Mark III Red Stripe or Blue Stripe?

[steve_k]

I have read some of the previous archives. But, I am still a little unclear as to which has the better R2 and Lead channel. Playing lots of high gain stuff and don't care much about a clean channel. Unfortunately, I can't play the amps before buying. I am leaning toward red. Any opinions from those in the know or who have tried both? I am not trying to find IIC+ in the III either.

Cheers,
Steve

 

[dodger916]

Have you read this: http://homepage.mac.com/mesaboogie/dot.html

 

[steve_k]

Yep, and listened to some YouTube clips. Sounds like a toss-up to me. Just wondered if anyone could recommend one over the other. Hell, may just get both! Why not own a piece of history....

Steve

 

[steve_k]

Scored a Mark III Red Stripe head for $622.....

The Mark V head came yesterday too 8)

Steve

 

[igfraso]

I have read some of the previous archives. But, I am still a little unclear as to which has the better R2 and Lead channel. Playing lots of high gain stuff and don't care much about a clean channel. Unfortunately, I can't play the amps before buying. I am leaning toward red. Any opinions from those in the know or who have tried both? I am not trying to find IIC+ in the III either.

Cheers,
Steve

Everybody has its own opinion. I think that the red stripe has the best R2 and, if you add a R2 volume pot, your clean sound won't suffer any compromise.
Regarding the lead sound, the red stripe is closer to the IIC+ and the blue stripe is more Marshally.
But that is just my opinion.
Daniel

 

[steve_k]

I have read some of the previous archives. But, I am still a little unclear as to which has the better R2 and Lead channel. Playing lots of high gain stuff and don't care much about a clean channel. Unfortunately, I can't play the amps before buying. I am leaning toward red. Any opinions from those in the know or who have tried both? I am not trying to find IIC+ in the III either.

Cheers,
Steve

Everybody has its own opinion. I think that the red stripe has the best R2 and, if you add a R2 volume pot, your clean sound won't suffer any compromise.
Regarding the lead sound, the red stripe is closer to the IIC+ and the blue stripe is more Marshally.
But that is just my opinion.
Daniel

Thanks Daniel....good description.

Steve

 

[jjblacksheep]

I'd love to hear your take on the Mark III's lead channel vs. those other great amps in your collection when you get a chance.