Mesa Boogie Mark Series

[benji657]

i'm looking to get one of these used if i like what im hearing at the shop tomorrow..

i did my research and it seems that i'll like the mkIIC or mkIIC+

1. how much gain does it have? can it get pretty saturated without a booster?

2. how reliable is it?

3. what price range should i be looking at? (used)

i got price lists from here..http://www.prepal.com/data/MesaBoogie.htm
but i just want to make sure..

seems quite low for such a praised amp?..

4. why do some models have the graphic eq and some dont?
i read that the plus sign has nothing to do with it..

thanks

 

[Animal]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

I have a Mesa Boogie Quad Pre-amp and the first channel is supposed to be very similar to the Mark IIC circuit.

It has enough gain to pull off very convincing older Metallica and Dream Theater tones. The graphic EQ helps A LOT in boosting and scooping the necessary frequencies for a deeper sound. It also has an extremely useable clean channel. Similar to a shimmery fender sound, but a bit darker.

A through-and-through "clean-to-scream" amp. Excells at modern rock, modern punk, fusion, and not-so-extreme-gain metal. Don't expect to get cranked mid-gainy Marshall tones out of one though.

Again, I'm basing this on a pre-amp replica version. The tones I'm getting out of mine sound very much like the Mark IIC tones I've heard on recordings.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

The early Mark Series amps were all custom made. The basic package was a 60-watt power section, upgradable to 100-watts, and then eventually the Simul-Class option.

The EQ, the Reverb, the Altec or EVM speaker, the hardwood cabinets--all optional.

You'll pay $2K + for a true option-loaded IIC+--for many people, they're the Holy Grail of amps. Many of the IIC's have been upgraded to the + version.

Bill

 

[doveman]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

I have an original '78 60w/100w model with EVM12L, no reverb, no EQ, no hardwood ... could only get a few options ... I was a young poor man. I did get the anvil case though as I was playing regularly. The Mark II came out soon after as I recall ... so the build quality should be similar. I can speak to the dependability. I have replaced the stand-by switch on mine ... and tubes ... that's it. Wonderful amp ... have not needed another.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

With Mark amps bare in mind that having OPTIONS means a lot!

I have tried a Simul-class Mark IIc and it was NOT nearly as smooth and rich as the Mark IIc+.

If you like EV's, go for it, but a lot of people would LOVE the Emi 150w speaker that was an option back then - keep on the look out. DO check out the Boogie Board, lots of good advice there.

Mark IIc's can be upgraded to c+, as well options like reverb, EQ, etc CAN be added, but shipping and the additions will COST YOU! Keep that in mind.

You can always buy a good Mark III and have it modded to IIc+, or lol IIIc+ as some call it. Mark III's are HELL when it comes to balancing the settings.

The IIb and IIc+ are the best Mesas. You MUST get the EQ option, as those amps have a really difficult tone stack to deal with, and the only way to finalize the settings is to have the onboard EQ. Verb is NOT so important. You will NOT find the FX loop thrilling, but it does work overall.

Check out that Boogie site that dude named Ian has, it tells you EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know! Do keep IIb's in mind, they punch more, and have a classic open sound. The gain channel can be controlled for ONL THE FLY preamp control using a volume pedal into the FX loop - NO LIE! Only amp that can do that!

 

[doveman]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

It always interests me that so many describe the later Marks as very difficult to dial in. My experience with the original has been that it took me a while to convert from using a Marshall to the Boogie ... but now I almost never change the tone settings on the amp. I can get a lot different tones out of the amp just by using the guitar controls once it's set. Is it just me? Or are the later amps that different?

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

No, the later amps aren't that different....its just amp knobs, switches and your ears. More options, and different sounding preamps/power amps.

 

[doveman]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

Yeah ... maybe more choices is a good thing. I just remember spending a lot of time dialing in the amps I had prior to this one. I like the stability I've found ... simpler is good for me ...

I am just always amazed by the consistent comments. It's almost like it takes a lot of work to get it right. My Boogie freed me from that situation ... just something I've noticed.

No matter ... Boogie man for life ...

 

[firebirdV]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

The mark 2c+ isn't that hard to dial in. There are a few presets for the 2cs and you can tweak from there if you need some ground to jump from.

 

[34029324079]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

the mark VI is like the holy grail - just reminding you to not overlook it

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

The 2Cs, and the 2C+s are very good, but I wasn't all that impressed with the 2Bs. Not everyone puts the III in the same category, but I love mine--I think they sound as good as the IIC+, and they were a lot cheaper.

While you get get options added to a Mark Series amp, is its expensive. I'm not sure if they even have any of the EQ modules left. The EQ is highly recommended.

I totally agree with doveman's comments. With my Mark IIIs, I set them in the sweet spots and forget it. Every guitar sounds great with this amp, and you don't need to do a lot of tweaking with a Mark III. Mine seem to be pretty well balanced--and I use all three channels.

While the IIs and IIIs are very simple to run, the Mark IV is as bad as a 747 dash panel. I've had mine for almost four years and I still find new tones and new settings, LOL! It is a great amp, but there is a learning curve--it's not an amp for those who demand instant gratification. It was my "Holy Grail" amp, and I am darn glad to have it--but the simplicity of the Mark III gives them the edge.

With the newer Mesa amps, the sweet spots lay pretty close to the 12 o'clock positions. You really need to spend sometime with the owner's manuals for these amps. Little changes on the knobs make big changes in tone.

I love the tones I get from my Mesa amps. I know I started getting a lot more compliments on my tone when I made the switch some 12 years ago. I really think the amps helped me to play better too. I still think the Mark Series amps, and especially the III and IV are some of the best amps available for the gigging musician.

Bill

 

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: Mesa Boogie Mark Series

I have a blue stripe Mesa mMark III 112 combo loaded with all the features. It is the closest thing to the lead tone of a Mark IIC+ and is more versatile with its 3 channels. I am selling it if you are interested.

Mark IIIs can be found for a heck of a lot cheaper than the Mark IIC+s!