Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++ Factory Long Head owned by Jeff Watson

* I've received a lot of messages asking about C++, so I relist and update this listing for those who are interested in factory C++, hope the info I got can help them, because there are so few records about these amps.

1985 Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++ Factory Long Head owned by Jeff Watson of Night Ranger

Here is my factory IIC++ DG made for Jeff Watson (Pic 1-10), not modified or upgraded ++, s/n 15086. This is one of two Jeff's amps I purchased from a Swiss collector (another one is a factory C+ DG, s/n 12492. Jeff mounted them in his racks for years and used them on mid 80s Night Ranger albums and tours, they lost their black shells at that point, so Mesa had two white shells built for him), Simul-Class, PT105 + SP11A (Non Reverb Models), currently loaded with STR430 tubes. It's still in great shape and condition.

Comes with COA, documented pics, pedal.

About the Serial Number and Quantity of Factory C++

Many people use the Serial Number Range of factory C+ to judge the authenticity of factory C++, which is inaccurate, because in the timeline, C+ must come first and then C++, according to articles from some old magazines and sites, C++ was being made in the factory during the R&D of Mark III after C+ was discontinued (early 85).

New products are usually provided to artists first, which leads to the fact that artists usually own gear with earlier serial numbers, whether it's a guitar or an amp, so recheck the two s/n of Jeff's amps, you will find it confirms what those articles wrote and makes sense logically.

In fact, Mesa Boogie made two factory C++s for Jeff, another one is 15085, still in black shell and is currently owned by a friend in LA, Mike B. had told him only 12-14 C++ made from the factory back then and they were all only available to artists, and sent him an email after all the service was done on Jeff's head pointing out it's a factory C++. I verified this info with him.

About Metallica's C++

According to the Messengers book, Metallica had 3 C++ in the mid-80s, initially purchased 1 for Kirk in early 1985 (right into the C++ production time) then used by James and known as #3 Crunchberries, soon after get 2 more from Mesa (not explicitly stated but based on the pics in the book it may refer to #1 KBJ and #2 Malibu. One thing I know is that KBJ went through some visual changes, Pic 11) for preparation of opening acts on Ozzy's Ultimate Sin Tour.

Before reading this book, many gear group members including me believed Metallica had at least two C++s (one for James and one for Kirk) and Crunchberries was a factory C+, until I noticed a detail in this book, which mentioned James bought a C+ at the same time Kirk purchased the C++ (Crunchberries), the editor put them separately to distinguish between C+ and C++ as they first appear in the book, so I guess he may have confirmed this info with James or someone related to the band, that C+ may went to Kirk.

#4 C++ Coliseum is actually a factory IIB Coliseum, s/n K245, Mike B. converted it to a IIC in the mid-80s before being modded to a C++ with a Mark III faceplate and added the GEQ, so the "Pull Rhythm" silkscreen above the "Middle" knob is blacked out and the GEQ was slightly off-center. This info and pics can be found and verified in the post by Permuted Press, which makes me think the text about C++ in the book is credible.

In the end, I put the faceplates of 5 C++s mentioned above together (Pic 12), while details on KBJ and Malibu are blurry, the length of the lettering shows they are exactly the same. FYI.

* Not interested in any trade and serious buyers only. Buyer responsible for any duty or taxes. I only use the best express service for shipping to destination. All items will be packed properly and tightly. Usually it will show up at your door 5-7 days after payment cleared.