Mesa Boogie Mark III
- Thread starter BluesGuyJ
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Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
The one to get is the Simul-Class, reverb, Graphic EQ model with the EVM. I think the EQ is essential for controlling the Lead tone. A 100-watt, or the basic 60-watt versions are fine, but the Simul-Class is really nice.
Depending one what it has--I'd say go for it. I love mine--both of them!
Bill
The one to get is the Simul-Class, reverb, Graphic EQ model with the EVM. I think the EQ is essential for controlling the Lead tone. A 100-watt, or the basic 60-watt versions are fine, but the Simul-Class is really nice.
Depending one what it has--I'd say go for it. I love mine--both of them!
Bill
Metalman_666
Well-known member
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
I think Metallica started using the Mark IIC+ for MOP; I'm not sure they ever used a Mark III, but some say the III has a very similar tone.
Trilogy said:
I think Metallica started using the Mark IIC+ for MOP; I'm not sure they ever used a Mark III, but some say the III has a very similar tone.
Al.C
New member
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
Having owned a MKI, MKll, MKlll. The Mk III is quite a bit different sounding than the I and II. It has and edgier/grittier tone. I never really cared for the MKIII and sold it and ended up eventually with the MKII. Not to say that the MKIII was bad but it just did not have that smooth singing overdrive I wanted.
Having owned a MKI, MKll, MKlll. The Mk III is quite a bit different sounding than the I and II. It has and edgier/grittier tone. I never really cared for the MKIII and sold it and ended up eventually with the MKII. Not to say that the MKIII was bad but it just did not have that smooth singing overdrive I wanted.
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
http://homepage.mac.com/mesaboogie/welcome.html
Go to this LINK. It is EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about MARK series amps. It will break down how Mark 3's have different versions with different modeled distortion circuits.
$500 is a great deal. Mesa will mod any MARK series at the factory to your liking. Mike Bendinelli (Chief Tech) can make a Mark 3 into a MARK 2C+. So you can own a famous amp at a fraction of the cost.
I can tell you there is a raging debate about MARK 3's. they are KIND like a middle child, in that no one really thinks they are amazing. Most people think the MARK 2 series is the sweetest tones and that the Mark 4 is the most versatile.
Do make sure you have the EQ. The amp controls are wired early in the AMP circuit. THE EQ was put in to compensate, and TRUST me it is necessary. Most people rave about simul-class, but I think Mesas sound good without it as well.
The EV12L speaker is a sought after "collection" piece, but many people do NOT like this speaker and opt for something different - usually the MESA Black Shadow 90w. I will agree! I prefer its sweet and creamy vintage tone along with good power handling and break up.
I was talking to a couple of guitar players you would know very well for their work, and they agreed that the 12L is anm 80s-ish sound and mostly built around stadium playing. The 12L is loud as hell, 200W, and it needs a lot of power to sound good. Also, it has so much presence, some people say it's harsh. GREAT speaker if you play loud and like clarity ans power to cut thru ANY band.
These amps are DAVID in a world of Goliath's. They can keep up with anything any time anywhere, and are loud as HELL.
There is also a MESA forum for Boogie users, where they specifically focus on vintage Mesas. You can get some great threads and info there.
http://homepage.mac.com/mesaboogie/welcome.html
Go to this LINK. It is EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about MARK series amps. It will break down how Mark 3's have different versions with different modeled distortion circuits.
$500 is a great deal. Mesa will mod any MARK series at the factory to your liking. Mike Bendinelli (Chief Tech) can make a Mark 3 into a MARK 2C+. So you can own a famous amp at a fraction of the cost.
I can tell you there is a raging debate about MARK 3's. they are KIND like a middle child, in that no one really thinks they are amazing. Most people think the MARK 2 series is the sweetest tones and that the Mark 4 is the most versatile.
Do make sure you have the EQ. The amp controls are wired early in the AMP circuit. THE EQ was put in to compensate, and TRUST me it is necessary. Most people rave about simul-class, but I think Mesas sound good without it as well.
The EV12L speaker is a sought after "collection" piece, but many people do NOT like this speaker and opt for something different - usually the MESA Black Shadow 90w. I will agree! I prefer its sweet and creamy vintage tone along with good power handling and break up.
I was talking to a couple of guitar players you would know very well for their work, and they agreed that the 12L is anm 80s-ish sound and mostly built around stadium playing. The 12L is loud as hell, 200W, and it needs a lot of power to sound good. Also, it has so much presence, some people say it's harsh. GREAT speaker if you play loud and like clarity ans power to cut thru ANY band.
These amps are DAVID in a world of Goliath's. They can keep up with anything any time anywhere, and are loud as HELL.
There is also a MESA forum for Boogie users, where they specifically focus on vintage Mesas. You can get some great threads and info there.
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
For the love of God, do not mod the Mark III to a IIC+. If you want a MarkII C+, then get a Mark II C+. I prefer the Mark III tones by far, but it depends on the tones your after. If it's Metallica, then get the II. If you want chesty, ballsy, sweet singing creamy leads, get the III.
BluesGuyJ said:
For the love of God, do not mod the Mark III to a IIC+. If you want a MarkII C+, then get a Mark II C+. I prefer the Mark III tones by far, but it depends on the tones your after. If it's Metallica, then get the II. If you want chesty, ballsy, sweet singing creamy leads, get the III.
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
hmmmmm not to dissent here
BUt There are FIVE different models of MARK 3's with vastly varying tones. Then there are 4 models of Mark 2's with vastly varying tones (I own one). Then to say you should just BUY THE MARK 2C+, ummm they go for as much as 2300 on ebay. If you even get one for 1500, they are murder to find.
At best you will find a cheaper Mark 2C it does NOT have the EQ or other options. You cannot get a mesa without the EQ, it's not an "option". You cannot shape the sound without it. Also, you do not just buy a 2C+ to sound like Metallica. The Mark 3 is a good amp, but I can tell you the the LATER MARKS DO NOT SOUND ALIKE, sure they can ape each other - but the real thing is always the real thing. Just decide how much the real thing is worth to you.
Goto the site I posted above, read about it - then call up Mesa.
hmmmmm not to dissent here
BUt There are FIVE different models of MARK 3's with vastly varying tones. Then there are 4 models of Mark 2's with vastly varying tones (I own one). Then to say you should just BUY THE MARK 2C+, ummm they go for as much as 2300 on ebay. If you even get one for 1500, they are murder to find.
At best you will find a cheaper Mark 2C it does NOT have the EQ or other options. You cannot get a mesa without the EQ, it's not an "option". You cannot shape the sound without it. Also, you do not just buy a 2C+ to sound like Metallica. The Mark 3 is a good amp, but I can tell you the the LATER MARKS DO NOT SOUND ALIKE, sure they can ape each other - but the real thing is always the real thing. Just decide how much the real thing is worth to you.
Goto the site I posted above, read about it - then call up Mesa.
Metalman_666
Well-known member
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
Hmm this is interesting. I didn't know they could do that for you. Do they make that public knowledge... I've never read anything on the site?
OlinMusic said:
Hmm this is interesting. I didn't know they could do that for you. Do they make that public knowledge... I've never read anything on the site?
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
You have to call Mesa.
Mike B will pretty much do anything you want. They are really friendly. You do have to ship to Nor CAL, and they have preset prices for many things. Not sure if they are still doing the Mark 3 reverse. Just remember, there are 5 versions of Mark 3 tone, so you might want to discuss not only a 2c+ tone, but also a general tweak of the Mark 3. They can also add in reverbs, EQ's, Simul Class. It's not cheap, but it's not expensive - esp if you can get the tone you are after. All Mesa MARK series REQUIRE EQ if you ask me. A guy named KEEF might be inclined to agree.
You have to call Mesa.
Mike B will pretty much do anything you want. They are really friendly. You do have to ship to Nor CAL, and they have preset prices for many things. Not sure if they are still doing the Mark 3 reverse. Just remember, there are 5 versions of Mark 3 tone, so you might want to discuss not only a 2c+ tone, but also a general tweak of the Mark 3. They can also add in reverbs, EQ's, Simul Class. It's not cheap, but it's not expensive - esp if you can get the tone you are after. All Mesa MARK series REQUIRE EQ if you ask me. A guy named KEEF might be inclined to agree.
itbepopples
New member
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
Why doesn't Mesa RI the Mk II's?
Why doesn't Mesa RI the Mk II's?
Metalman_666
Well-known member
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
That is an excellent question.. I bet if the reissued those and the Mark III's they'd get a lot of buyers on the spot.
itbepopples said:
That is an excellent question.. I bet if the reissued those and the Mark III's they'd get a lot of buyers on the spot.
Re: Mesa Boogie Mark III
BC for the time being MESA feels the Mark IV is the culmination of everything everyone ever wanted off the IIC+ and more (such as independent controls for each channel and recording DI's)
Agreed, the MARK 3 cannot be a true 2C+. Hell, my MARK 2 B can't even be modded.
BC for the time being MESA feels the Mark IV is the culmination of everything everyone ever wanted off the IIC+ and more (such as independent controls for each channel and recording DI's)
Agreed, the MARK 3 cannot be a true 2C+. Hell, my MARK 2 B can't even be modded.
