FRONT PANEL: (Continued)

POWER / TWEED SWITCH: Continued From hard rock to insane metal, the MARK I can be your essential ingredient to achieving any tone imaginable! Those players who want that British “crunch” tone can try replacing the output tubes with four European - style EL34 power tubes. Greatly enhanced, shredding top end and the grinding lows so important to a great metal sound result from this tube change. And yet all the fluid, spongy feel remains intact for those hammer-ons, pull-offs, or those two-handed fingering lines that become noticeably effortless as the gain controls are increased. With EL34 power tubes in place, rated power is roughly 80 watts in the switch up ( 100 watt ) position and about half of that in the switch down ( 60 watt ) position. It is easy to obtain the right grind at virtually any volume level. A metal player’s dream, the MARK I boasts gain and tone that put the “Modified” British heads to shame and it does so reliably and consistently!

REAR PANEL:

AC RECEPTACLE: This grounded outlet provides A.C. power for effects and other powered devices that require 117 volts. It is active whenever the amplifier’s A.C. power cord is plugged into the wall and is not affected by the POWER / TWEED switch located on the Front Panel.

FUSE: This is the A.C. line fuse for your Boogie. Should the fuse ever blow, be sure to replace it with the same rating in a SLO-BLO type package. Domestic U.S. versions of the MARK I, require a 3 amp SLO-BLO Fuse. By far the most common cause of a blown fuse is a bad power tube. Always follow the cold start procedure mentioned earlier in the ON / STANDBY switch section and watch the

 

 

 

power tubes as you flip the STANDBY switch to the ON position. If a power tube is going bad or is

 

 

 

arcing you will see it! Flip the STANDBY switch to standby immediately and replace the faulty power

 

 

 

tube (s) and the fuse if necessary. If you see nothing abnormal as you lift the STANDBY switch, it is

 

FUSE

possible that a power tube shorted temporarily and blew the Fuse. If this is the case it may work

 

 

 

again normally. To be extra safe you may want to replace all power tubes in the “shotgun” trouble-

 

 

 

shooting tradition and save the replaced set as spares. Always carry along a few extra fuses and

 

 

 

tubes, they could be worth their weight in gold when needed.

 

3A

 

 

 

 

GROUND: This three position switch reverses the ground of your Boogie. It is often helpful in reducing annoying buzz and hum which originate in the A.C. power wiring outside the amplifier. We recommend leaving the switch in it’s center ( OFF ) position, unless position A or B definitely helps cure noise problems. In the center OFF position, your

FX LEVELBoogie cannot be the source of annoying microphone “ground shocks”.

FUSE

3A GROUND

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Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 owner manual Rear Panel
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MARK 1 specifications

The Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 is an iconic guitar amplifier that has significantly influenced the world of music since its introduction in the late 1960s. Designed by Randall Smith, the MARK 1 was one of the earliest examples of a high-gain, boutique-style amplifier, aimed at offering guitarists a versatile tool for achieving rich tones across various genres.

One of the standout features of the MARK 1 is its innovative preamp design, which utilizes multiple gain stages to produce a wide range of tonal options. This allows players to achieve everything from sparkling clean sounds to aggressive, saturated overdrive. The two-channel configuration—clean and lead—enables users to switch effortlessly between different sounds, making it a favorite among performers looking for adaptability in their rig.

The MARK 1 is also equipped with a powerful EQ section, featuring a 5-band graphic equalizer that grants further control over tonal shaping. This level of customization is rare in amplifiers of its time, allowing musicians to tailor their sound to perfection, whether in the studio or on stage. The “Fat” switch adds additional low-end response and gain, enhancing the amp's overall character and making it suitable for heavier genres.

Another hallmark of the MARK 1 is its compact design, which was revolutionary at the time. Weighing significantly less than traditional tube amplifiers, the MARK 1 was constructed with portability in mind, making it easy for gigging musicians to transport. This combination of power and portability made the MARK 1 a popular choice for artists across various genres, from rock to blues and jazz.

The MARK 1, like many of Mesa/Boogie’s offerings, is built with high-quality components, ensuring durability and reliability. The use of premium tubes in the power section contributes to its dynamic response and harmonic richness, vital for expressive playing.

Overall, the Mesa/Boogie MARK 1 is more than just an amplifier; it's a landmark in guitar amplification technology. With its versatility, compactness, and powerful tone-shaping capabilities, the MARK 1 paved the way for future amplifiers and continues to be revered by musicians around the world for its outstanding performance and timeless sound. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, the MARK 1 remains a trusted companion for guitarists seeking to explore the full spectrum of their musical expression.
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