Early Mark IV's, better, worse, different?

[gwayne]

I'm considering a '93 Mark IV combo w/EV. Were there any circuit changes along the way? Any years to avoid? Better with EV or Celestion?

I want the smooth, singing, lead tone from the lead channel if that helps.

Thanks guys,

Gary

 

[tim6string]

Great question, there were some changes over the years, not sure if that changed the overall tone.

As far as the speakers, that is really a mater of taste. A lot of people love the EV12Ls, I wasn't as crazy about them because it seemed they only sounded good loud. I am thinking you may want to get them if at all possible and try other speakers as well.

I would be very interested in hearing other thoughts on the 2 or 3 revs of the Mark IV.

 

[Boogiebabies]

I'm considering a '93 Mark IV combo w/EV. Were there any circuit changes along the way? Any years to avoid? Better with EV or Celestion?

I want the smooth, singing, lead tone from the lead channel if that helps.

Thanks guys,

Gary

Well, if you want a smooth singing amp, a Mesa MK series is it.

A 1993 may be a MK IVA or a MK IVB. For that time period these would be the only versions. My estimation is that the MK IVB came out around 10/93. The differences in the B are tweaks to the lead channel and the reverb was redone like a IIC+ and uses a 12AX7. The A used a slightly larger PT #561136. The B uses the 561140. The B also added the switchable loop and the satellite send.

If you have a MK series amp, it was probably voiced using the EV 12L.
Using the MK IV with a good closed back 4X12 is unreal. It is a totally different amp, especially the bottom end.

Good Luck.

 

[tim6string]

The originals has a switchable loop, mine has that, but not the sateliite send, which is too bad, because I have a satelitte as well and that would have been great. Oh well.

I agree. I kept the 12Ls from my combos, put Celestion V30s in my Theils and mostly run my Mark IV through 2 Marshal 4x12s with celestion G12T75s and I think it sounds incredible.

 

[gwayne]

Thanks for the replies so far. I do have a good 4-12 closed back cab so that will be icing on the cake to have both available.