Need info on amp. 1st. generation Mesa Boogie

[rockster12]

1st generation Mesa Boogie. What can you tell me about them. Is that what is refered to as the Mk I ? A friend of mine is thinking of buying one from this guy and he wanted me to do a little research since I hang on here from time to time and he is internet challenged. What do you think they are worth. Apparently it is in really good shape.
thanks for your input.

 

[vds5000]

Weren't the first Boogies actually Fender Princetons that were hotrodded?

 

[Keld]

If it's a first generation Mark I - it's a great amp. What kind of condition? What speaker? 60 or 60/100 watt? Reverb? Graphic EQ? My old Mk 1 had two quarter inch inputs on the bottom of the chassis - one to turn reverb on/off and another to activate the boost (which was such a boost, it wasn't really useful as a switchable feature).

 

[rockster12]

If it's a first generation Mark I - it's a great amp. What kind of condition? What speaker? 60 or 60/100 watt? Reverb? Graphic EQ? My old Mk 1 had two quarter inch inputs on the bottom of the chassis - one to turn reverb on/off and another to activate the boost (which was such a boost, it wasn't really useful as a switchable feature).

unfortunately I didn't get enough info at this point. but I will. Apparently it is in excellent shape.

 

[aeolian]

Lot of options and variations. The old MkI's needed an external switch (like a /13 Switchhazel) as they didn't have internal "channel" switching. There were two inputs on the front and you either picked one, or put a switch in front of it. Very, very finicky to set up. Move one knob a fraction and it's glorious Santana singing tone, move it another fraction and it falls apart and sounds totally dead and ugly. Especially if you are trying to play at a house/small club/bar volume. Unleashed on a large stage, they come into their own a bit more. Also, they are laser beams. Right on axis, they can sterilize Jon Goeslin.

 

[itkindaworks]

Lot of options and variations. The old MkI's needed an external switch (like a /13 Switchhazel) as they didn't have internal "channel" switching. There were two inputs on the front and you either picked one, or put a switch in front of it. Very, very finicky to set up. Move one knob a fraction and it's glorious Santana singing tone, move it another fraction and it falls apart and sounds totally dead and ugly. Especially if you are trying to play at a house/small club/bar volume. Unleashed on a large stage, they come into their own a bit more. Also, they are laser beams. Right on axis, they can sterilize Jon Goeslin.

That's a great description.

 

[rockster12]

So any ideas on what they are worth?

 

[Keld]

They open up through an extension cab. An alternative to another cab is to take the slave out into the front end of a fender amp with a 2x10 or 2x12 - probably doesn't matter which one - keeps the boogie character but really opens it up a lot

 

[rockster12]

no Ideas on value?

 

[kimock]

no Ideas on value?

How about some pics? I'll tell you what it's worth when you tell me or show me how it's optioned.
Big diff between a trashed/modded 60 watt cream tolex head and a Koa 100 watt combo with all the options original, minty. . . cover, blue footswitch cables, three color logo, who signed it, who owned it, box o' chocolates, etc.

 

[drewl]

Check out this early one I worked on a couple years ago

 

[doveman]

I played one from 1980 until last year when I built a D'Lite. Gave the Boogie to my son. They are not finicky at all from my experience. With an EVM12L, kicks butt in any environment and any room.

Here's mine with the cabinet I built at the time ... well my son's now ... still kicking butt ...

 

[sfarnell]

I'd like to know what they're worth too. Here's mine, a mint '76 100 Watt fully loaded in a Koa cab. I'm told that it was once owned by a well known guitarist but I have no way of confirming it. Any guess about it's value? I have to sell an amp to finance the purchase of a guitar.

 

[Jon C]

value depends on options, condition, etc.

what's the serial no.? is it a Dymo label? what speaker?

I had a Super 60 (what the Mk I was called when it was made, the 60w version) in basic black tolex w/ an EVM-12L from 1977-1998 ... aeolian's description is right on the mark.

It was a fun amp to have when I had it but I've never really missed it.

The VG Guide (for what that's worth, I'm not sure how much ...) says $925-1,125 for one in excellent condition (meaning all original, etc.).