Would you do it? Mark IV for 1987x

[almanist]

Wondering if I should trade a Mesa Boogie Mark IV head for a Marshall Plexi 1987x Reissue head with the David Bray Mod 1.

I know they are two completely different types of amps.

Just wanted to see what you guys think.

Thanks.

[Glass Onion]

Just because of the difference in flexibility I would say no. If and a BIG if the marshall is exactly what you need and want then get it. If you have any maybe in you then keep the (imho) better amp

[Blix]

I you want to rock a great Van Halen tone, the Bray Marshall will treat you good.
You will lose all the flexibility of the Mesa, but gain a killer hard rock tone :)

[shg]

I don't think I'd trade a Mesa Mk IV for ANYTHING.

[Rod]

You should play the Marshall.... Only wayto know... Very different amps!,,,

[zekmoe]

Mesa MKIV ....meh.

[Wizard of Ozz]

No. Keep the Mark.

[vds5000]

I'm not the biggest Mesa fan, but I wouldn't do it. If you want the vintage Marshall sound, ditch the Mesa and pick up a decent used boutique clone.

[dughaze]

uh-uh

[Axeplyr]

If you hate the Mesa MKIV and love Marshalls, then it makes sense - go for it.

But if you like the Mesa but are just itching for the Marshall, then you might not want to jump too quickly. There might be a heavy dose of regret.

I like the Marshall more than the Mesa, but the Mesa probably has more value right?

Both amps sound great, but the Mesa is much more versatile. It is also a marvel of construction and engineering... a classic in its own right.

The Plexi is amazing in its simplicity and has killer tone, but is so ridiculously different than the Mesa.

What kind of music do you play, what environment do you play in? Have you owned Marshall NMV amps before?

[jpage]

Had both and I wouldn't do it. And I'm a Marshall guy.

[scorched]

Would you do it? Mark IV for 1987x


Never!

[germs]

ha!

f*ck no.

you're giving up a LOT by getting rid of the Mesa. the Marshall is it's own thing...but...if you're itching for something different, there's a lot out there on the market that will scratch that itch WITHOUT making you part with either the Mark IV or a lot of cash.

[TimH]

yeah I think you'll regret it...you'd be trading a swiss army knife for a steak knife. If you eat A LOT of steak it might be smart. 19/20 the swiss army knife will be a better choice for general cutting duties.

[almanist]

Wow. Thanks guys. I knew this would be interesting. Thanks for all the feedback/

A couple of things I should mention. I love the swiss army knife analogy. Although this is a completely different amp altogether (I feel like it's blasphemy if I even mention it) I do have a Vetta II which is my "do-all" amp. My Mark IV has been my tube alter-ego so to speak. I want a really bare bones, pure tube amp that can be pushed so the David Bray Plexi really peaked my interest.
I really DO NOT want to lose the Mark IV because it really is so versatile, but I feel I can get what I need with the Vetta, and adding a modded Plexi would really be a good counter to the Vetta. Just my mind going in circles I guess.

Thanks again, Really enjoying the feedback.

[blackba]

Do you have an attenuator or are you able to crank your amps? If so than go for the Marshall 1987X. Otherwise stick with the mesa mark IV, it works well at low volumes.

I have a Marshall 2553 Silver Jubilee and mesa mark IVA for reference....

[Rod]

If it were me,I'd get the Marshall, but as you can see from my sig, I'm a Marshall tone player..All my MTS preamps I use in the Randall/Egnater amps I use have all different Marshall flavors...

[almanist]

The Marshall has the David Bray Mod 1, which adds two Master volumes on the back and a footpedal jack.

So yes, I can play it at bedroom levels.

[Jemlite]

I've had many Marshalls and a couple with Jose mods. Keep the Mark IV, load it with 2 EL34s and leave 6L6s in the middle spots... you will get more of the Marshall thing. Mark IV's are kick ass rock amps and built incredibly well.

[skhan007]

That's a no-brainer, lose that Mark IV asap and get yourself into plexi tonal bliss with the Bray modded Marshall. Have you listened to how incredible those clips sound on Bray's site?? He NAILS that AC/DC to EVH tone. The Bray is no one-trick-pony. It covers the range of classic Marshall. The Mark IV??? Not.

[Jemlite]

That's a no-brainer, lose that Mark IV asap and get yourself into plexi tonal bliss with the Bray modded Marshall. Have you listened to how incredible those clips sound on Bray's site?? He NAILS that AC/DC to EVH tone. The Bray is no one-trick-pony. It covers the range of classic Marshall. The Mark IV??? Not.

The MKIV is not a 1987x... can it get Marshally? closer than you'd think with EL34s. Does it have more drive and sustain stock, absolutely way more... as much as the the Bray mod?.. I think so. The only thing it prob doesn't have is as much sizzle. Boogies tend to be a little more round sounding. But that can be helped with preamp tubes and speaker selection.

Just curious, have you owned either one, or are you just going by sound clips? I don't think it's quit as easy as no brainer if you have. The MKIV can kick some ass too.

Saying all that, one of each would be awesome... then again, I'd have one of every cool amp if I could..

[peanutavalon]

IMO the 1987x is way too much amp..you'll get tired of it quick.

[Austinrocks]

mark iv really frustrated me since it would get a marshall tone, still does not, 50 watt 1987x head, very hard to beat. I would do it.


though a bit of waste if your not playing greenbacks, IMO

[almanist]

I have not played the 1987x-Bray, but have heard clips.

And everyone really raves about the Bray's. It peaked my interest that's why I posed the question.

Someone said the 1987x is way too much amp??? In what way?
The Mark IV has some serious balls. It can do every style and it cranks.

And I agree, the right set of speakers makes a big difference.

Like I said, my Vetta II (sorry) can really cover a lot of ground. So can the Mark IV. That's why I thought haivng a really cool modded Marshall 1987x instead of the Mark IV would be a nice change anda nice balance.

I've owned a DSL2000 and a Vintage Modern, but the Plexi is so organic.

Hence my quandry.

[Jemlite]

I can give ya some input there as well... I've had a Vetta. Sure, it has endless sounds (and endless tweeking), but no a real breath or feel to them... and it totally gets buried in a band mix. It may get the sound of a Boogie or Marshall, but it ain't gonna cut like one.

If you are just an at home player, ya can save allot of money just stay with the Vetta (and I'd sell the MKIV for a new axe). But if you get out playing, there is a big difference.

[RichS]

Buy the 1987x & sell the Vetta to recoup some of the expense. then you will have two really, really killer amps.