Markbass R500 + cabinet recommendations!

Arlekiin · #1 04-21-2010, 01:28 PM

Hello,

So I am quite certain I am going to get Markbass R500 amp because I could get a really nice articulated growl out of it.
Not as raw as some others but very articulate and yet growling which should work great for my 70's spacerock inspired playing style. I want to play old school but combine it with some new techniques etc...

Anyways my question is, amp itself sets me back almost 1k USD and I cant afford 4x10 cab to go with it in one go at least not the one markbass offers. So Is Ashdown MAG any good? as a cab its real cheap and im thinking maybe it will do till I can buy a good one?

Another thing to consider is, I wont be gigging for awhile so its gonna be my home rig/and rehearsal rig aswell. Now correct me if I am wrong but it seemed to me that 1x15" are ok in terms of loudness for most homes but I felt they lacked definition - it is 1 speaker afterall and 4 is much more. Maybe 2x10" would be an option aswell?

Also I play with Ibanez Iceman if thats relevant in any way.

Help is appreciated...

T. Alan Smith · #2 04-21-2010, 01:50 PM

cheap 1x15's lack definition. I owned an SWR Son of Bertha that would rock your world.

T. Alan Smith · #3 04-21-2010, 01:53 PM

My question is- why would you get such a nice head as that, and pair it up with a cheap cab?
Personally, I would get a nice(bang for buck) cab and pair it up with a bang for buck head. Sounds like you've got a budget of around $1300-$1500 or so to work with. Why not get an LDS 15/6 with a GK 700RB & a Sansamp?

Arlekiin · #4 04-21-2010, 03:26 PM

@ T. Alan S thank you for your time,

My answer to your question is:

Firstly, the plan is to get a nice cab 1 or 2 months down the line.
Secondly, your recommendation does not seem too bad I gotta look into it.

shadow_FIX · #5 04-21-2010, 03:31 PM

Wait 1 or 2 months until you can afford the better cab.

Spinal Tapper · #6 04-21-2010, 03:32 PM

I'll help you out here. I'm one of the few TBers that actually owns an R500...it's a sweet, reliable amp! I really love it - and I love that not every bassplayer has one. I think they've discontinued new production.

I've been running mine with an Orange 15" cab (best sounding 15 IMO) and an SWR Goliath III 2x10 (custom blue tolex DIY job by yours truly).

Both cabs are 8 ohms giving me a 4 ohm load for maximum wattage. This rig is badass, and easy to transport unlike an 8x10 or something of similar size. Huge sound too, but not muddy. Very clear tone.

I recommend the Orange 15" at LEAST. but if you have the scratch, why not snag a 2x10 to throw on top as well. Here's a crappy cellphone shot.

Arlekiin · #7 04-21-2010, 04:00 PM

@Spinal

Oh thanx a ton, I was wondering about that.
I got to try the R500 in a store nearby and it was connected to the Markbass 4x10 and it sounded glorious.

Hehe my alternative set would have been Orange Terrorbass and 4x10 by orange. However since I heard Markbass R500 I am not so sure about the terrorbass, I mean I think its great but I was very suprised to find out how good of a growl you can get from the R500 (you know what im talking about). I love how it stayed articulate but still had hair on its chest

Now if I could test out some KT88 based tube monster as a reference and see how R500 stands up to it. I must admit I really wanted to hate MarkBass I mean its tiny its too light and I was under the impression that if the power circuit is light its crap...but R500 still manages to sound great...dunno how that works but it does.

Orange Cabs are not the cheapest though, but I hear they are built to last.

Arlekiin · #8 04-21-2010, 05:00 PM

Also I would really like to know how TerrorBass compares to MarkBass R500

Arlekiin · #9 04-21-2010, 10:01 PM

I dont know if this is pushing this off rails but 1200USD would land me Terrorbass and OCB 15" and later on I could get something to support this 1x15" and If I find out I want something else than terrorbass I could switch that too. But in theory this rig should be good enough for practise?

bryceg2189 · #10 04-21-2010, 10:29 PM

Dude i have an r500 and i LOVE it, but id really like to upgrade to that markbass all tube 300 watt...anyway i have a bergantino 610 and it punches like crazy...id recommend that over an ampeg. but not to say that ampegs are no bueno...shoot try it with an aguilar or an orange

Spinal Tapper · #11 04-22-2010, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arlekiin

I dont know if this is pushing this off rails but 1200USD would land me Terrorbass and OCB 15" and later on I could get something to support this 1x15" and If I find out I want something else than terrorbass I could switch that too. But in theory this rig should be good enough for practise?

1200 would be a fairly good deal for all that gear. I got my Orange 15 used w/ protective tuffbox case for $450, but I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat if I needed to. Sounds amazing to me. IIRC I snagged my R500 for about $460 used from Guitar Center w/ the Markbass 2 year warranty included in the price. It was a good deal IMO.

I havent heard the terrorbass in person, but you'd be happy wiht that Orange cab regardless. Either head would be a great match for that cab.

T. Alan Smith · #12 04-22-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arlekiin

I dont know if this is pushing this off rails but 1200USD would land me Terrorbass and OCB 15" and later on I could get something to support this 1x15" and If I find out I want something else than terrorbass I could switch that too. But in theory this rig should be good enough for practise?

New? That would be a sweet rig for ANY gig. Down the road, I'd add a 2nd OBC115 and rock a very manageable 2x15" with plenty of headroom. Regardless, if 500W and a 1x15" aint enough to at least rehearse with, your band is too loud. Hearing Is Precious, bro.

Arlekiin · #13 04-22-2010, 09:35 AM

Dude, here its like 1200 usd only for the R500. Thats why Im really considering Terrorbass because its cheaper. Hmm since I know some people in US maybe they could find me one and send it to me since markbasses are so light and all...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinal Tapper

1200 would be a fairly good deal for all that gear. I got my Orange 15 used w/ protective tuffbox case for $450, but I'd buy a new one in a heartbeat if I needed to. Sounds amazing to me. IIRC I snagged my R500 for about $460 used from Guitar Center w/ the Markbass 2 year warranty included in the price. It was a good deal IMO.

I havent heard the terrorbass in person, but you'd be happy wiht that Orange cab regardless. Either head would be a great match for that cab.

Arlekiin · #14 04-22-2010, 09:40 AM

Oh and there is one aswell

Arlekiin · #15 05-06-2010, 02:03 AM

Allright the judgement day has arrived now I have the money to buy myself an amp. So Does anybody know how R500 compares to Little rocker? Little rocker is cheaper to buy but its so new that i cant find any reviews.

Arlekiin · #16 03-12-2011, 10:30 PM

Bought Little Rocker 500 probably should have bought R500