While the Mark IIC+ is already a highly revered amplifier, the infamous "IIC++" is practically a unicorn. Known for its association with early Metallica recordings, the "++" takes the original IIC+ design even further, with additional gain and several circuit tweaks to refine the sound. In 2025, Mesa/Boogie reissued this exact amp in an extremely limited run of just 200 units. Here’s what M/B has to say about it:This particular example is in like-new condition and looks practically unplayed!
"There are amplifier stories, and there are storied amplifiers, and in this case, it’s both! In 1985, at the request of Vivian Campbell and later Kirk Hammett, along with other noteworthy artists of the day who eventually heard them, MESA/Boogie® made some modifications to a few production Mark IIC+ amps to achieve more gain in the overdrive mode and attain a thicker, heavier gain sound. These “++” designated IICs were done for the select few artists who requested them in the twilight of the C+ lifecycle and were never officially offered as a production model. The veil of time has made the exact number unclear; however, it is believed perhaps 20 or so of these mythical IIC++s were created during the original mid-eighties IIC+ lifecycle."
