Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,452
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$300
$701+
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Description
The Mesa/Boogie Mark I Combo Amp is a legendary piece of musical history, renowned for its unique tone and robust versatility. Originally launched in the 1970s, this amplifier has been a favorite among guitarists for its ability to deliver a rich, harmonic overdrive that can be customized to fit any style or genre. Designed with both vintage and modern players in mind, the Mark I combines a classic design with contemporary functionality.
Featuring Mesa/Boogie's patented Multi-Watt™ technology, this amp allows players to switch between power settings, offering a tailored sound at any volume. The all-tube design ensures warmth and clarity, while the intuitive controls make dialing in the perfect sound a breeze. Whether you’re playing blues, rock, or jazz, the Mark I delivers a powerful performance that doesn’t compromise on tone.
This combo amp is perfect for both stage and studio settings, providing a wide range of sonic options in a compact package. Its rugged construction and high-quality components ensure reliability and longevity, making it a valuable addition to any musician's gear collection.
Key Features:
- All-tube design with a classic vintage tone
- Patented Multi-Watt™ technology for adjustable power settings
- Rich harmonic overdrive suitable for various music genres
- Intuitive controls for easy sound customization
- Compact design ideal for both studio and stage use
- Rugged construction for enhanced durability and longevity
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Mark I Combo Amp.
Features and functionality
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The Mark I uses a cascaded gain design, originating from a hotrodded Fender Princeton with an added gain stage for high-gain sound.
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The Mark I allows bypassing of the extra gain stage using a different input jack, offering versatility in sound.
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The Mark I features a unique half-tube gain stage immediately after the input, differing from other Mesas with later-stage "dirty" gain stages.
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The Mark V offers tube rectification on lower wattage settings for a spongy feel, similar to a Dual or Triple Rectifier.
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The Mark V lacks a master volume and Variac, which some users find crucial for home use to control volume levels effectively.
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Comparisons
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The circuit design is based on a Fender Princeton preamp combined with a 100-watt power amp, similar to a Fender Bassman.
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The Mark V includes a setting emulating the Mark I, allowing users to access some of its tonal characteristics alongside other Mark series sounds.
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The Mark V is considered a "swiss army knife" because of its versatility, offering multiple modes and sound options across its channels.
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The Mark III's clean channel benefits from a compressor to manage treble when dialed for high gain, compared to other Mark series amps.
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Use cases and applications
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The original "Boogie" model was noted for its loudness and success, with Carlos Santana reportedly praising its performance.
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Rivers Cuomo used a Mark I on early Weezer albums, lending an authentic touch for those seeking similar alternative rock tones.
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The Mark III is noted for its raw, powerful tone akin to a Rectifier, making it suitable for users who prefer a more aggressive sound.
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User experience
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
A Mesa Boogie Mk I combo amp can be seen in this photo; it's the rightmost amp.
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In this photo Keith Richards can be seen with a Mesa Boogie Mark I.
In addition, he appears to be playing on this same amp in this photo.
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In this photo Pete can be seen posing with his Mesa/Boogie Mark 1 1x12" combo with graphic EQ (making it likely to be a '78 model). Pete was a well known endorser of the Boogie Mark 1 amplifier during its heyday appearing in early Mesa ads in front of his Mesas.
Mick played a Mesa Boogie Mark I in the studio during recording of 'Give Em Enough Rope' (1978). Lots of accounts state that producer Sandy Pearlman introduced Mick to the brand, which he continued to use throughout the Clash's later career. The guitar sound on 'Give Em Enough Rope' is a clear departure from that on 'The Clash' (1977) largely due to the smooth high gain Mesa Boogie combo.
The linked article from Premier Guitar states that "He unloaded the speaker [of the Mark I] and used it to drive a single Marshall 4x12. For a period he even used the Boogie to run two 4x12s, but by the end of 1979 he had added a blonde 100-watt Mark II to drive one of the cabinets. "
"Felder has primarily used Blackface Deluxe Reverbs and Tweed Deluxes for his amplifiers, specifically his narrow-panel Tweed Deluxe, although a Mesa/Boogie Mark 1 appears behind him on the Hotel California tour."
In this picture from 1979, Hank is seen playing one of his Fender Telecasters into a Mesa Boogie Mark I Combo Amp
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1974 Mesa Boogie #A-074 “This thing boogies!” One of the first 100 made (when Randall Smith was still building these at home). One of the things I like about this early example is that it predates any of the push/pull options the started showing through the years as the MKI evolved.
Album Usage
The Mesa/Boogie Mark I Combo Amp has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mesa/Boogie Mark I Combo Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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