In a move that has vintage tone seekers and modern metal players buzzing, MESA/Boogie has officially unveiled the Mark IIC++ Head. Finished in classic Black Bronco and available as a limited run, this head marks the first time the legendary “++” mod is hitting the market as a production model. And if you’re chasing the brutal, harmonically rich tones that defined the late ’80s metal and hard rock explosion, this is the holy grail you’ve been waiting for.
The Mark IIC++ is rooted in rarity. Originally crafted in 1985 at the request of Vivian Campbell and later Kirk Hammett, MESA modified select Mark IIC+ models to squeeze out even more searing gain and saturation. These special units, dubbed “++” by insiders, were never officially released to the public — existing only in the rigs of elite players or in mythical after-hours shop upgrades by MESA technician Mike Bendinelli. It’s believed that only about 20 of these sonic unicorns were ever built during the IIC+‘s original production run.
Fast forward 40 years, and MESA is finally giving players a shot at one of the most coveted tone machines in rock history. This reissue delivers the same fire-breathing aggression and vintage sparkle as the originals. Crafted by the same MESA artisans who built the OGs, this new Mark IIC++ Head is a genuine time machine in tube-driven form.
Inside, you’ll find selectable Simul-Class (75 Watts) or Class A (25 Watts) power, a footswitchable Dual Mode preamp, built-in tube-driven spring reverb, a 5-Band Graphic EQ, a Slave Output for wet/dry/wet rigs and external IRs, and a series-buffered effects loop. But the real magic happens in the Lead Mode, where the IIC++‘s enhanced gain structure comes alive. Compared to the standard IIC+, the “++” delivers a thicker low end, more aggressive top-end cut, and a swirling harmonic complexity that gives your riffs teeth. The Clean Mode remains untouched and provides that crystalline shimmer that put MESA on the map.
A single channel amp with dual modes (Rhythm and Lead), the IIC++ is intuitive yet deep. The Rhythm side gives you traditional clean-to-vintage gain tones with a Pull Bright option and Master with Pull Deep. The Lead side cascades into thick saturation, using Volume 1 and an independent Lead Drive with Pull Lead and Pull Bright controls to sculpt its iconic grind. It’s all footswitchable — Modes, EQ, and Reverb — giving you complete control from the floor.
At 39 lbs, the IIC++ is roadworthy and robust, with dimensions compact enough for grab-and-go sessions: 9 1/4″ high, 18 3/4″ wide, and 10 3/8″ deep. Whether you’re studio-bound or stage-hardened, it’s built to deliver legendary tone without compromise.
Only 200 units are being produced. That’s it. After that, this fire-breathing monster goes back into the shadows of boutique lore. For players chasing the tones of Metallica’s Master of Puppets, Dio’s thunderous rhythm work, or just looking for an amp that roars with historical weight and tonal complexity, this is it. Get the Mark IIC++ Head Black Bronco here for $3,499.
