glguitarman
Well-known member
I got my first Mesa Boogie in 1987, it was a Mark III half stack. I was playing in my first band, and I needed an upgrade from my 'gorilla amp', lol.
Anyway, that day I chose a Boogie Mark III over a Marshall JCM 800. I had read about Mesa Boogies a lot, so I knew about the IIC+, but of course they were out of production by then. I can't remember the stripe color of my old Mark III, but it was a 60 watt, with no GEQ or reverb. I was extremely happy with the amp for a few years, until I went to G.I.T. and learned about Jazz and other music styles (other than Metal). I just couldn't figure out how to get a good clean sound AND distortion. So I got rid of it, like a jack-***.
Now, many years, and many amps later, I now have a loaded red stripe combo I bought a few weeks ago, and a 60 watt, EQ, reverb IIC+ head, I got TODAY.
I couldn't believe my ears when I turned on the amp and set up a clean sound. For so many years I have wanted to play/have a IIC+. I never even had the chance to play one, let alone own one. The clean sound of the IIC+ is just incredible. I've played some great vintage Fender amps in my life, and this amp is really on par with them. I would be cool to A/B it with them, but I really don't care that much about comparisons, and, this amp is mine now. Just as amazing, just as mind blowing, is the Lead Channel. Everything I thought it would be, ever since I was that 17 year old shredder in the 80's.
Some might think I am crazy, but I have to say that my red-stripe Mark III's lead channel is very similar to the IIC+. No, it's not the 'same', but equally cool to my ears/taste. Also, the Mark III really does have three very usable sounds, including a really nice clean sound. However, after playing the IIC+, the clean channel on the Mark III is, well, lacking.
Anyway, that day I chose a Boogie Mark III over a Marshall JCM 800. I had read about Mesa Boogies a lot, so I knew about the IIC+, but of course they were out of production by then. I can't remember the stripe color of my old Mark III, but it was a 60 watt, with no GEQ or reverb. I was extremely happy with the amp for a few years, until I went to G.I.T. and learned about Jazz and other music styles (other than Metal). I just couldn't figure out how to get a good clean sound AND distortion. So I got rid of it, like a jack-***.
Now, many years, and many amps later, I now have a loaded red stripe combo I bought a few weeks ago, and a 60 watt, EQ, reverb IIC+ head, I got TODAY.
I couldn't believe my ears when I turned on the amp and set up a clean sound. For so many years I have wanted to play/have a IIC+. I never even had the chance to play one, let alone own one. The clean sound of the IIC+ is just incredible. I've played some great vintage Fender amps in my life, and this amp is really on par with them. I would be cool to A/B it with them, but I really don't care that much about comparisons, and, this amp is mine now. Just as amazing, just as mind blowing, is the Lead Channel. Everything I thought it would be, ever since I was that 17 year old shredder in the 80's.
Some might think I am crazy, but I have to say that my red-stripe Mark III's lead channel is very similar to the IIC+. No, it's not the 'same', but equally cool to my ears/taste. Also, the Mark III really does have three very usable sounds, including a really nice clean sound. However, after playing the IIC+, the clean channel on the Mark III is, well, lacking.
