Is the Mesa Mark III under rated?
- Thread starter EOengineer
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This creepy photo is the only evidence I can find that my old red stripe ever existed. Wish I still had it 
Bossman415
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They're great amps. I've owned a handful of III's (Red HRG & No Stripes DRG w/ 105pt's), but I prefer the IIC+/++ & Mark IV over them.
They're definitely a good value, if you can find them for a reasonable price, compared to the IIC+, especially w/ Mike B's 3+ or 3++ mod.
Tonewise, they sound great but aren't as full or immediate in the low mids or smooth as a IIC+. However, some people prefer that about the III's.
They're definitely a good value, if you can find them for a reasonable price, compared to the IIC+, especially w/ Mike B's 3+ or 3++ mod.
Tonewise, they sound great but aren't as full or immediate in the low mids or smooth as a IIC+. However, some people prefer that about the III's.
Desertdweller
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Truth. IIIs and IVs are not noisy at all.
HomespunEffects
Roadie
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You’re saying that there is absolutely no noise floor on a Mesa mk iii? And that it’s not inherently higher than a Marshall of the same era? We’re just not going to agree at all. But I’m ok with that if you are.
EOengineer
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Every piece of tube gear obviously has a noise floor. My Mark III is not noticeably more noisy than my 1959 and 2204 heads.
I will say that I did have some hum when I bought it years ago but it had been sitting unused for years. After a cap job it’s dead quiet. Killing the fan when recording I often have to double check I’m not in standby.
Not sure what caused the experience you had, but it’s certainly atypical for a healthy Mark III to be noisy.
HomespunEffects
Roadie
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My next Mesa was a Dual Rectifier. Had the same noise so I assumed it was just a Mesa thing. Sounds like a fluorescent light is inside the amp next to the transformers. Even the YouTube example have the same noise.
I had a Mark Five:35 that was much better in the noise department. I’m just not a Mesa guy. I’ve never been happy with them. The Mk III was the one that really soured me to the brand.
I sold it for $450. Can you believe that??
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My Mark III had some noise, Mark IV some, but not much, V dead silent anywhere on the master
Desertdweller
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what an absurd response.
HomespunEffects
Roadie
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Yes, it was hyperbole. I know they are noisy amps.
Desertdweller
Shredder
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There are sweet spots where you can get a good clean and a good heavy sound using the same settings though.MKIII's are great.... so long as you don't need a channel switcher.
I've had IIIs, IVs, and Vs. At this point I think my old man pants I am wearing now
would like to own/try and Mrak I or II.
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Yeah I was more than satisfied with my cleans + high gain
who cares about R2 lolol
who cares about R2 lolol
Desertdweller
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This is the way.
Bossman415
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Personal opinion here, but the best stuff Mesa made is the Mark & Rectifier Series (no surprise there). The others are fun, but not must haves.
I liked the Badlander, but felt it lacked saturation and the low-end wall of sound effect. Keep in mind I haven't tried one with the Mr. Scary mod.
The Triple Crown 100 was fun, but I prefer the Diezel VH-4. Oddly enough, the guy I bought the TC-100 offloaded it for a VH-4, coincidence?
Any which way you slice it, we are truly spoiled living in this day & age with an abundance of options to choose from regarding guitar gear.
I liked the Badlander, but felt it lacked saturation and the low-end wall of sound effect. Keep in mind I haven't tried one with the Mr. Scary mod.
The Triple Crown 100 was fun, but I prefer the Diezel VH-4. Oddly enough, the guy I bought the TC-100 offloaded it for a VH-4, coincidence?
Any which way you slice it, we are truly spoiled living in this day & age with an abundance of options to choose from regarding guitar gear.
HomespunEffects
Roadie
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I don’t know. The Electra Dyne was an excellent design.
Desertdweller
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Looks awesome! I'll join in, here's my 1994 green stripe DRG sitting on top of my VII.Any excuse to show off my Red Stripe.
EOengineer
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I still wonder why they killed that series. It’s a cool amp that checks a lot of boxes. IIRC it might have been a belt tightening move around the 2008 crash.
HomespunEffects
Roadie
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I think it was also up against their Dual Rectifier which was EVERYWHERE at the time. You’d even see a Dual Rectifier on country music stages.
I’m gonna have to pick up an Electra Dyne one of these days.
