Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,766

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

The Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head is an all-inclusive musical journey waiting to happen. This guitar amp head is a sonic time machine that encompasses Mesa/Boogie's rich history while incorporating new capabilities for the modern musician. The Mark V brings you the distinctive high-gain cascading preamp of the Mark I as well as the fat and wide tone of the Mark IV. It offers you an extensive range of tones from classic tweed to British crunch, all the way to the highly sought-after Boogie overdrive. The Mark V proves its versatility with its 5-band EQ, Multi-Watt and Simul-Class power, and three channels of dynamic sound. This guitar amp head is designed to deliver all the clarity, crispness, and punch that your performance demands.

Key Features:

  • Three channels providing a wide range of sonic possibilities
  • Three distinct voicings on each channel for added tonal versatility
  • A 5-band graphic EQ for extensive sound-shaping options
  • Multi-Watt and Simul-Class power allowing control over the amp's character
  • True hard-bypass switch removes FX loops, output level, and solo level controls from the signal path
  • Ability to replicate classic V curve for a staple of heavy metal guitar tone
  • Includes renowned Mesa/Boogie high-gain sound associated with legendary musicians like John Petrucci, James Hetfield, and Kirk Hammett.

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Mark V 3-Channel 90-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Various
Year 2009 - 2025
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) 90
Power Tube Type 6L6 / EL34
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head?

The Mesa/Boogie Mark V offers a wide range of tones, from pristine cleans to aggressive high-gain sounds. Its three channels provide versatility for various genres, making it suitable for everything from blues to metal.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 90 watts of power and robust build, the Mesa/Boogie Mark V is ideal for live performances. It delivers enough volume and presence to cut through in band settings, even with a drummer.

What power tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Mark V use?

The Mesa/Boogie Mark V can be equipped with either 6L6 or EL34 power tubes, allowing for tonal flexibility and customization according to your preference.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head have built-in effects?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Mark V includes built-in spring reverb, which adds depth and ambiance to your sound without the need for external effects.

How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head have?

The Mesa/Boogie Mark V features three channels, each with its own distinct voice and controls, providing a wide range of tonal options from clean to high-gain.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Mark V handle different impedance levels?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Mark V supports both 4 ohm and 8 ohm impedance levels, making it compatible with a variety of speaker cabinets.

Does the Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head take pedals well?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Mark V is known for its excellent compatibility with pedals, allowing you to further expand its tonal capabilities with your favorite effects.

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie Mark Five Official Demo

Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie Mark Five Official Demo by MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie Mark Five Official Demo

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Video thumbnail for Mesa/Boogie Mark V Amp by Guitar World

Mesa/Boogie Mark V Amp

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie MARK V | The Tone Monster by Euge Valovirta

MESA/Boogie MARK V | The Tone Monster

Euge Valovirta

Euge Valovirta

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Mark V | The ULTIMATE Playthrough (with 6L6 and EL34 tubes) by ChoptonesOfficial

Mesa Boogie Mark V | The ULTIMATE Playthrough (with 6L6 and EL34 tubes)

ChoptonesOfficial

ChoptonesOfficial

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Mark V Head by N Stuff Music

Mesa Boogie Mark V Head

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Mesa MK V 90 Clean, Crunch & Lead Channels by TONE WARS

Mesa MK V 90 Clean, Crunch & Lead Channels

TONE WARS

TONE WARS

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional versatility with 3 channels each offering distinct sounds

  • High-quality clean, crunch, and metal tones rivaling Fender, Marshall, and Mesa standards

  • Built-in reverb and 5-band EQ enhance tone shaping capabilities

  • Durable build quality promises longevity

  • Operates well at both high and low volumes

  • Multiple tubes and wattage options for varied tonal dynamics

  • Footswitchable features for easy live adjustments

  • FX Loop with volume control for nuanced effect integration

  • Compatible with both EL34 and 6L6 tubes, furthering tonal versatility

  • Independent channel volumes and presence, gain controls for precise sound crafting

CONS

  • Complexity and multitude of options can lead to time-consuming setup and adjustments

  • High price point may be prohibitive for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head.

Features and functionality

  • The Mark V's fixed bias setup can be adjusted by a competent tech, allowing use of different tube types, but this complexity is not recommended for casual users.

    Source
  • The "Preset" contour mixes slider EQ with a mid-scooped response, offering additional tonal shaping options not immediately apparent without experimentation.

    Source
  • The Mark V 90-Watt has three channels, each with three modes and wattage settings, plus a variac switch for versatile sound options.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The 750 slider on the EQ is particularly powerful for shaping tones, especially when seeking to balance bass and treble in the mix.

    Source
  • Power tubes in the Mark V can last many years; unnecessary to replace them unless there's an issue. Matched sets typically cost $150 and may require re-biasing.

    Source
  • It's noted that not all technicians can repair the Mark V due to its complexity; may require shipping to Mesa Boogie for service.

    Source
  • Owners mention the difficulty in dialing in tones due to numerous front and back panel variables; a steep learning curve but rewarding once mastered.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend trying Klon-style boosts, Tubescreamers, or ODR-3/BD-2 style pedals for additional tonal shaping and gain management.

    Source
  • Non-Mesa branded tubes can be used, but matching is critical due to the amp's non-adjustable fixed bias design; alternative tubes may void warranty.

    Source

User experience

  • It's often recommended to position yourself directly in front of the cab for accurate sound assessment, as guitar speakers are highly directional.

    Source
  • Some owners suggest that bypassing the effects loop circuitry improves the amp's sound quality by removing unwanted coloration.

    Source
  • The Mark V 90-Watt's weight is significant, making shipping and transportation challenging; it's approximately 60 pounds.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Edge setting on Channel 2 is likened to a Plexi sound, offering a bright and harmonically rich distortion when treble is maximized.

    Source
  • Users seeking classic rock tones find success using Channel 2's Crunch mode, often compared to a JCM800, with settings adjusted for personal taste.

    Source
  • This amp is known for its ability to convincingly cover a wide range of styles, from warm clean tones to modern metal.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A used Mark V 90-Watt head with 2x12 cab and woven bamboo grill can be valued around $2400, highlighting its premium status and market demand.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Mark V's cleans are favorably compared to Fender tones, with users reporting it achieves Princeton-like warmth and edge-of-breakup Tweed sounds.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mesa/Boogie Mark V Amp Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head is a versatile powerhouse, praised for its flexibility and range of tones, from pristine cleans to aggressive high-gain sounds. The amp's feature-rich design, including independent EQs and power settings for each channel, offers unprecedented control and adaptability, making it ideal for studio and stage use. However, its complexity can be daunting, requiring a learning curve to harness its full potential. This amp is not for those seeking simplicity, but for those who want a comprehensive tool that encapsulates the essence of Mesa/Boogie's legacy with modern enhancements.

positive

Mesa Boogie Mark Five V Tube Amplifier Amp Review

tonymckenzie.com

The Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head is praised for its versatility, offering nine sound modes across three channels, including classic Fender and Boogie tones. Its pristine clean channel and unique "Simul Class" feature, mixing tube types, are highlights. However, the lack of modern MIDI control is a significant drawback, particularly when compared to competitors incorporating this technology. While it emulates previous Mark series amps, it falls short of being a direct replacement for the Mark IV. Although a solid choice for tone purists like John Petrucci, it may not stand out enough in today's crowded tube amp market.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 30 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
james_cho

Loud, beautiful, and versatile sounding amp

A clean channel that can sound like a Fender, a rhythm channel that can sound like a Marshall JCM800, and a lead channel that sounds like a Mesa Triple Rectifier with built in reverb. Yes. Bought this before the JP version came out but I'm not mad at all. I can't quite get the IIC+ sound out of mine but sort of close. FX Loop, footswitch, 3 channels, a lead boost button, 5 band eq and other features.

guitarguru186

King of Amps

Versatile, durable & intuitive. Playing in a lot of different projects & genres, I needed an amp that would be malleable enough to fit into each environment. With 3 channels (each with 3 modes), 3-band EQ, presence, gain & independent channel volume controls, getting from sound to sound is a breeze (using a footswitch). On top of that, you have the added versatility of having a 5-band slider EQ that comes in at the power amp stage, allowing you to boost/cut certain frequencies on the fly (from your footswitch!). The FX Loop has its own volume control, which is a great but rarely-seen feature. Runs either EL34s & 6L6s, with switches for pentode/triode/tube settings for even more versatility. There's also a Solo volume control, for boosting any given line to whatever degree you may need. Reverb on each individual channel for even more control. To top it off, you can run the amp with Full or Variac power.

This merely scratches the surface of this powerful head, & after 5 years of use I'm still discovering new & amazing things about the tones offered to me through it. The best money I've ever spent on an amp. I will never NEED another amp so long as this one's around.

josephdestroyer5

My go to.

This amp is great, I don't think I need to say more.

pushkepek

My 4th Head Amp

Versatile all rounded gig head amp. Got it from Bentley Music in collaboration with Mesa Engineering. Special discount... ;)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen at 7:26 min in the video.

See how John Petrucci uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

"Through the interface we then hit the input of the Mark V on top and that's the main tone. We use channel one and channel three primarily. This amp just does so many things and it's just great sounding. I can't come up with more good things to say about it. It's just an awesome amp. This particular one is the one we recorded the album with and it ended up in the rig," says John Petrucci's guitar tech.

See how Ed O'Brien uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout the video you can see Ed using the Mesa Boogie Mark V Head.

See how Alex Lifeson uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:20 in this video on Alex Lifeson's gear, one can clearly see a Mark V below a Silver Jubilee Clone. At 1:02 the technician explains that the Lerxst Silver Jubilee Clones are Alex's dirty sound, while the Mark V is Alex's clean sound.

See how Ola Englund uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Myles Kennedy uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Myles Kennedy

Singer, Guitarist

Alter Bridge

...
Verified via Photo

Myles Kennedy is standing next to it in this photo.

See how Mark Morton uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Mark Morton

Guitarist

Lamb of God

...
Verified via Facebook

"It's two Mesa/Boogie Mark V amp heads… one goes to my stage cabinets, one goes to the front of house…"

See how Fredrik Thordendal uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Fredrik Thordendal

Guitarist

Meshuggah

...
Verified via Facebook

Seen on this picture taken at Fredrik Thordendal's studio.

See how Brian Bell uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Brian Bell

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified via Photo

From Mesa/Boogie’s Facebook showing Brian’s amp he used on Jimmy Kimmel.

See how Rob Barrett uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Rob Barrett

Singer, Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via YouTube

"I just recently got a Mesa Boogie Mark V amp, which we'll start using live," says Rob Barrett, at 1:05 in this video.

See how Tim Armstrong uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Tim Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Rancid

...
Verified via YouTube

11 seconds into this video, you can see two of Tim's Mesa Mark 5 heads. He has been using these amps since Trouble Maker, parting from the Triple Rectifiers.

See how Pete Loeffler uses Mesa/Boogie Mark V 90-Watt Tube Head

Pete Loeffler

Singer, Guitarist

Chevelle

...
Verified via Pete Loeffler | MESA/Boogie®

According to Mesa Boogie, Loeffler is a user of Mesa/Boogie Mark V heads.

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 V 90-Watt Tube Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
joey_zendejas

joey_zendejas

Gear IQ 156

stevefairbend

stevefairbend

Gear IQ 134

joey_zendejas

joey_zendejas

Gear IQ 156

More Mesa/Boogie Guitar Amplifier Heads

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides