Carvin Micro Amp or Markbass CMD 121P?

[Dr. Cheese]

Uncle Sam cut me some slack and I will definitely have the funds to get some gear. I really need another amp. I am tempted to get another Markbass CMD 121P because the one used to own was simply the best amp I ever had. The kicker is that it will run over $900 with tax. I am really tempted to pick up a Carvin Mini Bass Amp, maybe their model with the 15" speaker or the 2x10. I know these are not as powerful as a Markbass, but they are less than half the price of a Markbass.

Is a Carvin a nice less expensive alternative to a Markbass CMD 121P?





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[B String]

Get a used 121P out of the TB classifieds. I see them there.
I've found mine to be an invaluable work tool.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Get a used 121P out of the TB classifieds. I see them there.
I've found mine to be an invaluable work tool.

Good idea, I know my Markbass was the best combination of portability and power I have ever experienced.

 

[aspersions]

I love my 121P... I have to second the TB Classifieds idea, or just look for a killer sale at GC. I think my 121P was under $700 out the door during a Thanksgiving sale.

 

[Infidelity]

I love my CMD 121p too! I avoided buying it because of the price but I know that it was the amp that I really want. Now I'm settled on amp department!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

You guys are reinforcing what I know: the CMD 121P is great!

Does anyone have experience with Carvin Mini Bass Amps?

 

[Passinwind]

You guys are reinforcing what I know: the CMD 121P is great!

Does anyone have experience with Carvin Mini Bass Amps?

Do you mean the Micro Series?
I've wondered about those myself, especially since my experience with the BX500 head is quite positive.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Do you mean the Micro Series?
I've wondered about those myself, especially since my experience with the BX500 head is quite positive.

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You're right, I mean Carvin Micro Bass Amps.

 

[Passinwind]

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You're right, I mean Carvin Micro Bass Amps.

No worries, just wanted to be sure I'm not missing any new GAS inducers!

The NY 121 didn't seem to work all that well for my particular needs (I only tried it with the TC450 head though), but I love the LMIII. Seems like the slightly bigger Carvin combos with the BX 500 would be more directly comparable, but they do weigh a good bit more than that CMD rig too.

Personally, I tend to avoid combos, as I'd rather just have one nice small head and a few cab combinations to go with it depending on the gig.

In any case, you could also buy a used Carvin for really cheap and just turn it if it doesn't work for you. That 12/6/1 model has my attention, for sure.

 

[Bassamatic]

There is NOTHING that can compete with the 121P - period. It never ceases to amaze me and others every time I use it.

With a suitable add-on speaker you have 500 enormous watts. I use a Schroeder 1212L with 2 x 12s in a cabinet only a little larger than the 121P and have a 3 x 12 that will play anywhere.

 

[jnewmark]

RE: The Carvin 12/6/1 : " The woofer is also angled down 45 degrees to retain the compactness of the amp, and to bounce the bass sound off the floor or stage to generate a natural delay."

 

[Dr. Cheese]

There is NOTHING that can compete with the 121P - period. It never ceases to amaze me and others every time I use it.

With a suitable add-on speaker you have 500 enormous watts. I use a Schroeder 1212L with 2 x 12s in a cabinet only a little larger than the 121P and have a 3 x 12 that will play anywhere.

I know the Carvin won't be as good as the CMD 121P, I am wondering if it is decent as a cheaper alternative because a new Carvin will be $200 cheaper than a used Markbass.

I want a new combo and a backup bass. If I get the Markbass, there will be no backup bass unless it is really cheap or I just put down a down payment for a bass I pick up later.

 

[Freddels]

Carvin has a 10 day return policy. You could get one, take it over to GC and compare it to the Markbass and see which one you prefer. At most, you'll be out the cost of shipping.