MARKBASS GEAR-How does it rate??

[Jim C]

I had a little mark; not very inspiring; just kinda bland with OK EQ
They do seem to be a very reliable micro
Perhaps unrepairable for a reasonable price though

[Jeff K]

Originally Posted by bassybill

I use the 210 combo (CMD102P) on every gig where I need to take an amp and often supplement it with the 115 extension cab (Traveller 151P) for bigger stages, maybe about two thirds of my gigs. I've had the combo nearly seven years and the extension cab for maybe five.

Is there anything I don't like about my Markbass stuff? No, nothing much (okay, maybe I'd prefer tolex to ratfur and some different options for the tweeters). Sorry if this mini-review sounds sort of uncritical but it's just what I felt when I got the stuff and still feel after several years of ownership.

I have the exact same rig as Bill, and have had it for just slightly less time. The only thing I'd add as far as anything I don't like is the lack of a mute switch on the CMD102P. Heck, I don't even mind the rat fur because I like to stick my velcro cable ties onto the rat fur so I don't lose them!

[Russell L]

Originally Posted by Stone Soup

MoMark SA500

Close enough for me.

Yep, I've looked at a Momark, too. But, if it only had all the extra things that the Big Bang has. Just can't win, can I, LOL?

[BassNGuns]

Originally Posted by Phil413

@bassnguns

I tried your exact setup at GC - Traveler 102 and 115 with Big Bang. How large of a venue can yours play on? Outdoors? Oh and what speakon cables do you use? This will be my first amp/cab rig.

Thanks

Any gig I've ever played I've never turned up passed 3.
This was including the outdoor gig (of course I also had PA support).
I played a medium indoor gig once at a casino without PA support
and still had to turn down below 3.
I use two 3 foot Neutriks.

[bass4worship]

Originally Posted by Tvrtko

As about me, that thing even don't exist. I don't like look, I don't like sound, I don't like anything. It's just piece of yellow colored equipment, that means nothing to me. If it disappear tomorrow, I would even not notice.

As about me, it's just currently fancy piece of regular Italian crap. Don't try to talk to me about. Because, I don't care about it at all.

Easy bro!!! Don't like don't buy.

[CLMSHQ]

I have had a LMIII since 09'..go into and Avatar 410 for bigger gigs, and an Avatar 112 for smaller gigs.

-Two reasons for the purchase from my Fender 300T Head:

1) Lighter
2) Sounds great for 60's rock to today...thanks to the VLE knob...from noon and up..get that great 60's and Motown sound.

[XXL]

Originally Posted by bass4worship

Easy bro!!! Don't like don't buy.

+1 Its like Markbass stole his girl or something.

[onosson]

Originally Posted by morgansterne

I personally find I really *need* to engage the scoop filter a little bit on my LMII. I don't turn it up very much. Otherwise I get this really raw sound which is perhaps the "cheap" sound someone mentioned in an earlier post.

I totally agree with this. I generally hate contour-type filters on most heads, but most other bass head brands have some kind of non-flat eq shape going on even with all the controls "zeroed" or at noon. However, since the MB heads have some of the flattest response out there, the VPF filter becomes actually usable again - I am not afraid to push that thing up to 10 or 11 if need be, depending on the room, often dialing back the bass a bit to compensate. IMO the two filters, VPF and VLE, used judiciously in combination can almost accomodate for any cabinet and room situation you find yourself in. I have been really impressed with my two MB heads - had a LMIII and then upgraded to a LMTube800 only because I needed two 1/4" inputs with separate volume controls.

[Thumper]

I downsized from a Mesa Boogie 400+ to a LM II in 2007, less than 1/10th the weight, more power, no tubes to worry about, plus a more versatile sound. What is not to like? Now I also have a CMD 102P (extremely neutral tone set flat) with a MB Compressore in front of it. Been playing since 1968, gigging since 1983, and without a doubt this is some of the finest gear I've ever owned. And I like yellow/black.

[JimiLL]

Originally Posted by SJan3

Wait, did you say very flat response AND voiced heavily in the mids? I'm confused..

Since many amps are heavily scooped by nature, one that has a flat response nearly always sounds a little "middy" by comparison

[bassbully]

I have a LMIII and a MB 210 cab. Its a very clean tone, very clear and sometimes I use a BDDI to get some grit and dirt thru it to darken the tone a hair. I love the lightweight rig and it is very loud at 300 watts. It is the first amp/head rig in a long time where other people and players have commented on my tone and punch thru the mix. ..so in all I'm very happy with it.

[Russell L]

Had different guys with different basses play my LMIII + 2x151P cabs at the jam night-before-last. I enjoyed the hell out of standing out in the crowd listening to the fine tone all of them had through the rig. It was set "flat," no filters.

It"s all mine tomorrow night and Saturday night. This is the best rig I've ever had.

[onosson]

Originally Posted by JimiLL

Since many amps are heavily scooped by nature, one that has a flat response nearly always sounds a little "middy" by comparison

Exactly. Every time I go to adjust the VPF I have to overcome the urge to leave it off from my previous experiences with contours on GK, SWR etc. The starting point is way different on the MB heads.

[pcon]

I LOVE my Mark Bass head! I have the Little Mark II. I bought it after trading my Digital SLR, and it was the best thing I've ever done. Right now I just run it through a 70's Yamaha Bass Cabinet with a 15" sub, and it is AWESOME. I can drive an SVT810 cabinet with no problem.

[REME7178]

Originally Posted by StereoPlayer

I love every piece of MB gear that I own! That's a lot, even pedals!

I love the yellow speakers!

I will co sign on that.

[bass4worship]

One thing I like about my CMD 112p combo it that when I need a PA system I just plug my mike into the XLR jack.