Mesa/Boogie Mark IV vs. JP-2C

Comparison between my Mesa/Boogie Mark IV and JP-2C with a few riffs I threw together for this video. No pedals or anything; just guitar straight into amp. Since there's obviously no way to match settings, I just dialed each amp in for the best heavy rhythm sound I could get. Nothing else in the chain changed: guitar, cables, 4x12, mics, and signal chain are identical--only the head changed. It may not be scientific, but I think it's a good real-world comparison for this particular sound in a studio environment. I've had six Mark series amps, so I know how to dial them in, but after months of tweaking, I still can't dial that boxy-yet-hollow sound out of the JP-2C. Not sure if it's just this specific head, or simply the nature of the JP-2C (I haven't swapped tubes yet). On the other hand, this particular Mark IV (from 92 or 93) is the best Mark series amp I've ever owned, and it's never sounded more vicious. For my personal taste, of course--obviously tone is subjective. :)

Anyway, I included the full mix with each amp, as well as the soloed guitars for ease of comparison. Hope you enjoy.

Mark IV mix: 0:00
JP-2C mix: 0:42
Mark IV guitars only: 1:25
JP-2C guitars only: 2:08

[philjw]

Both sound great! Let’s face it, if you can’t sound good with either of these, it ain’t the amp!

[JB]

The "Pull Fat", "Pull Bright", "Harmonics", "Mid Gain", "Simulclass", "Class A", "Triode", "Pentode", etc...features on the Mark IV IMO make it sound so much better and so much more versatile compared to the Mark JP2C and Mark V.

The Mark IV IMO is the best Mark amp Mesa has ever produced. Just my opinion.

[JulesDBN]

It seems that MarkIV's tone is scooped while JP2C is more middier: I guess you can find an identical or similar tone in both

[guitarman]

I see what you mean about the boxy and hollow tone from the JP-2C. I like the Mark IV with when you have the music going in the background. Thanks for posting! Looking forward to the album!

[Morte_Deus]

And the Mark IV is one bad ass amp, i will burn in hell before i ever sell mine.

[swampscott]

Thanks for this. Reconfirms why I love my Mark IV and why I might want a second one (head this time). BUT I also want a 2C+ or JP2C. Like how it sits in the mix here. Well done

[BPToneReview]

I've owned both and both can sound near identical. Looking at the settings the JP still had more to go on the 650hz slider and could of been matched. Sometimes our ears get adjusted to certain tones, in this case a scooped out IV. Then hearing a similar tone with more mids shocks the ears. Both amps are killer and love both.

[mr.esabsurditiesatrocities]

Excellent video. And probably the best Mark IV representation I've heard on YouTube. Your IV sounds fantastic.

I've been looking at the V and the JP-2C a bit again because I was massively put off when they came out and had no Lead Drive control, but I think I'm just going to get a great used IV and maybe a Triaxis or Studio preamp to run in to the effects loop return. Should have all the bases covered for the Mark series.

Again, excellent video and great Mark IV.

[Ryandgeorgi]

Sounds awesome! What I'd really like to hear is both of them blended together.. Now that would amazing

[philm.]

Great player, but i prefer the Mark IV. Thanks for doing this

[erictomerlin]

Nice video . I have had the same experience with my Mark IV and my JP-2C . I also have two Mark V's and a Dual Rec ... I keep going back to the Mark IV, it sounds the meanest to me .

[steveo]

Mark IV sounds way better in this clip. Great vid!

[fireheart_]

Mark IV, riffs sound more open. JP seems like a leads oriented sound. I'd rather have the Mark IV and hit it with a mid boost for leads👍

[ibexthadevil]

Matt records guitar tone like a fucking boss..awesome job

[Locoandchooch]

they both sound good, I have the Mark IV and Mark V, I really want the JP but I have to hear more. Great video

[danyeo]

I like the IV better here. Sounds thicker, more balls. The JP2C does have a slightly more mid focus and almost hollow character to it. Of course, you can tweak either to sound drastically different.

[Locoandchooch]

I have a Mark IV and a Mark V, but I love the JP, sounds fantastic.

[DoomBunnyKiller]

I don't own a Boogie nor have i ever had the privilege of playing through one but from the sound of the video i think i personally would like the Mark IV better then the JP-2C. Great video btw!

[HelsinkirocksAGF]

Honestly, they both pretty great. I think I Mark IV is my next amp though, specifically due to the price difference.

[JohnSheehan]

Both sound awesome, the JP-2C has this Mercyful Fate vibe to it. Great playing!