Mark III purchase help.

[PineappleBrains]

I was looking for amps today and came across this mk iii today on craigslist. I had a roadster a while back, but I don't know much about the mark series amps. Could you guys give me some of your thoughts and opinions on this amp?
I realize its not the original case (not a fan of that skull on the front) and in the post he says its been modified for el34 tubes. Is this something that is common with these amps?
How about the price? I've got a budget of about $800 and I still need to get a cab and possibly a footswitch.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can provide me.
Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[megavoice]

I can only say it just one more time again:
I've a redstripe for about nearly thirty years and grabbed a second one last year. In my experiences of for more than 40 years band playing I've met A LOT of guitarplyers who ALL wanted to have my first. So that was the reason for buing a second one.
If you like the "Mark" sound I'd advise you to buy EVERY one of that "coulour". I think all are great but slightly different.
I don't know about modifying the entire amp especially for EL34 but I'm running them with '34s in the outer sockets and I'm pleased for my lifetime.
As for the speakers I've tried ten years ago a Marshall 1969 Lead and it sounded great with, but as they're too bulky I feel fine with my two Thieles/EV 12L(old). They're plenty enough for big stages. And only a Coli will give a bunch of more bottom.

As others have written here 800$ would be o.k. I've paid last year 1200,- EU and I would have given even more.
But you must have a watchout about their conditions. Some look pretty unused, others are extremely worndown and modded.

But think of, man !!! It's not only the amp, you must have the right guitar, the right pick ups and the right cab for....... :wink:

 

[Markedman]

Mark III black dot - this head started out a few months ago, more than a half year ago at $900 and has gone down in price since. There was a blue stripe Mark III combo with EV in NYC a couple of weeks back for $499, it's gone now. I personally would wait for a head with it's original shell and unmodified insides which pop up for $750 or less in NYC. There was a blue stripe combo with EV and anvil cases for $750 in Bear, MD. It is better to buy these days than sell.

 

[megavoice]

......It is better to buy these days than sell.

Oh yeah,............Golden Words.................

 

[Markedman]

NYC Craigslist today has a Mark III coliseum listed for $650.00 with case, I would jump on this one if I were you. Better hurry, I'm kinda GASSY!