Markbass Classic 300 tube error message

bthrem · #1 10-25-2010, 02:50 PM

I know not many folks have this head here and I already have a PM into Pete Murray…

I got floor model Markbass Classic 300 from GC yesterday for a fantastic price. It made a faint sound at the store and had the error message on the screen: V2 Tube Failure! I bought it anyway hoping that it was just a bad tube. It took me a little bit of time, but I’ve figured the layout of the power tube sockets V1 through V6. I swapped around a few of the tube pairs but no matter what the arrangement I continued to the get the message. The weird thing is the tube in socket V2 always lights up just like the 5 others – so I know it’s getting power on some level.

Anybody else out there who’s ever seen this type of behavior from this head? I sure would like to keep it, but I don’t think I’m willing to ship it away to be serviced – not into money pits.

rpsands · #2 10-25-2010, 02:53 PM

Returninate with extreme prejudice.

BassmanPaul · #3 10-25-2010, 03:12 PM

If you have moved the tube around into different sockets and are still getting fail on V2 then there is a problem with that socket. If it was a tube failure the message should have followed the bad tube.

I seem to remember another thread with basically the same story. If the amp is new then you will have a warranty. I suggest you use it and get your amp repaired.

seamonkey · #4 10-25-2010, 03:19 PM

Somebody else posted here apparently that had some bad sockets or circuit boards.

I bet that even some GC employee's did the tube swap musical chairs on the floor. I'm surprised they didn't send it back but instead sold it. Maybe they already know about Markbass warranty hassles.

You should be able to get the electronics and sockets fixed under warranty.

Markbass built in all kinds of high tech into this amp to try and keep the reliability up. Many engineers go through some phase where they think they have to make a tube amp. Markbass engineers did their best.

How do you know you even like it if you didn't hear it?

jackcheez · #5 10-25-2010, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamonkey

Somebody else posted here apparently that had some bad sockets or circuit boards.

Markbass Classic 300 tube help

JimmyM · #6 10-25-2010, 03:23 PM

he did say it was a fantastic price. sometimes that's enough

bthrem · #7 10-25-2010, 03:42 PM

Let me add some additional clarity:

- The amp was tagged as "used", so there is no warrenty and only a 7 day return agreement (was no return at first, but I negotiated a week). I wonder about the "used" aspect of it though because it shows zero signs of wear. I think they just didn't want to get it repaired

- I got it for $599 out the door. Yes, that price makes me want to keep it.

- My problem is somewhat similar to imdenialNJ's, but 3 of his tubes didn't even glow. The tube in socket V2 glows like the rest of them, but the amp still reports an error - even if I put a tube in that reported good in a different socket.

- I called our friends at VST just to see if they had experience with that head. I got 3 seconds into a description of the issue and they cut me off - they have to see it in person. Not sure I want to ship it off...

shadow_FIX · #8 10-25-2010, 03:53 PM

At the price of $599 I would have bought it also.

Good luck, friend!

rodl2005 · #9 10-25-2010, 04:38 PM

Does it still sound & work OK?? Could it be that the "Doctor" in it is having 'turn'???

bthrem · #10 10-25-2010, 04:58 PM

Barely any output when fully cranked, as if only the preamp is working.

rpsands · #11 10-25-2010, 05:55 PM

Guitar center return clause is 30 days standard, IIRC, according to their used gear section - and all of my experience. That said, at 599 it'd be worth getting it fixed.

It seems likely that any tube guy could fix it. Since you're on the eastern side of things, I'd:

1. ask for a schematic from markbass
2. find one of the many eastern folks who know tube amps
3. prepare to shell out.

bthrem · #12 10-25-2010, 06:17 PM

GC can and does tag gear as "Sold As-Is, No Refunds"

I negotiated a one week return. If I can't come up with a plan of action in I'm comfortable with by this Sunday it goes back.

bthrem · #13 10-26-2010, 05:45 AM

Peter Murray had nothing conclusive for me, so I've written an email to VST service per his reccomendation.

If they have nothing obvious I've overlooked, back it goes.

The problem is somewhere from the tube socket back, a game I don't want to get into playing

MAMMOTHvolume · #14 10-26-2010, 06:29 AM

i'd really take it to a tech rather than try and fix it yourself, have you tried taking a lineout into another amp? Personally i think there may be something up with the socket

RCCollins · #15 10-26-2010, 06:36 AM

once you factor in shipping etc, your investment is likely to at least double. still a good deal - but then again, $1200 goes a long way toward a tube head on the used market

bthrem · #16 10-26-2010, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCCollins

once you factor in shipping etc, your investment is likely to at least double. still a good deal - but then again, $1200 goes a long way toward a tube head on the used market

Exactly

The price I got it at was only good in my mind if throwing a brand new set of tubes in it fixed it. This not your Daddy's tube head. I've seen the circuit board inside. If the issue's on it, no thanks - it's going to be expensive.

MAMMOTHvolume · #17 10-26-2010, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bthrem

Exactly

The price I got it at was only good in my mind if throwing a brand new set of tubes in it fixed it. This not your Daddy's tube head. I've seen the circuit board inside. If the issue's on it, no thanks - it's going to be expensive.

not really with modern amps generally it's just finding out which board has the problem then just replace the board which normally costs about 30 - 40 pounds.

bthrem · #18 10-26-2010, 07:25 AM

Markbass cabinet covers cost that much

I can't imagine any Markbass electronics going for that cheap, especially the mother board I saw in the head.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAMMOTHvolume

not really with modern amps generally it's just finding out which board has the problem then just replace the board which normally costs about 30 - 40 pounds.

MIJ-VI · #19 10-26-2010, 07:33 AM

A broken amp loaded with proprietary circuitry + no schematics or spare parts availability?..

WARNING! WARNING!

bthrem · #20 10-26-2010, 07:36 AM

Amen brother!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIJ-VI

A broken amp loaded with proprietary circuitry + no schematics or spare parts availability?..

WARNING! WARNING!