A Masterpiece: The Mesa Boogie Mark VII

[@gorlagOv]

Don’t worry the Mark VI is included in the VII’s price tag.

[@ookookook]

You just won the internet with that comment

[@jsullivan2112]

HAHA!

[@CFChristian]

Hearty lol.

[@saltyphucker777]

$3500 for the head

[@PMO269]

Che ridere

[@clydewilliams7061]

I have this amp and I love it. It is the best amp I’ve ever owned and I’ve owned a lot of Boogies. I’m a Metalhead but, that 2b tone just hits my soul in a different kinda way! It’s delicious!

[@clydewilliams7061]

Now I used to have this amp ☹️ someone drained my momma’s bank account and I had to sell it to help cover her bills for the month. She’s on Social Security. So….☹️

[@malthus101]

@@clydewilliams7061 lol nice

[@bojangles4704]

@@clydewilliams7061 you're a good son mama loves you

[@clydewilliams7061]

@ she does! And all of this has made me and my tone journey better

[@LS-wc6mr]

Man I have to say what I like best about the Mark V is the complexity and features...that's what make it so damn versatile! The two different EQ options, switchable rectifier circuits, solo mode, mute switch and master volume all get used on mine regularly. The Mark VII sounds great but I'll keep my Mark V.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

L S Well I have to counter that with what I like best with my 85 fully optioned S O B is its simplicity. 7 knobs no push pull, no modes, no stacked boards inside. Very simple to play, very simple to fix. After all it's 38 yrs old.

[@jayl5941]

How is the mark vii less complex? Just curious as I don’t know the main differences other than a few of the channels.

[@LS-wc6mr]

@sparkyguitar0058 fair enough, there's definitely something to be said for simplicity. Myself, I love to tinker with stuff and the Mark V is perfect for that.

[@LS-wc6mr]

@@jayl5941 the Mark V has two different eq options per channel (sliders or contour knob), switchable rectifier circuits per channel, solo mode, master mute switch and master volume. It appears they took all of those out for the Mark VII.

[@sparemers8380]

Fluff I think this is the best video you've ever done. The tone is killer and showcases the amp very well, the song choice was amazing and showed your playing very well imo, and the quality on the video and audio was superb. Great video!

[@cwoodside907]

@2:00 That's the Mark series sound we all know and love!! Hell yeah!!

[@spencercoles1800]

That Gibson acquisition is really shinning through with that $3500 price tag...

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Can not wait to see your budget friendly 3 channel amp!

[@stevestevens1457]

@@RiffsAndBeards bro, it is boutique amp territory pricewise. We don’t want shitty newer mark for those money.

[@samwillochell9528]

Literally.. hell my soldano was more lol and its older

[@jsullivan2112]

Don't ever look inside one of these things, you won't like what you see.

[@EDAR96]

You can get a Mark V for 1500 dollars less and it’s a better amp

[@charlesrocks]

This sounds spectacular. It's everything I had ever hoped they would do for the Mark series. Incredible design. I love the Cab Clone technology built into the amplifier. Midi control. It's a GOD TIER amp.

[@TomaszSkwarek83]

Phew....that 1st demo riff is SOOOOO GOOD 👍

[@Ryan_Q3L]

What a beast. I keep coming back to my Boogie Mark V:35 and this just sounds epic.

[@garycastronova7939]

I had the mark v 90 and the 35...much prefer the 35.wirh a 2x12 v30 cab.. great 80s iron maiden metal tone on crunch channel along with the mid boost function.and of course wicked mark 4 metal tone my favorite high gain amp after 42 years and probably 60 different amps..

[@Ryan_Q3L]

@@garycastronova7939 Awesome to hear. I agree, the Boogie Mark V:35 really offers a wide range of tones. And it works well with my pedalboard giving me option paralysis. :)

[@jamesincharlotte]

Yeah my mark 5:25 has 99.9% of this sound for 1/3 the price tag. Actually only paid $900 for mine.great video and playing !!

[@soosnas793]

Man that demo riff is SICK!!!!

[@kieranvirgo9797]

Sounds great, I thought they were counting the JP2C as the MK6 would make more sense.

[@necroticpoison]

That mix is insanely good, and the tone is killer

[@burtosu86guitar]

Yep, i 2nd that

[@hyperbolekid]

My JP2C can be sculpted to get the tones close enough so not sure I need to spend another $3500. Thanks for the review Fluff!

[@wasserhahn903]

same here for my mark v

[@MooseWilliams]

Close enough to what?

[@davu9027]

@@MooseWilliams to the Mark VII

[@TheCyberMantis]

Yeah, my Boss Katana head can be sculpted to get the tones close enough, so I am absolutely positive I don't need to spend $3,500. 😆

[@realtruenorth]

​@@TheCyberMantisboss Katana? LOL, sure. But it's not the same, I guarantee if you played side by side, you would be like "dammit"

[@yoitsmegabe]

glad I got my Mark V when they were $1999

[@andymccormick6809]

My guess is that part of the reason for skipping the mark six is that the name Mark six is literally the holy grail of saxophones, so if one were to search Mark six on the Internet, you would be inundated with results for the Saxophone, so it makes sense to avoid competing with the same key word or search phrase

[@robertpurdy3208]

True, but Selmer also builds a mark vii sax as well.

[@Nameless-iz3ko]

JP 2C was the mark 6 imo

[@kaidemen156]

Good review, thank you for taking the time to put it together. I have the Mark V 90, I don’t see anything on the 7 that makes me feel like I’m missing out.

[@JohnK-id1zj]

Same boat here. Sweet amp but I don't think I will be pursuing any time soon. Love my V 90.

[@m.thephilosopher]

I see it the same way. Also have the Mark V and also the Mark III, IV. What I always criticized about the Mark V was that it had no recording output, should be normal in this price range. Even the Mark IV had a silent recording (built in the early 90's). They seem to have done better this time! Which of course is not a reason to buy the Mark VII

[@charlcoetzee93]

Nice product. To those saying you don't think it's worth selling your current Mesa an getting this, sure! It's not an iphone, you don't have to get a different one every time it's released😅

[@bizarrefruit9133]

The difference is that the Mesa V came out 14 years ago and this looks like exactly the same amp with a few of the modes changed and midi control/direct out. I get where you're coming from, but compare the Mark IV to the Mark V and then the Mark V to this. Happy I bought a pre-Gibson Mark 5! That way I can still 'play authentic'. =P

[@bodd66]

@@bizarrefruit9133 Yeah I'm with you. It looks like my Mark V BUT it's missing some things that I love about my amp. I do not have FOMO with this release.

[@jsullivan2112]

@@bizarrefruit9133 Spoken by someone who doesn't really know anything about the Mark amps. The difference between the Mark IV and Mark V is the biggest there's ever been between Marks. Go look at every other one, from the Mark I all the way through the different versions of the Mark II, the Mark III stripes and Mark IV A and B, and the differences are really minor. And what do you mean by play authentic? They started working on this amp long before Gibson came along, so that's kinda bullshit.

[@jameslwashington1]

THANKYOU VERY MUCH, very helpful.

[@komeen]

No master volume is a deal breaker. One of the best things about my mark 4 and triple crown 100. Especially the second volume boost on the TC 100

[@mikedenkinger9570]

But you could also get a decent attenuator (Two Notes, Dr. Z, etc) to fill that function. Yeah it's an additional cost but you can use it with anything else you want to crank to full tube-powered glory...

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

that is where the Revv Generator and new Bogner Ultra beat it.

[@mrc2662]

Interested to hear your views on the TC100 v Mark IV. I have a TC 100 and a Two Rock, and have always been tempted by a Rec or a Mark, but is it sufficiently different from the TC (which is so versatile)?

[@komeen]

@@mrc2662 Hi Mr. C. They're wildly different animals. I love my TC 100 but the Mark is definitely much more versatile and organic/natural feeling. I have the Rev A series (the first) and to call it touch sensitive is an understatement. The cleans on the Mark are angelic and immaculate. I find the TC can be a bit boxy/honky sounding even with the mids pulled back. I added a boogie EQ pedal to the TC and it helps to liven up the sound overall. I actually prefer my Mark but for strait up grind the TC is hard to beat. I would recommend a mark over a rectifier if you're looking to expand your palette. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[@mrc2662]

@@komeen that’s great, much appreciated. Tbh even finding a Mesa here in the UK these days is a real challenge. Part of me wants that 80s/90s metal thing with ‘that’ treadplate on the Recto, but I hear you about the Mark, it’s clearly a magnificent amp. Guess another factor is that I’m a pedal nut and maybe I just really need a Mesa Recto to do the punchy brutality thing to perfection, but rely on a clean amp (my classic reverb sig) for all my pedals, leaving no need for a Mark. Nice problem to have…or it would be if anywhere sold them :(

[@onurdogu7009]

Mix example is awesome!

[@MaxMiller614]

My guy that mix was insane! Nice demo

[@_xentropy]

That intro playing had really sick tone.

[@TudorAdrian]

That output transformer is HUGE

[@Aidan_Dissonance]

DAYMM BOII forget the amp, that jam at the beginning is savage. Where the hell did that come from!!! Love your work mate ❤

[@JoshuaMRichard]

Lol not sure if I am supposed to see this unlisted but I like the amp and the video. Sounds amazing. 🤘

[@scottrockit7680]

Killer mix song! Killer video! Whoa!

[@dustinroberts5949]

Damn! That first mix sounds absolutely glorious with headphones on. Well done Fluff

[@DaltonPeters1]

9:31 That sounds gnarly. I'm pumped to try this in person

[@jasonbates2687]

That 5 band EQ is iconic but I think that when most people hear the name Mesa Boogie they picture a Recto with the diamond plate face. That being said I have a single Recto solo head and it is a tremendous amp but I would LOVE to have a Mark....after I win the lottery.

[@stevestevens1457]

What? No one cares about Shittifier. Mesa is Mark. Period.

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

​​@@stevestevens1457 for people that grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, the rectifiers were the amps you associated with Mesa. That's what all the popular bands were using and endorsing.

[@stevestevens1457]

@@CharlesWillisBonsai I am of those kids, but I liked AJFA since the beginning. Nowadays society seems to catch up with my taste and we see IIc+ being sold at 10k+

[@dilbophagginz]

Rectifiers suck.

[@jasonbates2687]

@@dilbophagginz do you have one or ever played one?

[@liontribegc]

Cheers from Texas! Crazy-cool Great video! 🤟😺🤟

[@mattw.6726]

Sounds great! This seems like Mesa Boogie going a similar route to what Marshall did with the JVM, but with even more features. Good stuff!

[@gregmize01]

LISTENED ON MY PHONE THEN WENT INSIDE AND LISTENED ON MY MONITORS...HOLY COW DOES IT SOUND GOOD!

[@VinceMusicianG]

your best tone yet

[@LouisonLabeaume]

Best Mark VII demo out there.

[@christopherharv]

Did Mesa improve the CabClone feature since the first JP2C's? I have one in my JP2C and it's useless. It's like there's nothing below 300Hz.

[@ratale21]

Mark IIC is my favorite for cutting threw for rhythm, In my opinion It's creamy and sharp.

[@darrellmitchell814]

I love my Mark V 35! All i need.

[@timothyhereford7407]

Love your videos fluff, the full mix riff today might be my favorite you've done so far!

[@fr201]

What does "boxy" mean in context of the JPIIC?

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Alot of low mids you cant dial out. Like 300hz or so.

[@Snoopdave2000]

Mark v 2 makes more sense

[@glez90metallica]

Mark V+?

[@Leo_Fender]

Ayyy

[@silvoorbach9391]

Mark V B meaby😅

[@chrismccreight8207]

The name explanation is so goofy “leaps and bounds” further than a VI = another greatest hits collection that is in practice another mark v

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

Lol. Probably.

[@sb6232]

Stellar tone and riffage!!!. NICE!!!!

[@josephbutler148]

The 4th vid of the mk7 I have watched and the 1st one to actually make me want one \m/ good work man

[@johncrace911]

Dude ! You are going to love getting that thing worked on. Lol

[@DJ33]

Cool amp, even cooler opening mix I really dug it.

[@frqnc1]

Were you not allowed to show the amp in focus?

[@RiffsAndBeards]

If the amp wasn’t in focus perhaps you should get your eyes checked

[@ovyone5474]

I got a mark V and love it, but no complaints here. This new amp sounds pretty good!

[@michaelpquinlan]

What does the foot switch look like? Lol I just got my mark v a year ago... I'll be saving up for this thing.

[@msi1985]

Love the demo riff 🎉 can feel the passion in the tone!

[@poltergeist0]

I'd like to know more about the Mark VII mode on channel 2, is it anything like Extreme mode on the Mark V? It doesn't really sound like it to me.

[@poltergeist0]

@@DerSilvano Haha, I should have read the manual. It's a recto/Triple Crown crossover mode. I really don't know why current Mark V owners would buy this one

[@JourneymanActor]

All the new Boogie amps have a much tighter sound now. It's definitely different from the 90's when they were more bass sounding and kind of loose and growly. I like the new version though, very aggressive.

[@singleproppilot]

Definitely. I always thought Mesas sounded flubby on the low end, but the newer generations are very tight.

[@metriffs]

What, the IV is tight. Bass control on zero. Add bass on GEQ. See my video Disposable Heroes.

[@Maulmota]

After 10 years only playing through amp sims I think I'm finally ready to get a tube amp and play the real thing. Will I be happy with a Mark VII? Is this the kind of amp that only sounds good if volume is loud?

[@2204JCM]

No, but they sound their best loud.

[@nitevisionimages]

If you use a reactive load box like the Fryette Amplification Power Load IR then you can play the amp at full power in a home setup - the reactive load box will then output a quieter signal to you studio monitors with our without an cab impulse response or DI into you DAW. Gets all the sound of your tubes without being loud in the room - independent volume control etc

[@bojangles4704]

did you get a tube amp?

[@jroz8111]

I ordered one !!! Seems a bit more stiff than My Jpc I like that. Thanks brother sounds killer

[@futureace73]

Have you tried it with el34s yet? Looking for examples of that. Wondering how different it might sound or maybe just feel to play.

[@realtruenorth]

If your complaining about the price, why aren't you watching a Crate amp video?

[@jameslugo]

Great video. Sounds great, also gels with your rhythm playing.

[@sillyness3456]

For some reason, this makes the Mark V even more attractive.

[@SSStinger6]

I mean unless the VII tones somehow radically alter what is on the V, i have to agree with you!

[@StreamLaz]

best demo for you man. Good job.

[@scacchomattho]

Had a mark iv. Mine was a little bit more scooped (used kinda the same graph eq settings but with the 80Hz at unity) but the idea is there. Well I use fractal products, now, but my love for mesa amps still is there

[@duck2587]

They could’ve done more with the amp. It’s a mark five with modes shifted around on the panel and a few exchanged in and out. They should’ve incorporated a second graphic EQ like the jp2c and kept extreme mode from the mark V. Or did a mark IV reissue with 2 GEQ. For the price point, I’ll stick to my mark IV and my JP2C. The mark five will drop in price and I will pick one up used for a very good deal.

[@TheLeadG]

I might pick up a mark 5:35 if the prices get low enough

[@EatYourOwnBacon]

Yeah. This was a blown opportunity. Should have done a V with upgraded modes- made it smaller like it is, and added 2 EQs. That would be an amp I would maybe sell my JP2C for.

[@TheLeadG]

@@EatYourOwnBacon That was my first initial thought. I’m just excited for a 5:35 to be cheaper so I can get one. Have a mini rec so it needs a brother!!

[@joshuafrahm8778]

​@@TheLeadG it's crazy to me that a V:35 new costs the same as the V:90 was when I bought mine new

[@Soprano_661]

I’ve got a iv that and a tube screamer is heaven I don’t need another mark. I want a triple crown with 6L6s

[@brentlemoine504]

How dose it compare to the triple crown 100 . Looks very similar set up with the knobs except for the manual 5 band EQ. Also sounds very similar to my triple crown at least the audio coming though you tube video.

[@jsullivan2112]

Awesome amp, I actually love the sound of it more than the Mark V. Some genuine criticism out there, and then again some other people with whom Mesa simply can't win anymore. Oh well. Thanks for the great demo! P.S. Mark IV is my favourite amp ever, I can feel the love.

[@barry3045]

Fluff always sounds great no matter what amp. Mesa makes the best stuff IMO. I’m also a Mark IV junkie.

[@TheLeadG]

Me too! I’ve got a short A in a 10 space for my practice rig and a wide body combo B in a rack/case for live stuff.

[@barry3045]

@@TheLeadG I have a MKIV combo but I have no idea which version it is

[@JimboLodisC]

it sounds reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally gooooooood, wow

[@joshbittner]

Not having a global master volume is gonna be a real dealbreaker for me. I like having some stage volume, and the way to not piss off the sound engineer is to crank the channel volumes on my Marshall JVM to get the full on tone and keep the two master volumes at about 9 o’clock (or 9:30 for my guitar solo channel to have a slight volume boost for that). That won’t be an option here, as far as I can tell. If the Mark V had all this new tech that updates it to 2023 like they did here, that would’ve been sick. Ah well. Still a nice amp and I’m sure it will get profiled to death for the Kemper/QC/AxeFX crowd

[@ShaggyDawg]

Yeah no pedal controlled master is not practical

[@ROKZLEON]

Crushed it on the that opening jam!!! 🤘🏻

[@themog4911]

Damn it ... Just bought a Mark V 🤣 Absolute beast of an amp though, I am very happy 🤘

[@Nicholas247066]

Honestly this isn’t much better. Besides the CabClone IR and other quality of life features in the VII, the Mark V will always be a kickass amp!

[@m.thephilosopher]

You got a Mark V ? so i think you don´t need this Mark VII... have a Mark III , IV and V and can´t find a reason why i should need this needless Amp . This is just a stripped down version of the Mark V

[@reservedco]

Did you use a IR Cabinet Speaker in this video and if so which one. The tone you dialed in is so spot on my man!

[@JHolt-zu6of]

Great review! Why do you put your 2x12 vertical cab on its side?

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Easier to shoot video like that ☺️

[@ciaran762]

That full mix thooo 🔥🔥🔥

[@theedgeinshow]

GawtDAMMIT, Fluff....I've had "I-need-a-new-amp-itis" for a few months. Now you drop this video and I'm gonna have to explain this amp to my wife.....

[@ChrisBlackTV]

Wow, and here I was, worried about the future of tube amps. Good to know they're still being worked on.

[@Jstall7543]

It Sounds So Great! What A Tone!

[@nunoharris]

Hi. Whats the year of your amp? Thanks

[@thedonrizzguitar]

This may be a dumb question, could you switch channels with a Boss ES-5?

[@AndyGeroldMusic]

Is there a good reason there's no master volume ???

[@charlesrusso9906]

Sounds great! Awesome Video as usual!

[@RequiemDead]

Any chance for a Neural DSP Mark IIC+ demo now that the Mark VII is out?

[@stevierabone4875]

Hello man, at the 2 minute mark when you start playing the blue Sting Ray are you using any boost/overdrive pedals ? What bridge pickup is in the Sting Ray? thank you kind regards Stevie.

[@Tom_Platz]

Fluff.... signal chain for this demo? Curious if you used the Cab Clone feature for any of this? Thx!

[@mougabo]

if it has midi that means you can actually safe presets and fire them up at will with a midi controller?

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I’ve never owned a Mesa, but love the ones I’ve played through. Are they durable? If I dump 3k on this thing, have I made a good investment? I’m in the market for a forever-amp and just bought a lemon of a Vox.

[@mattrobert2426]

Beyond a good investment. It's so flipping built like a beast and it's the best amp ever made. I own the mark V 90 watt head

[@focalfusion]

What do you think of the Mesa Boogie King Snake?

[@8KilgoreTrout4]

John Madden Voice: Well here's a guy who really knows what he's doing with a Rectifier! It's obvious that he's a master with the controls!

[@healmebaby9733]

If buying new today, and disregarding the cost. Would you get a mk v, a jp2c, or a mk vii? On the edge here and unsure what to do. I really dig the sounds of the vii but also love the v and jp2c. Playing almost exclusively metal, but I can dabble in som clean and crunch from time to time. But the metal sound is the most important for me. Thanks alot for your videos. Great as always!

[@MrBobo3630]

What did you end up going with? I’m in a similar situation atm. Thanks!

[@jimmysavage258]

I’d buy the 7 because of the bigger transformer over the 5

[@dearquan]

Dude where do I get your instrumentals?

[@joefalchetto94]

One question, how did you mic the amp?

[@deathofdeception3330]

is the five band e q able to be enabled and disabled?

[@YTDarren0203]

Seems like a cool amp, but I'm one of those metal guys that's curious to see if the mk vii mode really sounds like a rec/mark and if takes an od well. I'd also like to know if the mkiv and 2c modes are the same enimic modes from the Mark V90 or are they beefier like a real mkiv and 2c. I loved everything about the mkv90 except channel 3, I'm really hoping this is better even without extreme mode

[@TIGHTENmetal]

Ryan, in this demo were you using the IR out or a real cab & mic? (Apologies if I missed that in the talking points!)

[@RiffsAndBeards]

SM7B on a Mesa 2x12 into a Neve 1073🤙🏻

[@markjacksonmusic21]

What cabinet were you playing through?

[@RiffsAndBeards]

Mesa Rectifier 2x12

[@markjacksonmusic21]

@@RiffsAndBeards gonna grab that head and cab now!

[@louisburley1597]

Why are people bitching about the price tag? It’s not 2008 anymore and it’s Mesa. Either way I’m a sucker for the Mark stuff and enjoyed this.

[@acutemadness]

The JP-2C is basically the Mark VI; I know the real 2C+ is sought out for, but I’d rather get a 2C++ if wanting something rare of theirs.

[@Tanax13]

Would there be any reason to get a V over the VII? And if so, which version? Also, if getting a JP2C, would there be a lot of overlap between it and the VII (or V)?

[@SSStinger6]

@The Even Order I tend to agree with you....the only thing that would possibly make me curious would be if the Crunch, IIC, and IV modes on this amp are improved over the Mark V version of those same modes. I don't see ANY reference to that fact in the official Mesa write-up or in the influencers demos so I would have to assume they are the same and carried over (I am sure if it was possible to squeeze another selling point of the VII they would make a big deal about having updated the modes). the VII, of course, has different branded transformers (not sure if the spec is the same as the V, though) so I guess that could make some difference in tone and feel. Either way, this seems like a slightly modified version of the Mark V - some swapped modes and some added midi functionality. To say this is SUCH a transformative model that they skipped Mark VI labeling is a joke, though! lol

[@thirteenthandy]

Ok... After looking into a few articles and videos, I think my overall impression is that if I didn't already have a Mark IV, I would want this. For me, what it's making me realize is that I just wish my Mark IV wasn't 32 years old and unreliable to count on for live performances these days. Do I spend $4k for an updated replacement, especially considering I'm not even gigging at the moment? No, I don't think so. I think I'll just work on my ventilation in my rack rig to see if I can prevent the overheating issues I'm having, rather than retiring the IV in favor of the VII. The only thing I really *wish* I had is the low wattage setting so I can push the amp for an SRV blues type tone in the same amp as my metal tones.

[@frontline205]

You can send that Mark IV to Mesa and for under a grand make it like new again. That’s my plan anyway

[@thirteenthandy]

@@frontline205 Already did. They couldn't reproduce the issue, so they did some basic maintenance and replaced a few caps. I got it back and it shut down again during my very next show.

[@Albatross_Ace]

You can literally put the mark iv in Class A Triode mode to bump the wattage down to around 25 watts. It’s flipping two rockers instead of flicking one switch. Same effect though, I imagine…

[@jsullivan2112]

@@thirteenthandy Sounds more like your rack doesn't like the amp, or vice versa. Something's not jiving between the two.

[@riccardocuoghi2071]

Yes but looks like you can’t find any new mesa boogie amp in Europe stores

[@jorge0358]

I feel like if they added a second EQ slider for the clean/crunch channels, it would have made it more justifiable for upgrading from a Mark V

[@deylanengel7251]

Ever since I saw Lamb of God live in 2008. I've always thought these were the best amps to ever exist for distorted tones.

[@smoggyimpala9934]

Am I the only one that thinks boogie makes some of the best looking amps along with it sounded good?

[@moisttowelette5353]

I like the look of Fryette/vht amps a bit more.

[@smelltheglove2038]

I liked the look way back in the day. Bamboo grill, snake skin wrapped cabinet.

[@Clinthopanonymous]

Awesome song, dude

[@glaucosouza1971]

Can we expect some little brothers also?? A Mark VII 35 would be killer!!