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”
• 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