Mk V vs JP vs VII

[screamingdaisy]

Sonically, what is the difference between a Mk V on IIC+ mode and a JP doing the IIC+ thing?

And

A JP vs a Mk VII doing the IIC+ thing?

I've played a Mk V for years so I have a good frame of reference for it. My guitarist has been long term borrowing my TC-50, however he wants his own amp. We ran the racks at the store today and I had him plug into a Mk V-35 that he really liked, but the 2 channel thing is a deal breaker.

What I didn't like about the Mark V is that I wasn't super thrilled with channel 2. It basically became a 2 channel amp for me as I went between clean and IV mode.

I'd like to steer him towards the Mk VII, but I'm a little concerned about channel 2. I'm not really hearing good examples of VII mode. With the TC he can go clean/classic rock/metal, and wants the ability to do the same.

With the JP I'm not worried about channel 2. Personally, I'd like the JP and would probably lean that way myself, but for him I don't know if two channels of IIC+ is the best option for someone who wants clean/classic rock/metal.

What he liked about the Mk V vs the TC-50 was that the TC-50 blue channel is a little too clean (too plexi), and the lead channel is a little too saturated. The Mark V is a bit less saturated, so a little more percussive and cleaner full stops.

Thoughts?

[Yarbicus]

Calling Dr Raf! Dr Raf to the ER!

[EndTime]

I used to own the JP and I work at a place that’s a Mesa dealer so I have played the v and VII enough to say, for the most part, I get along just fine with nearly all marks. As for the 2c mode on the V compared to the JP, it’s too similar to try and out into words but they are close but the JP has a bit different voicing. A little more scoop perhaps and a touch more low mid push. But with the graphic all that can be made pretty much wildly different depending on how one wants to set it.

But without question the VII is the pinnacle of the mark line. It does everything. I’m not looking at videos but the VII mode is unique and absolutely sounds great to Me. It’s not really meant for metal I would say. But I’m sure it can be boasted and be brutal as hell and should be a different flavor to the iv and 2c modes which clearly don’t need boosts. But I played the VII mode without the GEQ and dialed in just the preamp eq for quite a different tone than the other modes. I think it can do that mid pushed smooth lead stuff like maybe Santana or some shit I guess. Maybe even Pink Floyd smoothed out leads.

So really if it’s cost, Mark5. If it’s just wanting some of the extra features of the JP2C and having that 2c tone, then go for that. For everything Mark, the VII is clearly the top dawg and i seriously doubt many would disagree if they had time on all 3

[NinjaRaf]

Yeah, it's been too long for me to comment too much about the V, especially consider every other piece of my rig is also different from when I had the Vs. I agree, the JP has a different voicing, and with the EQs, you can dial any of these things to sound pretty different. But I think if you're trying to see if you can get the same tone out of each...you can get them all very close. They are different, though, and you might prefer one over the other. I made a video somewhere comparing the JP and VII IIC modes.

But yeah...like Eric said...the VII is the pinnacle of all the Mark series. It has everything you could possibly want. VII mode is totally different from what you typically expect a Mark to sound like. And personally, I think it's the best sounding Mark since the Mark IV. It's an extremely well done amp.

[NinjaRaf]

Also, crunch mode on ch2 of the VII I think would be great for a classic rock kinda sound. But what do I know about that stuff. I'm honestly using this thing as a 2 channel amp most of the time, which is why I think IIC mode and IV mode on separate channels would be perfect for me.

I also don't see why you wouldn't be able to dial something in to suit that on the JP. That amp is incredibly flexible, and with the 2 EQs you can make each channel sound totally different.

[screamingdaisy]

Yeah... you're hitting on why I'm struggling with this one.

I, personally, would prefer a JP, because I know from experience that I'd rather have two lead channels that I can set slightly different (rhythm and lead). I also ride my guitar's volume knob a lot and can use a lead channel for clean if I felt like it, so two channels of high gain doesn't tie my hands in this case.

In his case, and for the music we're playing, I think two channels of face melt isn't the best option... hence the Mk VII. Up until he started hanging out with me he was an all knobs on 10 guy, but riding the volume/tone knobs still aren't his comfort zone.

Maybe I just answered my own question...

[JiveTurkey]

Also, crunch mode on ch2 of the VII I think would be great for a classic rock kinda sound. But what do I know about that stuff. I'm honestly using this thing as a 2 channel amp most of the time, which is why I think IIC mode and IV mode on separate channels would be perfect for me.

I also don't see why you wouldn't be able to dial something in to suit that on the JP. That amp is incredibly flexible, and with the 2 EQs you can make each channel sound totally different.

Yeah... you're hitting on why I'm struggling with this one.

I, personally, would prefer a JP, because I know from experience that I'd rather have two lead channels that I can set slightly different (rhythm and lead). I also ride my guitar's volume knob a lot and can use a lead channel for clean if I felt like it, so two channels of high gain doesn't tie my hands in this case.

In his case, and for the music we're playing, I think two channels of face melt isn't the best option... hence the Mk VII. Up until he started hanging out with me he was an all knobs on 10 guy, but riding the volume/tone knobs still aren't his comfort zone.

Maybe I just answered my own question...

Gigged it Friday. Got sucked into some mid gig tweaking because it was my first go round. Ran it in dual crunch modes. Was pleased but I know next time will be better as I am going crunch/IV instead. Staying away from the graphic eq other than using it in the room to cut some bass and mids if needed.

I had it up loud yesterday and I am looking forward to the next gig with it. Crunch mode is certainly great for covers that are little less evil But it has plenty of juice on tap nonetheless. I had the JP and didn't bond with it. I LOVE the Mark and Recto models in the FAS. The JP was just too much for my brain at the time. This amp is a little more stripped down in a way that works better for me. The clean channel is something special too. Set up my Stomp to switch channels via midi and it's pretty streamlined at the moment. Highly recommended.

[screamingdaisy]

Next question...

How do I sell him on the price difference between a V and a VII?

I remember when the V came out there was a lot of negativity about it, particularly from the Mk IV crowd. I'm not seeing this this time around as the VII has gotten almost universal praise. Why?

[NinjaRaf]

Because the V didn’t sound as good as this amp in any capacity, IMO. Less low end, harsher midrange overall. Hard to get a balanced tone. I struggled with the JP, too. But the VII…different story. Immediately sounded great. If you wanna fight your tone get the V. I just remember not liking the V, and found it didn’t have enough low end and was too harsh. Can’t really comment on the V beyond that at this point.

[Devin]

Gigged it Friday. Got sucked into some mid gig tweaking because it was my first go round. Ran it in dual crunch modes. Was pleased but I know next time will be better as I am going crunch/IV instead. Staying away from the graphic eq other than using it in the room to cut some bass and mids if needed.

I had it up loud yesterday and I am looking forward to the next gig with it. Crunch mode is certainly great for covers that are little less evil But it has plenty of juice on tap nonetheless. I had the JP and didn't bond with it. I LOVE the Mark and Recto models in the FAS. The JP was just too much for my brain at the time. This amp is a little more stripped down in a way that works better for me. The clean channel is something special too. Set up my Stomp to switch channels via midi and it's pretty streamlined at the moment. Highly recommended.

Chu bought a 7?

[VTM]

Gigged it Friday. Got sucked into some mid gig tweaking because it was my first go round. Ran it in dual crunch modes. Was pleased but I know next time will be better as I am going crunch/IV instead. Staying away from the graphic eq other than using it in the room to cut some bass and mids if needed.

I had it up loud yesterday and I am looking forward to the next gig with it. Crunch mode is certainly great for covers that are little less evil But it has plenty of juice on tap nonetheless. I had the JP and didn't bond with it. I LOVE the Mark and Recto models in the FAS. The JP was just too much for my brain at the time. This amp is a little more stripped down in a way that works better for me. The clean channel is something special too. Set up my Stomp to switch channels via midi and it's pretty streamlined at the moment. Highly recommended.

Chu bought a 7?

i tink so

[JiveTurkey]

Chu bought a 7?

i tink so

Yes. Definitely a step up in complexity over the Badlander but not intimidatingly so like the JP seemed for me? Been digging it a lot at home up loud and now just making it work in the band setting. Our next show is Cinco De Mayo so I'll be dialed in by then I am hoping \m/

[FAKA!]

Yes. Definitely a step up in complexity over the Badlander

you still got that old Badmander thing?

[JiveTurkey]

Yes. Definitely a step up in complexity over the Badlander

you still got that old Badmander thing?

Heck yeah! I was blabbing about the two elsewhere last night actually. The BL is just straight up no frills rock box. It can get heavy. Certainly. And it has some great cleans (considering it's from a high gainer). Just a to the point killer amp. I still love the d@mn thing \m/ I will echo what I said at TGF; for gigging purposes the goldilocks between the BL and VII would be a Badlander with an extra built in boost. I'm still working my way around the VII and need a few more shows with it before I can get it in that same zone.

[NinjaRaf]

I still haven't tried a Badlander. Haven't seen one in the wild yet, but that's also probably a good thing because all indications are that it will be an amp I will need to buy if I do ever try one haha.

But the Mark series is my jam. I have generally found something I like about them as much as the 5150s, Mark V aside lol. The IVs stuck around much longer than most other amps for me, and I could easily go between the VII and 5150 with no issues and love both. But the VII is for sure a step above the other Marks I've had...especially if you're already familiar with them and know how to basically dial one in. It still is kinda finnicky with settings. Minor adjustments make big changes in the tone. I can move the gain and treble knobs down VERY slightly and it can kinda dull things up just because all the controls are so interactive with each other. All the Marks are like this, though, and while it is kind of annoying sometimes, once you nail it, there is nothing else like it IMO.

I do struggle with channel 2. I mean...those modes aren't really ones I would use on a normal basis, but I have a hard time getting something I love out of it. I can get sounds that are cool, but nothing I would really seriously use from that channel yet.

Anyway...Babble babble...All this to say I fucking love the VII lol. It's for sure updated from previous versions and has a more modern high end and response than the Mark IV, while somehow still retaining the character that the Mark series has been known for for decades.

[JiveTurkey]

I still haven't tried a Badlander. Haven't seen one in the wild yet, but that's also probably a good thing because all indications are that it will be an amp I will need to buy if I do ever try one haha.

But the Mark series is my jam. I have generally found something I like about them as much as the 5150s, Mark V aside lol. The IVs stuck around much longer than most other amps for me, and I could easily go between the VII and 5150 with no issues and love both. But the VII is for sure a step above the other Marks I've had...especially if you're already familiar with them and know how to basically dial one in. It still is kinda finnicky with settings. Minor adjustments make big changes in the tone. I can move the gain and treble knobs down VERY slightly and it can kinda dull things up just because all the controls are so interactive with each other. All the Marks are like this, though, and while it is kind of annoying sometimes, once you nail it, there is nothing else like it IMO.

I do struggle with channel 2. I mean...those modes aren't really ones I would use on a normal basis, but I have a hard time getting something I love out of it. I can get sounds that are cool, but nothing I would really seriously use from that channel yet.

Anyway...Babble babble...All this to say I fucking love the VII lol. It's for sure updated from previous versions and has a more modern high end and response than the Mark IV, while somehow still retaining the character that the Mark series has been known for for decades.

The phrase "meat and potatoes" always has kind of boring or plain connotation. I think the Badlander is meat and potatoes done RIGHT \m/ Great simplicity out of the gate. I am going to do some tube swapping with el34s and 6l6s and see how I like them in each other when I get some time over the weekend. I did change to Channel 1 crunch wound wayyyy up/MKIV channel 3 for my switching. We'll see how that goes \m/

[NinjaRaf]

I still haven't tried a Badlander. Haven't seen one in the wild yet, but that's also probably a good thing because all indications are that it will be an amp I will need to buy if I do ever try one haha.

But the Mark series is my jam. I have generally found something I like about them as much as the 5150s, Mark V aside lol. The IVs stuck around much longer than most other amps for me, and I could easily go between the VII and 5150 with no issues and love both. But the VII is for sure a step above the other Marks I've had...especially if you're already familiar with them and know how to basically dial one in. It still is kinda finnicky with settings. Minor adjustments make big changes in the tone. I can move the gain and treble knobs down VERY slightly and it can kinda dull things up just because all the controls are so interactive with each other. All the Marks are like this, though, and while it is kind of annoying sometimes, once you nail it, there is nothing else like it IMO.

I do struggle with channel 2. I mean...those modes aren't really ones I would use on a normal basis, but I have a hard time getting something I love out of it. I can get sounds that are cool, but nothing I would really seriously use from that channel yet.

Anyway...Babble babble...All this to say I fucking love the VII lol. It's for sure updated from previous versions and has a more modern high end and response than the Mark IV, while somehow still retaining the character that the Mark series has been known for for decades.

The phrase "meat and potatoes" always has kind of boring or plain connotation. I think the Badlander is meat and potatoes done RIGHT \m/ Great simplicity out of the gate. I am going to do some tube swapping with el34s and 6l6s and see how I like them in each other when I get some time over the weekend. I did change to Channel 1 crunch wound wayyyy up/MKIV channel 3 for my switching. We'll see how that goes \m/

Ch2 crunch is supposed to be the same as Ch1 crunch. I dialed them the same, and it seems like they're the same lol. But I do need clean, for sure, so I am mainly using clean and Mark IV. I bounce between fucking around on VII and Crunch modes on Ch2, but they're for sure not really my thing lol.