Mesa Boogie Mark III III+ III++ comparo! ESP Hanneman, V30.

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  • Опубліковано 3 січ 2025

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  • @Basedboomerchadbear
    @Basedboomerchadbear 24 дні тому

    The ++ really shines here. No comparison. The highs are smooth and fluffy but also harmonically articulate. Just brilliant. God bless Mesa!!!

  • @dan_perry
    @dan_perry 3 роки тому +8

    I bought my loaded MKIII back in '89 with the matching 4x12. In all that time I never felt the need for another amp, the MKIII has always delivered the tone I wanted from the amp.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  3 роки тому +2

      Awesome! Then, while I do recommend you send it in to Mesa for a service & the R2 volume mod, I do not recommend you get the + or ++ mod.

  • @thechannelforeverything2170
    @thechannelforeverything2170 4 роки тому +6

    I like how raw and in your face the original Mark III is. The +mod has a cool thing going on too. As someone who loves Marshalls, I tend to go towards that grind that smacks you right in the face.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому +3

      Thanks. I'd say in the Mesa world, it doesn't get much more raw & in your face than a stock Mark III red / blue / green stripe.

  • @ArtGuitarLTX
    @ArtGuitarLTX 4 роки тому +4

    The clean mod sounded really nice, sounded like some of the mids were taken out just enough to give it some depth. The lead channel ++ was damn good. I can feel the riffs just bouncing off your hands. Very cool comparison.

  • @dougmorisoli6482
    @dougmorisoli6482 4 роки тому +2

    I sent my Mark III red stripe combo to Mike B for servicing and had him do the III+ mod. Very happy. You captured it pretty well but there is nothing like experiencing it in person. Mesa is amazing. Can’t imagine sending my vintage champ to Fender and getting to talk one on one to a tech with over 40 years experience like Mike. When you call to schedule shipping your amp you may talk to Rich. Some are put off by his direct no nonsense approach but I found him efficient view him as the facilitator of sending it there and back. Overall great service experience.

  • @mattcacioppo2502
    @mattcacioppo2502 Рік тому +1

    Great video. Oddly enough I much prefer the stock tones. Thanks for sharing. Cheers

  • @volantedog
    @volantedog Рік тому +1

    Might be an unpopular opinion but that that original red stripe sound is fantastic. Much prefer it over iii+

  • @leosun8469
    @leosun8469 4 роки тому +2

    Great amp- I had one of Mike’s very first III++s he did, on a Purple Stripe(which pretty much is no longer a Purple Stripe any more).
    You’re right- less gain is more and will always cut through the mix better in a live situation.
    And again, spot on with your comment about capturing what the amp is actually sounding like as you’re playing. I had Mark IIIs, IIC++s, Rectos, and they ALL sound better in the room live as you’re playing through them, but the Mark amps, ESPECIALLY the C+s, just have that SOMETHING that is difficult to capture or even explain to people if they’ve never played through one. Not only do you hear it, but more importantly, it’s a feel.
    Cheers!

  • @petez0r.
    @petez0r. 4 роки тому +4

    it sounds amazing, I personally think the modded sound is superior for a recorded sound, no idea what its like in the room, but im sure its bliss.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому +2

      Thanks. In the room the ++ sound is amazing. More gain than my C++, but not as chewy & articulate. In the band rolling back the gain really opens it up so it sits in the perfect place!

  • @panterica83
    @panterica83 4 роки тому +2

    mike B at mesa boogie is and will always b, a great guy to work with. had him mod my mesa quad to the c+ and markiii c++ mod. awesome amp bro

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому +2

      Thanks man. Mike B. is a treasure. :)

    • @Sledr1994
      @Sledr1994 4 роки тому

      Hi, nice to hear!
      I have a quad and I'm super happy with that, but I never had the chance to compare it with old mark heads and so I don't really get if it's missing that little "something". All I know is that the first channel is more or less like the IIc+, but I honestly like lead 2 (which should be based on mk 3 blue stripe) much better than lead 1. Can you tell me if the infos are correct? Also can you explain the details of the mod and how it sound compared to the stock preamp?
      Thanks in advance, man, cheers!

    • @skullkrusher4418
      @skullkrusher4418 4 роки тому

      How do you get in touch with Mike B to get a mod done? I have a Mk III Blue Stripe and am considering getting it modded but I'm not sure how to get in touch and find out about the modding process.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      @@skullkrusher4418 email Rich rduvall@mesaboogie.com He's a service guy & handles all the logistics.

    • @panterica83
      @panterica83 4 роки тому +2

      You don't, he will get ahold of you. Hahah just email mesa and they'll hook you up with Mike.
      Great company

  • @southpawsNfriends
    @southpawsNfriends 3 роки тому

    I have a red stripe 3++ as well. Killer amp! Only my reverb and presence knobs are around back. Awesome demo my friend!

    • @UncleYoshi
      @UncleYoshi Рік тому

      My red stripe is just like yours. Presence & Reverb knobs are on the back

  • @lowqualityguitarvideos
    @lowqualityguitarvideos 2 роки тому +2

    Sounds great; liked it better before tho!

  • @Liberty_76
    @Liberty_76 Рік тому +1

    I just got my Mark IIC+/++ back from having Mike B service it and it’ll rip your nuts right off it’s like a brand new amp!

  • @mandreshyp6683
    @mandreshyp6683 3 роки тому

    Sounded killer!

  • @Locoandchooch
    @Locoandchooch 4 роки тому +1

    Sounds great.

  • @lancethompson218
    @lancethompson218 Рік тому

    The whitesnake clip sounded amazing...is that the ++ or stock tone

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  Рік тому

      Thanks! Check the timestamps in the description.

  • @tagskinner778
    @tagskinner778 11 місяців тому +1

    Sounded better and much smoother before the mods. Bummer. 😢

  • @robvoyles
    @robvoyles 17 днів тому

    all of the untouched originals will be worth more with all the modded ones going around. untouched originals sound wonderful and are more rare.

  • @nickkellie
    @nickkellie Рік тому

    Very cool - what exactly does the + and ++ mod actually do?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  Рік тому

      The MkIIIs have a tendency to be a bit more harsh / aggressive than the MkIIs, so the III+ mod smooths the gain structure out and makes it a little more liquid in the spirit of the IIC+. The III++ mod is the same, but with adding some extra gain back in at the cost of a bit of compression.

  • @DigiEvoluido
    @DigiEvoluido 4 роки тому

    Jesus it sounds even better than before. Been thinking of doing the III+ mod on my red stripe for a while now but sending it to the US would be a chore. Is it more versatile now after the mods? I've heard people say that the III+ mod makes it easier to dial in.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      Well,.... One of the fantastic things about a Mark II is that it sounds killer with a wide range of settings. The Mark III has a more narrow but usable sweet spot, and to me the Mark IV has a super narrow sweet spot that is a PITA to dial in.
      This amp now DEFINITELY is more II like in that the sweet spot is a wide range on the dials. For example I can sweep the presence & it's usable which is unheard of with a stock III. So I'd say yes, it is more usable. In terms of versatility I'd say yes mainly because of the R2 volume mod.
      Really, the amp is a lot like a Mark II now but with the compression of a IV.
      To be clear I was very happy with the stock red stripe where I was not happy with the two blue stripes I had. The mod is better, but different. If I had to choose one I'd choose the mod because of the improved clarity.

    • @DigiEvoluido
      @DigiEvoluido 4 роки тому +1

      @@TIGHTENmetal Thanks I'll try to find a way to mod mine. Personally I really liked the way R2 is sounded all the clips, sounds to me that it would sit nicely on a full band mix. I'm glad you're enjoying man take care.

  • @thumbpickfingers
    @thumbpickfingers 4 роки тому +3

    To my ears, the stock one sounded much better on all settings.

  • @shaneclemens
    @shaneclemens 4 роки тому

    Cool stuff man. Just a comment on your micing, the white tape might actually block sound and cause a tunnel effect if the mics are set back like that, I'd widen it it. Did you happen to take any high res pics when you had the chassis open, I'm curious of the C30 cap value. Thx

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      Thanks. I might paint the grille or something- I dialed in the mic placement to 1/8" (yes it made a difference) and if I widen the tape I'll lose that resolution!

    • @shaneclemens
      @shaneclemens 4 роки тому

      @@TIGHTENmetal Not sure what you meant by resolution? Obviously if the mics are up close then the tape is fine how it is.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      @@shaneclemens Since a move of 1/8" matters, if I don't have the tape tight I can't get the mic placement within 1/8".
      The mic up close in my testing sounds like shit. I found a sweet spot around 1.5-2" off the grille with my Mesa V30 cabs. Remember, my goal is to find the mic placement that makes the recording sound like it does in the room.
      See this vid- ua-cam.com/video/9KbqhhUft_Q/v-deo.html

  • @gerrydaly5409
    @gerrydaly5409 4 роки тому

    Excellent comparison video - I also own a MKIII (Blue Stripe) with the exact same ++ mod, great to see as there are very few Mark III++ videos out there. I don't have access to my amp at the moment (long story) so I'm just curious...do you think your trick from a video 3 years ago with a standard Mesa MK III - presence on a high setting and 6600 knob on a low setting would work in a similar way with the III++?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      Absolutely it works well with all Mark II & III. Thanks :)

    • @gerrydaly5409
      @gerrydaly5409 4 роки тому +1

      @@TIGHTENmetal Thanks again, this is the best Mesa Boogie channel on UA-cam, keep up the good work!

  • @PEMAMETAL
    @PEMAMETAL 3 роки тому

    Funny thing, I found the stock tones smoother than the ++ mod. I don't know if you adjusted the treble and presence to compensate, but to me the ++ sound more crisp in the top end than the stock

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  3 роки тому +1

      The top end was very different & definitely needed to be re-EQd.

    • @robvoyles
      @robvoyles 7 місяців тому +1

      Stock tone is better. they got it right the first time.

  • @kendude9
    @kendude9 4 роки тому +1

    Hi, you seam to be the Mesa guy! Do you have any leads on a iic+ for sale? Hoping to find one. Also what price range have you seem for them? Thank you, great videos...keep them coming.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      My old C+ SR with the wicker front grille is up on eBay right now for a fair price. It had the best overall tone & lead feel of all the ones I had. Price can vary from $1500-$7000 depending on the specs and condition of the amp! Most prices start with a 3.

    • @kendude9
      @kendude9 4 роки тому

      fast13b thank you. Totally appreciate it.

    • @kendude9
      @kendude9 4 роки тому

      @@TIGHTENmetal Hi, sorry for bothering you, but you have been a great help. Who makes head cabinets and are they already covered? Thanks again. Ken

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      @@kendude9 You can always order a new one from Mesa. For short heads I've also bought a number of them from Scott metalone72@gmail.com

  • @MrVegiita
    @MrVegiita 4 роки тому

    The III ++ distortion tone was the best. Where do you send your amp to get modded?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому +1

      Thanks! I agree, it's an angry tone. I send all my vintage Mesas back to Mesa for service & mods.

  • @kenmasters007
    @kenmasters007 3 роки тому

    Are you familiar with the mark 3+ mod from Mike B? It's not the ++.... I think its just a 3+ to make it sound like 2C+? any opinions? thx

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  3 роки тому +1

      Yes, I have one of those too. In hindsight the III+ is my favorite mod for the MkIII. That said, it still does not make it a IIC+.

  • @thehiredgun
    @thehiredgun 3 роки тому +1

    What did the mods/service from mesa run you?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  3 роки тому

      I don't recall exactly, somewhere around 800 bucks all in.

  • @jnam13
    @jnam13 4 роки тому

    Awesome video. Thanks!
    Which one of your Mesa marks/mods would be the best for thrash metal palm muted chugging?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      Mark IIIs are the most pissed off & I think the best for thrash. I have another short red stripe I'm going to sell soon that I just did some vids of, that sounds killer & really delivers at volume.

    • @jnam13
      @jnam13 4 роки тому

      fast13b
      Please let me know when you plan on selling any of your Mark amps. I would love to talk to you about them! I have a triple recto that I love. I want to get some Mark flavors as well. Thanks

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      @@jnam13 I'm about to post this red stripe for sale. I can sell it as a chassis, a combo (though the combo is a little beat up), or I could have a new headshell made for it but that will add cost.
      ua-cam.com/video/nYw3rm6Qgfg/v-deo.html

    • @jnam13
      @jnam13 4 роки тому

      fast13b
      Any chance you would sell your
      mark iii++?

    • @jnam13
      @jnam13 4 роки тому

      fast13b
      Please contact me at jaenam@gmail.com

  • @kendude9
    @kendude9 4 роки тому

    Hey, wanted to follow up on you thoughts of the ++ mod on the Mark iii. Would you do it again? And how does it compare to a iic++?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому +4

      That's a loaded question. This amp was the best III I've ever played before the mod, and the tone was even better after the mod. BUT! The mod changed the amp. It smoothed it out (expected) and made it more like a hybrid between a II and a IV instead of having the raw harshness of a III.
      To answer your question- if I "wanted my III to sound like a IIC+" then yes, I would do it again. If I have a IIC+ & I want my III to sound like a III, then I would not do it again.
      To be clear though, if you could mod another amp to do what a IIC+ does then the IIC+ wouldn't sell for 4 grand. Think about it.

    • @kendude9
      @kendude9 4 роки тому

      @@TIGHTENmetal great input. I do have a iic+ that's like your old SR. It sounds incredible, but no GEQ. The iii is more raw sounding, but needs some work. Interesting, hard question..... the never ending quest for sound! Thanks for you input, greatly appreciate it.

  • @witnessthewrath8061
    @witnessthewrath8061 4 роки тому +1

    Does it do good slayer tones?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      I believe so, when you bring the mids / upper mids up.

  • @andresilvasophisma
    @andresilvasophisma 4 роки тому

    Can I ask you a question?
    In a stock Mark III if you pull the Lead knob and after that you pull the Rythm 2 knob is there an increase in gain?
    At 6:24 it seems that that only happens on a III++, maybe I'm wrong.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      Every MkIII I've had, including the two I have now, increase in gain when you pull lead & R2 as opposed to just lead. Also, there's a gain increase & compression when you pull Treble that's a lot more pronounced than on the Mark IIs.

    • @andresilvasophisma
      @andresilvasophisma 4 роки тому

      Thanks, mine does that too I was trying to figure out if the guy I biught it from had it modded. There's also a gain increase if you increase the presence, but you have to turn the slider way down to compensate.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      @@andresilvasophisma Personally I would not say it adds gain. To me it adds dimensionality, and yes you have to compensate by lowering 6600.

  • @Eggy-bp6pj
    @Eggy-bp6pj 3 роки тому

    I recently bought a mark III purple stripe, and I'm super happy with it. But I'm not sure if its been modded, when I pull lead and rhythm 2 at the same time it does sound different, it has more gain, and sounds incredible. If you pull rhythm 2 and lead on a stock mark III does that change the sound or does this mean mine is already modded to a III++.
    If someone could tell me if that means its definitely been modded or not that would be highly appreciated :)

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  3 роки тому +1

      In all Mark IIIs, pulling R2 while in Lead mode adds an extra gain stage & a little more gain. So, odds are, not modded.
      Also, when Mike B. mods he writes about it with a sharpie above the power cord & also inside the chassis. Go have a look.

    • @Eggy-bp6pj
      @Eggy-bp6pj 3 роки тому

      @@TIGHTENmetal thanks for the reply mate, appreciate your insight :)

  • @skullkrusher4418
    @skullkrusher4418 4 роки тому

    Hey do you have any advice for getting in touch with Mike B. to have a mod done or an old mesa serviced? I have a beautiful sounding blue stripe and I am considering getting the + or ++ mod. How do I get in touch with Mike though? Cheers.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      All service requests go through Rich- rduvall@mesaboogie.com

    • @skullkrusher4418
      @skullkrusher4418 4 роки тому

      @@TIGHTENmetal Thanks!

  • @skullkrusher4418
    @skullkrusher4418 4 роки тому

    How do you get in touch with Mike B to get mods done? I have a blue stripe and I'm considering getting it modded. Great tone btw!

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому +1

      You'll call MB and talk to Rich the service manager. He sets it all up.

  • @ae6927
    @ae6927 4 роки тому

    There's something weird going on with my Blue Stripe. I really can't turn the Lead Drive up past 4. All of these demos and settings that I see for other Mark III users has them pushing the Lead Drive far higher than what I do. My "4" seems to be everyone else's "8".

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      What happens when you do? Sounds like it's time to send it in to Mesa for service. Especially on blues & greens I'd recommend the + mod while it's there.

    • @ae6927
      @ae6927 4 роки тому

      @@TIGHTENmetal mine was serviced by Mike B in 2014, and given the R2 volume mod to go with it.
      When I turn it up past 4 it's just the typical "too much gain" issue. The amp otherwise sounds incredible.

    • @Skoora
      @Skoora 4 роки тому

      If it sounds incredible at 4 I wouldn’t sweat it.

  • @Aolian
    @Aolian 4 роки тому

    If it's a III++ with the R2 retained, what did Mike do about R133 and C28? Still in there?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      I can't seem to find those so they must be covered up by a component.

  • @shopclown
    @shopclown 4 роки тому

    I have been thinking about sending my iii to Mesa .How much is the ++ mod ?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      You have to get the basic service which is $300-400, then the ++ mod (when I did it) was another $300. I've heard prices are going up though.

  • @_ajguerra_
    @_ajguerra_ 4 роки тому +2

    Sounds amazing. If you ever want to sell it please let me know. 🤘🏻

  • @latajacekolano35
    @latajacekolano35 4 роки тому

    13:08 song name?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому +1

      Whitesnake- Crying In The Rain
      ua-cam.com/video/mCdkuB8yaqs/v-deo.html

  • @davids8502
    @davids8502 3 роки тому

    Do you recall what the cost was for the mod?

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  3 роки тому

      Not off hand, you'd have to call Mesa.

  • @Locoandchooch
    @Locoandchooch 4 роки тому +2

    I’m still shocked Mike B is still there.

  • @lancethompson218
    @lancethompson218 Рік тому

    Making a mkiii sound like a mkiv is like making a ferrari a corvette...ive owned every mk series amp ever...except collosseum. The mkiic+ and mkiiii green/blue are so insanely similar that if blind folded 99% of people couldnt tell the difference...start by loading mark iiii with all 6l6s...my only reson for valuing a mk2 c+ more is resale value. Everyone ive known that had a mkiii modded by boogie has been disappointed. I think Kruse amplification is doing some great things....and with Gibson owning Mesa know im assuming the customer service and accessibility has probably went to shite...they had incredible customer service for decades

  • @jamesprice6381
    @jamesprice6381 2 роки тому

    Kruse Amplification makes the Mk IIIs. UN blvble. John Sykes tone!

  • @stewartmacdearmid6630
    @stewartmacdearmid6630 2 роки тому

    Do you know what components are changed during the ++ modification? Hoping to do it myself to my Mark III

  • @vl292
    @vl292 Місяць тому

    Boogie amps migh not be perfectly designed from engineering point of view and is definitely a brand that amp techs (and solder jockeys) love to hate. But atleast in the past Mesa offered by all account good customer service. Very musician friendly service prices and reasonable lead times. Some low hundreds for re-cap/+/++-mods etc, that's reasonable. In the US that is. Rest of us have been grinding our teeth about this injustice :D

  • @Bat21bravo
    @Bat21bravo 4 роки тому

    Your MK III looks like a "Purple Stripe" [faded] to me not red. I have the same amp in a combo.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  4 роки тому

      That's just the lighting. It's a red.

  • @AudioEast
    @AudioEast 6 місяців тому

    original tone smokes! send it back.

  • @tatteredhope911
    @tatteredhope911 4 роки тому

    Cheese and Rice!!! Here i am with my crappy Mark IV! 🤣im kidding...and at the same time, kind of not. There are people dying in the streets and kids starving around the world, mean while im over here wishing I had a Mark III, all worried about my guitar tone. The Mark IV I've got is cool...its just...its...not Mark III or Mark IIC+ cool🤣this is what happens when I get laid off: I watch UA-cam videos of amps I want but can't afford ever cuz im laid off. I usually shut them off somewhere half way through the video and go pout, play my crappy Mark IV, smoke a cigarette, and wish my amp was cooler than it is🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @tatteredhope911
      @tatteredhope911 4 роки тому

      Damn it! You've got some cool amps! I need a sugar mamma...I just don't make enough $ and im not smart enough to have a job that will pay me $ to buy cool stuff like that.

  • @paulkielt9301
    @paulkielt9301 3 роки тому

    Your Equalizer settings sound too much scooped to my ears on the Lead Channel. Even if you play Metal, Mids are here especially to cut through the mix.

    • @TIGHTENmetal
      @TIGHTENmetal  3 роки тому +1

      Good thing there's a slider that individual owners can dial to taste then!
      My "guitar only" and "in the band mix" settings are totally different, FWIW, with the latter getting a lot more upper mids and often less bass.

  • @merseybeat1963
    @merseybeat1963 Рік тому

    I don't like the sound these things make