Hey guys it's time for a new amp. I've got a flextone III and am thinking about keeping it (should I?) I'm really interested in the mark IV and would like your opinions on the issues of head vs. combo, experience, and of course should I get it.

the mark IV isn't a high gain amp like e.g. the rectifier series, but of course a great amp
i think some of the mark IV combos came with EV speakers, which are much better than every celestion or else on the market right now (imo)
it's much easier to travel around with a combo, and if you could get one with an EV speaker the tone would be great, you'd just have to mic it on bigger gigs

i'd keep the old amp if you can afford it, it's always good to have a second

ive played a mark 3 i think, not too bad, certianly that great though

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Thanks for the replies. Yeah I think I will hold on to the flextone until I collect some effects. Any ideas as to what speaker cabinet suits the mesa mark IV the best? I don't think I'm interested in any 4X12s, maybe a 2X12.

http://metaltabs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22682

in that case i'd take the combo

whadya mean the mark IV isnt a high gain amp?

people get the idea somehow that the mark series amps can't do high gain and i don't know why.
the bro from lamb of god sports a mark IV
metallica.... most of their recordings, they used mark IIC+'s.
i almost bought a mark III when i A/B'd it with a recto and got more brutality...

these amps CAN do just about anything tonaly. you just have to be patient.

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Get a booster pedal if you dont think its high gain enough, its got awesome tone.

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botht he bro's from LoG bust em out. They use invaders and achieve a somewhat muddy sound but very very clean and defined at the same time. From what ive heard from the mark IV they sound badass.

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I decided on the Mesa Rectifier Cab with 2 12s. They are Celestion Vintage 30s. Funny thing is when I heard these and liked them so much, I had no idea that it was the same speaker cab option (with the same speakers) that I have been using on my modeling amp (Flextone III) until I flipped thru the manual! I guess I'm being honest with myself.

your flextone III came with v30's?

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No, the Flextone III came with custom Celestions, but since it is a modeling amplifier, it models both amps and cabs (quite a good selection, too) and the Vintage 30 is a cab option.

Yes but having the actual cab/speakers is much better than modelling it.

Real > Digital