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Average Price: $1,499

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$300

$701+

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Description

The Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp is a legendary piece of gear that has been a staple in guitarists' arsenals since its introduction. This amp is renowned for its all-tube design, which delivers a warm, rich sound that can handle everything from clean tones to crunchy overdrive with ease. Perfect for both stage and studio use, the Mark IIB offers a versatile tonal palette that satisfies a wide range of musical styles.

This combo amp features two channels, allowing you to switch effortlessly between clean and lead tones. The built-in 5-band EQ provides additional control over your sound, letting you tailor it to your specific needs. The amp also includes a reverb control, giving your sound added depth and dimension. With its robust build and high-quality components, the Mark IIB is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

One of the defining characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB is its simul-class power section, which combines the best of Class A and Class AB amplification. This unique design offers a blend of rich harmonic overtones and efficient power output, ensuring your performance is both powerful and nuanced. Whether you're playing in small venues or larger halls, this amp delivers consistent, high-quality sound.

Key Features:

  • All-tube design for authentic sound
  • Two channels for versatile tone switching
  • Built-in 5-band EQ for precise tonal control
  • Reverb control for added depth
  • Simul-class power section for a unique blend of Class A and Class AB amplification
  • Great for both stage and studio applications

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Mark II B 2-Channel 100-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Various
Year 1980 - 1983
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What type of music is the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp best suited for?

The Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp is versatile and excels in rock, blues, and jazz. Its powerful 100-watt output and rich tube-driven sound make it suitable for genres requiring dynamic range and tonal clarity.

How does the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB handle high gain settings?

The Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB is renowned for its smooth, creamy overdrive and sustain at high gain settings, making it ideal for lead guitarists who need a robust and expressive sound.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp have built-in effects?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp features built-in effects, including a spring reverb, which adds depth and ambiance to your sound.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp suitable for gigging?

With its 100-watt output and durable build, the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and clarity to cut through a band mix.

What speaker configuration does the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp use?

The Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp is equipped with a 1x12" speaker configuration, offering a balanced sound with a good mix of bass response and high-end clarity.

The Guitologist

The Guitologist

Why I HATE working on Mesa Amps - Greg Martin's Mesa-Boogie Mark IIB

Video thumbnail for Why I HATE working on Mesa Amps - Greg Martin's Mesa-Boogie Mark IIB by The Guitologist

Why I HATE working on Mesa Amps - Greg Martin's Mesa-Boogie Mark IIB

The Guitologist

The Guitologist

Video thumbnail for MESA BOOGIE MARK II-B COMBO - Most Evil Amp Of The 80s? by Robin Flink

MESA BOOGIE MARK II-B COMBO - Most Evil Amp Of The 80s?

Robin Flink

Robin Flink

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Mark IIb Modified by Shakedown Amps by ShakedownAmps

Mesa Boogie Mark IIb Modified by Shakedown Amps

ShakedownAmps

ShakedownAmps

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Mark IIB vs IIC+ GEQ test. ESP Hanneman. V30. by TIGHTEN

Mesa Boogie Mark IIB vs IIC+ GEQ test. ESP Hanneman. V30.

TIGHTEN

TIGHTEN

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Mark IIB boost test! Fortin TS9, Boss OD1X by TIGHTEN

Mesa Boogie Mark IIB boost test! Fortin TS9, Boss OD1X

TIGHTEN

TIGHTEN

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp.

Features and functionality

  • The Mark IIB includes an effects loop, a notable upgrade from the Mark IIA, enhancing versatility for pedal integration.

    Source
  • The "Simul Class" switch was an option on Mark IIs, contrary to its more common association with Mark IIIs.

    Source
  • The Mark IIB can use a volume pedal in the effects loop to control gain instead of just volume, offering unique tonal manipulation.

    Source
  • The Mark IIB's serial number is crucial for accurate model identification, with numbers like 8385 indicating an early 1980s production year.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner describes the 60W version of the Mark IIB as "insanely loud," even when lacking EQ or reverb, making it a powerful option for those needing volume.

    Source
  • Owners find the Mark IIB's condition crucial for pricing, with mint units commanding higher prices, reflecting desirability among collectors and players.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Mark IIB offers slight tonal and gain differences from the Mark IIA, with the IIB more tailored for effects loop users seeking incremental sound improvements.

    Source
  • Early Mark IIIs reused Mark II faceplates but featured different etched text, differentiating them from true Mark II configurations.

    Source
  • The IIB lacks the dual cascading drive stage of the IIC+, impacting its lead channel sensitivity and making it less suited for replicating classic metal tones from albums like "Master of Puppets".

    Source

Build quality

  • The EVM speaker significantly contributes to the amp's weight, making it notably heavy, akin to "dead weight" for transport.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Performing a "loop test" can identify if a Mark IIC is upgraded to a C+, a crucial step for accurate model identification.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modifying a Mark IIC to a C+ or C++ was common, with the mid pot's pullability being a key indicator of C++ modifications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Mark IIB amps are typically valued between $2,000 and $2,500, with market fluctuations based on condition and location, like higher prices in the Bay Area.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Cory Hanson uses Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp

Cory Hanson

Singer, Guitarist

Wand

...
Verified via YouTube

Cory Hanson in the KEXP studio using a Mesa Boogie Mark IIB.

See how Steve Rodgers uses Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp

Steve Rodgers

Singer, Guitarist

bôa

...
Verified via YouTube

At 00:08 in the video "Bôa - Fool & Twilight 1997 Lampeter Gig," the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp can be seen in the background, confirming that Steve Rodgers uses this amp.

Additionally on the Boa Instagram account there is a post with the caption "Throwback to recording Get There in 2005" The Third slide features this amp which confirms that this amp is used on that record as well.

L

Loz Hardy

Guitarist

Kingmaker

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen in the background of this clip on 28 June 1992

See how Ewan Cunningham uses Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp

Ewan Cunningham

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

"We recorded the guitars using a Mesa Boogie Mark 2B Amp close mic'd with a Shure SM57."

See how Jacob Blizard uses Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp

Jacob Blizard

Guitarist

...
Verified via reddit

Here Jacob says he uses a 1979 Mesa Boogie Mark IIB.

R

Rico McFarland

Guitarist

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Rico McFarland uses the Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB Combo Amp.

Album Usage

The Mesa/Boogie Mark IIB 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 IIB Combo Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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