MKIV - Johnson/Vai Sound

[srf399]

I'm thinking of getting a MKIV for the versatility. I tried the Rect-o-verb and just found it too harsh... Looking for a smoother/buttery lead sound that has some girth to it and tracks well at high speed without being obnoxious. Into Johnson/Holdsworth/Vai sounds. Was wondering if a Johnson"Cliffs of Dover" sound and the Vai blues sound are possible with this amp? If so what variation/brand of tubes suit it best for these tones? I'd appreciate any input into this...Thanks.


Hmmm or maybe I should just go get a Line 6 Vetta?

 

[Dale B.]

I'm pretty sure you'll be able to cop some incarnation of all of those tones with a Mark IV, but it will still sound like a Mesa and all that jive. The Mark IV has about a million different push/pull knobs, switches and power section modes that will let you change how the amp sounds and reacts. It's a great amplifier that's capable of a lot. It can be a little tough to dial in for some folks.

If you go try one out or if you plan on picking one up before playing it, definitely READ the manual once, twice or three times so you can get a grasp on what everything does. A little does a lot with this amp. If you wind up picking one up and you find a setting that you like, either stick with that setting or write the settings down so you can go back to it.

Dale

 

[srf399]

Thanks Dale...

I downloaded the manual and I have read it through a few times... I live 5 hours away from the nearest Mesa dealer and I want a handle on what I'm doing with it so I can try it out effectively before I dishing out the $$$. Thinking more about it... I'd prefer a real amp and not a computer with a power amp attached.

One question though... I noticed there isn't a switch allocated on the foot pedal for Class A/Simul-class switching... In the manual is mentions the Mesa/Boogie Midi Matrix or an external switching source... I guess I can pick up a basic momentary foot switch with a patch cord to control this function using the rear external switching jack? Would be nice to be able to switch these to increase tone options quickly. Again Thanks Dale for your input... I appreciate it.

Also, Has anyone tried one of the Soldano combo amps and if so... how do they compare with the MarkIV ?

 

[zeppman]

srf399-

I find that when I switch between Class A and Simulclass, I have to re-dial everything along with that. I don't think a footswitch for this option is really that important.

 

[srf399]

Yeah... I was thinking that it would be like cranking the volume screwing around with the power section on the fly... Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[srf399]

Just an update...

I've had my MKIV for a month now and this amp is amazing! I tried the LSC and a Rectoverb. Great amps but not what I was looking for. With this MKIV I can absolutely nail the compression and tracking that I love about Steve Vai's sound. Took awhile and it can slip away from you if you don't keep your wits about you but this amp is killer. I've been able to get a very sweet clean sound out of it as well. I'm using a digital reverb, delay and compressor(not much though) through the effects loop. This units clean channel sounds almost as nice as my old 65 Deluxe Reverb. The LSC was the best at the cleans but this MKIV is getting very close as I make minor adjustments and it absolutely sings like a bird on the lead channel. Liquid Holdsworth/Vai sustain but with absolute definition on every note and not mush down low... Absolutely amazing. The only thing it need is a closed back 4 x12 cabinet. Wishing I'd never sold my Marshall 4 x 12 now!!!!

Thanks for the posts on this board that helped me in my quest and the people who answered questions when I had them.

 

[danyeo1]

I think Eric Johson tones are reachable with a Mark series Boogie. Greenback speakers sure do help. I did a little jam over an EJ track here..

http://www.musicv2.com/artist/danyeo/

Just look for 2nd try over Eric Johnson backing. The amp was a IIC+ but i feel the IV sounds close enough to the IIC+ to nail similair tones.

 

[Nocki]

I play my Mark IV over some backing tracks and the sound of "for the love of God" is not so hard to get!

good luck with yours!