Brad737
Well-known member
Hello, all.
Six and a half years ago, I bought a well-worn SR Mark IIC and sent it to Mesa Boogie for a full-service and the C+ upgrade. When it returned home, I was really surprised how much better the amp sounded. I bought the Mesa Five Band EQ pedal, ran it through the loop, and life was good. I’ve kept an eye on the used market, and when I found another IIC, I snapped it up.
My second IIC is an SG, a 60 watt combo with graphic EQ and no Reverb. This one was in even worse condition than my first one. No real damage, but COVERED in grime. This amp has seen action in a LOT of smoky bars over its 38 years. I had no idea if it had ever been given a proper service, so I sent her off to the Petalumians. As always, Rich Duvall and company were a pleasure to deal with. Mike Bendinelli worked his magic on the amp, cleaning the chassis and internals so well, one could eat off it. It looks brand new. But more importantly, he tested every component, cleaned and repaired what needed it, and replaced everything needed to bring it back to stock. Then Mike performed his famous C+ upgrade.
I wasted no time in adding a new complement of tubes. I installed some NOS STR415s, Mullards in V1 and V2, an old RCA in V3, and a Sovtek 12AX7LPS for the phase inverter. This amp sounds AMAZING! One thing I noticed when comparing it to my SR, was that the SG was louder. I had the Input and Output levels on the Five Band EQ pedal set at the notches at noon, but I found I needed to goose the Output level on the pedal to match the volume of the SG with internal EQ. Both amps sound really close, but I find the SG is just a little brighter and more “in your face” than the SR. I assume that’s because the SG doesn’t have the signal running through the Reverb circuit.
All in all, I couldn’t be happier. At some point, I’d like to find a cream Thiele cabinet for it. I’d also like to add a wicker grill, but I think it looks fine for now. I’m really happy I was able to get this upgraded before Mike retires. From what I’ve read, his retirement may be coming soon. If you’re thinking of having the Father of the IIC+ service your amp, I wouldn’t wait. It’s so worth it.
Six and a half years ago, I bought a well-worn SR Mark IIC and sent it to Mesa Boogie for a full-service and the C+ upgrade. When it returned home, I was really surprised how much better the amp sounded. I bought the Mesa Five Band EQ pedal, ran it through the loop, and life was good. I’ve kept an eye on the used market, and when I found another IIC, I snapped it up.
My second IIC is an SG, a 60 watt combo with graphic EQ and no Reverb. This one was in even worse condition than my first one. No real damage, but COVERED in grime. This amp has seen action in a LOT of smoky bars over its 38 years. I had no idea if it had ever been given a proper service, so I sent her off to the Petalumians. As always, Rich Duvall and company were a pleasure to deal with. Mike Bendinelli worked his magic on the amp, cleaning the chassis and internals so well, one could eat off it. It looks brand new. But more importantly, he tested every component, cleaned and repaired what needed it, and replaced everything needed to bring it back to stock. Then Mike performed his famous C+ upgrade.
I wasted no time in adding a new complement of tubes. I installed some NOS STR415s, Mullards in V1 and V2, an old RCA in V3, and a Sovtek 12AX7LPS for the phase inverter. This amp sounds AMAZING! One thing I noticed when comparing it to my SR, was that the SG was louder. I had the Input and Output levels on the Five Band EQ pedal set at the notches at noon, but I found I needed to goose the Output level on the pedal to match the volume of the SG with internal EQ. Both amps sound really close, but I find the SG is just a little brighter and more “in your face” than the SR. I assume that’s because the SG doesn’t have the signal running through the Reverb circuit.
All in all, I couldn’t be happier. At some point, I’d like to find a cream Thiele cabinet for it. I’d also like to add a wicker grill, but I think it looks fine for now. I’m really happy I was able to get this upgraded before Mike retires. From what I’ve read, his retirement may be coming soon. If you’re thinking of having the Father of the IIC+ service your amp, I wouldn’t wait. It’s so worth it.
