The storied Mark IIC++, available for the first time as a limited-edition production model There are amplifier stories, and there are storied amplifiers, and in this case, it’s both! In 1985, at the request of Vivian Campbell and later Kirk Hammett, along with other noteworthy artists of the day who eventually heard them, MESA/Boogie® made some modifications to a few production Mark IIC+ amps to achieve more gain in the overdrive mode and attain a thicker, heavier gain sound. These “++” designated IICs were done for the select few artists who requested them in the twilight of the C+ lifecycle and were never officially offered as a production model. The veil of time has made the exact number unclear; however, it is believed perhaps 20 or so of these mythical IIC++s were created during the original mid-eighties IIC+ lifecycle. In the years that followed, some owners, hearing tales of the blistering tone and who were into heavy sounds, sent their C+’s to Tech Guru and Keeper of the Archives here, Mike Bendinelli, to have the “++ Mod” performed outside of production time at considerable cost. Now, we are excited to announce a Limited Edition build of 200 of these rarefied amplifiers in tribute to the music played on them and the era that spawned such great guitarists whose work therein has withstood the test of time and become truly iconic. This new “++” IIC build has increased gain in the preamp, which affects the LEAD Mode only, leaving the CLEAN Mode to produce the same sparkling clean performance as the standard IIC+ production model. The LEAD Mode is thicker sounding in these “++” versions with enhanced low end and more top end gain, cut, and harmonic layering. Visually, the “++” is identical to the current production IIC+ model offered once again, aside from the “++” notation on the Chassis above the power cord (now a receptacle for removable IEC-approved AC power cables per IEC Standards). Experience one of the rarest and most coveted vintage amplifiers ever, the Mark IIC++, in solid new form built by the same artisans who built the originals 40 years ago. These awe-inspiring gain machines have fueled some of the most iconic rock sounds ever captured on record. Now, you can have a chance at owning one of these mythical beasts and utilizing its “incendiary” gain and expressive power for your musical dreams and aspirations. Don’t miss out on this limited-time build of the infamous Mark IIC++!
