In the history and lore of the Boogie® Mark IIC+, the HRG holds a firm and lofty place. While 75-watt Simul-Class™ builds surpassed both the Super Sixty™ and 100-Watt models in number during the original mid-80s Mark IIC+ production lifecycle, the original Mark I “HRG” format –Hundred-Watt/ Reverb/Graphic EQ, or Hun/Rev/Graph – was always classic Boogie. With bold authority, maximum headroom, tight-tracking low end, and detailed clarity, the HRG became a favorite of those looking for immense clean headroom as well as a truly commanding Lead voice.
As the years passed and styles evolved, the HRG’s aggressiveness for “Crunch” rhythm work earned it a revered place in heavy rock and metal as well. A Mark IIC+ HRG has long been the model of choice for virtuoso guitarist John Petrucci throughout his career with Dream Theater and various solo projects. Hence, this 100-watt model provided the perfect platform for the Signature JP2C Mesa partnered with John to create for his performance needs. With one of the most expressive preamps of all time and the mightiest of power sections, the HRG puts an exclamation point on the Mark IIC+ sound that is as exciting as it is unequalled. If your dream amp calls for total authority, knockout punch, and undeniable character, look no further than the mighty Mark IIC+ “HRG.”
MODE VOICINGS/STYLES: RHYTHM – Traditional Clean to Vintage Gain, Independent Volume 1 (Gain) with Pull Bright & Master 1 with Pull Deep Controls to set initial gain independent of playing volume. LEAD – Cascading High-Gain (Lead), Utilizes Volume 1 to set initial gain strength then features Independent Lead Drive (Gain) with Pull Lead (to manually channel switch) & Lead Master with Pull Deep Controls to adjust the level of cascading gain independent of the playing volume
I own several Mesa Boogie amps, a Mark III SRGX red stripe combo, a JP2C head, Stiletto Ace combo, Triple Rectifier, Mark V:90 head, Simul 2:90 and a Mark V:35 combo (yes, I have a problem!).
I love them all but the Mark IIC+ HRG reissue is now my favorite. It's extremely raw, toneful, and quite versatile.
It's not just for metalheads. YouTube would have you believe that with videos of guitar clones playing all the same heavy riffs on it.
Like all Mesa Mark series amps you have to know how to dial them in - reading the manual is essential in this regard. People who complain about Mark series Boogies usually do not know how to set the controls and eq up!
The JP2C is modelled after the HRG as a true three-channel version. The HRG has less gain though. This surprised me. It's not a bad thing as the HRG sounds different in a good way. The JP2C is gainier and more modern (perhaps like a 2C++?).
The Mark IIC+ HRG is more raw and open-sounding. Also its clean sounds are as great as the dirtier stuff it can do.
It also runs very quietly.
Highly recommended!
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