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Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,862
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Immerse yourself in the world of rich, dynamic sound with the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head. This tube amp head is an embodiment of versatility and durability, providing you with a plethora of features and a vast spectrum of tonal shaping capabilities, all housed in a sturdy, road-friendly chassis. Whether you're chasing sparkling clean tones, fat rhythmic breakups, or searing leads, this amplifier head delivers in spades. With Mesa/Boogie's renowned five-band graphic EQ, you've got the freedom to sculpt your sound to your heart's content. In addition, switchable power section modes, spring reverb, and an assignable FX loop make the Mark IV a must-have addition to any serious musician's gear collection.
Key Features:
- Versatile tube amp with a wide range of features
- Two distinct rhythm channels for clean tones and fat breakups
- A lead channel that delivers high-intensity sound
- Five-band graphic EQ for extensive tone shaping
- Switchable power section modes for flexibility
- Spring reverb for added depth of sound
- Assignable FX loop for integrating your favorite effects
Product specs
| Brand | Mesa Boogie |
| Model | Mark IV 3-Channel 85-Watt Guitar Amp Head |
| Finish | Various |
| Year | 1990 - 2008 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 4 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 3 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 1 Input |
| Output Power (Watts) | 85 |
| Power Tube Type | 6L6 / EL34 |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head?
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The Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head is renowned for its versatility, offering a wide range of tones from sparkling cleans to aggressive high-gain sounds. Its three channels allow for a diverse tonal palette, making it suitable for various genres from jazz to metal.
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Is the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its 85-watt output and robust build, the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head is well-suited for live performances. Its power and tonal flexibility ensure it can cut through a mix in both small venues and larger stages.
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How does the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head handle effects pedals?
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The Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head is designed to work well with effects pedals. Its effects loop allows seamless integration, ensuring that your pedals can enhance your sound without compromising the amp's natural tone.
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What type of power tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head use?
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The Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head uses 6L6 and EL34 power tubes, allowing players to choose between different tonal characteristics. This flexibility provides a range of sounds from warm and smooth to bright and aggressive.
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Does the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head have built-in reverb?
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Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head features built-in spring reverb, adding depth and ambiance to your sound. This classic reverb type is known for its warm, natural decay, enhancing both clean and overdriven tones.
Videos
Plague Scythe Studios
Gear Curiosities: Mesa Boogie Mark IV - Amps Don't Get Much Better!
Gear Curiosities: Mesa Boogie Mark IV - Amps Don't Get Much Better!
Plague Scythe Studios
Mesa/Boogie Mark IV - 5 Killer Tones
Leon Todd
Mesa Mark IV || TOP 5 TONES!!
NickJennison
Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ vs Mark III vs Mark IV vs Mark V 2020
Reamp Tones
Mesa/Boogie Mark IV A ('91) | Playthrough
TheDannVal
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile, covers a wide range of tones from clean to metal
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Lush clean channel, ideal for blues and jazz
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Legendary lead channel for tight riffage
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Works well with external boosts and EQs for customization
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Long-term learning and discovery of new tones
CONS
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Not for those seeking a Marshall type tone
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Complexity requires time to fully understand and master
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head.
Features and functionality
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The Mark IV's knobs function as pre-gain stages, acting like a distortion pedal, while the graphic EQ serves as the primary tone control.
Source -
The tweed switch, acting like a built-in variac, alters power transformer winding ratios, providing more saturation for lead work at lower volumes.
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The Mark IV can achieve classic Metallica and 80s thrash tones, praised for its punchy, less compressed sound compared to newer Mesa models.
Source
Use cases and applications
User experience
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Owners find the manual crucial for setup due to the amp's complexity, suggesting multiple readings for optimal use.
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Despite occasional long periods of disuse, returning to the Mark IV consistently yields satisfying tones, reinforcing its value as a classic amp.
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Owners report that Mesa amps, including the Mark IV, are highly sensitive to different guitars, requiring frequent adjustments when switching instruments.
Source
Comparisons
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The Rev A and B versions are considered similar in performance; condition is prioritized over version when purchasing.
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The Mark IV is noted for achieving precise Dream Theater and Metallica tones, making it a unique choice for fans of these specific sounds.
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The Mark IV's EQ circuits are noted as unusual, making it tricky to dial in compared to simpler models like the Filmore and Express, which have more traditional control layouts.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Retubing multiple tube amps, including the Mark IV, can be costly, with estimates around $500 for comprehensive maintenance on several units.
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Older Mesa Boogie amps like the Mark IV require attention as they age, with specific issues like resistor overheating needing preemptive replacement for reliability.
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It's noted that Mesa amps can be challenging to service due to a shortage of trained techs, with factory servicing being more efficient than local options.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Used for overdubs over the black album
According to Guitar Lobby, Kirk used Mark IV.
At 0:37 you can see the Mark IV in his rack, he also used it in the Systematic Chaos album
In this 1991 Brian Aris photograph, Bowie's Mark IV Widebody head (identifiable by the controls to the right of the EQ sliders) can be seen resting atop its matching cab to David's left.
"With Slash I’m using the Mesa Mark IV and with Alter Bridge I’m using the Diezel Herbert. I was using the Diezel in conjunction with the Mesa Mark IV in Alter Bridge and basically what was happening is the front of house guy was like, 'I’m not running a lot of the Mesa, because it’s so similar sonically to Mark’s sound.'" - Source.
In this Rig Rundown at Premier Guitar, Mark is shown to have a Mark IV Amp Head in his rack.
Seen on this picture taken at Fredrik Thordendal's studio.
Daniel used the Mesa/Boogie Mark IV on the recording of Freak Show and maybe used it on tour for the album. Clear shot of it at 27:00
In this photo, Dean Ween's collection of musical equipment is showcased. In the left of the picture, you can see a Mesa/Boogie Mark IV. This photo was seen in this article: https://stompboxbook.com/visiting-dean-ween-the-making-of-stompbox-book/
Adler's offstage rack is controlled by his tech during shows. In the rack, Willie has two Mesa/Boogie Mark IV heads (one for powering the Mesa/Boogie Stiletto 4x12 cabs on stage and one that goes to FOH). A third Mark IV head sitting on top of the rack is a backup…
Noodles has used these amps since about 1994 and to this day.
"About a year ago, Dexter and I were turned on to VHT amplifiers by our tech, Steve Masi. VHT's are made by a guy named Steve Friette, who used to play guitar in The Dickies. His amps are awesome and add so much to our sound, but we found that we missed a lot of what our Mesa/Boogie Mark IV's had to offer, so we run both amps in unison. The sounds we are getting now are huge and still well-defined," says Noodles.
"Loeffler remains a life-long Boogie man, having played the same rig for his entire professional career. The Chevelle sound ends with a Mesa/Boogie Mark IV plugged into two Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabs. A second Mark IV functions as a backup."
Album Usage
The Mesa/Boogie Mark IV Amp Head has been featured on the following albums:
Good Thing Going
Cameran Nelson (2015)
Happy To Beer
Cameran Nelson (2013)
Option Paralysis
The Dillinger Escape Plan (2010)
The Walking Wounded
Bayside (2008)
Suspended Animation
John Petrucci (2005)
Bayside
Bayside (2005)
Sirens And Condolences
Bayside (2004)
Swans Are Dead: Live '95-'97
Swans (2003)
Freak Show
Silverchair (1997)
Load (Remastered)
Metallica (1996)
Black Hand Inn
Running Wild (1994)
Angel Dust
Faith No More (1992)
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 IV Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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