The evolution of Randall Smith’s legendary high-gain Mesa/Boogie design into the revered Mark IIC+ of the mid ’80s established a rock amp that many guitarists nonetheless contemplate the epitome of the shape. Constructing on what was already a high-gain amp by the requirements of the day, the M/B workforce piled on much more achieve, extra high-end sizzle, and a tighter low finish, and lit a fireplace beneath the tone-obsessed backsides of many heavy rockers within the course of. Properly-known from the taking part in of John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, each Kirk Hammett and James Hetfield from Metallica (who had theirs additional modified to “C++” standing) and others, authentic examples have develop into the priciest and most-collectible of classic Boogies – setting the stage for a much-welcomed reissue like this.

Billed as an genuine re-creation, the hand-wired Mark IIC+ is a compact head that places out 75 watts in Simul-Class or 25 watts in Class-A mode from its 4 6L6GC output tubes, with 5 12AX7s within the entrance finish. Controls together with Quantity 1, Treble, Bass, Center, Grasp 1, Lead Drive, and Lead Grasp – with bonus push/pull capabilities tied to lots of them. Additionally acquainted to any fan of the sooner Mark fashions are options like footswitchable five-band graphic EQ, rear-panel Reverb and Presence controls, and Slave Out with degree knob.

Examined with an ES-355 and Telecaster into 1×12″ and a couple of×12″ cabs, the Mark IIC+ proved a quick monitor to the hallowed Cali high-gain tones of the ’80s and ’90s, and a variety of enjoyable regardless of the way it was dialed in. There might be naysayers, and naturally lots of the parts used to construct the originals 40 years in the past are now not accessible, however this reissue gives an impressively genuine dose of the IIC+ magic, delivering every thing you may hope for in juicy, saturated, singing, and endlessly sustaining lead tones.

Irrespective of the builder or mannequin, the newest model of 40-year-old amp design will sound a bit of completely different, however finally the brand new Mark IIC+ is a becoming tribute to the basic. And, lest we neglect, its wealthy, clear rhythm tones are extraordinarily good, as nicely – largely within the “large Fender” camp – and spherical out a bundle that gives most something a rock-leaning participant may need from a dual-mode amp. – Dave Hunter

This text initially appeared in VG’s March 2025 concern. All copyrights are by the writer and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.