New Forum Member - Legacy Mark IIC+ Owner (Exploring potential Mods for my amp that is waiting a refresh at Mesa in Petaluma)

[Lance Sheffield]

Hello,
I was directed to this site by Mike B. at Boogie in reference to exploring available Mods for my amp that is waiting a refresh at Mesa in Petaluma. I understand that he is a few weeks out on being able to start on my amp and just wanted to hear any opinions or experiences about any various mods that any other Mark IIC+ owners out there have had done. I am aware of the double plus mod but wanted to see what else is available if anyone else out there had input; I will also be happy if the amp is just restored to its original state but wouldn't not mind just a bit more gain.
I bought this amp from Boogie when it first came out in 1984 when I was in college and she has been special...it is the simul class combo model with the graphic EQ.
Any input or opinions would be very much apprecated...Thank you,
Lance Sheffield
Panama City, Florida

 

[rarebitusa]

Welcome, sounds like a very cool amp you've enjoyed for years. I'd suggest reposting this in the Vintage Amps (before 1991) / Mark Series sub forum cause you'll get more eyes on it there. Plus also search the posts there and something may jump out.

 

[Lance Sheffield]

Thanks!

 

[mccarty]

Welcome

 

[Nick Athanasatos]

Mike B would know best.Just tell him what you want..to look it over and give it some more gain if possible..I'd add reverb to it if the same large original reverb is available if you don't already have it.
If it hasn't been serviced in 40 years you will probably see an improvement from the service.
Maybe a different gain is in order to go with the Mark llC+...look up on YouTube the
Vox AC30BM Brian May Amplifier with Peterson Mod. The amp is already good stock but just listen to the clips.But the amp needs to be turned up loud.

 

[Lance Sheffield]

Hey Nick,
Yes she came loaded with all of the goodies including reverb. As long as the amp responds like it always did before I had a couple of issues that local amp techs just never were able to resolve (at least to my ear) I'll be happy-any added gain via a Mike B. mod would be great as long as it didn't change the natrual character of the amp...I'm talking about in particular the harmonic sustain on leads that just bloom into very musical feedback pretty much at any volume along with the crystal bell like cleans which to my ear where always what I appreciated the most and thought the Mark IIC+ was known for until the Metallica wave of owners became vogue. To me the Mark IIC+ was always the best studio amp out there given its versatility which is unmatched from crystal cleans to heavy with everything in between and forget about a drive pedal-It really shaped me as a player.
I will check out Peterson Mod you mentioned and really appreciate your input; the amp has been in Petaluma at
Boogie a couple of weeks so I should be on the bench petty soon.

 

[Nick Athanasatos]

Hey Nick,
Yes she came loaded with all of the goodies including reverb. As long as the amp responds like it always did before I had a couple of issues that local amp techs just never were able to resolve (at least to my ear) I'll be happy-any added gain via a Mike B. mod would be great as long as it didn't change the natrual character of the amp...I'm talking about in particular the harmonic sustain on leads that just bloom into very musical feedback pretty much at any volume along with the crystal bell like cleans which to my ear where always what I appreciated the most and thought the Mark IIC+ was known for until the Metallica wave of owners became vogue. To me the Mark IIC+ was always the best studio amp out there given its versatility which is unmatched from crystal cleans to heavy with everything in between and forget about a drive pedal-It really shaped me as a player.
I will check out Peterson Mod you mentioned and really appreciate your input; the amp has been in Petaluma at
Boogie a couple of weeks so I should be on the bench petty soon.

You've sent it to the right guy to make it restored. : )

 

[Jamme1961]

I wouldn’t mess with it if he adds extra gain it will effect everything- IMHO
But ask Mike about the change he’ll know best

 

[Doug Doppler]

Hey @lance - welcome to the board. I would be inclined to suggest letting Mike B. get it back to 'factory original' and if you're still feeling it's lacking perhaps try a hotter output pickup. Should have plenty of gain on tap Regardless, congrats and WELCOME

 

[Lance Sheffield]

Hey @lance - welcome to the board. I would be inclined to suggest letting Mike B. get it back to 'factory original' and if you're still feeling it's lacking perhaps try a hotter output pickup. Should have plenty of gain on tap Regardless, congrats and WELCOME

I think I have resigned myself to just that...have Mike B. restore it to its orignial specs so as not inadvertently comprimise anything...not sure what I was thinking...Lol. I will report on the restoration as soon as I get the amp back and really appreciate the feedback from everyone.
Thanks!!

 

[Lance Sheffield]

Hey Doug,
I am waiting on my tracking number and should hopefully have my Mark IIC+ back in the next week or so. After speaking with Mike B. we just decided to keep everything stock. He spent a lot of time and replaced a ton of components after finding several issues.
I wanted to ask what your experience has been with Mesa Mark IIC+ Combo speakers...I have always used the Mesa Black Shadow EV 200w that my amp came with but was thinking about trying the Mesa Black Shadow Celestion 90w (I have also heard about the G12-80 and the CL-80's but not sure about they're availability). I also am going to have to have my EV 200 watt re-coned and also wondered if you had any suggestions for that as well.
Thanks Doug,
Lance Sheffield

 

[Rick]

Welcome, Lance. I’ve recently returned to the forum after a long break, and also have a vintage amp in at M/B for a checkup (1976 Super 60). It seems that most possible mods have been experienced by a user here , so I’m certain you’ll get some good ideas. Mine’s pretty simple, especially if Mike gets it, as I just want it as it was, with a clean bill of health for regular use. I hope you find what you’re looking for!

 

[Doug Doppler]

Hey Doug,
I am waiting on my tracking number and should hopefully have my Mark IIC+ back in the next week or so. After speaking with Mike B. we just decided to keep everything stock. He spent a lot of time and replaced a ton of components after finding several issues.
I wanted to ask what your experience has been with Mesa Mark IIC+ Combo speakers...I have always used the Mesa Black Shadow EV 200w that my amp came with but was thinking about trying the Mesa Black Shadow Celestion 90w (I have also heard about the G12-80 and the CL-80's but not sure about they're availability). I also am going to have to have my EV 200 watt re-coned and also wondered if you had any suggestions for that as well.
Thanks Doug,
Lance Sheffield

Dear Lance:

AWESOME ALL THAT Yeah, my Mark IIC+ went up to Boogie after a tube failure and I never considered having anything changed...

Per the speaker, do you have any other Boogie cabs as that would be a great place to start hearing other speakers, just in case you haven't tried that already. I was REALLY impressed with the Black Shadow C-90 in the JP~2C combo. It's a great speaker for everything. I've got some EVs in various boogie cabs (Thiele 1x12s and various half backs) and they are great speakers. Noting that Zakk Wylde uses them they are obviously great for rock... and if you need to move your amp on a regular basis your chiropractor will love you. As I understand the C-90 is pretty much identical to the CL-80, which as you probably know is Joe Bonamassa's 'stock' Celestion fave. Noting that a 200 watt EV is VERY hard to blow, what happened that you're wanting to recone it?