Markbass CMD Mini 121P or 102P ???

paul p · #1 02-18-2011, 03:20 PM

My search for a bass combo has lead me to the Markbass Mini CMD 121P 1x12 Combo. It sounded great in the store, went back, played it again - IMHO, it's a great little amp.

Then I had to go and I muddy the waters, spending a good amount of time as well with Markbass' CMD 102P - about $250 more (with this weekend's sale).

I love the Mini's small footprint and portability; for my needs - practice, rehearsals and small venues - I suspect it's more than sufficient but I have to admit, the 102P's added punch - to me, it sounded more robust on the bottom end (expect, given the larger box and 2x10's) - has me thinking.

I'd love to hear from someone who has experience with either or both amps, or who has faced the same decision. Go with the Mini or drop $250 more for the bigger, but still portable, 102P?

Disclaimer: I'm a six-string player delving into back into bass - P Bass...classic rock and blues.

Thanks in advance.

Dude7777 · #2 02-20-2011, 01:32 PM

I liked the 2 10" speaker set up. I have a friend who wants to sell me his 1 year old CMD 102P for $700 ??? Is this a good deal? Or should I just buy a Genz Benz 6.0 Shuttle 210T for $930 new delivered? Which is the better deal?

elgecko · #3 02-20-2011, 01:41 PM

I have the 121P but seriously considered the 2x10 also. I reasoned that the 121P was lighter/more compact and if I REALLY needed extra oomph, I'd just bring an extra cabinet. I'm happy with my decision.

vin*tone · #4 02-20-2011, 03:00 PM

Surely this just comes down to how important the small form factor is to you?

If the 121p had an aux in and headphone out I'd be all over it. I'm looking for a good little practice amp but sometimes need to practice silently.....

martyman5000 · #5 02-20-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dude7777

I liked the 2 10" speaker set up. I have a friend who wants to sell me his 1 year old CMD 102P for $700 ??? Is this a good deal? Or should I just buy a Genz Benz 6.0 Shuttle 210T for $930 new delivered? Which is the better deal?

I wouldn't sell my CMD102P for less than 1200 so its a great deal depending on if he took care of it. The thing I looked at was loudness...2x10's is pretty loud and I can add to it...a small 12" is going to look odd with a large companion cab IMHO.

**JxBass** · #6 02-20-2011, 03:19 PM

I owned the Mini CMD 121P and it's very nice. If I had to do over I'd go the CMD 121H route as I'm not fond of the MB piezo tweeters. I don't have experience with the 102P, it'll definitely have more oomph, but it still has the piezo. The 121H has a bit more oomph and depth than the 121p because of the bigger box, and a better high end because of the nicer tweeter, all IMO.

Buster Brown · #7 02-20-2011, 04:46 PM

........or, you could go with the 121P and, at some point, add the NY121 Cab......I took the leap about a year and a half ago and the difference was incredible...

just a thought!