Mesa Mark IV help

Josh_P · #1 12-31-2008, 08:59 AM

Have a guy wanting to trade me his Mesa Mark IV head for my Marshall however I've had no experience with this model. Can anyone give me pros / cons in regards to the Mark IV series? It's a short head. Is there a difference between the short and medium or is just the size? I was also trying to find out how much these heads go for used as well? I'm having trouble finding them on evil-bay.

Many thanks for any input

~J

speedy mcfeely · #2 12-31-2008, 09:24 AM

mark IV is the best amp in the world for really tight focused distortion. They are tricky at first, but once you dial in the sound it kills. IMHO the best metal amp out there.

A good used price is $1200-1500USD

Draco · #3 01-01-2009, 04:39 AM

I concur with what speedy said, and I actually got mine at a steal for $900. I have an older short head, and I'm pretty sure there isn't a difference between short head vs. long, but there are slight differences between older vs. newer heads (both sizes). Either way, my Mark IV is the best amp I've ever owned, and it's not leaving my side anytime soon.

HeavyMetal4Ever · #4 01-01-2009, 08:34 AM

The Mark IV is one of Mesa's most sort after amps, and they usually go for well above $2000 AUD on the Aussie 'bay (just the head, no cabinet). I'd love to own one myself.

Just wondering, what Marshall are you thinking of swapping?

Rock on!

Josh_P · #5 01-01-2009, 09:28 PM

Swapping a DSL 50 straight up.

ColinMmmmm · #6 01-01-2009, 10:24 PM

Thats a steal . . .

YaYoGakk · #7 01-02-2009, 03:22 PM

My Mark IV is the sweetest amp i've ever played! It can take a little while to tweak to get the sound you're after but once dialed in... it slays!

Only difference between the Short and Medium heads are dial and button placement. In the short version some buttons and dials that are out front on the medium head are located in the back of the short head. No difference in sound.
Some will say there are differences between Version A and Version B. Slightly more gain in the Lead channel of the B. The A slightly more voiced toward the IIC+... Easiest way to tell the A from B is the Effects Loop. Version A has 2 Mono Effect Loops that are switchable on the footswitch and the B doesn't.

Lefty Robb · #8 01-02-2009, 03:58 PM

A DSL-50 for a Mark 4??!?!? Wow, do it and don't look back. The mark 4 melts planets.

shogun · #9 01-02-2009, 04:02 PM

o gosh, get it

Josh_P · #10 01-02-2009, 04:38 PM

Many thanks fella's!!!

I pick it up on Tuesday and I can't wait. Comes with a vertical 2x12 recto cab as well.

Anyone have any links to music / bands / bedroom shredders so I can hear what it sounds like? I've already been told it can mimic Lamb Of God tone to a T.

brothersnowgone · #11 01-02-2009, 06:18 PM

It can do LoG tone no doubt, all they use is a Mark IV short head. But it's capable of so much more. You'll love it, congrats!

speedy mcfeely · #12 01-02-2009, 07:45 PM

Look up the JP rig demo on you tube. He is using MkIV's on the latest tour.

YaYoGakk · #13 01-03-2009, 09:26 AM

Rich has some good Mark IV clips
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=IZEzKof73JU

As does Phil,
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=d8TzS7F

Also...

http://uk.youtube.com/user/Enc3f4L0

Josh_P · #14 01-05-2009, 04:18 PM

Picked up the Mark IV and MAN THIS THING SMOKES!!!!!

I'm 99% sure I'm going to like it even more than my VHT!

Anyone have any suggestions on how to get Andy Timmons like tone? I know JP uses one as well however I've always thought his tone sounded like cookie monster fart.....

YaYoGakk · #15 01-05-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh_P

Picked up the Mark IV and MAN THIS THING SMOKES!!!!!

Indeed it does! Congrats and welcome to the club!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh_P

I know JP uses one as well however I've always thought his tone sounded like cookie monster fart.....

Ekk!! To each his own, I guess! lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh_P

Anyone have any suggestions on how to get Andy Timmons like tone?

I would say roll back on the gain, treble and presence. Timmons tone is very clean and very warm. So many ways to go about it. Rhythm 1 or Rhythm 2 with a boost. He uses a BB so that would be a great way of achieving his tone. Or Lead with the gain rolled off a bit...