Guitar Gear Forum

Road King vs Mark V

rubysoho aka rock flag and eagle got a Road King few years ago and to me it's the ultimate amp for MY needs, as it has both EL34s and 6L6 tubes. Even though I only like the Single Rec, I may find my sound with some tweaking with it.

I have never tried any Mark series, but the presets on the Eleven Rack I absolutely love, so I figured the Mark V is a great contender too.

What are your opinions and experiences with these two Mesas? I would love to hear your opinions, as this could be a possible amp in the future, thus putting the Wangs Amp in the backburner.

Thanks!

There are some amazing sounds to be had with Boogies. But, saying that, Mesa's are definitely tweakcrazy amps. There are a lot of different sounds and the eq's can be really sensitive (as I remember with my Trip Rec and my DC-5).

However, from what I hear, the Mark V is pretty different from the previous Mark series.

they're 2 different animals, being able to choose between all those tube options per each channel is pretty cool, but yes, you have to tweak alot to find your tones, which I like doing.
The Mark just has that tone you can't get with the Road King and vice versa.
So I think you should get them both. I would love to get me a Mark V at some point.

rock flag and eagle wrote:they're 2 different animals, being able to choose between all those tube options per each channel is pretty cool, but yes, you have to tweak alot to find your tones, which I like doing.
The Mark just has that tone you can't get with the Road King and vice versa.
So I think you should get them both. I would love to get me a Mark V at some point.

fak

I own a mark v and love it, i also played the roadkings a few times and they are nice too, both amps are different sounding and feeling and neither sound like the other.
i personally like the mark the best.

Man it's so wierd how mesas 2 most popular lines are pretty much polar opposites. Marks are great lead amps, rectos are great rhythm amps. Rectos are huge and wide and forgiving with agressive top end. Marks are focused, clear, and smooth.

I've got 4 marks, two rectos.

I have had a MK III, I'VE, and V. Loved the3 & 4. The V was weak and lifeless for me. I know others here like it but I could not get a ballsy lead tone to save my life. That said, my friend has a RK and it is great but I would still prefer a MK III lead tone.