A Markbass CMD question

[fredrik.ygge]

Hello,

I currently use a GK MB 115-II. Yesterday I tried a Markbass CMD 121P at the local music shop. I was so impressed with the Markbass and I consider switching. I have some questions for the forum though.

I really, really like the small size of the CMD. I think it will still support most things I do: practising at home, use it as monitor on gigs, use it as main source when playing in the local church etc. I think it would be great to be able to complement it with an extra cabinet in the future though. My thought was that I then would be best off adding a 1 x 15'' cabinet, to complement the clarity of the CMD 12 with the low register of a big speaker. However, reading on Markbass' homepage, they only recommend combining CMD 12 with an extra 12 and CMD 15 with an extra 15. Is it a bad idea to combine the CMD 12 with an extra 15?

There are also head-cabinet stacks that are really neat in size and would probably also be a great option. How does the CMD 12 compare to for example to a Little Mark III and a New York 121 cabinet? I am also looking a bit at a head combined with a Traveler 102P as standard set-up plus a 15'' for heavy gigs. I have never played with so small speakers though and wonder if a 2x10 is a good standard set-up for the not-that-loud settings.

Again, I was really impressed by the CMD 12, but I essentially only have my GK combo as a reference. Has anyone tried both the CMD 12 and the CMD 15 and can give some feedback on differences? Any other brands I need to look at before buying a Markbass? (Most useful if you can relate them to the Markbass and point out the differences.)

Any feedback highly appreciated.

Edit: I shouldn't say that my only experience is the GK. I have had different amps in the past, but the GK is way better than what I used to have. I have also tried various big stacks from for example Ampeg and Peavey. They were huge and heavy though. Particularly one of the Ampeg was some tube amp and the stack weighted something like 150lbs. They guy I borrowed it from did not even bring it to gigs as it was too heavy. He had the prime one for rehearsal and a lighter Ampeg for gigs. This is not for me. I like something very neat I can bring very easily.

 

[CL400Peavey]

My thought was that I then would be best off adding a 1 x 15'' cabinet, to complement the clarity of the CMD 12 with the low register of a big speaker. However, reading on Markbass' homepage, they only recommend combining CMD 12 with an extra 12 and CMD 15 with an extra 15. Is it a bad idea to combine the CMD 12 with an extra 15?

The idea that big speakers are for lows is a fallacy. I would expect you to get your best results with matching cabs every time.

There are also head-cabinet stacks that are really neat in size and would probably also be a great option. How does the CMD 12 compare to for example to a Little Mark III and a New York 121 cabinet? I am also looking a bit at a head combined with a Traveler 102P as standard set-up plus a 15'' for heavy gigs. I have never played with so small speakers though and wonder if a 2x10 is a good standard set-up for the not-that-loud settings.

Personally I think markbass amps are bland, and their cabs sound like dog turds. You may hold a different opinion. You will have to play each piece of gear and rate its sound independently. A specific 210 could be a good sound to you, but a different 210 not so much.

 

[fredrik.ygge]

Thanks CL400Peavey. What is your favorite compact/light rig?

 

[Bisounourse]

The idea that big speakers are for lows is a fallacy. I would expect you to get your best results with matching cabs every time.^

^^ this
An alternative could be the 121 H extension cabinet (it's a cab with a 12" speaker, but it has a horn), but try it first.

Personally I think markbass amps are bland, and their cabs sound like dog turds. You may hold a different opinion.

I do
I use a CMD 121 H, and I really like it, as it doesn't colour the sound that much (then again I use it mainly to amplify a double bass). It sounds a bit 'fuller' than the CMD 121.

You will have to play each piece of gear and rate its sound independently. A specific 210 could be a good sound to you, but a different 210 not so much.

^^ and this as well...

For lightweight rigs; a GK MB 500/800 with GK NEO cabs, TECAMP combo's (I don't like to play through them, but you might like it), Aguilar Tone Hammer, ... Go to a Music Centre in your area and try out a bunch of stuff (even stuff you might not want to consider in the first place, it might sound good). (And could you tell us where you live and what budget you have?)

 

[CL400Peavey]

Thanks CL400Peavey. What is your favorite compact/light rig?

If I was putting together a truly lightweight rig, it would be a greenboy bassic in okoume and an aguilar TH500.

If I was only going to shop at big box stores, I would look at GK, ampeg, aguilar, Fender, and then look for a cab that you like the sound of, and fits your budget and weight needs. A PF-800 and a pair of PF115LF's wouldnt make me sad at a gig.

 

[fredrik.ygge]

> (And could you tell us where you live and what budget you have?)

Gothenburg, Sweden. Assortment in the local shops is a bit limited.

Not sure about budget, but I think I would be prepared to spend say 2 000 Euros or so for the really right stuff.

 

[CL400Peavey]

> (And could you tell us where you live and what budget you have?)

Gothenburg, Sweden. Assortment in the local shops is a bit limited.

Not sure about budget, but I think I would be prepared to spend say 2 000 Euros or so for the really right stuff.

Contact these guys for a cab.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Find an amp that suits you tonally.

 

[Low Class]

I've owned the CMD151p, NY151, Jeff Berlin combo, and now have the CMD121p.

Basically I agree with CL400Peavey about MarkBass amps being bland and the cabs are not great sounding. Compared to the GK I think it's a better amp and if you can get a CMD121p for around $400 like I did it would be worth it , but I wouldn't pay $899 for one.

 

[pcake]

i love the markbass cab sound. i know they aren't for everyone, but to me they're rich and full of lows.

 

[CL400Peavey]

i love the markbass cab sound. i know they aren't for everyone, but to me they're rich and full of lows.

They have a hyped up low mid bump that might work for some, but I do not hear true lows from their cabs.

 

[fredrik.ygge]

Just found this one now, which gave me a lot of additional info:
Best Markbass Ext. Cab For CMD 102P Combo? | TalkBass.com

(Realizing that more info does not necessarily make it easier. There are many different opinions.)

 

[murphy]

If you like them...that is great...lots of people do

I found twelves not enough on their own, never tried two twelves at gigs

My Bergantino 12 and 15 stack was not ideal
The Berg 210 and 15 stack was beautiful

2 12s... 2 15s....210, 15.... or 410 or 610 or 810

 

[Bassamatic]

When I bought my CMD121P a few years ago, it was far above any other combo amp in the GC store - just no comparison. It is by far the best single piece of gear I have - it is irreplaceable.

2 super pro bassists in my neighborhood feel the same way, and they could have anything they want. After borrowing mine several times, both of them have bought their own.

I have found that there is no indoor gig that the 121P cannot handle. We played loud rock in a banquet hall for 150 people last weekend and the volume was only set to 11 o'clock. I put the amp in the corner behind the drummer and it shook the stage and the hall. The drummer loved it. I have gotten many positive comments from bassists in the audience looking for my "stack".

For outdoor gigs - At the time, MB did not make the matching cab. I found a used Schroeder 1212L with 2 x 12s in a cab only a little larger than the amp. The sound is very similar. I stack them up I have 3 Neo 12s and 500 Watts - really formidable. AND - it all fits in the trunk of my little car!

You can't go wrong with this one. It is truly the best item in their product line.

 

[jd56hawk]

I've owned the CMD151p, NY151, Jeff Berlin combo, and now have the CMD121p.

Basically I agree with CL400Peavey about MarkBass amps being bland and the cabs are not great sounding. Compared to the GK I think it's a better amp and if you can get a CMD121p for around $400 like I did it would be worth it , but I wouldn't pay $899 for one.

Guitar Center had them on sale for $599. Brand new price that only lasted a few days. Of course, I jumped on one....I wasn't about to spend $899, either and they're back at $899 now.
By the way, they sound incredible.
The EQ for Low, Mid Frequency Low, High Frequency Low, and HighVLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) and VPF (Variable Pre-shape Filter) filters give me more tone options than the Fender Rumbles and several other amps I was considering.

 

[Zoomaster]

I like the Markbass sound as well.about 6mos. ago I was looking for a lightweight portable amp alternative to my
big bass amps (carvin b2000 w/2 4x10's, Ampeg SVT 7 w/ the 8x10 cab, and SWR 750 pushing a modded fender Bassman 2x15). So I went to Sam Ash and guitar center and played all the combo amps they had. Fender had power but didn't care for its tone ( not much bottom), GK was a little bland and seemed like I wouldn't get enough volume without pa support if needed on stage, the Ampeg was decent but I already have that tone. Orange amps
were nice but too $ for what you get out of em. So I landed on the Marbass cmdp151 Players school, loved the bumped low mid sound (which can be dialed out if it's not your thing). Have used it at practice with the di out through a pa and live. This thing sounds great, and I'm considering adding either a traveler 115 or 210 ext.
A biased opinion yes, but I love mine and wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others.

 

[Slevage]

It's my main rig. I also have the single 12 mate for it--- I only use it for the occasional "big gig", but that's mostly to get the combo up closer to my ear (and reach), more than for volume. It does get very loud with the extra speaker--- jammed at rock level with it---- 2 guits and a loud drummer.

 

[Medicine Man]

Markbass doesn't make the world's best sounding cab, it's true. But for bar a small club gigs, I always leave my big $$ big name rigs at home and just haul out a markbass combo. Loud, clean and portable is a winning combination. If you value bedroom tone over convienence, it might not work for you. I was dissapointed in my markbass until the first rehearsal. The haters are right about the sterile tone, but playing with two loud guitarists, it sits in the mix great. Buy the markbass, dude.

 

[jd56hawk]

Does sterile tone mean a preamp will help color it?
Sansamp, MXR-M80 or even this nice little $30 unit?

 

[electracoyote]

Markbass doesn't make the world's best sounding cab, it's true.

I read this from a small contingent of vocal TB'ers, and I have to take exception. I love my MB cabs and they have worked very well for me in all situations from the small patio gig to large theater stages. They sound great to my ears.

 

[mat666]

I love the CMD 151 combo, with a matching 15 traveler it's awesome, bass on my back and a cab in each hand...one trip for a hell of an amp!! didnt get the 121p only because I needed a 15 to handle my Low F# = bigger speaker handle better the F# in most cases.