Mesa Boogie *Roland Orzabel* Mark III Simul-Class 1x12" Guitar Combo 1988 - White

Mesa/Boogie

Mark III Blue Stripe – Simul-Class 1×12 Combo – Ex-Roland Orzabal / Tears for Fears

Formerly owned by Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears

Used during the band's 1990 Knebworth and Santa Barbara performances and subsequent touring, including the 1996 Kings of Spain tour.

A fantastic and historically significant Mesa/Boogie Mark III Blue Stripe, finished in white and formerly owned by Roland Orzabal, frontman, guitarist and founding member of Tears for Fears.

This particular amplifier has a fascinating history, having formed part of Roland's professional equipment during one of the band's most successful periods. It was used during Tears for Fears' 1990 performances at Knebworth and Santa Barbara, both of which were professionally filmed, with the amplifier visible on stage throughout the footage.

It also remained part of the band's equipment for subsequent touring, including the 1996 Kings of Spain tour.

The amplifier was eventually sold from Roland Orzabal's collection through Gardiner Houlgate's December 2018 guitar auction, which included equipment belonging to Tears for Fears.

The original auction catalogue is included, providing valuable documentation of the amplifier's provenance and connection to one of Britain's most successful bands.

A wonderful opportunity to own not only a classic Mesa/Boogie, but a genuine piece of British music history.

Roland Orzabal & Tears for Fears

Tears for Fears were responsible for some of the most recognisable recordings of the 1980s and 1990s, including Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Head Over Heels and Sowing the Seeds of Love.

Roland Orzabal's guitar playing has always been an important part of the band's sound, combining atmospheric clean passages with powerful, expressive lead guitar.

This Mark III was part of his amplifier setup during the band's live performances, including the celebrated 1990 Knebworth concert and their Santa Barbara performance, both captured on film.

The amplifier is identifiable in the performance footage and represents a particularly interesting example of professional stage equipment with a documented connection to a major recording artist.

Its association with the later Kings of Spain tour demonstrates the lengthy working life of this particular amplifier within the Tears for Fears setup.

Provenance – Gardiner Houlgate, December 2018

The amplifier was originally offered for sale through Gardiner Houlgate's guitar auction on 12th and 13th December 2018, as part of a selection of equipment from the collections of Frank Allen and Tears for Fears.

The equipment was described by the auction house as having been removed from a property belonging to Roland Orzabal, with items associated with the band's touring activities.

This amplifier appeared in the catalogue as Lot 601, illustrated in its distinctive white finish.

The original Gardiner Houlgate auction catalogue accompanies the amplifier, providing an important record of its history.

Mesa/Boogie Mark III Blue Stripe

Introduced during the 1980s, the Mark III was one of Mesa/Boogie's most influential amplifier designs, combining enormous tonal flexibility with the powerful, articulate response for which the Californian manufacturer became famous.

This example is the desirable Blue Stripe revision, featuring the familiar Mark III control layout and five-band graphic equaliser.

The amplifier offers everything from beautifully detailed cleans through to thick, singing lead tones and aggressive high-gain sounds.

The combination of its cascaded gain stages, powerful EQ section and Simul-Class output stage makes the Mark III an exceptionally versatile amplifier.

The five-band graphic EQ is particularly important to the Mark-series sound, allowing everything from warm, rounded vintage tones to the tighter, more aggressive response associated with later high-gain Mesa amplifiers.

Despite its relatively compact dimensions, the Mark III is an incredibly powerful and authoritative amplifier, equally at home in the studio or on stage.

Original Electro-Voice EVM-12L Speaker

This example retains its original Electro-Voice EVM-12L 12-inch speaker, one of the most desirable speaker options fitted to vintage Mesa/Boogie amplifiers.

Renowned for its substantial power handling, excellent clarity and enormous dynamic range, the EVM-12L is particularly well suited to the Mark III's powerful output section.

Unlike speakers designed to break up relatively early, the Electro-Voice remains clean and controlled at high volumes, allowing the character of the amplifier itself to come through.

The combination of the Mark III Simul-Class circuit and EVM-12L delivers exceptional punch, definition and headroom.

Chassis & Specification

• Manufacturer: Mesa/Boogie
• Model: Mark III Blue Stripe
• Configuration: 1×12 valve combo
• Output Stage: Simul-Class
• Speaker: Original Electro-Voice EVM-12L
• Speaker Power Handling: 200 watts
• Graphic Equaliser: Five-band
• Operating Modes: Rhythm 1, Rhythm 2 and Lead
• Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Middle, Master, Lead Drive and Lead Master
• Additional Controls: Presence and Reverb
• Effects Loop: Fitted
• Finish: White covering with black grille
• Mains Voltage: Multi-voltage selector
• Manufactured: USA

Cosmetic & Working Condition

The amplifier is presented in good vintage condition, retaining its distinctive white covering, black grille cloth, original control panel and Electro-Voice speaker.

There are some cosmetic marks and age-related wear consistent with an amplifier that has enjoyed a long professional working life.

A fantastic vintage Mesa/Boogie with genuine rock and pop history — an amplifier that has spent its life on some very significant stages.

Worldwide Shipping Available

All of our amplifiers are shipped in custom-made Overdrive Guitars boxes, with additional internal protection to ensure they arrive safely.

Our dedicated West London showroom is also available by appointment, where customers are welcome to view, test and experience our amplifiers in person.