Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Head

Pure Vintage Boogie – The legendary Mark IIC+ is back

The Mark IIC+ is the epitome of pure Vintage Boogie® . Its design roots lie in the original Mark II (later Mark II-A), the world's first amplifier with a so-called Dual Mode architecture: a single channel with two completely different characteristics for clean and overdrive. The IIC+ represents the third and most refined generation of this groundbreaking concept, incorporating nearly five years of feedback, fine-tuning, and ongoing development. It also marks the final installment of this line; its successor gained an additional mode and would become known as the Mark III.

The controls are typical of the Mark series: a single row of knobs controls both modes. Rhythm and Lead share the basic controls but have dedicated gain and volume stages, which interact to define the core sound. The tone control handles the heavy lifting, while the iconic Pull Shift functions—partly mode-specific—offer additional tuning options. For truly precise tuning, there's the built-in 5-band graphic EQ. The frequency bands are wide yet extremely effective, allowing you to achieve a highly defined sound quickly and musically.

The rear of the Mark IIC+ also demonstrates why it has retained its status. The global Presence and Reverb controls are deliberately centrally located for quick adjustments on stage. The series-connected, buffered effects loop integrates seamlessly with delays and reverbs. The Power Select switch lets you choose between a full 75 watts of Simul-Class™ power—rich, open, and with maximum headroom—or Class A, which offers reduced power and a smoother, more saturated output stage response at lower volumes. The speaker outputs (8 ohms and two 4 ohms) make it easy to drive virtually any cabinet configuration. And the Slave output taps the complete signal, including the output stage—ideal for IR loaders, external processors, or even classic wet/dry/wet setups.

Forty years after its original production, this icon returns—not as a nostalgic tribute, but as a serious amplifier for today. The Mark IIC+ was the foundation for countless legendary guitarists and recordings from one of the most influential periods in rock history. Rebuilding this amplifier with modern components and within current regulations was anything but easy, but the result is impressive. This reissue does the original C+ justice, down to the smallest detail.

Looking for a legendary amp without the insecurities of vintage, wanting maximum expression and character, no need for endless modes, and preferring a classic, uncluttered layout? Then the Mark IIC+ is exactly what you need. But be warned: once you play a C+, your frame of reference will change. A big claim—certainly—but one backed by forty years of iconic tone and an incredibly loyal fan base.