Mark III Reverb Upgrade Options

[Ultramog]

Recently acquired a white tolex simul GEQ combo. Swapped in a full set of Mesa tubes, working my way towards that blooming saturated overdrive I hear in my head.

But I sure do miss the 'verb like I have on the Lonestar! What are my options? There are a couple different descriptions of the Mike B mod on the boards, as well as using a cap like the Lonestar's. Can anyone describe the effect the mod has?

Could I just swap in a different tank? Looks like the Lonestar tank won't fit, but how about a Mk IV tank? Was that a significant improvement? Aftermarket options? Let me know -- thanks!

 

[mark2boogie]

Hello.

I do not have the schematic of the Lonestar (unfortunately), but I do not see why its reverb tank wouldn't enter the cab of the MKIII. To see if the reverb tanks of your Lonestar sounds better than the stock MKIII unit, just connect it on it, and see the sonic result, no damage possible to the amps. If the reverb sound is weak, swap the in and out connections of the reverb unit : Lo DCR circa 1 ohm = drive, Hi DCR circa 200 ohms = recovery. Again, no damage to the amp nor the unit may occur, and you will be fixed !

I think that a correct reverb unit for your MKIII would be a 9AB2A1B type, like on the MKI, IIA, IIB and the Lonestar Special. May be on the MKIIC and MKIII, this is another reverb type because of the half-12AX7 reverb driver instead of a complete 12AT7, but it has to be confirmed - nonetheless, you can have a try to check, as mentioned above.

Tip : your reverb tank may be not installed in a reverb bag. It is really worth to do it, because it provides a welcome acoustic insulation which avoid resonances, larsen and gives a deeper, more natural tone to your reverb. It's what I have done in my MKIIA (see my Boogie MKII Rev Eq topic for more info). In addition, you can DIY a excellent zero-cost reverb bag with an old blue-jean pant sleeve and a wollen pull-over sleeve, and don't forget to close the tank by a carton or a wood plate to avoid blocking the springs !

before :

after :

Hope this helps & A+!