Do I Need a Backup Head?

Spinal Tapper · #1 06-17-2011, 08:59 AM

Right now I play out of a Markbass R500. It's a great sounding, rockin head, and I've never had any problems with it whatsoever (KNOCK ON WOOD). I've had it approx 3 years.

I was at GC yesterday buying some strings, and I saw a Markbass LMII for only $329 (used, obviously) on clearance. That's about $100 cheaper than I've even seen them on Craigslist or Ebay...actually almost seemed too low...

I've always considered having a backup head incase anything went wrong with my R500. Especially something small like the LMII to just carry around in a backpack. My band gigs about 1 or 2 times a month.

I've got the cash in hand...should I buy it? Any thoughts/experiences on the LMII vs. R500 in terms of tone or reliability?

Pilgrim · #2 06-17-2011, 09:00 AM

I don't know the amp in question, but a backup - especially a compact, portable one - is always a good idea.

Vintage Guy · #3 06-17-2011, 09:02 AM

I even carry a backup for the backup!

jnewmark · #4 06-17-2011, 09:02 AM

I've always carried a backup amp, and, now with all the lightweight heads available used, there is no reason not to put one in the gig bag. Mine is a GK MB 200, which can serve as an amp in an emergrncy, or as a preamp if mine goes down. You can get them new for around $240.

Spinal Tapper · #5 06-17-2011, 09:05 AM

do u guys think $329 is a steal for an LMII?

cableguy · #6 06-17-2011, 09:06 AM

I never have had one but I've always had a sansamp BDDI in case. I've always played places with PA so in a pinch I could get by with just that. But if you play out that much some kind of back-up is smart.

jeff7bass · #7 06-17-2011, 09:06 AM

When gigging, I always carry two of everything. Get a good cheap micro head for a backup, like a Carvin BX250 or Ampeg PF350 (both are 299.00).
I keep my backup amp in the car. Something goes wrong, five minute I’m back in business. Never needed it though, yet.

jeff7bass · #8 06-17-2011, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

do u guys think $329 is a steal for an LMII?

Is it new? Yes, buy it.

tZer · #9 06-17-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

When gigging, I always carry two of everything. Get a good cheap micro head for a backup, like a Carvin BX250 or Ampeg PF350 (both are 299.00).
I keep my backup amp in the car. Something goes wrong, five minute I’m back in business. Never needed it though, yet.

I agree with always having a backup.

RE: Keep it in the car (presumably during the gig) - I wouldn't advise that. Too many people have had too much gear lifted because they leave it in their car during the gig.

Obviously YMMV, etc... But I've yet to be in a band where at least one member didn't have a tale of woe related to gear stolen from their car while on stage. I've hear more than one story of entire carloads/vanloads of gear being stolen. So I'd say if it's that portable, having it sitting there behind your amp should be no problem.

JimmyDee · #10 06-17-2011, 09:29 AM

I carry an extra bass preamp, pwr amp, set of stings, cords, mic, mic holder, bass strap and an extra shirt or two (for those real hot days/stages). I also use two 2-10" cabinets so if one goes bad, I've got the other. We bassists got to be a "ready Freddy," cause if the bass ain't right, the whole band is not right.

Spinal Tapper · #11 06-17-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

Is it new? Yes, buy it.

It's used. I can get 1 year coverage from GC for an extra $40...so with tax, it'll probably be just under $400 out the door...

the problem is, I might never even use it in a year...

decisions decisions

**JxBass** · #12 06-17-2011, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

It's used. I can get 1 year coverage from GC for an extra $40...so with tax, it'll probably be just under $400 out the door...

the problem is, I might never even use it in a year...

decisions decisions

Used LMIIs were going for around $380 on TB, so I think the price is good. If it's in good condition and it works I personally wouldn't go for the warranty, especially if it's just a backup. I used my LMII every day for years without a single blip.

mikeruss · #13 06-17-2011, 09:39 AM

I use an LM2 as my primary for gigging these days since they are so lightweight and sound fantastic. It won out over my Eden and Ampeg CL rigs. Who'd of thought?

$329 used is a very decent price. As a matter of fact I need a backup...what GC was that at?

GC has really stepped it up these days with being competitive on used gear. You can also work them a little on the price and if you ask for a manager they'll sometimes knock 10% off.

Spinal Tapper · #14 06-17-2011, 10:11 AM

I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but I can run two cabs with this head at 4ohms, right? I see it has one speakon/1/4" cable connector, and then another 1/4" speaker cable connector underneath...

just making sure, because my rig consists of an SWR 2x10 & Orange OBC115...

(I jacked this picture from a FS thread to show what I'm talking about)

**JxBass** · #15 06-17-2011, 10:18 AM

I don't know the specifics of those cabs but if you mean running two 8 ohm cabs for a 4 ohm load, yes, the LMII supports a minimum 4 ohm load, resulting in 500w output (versus 300w @ 8 ohms).

will33 · #16 06-17-2011, 10:32 AM

I bring backups of whatever I have. Haven't needed them much but It'll be worth it the one time you do. Lately we've been getting gigs where we bring everything PA and all so if something goes down we've only ourselves to blame. I have 1/2 a poweramp in the PA rack that isn't being used so a little tubemp serves as an emergency pre or di in a pinch. A little micro head you can leave in a gig bag is a great idea....beats carrying around another fullsize bass amp.

I always advocate having a backup no matter how good your stuff is, nothings perfect. Or at least a way to move cables around and keep everybody running to finish the gig. Beats the hell out of standing there looking like a stooge when you have to shut down early due to equipment problems.

Spinal Tapper · #17 06-17-2011, 10:42 AM

Yeah, I think I'm gonna go for it. For about $350 out the door, I can't really beat the price on a used LMII. Who knows, maybe it'll become my primary rig...

jeff7bass · #18 06-17-2011, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tZer

I agree with always having a backup.

RE: Keep it in the car (presumably during the gig) - I wouldn't advise that. Too many people have had too much gear lifted because they leave it in their car during the gig.

Obviously YMMV, etc... But I've yet to be in a band where at least one member didn't have a tale of woe related to gear stolen from their car while on stage. I've hear more than one story of entire carloads/vanloads of gear being stolen. So I'd say if it's that portable, having it sitting there behind your amp should be no problem.

I've seen stuff ripped off backstage so I trust my alarm protected vehicle more! Plus you can hide these little amps.

jeff7bass · #19 06-17-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

Yeah, I think I'm gonna go for it. For about $350 out the door, I can't really beat the price on a used LMII. Who knows, maybe it'll become my primary rig...

Great amp, but 350.00 used it better be near mint.

WhoDidTheElf · #20 06-17-2011, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

I've seen stuff ripped off backstage so I trust my alarm protected vehicle more! Plus you can hide these little amps.

I do "background music" with a guitar friend of mine at a local coffee shop for money. Often the owner will give us a free what ever for playing there all day. One time my friend and I walked away from our gear over to the counter, literally 10 steps away, and some one tried to jack his guitar (MIA Fender Tele). Fortunately the would-be thief didn't get too far because some one saw it happening and jumped on him as he broke for the door...

Needless to say if I could have it my way, everything would be tied down...