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Are Markbass cabs cheap?

#22
Seems to me the OP is asking for specific information about this material from anyone who might have first-hand experience or specific knowledge. What is this wood? What models did Markbass use it on? How does it hold up? Things like that. Telling him to return it if he isn't happy - or to ask Markbass - really aren't responsive to his question or helpful at all. In fact, it's kind of insulting. If you don't have the information he's asking for, it's always an option to remain silent.

-Ron
 
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#23
The picture really isn’t good enough to see for sure what wood is used in the posted cabinet - nor is the pic good enough to tell if its even an authentic Markbass cabinet. But from what I can see it does look cheap to me too. Anyway, despite the above post, if I was the OP/friend and unhappy or worried I’d just return it. On another note, I highly recommend using good road cases when touring - even with the best built cabinets.
 
#24
ronlitz said:
Seems to me the OP is asking for specific information about this material from anyone who might have first-hand experience or specific knowledge. What is this wood? What models did Markbass use it on? How does it hold up? Things like that. Telling him to return it if he isn't happy - or to ask Markbass - really aren't responsive to his question or helpful at all. In fact, it's kind of insulting. If you don't have the information he's asking for, it's always an option to remain silent.

-Ron
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
#27
Wow, bummed to see this. Sorry, but I consider any kind of chipboard unacceptable except for inexpensive practice amps, and ESPECIALLY on the baffle. I would absolutely take it back.
 
#28
I had never seen a Classic 108.

One thing I'm pretty sure of is if it was made by MarkBass it's good quality. There has to be a million MDF Ampeg cabs out there and nobody complains.

If the OP had a Ampeg cab break apart, my guess is it was severely mishandled. I've never even heard of a cabinet coming apart in all my years playing. I have to assume someone dropped it on it's face or something to that extent. I can't imagine MDF just cracking apart without a great deal of help.

Chipboard is a whole different thing. I can't imagine chipboard being good for much of anything except exterior walls on a tool shed.
 
#29
Craig_S said:
I had never seen a Classic 108.

One thing I'm pretty sure of is if it was made by MarkBass it's good quality. There has to be a million MDF Ampeg cabs out there and nobody complains.
Click to expand...
I complain. But mant of them do sound great and are still working. I still see a lot. Pretty good for OSB, I must say.
 
#31
I've had the same cabinet(CL108) for going on 3 years and haven't a single problem with it. ALL Tolex covered cabs will scuff up easily. So, I made a cover out of a large tarp and duct tape. I just cut the panel sizes and used the tape to attach the seams. Mine has been in many bars/clubs and still plays and looks new. It's as road worthy as anything out there. Also , because it so light, it doesn't get banged around like a typical Ampeg 810. It's easier to handle.
 
#33
The picture really isnt big enough to get a look at the material but any poplar plywood should have clearly visible plies on the edges. I work in a woodshop with all these materials on a daily basis and I agree with others here that mdf or particle board are not suitable for high end cabinets. They are both substantially heavier than plywood and neither hold nails or screws as well as plywood.

An advantage to these materials is that they are half the cost and less resonant and require less internal bracing. Most car stereo boxes are made of mdf or particle board and its perfectly suitable for a cabinet that never gets moved. For a bass cabinet that will be moved often its a terrible material, especially for a cabinet as large as an 8x10. Another problem is that you have no strength against impacts. A piece of plywood consists of alternating layers of wood running cross grain to each other while mdf and particle board are basically sawdust pressed hard together with glue. A piece of plywood will resist damage far more effectively than mdf or particle board.
 
#34
Overall, it's the tone that matters right?
I have one as well. I was shocked to see the particle board underneath the tolex on the bottom corner where I nicked it.
What is everyone's opinion on the sound the CL108?
 
#35
I don’t see the wood type in the ad you posted, but multi-ply might cover OSB (oriented strand board), but I do know where you’re coming from with your concern.

I have a Markbass CL152 (Classic 215) that I got cheap, used from MF. The cab had been bounced around pretty good, and wood screws holding the speakers to the baffle board ripped right out.

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I do have a 2x15 that weighs only 72lbs, but I think at least the baffle board should have been made from something more substantial. I replaced it with a nice piece of plywood, and it’s otherwise a wonderful cab.


So I’d suggest replacing the wood screws with some nuts/bolts/washers of some kinda, and just keep the cab from being jarred.


Edit: Ha... reading again through the thread I see someone linked a post I made about it...
 

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