Mesa Boogie Mark V

[fltlll]

He must be going deaf if he honestly said the MkV sounded better than the 2c+ (or the most probable scenario, got paid to say so). I've heard numerous clips and played that amp so many times, yet it still feels and reacts like a 2c+ modeler.

If you like the Mark series tone, I'd recommend you either find a used 2c+ or IV.

Well Mesa actually doesn't pay anyone to endorse its products. In fact, they don't even give out free products, so even people like John Petrucci have to pay for their amp. So I don't think it's a conflict of interest. Anyway, it could have been something as simple as the IIC+ was in need of repair since it's so old and he just found it easier to use the Mark V.

Have you played the Mark V and the IIC+?

I think that the whole "Mesa doesn't pay/offer discounts to endorsees" statement is true for the majority of players, but I guarantee that's different for heavy-hitters such as JP (and kept under wraps, of course). I'm pretty sure that they know he influences gear-purchasing habits in a major way (check out his forum if you don't believe me). I wouldn't be surprised if they ride the gravy train to the point of designing a "MV Lite" which just has a couple channels / features for a lower price point.

I doubt his 2C+'s ever need repair. Mike B. (the man that did the original C+ thing) still works at Mesa, and he routinely services those amps. He told me that there are a few people that own more than a few C+'s and send them in for check-ups about yearly (I wouldn't be surprised if JP is one).

Like I said before, I've played the Mark V tons of times. One of my friends is a HUGE gear whore and goes through amps like no one's business. He had a MV and we tweaked with it for a good month or so (even played a show with it). It's super versatile and very convenient when it comes to features, but it's one of those "jack of all trades but master of none" scenarios. It'll get you 80% there or so, but there are better amps for each of the modes it attempts to emulate.

As for the 2c+, I've had one for the last ten years or so. It was serviced this year by Mike B. I've gigged with it tons, and play it on a daily basis.

In my opinion, there are "better" amps as far as pure tone is concerned. If you want features and versatility (if you like a wide array of tones for performances, IE cover bands) then the V is great. In a live setting, there isn't a noticeable difference between awesome tone (80%) and perfect tone (99%).

Another option for acquiring an amp is to look for a used 2C and have it sent in to Mike to be upgraded to C+ (I think it's around $500 or so). He still offers that, as well as upgrading to Simul-Class, EQ, or Reverb.

[XxpapertigerxX]

Thanks, that's a lot of helpful information.

In my opinion, there are "better" amps as far as pure tone is concerned. If you want features and versatility (if you like a wide array of tones for performances, IE cover bands) then the V is great. In a live setting, there isn't a noticeable difference between awesome tone (80%) and perfect tone (99%).

What are some amps you consider better, as far as pure tone is concerned? Also, what do you like more about the IIC+ than the Mark V?

[fltlll]

Thanks, that's a lot of helpful information.

In my opinion, there are "better" amps as far as pure tone is concerned. If you want features and versatility (if you like a wide array of tones for performances, IE cover bands) then the V is great. In a live setting, there isn't a noticeable difference between awesome tone (80%) and perfect tone (99%).

What are some amps you consider better, as far as pure tone is concerned? Also, what do you like more about the IIC+ than the Mark V

If I lost mine and had to replace it, I would probably consider either a Bogner XTC or Diezel Einstein. I think both of those amps do overdriven tones WAAAY better than a MV. Another little contender would be a Mesa Lonestar... I was bored one day at a guitar center and tweaking it for a good hour or so, and I got within range of something that had a similar feel to my 2C+ (my friend was rather surprised to hear that). It didn't have near as much the aggressive qualities; it almost felt like a "vintage" approach to C+. In fact, I might try to score a used one for shites and giggles (I made a thread asking for small, tone monsters).

As far as differences from the MV and 2c+, I'd say that I perceived the V to be rather boxy or compressed compared to the C+. The mids on the C+ are AWESOME; extremely detailed and crunchy, and the pick attack feels "organic" (the best way I can describe that term is that the amp seems to react and sound different as you follow through your picking motion).

On the other hand, the V doesn't sound like it pushes out as wide an array of frequencies. The amp's feel is more "simple" when it comes to your pick attack, like a lack of proper articulation (comparitively speaking).

I hope you can understand where I'm coming from (talking about tone is much more difficult than experiencing it)! Once again, I'm not saying that the MV is bad at all, just that it isn't a shapeshifting amp, capable of reproducing perfect replicas :p

[XxpapertigerxX]

Yeah, from what I had heard I was a little concerned about the Mark V's level of compression. I really just have to play one in person, but they're not so easy to find, unfortunately. Thanks for describing your experiences with the Mark V and the IIC+, it's been helpful. The plus side is that I'll never know what I'm missing, because I don't think I'll ever even see a IIC+, let alone play one  :)

[Brutalix]

Agree with most folks here: had the MK V almost a year...NOT a beginner's amp (not for long-time players like me with no skill perhaps lol); the channels and functions are way delicate, and a good month of playing and tweaking will begin to show you what it can do. People who want instant results will be bummed out, and Mesa's recommended presets are lousy, if you ask me: V shape EQ and knob fiddling all the way! 8)

I suggest you lug your guitars to a shop (OK, just your fave!) and try one out, then twice, even TEN TIMES to find out if it is what you like, and at ALL CHANNELS and WATTAGES: sorry to sound pedantic: Petrucci is a whiz at amps, and makes the MK V sound great, but that's cos he knows what he's looking for and does this fiddling for a living, thus can find out what it's capable of. Still, it takes a long while to see its worth, and believe you me, the amp is worth tweaking!