New Amp Day! Mark III Red Stripe

[Mark Fore]

I got a call from the local shop that a Mark III had come in on trade and they just got it back from the authorized service shop getting re-tubed and 100K mile checkup. This thing is clean! I got it for a ridiculous price! It's a Red Stripe serial # 1992x. It's a simul-class combo with original EVM-12L. I plugged it into my 1x15 half-back with an EV in it and this is THE best amp tone I have ever heard! My first Mesa was a Red Stripe head that I sold years ago and this is the tone I remember. The IV or V don't have it, unique to the III.

 

[theroan]

Very nice, the red stripe lead is supposed to be the closest to a IIC+.

 

[Mark Fore]

With the Master at 1.75, it sounds unbelievable (not too loud, not too soft, enough to push some air). I can say that, of the Mark III's I've heard, the Red is by far the best to me. Of my three Mark IV's and my V, it sounds better. If a IIC+ sounds better than this, it would depress me because I can't imagine anything sounding better. Look at me, I'm gushing.

 

[Neptical]

Great score my friend. Also- just what I like to see in the background, a group of PRS guitars. :wink: As an avid user of 2 standard 24's myself that I've had for years, there's nothing like the sound of one plugged into an older Mark III.

If a IIC+ sounds better than this, it would depress me because I can't imagine anything sounding better. Look at me, I'm gushing.

This is funny you say this because when I first received my Mark III head a few weeks ago, after plugging it in and playing for a bit--I couldn't imagine anything sounding better. It IS the tone I've been after for so long and think I've wasted so much time with so many other amps it's ridiculous. Actually, now that I have the III and am completely happy with it, I have no interest in ever wanting a IIC+...especially for the price tag.

All the Best
~Nep~

 

[gjohung]

I have a red stripe and was not sure if it is simul class or not...

 

[MrMarkIII]

I have a red stripe and was not sure if it is simul class or not...

You have a rack mount chassis, correct? There is a switch on the far right rear panel. If you have a Simul-Class amp, UP is "Simul-Class", DOWN is "Class A".
Hope this helps

 

[Neptical]

I have a red stripe and was not sure if it is simul class or not...

If it's simul-class, it'll probably light itself on fire from awesomeness. :lol:

 

[Neptical]

If a IIC+ sounds better than this, it would depress me because I can't imagine anything sounding better. Look at me, I'm gushing.

This is funny you say this because when I first received my Mark III head a few weeks ago, after plugging it in and playing for a bit--I couldn't imagine anything sounding better. It IS the tone I've been after for so long and think I've wasted so much time with so many other amps it's ridiculous. Actually, now that I have the III and am completely happy with it, I have no interest in ever wanting a IIC+...especially for the price tag.

All the Best
~Nep~

Ah yes, I spent 20+- years with a Mark III (original owner), then bought a C+ not having the chance to hear it first.
Thought I was crazy because as you say Nep 'the price tag'.
But I also wondered if there was any truth to the matter, was it 'hype'.

It's long story but at the time when I wanted to order my Mark IIC amp from Mesa I was talked out of ordering it (it would have been a C+ too!). The salesman at Mesa convinced me to wait for the next best thing: A three channel amp! So I did. Once it arrived it never felt or sounded right to me. I was confused as it wasn't what I had heard on recordings. Always thought 'it was me'

So I took a chance on a C+ a few years back. And since that C+'s arrival the Mark III hasn't been used.
Meaning the C+ IS the tone I had been after for years. Sadly it took 20 years to find out.

But be happy with what you got. If it is what you like and you're gushing like Mark is... there is no need to try one.
For me the MkIII never felt/ sounded right. As they say, 'Your mileage may vary'.

Mark, Congrats on finding the Red stripe and loving it!

GTS- I agree man, everyones gonna have different ears to what they feel is the best tone for them. But also, not only is tone within the amp..or the guitar..pups..strings..cords..etc, it's all in the soul that comes out of your hands.

All the Best,
~Nep~

 

[gjohung]

I am having MK 3 saga,,

Please read my other thread. I had an opportunity to get MK 1 or MK 3.. I was out bid on MK 1 so I got a MK 3. And I going through bit of ordeal with bad tubes and sort.

Last night I thought I got it all fixed and took it to the rehearsal.. and I was not too happy with the tone. I know that Boogies need lot of tweeking.. but ... it sounded worse than my old set up with Fender DRRI.

Although it is a preference..

I wonder what is you guy's setting..

Basically I need 3 tones..

1) Clean - Fender
2) Crunch Rhythm
3) and singing lead tone..

Can I achieve this with one setting
and with Lead on off R1/R2 switching..

Can you share your setting is you can tone you need.

ghj

 

[Mark Fore]

Here is the settings I have been using since I got it and I have been using the combo sitting on top of a Thiele cab w/ EVM-12L or a 1x15 cab w/ EVM-15L.

From left to right with a V EQ curve w/ the mid slider halfway between the middle line and the bottom line:

Volume 8 - pulled
Treble 9 - pulled
Bass 2 - pulled
Middle 2
Master 1.5 to 2 at least
Lead Drive 7
Lead Master 6 - pulled

 

[mailmann1971]

I just scored a Red stripe myself today and reading your posts gets me PUMPED for this amp!
I been playing for 28 years and have owned a ton of gear. Never had the Mark III yet.
I played a blue stripe last year and it was awesome. Should be getting this one sometime next week. I will give my feedback on it when it comes in. High hopes for it!! :mrgreen:

Dan

 

[Mark Fore]

I just scored a Red stripe myself today and reading your posts gets me PUMPED for this amp!
I been playing for 28 years and have owned a ton of gear. Never had the Mark III yet.
I played a blue stripe last year and it was awesome. Should be getting this one sometime next week. I will give my feedback on it when it comes in. High hopes for it!! :mrgreen:

Dan

Nice! You're going to love it.

 

[Scary]

Nice collection! It's got to be hard leaving that room!

 

[mailmann1971]

I just got in a Rivera KR7 that is going be running with the Mark III.
I am sure they will compliment each other nicely..... :wink:

 

[mailmann1971]

Mine is supposed to be here this Friday! Pretty excited over this amp.