Am I crazy?

[Smooth_bass88]

I'm no psychiatrist, but I would say you are not crazy.

 

[cnltb]

Am I crazy?
...if in doubt...

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I played my J bass through an old ampeg b15, and everyone including me loved it. We mixed that with a clean DI signal, and it sounded amazing.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

For the longest time I have used a Markbass Jeff Berlin CMD 151p. Its a great amp, really light too.

I bought a pf500 at GC off a blow out table as a back up.

Then I ran across an inexpensive pf210he.

It was fun to play around with but the Markbass has remained my #1... until recently. I started using the Ampeg rig at practice and I'm finding I like it better than the Markbass. Not cutting the Markbass at all, it's a fine amp. It's just that the Ampeg is imperfect in all the right ways. It's warm and a little grungy and just pulls off that 60s/70s Era vibe so well.

Like that say, when it come to gear, you run with your ears. Or was it you let your ears be your guide?

Personally, I much prefer 2-10” (1/4 of the infamous Fridge) speakers to 1-15”, so I’m not sure you need to question your sanity. Also, keep in mind, it’s ok if your taste in gear changes. That is highly normal.

 

[elpancho]

Do you think maybe you're just hearing the difference between 210, and a 115.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

You dig what you dig, and now have the flavor of another rig to take what is best for the gig.

Ampeg or MarkBass just another taste, now you embrace what will fill up the place with your favorite bass.

Rig pictures please, all this just talkin' is a tease.

 

[chaosMK]

Many people like MB but they werent the sound for me.

 

[StatesideRambler]

“Years ago it meant something to be crazy. Now everyone's crazy.” -- Charles Manson

 

[Bruiser Stone]

Crazy is good company imo.

I had an Ampeg PF500 not long enough for it to cut out on me at gig volume as many others have reported. Sounded great when I had it. I’ve been down the winding primrose path and settled on a HandBox R400.

As for the tone, your Ampeg will deliver in a small package.

 

[lfmn16]

Are you crazy for liking what you like? No. Are you crazy for worrying about it? Yes.

 

[Hankenstein]

yes

 

[BarfanyShart]

The Ampeg sound is very popular. You know, sometimes it's just easier to deal with an amp that has a little baked-in character - you know what you are going to sound like, and that helps you better communicate your whole persona as a performer. Now I default to Fender amps for the same reason, I just identified with that tone and liked how simple it was to get there in any situation, and if I pick up a new Fender amp I know that tone is in that box somewhere.

 

[Cave Puppy]

Mama Mama weer all crazee now.

 

[Katoosie]

I think that you are absolutely bonkers and that you need some serious help because where you are at right now is definitely NOT a healthy place. I absolutely cannot believe you would rather be posting on an internet forum than taking care of yourself!

That being said, you're fine when it comes to the ampeg

 

[scottfeldstein]

My vote is: not crazy. Even though I myself am going the opposite direction. I have an Ampeg PF-500. it sounds great. But I think I'd be happier with something a little more hifi. Hoping to trade it for something a little less retro.

 

[Ash Jazz]

First everybody, thanks for all the love!

It was just unexpected and not at all planned that way. I didn't expect to be so excited by the Ampeg tone but when it was cranked up and the band was playing a classic rock tune it just brought me home. It was so right. It also made me think this tone is, old is new, cool. Perfect for Motown and Stax stuff too.

I was thinking of getting the pf800 and a second pf210he. I usually pair the cmd 121 with a second 1x15 cab and it is very loud. I'm sure the pf800 with the two cabs will meet any need.

 

[rodl2005]

Another option might be to get a TECH21 VTbass pedal and run it in front of the MB.
I almost always did this when I had a LMII

 

[Ash Jazz]

Do you think maybe you're just hearing the difference between 210, and a 115.

I have no doubt that is part of the equation but what I surprisingly really liked was that it has kind of a lo-fi quality to it like old recordings.

It was more than nastalgic, it really filled out the sound. And it's a sound I hear on a lot of modern recordings too.

 

[Ash Jazz]

You dig what you dig, and now have the flavor of another rig to take what is best for the gig.

Ampeg or MarkBass just another taste, now you embrace what will fill up the place with your favorite bass.

Rig pictures please, all this just talkin' is a tease.

There is something to be said for that. It is nice to have options.

 

[Ash Jazz]

Another option might be to get a TECH21 VTbass pedal and run it in front of the MB.
I almost always did this when I had a LMII

Definitely an interesting idea! Probably great for recording too!