Mark v amps

[Tetsuo]

So my never ending gear whoring has me getting another Mark V. For 15 years now I have gone in and out of Mark series amps. I always want one after they are gone. I continually think I'll find something I'll like better but I ultimately the mark always comes back to me. Not saying there isn't other things out there that are better but this amp has such a package I can't deny! Anyone else a mark freak? I am overall just a gear whore though.

Side note I picked up an orange Dark Terror. The opposite of the mark as it is very lite on options but damn that is a great little amp!!!

[akoch]

Well, i got a Mark V thougt I'd sell the Mark IV. Ended up keeping both.

[Tetsuo]

I could live with either version honestly. The layout to me is easier on the v but the tones are darn close on both.

[Catharpin]

Love my Mark V, Sounds great with minimal effects.

[Axewielder]

The Mark Five:35 is on my wish list. I'd love to trade for one.

[Tetsuo]

It's in! Yup sounds awesome like a mark v does. I am kinda gassed out maybe I will be able to hold onto this one.

[DarkkWarriorr]

I'm still saving for my new Mark V 35 and a Mesa 2x12 vertical cab...

[Tetsuo]

I've had the vertical cab and it is awesome. I am playing with a horizontal one right now still sounds great.

[Dog Boy]

Big Mark V fan here. Great amps.

[DarkkWarriorr]

Here is what would be my next amp after the Mark V 35; JP-2C Mark IIC+, unless of course Mesa comes up with something even more revolutionary before then:

However, I have to move out of my tiny little apartment before investing in one of these monsters!

[Tetsuo]

I get that amp sort of. The price jump doesn't seem worth it to me to have two identical channels that are already featured in the Mark series as is. I get it though if you really need those two voicings specifically like Petrucci does but for me it isn't worth the extra money. There is purpose just not for me.

[DarkkWarriorr]

Well it has a couple of extra features that the standard Mark V doesn't have, plus it looks "astonishing"!

But you're right Tetsuo, if you already own the big daddy Mark V and happy with it, owning a JP's Mark IIC+ is kinda pointless unless you're a demanding touring musician, or a Mesa/Boogie enthusiast...

[jgcable]

I think the big problem with the Mark IV and the Mark V amps is how finicky they are. Just turn one knob one number and it changes the tone dramatically. There are so many options, so many push pull pots and the entire EQ section is active it makes for a very difficult amp to dial in. Some rooms it sounds great and some rooms you need to tweak and tweaking isn't easy. I have heard players sound good using them. I have heard players sound not so good.
I think that's the reason most players fall IN AND OUT of love with the Mark IV, V amps.
I also think that its not the best choice for a 2 guitar band unless the other guitar player has the same amp because its a "sit in the mix" sounding amp.
For the high gain player I will still stick with the Mesa amp that is the easiest to dial in and that sounds great in almost any situation... the Single Rectifier Solo Series 2.

[Tetsuo]

John I totally agree your assessment. That being said having played them long enough I know how to dial them in rather quickly. They can sit in the mix but they can also really stand out they are a Swiss Army knife. They definitely though are a lot of work.

[x_zac10]

I think the big problem with the Mark IV and the Mark V amps is how finicky they are. Just turn one knob one number and it changes the tone dramatically. There are so many options, so many push pull pots and the entire EQ section is active it makes for a very difficult amp to dial in. Some rooms it sounds great and some rooms you need to tweak and tweaking isn't easy. I have heard players sound good using them. I have heard players sound not so good.

Couldn't agree with this more, and was ultimately the reason I didn't keep mine. Once I start tweaking, I stop playing, and I'd rather be playing. I don't think there's a more versatile multi-channel amp for the money in existence, but all those options end up being a negative for me.