Mark Bass vs. GK.....

mtman1 · #1 09-12-2010, 05:47 PM

So...is the Mark Bass CMD 102P worth the extra $$ instead of the Gallien Krueger MB212? I play mostly blues, classic rock and ska/reggae stuff. Thanks.

Hippos Melas · #2 09-12-2010, 05:52 PM

Have you played through either of them before? MarkBass stuff is super nice, but I'll be honest, I like GK's stuff too. You really need to get into a store and try them out for yourself. The VLE and VPF filter really add different tonal varieties that the GK combo won't have.

mtman1 · #3 09-12-2010, 06:02 PM

I have played through the Markbass and I really liked it. I haven't found a GK MB212 to play through yet, but I have heard good things about it and it's half the price.

FuManChu · #4 01-23-2011, 02:51 PM

I have some experience with both amps, kinda. I currently use the CMD 102P. Great amp, as you already know and to fund this purchase I sold a GK Neo 212 cab and MB500. I always have wanted to like GK and I have owned many of their products and they always just seem to sound thin to me, as well as when I've ran the DI out and listened through the house sound via wireless. The markbass never has sounded thin, the DI sounds great, and it tilts back. Of course it is 2x as expensive. I would say Markbass if you can spare the money.

**TXLawDawg** · #5 01-23-2011, 03:02 PM

I own and gig the MB CMD 102P - it's a great combo unit. I do not own the GK MB212 but I was looking at them when I bought the MB as I have always been a GK fanboy. Sold my GK 1001RBII and 810 Carvin cab when I got the MB as well. One of the best decisions, bass-wise, I have made. Trying to make up my mind on what I want for an extension cab for it. Haven't really rushed because I haven't needed one. The price tag on the MB scared me away at first but I found a unit sold "as new" and jumped on it for less $$. Guitar Center just got a huge shipment of used MB gear in and a bunch of them are CMD 102P's - they have them listed at $749.

The GK's sound good though but I couldn't be happier with the MB. Just a really, really great unit.

Fender4Me · #6 01-23-2011, 03:46 PM

I tried every Markbass combo and cab avaliable and found the CMD-112 with a 1x12 NY ext cab to sound the best to me. It depends on the tone you are looking for. The 102P was a bit tight sounding to me and the 115 Berlin was too dark/muddy sounding to my ear and kinda bulky to carry. I can carry the 112 combo in one hand and the NY 112 cab in the other with no problem. If you dont need 500 watts, just leave the ext cab at home. Be aware that the Markbass combos will sound different in your bedroom than they do at a store. They are designed for larger rooms, cranked up, and that is where they really shine. I was little disspointed when I first got my 112 home but after I took it to a large church, it blew me away.

Hutzbordello · #7 01-23-2011, 04:46 PM

markbass if you dont mind spending the money, or the gk and extra gear to make up for it

IbanezSGfan · #8 01-23-2011, 04:56 PM

Your paying so much more for the name. Good amp but not "god" amp. I've got the GKmk 1001-2 through an ampeg and its fantastic in every sense; tone, quality, versatility, PRICE!! I'll pay top dollar for something if it earns its keep. Markbass is a good brand but people let that price tag go to their head like if it's that expensive it must be good... False! either way the mb212 is a great portable versatile amp thats real nice to add cabs to. But to each his own, they have a pretty unique sound that some people like, some don't just always play before you pay!

flipper_gv · #9 01-23-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fender4Me

I tried every Markbass combo and cab avaliable and found the CMD-112 with a 1x12 NY ext cab to sound the best to me. It depends on the tone you are looking for. The 102P was a bit tight sounding to me and the 115 Berlin was too dark/muddy sounding to my ear and kinda bulky to carry. I can carry the 112 combo in one hand and the NY 112 cab in the other with no problem. If you dont need 500 watts, just leave the ext cab at home. Be aware that the Markbass combos will sound different in your bedroom than they do at a store. They are designed for larger rooms, cranked up, and that is where they really shine. I was little disspointed when I first got my 112 home but after I took it to a large church, it blew me away.

yeah, I approve with this 100%

For classic Rock, the 12 inches are perfect.

For what I do, I prefer the 10 inches.

**TXLawDawg** · #10 01-23-2011, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IbanezSGfan

Your paying so much more for the name. Good amp but not "god" amp. I've got the GKmk 1001-2 through an ampeg and its fantastic in every sense; tone, quality, versatility, PRICE!! I'll pay top dollar for something if it earns its keep. Markbass is a good brand but people let that price tag go to their head like if it's that expensive it must be good... False! either way the mb212 is a great portable versatile amp thats real nice to add cabs to. But to each his own, they have a pretty unique sound that some people like, some don't just always play before you pay!

So you've had significant experience with the Markbass CMD 102P combo?

Daniel Piper · #11 01-23-2011, 11:35 PM

You can't add ext cabinets to a Gk mb212.

**TXLawDawg** · #12 01-24-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Piper

You can't add ext cabinets to a Gk mb212.

Good call. For some reason I was thinking the two bigger combos, 212 and 210, were available with the option of adding an extension cab but it's just the 210. Guess IbanezSGfan has a custom GK 212 combo

IbanezSGfan · #13 01-24-2011, 06:44 PM

@TXLawDawg I play through one every chance I get going into GC's and SamAsh, local stores, etc.. about twice a month and I really think it comes down to me not being too particular to the amp and then put the price on top of that!! I'm out. But i passed the GK212 combo for the 1001 rb mk-2 (as posted above...) had an awesome deal with the GK and Ampeg cab coupled had to snatch it up Must have misprinted on the cab thing sorry I ruined your life. And don't hate, appreciate player

**TXLawDawg** · #14 01-25-2011, 08:52 AM

It's all good. Promise it didn't ruin my life

You just didn't specify that you had experience with the MB and I was curious is all. Curiousity peaked when you indicated you had played on a GK 212 combo with features that were pointed out as being non-existent.

Having spent actual working gig time with the MB, I'll respectfully disagree with you regarding just paying for the MB name. My combo is a solid piece of gear that has unequivocally earned it's keep.

IbanezSGfan · #15 01-25-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXLawDawg

It's all good. Promise it didn't ruin my life

You just didn't specify that you had experience with the MB and I was curious is all. Curiousity peaked when you indicated you had played on a GK 212 combo with features that were pointed out as being non-existent.

Having spent actual working gig time with the MB, I'll respectfully disagree with you regarding just paying for the MB name. My combo is a solid piece of gear that has unequivocally earned it's keep.

I respect that sorry about the slip up it's probably my bass setup too and just kind of being newer to bass maybe not knowing what settings to run or exactly how to eq it. But anyway didn't mean to throw off on anybody and certainly not anyone's equipment sorry if I went off the handle a bit didn't mean to start an argument that's my bad

Mike M. · #16 01-25-2011, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fender4Me

I tried every Markbass combo and cab avaliable and found the CMD-112 with a 1x12 NY ext cab to sound the best to me. It depends on the tone you are looking for. The 102P was a bit tight sounding to me and the 115 Berlin was too dark/muddy sounding to my ear and kinda bulky to carry. I can carry the 112 combo in one hand and the NY 112 cab in the other with no problem. If you dont need 500 watts, just leave the ext cab at home. Be aware that the Markbass combos will sound different in your bedroom than they do at a store. They are designed for larger rooms, cranked up, and that is where they really shine. I was little disspointed when I first got my 112 home but after I took it to a large church, it blew me away.

If I may....do you know if this amp can handle a low B at a healthy volume?

anubis16 · #17 01-25-2011, 09:50 PM

I find they have a very different quality in the mids. The markbass really excels in the midrange whereas the GK lends itself more to a scooped sound. Every time I play through a GK, I always find myself struggling to get enough midrange content, and for it not to sound strained...

anonymous101511 · #18 01-25-2011, 10:15 PM

I'm surprised people like the Mark Bass stuff at all. The first time I used one on a gig, it literally blew ( wisps of smoke, and all) in the first song! The GK's have never let me down after years of punishment.

GrowlerBox · #19 01-25-2011, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vail_bass

I'm surprised people like the Mark Bass stuff at all. The first time I used one on a gig, it literally blew ( wisps of smoke, and all) in the first song! The GK's have never let me down after years of punishment.

I'm surprised the company hasn't gone under after a single experience like that! I guess you were just unlucky to have got hold of the one that represented the entire Markbass range.

echoSE7EN · #20 01-26-2011, 12:18 AM

I spent about 1.5 hours with the GK MB210 and the MarkBass CMD 102P. I bought the MarkBass. I must caveat the above statement though. First, I traded in the Mesa PH1000 that I had had up for sale on this board. GC gave me $500 credit (which was my asking price for the cabinet here, craigslist, and a local musicians board). Also, the salesman at GC took 10% off my purchase (not GK or MB dependent, just a coupon they had). Besides the wiggle room on money, the MarkBass won.

Here's why:

1) I thought the MarkBass had a fuller overall tone. I played my JB, one of my Wicks, and then pulled a P-bass, and a 'Ray off the wall. Regardless of instrument, the tonality always seemed to fill the space when using the MarkBass.

2) I found the MarkBass was more responsive when left flat. Using the EQ on my Wick' only, I was able to get better tones out of the MarkBass.

3) May sound goofy, but I preferred the positioning of the handles on the MarkBass. I bought a smaller, lightweight cab so I didn't have to break my back or hold things in an awkward manner. I walked out of the store carrying the MarkBass in one hand, my Mono case over my shoulders, and still had a free hand to shake the salespersons hand. Goodbye PH1000 -- the hernia giver.

4) Use of an extension cab. Besides the 210 by itself, I also ran the MarkBass 151 and 121 (separately). I preferred the 121 to be honest. Maybe that'll be added to the GAS list. I'm not going to be playing out for a while. However, when the time comes, it's nice to know that I can have this "modular" thing if required. I'll be doing a lot of practice, woodshedding, and writing for the next couple of years (new baby boy), but when the time comes...

5) The look. It's so ugly it's attractive. The GK looks the same as everything else. Again, goofy, but why not have your cake and eat it too --- regardless of price.

6) Price. If GC had said, "We'll give you $250 for the Mesa.", would I have bought the MarkBass? Who knows. I do know that I still would not have bought the GK. I would have either waited, or just kept the PH1000. But they gave me my asking price, and now I have the Italian Taxi-thing to play with.

Just my .02