FM3/FM9/AXE-FX III Patch based on Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (USA IIC++)

FM3/FM9/AXE-FX III Patch based on Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ (USA IIC++)

In the realm of guitar amplifiers, few names evoke as much reverence and mystique as Mesa/Boogie, and among their creations, the Mark IIC++ stands as a towering legend. Born in the vibrant guitar scene of the early 1980s California, the Mark IIC++ became a benchmark for tone, sought after by the greatest players craving that perfect blend of clarity, aggression, and musicality.

Mesa/Boogie was founded by Randall Smith, a man obsessed with pushing the boundaries of amplifier gain and tonal flexibility. His breakthrough came in the late 1970s with compact, high-gain amps that redefined what tube amps could do. By the early ‘80s, Mesa was perfecting what would become a series of “Mark” amplifiers—each iteration a refined evolution of gain structure and sonic character.

The Mark IIC++, released around 1984, is widely regarded as the culmination of the Mark II series. It was a limited production, hand-wired beast, and soon earned a reputation not just as an amp, but as a tone machine for the gods.

The Mark IIC++ was unique because it was essentially a Mark IIC with a secret "++" mod that boosted gain, sustain, and harmonic richness to near-mythical levels. It was still incredibly touch-sensitive and dynamic, but with a new dimension of creamy distortion that sang on every note without losing clarity.

• Gain & Distortion: The “++” added more gain stages, allowing the amp to reach saturated overdrive that was both smooth and aggressive, perfect for soaring leads and chunky rhythm.
• Tone Controls: The amp featured a distinctive midrange scoop switch and a powerful three-band EQ that let players sculpt their sound from glassy cleans to thick distortion.
• Channel Switching: Unlike many amps of the era, the Mark IIC++ was a two-channel amp, with a crisp clean/overdrive split that gave players immense versatility in one package.
• Power and Presence: Paired with its 100-watt power section and EL34 or 6L6 tubes, it could roar on stage but also deliver subtle nuances at lower volumes.

The Mark IIC++ tone has been described as liquid gold—smooth yet aggressive, with a singing sustain that made it a favorite for soloists and rhythm players alike. It was versatile enough for blues, rock, metal, and everything in between.

Some of the most famous users who helped immortalize the Mark IIC++ include:

• Carlos Santana, whose creamy sustain and singing tone fit perfectly with the amp’s voice.
• Allan Holdsworth, who loved the dynamic response and harmonic complexity.
• Eddie Van Halen, who famously used the Mark IIC++ for many of his groundbreaking recordings, shaping the sound of hard rock and metal in the ‘80s.
• John Petrucci (early Dream Theater era) favored the amp for its clarity and gain balance.

Because the Mark IIC++ was produced in limited numbers (estimates suggest fewer than 200 amps), it has become one of the most sought-after vintage amplifiers in the world. Original units can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, making it not just a tool for tone, but a prized collector’s item.

The secret “++” mod was never officially documented by Mesa, adding to the amp’s mystery and allure. Many players and techs have tried to replicate the magic, but most agree the original Mark IIC++ holds a special, almost mystical quality.

SCENE 1: RHYTHM
SCENE 2: LEAD

Effects : wah, phaser, flanger, drive, delay, reverb