I could be wrong, VR, so take it for what it's worth. I'm in Texas, too, so I think that I know what alot of the players here seem to be looking for in tone. I currently have a Mark II and a Rectoverb. Based on what you've said and your choice in user name, I would strongly suggest that you check out a Mark IV before you pull the trigger on anything else. It'll get you the three channel effect with a clean, a dirty rhythm, and a solo tone, along with a ton of capability to produce a wide range of different tones. Yes, they take some time to learn inside-and-out, but the wide range of tones is worth it, IMO.