MarkBass Combo's

MikeCollatos · #1 03-30-2011, 12:00 PM

I'm in the market for a compact bass combo and was looking at the MarkBass line-up. I plan to go test each one but wanted some opinions and real world experience feedback from people that use them.

I play 6 string basses, currently I have a BTB406 and and SR506. How do the 12" combo or the 15" combo hold up to the low B. I may also use this for some of my smaller gigs so I want to get some volume from it without it farting out. Will either of these two combo's work for that with a 6 string?

Here are the two I am looking at.
MB CMD 121P
MB CMD 151P

**JxBass** · #2 03-30-2011, 12:16 PM

I owned both and they're both nice. If you're concerned about low B at any significant volume the 15" will do better. Of the two I preferred that combo.

The drawback on both of these is the piezo tweeter. Kinda hissy and brittle sounding and unpopular with several TBers. A Markbass combo with a horn is a better choice, IMO. If I had it to do over again I'd look at the CMD 121H or Jeff Berlin (no tweeter).

MikeCollatos · #3 03-30-2011, 12:41 PM

Thanks for the info on the Piezo. I will check into all the combo's while I am there. Mainly I will use this as my little tote around amp since I like to jam with several people whom I'm not planning on playing out with. We just jam out every now and then but if I can get a decent combo that will work for my smaller gigs with my gig band then that's a plus!

electracoyote · #4 03-30-2011, 12:45 PM

I play my fiver through my CMD151P combo all the time (15").

Low B, no problema.

dalkowski · #5 03-30-2011, 02:00 PM

Don't overlook the GK MB combos....

Sollie7 · #6 03-30-2011, 02:04 PM

or ampeg jus sayin

rudedogg · #7 03-30-2011, 04:01 PM

Just started gigging with my Jeff Berlin combo and a TRV115 ext cab.....will never use heavy stuff again..unless it's being supplied!

thejazzman · #8 03-30-2011, 11:50 PM

If you are looking for something small to carry around, take a look at the MarkBass Mini CMD121. It is small and light weight and is 500 watts

rodl2005 · #9 03-31-2011, 02:05 AM

yep that Jeff Berlin Combo is a treat!!

**JxBass** · #10 03-31-2011, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thejazzman

If you are looking for something small to carry around, take a look at the MarkBass Mini CMD121. It is small and light weight and is 500 watts

I think Mike said he was looking at it in his original post.

MarTONEbass · #11 03-31-2011, 05:03 AM

Do yourself a favor and try the 102p combo as well. Like others, I was not a fan of the tweeter, but it kicked major booty with the B string and it tilts back so you can hear yourself loud and clear on even the most crowded stages.

Chris K · #12 03-31-2011, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodl2005

yep that Jeff Berlin Combo is a treat!!

I have one... great for mid-size venues. Killer clean fretless tone. And one of the greatest ad lines ever: "Jeff doesn''t like tweeters."

Russell L · #13 03-31-2011, 05:31 AM

I have the CMD 121H combo. It is amazing. I think it has more bottom than the P versions due to the bigger cab. I play four-string, though, so I can't say about your low B. But, the amount of lows coming from this amp is impressive. I have covered ballrooms with no PA support. I chose it because it would fit in the front seat of my Ford Ranger pickup. Bigger than the other 12" combos and less bulky and heavy than the 10" and 15" combos. It's the perfect compromise. 39 lbs. Make sure you test one before buying any of the others. Trust me.

**JxBass** · #14 03-31-2011, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

I have the CMD 121H combo. It is amazing. I think it has more bottom than the P versions due to the bigger cab. I play four-string, though, so I can't say about your low B. But, the amount of lows coming from this amp is impressive. I have covered ballrooms with no PA support. I chose it because it would fit in the front seat of my Ford Ranger pickup. Bigger than the other 12" combos and less bulky and heavy than the 10" and 15" combos. It's the perfect compromise. 39 lbs. Make sure you test one before buying any of the others. Trust me.

I never got to try the 121H but with the additional cab size I can definitely see it giving the 151p a run for its money. I'm sure the horn gives it a much smoother top end than either the 121p or 151p, another plus.

MikeCollatos · #15 03-31-2011, 08:39 AM

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll be checking the different MB combo's this weekend.

**JxBass** · #16 03-31-2011, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeCollatos

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll be checking the different MB combo's this weekend.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

rumbl · #17 03-31-2011, 09:23 AM

I really dig my CMD 121p which I've had for at least 3 years. It's a one-hander, so light and compact, yet high performance. I use it for my church gig, cocktail gigs, rehearsals. For louder gigs, I also bring a MB transporter 1x15, which is a great cab (it sounds great with my '64 Showman on blues gigs).