Mesa Mark IIC+ Reissue Comparison

[@notasilicaanimus]

This is literally all Gibson needed to post on the day of release.

[@guitarpunkcovers]

It just shows you how clueless they really are

[@kristopherkrahl1597]

Agreed!

[@coin777]

Whats gibson?

[@eduardomartin8510]

It gibes and it takes, son.

[@TheMtvdeath]

Fckn EXACTLY!

[@Andromahlius]

That has a "Ola video in 2012" vibe.

[@allworksnew]

All we need is a quick cut to him playing sitting down but only his top half

[@omegapurge]

Good old days, but also good new days😂

[@thetribalist6923]

I loved that era. I still go back to his comparison between the Eminence Governor and the Manowar all the time for reference point to how I’d like my Emi’s to sound.

[@thechannelforeverything2170]

Well Mesa has done it. They’ve reissued the 2C+, and have done a phenomenal job. Great video.

[@musicmore5169]

Except they were purchased by Gibson ❤❤❤

[@gabrielstevens41]

Both amps sound amazing.

[@hyperbolekid]

Ola has been my goto guy for easily over a decade now. Dude is authentic and gets to the point vs the dudes today that just ramble w “sponsored” videos. Ola is the GOAT youtuber for gear and metal 🤘🤘🤘. Long live Ola!

[@ultimatemetalguitartones]

The most anticipated video

[@ConsoleCommandMusic]

Not only do I appreciate that this video exists just from an educational standpoint, I'm loving the classic "Guitar KZbin" vibes this has. To the point, clear, and well-produced. Great job!

[@ironspike171]

Ola might say a lot of „$hit“ and „F=ck“ and therefor he might not be manufacturers first choice of reviwing their stuff - but man, he brings out the best possible tone out of gear - any gear! His playing style, how he picks, his choice of notes to play and choice of pick-up, his FX chain, his amp settings and last but defenitely not least - his recording skills. All that matters and all that makes his demos shine! Happy and healthy NEW YEAR OLA!

[@nicholastotoro7721]

New one sounds a bit more saturated, but that's the only substantial difference I hear. Some of that could be from age and component drift.

[@Shemhamforaesh]

yes and if you actually listen you can hear that when he is playing the low end the older version has more oomph and more of that lower end. Where the newer version has more of the twangy higher end/thinner slap back after notes have been played.

[@SHREDTILLDEAD]

Oh shut up you wouldn't know. Any genius would be able to look and tell they aren't dialed in the same.

[@nicholastotoro7721]

@ Ola said they were, it was a video editing error that showed different settings.

[@SHREDTILLDEAD]

​@@nicholastotoro7721No he didn't. If the settings shown were the settings used, you can tell the scale is quite possibly not even the same on the current graphic eq. What percentage gain is being extracted or increased by 1 millimeter of travel on the slider. You got that figured out yet?

[@nicholastotoro7721]

@ He said it here in the comments section, not the video. Just scroll through and read. Edit: apparently he stated it on facebook, also.

[@352daves9]

Shit man! Great job. They sound really close. Thats so rad. The older one is a little more gnarly to my ears in a good way, but they both sound like a MIIC+

[@lyeband7995]

Thanx for the demos!! Like everyone else, I was not impressed by the "official" demos. My RI arrived today and VERY happy!! These amp manufacturers should put you on payroll

[@ThiagoCamposOfficial]

Definitely close enough for me! Thanks, Ola!

[@TheGhostLad1]

I was waiting for this to pop up on my recommended list. I’m also waiting for the extended version of the video. Thanks as always my favorite Swede and have a great new year. Until next time my metal brothers & sisters…. Stay safe, Stay metal, and don’t forget to riff.?!🤘🏻🔥😎🥂👊🏻🫶🏻🎊

[@TrueMetalJake]

Very similar. Sounds great!

[@FabrizioCalderara76]

Good comparison! The old one sounds more deep with more bass to my ears, the new one seems a little thinner but they are very very close one to each other.

[@TGormania]

That is what I was thinking also. That said, no 'same' tube amps sound alike.

[@charlesrocks]

What folks need to understand is that, in order to get the Metallica tone, they need to pop a parametric EQ in the loop of the IIC+ and scoop out a touch of that 1.2khz. I prefer using the Master Effects Puppet Master EQ which is a clone of the Aphex Parametric EQ Hetfield/Hammett used on Puppets and Justice. Keep in mind Hetfield's IIC+ has an additional '+' mod. The Mesa IIC++ is a modded version of the IIC+ amplifier, which adds more input gain, making the clean channel no longer clean and adding extra gain to the lead channel. This mod was done by Mike B of Mesa Boogie and sometimes features a push-pull pot on the mid knob to turn the extra gain on and off. Mesa did a great job with the Reissue IMO.

[@aross5234]

@@charlesrocks and you forgot a very important part - a cab loaded with the original vented version of the Celestion G12-T75

[@whiteninja2006]

@@aross5234 True. The non-vented version do get VERY close (I have a '87 JCM800 cab with the white label, non-vented T75s), but the earlier vented ones NAIL the tone for sure. I'd say it's even more important than the amp.

[@Starch1b2c3d4a]

The + and ++ mods have zero effect on the clean channel. Stop pulling things out ur a**

[@charlesrocks]

@@aross5234 Can't forget the G12-T75s and the ported cab

[@nineshalldie2897]

@@Starch1b2c3d4aYes, the ++ mod does affect the clean channel. It’s not really clean anymore unless you turn Vol 1 way down. I think it’s around 26db gain boost on the clean channel. Now, if the ++ mod is switchable (usually by pulling the mid knob) you can use it in stock C+ mode and the cleans are unaffected.

[@RobbieF]

Gibson owes you big time, Ola!

[@JoesStyle]

Killer JAM! You rock as usual OLA!

[@gentlewolf1279]

Both sound great! I think I prefer the reissue personally.

[@alexpapadimitriou6242]

Great vid Ola! Would be great to include the JP2C as a comparison line up.

[@DV8-q6n]

I would as well. If the JP2C is at its core a MarK IIC+ then it makes more sense to get the JP2C.

[@trevorhirst5096]

@@DV8-q6n simulclass vs class a/b. Different amps

[@DanAdlingtonOnline]

The only bad thing about the Mesa Mark IIC+ Reissue was the marketing. It's on the shopping list.

[@Ronniebj81]

Both sounds amazing! 🤘

[@marcosandron6081]

Sick tone from both and sick riffing as always! 🎉

[@n8r875]

Ok. Close enough. The re issue is a killer amp. Thanks OLA! Great as per the usual.

[@daniel_naaden]

Hilariously, I think the old IIC+ has that "used sound" in comparison to its new counterpart. Both sound exactly the same, but the new one is every so slightly brighter on the higher parts, and a bit louder on the chugs. it's got a kind of bite that the old one still has, but the old one genuinely sounds older. it sounds used. and I really dig that

[@JordonBeal]

Close enough for this boy.

[@jamesosterberg2510]

I think the Mesa Mark II C+ sounds better than the Mesa Mark II C+ ........... but the Mesa Mark II C+ sounds the best ............................ ahahahah !!! Happy New Gear to you Ola, your family, and all the people following this channel ...!!!!

[@PMJmetal]

Both sound amazing! Am I the only one who would love some Ola IIC+ captures for the Quad Cortex?

[@jasonnaradowsky414]

Both sound killer. That original has always stood out to me in all your old videos though. Is that one a DRG or HRG?

[@Tombking2]

What does DRG or HRG mean?

[@gabrielstevens41]

​@@Tombking2drg = simul class reverb graphic eq, hrg = hundred watt reverb graphic eq

[@laffta6727]

@@gabrielstevens41 reissue drg---3rd channel of JP-2C is based on jp's favorite hrg --- HRG VS DRG next-hehe

[@Ryan_Messenger]

Badass tone 🤘🏻

[@chillybunz]

Honestly sounds better

[@ThyFinalPain]

Thanks 😉

[@fedrek01]

Is this the same comparison you mentioned in your last video or it just a preview? If not, why did you pull Volume 1 on the first one, and Treble on the second one? A fair comparison is using the same settings. Both sound kickass though. And come on dude, you always did it better, the tightest tones were always from you, your comparison of the Mark VII, the Mark II C+, and the JP2C was 5 minutes long. I was busting my ass on forums saying that I was only waiting for your video, I can't argue, the previous two videos were good, but the comparison could have been better, on that video you used the same settings. You probably don't have much time and have to send it back but I would like a longer one and with the same settings and a little bit of tweaking. Love you man, Merry Christmas.

[@OlaEnglund]

Dude I didn’t even notice that. I think it might actually be that I used the picture of it being pulled in the example, and reality they are exactly the same in the setup. Because I was dead sure I set them up exactly the same way. Anyways I’m gonna work on a new video soon bringing in the JP and the VII into the equation

[@fedrek01]

@OlaEnglund Thank you man, I was afraid that my comment was too harsh. I'm excited to hear more!

[@fedrek01]

@@OlaEnglund And I already mentioned it under your last SWOLA but I'll put it here too. I know your first amp was Rectifier, Mesa is making 2ch chrome chassis Dual Rectifier reissue as well so wait for NAMM I guess.

[@robhanson2653]

Literally my favorite chug riffs.

[@stinger720]

Man I like this short a lot. I can put it in repeat and fkn Jaaaaaaaam!

[@Eliphas_Elric]

Wow. Ok now I have to get one.

[@TheBoomtown4]

💵 💰 💷 💸

[@gsauce132able]

Right???!!!💯💯👍👍🤘🤘

[@themodernguitarist]

Honestly I feel like if you put on a high-pass filter, the difference would be so miniscule. And then in a mix the differences disappear completely.

[@koonsickgreen6272]

RI sounds pretty damn good

[@lastcaress83]

Short and to the point, thanks Ola. Do you still have the mk vii or did you send it back?

[@AA_MusicGuy1111]

The reaisssue sounds like to the original what the mark iv b sounds like to the mark iv a. More unpleasant bite and strident mids with less thickness

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Reissue sounds like it has more gain and I see you dialed in a bit more mid range with the graphic EQ, I could hear that. Overall it seems accurate to me! Though I still think the JP2C is a way better value if you want a 2C+

[@Edgardo_ems]

I can hear some difference in the mids but besides that they sound almost identical! I prefer the brown one because of that but again they sound super similar

[@na7h4n34]

The demo track is so good

[@zerstaerker]

The brighter one sounds brighter.

[@danielguinea2971]

Older one sounds a little bit fuller but the throne is there!

[@Basedboomerchadbear]

…Oh HELLS yes!!!!!

[@max_blackened]

Would be awesome to add a comparison to the Neural DSP Mark 2C+ plugin.

[@Old.Monkey.Bones.]

Excellent!

[@kez850]

Ola popping the fuck off with these riffs 👹

[@renthal971]

new one has a bell at 1.9k. Old one is like fine wine

[@EffectivePhysioKingaroy]

I reckon it is at 2.125k, but just me ears. Great tone on both!

[@flachmann161]

@@EffectivePhysioKingaroy its more likely to be at 2.10157k tbh

[@BluemanDrummer]

SLAYER

[@chuajsjs2853]

Dear Ola... is nice to hear the comparison on the new RI vs the original... however its really quite a diff there ... i wonder if the settings on these two were merely done on knobs but not ears.... i wonder how close can the new RI gets into the closer ballpark of the original EQed by ears ? If ya gonna help us do it by the usable tones of the original...?

[@tony2tone1985]

Original owners be like - “seems to be missing a slight scent of pumice and lavender, this is due to the 105 transformer that is made with kryptonite #6. Definitely doesn’t sound like the original. If you want the real deal I’m selling mine at the incredible price of $15,000, shipping not included…I’m doing the buyer a favor TRUST ME”

[@SolaChristus]

lol! True! And Mark III owners like me can say “hey! You can buy my Red Stripe that has 95% of the tone at 50% of the price of the reissue…!” 🤣

[@tony2tone1985]

@@SolaChristus I got the red stripe, it’s great!

[@thechannelforeverything2170]

@@SolaChristus Same here. The Mark III Red Stripe is killer, and actually has more gain than a 2C+ on the lead channel. Almost too much haha. I usually leave the drive at 4 for my Thrash tones, and it's PLENTY.

[@JohnRobbfl]

This should have been Gibson's introductory video, a month before they launched it. The pre-orders would have been through the roof.

[@coin777]

didn mesa build this?

[@JohnRobbfl]

@@coin777 Gibson bought MESA

[@IStabz]

nice! L & R Stereo dual amp set up that would be, with your Mesa oversized cab for one of em'

[@runxzze123]

the older one has a lil more low end but literally u can dial that in so hats off to mesa.

[@christopherharv]

The reddish-orange one has way more presence. Tighter lows. It just sounds better in every way.

[@neuroscope9052]

it's almost splitting hairs but the wood finished one sounds meatier to my ears than the black tolex covered one and would be my pick if I had to pick one.

[@hip-hopjedi4423]

I agree and hear the same, I would pick the Synergy 2C+ module they released over the Mesa Gibson Reissue 2C+ and save thousands. Easy choice.

[@colebertram8482]

Original has slightly forward mids , the reissue has slightly more depth . Both sound amazing

[@snapascrew]

I like how the boogie logo on the reissue is cheap looking and crooked. Nice touch Gibson!

[@iwannarockon2010]

same same 🤘

[@JunkRacecars]

The mids on the old one sound a littler gnarlier but I think they both sound fantastic

[@TheDannVal]

Reminds me of a QC capture of my IIC+. Grainier and not as defined. Thank you for the video and happy holidays!

[@DV8-q6n]

Ola, please compare the JP2C with the Mark IIC+.

[@Cold_Hearted_World]

Would love to see a more in-depth video of the JP2C. I've watched both but would love to see you explore it more. ✌️

[@stevegardiner8473]

They both sound awesome. And this is from someone who isn't usually keen on the MESA sound.

[@dennisstafford5865]

Take My Money ! 💸💸

[@dr.faustus4629]

His original 2c is used with a Voltconverter

[@giorgosk2884]

I think the RI is a tad tighter and scooped too.. Could be the old components on the original or slight different values.. Minimal difference though

[@gabewilliams7462]

Imno it sounds better. It's got less flub in the low end and just sounds tighter and more pleasant to my ears. They're very similar though!

[@Eliphas_Elric]

Probably just tube differences.

[@guitaristcomposer7395]

Great comparison. The new one actually sounds a little more crisp in the attack/top end. I wonder if it has to do with new iron vs. old iron? I get the same additional crispness when I run my OG IIc+ through the power section of my Fuchs ODS. The old iron seems to sound more round.

[@gabrielstevens41]

I'm guessing component drift over 40 years

[@BalashToth]

The post EQ settings are different too. Less lows on the new one, more 750 hz

[@gabrielstevens41]

@BalashToth the pictures aren't accurate, there's different push pulls out in the photos but in a comment below Ola says the amps were set the same

[@guitaristcomposer7395]

​@@gabrielstevens41 possibly, but many of the current owners are meticulous about getting them serviced somewhat regularly

[@gabrielstevens41]

@guitaristcomposer7395 sure but I doubt anyone has gone through and measured and replaced every cap and resistor in their vintage amps. And even if they did these amps are so old the replacements could have drifted by now too

[@blakeoms]

Ola the Thumbnailer

[@bbdill]

I feel the new version is a tiny bit thinner with a little more saturation. But it makes it a tad more modern sounding which a lot of people would probably welcome. Both sound great. I think I would rather get the JP2C for that price. It's way more versatile and the sound is really close.

[@branjispad]

There's just a sizzle in the top end on the new one I'm not crazy about. All my MKIIIs had it too, when I got my Mark IV it was clear and focused. I know the MKIVA has the same IIC+ preamp but it doesn't have the feel of the OG transformer. Tone is there though... YMMV

[@PaulEubanks]

I like the basket weave one a little better, but the black one could get there with a simple EQ tweak.

[@hip-hopjedi4423]

To me the difference I'm hearing and I think you are hearing too is that thing where amps just sound a lil different next to each other, some have frequencies you can and can't get and it's just the mojo of THAT particular amp, and that's usually why we sell the other and keep the ONE.. but most of the time you can dial them together perfect, people can go back and forth deciding whether it's mojo or eq

[@thesarratum]

I think Mesa should pay you for this! it is more convincing than any Mesa videos!

[@CS-ru4xd]

He probably gets to keep the IIC+.

[@armandodiaz3485]

They both sound pretty much spot on unlike the Mark’s V,JP2C and VII. Although those amp’s would be more appropriate for live usage due to their midi and multi-channel options. The wood head shell is a pretty option but I would think these can be ordered from the Mesa custom shop.

[@gabrielstevens41]

You could always run 4 cable and stick a clean preamp in the loop if you needed more versatility.

[@armandodiaz3485]

No doubt. I also meant to say that that latter amps are “in production” amps that are vast quantity, new and used. There’s been no solid indication of how long the re-issue will be available.

[@vaportrails7943]

Obviously very very close. To the extent there is any difference, the new one sounds a little brighter, but it also looks like the 80Hz slider on the GEQ is set slightly lower. Knowing how powerful the controls on these are, the slightest difference can have a significant impact. Bottom line, if this is your dream amp (I have a Mark VII that I’m happy with), you got what you wanted. The only comment I’d add is that as much as metal fans obsess over these because of Master Of Puppets, and most metal demos are just endless chugging, it is really lead that these were designed for, and where they really are special. That’s the big thing that’s lacking in all of these demos for me. Playing lead with high gain, endless sustain, good feedback and so forth that these are capable of. I guess most KZbinrs are scared to solo. But Ola is a great lead player so he should do it more. It does require turning it up to really make it sing, so that could be a limiting factor for some demos. But so many demos are nothing but rhythm guitar. That’s my beef. *check out Steve Lukather’s Star Licks video from the 80s for an example. He even gives a gear tour - a IIC+ going through two Mark IIIs basically as a preamp. Or check out John Sykes with Whitesnake.

[@steve1982n]

Love both but personnaly i prefer the black one it sounds more focused and modern

[@Hoxle-87]

Liked the new one more though I need to hear some open chords too

[@ulfsarnblom2461]

I would be just as interested in a comparison with the IIC+ reissue and the JP2C. In the release videos with JP, he declares that the JP2C is a true IIC+ reissue, so if that's true, why get this one for the same amount with far less features? IF they sound the same, that is.

[@Basedboomerchadbear]

🎄🙏

[@DanielKRego]

​@OlaEnglund Really looking forward to the four way with the reissue, the original, the JP-2C and the VII. If I may make a request, I hope you look at some Dream Theater style material, and some melodic lead work too? It's tragic to me that the Mark amps get pigeonholed into thrash riffs in almost every clip and discussion, and I know you're a big Dream Theater/Petrucci fan yourself.

[@musicofzafi]

Hey Ola, not related to the video but can you make a video with a S by Solar? Maybe a full mixed demo? Thanks and Happy New Year

[@woodward_alan]

Where is the 7 and JP2C next to it?

[@mikemunro811]

@@woodward_alan and the V

[@OlaEnglund]

Was gonna make another one including those but I’m not gonna have time before leaving for the tour. So I’ll push it until after the tour

[@elijahrust6393]

Old sounds a tighter,but it’s just the settings

[@Burkhimself]

This was not the EQ setting I was promised 😂

[@Skullkingd13]

They are very similar in tone, the original IIC+ seems to have more low end while the new IIC+ has more mid focus bite to it and less low end.

[@chen7733]

Dear Ola, the settings are not the same. On the original Mark II c+ mids are at 0 instead in the reissue are at 3,5 ! And unfortunately we can't see the presence because it's behind the head. The truth is that these new mesa marks (including the Mark VII) have less mid range and harsher high frequencies compared to the older Mark series amps.

[@paulsdino]

I hear some differences.The Reissue sounds a little fizzy compared to the original. And sounds more scooped in the lower mids than the original.But it sounds like it has more upper mids than the original. There's a chance that it has something to do with different tubes. I have no idea if Ola used the exact same tubes in both amps.But the reissue is close at least.

[@chadsux]

Both sound great. New one sounds a little more pissed off, but otherwise there’s little between them other than age and price!!!

[@Emperor.of.Organos]

Its crazy how it really is like 99% of the way there.

[@dougmorisoli6482]

I'm not sure why the hate for Gibson with this amp. If it wasn't for Gibson, we probably wouldn't have this reissue. Randall Smith didn't seem to be a fan of reissues (compared to Gibson who literally prints money from reissues and "relicing"). I think its the Mesa team that botched the rollout unless Gibson rushed it and Mesa's Doug West did his best. But he has his own taste for IIC+ tone. In the Mark V build, Doug chose his favorite IIC+ for the mode on the Mark V. It was a model with a thin tone coupling cap and no GEQ. Not the DRG 60w Simulclass Metallica amp model. The initial Mesa release videos had Doug West and Dinesh which seemed influenced by Doug's music taste. They literally showed how to make the IIC+ do all the things the Mark V and Mark VII already do well (clean, crunch, etc). Its precisely because the MkV and VII DON'T do a great IIC+ DRG that people have been calling for a reissue.John Petrucci persuaded them to make a signature amp based on HIS favorite IIC+ circuit (JP2C is based on the HRG 100w) with some hardwire push pull pot values and modern features like midi, and cab clone. Close. Better. But its nice to finally have the option for a DRG version and not mortgage the house for a 40 year old amp! 😀

[@sighermike]

It sounds almost like a comparison between the Fluff 2C by ML Sound Lab and the Neural DSP Mark 2C+.

[@washingtonirving2137]

On the last riff I hear a tiny difference where the original has more of a snarl but they are incredibly close

[@pnwdrifter5680]

Looks like graphic EQ set slightly different. Mid slider is lower.

[@Fenrirs_Ghost]

For me the new one sounds like it´s breathing a tiny little bit more (which is not meant negatively). For the rest it´s the same. A really nice straight forward amp. Good job Mesa. Thanks for the 1:1 comparison Ola. 👍

[@archangelguitarsusa9205]

The new one is slightly spicier

[@ericolson326]

Doubt I'd notice the switch at all without video.

[@Hagstrom4ever]

We should take into account the different models, Hrg, Drg bla bla bla but in all the comparisons I've seen, the OG was the best, ever. The new one sounds a bit more 'congested" in the lower mids, honkier in certain vids.