I have both a Maverick 212 combo and a DC-3 112. Both have V30s, though I will often use the DC-3 with a 112 EVM Theile cab.
I like both amps, but they are very different. My very first amps were vintage Fenders, so I'm used to the 6L6/6V6 tone. The EL84 seems very different--and you can really hear that difference in the DC Series and the Nomads. It took be a long time to get use to the "rounder" top end of the EL84s--I wondered where all the "airiness" went. I had to learn that different didn't mean BAD.
Don't get me wrong, I still love my Mark Series amps very much! But I love dragging along the DC-3 to a jam session, and gutting Peavey Classic 30s! Those are actually pretty decent little amps, but the DC-3 is a PRO'S amp, and they offer so much more. It's a small amp, but it sounds HUGE! It's very dynamic, and sounds like a much bigger amp. The Graphic EQ is great, and really allows you to dial in the perfect lead tone. I play classic rock, country and blues in a low to medium volume cover band--I never use the gain above about 7. This is steak AND sizzle! I'd originally looked at both the DC and the Maverick when these amps first came out. I'd decided that the Maverick in the 112 combo version fit my style better--but when my DC-3 appeared for cheap in a local pawn shop--it was a no brainer. I've been really happy with it.
Still, the Maverick stayed on my mind. I finally got one of the last ones that Guitar Center had in September, 1995. When I finally got to use it with my band, I hooked it up with a 212 Recto cab for a little half-stack--and OMG!!!! Tone is just SO creamy on this amp. I like some of the G&L guitars with their MFD pickups like the Comanche and the S-500--and these can be a bit harsh, but not with the Maverick! I use a little bit of compression and got studio-sounding rhythm parts. With my Legacy's vintage alnico pickups, the amp just had that wonderful Class A chime. With my '58 Historic Les Paul, my Santana covers had that singing, soulful lead voice. I added just a bit of treble to the tone and backed off the gain just a bit, and felt like I was in Duane Allman Plexi-Marshall territory for "Stormy Monday".
The Maverick handled everything I threw at it, and the Recto 212 added some nice chunk to the bottom end. I got a TON of compliments on my playing that night, and I felt really inspired. It's a great feeling when you can just let it flow and feel like you're playing over your head!
The 212 Mav is a little big for me to take to a jam session, but it's great for most of the rooms that my band plays--and it may replace my Mark IV as my main gig amp. They are very different creatures, but I like my EL84 amps--both my DC-3 and my Maverick--very much. And to be honest, I'm not sure that the current Mesa line-up really offers me anything more than what I have in these amps.
Bill
