Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++: The Crunch Berries Metallica amp!
The most coveted Metallica Amp Head is back for a limited run!
4,2 / 5,0 | 
The Mesa/ Boogie Mark IIC++ head is back for a limited edition run and will get you that Mid-80s Metallica Crunch Berries tone!
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++
The Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++ reissue was no secret; we all knew it was coming, and today it gets the official release. Unfortunately, it will be a limited run of only 200 heads, and so it will be another FOMO situation, which seems to be all the rage these days.
In the mid-1980s, Mesa Boogie, along with Def Leppard guitarist Vivian Campbell and later Kirk Hammett, modified some Mark IIC+ amps to give the overdrive a less sharp and more midrange-heavy sound.
Metallica’s ‘Crunch Berries’
This is the famous Crunch Berries amp head used by Metallica and named after the sticker that James and Kirk applied to their amp head. They purchased the amp sometime around March 1985, and it is now part of Metallica’s history.
There were only 20 amps built with the “++” modification, and they are highly desirable.
Gibson owns Mesa, knows this is a huge aspect for this model, and has been hinting for a few days via social media.
The Amp
This amplifier offers selectable Simul-Class (75 Watts) or Class A (25 Watts) power output. Its preamp features a footswitchable Dual Mode design.
The “++” modification specifically enhances the LEAD Mode gain, creating a thicker sound with an enriched low-end and increased top-end gain, cut, and harmonic layering. Importantly, the CLEAN Mode retains the sparkling clean performance characteristic of the standard IIC+.
For added versatility, the amp includes a built-in footswitchable tube-driven spring reverb and a footswitchable 5-Band Graphic EQ.
Connectivity options include a Slave Output for use with Wet/Dry/Wet rigs and external IR readers, alongside a Series Buffered Effects Loop.
Limited Run
Visually, the limited run IIC++ is identical to the current IIC+ production model, distinguishable only by the “++” notation on the etched back panel and a IIC++ plaque on the front grille.
Verdict
They state these are being made by the same people who crafted the original amps, which, if accurate, would be a nice touch. I’m guessing these will all sell out fairly fast, so you may want to pick one up sooner rather than later.
MSRP – GBP 3899 / EUR 4499
More Information
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One response to “Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC++: The Crunch Berries Metallica amp!”
Got mine Monday! It sounds exactly as a IIC++ should. I’m expecting many of them to be flipped on Reverb in the coming day/weeks at ridiculous prices.