The off-menu “Metal Mod” used by hard rock and metal royalty is available now, for a limited time only
The reintroduction of the renowned and coveted MESA/Boogie® Mark IIC+ left fans asking about the “off menu” mod known in metal circles as the “C++ Mod.” During the twilight period of Mark IIC+ production in 1985, Vivian Campbell, then playing guitar for Dio, requested more gain from his IIC+. Viv’s request was met with a modification to the preamp, aptly described on the handwritten MESA ledger of the day as the “Metal Mod.”
This modification added more gain and tonal shaping that produced added girth and a different, more aggressive low mid and top end. Now, this “Metal Mod” is available in a 200-piece global offering from MESA/Boogie, the first ever official production run of the legendary Mark IIC++, as used by some of heavy rock and metal’s biggest artists on defining records and tours throughout the 1980s.
The Mark IIC++ incorporates the same key elements as the Mark IIC+. There’s a dual-mode footswitchable preamp, 75-watt Simul Class power, and the legendary Boogie five-band graphic EQ. The difference between a Mark IIC+ and Mark IIC++ is in the Lead Mode area of the preamp, where added gain and shaping take this already fire-breathing beast to a new level of aggression.
Like the original Mark IIC+ units modded by Mike Bendinelli (MESA/Boogie’s Chief Tech and IIC+ guru for the past 40 years), the preamp is fixed in the “++” gain character in the Lead Mode. The Clean Mode circuit remains untouched, with an original C+ voicing for added versatility and a superior clean sound.
Don’t delay checking out this incredible piece of rock history featured on many of the genre’s biggest albums. It defined high gain for a generation and beyond, right up to this day. Only 200 units of this very special amplifier will be released worldwide, so make it a priority to experience the limited reissue Mark IIC++ while it’s still available.
Doug West, Tone Lab Director for Gibson and MESA/Boogie, comments: “We’re excited to bring a first official production run of the Mark IIC++, a very special mod done to a very few Mark IIC+ amplifiers at the request of, first Vivian Campbell, and later other artists on hearing about its added gain and girth. Over time, this mod, which was never an official model, logged a healthy list of A-level artist recordings. This kept our Chief Tech and IIC+ guru, Mike Bendinelli, busy for decades doing the mod for customers who’d heard of its legendary aggression for metal styles and sent their used IIC+s to him for an update.
“This limited run of 200 new production amplifiers allows those who always dreamed of a C++ to have a chance to own one without the hefty price tag associated with a pre-owned 40-year-old original IIC+, plus shipping and labor costs. Not to mention that it’s a solid, reliable, and consistent new build backed by our five-year warranty!
“Meeting player needs has always driven MESA/Boogie, and out of that came the “++” mod. For the first time from the production line, this coveted mod is offered to the world. Sometimes more is more, and there is no better proof than the Mark IIC++.”
Learn more about the MESA/Boogie Mark IIC++ and shop now.
