Markbass LM II vs. GK 800RB?

[lbwdog]

This may have been explored already but time is limited. My closest GC (70 miles) has only one in stock and I think I want it.

The 800RB is my reference standard since I've had it almost twenty years and love it! I'm looking at the LM II specifically because of size and weight to be used as a compact,light rig for medium to small venues. I'm hoping the LM II can offer similar tone and power.

Anybody have actual experience with both models?

[pedro]

[[The 800RB is my reference standard since I've had it almost twenty years and love it! I'm looking at the LM II specifically because of size and weight to be used as a compact,light rig for medium to small venues.

Seems to me the 800RB is pretty portable.

[lbwdog]

Originally Posted by pedro

[[The 800RB is my reference standard since I've had it almost twenty years and love it! I'm looking at the LM II specifically because of size and weight to be used as a compact,light rig for medium to small venues.

Seems to me the 800RB is pretty portable.

Hah! You're right. When it came out in the late eighties it was considered to be truly innovative at only 23 lbs. I,m just looking for extreme portability (10'' wide, 6lbs.)

[pedro]

We sure get spoiled quick don't we? BTW, I include me in this statement.

[lbwdog]

Nah! We just get old, weak and/or lazy!

[lbwdog]

bump

[will33]

I'd say it's pretty hard to beat the 800rb. If this were a poll, chalk me up for an 800rb. Well worth the extra few pounds, considering it's still about like a brief case stuffed full of crap and is likely half the weight of whatever you have it plugged in to. Not to mention the sound is pretty hard to beat. I've never understood people needing lighter bass heads when most of them are easily manageable, especially considering the size and weight of cabinets we carry around. Up to a point, heavier weight is easier to carry around when it's in a smaller package with handles.

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by will33

I'd say it's pretty hard to beat the 800rb. If this were a poll, chalk me up for an 800rb. Well worth the extra few pounds, considering it's still about like a brief case stuffed full of crap and is likely half the weight of whatever you have it plugged in to. Not to mention the sound is pretty hard to beat. I've never understood people needing lighter bass heads when most of them are easily manageable, especially considering the size and weight of cabinets we carry around. Up to a point, heavier weight is easier to carry around when it's in a smaller package with handles.

Have you gigged the heads in question? I have.

I chose the Markbass LMII. And it'll fit in a small bag and go over your shoulder.

[lbwdog]

Originally Posted by will33

I've never understood people needing lighter bass heads when most of them are easily manageable, especially considering the size and weight of cabinets we carry around. Up to a point, heavier weight is easier to carry around when it's in a smaller package with handles.

As i said in my original post, I love my 800RB and I intend to use it on larger venues with my larger cabs. It won't fit in a gig bag though and thats what I'm seeking. An amp that has similar qualities that's even more compact.

Brad, how would you compare the tone and power of the two?

[funkytranki]

They are both plug'n'play amps.
They're both funky as hell and they both sound good even with flat settings, the only difference is that, if you seek a really heavy rock sound, you may find it harder to get it with the LMII if you don't
add an external overdrive or dostorsor (btw, this head seems to me the perfect wife for a sansamp RBI), while the GK can do the job alone.
On the other hand, some people complain that the GK isn't made
for "soft" tones and so they prefer the LM for jazz and similia.
Just let your hears decide.

P.S Sorry for errors my Italian DNA prevents me from learning English.

[KJung]

Originally Posted by lbwdog

As i said in my original post, I love my 800RB and I intend to use it on larger venues with my larger cabs. It won't fit in a gig bag though and thats what I'm seeking. An amp that has similar qualities that's even more compact.

Brad, how would you compare the tone and power of the two?

Actually, the LMII puts out more power than the 800 (500 into 4ohms... I think the 'bass' portion of the 800 is 300 watts into 4ohms... I can't quite remember). The LMII is not quite as aggressive sounding as the 800, but is just as loud, if not louder, fuller in the low end, and much cleaner all around (if that is what you are looking for).

If you have two 8ohm cabs, then the LMII would actually put out more oomph. If you have an 8ohm and 4ohm cab to optimize the use of the separate 'treble/bass' amps in the 800, then you would not be able to use the LMII, since it has a 4ohm minimum safe operating floor.

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by lbwdog

As i said in my original post, I love my 800RB and I intend to use it on larger venues with my larger cabs. It won't fit in a gig bag though and thats what I'm seeking. An amp that has similar qualities that's even more compact.

Brad, how would you compare the tone and power of the two?

I sold my 800RB almost a year ago. It did not get as loud as easily as my Markbass. I recall it having a bit of a harder edge on the top. The low B reproduction wasn't as full on the GK.

The GK is a workhorse amp but I wouldn't put the sound quality up with my Thunderfunk. If I had, I would've used it instead. My Markbass replaced my Thunderfunk and I don't change main amps on a whim. The LMII easily drives my larger cabs (Epifani NYC212, SWR Triad, Shroeder 410R).

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by KJung

Actually, the LMII puts out more power than the 800 (500 into 4ohms... I think the 'bass' portion of the 800 is 300 watts into 4ohms... I can't quite remember). The LMII is not quite as aggressive sounding as the 800, but is just as loud, if not louder, fuller in the low end, and much cleaner all around (if that is what you are looking for).

If you have two 8ohm cabs, then the LMII would actually put out more oomph. If you have an 8ohm and 4ohm cab to optimize the use of the separate 'treble/bass' amps in the 800, then you would not be able to use the LMII, since it has a 4ohm minimum safe operating floor.

I read your post after I wrote mine. I concur

[shoot-r]

Mr. lbwdog, Something to think about. All the amp companies are in a race to come up with smaller heads. I can't help to think that the originators of the small head concept.... ( GK).... won't have a small, high powered, lighter, amp coming.

[Brad Johnson]

Nobody seems to have anything close to the LMII so far. Not as far as the combination of size, power, sound and price.

[Lorenzini]

That's true.
They are great amps.
The 800RB is cool, and I own a 1001rb-II, so nothing against GK. I simply love my 1001rb-II and got it for only $400 SHIPPED.

But I truly believe the Little Mark II wins this competition. It has had a few years advantage on the 800RB, too.

Also I personally like the 1001rb-II more than the LMII but that's another discussion.

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by Lorenzini

That's true.
They are great amps.
The 800RB is cool, and I own a 1001rb-II, so nothing against GK. I simply love my 1001rb-II and got it for only $400 SHIPPED.

But I truly believe the Little Mark II wins this competition. It has had a few years advantage on the 800RB, too.

Also I personally like the 1001rb-II more than the LMII but that's another discussion.

I like the 1001 and it's one of the amps I used to recommend.

[HMZ]

Originally Posted by lbwdog

Nah! We just get old, weak and/or lazy!

You got that right...

[Aval2ach]

Originally Posted by Brad Johnson

I like the 1001 and it's one of the amps I used to recommend.

But now You recommend LMII?

[Brad Johnson]

Originally Posted by Aval2ach

But now You recommend LMII?

For the total package, yep.