Mark Bass 121P Issues

jeffwo · #1 08-01-2010, 12:14 PM

Jeez. I bought a used MarkBass 121P combo here from TB a few months ago for small gigs. It sounds great and has plenty of power for the small gigs I bought it for, but it has a couple issues that I've seen mentioned before. I'm tempted to sell it but wouldn't want to saddle anyone else with these issues and it really is great sounding (except for the tweeter) and light and powerful.

I haven't seen this one mentioned, but the DI does not work at all. Any ideas on how that could happen? The input jack is loose as can be with all types of cord pins wobbly in it with intermittent connection problems. I've also had it cut out on me unexpectedly for no real reason, which can usually be corrected by turning it off and on. As far as the sound, it is generally great except for the damn piezo - why in the hell didn't they put in a volume control for this? It's way too harsh and clicky, I need to roll back the highs and boost the high mids to try to compensate.

I guess I need to send it or take it somewhere to get things straightened out. Any ideas? Anything local to DC Metro - Baltimore area?

62bass · #2 08-01-2010, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffwo

Jeez. I bought a used MarkBass 121P combo here from TB a few months ago for small gigs. It sounds great and has plenty of power for the small gigs I bought it for, but it has a couple issues that I've seen mentioned before. I'm tempted to sell it but wouldn't want to saddle anyone else with these issues and it really is great sounding (except for the tweeter) and light and powerful.

I haven't seen this one mentioned, but the DI does not work at all. Any ideas on how that could happen? The input jack is loose as can be with all types of cord pins wobbly in it with intermittent connection problems. I've also had it cut out on me unexpectedly for no real reason, which can usually be corrected by turning it off and on. As far as the sound, it is generally great except for the damn piezo - why in the hell didn't they put in a volume control for this? It's way too harsh and clicky, I need to roll back the highs and boost the high mids to try to compensate.

I guess I need to send it or take it somewhere to get things straightened out. Any ideas? Anything local to DC Metro - Baltimore area?

Contact the manufacturer. They'll help faster than anyone else.

rpsands · #3 08-01-2010, 05:49 PM

I would suggest you finding a local electronics wizard -- the cost for having Markbass service centers fix it is going to most likely be pretty absurd. But do check with them first.

Also, if it had these problems when you bought it and they were not listed, I would suggest talking to the original owner and seeing if he/she'll help you out on the cost of repairs. If you knew what you were getting, then nix that of course

jeffwo · #4 08-01-2010, 06:27 PM

I bought it used, so I doubt MarkBass will do anything for me (although maybe they should!). I haven't tried contacting the seller yet but will. I got it pretty cheap so I don't expect the guy to do anything - sold as is, basically. If anyone knows a good private amp tech in my area, please let me know.

Red Planet · #5 08-01-2010, 06:33 PM

I wish I could suggest someone local to you but those amps are light and shipping is not out of the question.

Look up Logical Audio in Tucker Ga. They are very reasonable, will have it fixed in a jiffy, and will get this thing back in shape for you from front to back.

MarkBass will send you to their only repair facility in the US and those folks will rape you. Be bery bery careful.

Do a search for MarkBass and warranty.

jeffwo · #6 08-01-2010, 09:46 PM

I most definitely do not want to be raped! Thanks for the tip!

Kirk P Brosius · #7 08-02-2010, 08:00 AM

Hey Red,

Have you had any personal experience with the above mentioned mis-treatment by the authorized repair facility for MarkBass in the US? If your answer is "yes", please take a moment and share with the rest of us.

With the wave of populatity of the MarkBass products, there will be a number of post-warrnty issues and we owners would hope that these would be dealt with in an expedient and cost effective manner. If this turns out to not be the case we, the consumers, have the ability to get the message to MarkBass! We have "buying power" and if their products prove to unreliable in the long run, we can just invest our hard earned cash elsewhere!!

I am one satisfied owner of an SD800 and CMD121P but I have had issues with the crappy zips on their amp bags.

Best of luck, Kirk