Been using the JP-2C now for almost a year now. I know some of the IIC+ and IIC++'s may have a leg up a bit in the sound structure - but for me it's been the perfect amp - especially pairing it with a Line 6 Helix via MIDI and 4CM. Just a flawless performance amp, and the clean channel is how I like it - pristine. I actually sold my Mark V - which is a great amp and more flexible, but an OCD nightmare - the JP-2C is a more streamlined amp, and the two separate EQ's makes it invaluable to me. I really like the sound of all your amps - the IIC++ was especially impressive - but as a gigging musician that moves and sets up my own equipment, I will probably never part with the JP-2C. After 25 years of looking for that next best sound, I'm dug in and satisfied finally. That's not easy.
I have good and bad days tonally with my JP. With active pickups I find it almost impossible to un-compress enough for a good classic rock tone (compared to say a IIB which is epic there), where with the IIC++ I can easily get there on the "clean" channel. But, as you say, the JP is epic as a gigging amp. I still need to play a Mark V though- I wonder if for a guy playing more variety it might be a better gigging amp than a JP..?
Hey would you mind making a video with the Helix and JP2c? I do have the Helix and a Mark V 25 and I'm really happy but I'm thinking about selling another amp and the 25 and going to grab the JP2C. How is Midi working? is it easy and fast to setup? My Diezel VH4Stereo is super easy with the Helix. too bad there is not a Stereo Version of the JP2C with 50Watt each side.
hi bud, great comment ! im about to take a JP2C and i was wondering if you can have a very high volume ( pristine clean, no break up, ) with a band ? like band volume ? thank you :))
fast13b I had a V for a while and it was really flexible and had lots of options but I never could get as tight and nasty of a tone as I can get from my studio preamp. The pre is a monster no matter what you run it into. It’s images and words in a box.
Scott is the fucking man when it comes to headshells he redid mine for my IIC+/++ and he’s local to me so it made it so much easier! He a great dude and awesome to deal with!
Also the move is getting a IIC+ that has the selectable ++ mod done so you can turn it off and on at will. That’s what mine is and that amp fucking goes HARD
Evrey once and a while when I am feeling down and want to be seriously jealous of someone's rig I watch this video. Holy poop balls! Seriously one of the most awesome set ups I have ever seen! Bro...can I just be the guy who sleeps on your couch and keeps your amps warm and dust free? Maybe helps you break your speakers in? I don't eat that much and I clean up after myself. I swear!
Thanks for posting this......very cool:) My fave is the C++ followed by the JP2C with the C+ in last. These are SO close in sound though. They all are awesome and I'd be thrilled to own any of them.
thanks for this video. it gives good sound indications to get the IIC++ mod based on my IIC+. just put a 6db boost gain just before the amp (before the preamp exactly) and you've got a IIC++, the same tone differences: more compressed, more gain, a little bit more low medium, but a little bit less definition . My prefered is the IIC+. Thanks again, good job man!!
THat's one thing I always notice when I hear an original 2C+ or 3. THe sustain. It's one thing that is never quite matched with newer amps that are trying to simulate the tone of those old marks. The old mesa mark amps just SING for you. THey're wide open. It's so beautiful. Also, I think these amps would sound SO much better through a 4x12. No worries. It still sounded great. But a 4x12 would have so much more umph. If you haven't tried it yet, you should. THanks for a great demo!
fast13b I totally get what you are saying about them being more “3D” too! I’m not sure if the JP2C had the gain up more and when you hit a chord it was a little harder to hear each note ring out or if the C++ and C+ are just clearer amps. Even on a compressed format like TH-cam the difference is pretty noticeable I thought. Either which way beautiful set up sir and thank you for sharing with us! This is bullshit, now I have to have a C+...thanks for that! Dude my other guitar player was telling me about his 6505+ being so articulate and clear. I told him: yeah you think that’s good? Wait till I scrap my DC-5 and Rectifier and get a C+. It will be like upgrading from an old tube tv to 4K. No shit! He doesn’t believe me...
Tonally they are both awesome. The big decider is that the V has a fast attack where the JP has a lazier attack. Also on the 25, Mark IV mode is closer to the C++.
Whatever the top amp is, prefer it...but I think overall for a modern production amp, can't beat the JP2C...the fact that it sounds so good and off the shelf available now is impressive.
I'd say I don't care. I'm constantly futzing with the Mark EQ and often use the "M" shape- especially in the mix. It's all about what sounds best for the conditions, Marks always need a little tweaking day to day for this.
Good video! IIC+s have always been my holy grail too. I think the next step for you might be getting a parametric EQ. I think it's one of Metallica's secret weapons. I tried to copy the Flemming Rasmussen studio notes (basically boost at 120 Hz and 4600 Hz and cut at 1200 Hz) and I'm blown away by the difference. Not that Boogies sound bad without it, but I'm so happy I found that little piece of the puzzle.
Thanks, cool to know. I'm not sure if I want to deal with rack mount stuff again though. My grail moment was pairing the IIC++ with an older 1960B cab, that is the tone in my head!
How does higher plate voltage affect the sound/tubes? I was curious about buying a Mesa and also doing mods but isk how hard or easy it is to get someone’s to do it . I was curious about the fillmores but wondered if they’d be better off with larger transformers , they sound a bit small and thin to me, but I like their breakup and distortion maxed . Nice crunch . I’m not a super high gain player
C++, JP2C, C+... In that order. We should talk sometime- I know this vid is older, but I have some questions and additional thoughts. Rock on, Brother!🤘🏻
Very nice audio capture! What device are you using? I'm in a very limited space, definitely cannot plug in where I'm at, lol. Having a switch into my phone would be a game changer!
Sounds really good didn't expect that from the JP looking at your settings, I'm guessing that the emg's are a dark pickup, with my JP2C and my Majesty guitar if I had the presence pull and cranked and my treble set as high as yours my amp would hiss and feedback from all the highs.
I can make it hiss if I go all the way up on the treble and run a boost, but really this is the quietest tube amp I've ever used. Honestly all these with new tubes are really quiet. Generally speaking I like to set my presence with the GEQ off (so it's usually high) then tame it with the GEQ on. I find it's more open this way than a low presence & a high 6600. I've got another video about that, actually.
I have a non-eq reverb IIC "i". It is not a + but was in the transitional period and had the IIC+ faceplate. It was sent back for a mod early on, I was told but again not made into a "+". It is in fantastic shape and has an adonized gold finish on the chassis that I hardly see. Because it is a non-eq version it is punchy and a very fast response. It is articulate, clean and sounds very real as there is less transistor in the whole loop. This amp will sustain forever and sounds like a great am does right before feedback. I thought about sending it in for a "+" upgrade but think it is fantastic "as is". I recognize Marshall is Marshall and Fender is Fender. As far as Boogies there is much left unsaid that was highlighted in the Mark V literature regarding the Non-eq model IICs. If I can get some extra time I will make a video. In addition, the EV the JBL E120 sounds amazing in my amp. It lays out a even bigger sound with more highs.
Thanks for the great advice. I was also surprised when I put a JBL E120 in it. Not that it sounds better than the EV but it sounds very different. It doesn't sound harsh at all. It is very pleasant and big sounding. It sounds great with the cleans and surprisingly great with all the gain up. I really like all these Mark amps and am happy to see your videos. Cheers!
How much difference in tone and feel do you get between the HRG and the JP2C, they should be almost the same (if you pull bright and set the volume 1 like it's hardwired on the JP ofc), what do you think between the 2?
In terms of recorded tone you can get the JP very close. In terms of feel for the player, there's no comparison. The JP s 2D where Mark II and III are 3D.
@@TIGHTENmetal I felt that with my Mark III, it's very bouncy and the feel is kind of magic, but I thought it's because it's simulclass so not really comparable to the JP2C, next time I'll put the JP2C preamp into my III green to see if it comes from that power section/transformer, that'd be perfect! By the way, would you consider the Mark IV's distortion 3D?
@@axepharaoh The Mark IV is a strange middle-land. The IVa is a little more organic, and the IVb is a little more compressed. To me they are right in the middle of the MkII/III and the MkV/JP feel-wise. Makes sense, really. I really like the IVb a lot for how aggressive it is and at the end of the day I just prefer the IIs overall because the feel is unmatched.
You're right. :) The JP (HRG) tonally is more like the C+ HRG, in that they don't have that class A growl (which I LOVE). That said, in the room you have to get the master volume on the JP up above 2:00 (LOUD) for the power section to wake up. With the older Marks that have multiple volume controls you can get that huge open tonal bliss at normal volumes. The JP is killer for gigging, but for home / studio the originals are worth every penny.
Got a question. So you run a cable from your mic to IRig and then you send a phone jack to your phone from the İrig. Does this allow the user to properly record an electric guitar on the smartphone with better quality than the shitty phone mic ? Thanks.
Sorry but not exactly, because I had Mike B. turn the HRG into a ++ so now I have a pair of them. Best G-D amp EVER! ...aaand I have the JP up for sale. I do have a passive Pup guitar now, though.
Great video. They all sound great. Would have been great to hear the Mark IV in there. I've played the JP2C and previously owned a Mark IIC+ and Mark III for several years. The Mark IV is by far my favorite of all the Mesa Marks I have played. Just a awesome grinding tone the Mark IV gets the others can't deliver IMO. Of course it really is all personal preference. Again, great video, thanks for posting!
Kind of the way I felt about my Mark III that I sold. Great amp but just not as great as the IIC+ or Mark IV. Still prefer the Mark IV personally over any I have owned and played.
1- K Coliseum 2- S sixty watt 3 / 4 tie- D Simul or H Hundred based on if you prefer triode or pentode. I like pentode better for rhythm & triode better for leads. Regarding R reverb I'd take it without it if I had the choice. Hard to be picky when shopping though. Regarding G graphic the stock G is more organic than a pedal in the loop, however a PEQ in the loop has a lot more range & functionality for tonal shaping. If you're just playing in the bedroom the G is probably better. If you're recording or in a band I'd much prefer the parametric. Also, in my experience the no-G models have a faster attack & better harmonics & sustain.
2 questions for you my talented friend: 1-where does the Mark.v fit with those ? I have the mark v 90w and not sure if i should or want to upgrade to JP-2C.. 2- I have the r 2x12 vertical just like the one u have and I am not sure it when you crank the base up you feel the speaker go buzzing or (in other words none clear sound) ? Or is it just mine (only when base is all way up and volume is high)
The Mark V has a lot more versatility but less tone & less gain. It can get a lot tighter than the JP, though. I'd recommend making the call just based on which features you prefer. Neither of them feel like a Mark II. The Vert doesn't have good bottom end compared to a 412. But, if it's buzzing you may have a bad speaker.
fast13b agreed! And not buzzing but I gotta wait for this Quarantine to be over so I can go and test out the ones in store and see if any different .. keep doing those nice vids man
Daniel Henry because it was so sterile I wasn’t inspired by it, and because I didn’t care for the lazy attack. In hindsight the one reason I can think of to keep it would be if I was gigging with MIDI.
i've heard a lot of mixed reviews about the jp2c in comparison to the original, in the recording i noticed just the jp has a slightly darker sound (laptop speaker though). what is really the difference between a ++ and a jp being in front of them?
I wouldn't say the JP is darker. To me, the main difference is the originals are very open & touch sensitive where the JP sounds more modern & compressed. Same basic tone, but you feel a difference when you play them. The JP is a no brainer for gigging. Most other situations I'd rather feel the IIC++.
yes, compression affects upper frequencies, making me tell it was darkness. hard to decide, if there was a way to "open up" the jp without changing the character, i'd go for it for sure (3 ch, 2 eq vs common eq for the other 2) plus, a 2c++ goes up and beyond 4000, while yet we start to see the first slightly used jps for 2000. mojo doesn't worth 2k, one channel and one eq less.
With other Boogies you generally can open up the feel by rolling back the gain, which is not an issue with increased volume. With my JP and a guitar with active pickups, there's so much gain I really can't roll it back enough to open up in the same way (before there's just not enough gain). This is better with passives- check out my other video with the JP & the ESP Horizon. Honestly if you want that vintage sound without big bucks get a IIB for classic rock or a III for punk / metal. If you gig get a IV, V or a JP. If you want ALLOFIT I think I'd get a IV.
have you ever heard heathen -victims of deception? that's more or less the sound i'm after, just a bit less compressed and more..clear i'd say, a slightly prominient low end wouldn't hurt, more modern key in a sense, i hate compression and fizzyness though..i exclusively use passives, currently my favourite is the alnico warpig, so no ceramics. more definition than output fan.
I love the C+ sound! I personally love the less gain because I’m not a big fan of the massive amount of gain in the JP or the C++, I’m sure you can role that back but I’m just gonna stick with my IIC+
Yes you can roll it back, check out my other vid of the ++ playthrough. If you're not a metal guy I agree with leaving it a +. If you're a metal guy, the ++ is the heaviest gain structure I've ever heard!
fast13b I love playing metal, Hardcore Thrasher over here but I like keeping my gain just a tad bit lower because over the years I realized that the more gain I have the more muddy the rhythm gets. I roll it back just slightly so I can keep a tight rhythm tone. I’m sure the gain saturation is amazing sounding for the lead tones though but unfortunately in the band I’m in, I rarely play solos.
fast13b Recently though I did play through a C++ and JP and I gotta say that I love the tones on those things. Honestly out of all 3 you can’t go wrong
Where would you recommend looking to buy a 2C+? Are you looking to sell either of yours any time soon? I've been dying to get one for ages and yours sound incredible.
Come on "class A" let that simul-class breath and really shine. Your cab will be fine.. It will win hands down..;) A DRG ++ into a 4x12 recto cab.. Heavinly!!
You can't beat the mark series..i owned a mark2c head in 1991 to 2000..sold it..biggest mistake ever..but now i 2 mark III blue stripe heads an 02 triple rec and a dc5... Do you own any mark III heads?
Great video I love all three amps. I have Mesa triple crown and I feel that the gain structure is similar to the 2c+ Is it possible for you to make a comparison video?
fast13b I think it would be interesting unfortunately the only 2c+ I got to play is on my old kemper power amp but it was definitely my favorite amp to play on and TC-50 does remind me of tone I truly love. I have a feeling you going to love it also
On just a quick back and fort, the DRGbsiundsbbestz the The JP2C.. Then the HRG in last place. Like you said though.. A boss can change things. The DRG is the most acmgressive and bright. I wonder how the others would sound with a SD-1 or bd-2 in front.. TS, Klon Klone, or other.
I can tell you that a C+ with a boost in front of it does not sound as good as a C++. Really, you have to be careful with boosts in front of Mark lead channels. Sometimes it's too much.
I can tell you that a C+ with a boost in front of it does not sound as good as a C++. Really, you have to be careful with boosts in front of Mark lead channels. Sometimes it's too much.
Hi Awesome amps and review. I also recently acquired a mark IIC+ and looking to convert it into head. Could i have the contact that built the shell for yours? Thanks a lot in advance.
c++ and jp 2c sound a bit thicker, I think the c+ sounds a bit more transparent. could be that the c+ with the gain up a bit more also sounds almost as fat as the others... Anyways, all are great!
I actually tried the C+ with the gain up at 8 first, but it got too fizzy. The sweet spot is right around half way. If you want to run the C+ more aggressive the thing to do is keep the gain down & run a boost.
I own all of these plus 2 Marshall's and boss 100 watt katana slash les Paul, eric Johnson strat, Gibson jr , valley, arts steve luckather. Tom Anderson .
All 3 amps have the gain at 5 in this vid. For the +, 4-5 with a boost is brutal. (of course it's not boosted in this vid). For the ++, 4-5 without a boost is what you hear here & also insanely heavy! With the + and the ++ if you go much more than 6 on the gain it'll start to get fizzy. All the knobs have a sweet spot. With the JP when you turn up the gain it compresses more without getting fizzy.
Awesome comparison. Think that “3D” tone observation is exactly the thing that separates the old Boogies from the new ones. Have you still got the Mark III? How close was that to the 2C+?
Thanks! I actually sold the Mark III to help fund all this. I sold a lot of things... and it was worth it. The III was very organic & visceral, and in the $1000 amp range the III (and the IV) are KILLER. IMO in the room next to a C+ however the C+ blows it away in the feel, and especially the ability to play high gain and have all the notes still stand on their own. Any Petrucci riff really highlights this. Maybe some day I'll learn to hold my pick like that guy...
it's the JP2C FOR ME , using it with fractal fx8 the midi control can't be beat , using the fx8 as controller blows away the factory footswitch , I just had to become a midi guitar guy ...yikes , not that hard after all these years
One thing I've found is that the rectifier is an amazing amp too they just need a low pass filter. It's amazing how much tone they have after cutting preferred frequencies. And their attack reminds me of the iic+ Please say you can make a Kemper profile of the ++
Nope, sorry, all new Mesa tubes. I think what you're thinking is that the sound in your head it really a ++ but you've always been told +. The + doesn't have as much gain as you think it does (aka Metallica levels), without adding some kind of boost to the input. When I first got my DRG (when it was just a +) it was the same story.
The JP has similar gain levels to the IIC++, where the Mark V has similar gain levels to a IIC+. On a recording you can get the JP to sound very close to the original, but in the room under your fingers there's a pretty big difference.
@@fewtubefx3789 I have playthroughs of all three amps that you can go watch, and they all include cleans. My favorite for metal rhythms is the DRG IIC++. My favorite for liquid leads is the C+ SR.
Wow!! Awesome stuff. Probably a long shot...but do you think the 2C on the MkV 35, comes close? And do you still have your 35?? These here are great sounding.
All of the amps in this video have been sold, though I do still have the Five 35. I do feel that my Five 35 is the best Mark since the IIC+. Does it sound the same? Well, like the JP, you can make them sound very very close when recording. They do not however sound the same in the room- or more importantly, feel the same. The Mark II and III is very raw & organic where the V and JP is more modern & compressed. Between the latter the V has a very fast attack where the JP has a more lazy attack. I can highly recommend the 35- check out my other vids showing some tones.
🙄 You clearly are unaware of the magic that results from playing an EMG 81 through a Mark IC++. I can personally attest that, like a Fender single coil through a Twin or a PAF through an old Marshall, an 81 through a Mark series amp is a match made in heaven.
Actually, Michael, I did. Before every clip. Jumbo frets plus strong hands plus mid weight strings. I really just need to go to heavier strings so I don't bend them out of tune with my grip & strum.
That guitar is still on the factory setup which is good, but not perfect, in terms of intonation etc.. I know it's an issue that I can effortlessly bend 9s out of tune with grip strength when I play aggressively, I really just need heavier strings.
10 - 46 for standard tuning is lovely for DT sounds ...on a 94 ESP Custom shop as well. Cool guitar btw....I LOVE ESP...pretty rare these days in a sea of LTDs
Why can't these companies just give the people what they want? They keep saying "aged components floating out of spec" etc... But all my old stuff sounded good back then and still sounds good now. 😂 Let's profile all our new amps and then profile them again in 30-40 years to see if they sound better. 🤣
The guitar was in tune. Unfortunately at the time there were 9s on the guitar & I blow those out with XJ frets. That said, if you're really upset about it you're missing the point.
Been using the JP-2C now for almost a year now. I know some of the IIC+ and IIC++'s may have a leg up a bit in the sound structure - but for me it's been the perfect amp - especially pairing it with a Line 6 Helix via MIDI and 4CM. Just a flawless performance amp, and the clean channel is how I like it - pristine. I actually sold my Mark V - which is a great amp and more flexible, but an OCD nightmare - the JP-2C is a more streamlined amp, and the two separate EQ's makes it invaluable to me. I really like the sound of all your amps - the IIC++ was especially impressive - but as a gigging musician that moves and sets up my own equipment, I will probably never part with the JP-2C. After 25 years of looking for that next best sound, I'm dug in and satisfied finally. That's not easy.
I have good and bad days tonally with my JP. With active pickups I find it almost impossible to un-compress enough for a good classic rock tone (compared to say a IIB which is epic there), where with the IIC++ I can easily get there on the "clean" channel. But, as you say, the JP is epic as a gigging amp. I still need to play a Mark V though- I wonder if for a guy playing more variety it might be a better gigging amp than a JP..?
Hey would you mind making a video with the Helix and JP2c? I do have the Helix and a Mark V 25 and I'm really happy but I'm thinking about selling another amp and the 25 and going to grab the JP2C. How is Midi working? is it easy and fast to setup? My Diezel VH4Stereo is super easy with the Helix. too bad there is not a Stereo Version of the JP2C with 50Watt each side.
hi bud, great comment ! im about to take a JP2C and i was wondering if you can have a very high volume ( pristine clean, no break up, ) with a band ? like band volume ? thank you :))
fast13b I had a V for a while and it was really flexible and had lots of options but I never could get as tight and nasty of a tone as I can get from my studio preamp. The pre is a monster no matter what you run it into. It’s images and words in a box.
@@FastRedPonyCar That's going to be the case with the Pre or any Mark II or III.
Scott is the fucking man when it comes to headshells he redid mine for my IIC+/++ and he’s local to me so it made it so much easier! He a great dude and awesome to deal with!
Also the move is getting a IIC+ that has the selectable ++ mod done so you can turn it off and on at will. That’s what mine is and that amp fucking goes HARD
Damn! That C++ sounds huge!! I can definitely see how the JP-2C fits kind of in the middle of the OG C+ and C++
Great comparison man!
keep on posting more IIC++ stuff!
Evrey once and a while when I am feeling down and want to be seriously jealous of someone's rig I watch this video. Holy poop balls! Seriously one of the most awesome set ups I have ever seen! Bro...can I just be the guy who sleeps on your couch and keeps your amps warm and dust free? Maybe helps you break your speakers in? I don't eat that much and I clean up after myself. I swear!
Great video thanks for posting!
The ++ is the real deal, the James Hetfield spec amp.
Thanks for posting this......very cool:) My fave is the C++ followed by the JP2C with the C+ in last. These are SO close in sound though. They all are awesome and I'd be thrilled to own any of them.
I can hear huge difference between all of them. The mark 2 C plus plus is untouchable!
Awesome comparison! Thanks for sharing.
great comparison, thanks for making this video!
thanks for this video. it gives good sound indications to get the IIC++ mod based on my IIC+. just put a 6db boost gain just before the amp (before the preamp exactly) and you've got a IIC++, the same tone differences: more compressed, more gain, a little bit more low medium, but a little bit less definition . My prefered is the IIC+. Thanks again, good job man!!
I'd argue that it's not exactly the same. Boosting my IIC+ did not sound quite as amazing as my IIC++, when A/B ing. FWIW.
THat's one thing I always notice when I hear an original 2C+ or 3. THe sustain. It's one thing that is never quite matched with newer amps that are trying to simulate the tone of those old marks. The old mesa mark amps just SING for you. THey're wide open. It's so beautiful. Also, I think these amps would sound SO much better through a 4x12. No worries. It still sounded great. But a 4x12 would have so much more umph. If you haven't tried it yet, you should. THanks for a great demo!
Thanks. Check out my IIC++ playthrough with a 1960B. Perfection.
fast13b I totally get what you are saying about them being more “3D” too! I’m not sure if the JP2C had the gain up more and when you hit a chord it was a little harder to hear each note ring out or if the C++ and C+ are just clearer amps. Even on a compressed format like TH-cam the difference is pretty noticeable I thought. Either which way beautiful set up sir and thank you for sharing with us! This is bullshit, now I have to have a C+...thanks for that! Dude my other guitar player was telling me about his 6505+ being so articulate and clear. I told him: yeah you think that’s good? Wait till I scrap my DC-5 and Rectifier and get a C+. It will be like upgrading from an old tube tv to 4K. No shit!
He doesn’t believe me...
How does the JP-2C in Mark IIC+ mode compare with the Mark V:25 Mini in 2C+ mode? Anybody?
Tonally they are both awesome. The big decider is that the V has a fast attack where the JP has a lazier attack. Also on the 25, Mark IV mode is closer to the C++.
killer set up
Whatever the top amp is, prefer it...but I think overall for a modern production amp, can't beat the JP2C...the fact that it sounds so good and off the shelf available now is impressive.
The top naked amp is the DRG IIC++. Thanks!
If I say that eq setting is not hetfield uses, what would you do? He always hides his double eq rack unit. Pretty much it is an inverted inverted V.
I'd say I don't care. I'm constantly futzing with the Mark EQ and often use the "M" shape- especially in the mix. It's all about what sounds best for the conditions, Marks always need a little tweaking day to day for this.
Great comparison. I'd just go for JP2C, great amp!
Good video! IIC+s have always been my holy grail too.
I think the next step for you might be getting a parametric EQ. I think it's one of Metallica's secret weapons. I tried to copy the Flemming Rasmussen studio notes (basically boost at 120 Hz and 4600 Hz and cut at 1200 Hz) and I'm blown away by the difference. Not that Boogies sound bad without it, but I'm so happy I found that little piece of the puzzle.
Thanks, cool to know. I'm not sure if I want to deal with rack mount stuff again though. My grail moment was pairing the IIC++ with an older 1960B cab, that is the tone in my head!
How does higher plate voltage affect the sound/tubes?
I was curious about buying a Mesa and also doing mods but isk how hard or easy it is to get someone’s to do it .
I was curious about the fillmores but wondered if they’d be better off with larger transformers , they sound a bit small and thin to me, but I like their breakup and distortion maxed . Nice crunch . I’m not a super high gain player
That ++ though! WOOOF!!!!!
cool.
great comparison demo.
C++, JP2C, C+...
In that order.
We should talk sometime- I know this vid is older, but I have some questions and additional thoughts.
Rock on, Brother!🤘🏻
Thanks man. Fire away!
Very nice audio capture! What device are you using? I'm in a very limited space, definitely cannot plug in where I'm at, lol. Having a switch into my phone would be a game changer!
At the time this was recorded with a SM57 or 58 into in iRig pre into my phone.
Wow, that + + is starting to get pretty woolly into recto territory
Thanks. I have a lot of gear to share but I digress.
Holy shit the iic++ sounds HUGE.
Sounds really good didn't expect that from the JP looking at your settings, I'm guessing that the emg's are a dark pickup, with my JP2C and my Majesty guitar if I had the presence pull and cranked and my treble set as high as yours my amp would hiss and feedback from all the highs.
I can make it hiss if I go all the way up on the treble and run a boost, but really this is the quietest tube amp I've ever used. Honestly all these with new tubes are really quiet.
Generally speaking I like to set my presence with the GEQ off (so it's usually high) then tame it with the GEQ on. I find it's more open this way than a low presence & a high 6600. I've got another video about that, actually.
Love your video comparisons! I have a tombstone case too ;) where did you get those custom wood blocks under the C++? 😂
And how does 2c+ mode on the mark v rate?
Not as good as the JP-2C. The Mark V gets arguably closer to 2C+ tones than a Mark IV, but I can’t say I was all that impressed by the Mark V.
It can sound exactly the same
It's OK, the IV mode on the V is better (for metal).
NONE of the others FEEL like a IIC+.
I have a non-eq reverb IIC "i". It is not a + but was in the transitional period and had the IIC+ faceplate. It was sent back for a mod early on, I was told but again not made into a "+". It is in fantastic shape and has an adonized gold finish on the chassis that I hardly see. Because it is a non-eq version it is punchy and a very fast response. It is articulate, clean and sounds very real as there is less transistor in the whole loop. This amp will sustain forever and sounds like a great am does right before feedback. I thought about sending it in for a "+" upgrade but think it is fantastic "as is". I recognize Marshall is Marshall and Fender is Fender. As far as Boogies there is much left unsaid that was highlighted in the Mark V literature regarding the Non-eq model IICs. If I can get some extra time I will make a video. In addition, the EV the JBL E120 sounds amazing in my amp. It lays out a even bigger sound with more highs.
When my HRG was new to me it was a IIC, and I had it modded. Honestly as a IIC it sounded amazing. If you love it, I'd leave it alone!
Thanks for the great advice. I was also surprised when I put a JBL E120 in it. Not that it sounds better than the EV but it sounds very different. It doesn't sound harsh at all. It is very pleasant and big sounding. It sounds great with the cleans and surprisingly great with all the gain up. I really like all these Mark amps and am happy to see your videos. Cheers!
Wow that head shell looks just like a boogie!
Damn. That's too much boogie awesomeness in one room. I'm hella jelly.
How much difference in tone and feel do you get between the HRG and the JP2C, they should be almost the same (if you pull bright and set the volume 1 like it's hardwired on the JP ofc), what do you think between the 2?
In terms of recorded tone you can get the JP very close. In terms of feel for the player, there's no comparison. The JP s 2D where Mark II and III are 3D.
@@TIGHTENmetal I felt that with my Mark III, it's very bouncy and the feel is kind of magic, but I thought it's because it's simulclass so not really comparable to the JP2C, next time I'll put the JP2C preamp into my III green to see if it comes from that power section/transformer, that'd be perfect!
By the way, would you consider the Mark IV's distortion 3D?
@@axepharaoh The Mark IV is a strange middle-land. The IVa is a little more organic, and the IVb is a little more compressed. To me they are right in the middle of the MkII/III and the MkV/JP feel-wise. Makes sense, really. I really like the IVb a lot for how aggressive it is and at the end of the day I just prefer the IIs overall because the feel is unmatched.
I wonder if there was a blind test if I could tell the difference or which I'd prefer.
If you were in the room playing them, absolutely.
fast13b from the video I think I like the iic++ the best but it's tough to say for sure the JP-2C is close in tone from what I can tell.
You're right. :) The JP (HRG) tonally is more like the C+ HRG, in that they don't have that class A growl (which I LOVE). That said, in the room you have to get the master volume on the JP up above 2:00 (LOUD) for the power section to wake up. With the older Marks that have multiple volume controls you can get that huge open tonal bliss at normal volumes. The JP is killer for gigging, but for home / studio the originals are worth every penny.
Oh man that c++ is badass
It was indeed, one of the most badass amps of all time!!
I’m gonna purchase the Mark V 25w because it’s all I can afford but I’m still excited about it.
I can only imagine the sound of that C++ in person 💥🤘🏻
Jason Varze you’re good man. The Mark 25 and 35 are the best Marks since the IIC+, and I’ve had them all. You’ll love it!
What is a "++"?!
It's a mod that Mike B. can do to a IIC+ that gives it a gain boost. ..Also known as the "Hetfield mod".
It's the end of guitar amp tone seeking....
Nice comparison
fast13b Who’s Mike B?
Got a question. So you run a cable from your mic to IRig and then you send a phone jack to your phone from the İrig.
Does this allow the user to properly record an electric guitar on the smartphone with better quality than the shitty phone mic ? Thanks.
Yes, better quality than the built in mic for sure. Not as good as a proper recording interface, though.
Thanks!(this is my 2nd account)
Id like a link to the guy that makes headshells.
Talk to Scott metalone72@gmail.com
You sir, are fucking awesome
can you do this video again exactly the same way but with a guitar with passive pickups?
Sorry but not exactly, because I had Mike B. turn the HRG into a ++ so now I have a pair of them. Best G-D amp EVER! ...aaand I have the JP up for sale. I do have a passive Pup guitar now, though.
Great video. They all sound great. Would have been great to hear the Mark IV in there. I've played the JP2C and previously owned a Mark IIC+ and Mark III for several years. The Mark IV is by far my favorite of all the Mesa Marks I have played. Just a awesome grinding tone the Mark IV gets the others can't deliver IMO. Of course it really is all personal preference. Again, great video, thanks for posting!
Did you have a Mark IV a or b?
Pretty sure it's a Mark IV B
I sold my beloved Mark III after I got the first IIC+. It was an amazing amp, but IMO it just couldn't keep up.
Kind of the way I felt about my Mark III that I sold. Great amp but just not as great as the IIC+ or Mark IV. Still prefer the Mark IV personally over any I have owned and played.
Mark IV is a BEAST that does it all...but...so is the V...and the RK. I ❤ Boogie
Hey so after owning all the 2C+'s ++'s DRGs and HRGs. What is THE ONE you would choose if only one
1- K Coliseum
2- S sixty watt
3 / 4 tie- D Simul or H Hundred based on if you prefer triode or pentode. I like pentode better for rhythm & triode better for leads.
Regarding R reverb I'd take it without it if I had the choice. Hard to be picky when shopping though.
Regarding G graphic the stock G is more organic than a pedal in the loop, however a PEQ in the loop has a lot more range & functionality for tonal shaping. If you're just playing in the bedroom the G is probably better. If you're recording or in a band I'd much prefer the parametric.
Also, in my experience the no-G models have a faster attack & better harmonics & sustain.
2 questions for you my talented friend: 1-where does the Mark.v fit with those ? I have the mark v 90w and not sure if i should or want to upgrade to JP-2C.. 2- I have the r 2x12 vertical just like the one u have and I am not sure it when you crank the base up you feel the speaker go buzzing or (in other words none clear sound) ? Or is it just mine (only when base is all way up and volume is high)
The Mark V has a lot more versatility but less tone & less gain. It can get a lot tighter than the JP, though. I'd recommend making the call just based on which features you prefer. Neither of them feel like a Mark II.
The Vert doesn't have good bottom end compared to a 412. But, if it's buzzing you may have a bad speaker.
fast13b agreed! And not buzzing but I gotta wait for this Quarantine to be over so I can go and test out the ones in store and see if any different .. keep doing those nice vids man
Why did you get rid of the Jp2c
Daniel Henry because it was so sterile I wasn’t inspired by it, and because I didn’t care for the lazy attack. In hindsight the one reason I can think of to keep it would be if I was gigging with MIDI.
i've heard a lot of mixed reviews about the jp2c in comparison to the original, in the recording i noticed just the jp has a slightly darker sound (laptop speaker though). what is really the difference between a ++ and a jp being in front of them?
I wouldn't say the JP is darker. To me, the main difference is the originals are very open & touch sensitive where the JP sounds more modern & compressed. Same basic tone, but you feel a difference when you play them. The JP is a no brainer for gigging. Most other situations I'd rather feel the IIC++.
yes, compression affects upper frequencies, making me tell it was darkness. hard to decide, if there was a way to "open up" the jp without changing the character, i'd go for it for sure (3 ch, 2 eq vs common eq for the other 2) plus, a 2c++ goes up and beyond 4000, while yet we start to see the first slightly used jps for 2000. mojo doesn't worth 2k, one channel and one eq less.
With other Boogies you generally can open up the feel by rolling back the gain, which is not an issue with increased volume. With my JP and a guitar with active pickups, there's so much gain I really can't roll it back enough to open up in the same way (before there's just not enough gain). This is better with passives- check out my other video with the JP & the ESP Horizon. Honestly if you want that vintage sound without big bucks get a IIB for classic rock or a III for punk / metal. If you gig get a IV, V or a JP. If you want ALLOFIT I think I'd get a IV.
have you ever heard heathen -victims of deception? that's more or less the sound i'm after, just a bit less compressed and more..clear i'd say, a slightly prominient low end wouldn't hurt, more modern key in a sense, i hate compression and fizzyness though..i exclusively use passives, currently my favourite is the alnico warpig, so no ceramics. more definition than output fan.
I love the C+ sound! I personally love the less gain because I’m not a big fan of the massive amount of gain in the JP or the C++, I’m sure you can role that back but I’m just gonna stick with my IIC+
Yes you can roll it back, check out my other vid of the ++ playthrough. If you're not a metal guy I agree with leaving it a +. If you're a metal guy, the ++ is the heaviest gain structure I've ever heard!
fast13b I love playing metal, Hardcore Thrasher over here but I like keeping my gain just a tad bit lower because over the years I realized that the more gain I have the more muddy the rhythm gets. I roll it back just slightly so I can keep a tight rhythm tone. I’m sure the gain saturation is amazing sounding for the lead tones though but unfortunately in the band I’m in, I rarely play solos.
fast13b Recently though I did play through a C++ and JP and I gotta say that I love the tones on those things. Honestly out of all 3 you can’t go wrong
Where would you recommend looking to buy a 2C+? Are you looking to sell either of yours any time soon? I've been dying to get one for ages and yours sound incredible.
These are all long since sold brother. You have to hawk Reverb, eBay & Craigslist, and be ready with cash when they come up.
@@TIGHTENmetal Fair enough. I'll keep my eyes peeled. Thanks for the reply!
Hey, can I get some info on the guy who made your head shell? I have a rack mount mark III that id like to convert
Ryan Peerson if you watch on your PC his email is in the description. That said it’s Scott, metalone72@gmail.com
Honestly, all 3 sounded pretty much the exact same to me. I have a Mark 2 A, do you think Mike V can turn that into a Mark 2 C++?
Nope. Sorry.
Come on "class A" let that simul-class breath and really shine. Your cab will be fine.. It will win hands down..;) A DRG ++ into a 4x12 recto cab.. Heavinly!!
The run I did at the very end is in SimulClass. It is definitely thicker.
That all sound killer. But probably on a whole other level in person. Which one of these do you learn towards the most?
Thanks. The JP2C is long since sold, and the HRG C+ I sold last year. I still have the DRG C++, it's the best Mark series I've ever played.
Oh, say can 2C, by the amp''s burning lights.
what are the settings?
Bro you can see the settings in the video!
I can’t really tell the JP-2C spot on. Can you type it. here please?
You can't beat the mark series..i owned a mark2c head in 1991 to 2000..sold it..biggest mistake ever..but now i 2 mark III blue stripe heads an 02 triple rec and a dc5...
Do you own any mark III heads?
Gary Foster yep, I’ve had two blue stripes and a red stripe. All sold.
I like the c++ but it seems to have a nasty hiss. If that can be removed that's a hell of a tone.
Norbert Sypytkowski tubes can be noisy at idle. A good noise gate in the loop solves the problem.
Great video I love all three amps. I have Mesa triple crown and I feel that the gain structure is similar to the 2c+ Is it possible for you to make a comparison video?
I don't have a TC-50 but I know a guy with both amps.. He said a comparison would be tough since they have a different character, but I'll ask.
fast13b I think it would be interesting unfortunately the only 2c+ I got to play is on my old kemper power amp but it was definitely my favorite amp to play on and TC-50 does remind me of tone I truly love. I have a feeling you going to love it also
On just a quick back and fort, the DRGbsiundsbbestz the The JP2C.. Then the HRG in last place.
Like you said though.. A boss can change things. The DRG is the most acmgressive and bright. I wonder how the others would sound with a SD-1 or bd-2 in front.. TS, Klon Klone, or other.
I can tell you that a C+ with a boost in front of it does not sound as good as a C++. Really, you have to be careful with boosts in front of Mark lead channels. Sometimes it's too much.
I can tell you that a C+ with a boost in front of it does not sound as good as a C++. Really, you have to be careful with boosts in front of Mark lead channels. Sometimes it's too much.
Do you ever see yourself going the axe fx route? I love my Mark amps, but an all in one and consistency sounds good too.
Nope. Now, if I had a band that was touring, yes. For home / studio / local gigs, no way.
If you buy a 2C+, can Mesa still mod it to a 2C++ for you if you send it to them?
Yes, Mike B. still does it.
With the top amp upside down, Will all the tube fluid run out?
No, it just makes it sounds like a Rectifier.
Hi Awesome amps and review. I also recently acquired a mark IIC+ and looking to convert it into head. Could i have the contact that built the shell for yours? Thanks a lot in advance.
Thanks! Scott metalone72@gmail.com
from which year are the oldies pliz ? badaas man, badass !
The HRG is a 1983 and the DRG is a 1984.
thank you :))
The JP2C sounds the tightest and best to my ears in this video anyway
The modern Marks are more surgical, the vintage ones are more 3D.
c++ and jp 2c sound a bit thicker, I think the c+ sounds a bit more transparent. could be that the c+ with the gain up a bit more also sounds almost as fat as the others... Anyways, all are great!
I actually tried the C+ with the gain up at 8 first, but it got too fizzy. The sweet spot is right around half way. If you want to run the C+ more aggressive the thing to do is keep the gain down & run a boost.
Thanks for the explanation
In hindsight, I probably could have bumped the 80hz slider on the C+ to match the sound up a little better.
I own all of these plus 2 Marshall's and boss 100 watt katana slash les Paul, eric Johnson strat, Gibson jr , valley, arts steve luckather. Tom Anderson .
whats your gain setting on c++ out of curiosity?
All 3 amps have the gain at 5 in this vid. For the +, 4-5 with a boost is brutal. (of course it's not boosted in this vid). For the ++, 4-5 without a boost is what you hear here & also insanely heavy! With the + and the ++ if you go much more than 6 on the gain it'll start to get fizzy. All the knobs have a sweet spot. With the JP when you turn up the gain it compresses more without getting fizzy.
Killer amps
I sold my original 2c+. Always regretted that.
Awesome comparison. Think that “3D” tone observation is exactly the thing that separates the old Boogies from the new ones. Have you still got the Mark III? How close was that to the 2C+?
Thanks! I actually sold the Mark III to help fund all this. I sold a lot of things... and it was worth it. The III was very organic & visceral, and in the $1000 amp range the III (and the IV) are KILLER. IMO in the room next to a C+ however the C+ blows it away in the feel, and especially the ability to play high gain and have all the notes still stand on their own. Any Petrucci riff really highlights this. Maybe some day I'll learn to hold my pick like that guy...
it's the JP2C FOR ME , using it with fractal fx8 the midi control can't be beat , using the fx8 as controller blows away the factory footswitch , I just had to become a midi guitar guy ...yikes , not that hard after all these years
One thing I've found is that the rectifier is an amazing amp too they just need a low pass filter. It's amazing how much tone they have after cutting preferred frequencies. And their attack reminds me of the iic+
Please say you can make a Kemper profile of the ++
Lots of people run an EQ in the loop of their recto. Whatever floats your boat!
Re the Kemper, sorry, but I don't deal in fakes.. :P
JP2C ALL THE WAY MAN
Maybe I am mistaken, but think ur mark IIC+ needs retubing... Don't get me wrong, it still sounds good but not "IIC+" good!
Nope, sorry, all new Mesa tubes. I think what you're thinking is that the sound in your head it really a ++ but you've always been told +. The + doesn't have as much gain as you think it does (aka Metallica levels), without adding some kind of boost to the input. When I first got my DRG (when it was just a +) it was the same story.
Maybe ur right. Mark III blue stripe owner here and I love its aggressiveness! Please post some more clips! Well done man!
Sold my blue stripe, picked up a red. :)
Niceeee please post some moreee! We re greedy bastards!
@@TIGHTENmetal So does the ++ matter more than whether it's a DRG/HRG/SRG? Basically, IIC++ SRG, vs a IIC+ HRG or DRG, vs a III Red Stripe DRG ?
jp2c pretty similar to 2c++ with bass cut
The JP has similar gain levels to the IIC++, where the Mark V has similar gain levels to a IIC+. On a recording you can get the JP to sound very close to the original, but in the room under your fingers there's a pretty big difference.
@@TIGHTENmetal It will be interesting to listen then on clean channel. Also your favorite IIC+?
@@fewtubefx3789 I have playthroughs of all three amps that you can go watch, and they all include cleans.
My favorite for metal rhythms is the DRG IIC++. My favorite for liquid leads is the C+ SR.
@@TIGHTENmetal Can you make direct recording from IIC++? from preamp
@@fewtubefx3789 Sorry but no, all of these amps have been sold.
Wow!! Awesome stuff.
Probably a long shot...but do you think the 2C on the MkV 35, comes close? And do you still have your 35??
These here are great sounding.
All of the amps in this video have been sold, though I do still have the Five 35. I do feel that my Five 35 is the best Mark since the IIC+. Does it sound the same? Well, like the JP, you can make them sound very very close when recording. They do not however sound the same in the room- or more importantly, feel the same. The Mark II and III is very raw & organic where the V and JP is more modern & compressed. Between the latter the V has a very fast attack where the JP has a more lazy attack. I can highly recommend the 35- check out my other vids showing some tones.
@@TIGHTENmetal Awesome! I just got my V:35 a week ago. Love it !!!!
The willie wonka golden ticket
4:24
8:59
Thx! C++ 11:46
With those processed pickups..? nah
🙄 You clearly are unaware of the magic that results from playing an EMG 81 through a Mark IC++. I can personally attest that, like a Fender single coil through a Twin or a PAF through an old Marshall, an 81 through a Mark series amp is a match made in heaven.
Emg's are the shit! The Het set are fuckin mean AF!
Maybe check the guitar is in tune first...
Actually, Michael, I did. Before every clip. Jumbo frets plus strong hands plus mid weight strings. I really just need to go to heavier strings so I don't bend them out of tune with my grip & strum.
Jeremy F Don't get me wrong, amps sounded great, maybe it's the intonation?
That guitar is still on the factory setup which is good, but not perfect, in terms of intonation etc.. I know it's an issue that I can effortlessly bend 9s out of tune with grip strength when I play aggressively, I really just need heavier strings.
10 - 46 for standard tuning is lovely for DT sounds ...on a 94 ESP Custom shop as well. Cool guitar btw....I LOVE ESP...pretty rare these days in a sea of LTDs
Michael Thompson no..out of tune, hard for me to watch, ouch
Why can't these companies just give the people what they want?
They keep saying "aged components floating out of spec" etc... But all my old stuff sounded good back then and still sounds good now. 😂
Let's profile all our new amps and then profile them again in 30-40 years to see if they sound better. 🤣
out of tune
Less talking more playing
All I can hear is your guitar horribly out of tune lol
Tune your bloody guitar!
The guitar was in tune. Unfortunately at the time there were 9s on the guitar & I blow those out with XJ frets.
That said, if you're really upset about it you're missing the point.
@@TIGHTENmetal I am upset, re-do it with the right strings.
@@buckachiddy Unfortunately all of those amps have since been sold. Sorry about your feelings.
@@TIGHTENmetal No problem man.