I decided to buy a Marcus 50W amp head from Crab Guitar Effects. It is inspired by the Mesa Boogie Mark IIC++/III series amps and is likely the most popular Crab model. The amp took about 11 weeks to build from my order in May 2025. The lead time increased by approximately 1 month since I last ordered a Benzin head. Shipping from Ukraine to the NE USA then took 9 days.
I am not particularly educated about Mark-series amps, but am excited to explore the tones in the amp. The cleaner mode is selected with the Drive push-button off, while the most common distorted lead and rhythm tones are achieved with the Drive engaged.
I started off with the more distorted channel/mode. I turned the bass/middle off, treble/presence high, and adjusted the 5-band EQ. I turned each band up/down for the most pleasing sound until I arrived at the setting shown in the photo. I arrived at the general V shape, except I preferred the 6500Hz slider around the middle.
There are many push-button switches in place of the push-pull pots of the Mesa amps. My initial preference for lead tones is Deep-On, Bright-Off, Boost-Off, Bass Shift-Off, and Treble Shift-On or Off depending on mood.
With the Drive off, I was able to dial in some nice clean tones.
The rear panel has a IIC++/III switch, which I can only guess is similar to the Crunchberries amp. A 2 button foot switch is provided to access the Drive and Boost front panel functions.
