| The Mark III's were marketed as having a Fender/Boogie clean sound, a Marshall crunch sound and Boogie's own hi gain lead sound. IMHO if you already have the Fender/Marshall area covered the Mark II's are more out-and-out Boogies soundwise: more creamy sounding on the lead channel and equally Fendery on the clean channel.
Mark IIB was the choice of Larry Carlton for his earlier solo albums. Not an in vogue kind of sound I suppose but still nice. The Mark II's would probably also be the more collectible than the Mark III if that means anything to you. Make sure it has a Electrovoice 12" and if you're going for sounds rather than looks avoid the hardwood ones. The wood isn't the only thing that's harder - the sound is as well.
And if you can get one with a graphic eq that might be an idea as well. Due to the Fender-nature of the design (the tone controls coming before the gain stages - as opposed to for instance a Marshall) even the smallest amount of bass makes the amp 'fart' quite a bit and a common Boogie-trick is to roll the bass control back and compensate for the lack of low end on the graphic. |