quick amp question

[poiter]

hello, i was just wondering if the mesa boogie mark III blue stripe head can get those awsome heavy dream theater, iron maiden, symphony x type lead sounds and how does it compare to a single reco head.

im looking at getting a 1988 model but its in pretty much new condition, also wondering how reliable one from that year would be.

thanks alot, peter.

[MusicManJP6]

I had a early '90s Mark IV and it never gave me a lick of trouble. I recorded all day one Saturday and it did great. Mesas are built like tanks!

[Nemesys]

I'm not sure about those specific sounds, as I'm only passingly familiar with those bands, but compared to a Single Rectifier (a strange name for an amp, almost every amp has one rectifier in it, but I digress), a Mark series amp will have a bit tighter sound overall. Try it out and see if it works for you, only your ears can tell you if it will be right.

As far as reliability, a well-built amp like a Mesa will last several decades if properly maintained, though a twenty year old amp is ready for some maintenance. You'll want to have the electrolytic capacitors replaced, which is probably a $50-$100 operation, depending on the amp, and retubing is a good idea if it hasn't been done recently. I replace power tubes after around 500 hours of use, as they can take out other components when they fail. Preamp tubes are usually fine until they start to sound lifeless.

[Jimmyb]

My Hiwatt was born in 1973 (like my good self). It's still going as strong as ever.

A good amp, like a good guitar, will last for a long time.

[MusicManJP6]

The Mark III is supposed to be more aggressive than the Mark IV. I think the graphic EQ in a 'V' shape on a MK III will give you the tones you are after. A Recto will give you a very Petrucci tone, but can do other tones as well. The Mark III will have the more vintage voicing that will be closer to the Iron Maiden tone. I vote Mark series for the tone you are after. I love my Roadster (Dual Rec at heart) for just about all tones. Cleans are based on the Lonestar, so they are phenomenal, and the vintage setting gets somewhat close to a Mark series in voicing, but not in articulation. The Modern mode is DT's Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence all the way - this is because JP used a Road King for that album as well as Train of Thought, if i'm not mistaken. And the Roadster is a Road King without the progressive linkage. Basically.

Hope this helps.

IMO, Mesa amps combined with Ernie Ball guitars create the best tone out there... Both are top-notch gear selections!

[kneeoh]

this is because JP used a Road King for that album as well as Train of Thought, if i'm not mistaken.

Yes, JP used the Road Kings on TOT and its tour. For Octavarium he used the Road Kings during recording but during the tour he used several set-ups including a Mark IV pre-amp through a Recto power amp. He's now using the Mark IV for the Chaos in Motion tour.

[Nemesys]

IMO, Mesa amps combined with Ernie Ball guitars create the best tone out there... Both are top-notch gear selections!

QFT. My Silhouette is a perfect match for my F-50. Just the right output level, perfect EQ, no pedals or anything needed to sculpt the tone.

[Spudmurphy]

+1 on the F50 !!

[candid_x]

The Mark III is supposed to be more aggressive than the Mark IV. I think the graphic EQ in a 'V' shape on a MK III will give you the tones you are after. A Recto will give you a very Petrucci tone, but can do other tones as well. The Mark III will have the more vintage voicing that will be closer to the Iron Maiden tone. I vote Mark series for the tone you are after. I love my Roadster (Dual Rec at heart) for just about all tones. Cleans are based on the Lonestar, so they are phenomenal, and the vintage setting gets somewhat close to a Mark series in voicing, but not in articulation. The Modern mode is DT's Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence all the way - this is because JP used a Road King for that album as well as Train of Thought, if i'm not mistaken. And the Roadster is a Road King without the progressive linkage. Basically.

Thanks for the interesting and detailed review.

[Nemesys]

+1 on the F50 !!

I love that amp. Blackface Fender-ish cleans, a dirty channel that goes anywhere from a slight crunch to all-out grunge, and a perfect boost to cut through the mix for a solo. All in a nice, not-too-big, portable package -- everything I need, nothing I don't.

[marantz1300]

i,ve got a 75 hiwatt and a mesa studio pre 50/50 power set,not sure of exact age but their old.never had any probs with either.my silo,s an 89 quality lasts.go for it.

[poiter]

thanks for all the helpfull comments, just wondering though, if petrucci is using the mark IV's wouldnt the mark III have a more petrucci tone than a recto??

[MusicManJP6]

thanks for all the helpfull comments, just wondering though, if petrucci is using the mark IV's wouldnt the mark III have a more petrucci tone than a recto??

Depends on which Petrucci tones you are after.

I found the Mark IV to be too tight for my style of playing. Great tone, but too articulate - my leads felt very restricted and seemed to lack sustain. The Roadster just has a more complex texture to my ears and I think it SCREAMS more overall - for leads and rhythm. To each his own. Best thing for you to do is try to play them both somehow.

A Rectoverb 50 would be a good amp to try for Recto tones. GREAT amp. I would take one to replace my Roadster (in a bind) any day! And it can be had for about $800 or less.

[poiter]

oh ok cool, sorry but just 1 more question, what would the mark III head be worth in australia? i see on the net that there going for around the $800 price in america.

thanks again, pete.