clean tones. It's a very unique sound. You say you're into jazz? You've got a stellar amp for that. I took lessons from a jazz heavyweight and he loved this amp. IMO, it's got one of the best if not THE best clean tones out there. And let me tell ya that the Fender freaks HATE me saying that, lol.
HOWEVER: if you want a thicker dirt channel and could care less about the cleans: Sure: go for it. For the people that want that sound, it's supposed to be fantastic.
