Mesa Mark IV owners?

[Snailhand]

Is the Mesa Mark IV still a viable candidate for all around amp? I've had a lot of nice amps over the years, but I'm really trying to downsize these days. A friend of mine used to play Strat thourgh his, but I never really got a crack at it.
I'm not really into "boutique" amps or one trick ponies. I play mostly country. I need an amp that will break up a bit with good tube saturation, but it also needs to get crystal clear with bottom end for days.

Tell me about your Mark IV please. Inherent problems? Typical mods? Guaranteed tube nirvana, whatever.

Thanks in advance!

[Paul in Colorado]

I have a couple of Mesa's (MK I RI and Studio .22+) but not a MK IV. They can be great sounding amps, but you need to do a lot of knob twittling to get there. I've have friends who own them and like them. The only problems they've run into is with humbucker guitars, they can get kind of muddy and not cut through a mix very well. But they had two guys with MK IV's and PRS guitars in their band, so there's the problem right there.
Put good tubes in it, especially the first two preamp positions, and rock out. I like the EV speakers better then the Celestion in Boogies.

[Tim Bowen]

Originally Posted by Snailhand

Is the Mesa Mark IV still a viable candidate for all around amp?

I had a Mark IV, but it's been gone for quite some time. What that amp excels at, to me, is the signature Boogie high gain sound - big, thick, singing "Santana" tones. I found the clean & medium gain crunch channels to be stiff, unforgiving, and lacking in the sort of 3D character that I look for in amp tones. I used the Mark IV for a while as my only amp, utilizing each of the channels, but got bogged down by the compromise after a while. I then used it only for lead tones, and A/B'ed to a Fender Twin for cleans. Ultimately, the Boogie sound just started to fatigue the ol' ears, so down the road it went.

I play mostly country.

It's just one guy's opinion, but Mesa Boogie is about the last amp I'd choose for playing Country music. If there's one choice for the traditional stuff, it would most likely be a Fender blackface tone. A lot of the more modern guys gravitate toward EL84 / VOX - type amps.

I need an amp that will break up a bit with good tube saturation, but it also needs to get crystal clear with bottom end for days.

You just described an exceptional sounding Fender Deluxe Reverb. A lot depends on your band; if they play with dynamics and are not insanely loud, you'd probably have enough headroom with a Deluxe to get the cleans you need. If you are a touch-sensitive player, you could set this amp up for medium crunch and get clean tones through a combination of easing up on your pick attack and rolling off the volume at your guitar. Deluxes are 6V6-based; if you need more headroom and high end presence, these amps can be reconfigured for a 6L6 tube compliment. Other blackface and silverface Fender amps might fill the bill as well, and those with more headroom and wattage will better accomodate the bass response that you desire. But for the general range that you describe, the Deluxe comes to mind.

I'm not really into "boutique" amps or one trick ponies.

I'm certainly not into paying for booteeks, but I dig 'em! Honestly, the best "blackface" tones I've heard have been from a Carr Rambler. Gorgeous cleans, the most lush sounding reverb I've heard. Dare I say it, better than Fender. Not cheap at all though.

The first thing I'd recommend is to find a basic tone stack that works for you - there are additional tonal variables other than tubes, but try some 6L6, 6V6, & EL84 amps in your price range. Fenders, the Peavey Classic series, for starters.

If classic Fender tone ends up being the ticket, play a bunch of silverface Fender amps. Find the right balance of headroom & natural breakup (play Deluxes, Supers, Vibroluxes, etc.). Choose the best sounding one for you, carry it to a competent tech for a check up, and possibly convert to blackface specs.

[Lance]

"Downsize" isn't the right word. Those Boogies are very heavy!

I'd had a Mark IIC - supposedly the holy grail of Boogies. While it was a cool amp in many ways, I just never could get a decent sound out of it w/o cranking it way up. The OD channel was also way to fizzy.

There are probably better choices but that's just my opinion.

[Snailhand]

Tim, especially, thanks for the great insights. That's exactly what I was hoping for. I've owned AC30TB's, Plexi's, JCM's, Silver Twin's, Quad Reverbs, and a whole lot more. I don't really switch that often, just been playing a long time. Lately I'm using Fender HR Blues Devilles w/2-12's.
The TDPR seems to endorse the Blackface more than any other amp, and I'll admit, I've never given one the chance. I have played through a couple that sounded sweet, but only at one particular volume. Like if you set the volume at 7, that was where that amp wanted to "live", perfection. But of course, 7 is either too loud, or too soft, usually too soft with 1-12.
I think I need a Fender that has 40 watts(tube) and a 15" speaker. What amp would THAT be?

[Scotland]

Great amps but not as good as the 11C or the 3 simulclass. The mark 3 simulclass was good for all styles including country, I traded mine years ago for a mark 1V and instantly regretted it.
I have a twin now and doubt if I'll ever move from there, it does it all for me.

[Tim Bowen]

Originally Posted by Snailhand

I've owned AC30TB's, Plexi's, JCM's, Silver Twin's, Quad Reverbs, and a whole lot more. I don't really switch that often, just been playing a long time. Lately I'm using Fender HR Blues Devilles w/2-12's.

Ooops, didn't realize I was preachin' to the choir!

The TDPR seems to endorse the Blackface more than any other amp, and I'll admit, I've never given one the chance. I have played through a couple that sounded sweet, but only at one particular volume. Like if you set the volume at 7, that was where that amp wanted to "live", perfection. But of course, 7 is either too loud, or too soft, usually too soft with 1-12.

For the tunes I do these days, VOX and brownface Fender seem to be the best fit for me. But if I were to pick up a straight up Country gig again, I'd be right back to blackface. We keep a blackfaced silver Super and a tweaked RI '65 Deluxe at the studio to cut tracks with as needed. Actually, most of the tube amps I own have a sweet spot right around 6-7 on the volume knob. I keep a few different sizes of amps around, partly because I don't care to fool with attenuators for the live thing. But man, it sucks eggs when I guess the wrong size amp for the room.

I think I need a Fender that has 40 watts(tube) and a 15" speaker. What amp would THAT be?

That would be this one...

http://www.fender.com/products/show.php?partno=8140000

Again, not cheap, about 2100 bills street price as new. I'm afraid to play the thing. I know I'll want it.

I've never gotten along with typical channel switching amps, but I've seriously considered the Tone King Meteor. I like the idea of separate blackface and tweed channels, and reviews for these amps have been very positive.

http://www.toneking.com/products/meteorII/index.html

[TeleDeluxe]

I know you said you dont like "boutique" but try a soldano and you wont look back!

[Snailhand]

That Vibroverb looks wonderful. Those Tonekings are real eye-candy, aren't they? Now if I could just find one!
Opened for Confederate Railroad a couple years ago and their lead guitar played a PRS through a couple Soldano singles. I thought he sounded amazing, but all their sound guys and roadies kept complimenting me on my Tele-tweed sound. Guess you get used to one thing, and then yearn for something else.

Amps I have yet to own:
Orange half stack
Soldano something?
Top Hat
Victoria
Tone King
Mesa Mark IV
Hulett
Matchless
Vibroverb

I guess these are ALL boutiques aren't they? Based on the comments here though, I can probably strike the Boogie from the list.

Thanks guys!

[Paul in Colorado]

If you want 2 X 10" and a 40 watt amp, get a Bandmaster Reverb and have someone build a 2 X 10" combo cab for it. That's what I'm doing with mine as soon as I'm working again.

David Nelson (former New Riders of the Purple Sage)uses a Boogie for country playing. Charlie Daniels used 'em too.

[InSlide]

I love my Mark IV Boogie - so smooth and so many options - highly recommend - if you like a thick fat tone.

[Larry K. Williams]

I have several amps..... But I recently picked up a Mesa Maverick 2x12. My current house gig calls for classic country, classic rock, and rock-a-billy. We don't get to play much modern stuff there.

I was on the hunt for a Matchless DC-30, or a Vox AC30. I have been listening to a lot of Keith Urban stuff lately, so I guess the tone has been a little addicting for me. For the last year I have been using my Dr Z MAZ 38 SR. as my main amp. Now, I absolutley love that amp, but was wanting to hear something different for while. You know how we are.......... always searching.

Channel 1 of the Maverick is a low to medium gain channel. Channel 2 is a high gain channel. Channel 1 has given me very "Fendery/Voxy" tones and responds very well to pick technique and pedals. Channel 2 gives me a very "Marshally" overdrive.... very creamy and smooth. Plus each channel has a gain and volume control. Then the amp has an overall ouput level control. That way you get a good sound from each channel and set your volume level where each needs to be. Then when needed you can just turn the one knob up or down to raise or lower both channels at the same time.. Plus you can switch between tube rectifier or solid state rectifier.

The Maverick sells new for about $400 less than the Mark IV. Of course, the Mark IV goes for about $1000-1200 used, the Maverick goes for about $700-950 used. Those prices consider standard tolex coverings and standard grilles. Mesa offers many "custom" combinations at extra costs.

Now, comparing it to my SFTR........ it is not as sparkly sounding on the high end. But it is just as big on the bottom, maybe more. The high end on the Maverick is more like the Matchless/Vox sound.

A friend has the Mesa Mark IV. I have played through it several times. I like it, but I don't think it would be my "country" amp. The clean channel is probably the only one that you would use. It does sound good though. I almost bought one before I bought my Dr. Z.

You should go to a Mesa Dealer and check out the amps. Also try the Mesa Lonestar. It is like a Twin and a hot-rodded Twin in one cabinet. Though it is a darker sounding amp. Then try the Maverick. Also try the Mesa F-50. I have one of those and the clean channel is a wonderful blackface Fender tone. The gain channel is a little too much for my style, but they sell a lot of them just because of the gain channel.

If you want something really good without going "boutique" then Mesa is what you are after. The build quality really puts Fender to shame.......at least the stuff they have built in the last 25 years. Ask any amp tech about the newer Fender stuff. (I apologize, I don't mean to hurt anyone's feelings here, just look inside the box.) The Mesa amps are just as good as the boutique stuff. You don't get point to point wiring......you pay extra for that stuff. I don't know if it is worth it .......... I have 2 point-to-point amps and can't hear it.

The main thing is listen to your ears...... not me.....not anyone else.

We all have opinions and maybe those opinions will help you.

[stratohiker]

I agree on the Maverick. I also have a 2 12 one. I generally use it when I need more spread in my sound (My amp for smaller rooms is a Rocket 44 fitted with a JBL 12. I've used the Maverick for many a country gig with a variety of guitars (SGs, ES335s, Teles, Strats) and it works well for that. It also really projects (maybe the neo class A operation). It gets pretty hot though. I installed a fan in it. I believe the 1 12 and head versions have a factory fan installed. I can't wait for the new Lone Star Special amp to come out. That'll probably be my next one.

[Nick Fanis]

Great amps but not as good as the 11C or the 3 simulclass. The mark 3 simulclass was good for all styles including country, I traded mine years ago for a mark 1V and instantly regretted it.
I have a twin now and doubt if I'll ever move from there, it does it all for me.

TOTALLY AGREE!
The only MB amp I love is the MARK 3 ,amazing clean chanel.In fact I have found one locally and since I am selling one of my RI twins (too big to carry around) I might get it!

[Scotland]

Is it the Simulclass one ? All Mark III's are good but the Simulclass is extra special.

[JimmyZ]

I have my old 1978 Boogie (before they called them Mark I ) and have used it for clean tones for years. I never use the high gain channel and just use a pedal if I really want a lot of break up. The reverb is not as nice as the Fender reverb tends to be but the clean sound is great in this amp. It is very strong and tight. It is, however, very heavy and since I suffer from a bad back I am going to be trading for something lighter weight. I would consider this (the Mark I series) to be a good overall amp that you could gig with in most situations.

[ari]

Check out the Randall RM-50 if you have enough funds for a used Mesa MkIV. 1x12 2-channel amp with switchable modules that approximate many classic amp voices, plus features to make power amp tube swapping easy. Randall's not exactly a prestigeous name among tube amps, but this particular modular design was done by Bruce Egnater. The clips from Egnater site was pretty convincing.

I'm happy with my cheap Laney LC-50II for all around amp. Blackface-ish clean with smooth Marhsall-y OD. But if I had about $800 then I would have at least checked out the Randall.

ari

[Nick Fanis]

Is it the Simulclass one ? All Mark III's are good but the Simulclass is extra special.

yep it is the Simulclass w/ reverb & equalizer
price is euro 1000 and I think that since I will sell my twin RI for the same price I will get it.

heck a new PV Classic 30 costs 770 euros in my country..(not that it doesn't sound great)

[Scotland]

Go for it...how fast can you go ??
Jealous...who is jealous?

[Nick Fanis]

EXACTLY like this one,I think I will do like you said buddy!

[Scotland]

Nick, you won't be sorry let me tell you. If I ever come across a MKIII S/C, I'm going for it. Trouble is..I've been looking here for around 10 years but nothing has come up. Enjoy that baby Nick, you are a lucky man !!

[Nick Fanis]

I went to the guy's home last night and tested the amp w/ just my tele & a compressor (that I ALWAYS use).
I couldn't believe at the CLEAN sound this baby has!
We are talking about TONS of headroom (I mean TONS & TONS & TONS of it!) I think this amp will be perfect for my huge pedalboard and playing style.
I actually prefer the Boogie's clean sound more than the Twin's cause it is tighter in the bottom (the HEAVY EV speaker may have to do a lot about this...)
I think it will match perfectly my RIVERA QUIANA and due to the small size (but heavy weight) it will become my "lugging around" amp for large stages.

[Scotland]

I've played venues so loud that the Twin broke up heavily, the same venues with the Mk III, same volume = totally clean. I've yet to come across an amp with better clean headroom.