Ampeg Combo to a Markbass combo

[bassphreak]

This a little different spin on the Ampeg v. Markbass thread I found. I am very limited with my options for amps and can't go out and buy at this time. I'm not looking at full rigs, or comparing an SVT against the LMII. I'm in the realm of gig-able stage combos.

I've been offered a Markbass CMD121P combo as an even trade for my current Ampeg BA500 Combo and I'm seriously considering. However I am concerned with how the MB will hold up in the mix. I have been very happy with the sound of the Ampeg combo, but at 95lbs its a bit of a back breaker.


If this was 2 weeks ago I it would have been a no brainer as I was traveling each week to jam and had to lug the Ampeg. I just recently joined a local start up band that seems to be motivated, well managed and has a strong and realistic goal to gig in the next few months. I've been in mostly garage bands for the past few years and I haven't had to push the Ampeg to keep up with the normal loud rock drummer and 2 half stacked guitarists. I kept the Ampeg dials flat and never had the gain or master above the 12 oclock position. I don't run much in the way of effects, either an MXR or Sansamp driver.

The new band is mostly hard and alternative rock (bon jovi, godsmack, shinedown, seether, STP, etc). I'm expecting gigs to be pretty small, local bars and indoor clubs with PA support. I've played the Markbass 210 combo and the 121 combo at the local GC and they sounded great, but much different from an Ampeg. I haven't pushed one or tested in band environment. I tend to like the 'darker' sound of the Ampeg by itself but have read a number of posts where the Markbass kills in the mix.

Since I'm being offered a trade, there is no grace or return period. It's all in. I'm just concerned with keeping up and cutting through in a hard/alt rock gigging environment (where I admittedly have no experience). I'm not in a position to have multiple rigs and will have either the Ampeg or the MB as my only amp to start out. Will it hold it's own?

 

[ksandvik]

Swap? Just take it. You could always get a second cab in case you want to push more air, from 350W to 500W. And use direct to PA. It's so fun going to rehearsals or gigs with a 26 pound combo amp that works just fine.

 

[bassphreak]

Thanks....the MB is like 1/3 of the weight which really has me interested. I know they are quality amps. Most of the posts I've seen relate to owners of the MB playing in smaller groups or where they otherwise wouldn't need a full rig. I've seen a few posts in my searching for gigging the MB in a rock environment, but not many.

 

[bassphreak]

The hope would be to pickup up an additional NY 112 cab to pair up in the spring. The question is if I pick up the set list fast enough and we are ready, can I gig the little combo on it's own for a few months. Pushing one 12 causes me some concern. While the Ampeg and the MB have basically the same output, the Ampeg is pushing 2 10s.

 

[ldthomas]

I don't think MarkBass has been around all that long, so it doesn't have Ampeg's history. I know that my demos with them @ GC have me lusting one in a bad way. The tone is crisp and clear. They're a bit pricey, so if you can trade into one, I'd say jump on it

 

[lowendfriend]

I don't own a MarkBass, but I've been Very Impressed in trying out their amps and cabs at the store. They produce what I'd call a big, wide sound...might redefine the mix! Their stacks get expensive fast, but their combos are sweet at a good price.

Ampeg is going the way of the old Acoustic line...resting on laurels of the past, die hard installed base of customers...working through multiple bankruptcies...MOVE

 

[ldthomas]

The hope would be to pickup up an additional NY 112 cab to pair up in the spring. The question is if I pick up the set list fast enough and we are ready, can I gig the little combo on it's own for a few months. Pushing one 12 causes me some concern. While the Ampeg and the MB have basically the same output, the Ampeg is pushing 2 10s.

I think the MB will hold its own in small club gig environments. If you're doing an outdoor show, run it into the PA

 

[jnuts1]

i have the 2-10 combo & i would say go for it.

i run against 2 drummers & 2 screaming guitars it will hold up & cut through. on outdoor gigs i add an ampeg 18 & really push.

 

[Bassorama57]

The CMD121P is essentially an LMII with a 12", correct? I've used an LMII with an Avatar NEO 1-12 in a smallish 5 piece band and had no volume issues at all, never had to crank past 10 o'clock on the volume. That being said, when I've paired it with a NEO 2-12, it's quite adquate - any more than that, and you're probably going to be going thru the FOH anyway. The tone-shaping capabilities, reliability and weight are far superior...and the (most likely) reason they put an 8 ohm speaker in there is because they expect you to add in another MB cab, and that keeps total impedance at 4 ohms.

Although the "MarkBass" brand isn't all that old, they are the same guys that made Music Man amps and speakers...they're definitely experienced.

 

[RickenBoogie]

I used to play through an Ampeg BA500, with an SVT18 ext cab. HUGE sounding rig, but quite heavy. The difference in tone between the BA500 and the Markbass will be very noticeable, so be sure to base your decision on that as well as the weight. It would suck to have a nice light weight rig that you're unhappy with it's tone.

 

[ksandvik]

Yes, I think Ampegs have a more coloring sound, tube-like saturation. While a MarkBass makes your bass sound exactly how it sounds, good or bad. If you need more saturation you need to do it with external pre-amps, effects and so on. Then again, I like hearing how my bass sounds and with an effect I could get SansAmp saturation or whatever else I like.

It's very liberating to have a 26 pound unit that works at rehearsals and smaller gigs, for bigger ones I just hook my 2x10 Avatar Neo cab and/or direct line to PA. So it scales from tiny to big. Best amp I ever purchased. Even used it as a keyboard amp and thinking about testing it this Sunday as a guitar amp with having my PodXT in front of it...

 

[JimmyM]

Ya, it's a perfectly capable amp for a lot of situations. I think for what you're doing, it'll be fine. I used it on a lot of my oldies gigs where we played at comparable volumes. I ultimately preferred something way bigger so I sold it, but for its size, it packs a wallop. Sounds very much in the Ampeg family to my ears.

 

[ozzyspite]

Own a 121P combo and love it. Simply love it. The only time I need more is for outdoor gigs.

 

[bassphreak]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like it will work.

Another I see several posts that state the Markbass gives the true bass tone. How do they hand the downtuned/heavier tone of some current alt rock bands?

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like it will work.

Another I see several posts that state the Markbass gives the true bass tone. How do they hand the downtuned/heavier tone of some current alt rock bands?

That combo? Probably not the best choice but it will work.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

You really will need to add the extension to the cmd121p. Otherwise, the lowend will not really 'carry' the band. Yes, you'll hear it, but dont expect miracles from a single 112. Now add another 112 as an extension and you'll probably have all you need. Two 112s sound great. Full, yet punchy.

The cmd121p is a great combo and really does a great job for its size. I had one and it really did well with the UL112 I used as an ext. All I'm saying is that unless you are playing coffee houses with a folk band, an extension is necessary to get a full "wall of sound" tone.

 

[bassphreak]

OK. I'm going to make the swap. I've thought it over and planned to get an extension cab either way next spring. As much as I love the Ampeg, I am going to go for the Markbass and drive it for a while. It will work out very well since I do some pick up jams with friends and gear up with the new band.

Worst case is that it would be easier to unload the Markbass if I happen to hate it since it could easily be shipped. Best case I'll pair it with the NY cab or the 15 in the spring. Thanks for the input.

 

[rayzak]

OK. I'm going to make the swap. I've thought it over and planned to get an extension cab either way next spring. As much as I love the Ampeg, I am going to go for the Markbass and drive it for a while. It will work out very well since I do some pick up jams with friends and gear up with the new band.

Worst case is that it would be easier to unload the Markbass if I happen to hate it since it could easily be shipped. Best case I'll pair it with the NY cab or the 15 in the spring. Thanks for the input.

Make sure to post your thoughts when you get it. I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks.

 

[bassphreak]

Make sure to post your thoughts when you get it. I'd love to hear what you think. Thanks.

OK....I've had it for a few days now. Initial impressions are excellent. Overall output seems a little less, but not much of a drop off. Again I went from a combo to a combo. I haven't had a chance to use it in practice yet. BUT, I only have the master at like 2 or 3 (around the 9 o'clock position) and my home practice room shakes and rattles.

TONE. That's what its all about right. Tone, while different than the Ampeg is excellent. Tone is clear and crisp, not as 'warm' but excellent otherwise and better than I remember when I tested in GCs (dynamics of space and acoustics). I can get a similar ampeg-ish tone with the VLE and VPF at the noon position and other settings basically flat (mid-low at 1'oclock and mid-high and high at 10 o'clock). I can get the relatively dirty tone that I favor.

So initial impressions are very good. I need to bring it to my next practice (Friday 10/9) and give another update.

I saw a post in the other thread that suggested using the Sansamp VT with the Markbass to really nail the Ampeg tone. I'm thinking that's my next step. I prefer a little overdrive and a little more warm bottom end that the VT should give me.

As I mentioned, I think paring the Markbass combo with the New York 121 cab would give me what I'm looking for.