Tubes rock! ... the Mesa Mark IV and Nomad explored

bduersch · #1 10-03-2002, 12:25 AM

In the past year, I've undergone 2 pretty major revamps of each of my guitar rigs.

* My main rig started out as a Johnson Millennium JM150 combo (tube preamp, all digital modeling).
* I sold the JM150 (thankfully prior to them being discontinued and the price tanking) and invested in a Mesa rack rig consisting of a Triaxis preamp and 2:90 power amp (lots of tubes, but still digital), using a G-Major for FX and a Johnson 2x12 cab.
* Recently, I got fed up with the complexities and overall size of the rack rig. I'm now getting a Mesa Mark IV combo, and will continue to use the G-Major.

* Similarly, my backup rig started out as a Johnson Marquis JM120 combo.
* I sold the JM120 to assemble a small rack, consisting of a Marshall JMP1 preamp, Lexicon MPX500, Tubeworks power amp, and Mesa 1x12 cab.
* Once again, fed up with the complexities and overall size of the rack, I got a Mesa Nomad 45 combo.

(As an interesting and somewhat obvious consequence, I do have a lot of great rack gear up for sale!)

So in both cases I've undergone the same evolution: modeling amp --> overly complex rack rig --> pure tube love, and I'm questioning why I didn't make the switch sooner!

The Nomad 45 1x12 is a tone monster! In a nutshell, it's a 45 watt amp with 5 12ax7's and 4 el84's, 3 channels (with 2 modes each), solo boost, spring reverb, parallel FX loop, and a Celestion Custom 90 speaker. I've got mine configured for super-funk clean, fat vintage rhythm, and modern lead. I had to read the manual a couple of times to get the optimal tone (in my opinion, at least), but Mesa provides several sample settings for each channel that serve as good starting points. In a rock world dominated by dual & triple recs, the Nomad is a refreshing change of pace--the second channel really nails the brown sound, and the third channel is aggressive without being obnoxious. The versatility for a small combo is amazing, and I'd probably use this for my main rig had I not discovered...

The Mark IV widebody 1x12 combo... It's almost twice the size of the Nomad, with twice the output, and probably twice as many switches and buttons (maybe even twice the price). In a nutshell, the Mark IV is an 85 watt amp with 5 12ax7's and 4 6L6's, 3 channels, switchable EQ, FX loop, spring reverb, and a Celestion Custom 90 speaker. My channels are configured for clean funk rhythm, crunch, and super-creamy lead. The lead channel has 2 gain stages... if you can't get enough gain off the first gain control, reach for the second. Yet it always remains silky smooth! The EQ is very useful--I've used it for two purposes... either to fake a solo boost (similar to the Nomad's solo boost) or to essentially double the number of channels I have (2 cleans, 2 crunches, 2 rhythms). The widebody combo, though somewhat less convenient than smaller 1x12 combos, adds a lot more depth and low-end punch to the tone. I can't wait to get a 1x12 extension cab with the 200w EV speaker!

The best part about the Mark IV (okay, second to the tone) is the flexibility. I've never seen an amp with so many switches... half of the pots are push/pull pots to add brightness, add fatness, shift the EQ points, etc. The power amp can be run at full or tweed power. Also, the power amp can be run as class A (2 tubes) or simulclass (4 tubes). And it's possible to alternate the power tubes between pentode (punchy) and triode (smoother) modes. What all this technically means, I really don't know, but the end result is that you can get great preamp and power amp distortion at lower volume levels. When class A/triode/tweed are selected, output is about 30W, and the optimal 85W is achieved when simulclass/pentode/full power are selected. I think this makes the amp ideal for gigging, practicing, and recording, because you don't need to have all the masters set to '10' to get the killer saturated tone.

Even more so than with the Nomad, reading the Mark IV manual is necessary! The first Mark IV I played I was completely unimpressed with because I didn't know how to use the cascading gain and all the power amp options. So I sat down, read the manual, and gave it another shot. Then I started finding useful tones. One more pass through the manual, and I've figured out where the sweet spots are for my playing style. But it takes time and some serious reading comprehension skills to nail the perfect Mark IV tone.

So, any other Nomad or Mark lovers out there? Anybody want to share their settings?

And before anybody asks, no I don't work for Mesa. I wish I did, so I could get free stuff! But I just feel like I've "found my tone", and want to share the news with everybody else:

1. Tubes ALWAYS rock
2. Mesa amps are much more versatile than I ever imagined--they're not the one-trick-pony that the old dual rec model was

Keep on rocking!
--Brent

texshred777 · #2 10-03-2002, 10:51 AM

Yea, Ill second your point on the nomad. I tried a nomad 100 and loved it. I REALLY want to try a mark IV though. I tried..but 'there was an awful lot of switches and stuff'...

vaijem777 · #3 10-03-2002, 12:06 PM

I've been using my Mark IV short-chassis combo for a couple of years now, and it's been the most reliable, most versatile combo that I've had, period. Incredible amps!

I had a Nomad 55 combo before I got the Mark IV, and it was a great amp too, but...just didn't quite compare to the Mark.

darren wilson · #4 10-03-2002, 12:53 PM

I've never been a huge fan of guitar amps at all, actually... i've always found them to limit the true sound of the guitar too much. That said, i've been really getting a kick out of experimenting with the different modelling options on my GT-6, and have started using sounds that i never would have used before (like a Fender Twin sound with a wild tremolo and semi-distorted sound).

I recently plugged it into a Randall head and Marshall cab that were in our rehearsal space, and it really came alive... more so than when it was going into a funky old Marshall head. I've kinda been thinking of getting a pair of tube-powered extension cabs to give me a stereo setup, though i really would like more of a "full range" sound than just a 12" driver can offer on its own.

Traynor makes one that looks quite good on paper... 40 watts of tube power with a 12" Celestion. The power amp tubes are apparently 5881s, which i've never heard of. I'll have to find a local dealer to see if they actually sound okay.

I thought of going with a Mesa 20/20 and a stereo cab (or two mono cabs) but that just adds too much complexity... i don't want a floorboard, a small rack and two cabs.

Are there any other good tube-powered extension cabs out there on the market? Would a tube-powered keyboard or bass amp maybe be a bit better suited towards clean, warm, full-range sound?

gkelm · #5 10-03-2002, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren wilson

I've never been a huge fan of guitar amps at all, actually... i've always found them to limit the true sound of the guitar too much.

Darren-
You don't like guitar amps for electric guitars? What do you do...go direct into the board? I actually think that the flavor of an amp adds a key ingredient to good tone.

The link for the Traynor is for just a cab (not powered). If you're looking for something to run the GT-6 into, there are a lot of nice little tube combos...just run the GT into the effects loop. I've heard that Traynor combo...not a bad amp. Another that would be comparable is the PV Classic 30. BTW- I belive 5581 = 6L6

Ah, yes, the MKIV...had one of those...killer crunch. I only wish they'd have built in a dolly (heavy beast!). I think I found it more complicated than my rack.

Greg

caprile · #6 10-03-2002, 02:42 PM

Those Mesa amps are killer. However for a smaller price i would like to get a Laney, although they ARE mostly one trick ponies.

I kind of get Darren's point, being an electric player you obviously need an amp, but I kind of focus more on the guitar. For instance, I'd get another guitar before spending money on an amp. If you gig regularly, the situation must be different, but I think most of us here play alone at controlled volume levels most of the time.

darren wilson · #7 10-03-2002, 03:16 PM

Whoops... for some reason i had it in my head that it was a powered cab. Thanks for making me look at it again!

Generally, yes, i run into effects and then straight into the board for recording. I got some of the most spectacular clean sounds that way, that have all of the sound of the guitar in there... lots of clarity and depth. I just find that amps compress the sound and focus on more "guitar-specific" frequencies instead of a full spectrum of sound. That's just my opinion on the matter.

That's why i'm looking at things like bass and keyboard amps that are geared more towards flatter frequency response... i think what i'm looking for is a tube power amp driving a ported, closed-back cab with a 12" driver and a high-frequency horn. The amp would most likely need to have an active crossover to get the most out of that speaker arrangement, so most likely, i'm looking at bass amps.

Odd? Yep. That's me!

Mikael Jurman · #8 10-03-2002, 04:15 PM

Mesa/Boogie Mark IV... Mmm yeah! I absolutely love mine. I got it from a guy in Göteborg at the bargain price ( in Sweden anyway)of 11.000 SEK, which is about $1200. That included a hard case with wheels.

This is the best amp I've ever tried. Three chanels of great guitar sounds. I haven't really taken the time to tweak it properly. I mainly use the settings on Mesa's homepage, with some slight modifications. I guess there are amps that do a specific type of sound better than the Mark IV, but if you would want better, you'd have to get a Fender Twin for cleans, a Marshall of some kind for crunch and a Mesa Mark II for leads. You would also have to get a roadie to carry it, or your fingers would be to stiff from carrying to actually play.

Big words? Not really, I've just found the near perfect amp for my needs. I'll be hard pressed before I let it go.

Mikael

Two hands31 · #9 10-03-2002, 04:24 PM

I know what you mean about Mesa's being versatile. If I ever need a second amp, (i.e. bigger, cuz my Flextone's got everything I need right now) and want something a little more simple, I'll go for a Mesa of some kind. I love my Flextone, and a Flextone II HD would totally rock to have, but I've seen even a Dual Rec sounding pretty flexible (I mean, totally not your typical Dual Rec sound). I occasionally have that urge to ditch my current setup for an all tube rig, but right now, I love/need the flexibility, yet simplicity of my setup.

Kremlin · #10 10-03-2002, 09:27 PM

I've got a Mark IV but I have a total love/hate relationship with it. It has a ton of knobs, options, and versatility, but sometimes there's so much knob tweaking involved it gets frustrating. Considering that I switch between playing my VWH and Strat on it (pretty radically different pickups) it gets annoying having to do so much noodling around. I've been thinking about going Rivera or Bogner, but I can't find any locally, and the price is just huge.

Zeek · #11 10-04-2002, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darren wilson

Generally, yes, i run into effects and then straight into the board for recording. I got some of the most spectacular clean sounds that way, that have all of the sound of the guitar in there... lots of clarity and depth. I just find that amps compress the sound and focus on more "guitar-specific" frequencies instead of a full spectrum of sound. That's just my opinion on the matter.

That's why i'm looking at things like bass and keyboard amps that are geared more towards flatter frequency response... i think what i'm looking for is a tube power amp driving a ported, closed-back cab with a 12" driver and a high-frequency horn.

I run a Digitech RP2000 most of the time and it sounds the very best running into my PV KB300 keyboard amp. Since the RP is an amp modeler (like the GT-6) running it into a guitar amp further squashes it to the point of being horrid. Piping directly into the power amp section, however, of my PV Prowler is quite good, since it's bypassing the pre. The full-range capability of the KB300 tho yeilds the biggest sound, clean or crunch. Its hi freq horn, closed back, and big ole 15" really puts it out there.

bduersch · #12 10-06-2002, 11:42 PM

Having had the Mark IV for a little longer now, I'm even moreso convinced that this amp kicks all butt!

I've been taking the time to get my main rig tweaked... I've got the three channels set up to complement my style well, got the EQ configured for a solo boost, and got the G-Major set up in the FX loop. Right now I'm using the G-Major's switching to control both the reverb & FX loop switches on the Mark.

Right now it's a little complicated to control, since I've got one footswitch for the Mark IV and one for the G-Major, but things should get much simpler tomorrow when I get my Rolls RP93 switcher. That will allow me to switch the three channels and EQ on the Mark IV. I will also be able to get my TS9DX up off the floor into the rack. Now I can spend less time dancing and more time playing!

--B

Drew · #13 10-07-2002, 12:30 PM

lol, awesome, man. Especially with the "tweed" power switch, the Mark IV sounds pretty ideal... how much does one of those things go for? Are they still in production?

You know, i can answer that second question on my own- off to their site.

-Drew

Hey, isn't this what petrucci was relying on for his G3 tour? That was my absolute favorite guitar tone i've ever heard anywhere- SO heavy, yet amazingly smooth and defined. I couldn't believe the way it cut, compared to the "looser" sounds from both vai and satch, if that makes any sense... can ya nail that tone with this thing, man?

Kremlin · #14 10-07-2002, 01:43 PM

I'm not a big Petrucci fan, but I can nail his tone with my Mark IV.. Except I'm using the combo and not a head, so I don't get as much bass since the cabinet is open back. Petrucci's solo tone is a pretty good estimation of the Mark IV's red channel with the mids cranked.. but it's strange, sometimes the amp seems to have the cookie-cutter effect where I sound the same no matter what I do, and other times it just opens right up and responds to my pick attack a lot. I don't know if it's my imagination or what, but it's frustrating.

bduersch · #15 10-07-2002, 02:54 PM

Mark IV's are still in production... they make two heads (short chassis & long) and two combos (small 1x12 and widebody 1x12). Prices vary between $1500 for the heads to $1800 for the combos. I recommend trying to get a used one if possible and save several bills.

I thought Petrucci was using Mark II C's on his most recent tour. The Mark IV is a descendant of the II's, obviously, but with a lot more knobs. I think the II's were 2 channel amps where both channels shared common low/mid/treble controls, but the IV's are 3 channels with independent low/mid/trebles. So I'm sure with enough tweaking of the Mark IV you could get the Petrucci tone (and a few bonus tones).

--B