It is not supposed to work this way. I am not supposed to go buy a cheap amp as a backup and when testing it like it enough to consider using it as my primary at the next gig.
So what I play, I have a Markbass SD800 a Warwick cabinet (211PRO) and a Genz Benz Neo-x 1x12. Recently had to have some service done on the Markbass (issues with the master volume pot) and in that time I had to borrow a friends Ampeg BA112. Thankfully that loaner was only for rehearsal and it was truly less than adequate for even that.
So I said I need to buy a backup something, anything. So in my shopping I looked around and came across the following in my search.
1. SWR WM2004, pre-fender, package deal came with a matching SWR workingman 2x10 - Private Seller, $250
2. GK 800RB - used at a music store, $300
3. GK MB500 - used at a music store, $300
4. Ampeg Portaflex 350 - new at a music store, $299
5. Acoustic B200H - used at a music store, $149
Well I ended up getting 10% knocked off the b200h and paid $135 for it before tax. I said to myself heck they were all pretty close and this is a backup so what the hell $135 for a backup only why not, I had demoed it in the store with the cabs available to me, a terrible Peavey 4x10, a Son of a Bertha 15 and an Ampeg 8x10 fridge.
So I get it home, put it to my stack and well wow. I was really impressed with it. I found it to work exceedingly well.
So what has this taught me. One it is for sure the cabinets. I am glad I did invest in good cabinets that in combination or individually really define what I want to hear from the bass. Two chasing higher and higher watts really is a complete waste of time and resources.
The other thing I found out is when the Markbass was serviced by pretty much the top tech in town (who is also a friend) he told me that it was his first Markbass he had worked on (which does say something about the reliability of them) he was surprised what he found when he opened it up. He knew they were known for quality gear but when he looked inside he felt many of the components were cheap (pots and connectors) as well as the overall workmanship of it was nothing to write home about.
So what has this got me thinking. Well for one should I ever find the Markbass to be caput, done, end of useful life, I am not spending top dollar over big bad watts in an ultralight package. Two my top dollar investments will be with my cabs first and foremost. I may even consider selling that Markbass for another lower power amp to save some money and purchase a few other items I have been wanting to add to the mix, or maybe put said sale towards an all tube head, say maybe a Peavey
VB-2. I found this to be a real aha moment and good for me. Buying cheaper amps is a good model for me as it is cost efficient and luggage efficient to have backups of those and keep high quality cabs without backup that my amps have little chance of over juicing, also I feel 100% confident repairing even a high dollar cab but I wouldn't dare open a high end amplifier up on my own.
Ken
