Mesa Mark V - In-Depth Review / Playthrough

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  • Опубликовано: 15 дек 2024

Комментарии • 70

  • @metriffs
    @metriffs Год назад +11

    Bass knob: Its ok...you can turn me down.

  • @GreenMeanie101
    @GreenMeanie101 2 года назад +13

    When I had my Mark V there were many nights I would just stay in the Cleans and play. The Cleans I thought was the best part about it.

    • @ajj6287
      @ajj6287 6 месяцев назад +1

      thats why im wanting one

  • @46b35
    @46b35 9 месяцев назад +3

    I fought with this amp for many years… never really came close to getting anything I liked out of channel 3. Ended up using it as a PA for an amp modeler.

  • @0megalul309
    @0megalul309 2 года назад +7

    Euge gets great useage on the mark v. I think it's still the best mark for non mesa people. This comes from a mark IV owner.

  • @elliottwist1474
    @elliottwist1474 2 года назад +2

    Ordered / bought this amp today. Your video is a collector for me. I've shared this video to others.
    I'm one of those "Marshall guys".
    This is my first ever Mesa Boogie guitar amp.
    I have an arsenal of Marshall amps, and I love them and the sizzle.
    Thank you for your video.
    We'll be using one of these Mesa Boogie Mark Five amps and a Marshall JVM410 live in our cover band.
    It should be good.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад

      Thanks! That’s a killer combo - I’m a big Marshall collector myself and love them for most things but the Mark is sonically unique and I think the pairing is going to sound great in your band, especially since the Mark’s EQ you could dial the sound a little so they compliment each other in just about any room.

    • @doc_matter
      @doc_matter 11 месяцев назад

      @elliottwist1474 A year later what do you think of it?

  • @howardgillingham4763
    @howardgillingham4763 Год назад +12

    Turn your bass down it will tighten up bro

  • @ceniam12
    @ceniam12 2 года назад +1

    Maaan awesome stuff, I didn't see the whole video yet but that tight sound of the 3rd channel is awesome, love how palm mutes sound

  • @ahaua1
    @ahaua1 7 месяцев назад +1

    Great video and review! And excellent skills.....especially the heavy riffs. I just ordered a Mark V 35 Combo and realize that it'll take some tweaking to get the tone I want. It'll be an interesting comparison to my Marshall DSL 40.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  7 месяцев назад

      Sounds like a great pair, the DSL and Mark are different enough that you'll have a lot of sounds at your disposal that way. Thanks, and enjoy!

  • @baj5025
    @baj5025 Год назад +4

    Try lowering the bass eq on the Mark I, II, and IV tones. Raise the gain, lower the bass eq. It helps tighen up the tone. I also love the Mark I tone on my Mark V, great for leads. I also recommend the Extreme mode with low gain. Makes for good dirty tones.

  • @JinxRemoving
    @JinxRemoving 2 года назад +4

    You can see why Mesa Marks are coveted for metal from the first overdriven chords. Holds on to that low B surprisingly well, although it doesn't seem as simple of a 'plug and play' amp like a 2203 or similar would be. EIther way lots of really good aggressive sounds and playing. Reminded me of ISIS's guitar tones on Oceanic, even though they used VHT Pitbulls I think.

  • @joshuafrahm8778
    @joshuafrahm8778 2 года назад +2

    I'd like to add a couple of things, the tube rectifier isn't just on the 45w mode in channels 1&2, in that mode it is switchable, in 10w it is automatically on in all three channels. Also in lieu of the rectifier switch, there is the pentode/triode switch on channel 3. It is a great amp though, I've had mine for nearly 10 years, and still love it.
    Also, if you ever use EL34s, in addition to the bias switch on the back, make sure you only use Variac mode. I've heard that they updated the owners manual on new amps to say this, but the older ones like mine didn't. I learned this lesson the hard way.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад

      Are you positive? I only ask because the official Mk V manual says that ch3 uses silicon diodes only regardless of setting. It does say that for ch 1 & 2, it’s automatically tube in 10w, diodes in 90w, and switchable in 45w so that all makes sense.
      Great info about the EL34’s. What was the result at full power? Blew up a power tube?

    • @joshuafrahm8778
      @joshuafrahm8778 2 года назад +2

      @@totallyradguitars959 Mine says "The 90 Watt setting automatically selects the Silicon Diodes and the 10 Watt setting requires the Tube
      Rectifier to operate safely." Which I took as meaning for all three channels, and the 45w switch for 1&2, but I could be wrong. As for the EL34s, it blew the tubes and fuses, and burned-out the screen(?) resistors.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад +1

      @@joshuafrahm8778 Ouch! Definitely good to know on the EL34s. It's possible there are different revisions of this amp as well which might explain slight differences in the manual or behavior. Since I got mine used, I've been referring to the one on the Mesa website but who knows if that's accurate to my amp. I suppose the way to know for sure would be to pull the rectifier tube out and check each channel in 10w mode to see if the sound cuts out on Ch3 - but I'm afraid to do that just in case it breaks something else.

  • @Cryanoutloud
    @Cryanoutloud Год назад +1

    Very cool video! I have owned this exact amp for maybe 7 years and i have a love/hate relationship with it. Sometimes i use it and think it sounds pretty amazing, other times I will spend 2 hours tweaking and still wont be happy with how it sounds. After all the messing about, ive started using smaller combos that i can turn on and get a usable tone right away. I really think that you have to pair this amp with the right speaker. I am using a Genz Benz G Flex(ported 4x12 closed back). The speakers are voiced to be close to a V30. I started changing speakers in one side, didnt like it… I know these sound amazing with the massive mesa cabs, and i would probably already own one if they didnt cost a million dollars. I have also had to bring this amp to the shop several times for mysterious repairs… blown fuses…. It did blow a power tube once which thanks to Mesas excellent design I was able to fix myself (new matched pair of 6L6’s) All that aside, I love this amp and will probably never sell it, the high gain tones are insane. Anyhow great job on the video, dont listen to the tone snobs giving you a hard time. 👍🤘

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  Год назад

      Rock on! And thanks - I liked the way it sounds in the video but I think people expected a tighter metal tone demo. Something to keep in mind for next time I review an amp like this. Cheers

  • @patrickfouhy9102
    @patrickfouhy9102 3 месяца назад +1

    So, the reverb feeds the EQ? that's interesting.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  3 месяца назад

      Yeah, I thought that was odd too, but reverb is before the GEQ. Same on the Mark IV as well. Very unique compared to other high gain amp designs.

  • @GuyNarnarian
    @GuyNarnarian 4 месяца назад +1

    I have the 25 watt version of this amp. I think it sounds killer, but I do tweak it a lot more than I would other amps. I think the IIC+ or the Mark IV mode is my favorite, although I want to experiment with Xtreme more. I really don't know the differences between a Mark IIC+ and Mark III, but the amp has a lot of usable sounds in it. The Crunch mode is probably the best on the amp. Cleans are fantastic. To me the Mark IV mode is a little more forgiving than the IIC+, depending on what I'm going for I think the IIC+ is probably better for tight dirty rhthym vs. the IV mode. One thing I'll say about the 25 at least is for the lead channel, you need to use the graphic EQ. It sounds sterile without it on and boosting some frequencies. I keep the bass really low, probably between 2-4 at the most on both channels because the EQ boosts it post anyway.

  • @doc_matter
    @doc_matter 11 месяцев назад +1

    Would love you to do an indepth on your jcm800 split channel!!!!

  • @theodorbyrlen1756
    @theodorbyrlen1756 2 года назад +2

    incredible video as always! it's really inspiring to see how in depth you go and how much you know about the amplifier, it really makes it feel worth the wait for the video! I've been looking forward to this since I saw the mkiv video and you always deliver! thank you!

  • @rtomas47
    @rtomas47 2 года назад +3

    Another great video, I also prefer MkIV

  • @jimmiethompson3637
    @jimmiethompson3637 Год назад +1

    You should have the masters on noon on channel 2&3 and adjust the overall output volume. It will change the sound of that amp.

  • @grahamjarman
    @grahamjarman 2 месяца назад +1

    so i saw a tech vid who said some of the mesa components were subpar and many times lead to needing repair

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  Месяц назад +1

      I don't think the components are any worse than others larger amp makers, but the designs are a bit complicated. They can be difficult to work on as there are also many revisions within the same amp model, so two amps that look identical may have differences on the board and those changes aren't always reflected in schematics, even official ones.
      Like any sensitive electronic signal device, treat the amps well and they will last a long time. The more components in the device, the more chances for a failure so the more cautious you have to be, so a Mark V like this might have 500 components in it just means it'll have more maintenance requirements than a Marshall with 200 components in it, if that makes sense.
      It certainly wouldn't stop me from buying a Mesa if that's the type of sound I wanted.

  • @NinjaRunningWild
    @NinjaRunningWild 2 года назад +3

    I own a Mark IV. _The reverb is foot switchable._ You just have to buy your own switch. I got one for less than $40 that's built like a tank. I also use those exact switches with my Rockman Sustainor which requires them for channel switching. On A-zon they're titled "Marshall Footswitch, One Button" by AmplifiedParts.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад +1

      Great advice! I always forget about the external switching jacks.

  • @gitarman666
    @gitarman666 7 месяцев назад +1

    I got a mark VII recently
    Everyone online says the V is very similar, any thoughts?

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  7 месяцев назад

      I haven't seen the schematic yet, but yeah it's going to be very similar when using the same modes at least.
      Basically you lose the Mark V's tube rectifier, Mk1 and Extreme modes, master output/solo, preset "V" EQ knobs, and channel bold/thick/bright switches. In trade you get the Cabclone IR, IIB/VII modes, and a smaller form factor.
      I would expect the IIC, IV, crunch, clean etc settings to all be basically the same when both amps are set to 90w. Basically, the V has more tweakability but if you don't miss the extra controls, the VII is going to be just as good plus the CabClone is great for home/studio recording.

    • @tor2886
      @tor2886 27 дней назад

      Sold my VII and kept the V. The V requires some getting to know.

    • @gitarman666
      @gitarman666 27 дней назад

      @@tor2886
      I had first purchased the Jp2c
      Way too much heat for my needs
      I can get very close anyway, more than enough gain without a stomp and I found the 2-3 channel redundancy unnecessary
      as well as the dual EQs
      Love the IV very happy with the VII but yeah if it were a V it wouldn’t break my heart
      I think the VII was a Jp2c empty head filler as they are the same size, I think after the JP fans bought their fill Mesa kept rolling with minor changes to the V circuit and squeezed it in but I could be mistaken
      I’m more a Marshall, Soldano, Friedman tube head player and the only other Boogie I have is an old Dual Caliber combo?

  • @iiizeroiii1636
    @iiizeroiii1636 2 года назад +4

    for those interested the cat makes an appearance at 10:29 also watching this punching myself in the face for selling this amp. just lots and lots of punching.

    • @MichaelDespairs
      @MichaelDespairs 2 года назад +1

      Eh I think I'd buy a 6505 instead.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад +1

      Haha yeah the cat kind of snuck up on me. Luckily she's well behaved and doesn't claw or chew on my gear but I usually lock her out of the studio room anyway.
      I am still kicking myself for selling the IV, and I know if I sold this V I'd feel the same way. It's just such a great sound to have at your fingertips. Of course, I can't talk because I've kept way too many amps - if I had to pick just one or two I'm not sure the V would be it, but that's more to do with the kind of music I like to play most than anything else.

    • @quantumfoam140
      @quantumfoam140 Год назад

      11:33 “Hi!”

  • @marcosvinbr
    @marcosvinbr Год назад +1

    Hey! Great review! One doubt.. where did you find the CH2 Thick Switch on the Mark V schematics? Thks.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  Год назад

      Hey - I am fairly certain that the Thick switch is the one at the Ch2 EQ across the 150k resistor R212, which affects the slope of the EQ. However, I am not completely positive, and it's not clearly marked as such on the schematic so that's also why I didn't point it out in the video.
      I have had the amp apart and I still can't really tell - I hope I never need work on this amp because the PCB is very poorly marked so it's not clear where the two wires from the switch are going.

    • @marcosvinbr
      @marcosvinbr Год назад +1

      It does make sense… but note that there are “M4”, “M5” and “M6” labels around the 150K resistor (R212), that would refer to CH2 modes (Edge, Crunch and Mark I)…

    • @bretsgamingchannel
      @bretsgamingchannel Год назад

      @@marcosvinbr yeah that’s why I’m not completely positive. I took the amp apart to trace the wires and I can’t quite tell from there either… but if you or anyone else knows for sure the correct answer I would love to know. May have to email Mesa directly and see if they could confirm for us

    • @marcosvinbr
      @marcosvinbr Год назад +1

      Yep. I have to e-mail Mesa for another subject and will address this matter. I’ll fup in here. All the best!

    • @marcosvinbr
      @marcosvinbr Год назад +1

      Mystery solved: It's located on the “Ch2 Mode Switching” section. Another part of the circuit, out of the known schematics. This thing is a true spaceship. A good one, though… Cheers!

  • @artisteo
    @artisteo 2 года назад +1

    mine squalls like a banshee, had to get a decimator and kind of killed a big of the tone

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад +1

      It may be worth swapping some of the preamp tubes, it sounds like you might have a microphonic tube. If you tap on one lightly with the amp turn on and hear the taps through the speaker cab, that’s the one. Worth a try

    • @artisteo
      @artisteo 2 года назад +1

      ​@@totallyradguitars959 I'll try it, but concede my semi hollow Rickenbacker 330 with SD Invader pick ups doesn't help.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад

      @@artisteo Haha now that is definitely an extreme case. I have a RIC 360 that I absolutely love but it's not one I use much for high gain

  • @AndyDrudy
    @AndyDrudy 6 месяцев назад +1

    Channel one is great for a straight up Fender clean tone. The fat switch I think is a mid boost. The tweed setting is totally unuseable. This amp is VERY bass heavy so you have to watch the bass control. It's also VERY loud which is great for headroom on a cleansound. That sound alone is worth the price of the amp. I find channel 2 completely useless. It is totally impossible to create a Marshall type classic rock guitar sound. Marshalls have this lovely bite up the top end that no matter what you do, you cannot reproduce on this amp. Channel three extreme mode (Which is not extreme at all) is a great controlled solo sound. It is a tricky amp. You have to work to make it sound good. The clean channel is as good as it gets when you get a setting you like. Unlike a Marshall that where ever the knobs tend to be randomly set - will allways sound great. It is almost impossible to make a Marshall sound bad. A Mk5 sounding bad is the default setting untill you spend serious hours working out how it works (You will never really work out how this amp works, it way too complicated and life is too short). Any amp that sounds great, would not need a graphic equalizer on the output. As three channel amps go - a Marshall JVM wipes the floor with a MK5 all day long.

  • @mazklassa9338
    @mazklassa9338 2 года назад +1

    The Mic is too close to the speaker, it's clipping.

  • @heut4384
    @heut4384 Год назад +2

    If I started looking to buy Mesa Boogie Mark V right now, and I only saw your ONE video (no one else), I would probably not buy Mark V. Based on your video (or audio), I would think Mesa Boogie Mark V sucks big time. Lol!!! But thank god, there are ton other people have already made really good videos on this Mark V. I came to listen your video - it's not because your video is great...but it's because I like your formal information on the Mark V between 1 min to 20 mins. Just wanna tell you. 😂

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  Год назад

      Kind of abrasive way to put it lol, I thought it sounded pretty good but I get that tone is subjective. What would you suggest to improve that part? I mean - without doing the generic scooped metal with backing track thing… I’ll leave that to those “other videos”

    • @heut4384
      @heut4384 Год назад +1

      @@totallyradguitars959 Hey....I think I know why your sound is so really bad. You should had adjusted your mic before you recorded. This is why it sounds so muffled (or it seems like, there's a blanket covered on your speaker OR your guitar pickups.). I listened to other people videos and they're fine - it's just your video.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  Год назад

      I did adjust it prior to recording and chose an off axis placement with the warm sounding speakers, for a full sounding tone accurate to the way it sounded in the room across all 3 channels. I could’ve placed on axis and closer to cut some bass and add highs to the channel 3 tones but channels 1 and 2 would’ve suffered, and it would sound like a recorded guitar instead of the room. Just how it is doing a full demo like this, unless I wanted to alter the setup each channel change, which is a good idea but I just didn’t have the time when I recorded this. Cheers

    • @ceniam12
      @ceniam12 Год назад +1

      ​@@totallyradguitars959 Actually I love how the lead channel sounds in your video (I just care for the lead channel so I didn't watch the full thing haha). I think this is one of the best demos of this amp and I always come back to try to match your tone with my marks. I quite don't understand the rude comments like this one, your tone is always great and the amount of gain you use is perfect in my opinion, I don't like when people over-saturate the amps. cheers!

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  Год назад +1

      @@ceniam12 thanks I appreciate hearing that. Tone is always subjective, and I don’t mind a few tips/ideas but some people are definitely rude about it.

  • @nomad100hd
    @nomad100hd 2 года назад +1

    I can't get a decent tone out of the Mark I or edge mode.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад +1

      It’s very dark sounding but I think the treble maxed in mark 1 mode sounds really nice. I don’t use edge mode much if at all for my style so I’m not the expert on it. Both modes seem to have a slightly flubby low end that turns people off, love it or hate it kind of thing.

  • @lucianradusart
    @lucianradusart 3 месяца назад +1

    4k amp and I am listening through my phone's speakers😅

  • @ynot5150
    @ynot5150 9 месяцев назад +2

    Flub, flub, flub, out of tune, flub, flub! Glad there are more demo/review videos than this one.

  • @Skoora
    @Skoora 2 года назад +1

    Within 2 minutes you make me realize why would I listen to you go over an amp like this for 48 minutes when you only care about one sound..lol bye bye
    Just kidding. I’ve owned this amp for years.

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад

      Haha thanks. I’ve been planning some more short-form content, like some tone comparisons just need to take the time to set everything up and record it. I’ve just added a reamp box to my collection that should make that go a lot more smoothly so keep an eye out for that stuff coming soon

  • @dmarkj22
    @dmarkj22 Год назад +1

    Too much talking not enough playing.

  • @samuelalmanza49
    @samuelalmanza49 2 года назад +5

    Love your videos man. But sounds like you need new strings lol

    • @totallyradguitars959
      @totallyradguitars959  2 года назад

      What makes you say that? Just curious - I don't really notice any tonal difference old strings to new strings. I do notice new strings are smoother to play of course - but through a distorted guitar amp I can't tell the difference personally. Cheers