Mesa Boogie Mark III – USA 1987

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Here is a Mesa/Boogie Mark III amplifier, one of the most important and influential designs in Mesa’s history, first introduced in 1985. Building on the success of earlier Mark series models, the Mark III added a third “crunch” channel, significantly expanding tonal versatility while retaining the high-gain, high-headroom character that made Mesa Boogie famous.

This particular example is the highly sought-after 1987 “Red Stripe” version of the Mark III, widely regarded as one of the most desirable iterations of the series. It delivers the full range of classic Boogie tone, from pristine cleans to saturated high-gain lead sounds, with exceptional harmonic complexity and dynamic response.

Configured as a 60-watt version, this amp omits onboard reverb and the later graphic EQ section, focusing instead on core tone shaping and raw amplifier character. Despite this streamlined layout, it remains an extremely flexible and expressive platform capable of covering a wide range of professional tones.

Tonally, the Mark III is known for its powerful high-gain voice, but it is equally respected for its clean channel performance. When dialled in below breakup, it produces rich, chime-like cleans with strong harmonic depth—often compared to a “vintage Fender on steroids”—offering both clarity and warmth with excellent headroom.

This example is in very good condition for its age, showing only minor scuffs on the original tolex consistent with careful long-term use. The amplifier remains fully functional and has been well maintained over its 35-year lifespan.

The original speaker has been upgraded to a UK-made Celestion G12M Creamback 12-inch speaker, improving tonal detail and dynamic response. This upgrade enhances the amp’s ability to articulate the subtle nuances of the Mark series circuit, particularly in cleaner and edge-of-breakup settings, while still delivering the signature Boogie punch and sustain when driven.

Recently retubed, the amplifier is currently performing at a very high level with excellent headroom, strong projection, and smooth, singing overdrive characteristics. The crunch and lead channels deliver the classic Mesa high-gain voice with tight low end and rich saturation, while remaining highly responsive to player dynamics.

Specifications: 

Year: 1987
Country: USA
Model: Mesa Boogie Mark III (Red Stripe)
Series: Mark III
Type: Tube
Power: 60 Watts
Channels: Clean / Crunch / Lead (3-channel “crunch” voicing added)
Tone: Delivers classic Boogie tone with searing overdrive, rich harmonics, and exceptionally expressive clean headroom with Fender-like shimmer when dialled just below crunch
Condition: Very good condition with only minor scuffs on original tolex
Speaker: Upgraded to UK-made Celestion G12M Creamback 12” (replacing original Black Shadow)
Tubes: Recently fitted full new set of valves
Voltage: 240V export model (no step-down transformer required for Australia use)
Footswitch: Includes both original Mesa Boogie footswitches
Performance: High headroom, powerful clean tones, and signature saturated lead channel with strong responsiveness and tonal versatility
Case: Comes with fitted aluminium and plywood road case