MESA/Boogie Introduces the JP-2C 1x12 Combo Amplifier, Celebrates 40-year Partnership with John Petrucci of Dream Theater

Inspired by our 40-year relationship with John Petrucci, introducing the MESA/Boogie® JP-2C 1x12 Combo Amplifier.

NASHVILLE, TN (June 25, 2024) MESA/Boogie is the original boutique Home of Tone, hand-crafting amplifiers of uncompromising quality from the world’s finest materials in California, USA. Founder Randall Smith instilled basic principles into MESA, such as passion, drive, integrity, and excellence, and his insistence on making the best amplifiers has guided half a century of breakthrough innovations, elevating the amplifier into an instrument in its own right, one with the power to shape and create musical genres.

Today, in celebration of a partnership that has spanned over 40 years, MESA/Boogie and John Petrucci, guitarist, lyricist and founding member of the GRAMMY® Award-winning progressive metal band Dream Theater, are proud to announce the new JP-2C™ 1x12 Combo. The MESA/Boogie JP-2C 1x12 Combo is available now in a limited edition run at authorized MESA/Boogie dealers, and on www.mesaboogie.com.

John Petrucci

"When designing the JP-2C with the team at MESA/Boogie, the goal was to build an amp that covers everything while honoring the heritage of its iconic Mark IIC+ predecessor. It offers three channels of authentic Mark IIC+ tones and also includes updated features like Dual Graphic EQs, MIDI, and a CabClone Direct Out that make it the ultimate amplifier for today’s guitarists in any situation. The new JP-2C 1x12 Combo incorporates all the features of my JP~2C Head into the classic 1x12 Boogie Combo format. They’re great for gigging because they’re versatile, loud, and powerful. You don’t have to bring a separate head and cabinet to a gig. It’s a portable rig!"
--JOHN PETRUCCI

The new MESA/Boogie JP-2C 1x12 Combo marks an expansion of MESA’s first unlimited production signature amplifier, the JP-2C™ Head. As is the case with John Petrucci’s stunning JP Head, this new 1x12 Combo is all MARK IIC+ at heart and packs the same legendary performance of the fabled 100-watt IIC+ as well as all the updates and features of today’s JP-2C. All of the headroom, horsepower, and burning Tone is packed into our legendary Boogie® “wolf in sheep’s clothing” compact 19” combo format.

Simplicity in design…

Much like a race car or fighter jet, the JP-2C strips down to bare essentials to get the job done effectively and in the simplest way. It’s a purpose-built, no-compromise rendering that aims at one single goal: provide the most aggressive, purest sounding IIC+ in a versatile package that delivers the goods to meet John Petrucci’s recording and stage needs. The JP-2C offers the highest headroom Clean sounds of any Mark Series amp, one Boogie Lead Channel for tight, grinding rhythm work, and a slightly higher gain Boogie Lead Channel, with access to even more saturation yet the ability to track any technique and speed while also reaching to the stratosphere for single note solos.

In that spirit, unlike other MESA amplifiers, the JP-2C foregoes the concept of multiple voicing Modes per channel and instead dedicates each of the three Channels exclusively to one of two voicings from the MARK IIC+. In Channels 2 and 3, it also adds a SHRED Mode, which further enhances the top-end harmonic layering of the original IIC+ Lead Circuit.

Channel 1 – Dedicated to clean sounds.

Channel 1 is dedicated to Clean sounds and is optimized for the maximum headroom possible in the preamp section. Power section clip may be employed to attain some degree of overdrive in Channel 1, albeit at very high volumes due to the 100/60-watt rating of the JP-2C power section. Additional “drive” may be sought in the upper region of the MID control (beyond 12:00 o’clock) as the MID pot employed here is the same value and taper as our MID/BOOST control found on some of our newer MARK SERIES amplifiers. However, increased headroom in the preamp reduces the amount of overall “gain-boost” available as compared to our other amplifiers with this feature. This fact renders this more powerful MID control as just that, a MID that has increased range to add more midrange frequencies and a “cleaner” gain boost into the mix.

Channel 2 – the evolution of the original Mark IIC+ circuit.

Channel 2 is the JP-2C’s Crunch generator. This Channel is all about aggressive, tight, overdriven rhythm sounds delivered with amounts of Gain usually associated with Lead Modes or Channels. It IS, in fact, a Lead Channel, the LEAD Channel from the MARK IIC+ in its original state, circuit-wise. The setting of the Gain has been optimized for its performance in this category of sounds, and though it can definitely be used for Lead sounds of all kinds, it is perhaps the best choice when dedicating a Channel in the JP-2C to Crunch rhythm work.

To achieve the most famous, now classic MARK IIC+ grinding rhythm sounds in Channel 2, you can now employ one of two 5-Band Graphic Equalizers…yes, here in the JP-2C, you have a separate EQ for each of the high gain Channels! This means greater flexibility and improved accuracy when crafting your sounds and allows you to arrive at a truly no-compromise set of sounds for both rhythm and lead! This was impossible on the original MARK IIC+, hence the fact that many top Artists of the day used two MARK IIC+s and a MIDI switcher (also contained here) in a rack system to call up dedicated amps with different settings for each sound.

In both Channels 2 and 3 of the JP-2C, we have removed the VOLUME 1 Control and the LEAD MASTER control from the Panel Layout as compared to the LEAD Mode of the original MARK IIC+ in favor of user simplicity. The LEAD MASTER is a largely redundant control here in the JP-2C, and its setting has a very minimal role in the sound. The VOLUME 1 is a bit more sensitive and critical, and here in the JP-2C, it is preset internally (as we did in our MARK V) to its optimum setting for each Channel. The end result for the user is an amplifier that is MUCH easier to dial and arrive at the very best of the MARK IIC+’s most signature and mind-blowing sounds more quickly and with less “neurotic tweaking” required. There is NO compromise of the original’s performance and yet a SERIOUS benefit in the dial-ability of the JP-2C.

Channel 3 – High gain sustain and explosive attack.

Channel 3 is created with soaring lead sounds in mind. Our first priority was to meet and even exceed the incredible explosive attack, blistering sustain, and harmonic complexity of the very best of the MARK IIC+s. We, along with the amplifier’s namesake, feel we have achieved exactly that. Channel 3 boasts all the nuanced performance of the originals and delivers it with unbelievable authority due to the 100-watt Class A/B (versus 90-watt Simul-Class™) power section. This difference in power section serves John’s musical style extremely well - In fact, his absolute favorite amplifier of the many IIC+s he owns is a 100-watt model. Channel 3’s character is, therefore, a little warmer, fatter, and compressed, and this plays well into its intended application for lead work of all styles and gain requirements.

100 or 60 Watts-the Heart of the Original Mark IIC+.

A long-time MESA feature directly off the classic MARK IIC+ and at the heart of this amplifier is the 100/60 Power Switch. One of the very first “modern amp” features MESA pioneered in the late 60s, this switch puts the center two power tubes in Standby Mode and allows you to operate at a reduced power setting. This is great for smaller venues and rehearsals, increasing power tube life by swapping, and also imparts a slightly brighter, snappier response that some find desirable. It also allows more power tube saturation at lower volume levels for those who may find that preferable. Either way, the 100/60 switch adds versatility and options to the already impressive arsenal here in the JP-2C.

Pull shift-Modified to Pull Gain and Pull Presence.

In addition to the VOLUME 1 and LEAD MASTER control deletions from the original circuit, we’ve modified the PULL SHIFT feature layout of the original IIC+ to simplify and enhance both high-gain Channels 2 and 3. All PULL SHIFTS that were possible in the original IIC+ LEAD Mode are internally set to their optimized settings based upon the historical polling of savvy MARK IIC+ aficionados, artists, and the MESA Design Team.

In addition to these changes to the original circuit, we have added two new PULL options on the JP-2C. A PULL GAIN on the GAIN control and a PULL PRES (shift) on the PRESENCE control. PULL GAIN increases the setting of the internally set VOLUME 1 control by approximately one number setting’s worth…in other words, just a little bit. This means that it is added to the already preset amount of gain/drive that is in place when the pot is NOT pulled out. In both Channels, this PULL GAIN feature allows a little boost of gain for specific musical styles.

The PULL PRES feature located on the PRESENCE controls allows two very different Presence frequencies to be selected. When PULLED, the time-honored frequency we have used for 45 years appears, which allows control over a much higher range of top end than that of the TREBLE control. When left PUSHED-IN, the PRESENCE control operates on a lower frequency that is still above the TREBLE but adds “increased cut and focus” lower than the traditional PRESENCE that, at times, can sound more cohesive for high gain Crunch rhythm sounds.

Graphic EQ x 2.

The ONLY switch in each of the three Channels is the assignment switch for the two 5-Band Graphic Equalizers. This 3-position toggle allows assignment of either of the EQs to any of the three Channels, with the upper position engaging EQ 1 and the lower position employing EQ 2. The center position of the EQ switch allows you to either bypass or Footswitch the EQ on or off.

EQ-Window and Feature Control Switches.

The 10 EQ Sliders that make up the two separate 5-Band Graphic Equalizers are housed in the EQ Window section of the Front Panel. Along with them, this section contains control switches for four other Functions/Features. These are the Effects Loop, Reverb, Channel Select, and the SHRED Voicing Mode. This convenient placement alongside the EQ Faders in this Window allows you to dial in your individual sounds and selections quickly and in one place so that when storing the settings you have arrived at for a given sound under a MIDI program number, there isn’t the need for a lot of jumping around on the Front Panel.

Shred-A New Voice in High Gain.

The JP-2C incorporates a new voicing feature in the high gain Channels not present in the original MARK IIC+ LEAD Mode that further enhances the harmonic layering of the top end. This 3-position switch located to the lower right of the EQ 2 window affects only Channels 2 and 3 and adds an additional layer of upper harmonic content in the high gain Modes. It is especially beneficial for high-gain Crunch Rhythm sounds as it lends aggression and three-dimensionality to the sound, adding a harmonic haze that rides atop the fat, grinding wall of gain.

This new voicing Mode adds even more versatility to the already powerful array of sounds in the Encyclopedia of Heavy that is the JP-2C. And with the ability to run SHRED active on one or both high gain Channels, combined with your no-compromise EQ choices, you can now craft the ultimate Crunch rhythm and Lead sounds in the same amp and switch instantly between them. Freedom!

Reverb-Channel Independent and Footswitchable.

You’ll find our classic, rich all-tube REVERB on the JP-2C, but with greater control and performance flexibility than the original IIC+. It can be auto-set to “On” all the time or set to “Off” or “Footswitchable” (on/off) via the REVERB TOGGLE SWITCH located in the lower-left corner of the EQ 1 Window. Each Channel also features its own REVERB blend control located on the left side of the rear panel.

Headphone out…

Since the JP-2C contains our CABCLONE D.I. Cabinet Simulator and Recording Interface, all the elements for a great HEADPHONE Output are available, so this is also included. This Cabinet Simulated Stereo ¼” Output captures the entire sound of the amplifier – power section and all. This HEADPHONE Output makes for convenient and inspired practicing in environments where the sound of a speaker cabinet is not ideal or cannot be used.

FTSW and MIDI.

Three DIN jacks, one 8-pin for the MESA Foot Controller, and two standard 5-pin DIN jacks for MIDI IN and THRU/OUT are included for true connectivity and a number of ways to access the amazing sounds and pro features in the JP-2C. A STORE toggle switch allows simple one-touch writing and control of the JP-2C’s Amp Channels, Graphic EQs, Shred, Reverb, and FX Loop to any of 256 MIDI Program Numbers. Storing the settings of these features is as easy as selecting a MIDI Program number on the Foot Controller (or Computer) and toggling the STORE key. There is also a mini MIDI Channel Rotary Selector for syncing of the MIDI Channel used by your Controller of choice.

The JP-2C 1x12 Combo is the next chapter of this icon’s story, self-contained and more convenient for more players in more venues – all without compromising on its expressive tone, feel, or performance. Add the updated features so many recording artists, MESA enthusiasts, and tone freaks the world over have come to rely on, and you’ve got the ultimate all-tube, analog IIC+ “guitar workstation.”

Features overview:

Designed by Legendary MESA Amp Designer Randall Smith
Built in Petaluma, California USA
All-Tube Design: 4x 6L6 Power Tubes / 5x 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
Class A/B Power Amp delivers exceptional power, punch, & clarity
Full Power/Half Power (100/60-Watt) Global Power Switch
3 Footswitchable Channels
3 Voicing Modes – Clean, Mark IIC+, or Shred
2 Footswitchable and channel-assignable Boogie 5-Band Graphic EQs
Tube-driven Spring Reverb
Fully buffered Tube-driven Series Effects Loop (MIDI switchable)
CabClone D.I. Cabinet Simulation for silent, direct output
MIDI Programmable
Proprietary Celestion Custom 90 12” Speaker
3x3, 6-Button Footswitch (Bottom Row: Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3 – Top Row: Reverb, EQ 1, EQ 2)