Stamped A before Serial on Mark III

[knike_99]

Hello, I have an "A" stamped before the serial number on my blue stripe mark III. The serial is A22828. I've scoured this site for information regarding an "A" prefix for the Mark III serial and have even called Mesa, but they had no idea. I know some models like the Coliseum have a "K" stamped before the serial. Do any of you know if the "A" denotes anything about this amp?

http://s1321.beta.photobucket.com/user/knike_99/media/IMG_0917_zps8a0ebbd9.jpg.html

Thanks.

 

[igfraso]

Most probably, Mesa found out at the time of manufacturing that they had stamped the same number on two different amplifiers. So they put an A on one of them and a B on the other one.

I have seen another amp with a B letter stamped... only thing is that the "B" was stamped after the serial number.

Just guessing.

 

[knike_99]

Interesting. I'm guessing that you are probably right as the stamped "A" is not *quite* in line with the number, so was likely stamped in after the number was.

 

[igfraso]

Has Mesa given you a reply to your question?

 

[fretout]

With the Coliseums, they vary. Some have a normal five-digit serial number like my Blue Stripes, and some Coliseums have a KXXX serial number, like my no-stripe.

I've never seen any other letter on a Mark III, and judging by your serial number, I believe that your amp is a Blue Stripe, right (one of my Blue Stripes is only about 50 serial numbers older than yours)? That's pretty late in the Mark III series production, so I would assume (like above) that it was probably because they accidentally stamped another Mark III with the same numerals as your amp, and added a letter to distinguish between the two.

I've heard in the past other amplifier companies stamped different letters in the serial number to identify what speaker went in that particular combo. I don't know if Mesa ever tried that same method, but just out of curiosity, what speaker came with your amp (I'm assuming your amp is/was a combo)...

 

[kippiejr]

I was told by Mesa that rear panel plates came pre stamped from the factory that made them for them back in the day.. So anything is possible. That is why some coli's have regular serial numbers. Someone grabbed a regular, rather than the coli plate. Mesa probably really does not know why it has an A. I had a verified by MB early black stripe that had a red stripe serial number. Weird times back then.

 

[fretout]

I was told by Mesa that rear panel plates came pre stamped from the factory that made them for them back in the day.. So anything is possible. That is why some coli's have regular serial numbers. Someone grabbed a regular, rather than the coli plate. Mesa probably really does not know why it has an A. I had a verified by MB early black stripe that had a red stripe serial number. Weird times back then.

Wow! That's pretty different! Something that was discussed here in a previous thread...does your Mark III also have the "black stripe" components?

 

[kippiejr]

Yes,
It had a 105PT. A Red was well past the 105PT. Plus Mike B. wrote on the work sheet himself. "not actually a red stripe rather a very early black dot."
I will go a step crazier. I have an early black stripe, 105PT that has a gain boost on master but it is a Mark III face plate with pull Rhythm 2. RCS above cord.
Weird time back then. What ever as on the shelf was used.

 

[fretout]

Yes,
It had a 105PT. A Red was well past the 105PT. Plus Mike B. wrote on the work sheet himself. "not actually a red stripe rather a very early black dot."
I will go a step crazier. I have an early black stripe, 105PT that has a gain boost on master but it is a Mark III face plate with pull Rhythm 2. RCS above cord.
Weird time back then. What ever as on the shelf was used.

That is very, VERY good to know! I guess it inspires more questions, at the very least, but I think it's pretty awesome how "mom and pop" it used to be! I can't believe they still had some 105s sitting around after the Red Stripes started, but I'll definitely remember that info!

I don't think I've every seen a non-"pull deep" Mark III faceplate! Were all of the "pull/push mode" inscriptions imprinted into the faceplate, or does it look altered? I'd like to see a pic if you can post one up! That must have been really, really early...as in "before we decided to have a deep setting" early.

Great info! Thanks!

 

[tony777]

All the "Gain Boost above Master" faceplates are like the ones found on MKII A&B, with the EQ toggle saying EQ IN / EQ OUT.
On MKIIC they painted pull deep above bass, and on MKIII they painted Pull deep above Bass and Pull Rhythm 2.

There is also MKIIC faceplates with painted pull rhythm 2 above Middle, usually seen on black dot MKIII's
The MKII faceplates are engraved and has a full silver frame, The III has an outside ring and everything is painted.
Just go check your amps. When you know about this you will recognize it on every amp you see.