REISSUE Rumor: Mark IIC+ and 2ch Recto

[Doug Doppler]

I had a few random thoughts about this subject content. I originally posted something of bad taste, my humor is not always appreciated. So I deleted it.

Instead, I wanted to share some thoughts on the subject matter. When were the seeds planted as the rumor mill on a IIC+ reissue has been stirring for a long time, not sure if before the JP2C was announced and released or sometime after the Mark I reissue came to light.

Would that not be a strategic marketing tool? Plant a few seeds here and there to see what blooms from it? More or less a tease of the prototype hidden in plain sight but yet obscured from total view. That is what CEO of Gibson has done based on other comments about the leaks. In other words, was the leak intentional or was it just a mistake?

So, what is the IIC+? Based on searches, there were only 1499 ever made between 1983 and 1985. In other words it was a limited run so that does add to its value along with its characteristic tones. Only 56 Coliseum 300 models were made. 180W / 75W. Never said I was an expert on the subject matter. Never knew the Series 300 started with the II. Curious to learn more, how many HRG, DRG, SRG or those with no frills like the H, D or S assuming you could order it without a reverb or GEQ. As it seems the IIC+ came out when the Mark III was near its release phase which explains why there were only 14 months of production of the IIC+ and then the IIC++ not to mention the conversions of the IIC and IIB that followed. As for rack gear, trying to find information on the Coliseum versions, there was the Mesa Coliseum 300 power amp but instead of a single array of 6 tubes, it had 12. So it was a 2 channel 400W beast. Now that is stereo power, too much for my needs as I have found out how loud 4 amps in a row makes for a wall of sound. My hearing will never be the same.

So the one thought I had is more of a "what if" thing. Considering the investment to get a IIC+ original or one of its siblings like a IIC++ or the like, what if the IIC+ reissue turns out to be better than the originals?

At least this was written in better taste than what I had posted in this spot. Sorry for that if you saw it.

Hey @bandit2013 so I'm curious to know how many were Simul-class vs. Class A/B like my amp. Any other 'OG' Mark IIC+ owners on this thread, and if so which version do you have and why, if there was a specific reason, did you opt for that. It wasn't until I bought mine that I found out that there was a Simul-class (METALLICA, duh) version. Petrucci prefers the Class A/B hence why that was the basis of the JP~2C. Curious to hear people's thoughts on this as well

and while we're at it, mine was originally a combo - I've still got the enclosure in storage. If you've got one, what are all the feature options on yours...

and if you don't, which form factor of the reissue are you interested in and why?

 

[Theresa]

Any other 'OG' Mark IIC+ owners on this thread, and if so which version do you have and why, if there was a specific reason, did you opt for that.....
and while we're at it, mine was originally a combo - I've still got the enclosure in storage. If you've got one, what are all the feature options on yours...

My OG IIC+ DRG. I still have it. SN: 13xxx (1984) Have the matching Thiele and road cases.. Imbuya hardwood fully loaded w/original EV's. The reason I opted for this was availability. Tube compliment are Phillips 6L6GC Blue Labels Original Tesla EL34's. I still have the Mesa 415's that it came with but I like the Phillips better. It cost a fortune at the time (in 2003 for $2500), but I figured I'd just bite the bullet and just go for it. Glad I did.

 

[Doug Doppler]

View attachment 5437

My OG IIC+ DRG. I still have it. SN: 13xxx (1984) Have the matching Thiele and road cases.. Imbuya hardwood fully loaded w/original EV's. The reason I opted for this was availability. Tube compliment are Phillips 6L6GC Blue Labels Original Tesla EL34's. I still have the Mesa 415's that it came with but I like the Phillips better. It cost a fortune at the time (in 2003 for $2500), but I figured I'd just bite the bullet and just go for it. Glad I did.

YES - and LOVELY!!!

 

[Jamme1961]

Ordered the head version- combo is to heavy for me

 

[Doug Doppler]

Ordered the head version- combo is to heavy for me

Congrats and noted

 

[rarebitusa]

Any other 'OG' Mark IIC+ owners on this thread, and if so which version do you have and why, if there was a specific reason, did you opt for that.

Ok I'll take the bait. @Doug Doppler

In Oct of 1983 I placed an order for a IIC HR, mfgr date was 12/83. Sold my heavily modded channel switching Marshall Super Lead 100 cause I wanted a true dual mode switchable amp. Heck it was good enough for Carlos, so why not. The "+" got introduced into the IIC production Feb/84, just missed it by a few months. Many years later MikeB did the "+" upgrade, which essentially produced a new amp, it was that much of a change.

So why an HR? No GEQ, no SimulClass what was I thinking? Well had no idea back then why you'd need a GEQ or what the heck SimulClass even was, so I opted for 100W like my Marshall and reverb sounded cool. Have learned to speak Mesa a bit better since then.

 

[Doug Doppler]

Ok I'll take the bait. @Doug Doppler

In Oct of 1983 I placed an order for a IIC HR, mfgr date was 12/83. Sold my heavily modded channel switching Marshall Super Lead 100 cause I wanted a true dual mode switchable amp. Heck it was good enough for Carlos, so why not. The "+" got introduced into the IIC production Feb/84, just missed it by a few months. Many years later MikeB did the "+" upgrade, which essentially produced a new amp, it was that much of a change.

So why an HR? No GEQ, no SimulClass what was I thinking? Well had no idea back then why you'd need a GEQ or what the heck SimulClass even was, so I opted for 100W like my Marshall and reverb sounded cool. Have learned to speak Mesa a bit better since then.

View attachment 5438

 

[Doug Doppler]

rarebitusa said:
Ok I'll take the bait. @Doug Doppler

In Oct of 1983 I placed an order for a IIC HR, mfgr date was 12/83. Sold my heavily modded channel switching Marshall Super Lead 100 cause I wanted a true dual mode switchable amp. Heck it was good enough for Carlos, so why not. The "+" got introduced into the IIC production Feb/84, just missed it by a few months. Many years later MikeB did the "+" upgrade, which essentially produced a new amp, it was that much of a change.

So why an HR? No GEQ, no SimulClass what was I thinking? Well had no idea back then why you'd need a GEQ or what the heck SimulClass even was, so I opted for 100W like my Marshall and reverb sounded cool. Have learned to speak Mesa a bit better since then.

View attachment 5438

I LOVE that - all of it - especially that you've still got it. The Mark IIB I picked up at the factory in '82 is long gone (different story for a different thread). So, it sounds like if you had it to do again, you would have gone with the Simul-Class. Curious to know why / what about Simul-Class (sound, feel, both) you prefer. GREAT story, OG

 

[rarebitusa]

Curious to know why / what about Simul-Class (sound, feel, both) you prefer.

A Mark IIB with the loop mod is money

TBH didn't know what I was missing not having SimulClass... until I got the V:90. Running the IIC+ preamp into the SimulClass 90W power section of the V was like WTH is this.. wow. It had a 3D quality to the sound, large and encompassing but still inherently smooth up top. Then @bandit2013 recommended a mix of 6L6 tubes "STR-441s GRYs in the outer sockets, STR-448 GRNs in the inner sockets" and that is when I totally fell for SimulClass. There was even more sonic differentiation. The single note lead work with the mixed tube SimulClass, triode wired on the V:90's Ch 3 provides the right about of squish and note bloom with that inherent sweetness I look for. Pentode is definitely more immediate and aggressive, great for that lower string punch and get why the JP2C has it. I also appreciate why the IV gets the luv with the power section options it provides.

 

[Richb516]

There’s a couple of questions in my mind that I see
First and foremost no C+ amp sounds identical to another C+ in fact it might very well sound a touch different the very next day.
I think everybody gets so caught up on the hype of this amp because a couple of iconic bands and albums gave credit to the C+ but I noticed something that I never understood when SOME VERY FEW LUCKY PLAYERS GOT THERE HANDS ONE ONE. And that was SOME PLAYERS put a OD in front of the amp( which I never understood… there’s a sweet spot on those C+ amps and it starts around 2. 1/4- 3 1/4
They are super sensitive and because some players scoop the mids others follow.
I’ve had the pleasure of owning 2 original c+’s and Just wow! There’s something so special about them and if this is an authentic tonal recreation then get ready for prices to soar if it goes into full production.
I btw I was on the boogie board years ago and now I’m back.
I’m just a guy from Long Island NY that started with a SOB COMBO IN 87-88? I ton more followed after that introduction..
Richb

 

[rarebitusa]

I btw I was on the boogie board years ago and now I’m back.

welcome back!!! Yea there's just something special about them I totally agree.

 

[Doug Doppler]

A Mark IIB with the loop mod is money

TBH didn't know what I was missing not having SimulClass... until I got the V:90. Running the IIC+ preamp into the SimulClass 90W power section of the V was like WTH is this.. wow. It had a 3D quality to the sound, large and encompassing but still inherently smooth up top. Then @bandit2013 recommended a mix of 6L6 tubes "STR-441s GRYs in the outer sockets, STR-448 GRNs in the inner sockets" and that is when I totally fell for SimulClass. There was even more sonic differentiation. The single note lead work with the mixed tube SimulClass, triode wired on the V:90's Ch 3 provides the right about of squish and note bloom with that inherent sweetness I look for. Pentode is definitely more immediate and aggressive, great for that lower string punch and get why the JP2C has it. I also appreciate why the IV gets the luv with the power section options it provides.

Hey @rarebitusa - I never had the loop mod done

Not sure if I mentioned that my 'other' Bay Area Boogie Buddy loaned me a Simul-Class 2:90 power amp that I have yet to fire up - hoping it's all in working order for a little A/B'ing coming up I have not gone down the rarebit trail with the whole tube thing yet, but you're clearly not a good influence my friend!

 

[Doug Doppler]

There’s a couple of questions in my mind that I see
First and foremost no C+ amp sounds identical to another C+ in fact it might very well sound a touch different the very next day.
I think everybody gets so caught up on the hype of this amp because a couple of iconic bands and albums gave credit to the C+ but I noticed something that I never understood when SOME VERY FEW LUCKY PLAYERS GOT THERE HANDS ONE ONE. And that was SOME PLAYERS put a OD in front of the amp( which I never understood… there’s a sweet spot on those C+ amps and it starts around 2. 1/4- 3 1/4
They are super sensitive and because some players scoop the mids others follow.
I’ve had the pleasure of owning 2 original c+’s and Just wow! There’s something so special about them and if this is an authentic tonal recreation then get ready for prices to soar if it goes into full production.
I btw I was on the boogie board years ago and now I’m back.
I’m just a guy from Long Island NY that started with a SOB COMBO IN 87-88? I ton more followed after that introduction..
Richb

Welcome back @Richb516 ! The whole OD in the front end (and gate in the loop) is a thing that obviously some folks love, and with or without one, a gate in the loop is groovy for serious hi gain chugging. Back to the drive pedal, having an additional gain stage with a tone control, has some theoretical merit. Need to do a bit more research on that front. Again, welcome back

 

[Jamme1961]

I

There’s a couple of questions in my mind that I see
First and foremost no C+ amp sounds identical to another C+ in fact it might very well sound a touch different the very next day.
I think everybody gets so caught up on the hype of this amp because a couple of iconic bands and albums gave credit to the C+ but I noticed something that I never understood when SOME VERY FEW LUCKY PLAYERS GOT THERE HANDS ONE ONE. And that was SOME PLAYERS put a OD in front of the amp( which I never understood… there’s a sweet spot on those C+ amps and it starts around 2. 1/4- 3 1/4
They are super sensitive and because some players scoop the mids others follow.
I’ve had the pleasure of owning 2 original c+’s and Just wow! There’s something so special about them and if this is an authentic tonal recreation then get ready for prices to soar if it goes into full production.
I btw I was on the boogie board years ago and now I’m back.
I’m just a guy from Long Island NY that started with a SOB COMBO IN 87-88? I ton more followed after that introduction..
Richb

I've been gone for years too - I picked up a MIIB awhile ago and got into the whole Mesa thing again - My second time around - its costing me a ton of money - loop mod then got MKIV (had one years ago) - and now the IIC+ on order - I just quit the band after 30 yrs of dive bars - none of it makes sense but do I care - Im a guitar player - says it all - having fun anytime I can

 

[rarebitusa]

Not sure if I mentioned that my 'other' Bay Area Boogie Buddy loaned me a Simul-Class 2:90 power amp that I have yet to fire up

Oh sweet! My good buddy has a 2:90 paired with his Quad Preamp, he also has two IIC+ amps but he just raves about the 2:90. This is great rabbit trail to travel down, let no one deter this journey.

 

[bandit2013]

I missed out on the IIC+ by a few years. I did not get my first Mesa until 1989, Mark III DRG combo. I sold it 12 years ago. Some regrets on letting it go but I am ok with that. Looking forward to the IIC+ reissue in a head format. If the Mark III was a head, I probably would not have sold it.

 

[Eevil]

I missed out on the IIC+ by a few years. I did not get my first Mesa until 1989, Mark III DRG combo. I sold it 12 years ago. Some regrets on letting it go but I am ok with that. Looking forward to the IIC+ reissue in a head format. If the Mark III was a head, I probably would not have sold it.

Converted my Mark III 60w combo to head and should have kept it.. but wisdom is gathered by recollecting one’s mishaps and poor judgements afterwards

Would be nice to try the reissue but dropping 5000ish euros to such a one trick pony feels a bit steep for me… and probably not so many are sent to this part of world.

 

[Theresa]

Curious to know why / what about Simul-Class (sound, feel, both) you prefer.

Doug, I omitted the fact that after owning and playing the simul-class, I found it to be very organic feeling. The stark difference is the 60/100 had a tighter feel and IMO better suited for chugging as opposed to melodic playing. After owning simul-classes (initially out of ignorance) did I realize that I had made a good decision as it fits my playing style and what I like to hear/feel. I had a chance to play both 60/100 and Colosseums, both being very tight (Stiff?) as opposed to simul-classes. Again, this is by no means a definitive review, the variables are enormous. When comparing back then, I used their setup (speaker combinations, tube population, etc) even the guitars were different sometimes, not to mention what was in the signal chain. I can't remember if the 60/100 couldn't mix tubes or not. Something tells me that they couldn't as opposed to the simul-class. It's been a long time ago....

 

[Jamme1961]

I didn’t think I would care about class A on my MkIV but with the IV it has to EL34’s which I like for less bass and less volume

 

[Jamme1961]

December 3 shipping right? Just heard from my SW rep pushed to the end of the month- suck