Gear article

Mesa Boogie Mark Five: 35 Combo (Teal Bronco)

The Mesa Boogie Mark Five: 35 is a professional-grade valve guitar amplifier that condenses the lineage of the Mark Series into a portable 1x12 combo format. Handcrafted in Petaluma, California, this model is distinguished by its Teal Bronco vinyl finish and a versatile two-channel architecture designed for stage, studio, and home use.

See live prices

Overview and History

The Mesa Boogie Mark Five: 35 represents a significant evolution in the Mark Series lineage, serving as a 'middle-weight' powerhouse between the lower-wattage Mark Five: 25 and the flagship full-power Mark V. Built in the company's Petaluma factory, it maintains the brand's reputation for high-build quality and complex valve circuitry. This specific iteration features a Teal Bronco vinyl covering, offering a distinct aesthetic departure from the standard black Taurus finish while retaining the classic Mesa chassis design.

Architecture and Features

The amplifier is built around two fully independent channels, each offering three distinct modes for a total of six tonal variations. A standout feature is the Mesa Multi-Watt power system, which allows the user to tailor the power section to their specific needs.

Key integrated features include: * A built-in 5-band graphic equaliser for precise frequency shaping. * Independent spring reverb controls for each channel. * Direct recording options for silent stage or studio applications. * A portable 1x12 cabinet design for ease of transport.

Tonal Character

The Mark Five: 35 is designed to cover the entire history of the Mark Series. Channel 1 focuses on sparkling cleans and classic crunch, providing the headroom required for rhythmic clarity. Channel 2 delves into higher gain territory, including the legendary, saturated lead tones of the Mark IIC+ and modern 'Extreme' modes. The 5-band EQ is critical to the 'Mark' sound, allowing users to dial in the classic 'V-curve' scoop or push mid-frequencies for soloing.

Target Audience

Due to its scalable power and direct recording features, the Mark Five: 35 is positioned as an all-in-one solution for diverse musical environments. It suits session guitarists requiring a wide palette of tones in one box, home players who need high-quality valve sound at lower volumes, and touring musicians who require a portable yet powerful stage rig.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other valve combos like the Fender Blues Junior IV, the Mesa Boogie offers significantly more gain stages and tonal versatility, albeit at a higher price point. While products like the Synergy SYN-20IR provide modular flexibility or the Darkglass DG210A caters to bassists, the Mark Five: 35 remains a dedicated high-end solution for guitarists seeking the specific 'California' valve response and the heritage of the Mark Series circuits.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Mesa Boogie Mark Five: 35 manufactured?
The amplifier is handcrafted in Petaluma, California, by Mesa Boogie's experienced technicians.
What is the primary difference of the Teal Bronco version?
The Teal Bronco version refers specifically to the aesthetic finish of the amplifier, featuring a teal-coloured vinyl covering instead of the standard black.
How many channels does this amplifier have?
It features two fully independent channels, each containing three selectable modes for a total of six distinct voices.
Does the Mark Five: 35 include a graphic equaliser?
Yes, it includes Mesa's iconic 5-band graphic EQ, which can be assigned to either channel or bypassed entirely.
What is the Mesa Multi-Watt system?
The Multi-Watt system allows users to switch between different wattage settings to adjust the volume and headroom of the amplifier for various environments.
Can I use this amplifier for silent recording?
Yes, the Mark Five: 35 includes integrated direct recording options, allowing you to capture the valve tone without using a microphone.
Which classic Mesa circuits are emulated in this amp?
The amp includes modes inspired by the legendary Mark IIC+ and other saturated lead tones from the Mark Series history.
Is the Mark Five: 35 suitable for home practice?
Yes, thanks to its manageable size and flexible power settings, it is equally suited to home practice as it is to stage use.
What speaker configuration does this combo use?
The combo version of the Mark Five: 35 uses a 1x12 format, meaning it contains a single 12-inch speaker.
Does the amp feature built-in reverb?
Yes, it includes an integrated spring reverb with independent controls for each of the two channels.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?
This specific boutique model is typically priced at approximately £2,899.
What kind of clean tones can I expect?
The amplifier is capable of delivering sparkling cleans with high clarity, characteristic of the early Mark Series designs.