Downside of the Markbass LMII/III?

leavenone · #1 05-10-2012, 09:13 PM

I have been reading a lot about the Markbass Little Mark II/III and they seem to be great amps (and they sound good too!), but they are almost always being sold used in the classifieds here. Am I missing something?? What are the downsides of this amp in comparison to others?

BurningSkies · #2 05-10-2012, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leavenone

I have been reading a lot about the Markbass Little Mark II/III and they seem to be great amps (and they sound good too!), but they are almost always being sold used in the classifieds here. Am I missing something?? What are the downsides of this amp in comparison to others?

I love mine, but am not using it anymore. It's loud and light and to my ear sounded great in a clean-yet warm way. I found it had lots of adjustability in the tone controls and filters. It also has a good sounding DI.

The only reason I stopped using it is that I ended up needing more power than the 500w it could provide. I was hitting the limiting as it maxed out compressing the lows and it was evident through the very clean mid-range speaker in the fEARful stack I use, where I got some mid-range breakup. I played it the same levels and volumes with other cabs and never had that problem.

Played it the other night at home and it still sounds great.

NaH · #3 05-10-2012, 09:30 PM

I'm still playing mine (bought it used). The only thing that occasionally bothers me is the fan. Once I start playing I never notice it though. Some people like to have a mute button which these don't have. I love the tone and for my gigs it is perfect. I use an LMIII w/Traveller 102P and a CMD121P (which has an LMIII built in).

One other thing that other people might not like is the default Send/Return effects loop is parallel (so you always hear 50% clean). I believe that can be reconfigured internally though.

BurningSkies · #4 05-10-2012, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaH

I'm still playing mine (bought it used). The only thing that occasionally bothers me is the fan. Once I start playing I never notice it though. Some people like to have a mute button which these don't have. I love the tone and for my gigs it is perfect. I use an LMIII w/Traveller 102P and a CMD121P (which has an LMIII built in).

One other thing that other people might not like is the default Send/Return effects loop is parallel (so you always hear 50% clean). I believe that can be reconfigured internally though.

Huh. Mine is dead quiet. I never notice its sound at all, but if I've been playing for a while at loud volume, I can tell it's pushing air. Mine is one of the early ones in the US...it was of the first batch over I believe.

BillyB_from_LZ · #5 05-10-2012, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leavenone

I have been reading a lot about the Markbass Little Mark II/III and they seem to be great amps (and they sound good too!), but they are almost always being sold used in the classifieds here. Am I missing something?? What are the downsides of this amp in comparison to others?

Downsides might be:

1. No mute switch
2. Nothing be crystal clean tone available
3. It isn't rated to handle a 2 ohm load.

Remember, this is TalkBass where we're constantly searching for the next new shiny thing... Just because they're regularly for sale doesn't make them bad.

rodl2005 · #6 05-10-2012, 11:33 PM

Main reason there are so many being sold is that they're a few yrs old now & ppl are trying new gear.
I know I only sold mine as I'd bought a GB Shuttle.
I was really sad to see it go. Great amp, reliable, great sound & well made. Mine was an early LMII & I'd be totally happy having it again.

ErnieD · #7 05-10-2012, 11:50 PM

can't seem to let go.

I have my LMII in its MB box with rackears ready to ship out. That is whenever I get the hankering to do that. I've had it posted on local CL a few times, many low ballers mostly. NO WAY! This amp is worth more than $200, sheesh.

Then I'd get those late replies asking if its still for sale. By then I just dont wanna let it go. I guess cause I use my GB Streamliner 900 as main amp, my MB F1 is my tiny backup that stays under my car seat just in case.

I liked the LMII when I used it with my VT pedal; still have that pedal too. But I feel if for some reason my F1 breaks or I misplace it again

I'd like to have the LMII around as my next backup. That and I'm thinking about starting to use it again with the VT pedal just for kicks.
And unless I see something I really wanna buy...hmmm, like that SVT PRO 7,

I may sell the LMII then; maybe. Great little amp(s).

Jasisco · #8 05-11-2012, 12:02 AM

I have used mine solely for the past 3 years and I've used it a lot. At least 3-4 shows a week. Built so strong with a very clean/warm sound and light. There are better sounding rigs out there, but for people who gig as much as me, I've found one thing in common, most of us are using markbass. The tone to weight ratio is the winning deal when going from one gig to the next in a taxi then walking up or downstairs with your bass on your back and your rig in one or two hands. My only complaint is the crappy DI they put in.

hamfistUK · #9 05-11-2012, 12:05 AM

As others have suggested, the Little Marks are popular amps. The more of any amp around in the marketplace, the more will come up for sale used. Doesn't mean they are not good, just means they are very popular really.
Many folks, including myself, might well buy them not quite realising what kind of amp they are.
If you are looking for a really clean, not particularly sparkling, tone then they could well be for you. If you like any kind of fullness or organic tubiness then a LM will not produce at all.
Some don't like the EQ centres either.

Basically, though, they are cracking lightweight amps, with a good record of reliability.

leavenone · #10 05-11-2012, 01:51 AM

Wow, that clears up a lot! Thanks guys. Hoping to pick one up in the next few days... Of course, finances provided...

leavenone · #11 05-11-2012, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

The only reason I stopped using it is that I ended up needing more power than the 500w it could provide.

What kind of gigs do you play where you need more than 500watts?? At that point shouldn't your bass be primarily FOH'd?

bassman64 · #12 05-11-2012, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaH

I'm still playing mine (bought it used). The only thing that occasionally bothers me is the fan. Once I start playing I never notice it though. Some people like to have a mute button which these don't have. I love the tone and for my gigs it is perfect. I use an LMIII w/Traveller 102P and a CMD121P (which has an LMIII built in).

One other thing that other people might not like is the default Send/Return effects loop is parallel (so you always hear 50% clean). I believe that can be reconfigured internally though.

"The only thing that occasionally bothers me is the fan"

maybe its different on the head alone but my 1X15 Jeff Berlin combos fan is so quite I have to check to see if its on....

neurotictim · #13 05-11-2012, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyB_from_LZ

Remember, this is TalkBass where we're constantly searching for the next new shiny thing... Just because they're regularly for sale doesn't make them bad.

+1000

I bought my LMT800 after a several-year-long search, where I bought and sold and traded all kinds of gear that was good, but got caught up in the grass is greener mentality.

That being said, I've had this LMT for a while, running through a single Avatar B410 Neo, and never looked back.

I say take advantage of the great deals you can find until you find the "never look back" amp.

BurningSkies · #14 05-11-2012, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leavenone

Wow, that clears up a lot! Thanks guys. Hoping to pick one up in the next few days... Of course, finances provided...

Let me know.

I'm trying to finance a Jule Monique preamp...so mine could be available. Still have the original box, packaging, etc.

BurningSkies · #15 05-11-2012, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leavenone

What kind of gigs do you play where you need more than 500watts?? At that point shouldn't your bass be primarily FOH'd?

I do everything from small clubs to gymnasiums to outdoor festivals. These days I run a 3000w power amp and bass preamp. I don't have to turn it up much, but I also never run out of headroom. I'm also the loudest instrument in the band.

bassgod0dmw · #16 05-11-2012, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyB_from_LZ

Remember, this is TalkBass where we're constantly searching for the next new shiny thing... Just because they're regularly for sale doesn't make them bad.

Yep, that's all there is to it really.

They are a great amp. I had a LMII for awhile and it was great. I sold it because I had GAS for something else.

dave_bass5 · #17 05-11-2012, 06:32 AM

I sold my two LM heads off as i didnt need two, plus i wanted to get a GB Streamliner. Had it for a month and sold it for a MB F1. Thats never going to leave me.