So I've had a Mark III Blue Stripe for a while, and I just got a Mark IV to compliment it, as I wanted 2 amps.
First off, I initially did not care for the Mark III sound, and favored the Mark IV (I used to have a few Mark IV amps before I got the Mark III). I got new tubes for the Mark III, and now I get a KILLER lead tone out of it, even without using the Graphic EQ. I get a slight Santana tone, its got that mid range slight scoop, a rich depth to the tone, focus, everything I love. I use EQ to make fine tune things live, but I am loving its tone.
When I got these latest Mark IV, and did the comparison, I did not immediately get a similar lead tone. It was definitely missing some things, lacked the qualities I enjoyed. What I did notice (and remembered from last time I owned one), is that the EQ with the lead channel sounds really awesome, actually much nicer than the Mark III with EQ engaged. For some reason the Mark III's EQ can add sharper spikes in the tone, can be harsher, but the Mark IV's EQ is smoother and effects the tone nicer.
Is there a way or certain settings to get the Mark IV lead channel without EQ to sound similar to the Mark III? So far I made both power tube configs the same (originally the Mark IV had 4 6L6s, I added the outer EL34s instead), set the outer tubes to Triode mode, Harmonics switch, and made the other settings similar to the Mark III. Its closer but still not there.
Any other tips to do? Also, does anyone know why the Mark IV EQ is better sounding than the III? Are they that different?
Thanks,
Dre
First off, I initially did not care for the Mark III sound, and favored the Mark IV (I used to have a few Mark IV amps before I got the Mark III). I got new tubes for the Mark III, and now I get a KILLER lead tone out of it, even without using the Graphic EQ. I get a slight Santana tone, its got that mid range slight scoop, a rich depth to the tone, focus, everything I love. I use EQ to make fine tune things live, but I am loving its tone.
When I got these latest Mark IV, and did the comparison, I did not immediately get a similar lead tone. It was definitely missing some things, lacked the qualities I enjoyed. What I did notice (and remembered from last time I owned one), is that the EQ with the lead channel sounds really awesome, actually much nicer than the Mark III with EQ engaged. For some reason the Mark III's EQ can add sharper spikes in the tone, can be harsher, but the Mark IV's EQ is smoother and effects the tone nicer.
Is there a way or certain settings to get the Mark IV lead channel without EQ to sound similar to the Mark III? So far I made both power tube configs the same (originally the Mark IV had 4 6L6s, I added the outer EL34s instead), set the outer tubes to Triode mode, Harmonics switch, and made the other settings similar to the Mark III. Its closer but still not there.
Any other tips to do? Also, does anyone know why the Mark IV EQ is better sounding than the III? Are they that different?
Thanks,
Dre
