REISSUE Rumor: Mark IIC+ and 2ch Recto

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Well, damn... the indicator lamp is the wrong color! Where is the SUS-4? EVM-12L option?? Even the fan location is wrong! If they're missing the obvious, what do you think they're going to further miss???
 
I believe that the reissue is coming but I am prepared to believe that this is a fake, unless they are shipping them all with import transformers with the selector removed. (I may be wrong, but that is totally what it looks like at a glance).
 
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https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/prod...jvd7JHnp05GJmqg2iA_aem_mzNG9pBFdvz0bwZThDpjCA
 
The original simulclass amps allowed for a mix of 6L6 and EL34 at the same time and that contributes to the famous sound. Are these modern versions not really the OG simulclass if they are 6L6-only?
 
1: Only the well heeled and well connected will EVER get a chance to buy one of these from Mesa. At the very minimum, I expect nobody who isn't at the level of a social media influencer to be given a chance to make a deposit for one. I'm a nobody, and will never be presented with that opportunity. But I would, today, if given the opportunity.
But how much does getting it straight from Mesa matter.

Kingsnakes were a limited run and I got one used for $1400 on Craigslist a year or so after they came out. After it turns out that it - any it - doesn’t actually make you play any better or sound all That different than a number of other amps l’m pretty sure there will be a subsequent wave of sales, just keep your eyes open.
 
I believe that the reissue is coming but I am prepared to believe that this is a fake, unless they are shipping them all with import transformers with the selector removed. (I may be wrong, but that is totally what it looks like at a glance).

But how much does getting it straight from Mesa matter.

Kingsnakes were a limited run and I got one used for $1400 on Craigslist a year or so after they came out. After it turns out that it - any it - doesn’t actually make you play any better or sound all That different than a number of other amps l’m pretty sure there will be a subsequent wave of sales, just keep your eyes open.
It's going to be a production amp so I'm sure everyone will have a chance at one.
 
The original simulclass amps allowed for a mix of 6L6 and EL34 at the same time and that contributes to the famous sound. Are these modern versions not really the OG simulclass if they are 6L6-only?
They will most likely not allow running EL34's and 6L6's together. Think they will be akin the VII's and JPMC's.
 
They will most likely not allow running EL34's and 6L6's together. Think they will be akin the VII's and JPMC's.
I realize that I expressed skepticism about the images themselves, and I'm very prepared to be wrong about this, but if they've got the switch, I'm guessing they're going to go all in on it.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the '61 SG reissue Gibson did last year was hand-wired. They tend to take these things pretty seriously.

all wild speculation on my part in any case.
 
Well I for one am really looking forward to what it sounds like. ;) The fact that they didn't implement the SimulClass el34/6L6 feature and especially not offering an EVM 12L is a bit surprising... but heck so much more of it appears to be there.

So "IF" it sounds fairly close to the original, there's surely going to be a market for it. It's expensive yea, but TBH not really considering where some of the other Mesas are priced these days. I'm happy to see others get a chance to experience a very cool unique amp. Also it's perfect for those who want to gig a IIC+ without the concern of hauling a prized possession around. It will be serviced like all the other current models and you're not subject to unobtanium parts ie: Vactec.
 
Depends on how authentic they will make it. Will the guts look like this: Probably not as this is the Mark VII internals Just remove the cabclone IR stuff, midi controller, internal speaker load stuff and many of the relays. You cannot even see the board for the power tubes as it is buried under layers of boards.

20230820_103614.jpg



I doubt it will look anything like this. Copied this image from a IIC+ DRG that was listed for sale but probably sold. This is almost what the Mark III looked like. Even the Mark IVB had a separate board and hand wired power tube connections. The Preamp board on the Mark IVB had the green solder mask on it. Do not remember the Mark III DRG internals all that much. Been so long since I have seen it.


IIC+ DRG.JPG


It should not matter what is inside if the integrity of the preamp design is still intact. Sort of predates the use of solder mask (green boards) I am not too concerned about that anyway. It does not make it sound better or worse. The layout does make a difference though. LDRs are probably replaced with relays. It may be possible to emulate an LDR with resistors and a relay. Not sure they have to go to that length. This is just speculation anyways. I doubt that LDRs made much of a difference unless there was considerable voltage ripple on the LED part in the circuit. I am sure you can still get some of the large capacitors but those too are becoming harder to resource due to changes in chemistry of the electrolytes and plate structures. Polymer electrolytic caps are becoming more popular and have better thermal and voltage ripple characteristics. That is more or less what Mesa is now using in the Mark VII as they are much smaller in size than the large blue caps and those silver ones. That amp rips. I can imagine that the IIC+ Reissue will be decent. However, will it pass the sniff (hearing) test with enthusiast who have the originals? The Mark VII and JP2C do not have the volume 1 (pre gain) control as Mesa decided to use a fixed voltage divider in place of the potentiometer. That applies to the Mark V as well. Same basic lead drive circuit as it has always been since the IIC+ with some minor tweaks here and there. Layouts did change though, then they added in the kitchen sink with the V90, finally drained it with the Mark VII and did a few other interesting moved in its design.

I see the IIC+ reissue may be similar to the JP2C and Mark VII in some ways but with more gain controls (volume 1). pull switches and the like. This will be a cool amp to have even if it has the busy green boards and ribbon cables and not having any LDRs. Too many think the LDR's have something to do with the character of the originals. It may have some effect, won't deny that.

Can't wait to get my hand on one of them. Will be interesting. A step farther back to the Era of Excellence. JP2C for me was one step back to aid in my regrets of selling the Mark III DRG combo. The Mark VII completely eliminated any regrets of what Mesa amps I sold in the past. Still, I should have not sold the Mark III. I hope that the IIC+ reissue takes me back to what I no longer have. However, it adds to another problem, no more room for all of the gear. Ahh. What will be next? reissue of the Road King? Will have to get one of those too if it becomes a reality. For now, I will relish the thought and focus more on what will be in the horizon for the next best thing. IIC+ Reissue. (Not making any claims as I have yet to hear what this thing sounds like and how it will perform, just more of that GAS voice convincing me it will be epic, the other voice in my head that controls the money is saying something else, but I learned to ignore it from time to time.)
 
It is a real thing. Just waiting for them to release it. At first I thought it was just a fake first time I saw the images but could not zoom in on them to any extent to see any details. @danielpasco , I would agree, it looked like an export model but once you download one of the images, it is just a voltage plate to mark the line voltage. Fuse is in the center of it. STR445 6L6GC power tubes, ok sort of a version of the Mark VII but blend of Pentode + triode which is what the Simul-Class was based on. The original design came out in 1951 by Howard Sterling using a quad of Brimar 807 tubes (very early forms of 6L6), not suitable for triode power use but it was the concept that got Randall Smith interested in its design. Look up Extended Class A Push-Pull if you are into more details. If you want a safe link try this one:

https://www.ampbooks.com/mobile/classic-circuits/extended-a/

If the amp delivers the goods does it matter if it is made with modern materials? How it sounds I am eager to find out.

Anyone know how much different the IIC+ DRG was compared to the HRG?

I would agree with many bummed out that there is no EVM12L Black Shadow in the combo. If this amp sounds as good as the Mark VII or JP2C with the EVM12L (have one in a widebody open back cab). The reissue would probably be as good.

The image looks more like a Mark III with the blue power lamp, but no pull switch for RHY2 on the mid pot. However, I can tell it has an EV speaker front grill. At least the price tag is much less than the listing below.

https://reverb.com/au/item/84823414-mesa-boogie-mark-iii-purple-stripe-1986-black

So, the question is this: Will the IIC+ reissue sound like the real deal IIC+ DRG? That is amp is pushing an OS Recto 412 with V30 based on the description.

 
Also, on the Rectifier front, a member over on Sevenstring was informed by Axe Palace that the DR MW has been discontinued and they wouldn’t be getting any more. If true, looks like the Reissue is just straight up replacing that one.
 
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Well that says a lot about the future of the MWDR. Many thought the Badlander was going to take over. At least that explains the myth about why Mesa has a separate page for the BAD like they do for the TC. Interesting development. I love the MWDR, glad I have one. Maybe I should get another one before they are gone. Stereo setup? Nah. that would need to many footswitches.

Been listening to the Tighten Album preview, that amp sounds sic. If the IIC+ reissue can pull that off it will be gold.
 
I had a Mark IIB that someone back in the day converted to a Mark IIC at Boogie, I sent it to Mike Bendinelli to convert it to a C+ and it sound and felt great. Here is the issue, every Modeler, Kemper profile, Plugin and Mark V setting sounded or felt nothing like my C+ that I stupidly sold. The C+ was fuller even with matching the EQ and Graphic EQ settings. Some of the other "C+" type settings on amps didn't have the gain or guts my C+ had. I always thought that was weird. Mine was a Mark II C+ with Graphic EQ, Simulclass, Reverb. I'll get one of these reissues. BTW - Why did I sell it? Because in the band I was in, my tone kept getting lost in the mix by soundguys. DIdn't know why, but it was consistant. ( I was using the "V" shaped EQ on the graphic, probably should have given it more mids to cut through, but I didn't like that tone. So Bedrom/Home sounded better than live playing through a PA...
 

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