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The Legendary Mark IIC+ Returns. Pure Vintage Boogie–in Head and 1×12 Combo.
The Mark IIC+ is one of the most legendary guitar amps ever made, and the new Mark IIC+ 1×12 Combo and Head are authentic recreations of the legendary originals. Over the past four decades, they have been used on many iconic recordings in a wide range of genres, particularly rock and metal. Now back in production, it’s time to plug into one of the most-recorded electric guitar amplifiers in history. The new MESA/Boogie Mark IIC+ in head and 1×12 combo formats is available worldwide at authorized MESA/Boogie dealers, and on www.mesaboogie.com.
Watch/share the interview re the new Mark IIC + with Doug West (Director, Tone Lab, Gibson Amplifiers/MESA Boogie), and Tommy Waugh (Product Manager, Gibson Amplifiers/MESA/Boogie).
Doug West, Director, Tone Lab, Gibson Amplifiers/MESA Boogie describes the creation of the new Mark IIC+ “Since the Mark IIC+’s replacement by the Mark III in late 1985, players have asked the question ‘When will you do a Re-Issue of the Mark IIC+?’ Little did we know then that the Mark IIC+ would continue its rise in popularity long after its production lifespan and become one of history’s most sought-after and coveted amplifiers, synonymous with rock and metal’s biggest artist’s iconic tones.
After four decades and many iterations of the IIC+ within our subsequent models, it was finally time to tackle this challenge and see if we could do a second build of this revered Boogie. We are excited to reveal that after nearly three years of exhaustive component searches, countless hours of brutal comparisons and untold scrutinous forensic design discoveries the Mark IIC+ lives again! Now you can forego the frustrating searches, the vintage pricing and the worry of aged-out parts and obtain a brand new Mark IIC+ that holds its own – and then some – against even the most precious of ‘80s original IIC+ builds.
This new Simu-Class, Reverb Graphic, EQ IIC+ represents the ultimate IIC+ build from back in the day and delivers all the explosive attack, dynamic excitement and percussive intensity of the originals, with worldwide compliance, a rock solid new build, and a new amp warranty. Any Mark IIC+ fan owes it to themselves to try one of these new IIC+s before going on the daunting quest to find an original. We feel sure you’ll agree that this new build is as legit and as inspiring as the legend demands. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t be doing it!”
Mark IIC+ 1×12 Combo and Head:
The Mark IIC+ is pure “Vintage Boogie®” and based on the original Mark II (now called the Mark II-A) design, the world’s first “Dual Mode” amplifier containing independent performance modes dedicated to clean and overdrive sounds. The IIC+ model represents the 3rd generation of that game-changing single channel/dual mode layout and includes all the refinements made to that original format over its nearly five influential years. It was also the last model in its family, as the subsequent model would contain three performance modes and be dubbed the MARK III.
The IIC+’s single row of controls is shared by its two modes (preamps), one for Rhythm (clean) and one for Lead (overdrive). Independent, though still interactive, sets of gain and volume controls help optimize each gain structure while shared Tone controls handle the broad stroke voicing. Fine-tuning of the sounds is accomplished by the PULL SHIFT voicing features – some Mode specific – fitted to the simple controls and further shaping via the on-board 5-Band Graphic EQ. Though the “Q” of the individual Bands (Slider Pot frequencies) is fairly wide around their Center Points, they provide a surprising degree of surgical-level sculpting quickly and musically.
The Rear Panel of the C+ provides the important features that keep this amp as relevant as ever 40 years after its initial run. Global PRESENCE and REVERB controls are centered for easy navigation from the Front in stage environments. A series, tube buffered Effects Loop provides a seamless interface for your time-based processing. The Power Select switch at the far right (left from the Front) allows for your choice of the full 75 watts of “SIMUL-CLASS” power for richness, authority, and max headroom or “CLASS A” for 25 watts of reduced power and low end along with easier, smoother power clip at lower volumes. One 8Ohm and two 4 Ohm Speaker Outputs provide for a wide array of cabinet impedance matching. And though not a compensated Direct Output for Consoles or Interfaces, a SLAVE tap off the speaker outputs captures the entire sound of the amp-preamp and power section-to produce a non-compensated feed for IR Readers or external processors that might even serve an era-appropriate “dry/wet/wet” rig.
Out of production for four decades, we welcome back this icon and celebrate its impact on the incredible guitar heroes and timeless recordings they made during one of rock guitar’s biggest decades. The Mark IIC+ legacy is one we don’t take lightly or for granted and recreating it in today’s world with today’s available components and rigorous worldwide Compliance Regulations was no easy feat. However, we are just as proud and excited about this iteration as we were about the first one that was produced for less than two years, four decades ago.
If you seek to own a legend, don’t want to chase vintage relics in who knows what condition, want the fieriest, most articulate, and nuanced Tone possible, don’t really need the galaxy-wide versatility of our Mark VII, and prefer a more classic layout and look, the Mark IIC+ is waiting. Be warned, though, once you play a C+, you may never feel the same about other guitar amplifiers. A bold statement, to be sure, but it’s backed up by 40 years of iconic Tone and the passionate faithful who’ve made it mythical.
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