Mark IV recommendations

[Kupke]

I have an option to get my hands on a mint Mark IV that is approximately 8 years old.

Exactly what year was best for production of the Mark IV? I presume some components on board have changed from the first to the more recently produced Mark IV's? Which Mark IV would you suggest?

 

[psychodave]

Any Mark IV is going to be good. 8)

 

[sjones]

+1

 

[Kupke]

looks like it's a Mk IVa from 1990. Can't wait to try it!

 

[Kupke]

if you notice my sig, you'll see i own a Quad. If any amp takes long to dial in to your favorite tone, it's the Quad. I think the Mark IV will be on the same level pretty much.

 

[breogan]

looks like it's a Mk IVa from 1990. Can't wait to try it!

So it looks like a Mesa IV that is 18 years old!!

 

[MusicManJP6]

Don't worry about the age of it. I owned a 95 and it was a tank. I recorded all day on multiple occasions without a problem...

 

[Kupke]

looks like it's a Mk IVa from 1990. Can't wait to try it!

So it looks like a Mesa IV that is 18 years old!!

I found the age out later!

The best stuff was made in the 90's let's be honest. I wouldn't trade my PRS '91 CU24 for the world with a new CU24.

 

[HalfDeaf]

I've got a 91 mkivA. Its a great amp and has become a central part of my sound - but I have experienced several (perhaps coincidental) problems with it. It seems to go through tubes fast, both pre and power, so there may be some hard-to-detect issue with the tube heater circuit. I've had a complete voltage map done by a mesa authorized tech that did not discover any problems.

Things like capacitors and switches start to go after 15+ years, and you should be aware of that before you dive in. Also, I have had problems with my switchable fx loop, so now I use the normal one.

So that's my 2 cents. If you are willing to deal with the occasional maintenance issue, its a great amp, especially when played as loud as possible through a big cab.

 

[mrd]

I've got a 91 mkivA ... its a great amp, especially when played as loud as possible through a big cab.

8)

I agree with this statement.