This page about Mesa/Boogie Mark III Combo is a stub. You can help improve it:

Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Step into the world of legendary tone with the Mesa/Boogie MK III Combo, a powerhouse in the realm of combo guitar amplifiers. Born from the revered lineage of the Mark Series, this amp is a versatile tool for guitarists seeking both vintage and modern sounds. The MK III Combo seamlessly blends the rich, warm tones of classic tube amplifiers with the precision and clarity demanded by today's musicians.

Crafted with the gigging musician in mind, the MK III Combo offers multiple channels, each with its own distinct voice. From clean, sparkling highs to crunch-laden mids, and all the way to saturated lead tones, this amp covers a vast sonic spectrum. Its compact design makes it an excellent choice for performers who require a robust, portable solution without compromising on sound quality.

Key Features:

  • Multi-channel design for versatile tone shaping
  • All-tube circuitry for authentic sound reproduction
  • Graphic EQ for precise tonal adjustments
  • Built-in reverb for added depth and ambiance
  • Simul-Class™ power section for enhanced dynamic range
  • Footswitchable channels for seamless transitions during performances
  • Handcrafted in Petaluma, California, ensuring meticulous attention to detail

Product specs

Amp Type tube
Kris Barocsi

Kris Barocsi

TONE SECRETS AND HISTORY | Mesa Boogie MARK Series | Mark III blue stripe

Video thumbnail for TONE SECRETS AND HISTORY | Mesa Boogie MARK Series | Mark III blue stripe by Kris Barocsi

TONE SECRETS AND HISTORY | Mesa Boogie MARK Series | Mark III blue stripe

Kris Barocsi

Kris Barocsi

Video thumbnail for The AMP to end all AMPS! Mesa Boogie MkIII by Johan Segeborn

The AMP to end all AMPS! Mesa Boogie MkIII

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Mesa/Boogie Mark III Simul-Class (Red Stripe) by Sinisa Radin

Mesa/Boogie Mark III Simul-Class (Red Stripe)

Sinisa Radin

Sinisa Radin

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ vs Mark III vs Mark IV vs Mark V 2020 by Reamp Tones

Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ vs Mark III vs Mark IV vs Mark V 2020

Reamp Tones

Reamp Tones

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Mark 3 - the #2 Best Selling Boutique Amp - but WHY? by John Nathan Cordy

Mesa Boogie Mark 3 - the #2 Best Selling Boutique Amp - but WHY?

John Nathan Cordy

John Nathan Cordy

Video thumbnail for The Terrifying Versatility of the Mesa Boogie Mark Series by Johan Segeborn

The Terrifying Versatility of the Mesa Boogie Mark Series

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for LONG REVIEW: Mesa Boogie Mark III by rollysguitars

LONG REVIEW: Mesa Boogie Mark III

rollysguitars

rollysguitars

Video thumbnail for Gear Talk - Mesa Boogie Mark III (1985) by Lothar's Guitar School

Gear Talk - Mesa Boogie Mark III (1985)

Lothar's Guitar School

Lothar's Guitar School

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie MkIII - quick demo with Jesse and Leon by ZEN Amplification

Mesa Boogie MkIII - quick demo with Jesse and Leon

ZEN Amplification

ZEN Amplification

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Mark III Green Stripe Combo by mentoneman

Mesa Boogie Mark III Green Stripe Combo

mentoneman

mentoneman

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Value and pricing

  • A MK III with EQ in good condition ranges from 900 to 1150 euros, while without EQ, prices vary between 500 and 800 euros.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Custom wood and wicker grill models primarily offer aesthetic value without affecting sound, suggesting a focus on appearance over functionality.

    Source
  • The Mark III's distortion comes from the preamp, not the power amp, allowing for great tone at low volumes, making it suitable for apartment settings.

    Source
  • Despite its age, the Mark III is praised for its clean channel and compatibility with pedals, delivering excellent high-gain tones.

    Source
  • The Red Stripe's R2 mod enhances tonal options, making it slightly hotter compared to the Purple Stripe.

    Source

User experience

  • MK III and IV models have become scarce on the second-hand market in Europe, driving up prices significantly.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Mark III consistently delivers reliable performance even after decades, though tech checks for re-capping are advised due to age.

    Source
  • Owners indicate that playing different stripes side by side reveals subtle differences, but individually, the distinctions are less apparent.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Simul-Class Mark III models are switchable from 75 to 15 watts (85 to 25 watts for green stripe, due to pentode wiring).

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Mark III is described as having a less compressed and more dynamic feel than the Mark V:35, which is noted for being versatile but slightly stiffer.

    Source
  • The Red Stripe is closest to the Mark IIc+’s preamp circuit, while the Blue is considered the most aggressive in tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Mark V:35's separate EQs per channel make it easier to manage when switching guitars during performances, reducing the need for on-the-fly adjustments.

    Source
  • Despite varying internet opinions, many users suggest trusting personal experience over online commentary for tonal assessments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Converting the combo into a detached amp head is a planned modification by some owners for enhanced versatility.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Mesa/Boogie Mark III Combo

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Smithsonguitar

"Live on the Whistle Test, May 20 1986. Fender Bandmaster, Roland JC-120 and Mesa Boogie Mk III."

See how Bernard Butler uses Mesa/Boogie Mark III Combo

Bernard Butler

Guitarist, Composer

Suede

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

There was lots of 355, Tele and Les Paul, mainly. I was using AC30s, but also my Boogie MkIII and the Les Paul for the solo on How About You?, a Selmer Zodiac (The Debitor) and an ancient Ampeg combo, which weighed a ton and belonged to RAK (Tonight). Yes uses the 355, with AC30s and a Leslie cabinet for the chorus-y parts, and also some Les Paul on the choruses and outro. I was also using a valve Watkins Copicat for almost everything at the time as a preamp, as well as for echo. The intro to Tonight is my 355 mic’d up with a KM84 taped onto the f-hole.

See how Alejandro Marcovich uses Mesa/Boogie Mark III Combo

Alejandro Marcovich

Singer, Guitarist

Caifanes

...
Verified via reverb.com

he used this amp in the 90s for songs like "No dejes que"

See how Bruce Soord uses Mesa/Boogie Mark III Combo

Bruce Soord

Guitarist

The Pineapple Thief

...
Verified via MusicRadar

“I had a Mesa Boogie MkIII that I sold when I was skint. I miss having an amp, and that little thing was a monster. I’m a Kemper boy now, but I do miss feeling the power of a valve amp behind me.”

M

Martin Moscrop

Guitarist, Music Producer

A Certain Ratio

...
Verified via Muzines

From the January 1993 issue of Sound on Sound:

GUITAR Mesa Boogie MkIII Combo (x2) Drawmer DF320 Dual Noise Filter Roland GP8 Guitar FX processor Korg DT-1 Digital Tuner Roland SDE1000 Digital Delay Line Dbx 263X

Album Usage

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

Boss CE-2 Chorus
Boss CE-2 Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
Boss TW-1 T Wah
1
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal
Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Roland GP-8
Roland GP-8 Effects Processors
1
Yamaha SPX90
Yamaha SPX90 Effects Processors
1
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1

More Mesa/Boogie Combo Guitar Amplifiers

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides