The Black Stripe Mark III combo is a 60–100 W 1×12 tube amp with IIC+ lineage, early circuit design, and 3-channel architecture, making it one of the most “vintage-feeling” and collectible Mark III versions.
- Mark III “Black Stripe”
- Years: 1985 – early 1986
- Origin: USA
- Format: 1×12 combo (also head versions)
Power & Tubes
- Power options:
-
- 60 W (2× 6L6)
- 60 / 100 W (4× 6L6)
- Simul-Class (~15/75 W)
- Power tubes:
-
- 6L6 (standard)
- Simul-Class adds EL34 in outer sockets
- Preamp tubes:
-
- 4–5 × 12AX7 (depending on reverb option)
Speaker & Combo Format
- Speaker:
-
- 1×12" (commonly Electro-Voice EVM12L / Black Shadow)
- Impedance: typically 8 Ω
- Weight:
-
- ~30–33 kg (very heavy, especially with EV speaker)
Controls & LayoutChannels (shared architecture)
- Rhythm 1 (clean)
- Rhythm 2 (crunch)
- Lead channel (independent gain + master)
Front panel controls
- Volume 1 (instead of later “Gain”)
- Treble, Mid, Bass
- Master
- Lead Drive / Lead Master
Push-pull functions
- Multiple pull switches for tone shaping
- Hand-etched label above Mid control (unique to early Black Stripes)
Features
- Reverb: usually included (rear panel)
- Presence control: rear panel (typical)
- Graphic EQ: optional 5-band
- Effects loop: yes
- Footswitching: dual footswitch system
Circuit & Design Specifics (Black Stripe)
This is what really distinguishes it:
- Uses transformers from the Mark IIC+ (especially early units)
- Often re-used IIC+ faceplates
-
- “Volume 1” labeling instead of later “Volume”
- Early PCB design (pre-revision used in later stripes)
- Transitional design between:
-
- Mark IIC+ → circuitry heritage
- Later Mark III → expanded channel system
Tonal Character (commonly noted)
- Closest Mark III to Mark IIC+ DNA
- Characteristics:
-
- Smooth lead tones
- Tight low end
- Less aggressive/bright than Blue Stripe
- Often described as:
-
- “Vintage Boogie feel”
- Slightly raw / less refined than later revisions
Physical (Combo)
- Configuration: 1×12 combo
- Weight: ~30 kg+ (especially with EV speaker)
- Cabinet: hardwood or tolex (varies)
Key Takeaways
- First Mark III version → transitional amp between IIC+ and later Mark III
- Shares hardware and voicing elements with the IIC+
- Less refined but highly sought-after for:
-
- early Boogie tone
- unique “in-between” voicing
