Mk iv questions

[GeoBull]

I have a line on a used Mk iv for $1200. I'm not sure what year but it is almost identical (but not exactly; some rear panel differences) to the picture on the Boogie site. My questions:

-I already have these Mesa's: '84 Mkiic(modded to)+, LSC, LSS
---Any need to add a Mk iv?
-----Ease of use is a legitimate feature; i.e. getting three channels in one combo instead of relying on combinations of two combos
---Would a Mk iv make any of these redundant?
-----I'm guessing it would come closest to replacing the Mkiic+ followed by the LSC; I would have a hard time giving up the LSS
-Is $1200 a good price?
-Any years to be careful about or especially covet?

Also, general thoughts on Mk iv welcome

Thanks in advance and as always.

 

[Elpelotero]

the mark4 is essentially the sound of the C+, but darker and it has a bit less of that elastic dynamic feel. It is versatile, although there are a good amount of people out there who feel that channel 2 (the mid gain crunch channel) is not that good. It's a good price. The LS will have a better clean channel (assuming you like the clean on your LS over the C+).

Really the only thing you'd gain in my opinion is a darker lead channel and an extra crunch channel.

Read the thread titled "the markIV thread" to know about the years.

 

[dodger916]

The Lonestars and Marks cover different enough ground where it would not be redundant. The Mark IV covers the same ground (and more) as the IIC+, and can deliver a great liquid sustain tone. You can probably buy a IV with what you can get for a IIC+. Let me know if you want to sell that IIC+...I'm dying to drink from the Holy Grail!

Frank

 

[GeoBull]

This is a nice concise summary, thanks.

the mark4 is essentially the sound of the C+, but darker and it has a bit less of that elastic dynamic feel.

So per this, I should be hesitant to sell my Mkiic+ on pure sound.

It is versatile, although there are a good amount of people out there who feel that channel 2 (the mid gain crunch channel) is not that good.

The ch. 2 and the versatility are key features. If the ch. 2 is not ripsnorting good I'm hesitant as I can always use LSC clean, Mkiic+ ch 1 overdriven for cruch and Mkiic+ ch 2 for lead.

It's a good price. The LS will have a better clean channel (assuming you like the clean on your LS over the C+).

I love the Lonestar cleans; also love the C+

Really the only thing you'd gain in my opinion is a darker lead channel and an extra crunch channel.

Hmmm...might not be worth it given my current investment. I'll certainly try it out. The guy's a colleague so I can give a whirl for a few days at home.

Read the thread titled "the markIV thread" to know about the years.[/quote]

 

[Platypus]

I own both and I mirror the sentiments here but I like them both for different things.

The Mark IV's clean is more jangly and blackface sounding to me whereas the IIC+s is bouncy and shimmery.. they're close but subtly different. I prefer the IV's cleans with my tele and the IIC+ with my les paul.

The Lead channel is very similar but darker on the IV.

R2 is actually a kickass channel once you get it cranked up or use a boost. It's very uncompressed and wide sounding and I find myself using it a lot more than I did when I first got it.

I am glad I have both even though they cover similar ground... that and the IIC+ is never leaving my place