Mesa/Boogie Mark 5, Owner'S Manual, Page: 31 / 70

emphasized. In our experience weaker more vintage style pickups accentuate the upper harmonic region and are wonderful for shim-
mering, bell-like harmonics and clarity in low to medium gain applications. When you are looking for higher gain performance, these
types of pickups will present some challenges as all those upper harmonics can get buzzy and thin sounding as the gain increases.
You will likely find it necessary to roll the TREBLE and PRESENCE back substantially when searching for a high gain sound that is
focused and pure with these pickups.
If high gain is your bag you have probably already come to the conclusion that you need a fairly high output pickup – at least in the
bridge position – to achieve the tight focus needed to produce cohesive high gain sounds. If not, may we suggest that you try several
different higher output pickups – which tend to put an emphasis on the midrange and higher midrange as opposed to the top end.
This voicing difference will produce tighter low end for crunch chords and a more voice-like single note sound.
Some of the higher output pickups will have taps - or can be tapped - at a halfway point in the winding, giving you the best of both
worlds – a weaker output/brighter tap - and the full winding - high output/punchier mid setting. This is usually controlled via a mini
toggle or a pull pot, but can also be hard wired to a specific position on a standard 5 way or toggle. This is a great way to have the
most versatility possible and keep the high harmonic content and openness for your low to mid gain applications and then, be able to
switch your guitar - along with the Channels of the
MARK V
- to a high output/high gain machine capable of tight, ferocious heavy
sounds.
HIDDEN TREASURE: The amp you are playing through was designed to be a tool that can serve up virtually any style of guitar sound
you want and set you free to play your best. It also has another hidden attribute that it may take some time – even years - to appreci-
ate and assimilate. It has the (somewhat hidden) potential to become one of your best teachers as well. Sounds weird, even hokey?
Maybe… but we could never count the times customers, both new and long-time Boogiephiles, write in or call and tell us that their
playing and technique has improved greatly since acquiring a MARK Series amplifier. They comment that the articulate nature of the
attack and the incredible detail and touch-sensitivity force them to pay more attention to their technique and even phrasing because
everything is so accurate. They also comment on the feeling that the amplifier is giving them back as much as they are putting into it
emotionally! I (the author) am convinced of these benefits, and I know in my heart playing exclusively MARK Series amps since my
early childhood radically shaped my development as a player and improved the quality and cohesiveness of the sound coming from
my hands. Call me jaded, clueless or just plain spoiled, but I would much rather stay home and play my acoustic guitar than to go to
a gig without a MARK Series amp. We sincerely hope you find this hidden subtle layer of help valuable over time - as so many of our
worldwide family have – and wish that it takes your playing to places you may never have imagined.
IMPORTANT NOTE! Again, be sure to experiment with the TRIODE/PENTODE switch located on the Rear Panel under the Channel
3 REVERB Control. This switch re-wires the power tube configuration to produce a radical sound and feel difference. We have found
many players like it only one way – citing that it makes or breaks the vibe for them or that they can’t play as well when it’s not set to
their favorite way. We feel it is a powerful stylistic parameter and should be explored fully for its usefulness to your sound.
TRIODE softens the midrange attack and accentuates the upper harmonic region creating a silky, more liquid feel and lowers overall
output power. PENTODE accentuates midrange punch and lowers the upper harmonic region for a bolder, tighter attack – especially
in the low end – and increases output power and headroom.
frOnt panel: M
ODeS
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Continued
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