This is truly a
remarkable amplifier that has earned
the reputation of being one of the finest amps
produced by Mesa Boogie. There is nothing that can
improve this amp nor aything that is lacking. I am
extremely impressed with the tonality and
responsiveness of the amp. I can not begin to
express how amazing this amp enhances a
performance. Like many amps, the variable
elements that come together to produce the sounds
that a particular amp has, have come together
inextricably to form a masterpiece.
Model Year: 1984
Price: $2100.00
Where Obtained: Private Sale
The Mark IIC+ was the last of the Mark II series and
featured a more sensitive (i.e. useful) lead channel
and, more importantly, an improved circuitry in the
effects loop. Unlike earlier Mark II models, pedals
could be used without the amp's signal overloading
their inputs.
Has switching via push-pots or footswitch between
clean and lead channels, a switchable effects loop
and Hammond reverb tank.
This is "the" two channel amp that boasts the
"chimey" cleans with bell-like clarity and focus.
The overdrive channel is smooth and thick. With
definition and clarity, it is highly focused when played
with a guitar outfitted with high gain pickups. For
comparison and benchmark sake, I used a Tom
Anderson Drop Top with an H3 pickup in the bridge
position. The center and neck pickups were SK1 and
SK1R's. An extension cabinet with an EV-12L was
also installed. The combo cabinet is a hardwood
(Imbuya) with an EV-12L installed as well.
The most important and qualifying component in this
amp are the tubes. I have a quad matched set of
Philips STR-6L6GC dual getter NOS tubes installed
and they really are well matched to the amp. Preamp
tubes are standard Mesa 12AX7's .
Dialing in the "sweet spot" requires getting to know
the amp and really working with it. The front-end
changes with what guitar is plugged in and radically
alters it's personality. Some guitars will sound
absolutely magical compared to others. I found this
amp really likes to be hit hard with a hot input.
Rolling off the volume on the guitar causes the amp
to clean up and exhibits added dimensions and
qualities. Quite a versatile amp with a myrid of
possibilities once you get an understanding of the
inter-dependency of the gain structures.
Mesa Boogie has had a reputation for building
extremely reliable equipment. This particular piece
has no evidence of failure in it's 20 year life span.
Apart from routine maintenance (replacement of
tubes) the amp has exhibited the standard Boogie
reliablity. The fact that the amp was cared for by it's
previous owner also lends itself to the trouble-free
operation of this amp. Of course these amps are
built to last.
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