• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Compact Combo Opinions

#21
Lightweight and compact are key requirements. Tone and versatility go without saying. What out there has it all and is lightweight? No Ampeg as it is all too heavy. The Mesa Walkabouts seems pretty good but a few people are selling theirs for other stuff. Then again, Markbass people are selling theirs or asking for a Walkabout.

Will look at the GB again. If I am going to spend that kind of money..............
 
#23
I own a MB CMD102P (2x10). Its a great combo and you wouldn't go wrong with it, but I would probably get a Jeff Berlin were I to do it over again. Nothing against the 2x10 but I think the Jeff Berlin might just be a wee bit smaller, if not also lighter. Stay away from tweeters in you go Neo, they tend to be brighter in my experience than ceramic magnet speakers. If you can get a Genz Benz combo those are also great.

Whatever you get, try to get a combo that allows you to add on an 8ohm external cab if you need to later. I'll eventually be adding another cab to my combo for those occasions where I need the extra oomph. Plenty of power in these MB combos, but you will run out of speaker if you push them hard enough.
 
#24
Kinda looks like you're searching for a "studio" type amp that will almost always stay put but needs to sound great at house volumes. Isn't that the perfect match for an Ampeg B-15? I don't have one but I've always considered them to be the ideal studio, home, small coffee shop type amp that can be mic'd into a PA if needed. Plus it's one of those things that is getting harder and harder to find every day and consequently going up in value. Probably not the most portable thing out there but may be one of the best of the classics.
For the newer more portable stuff GB has some really neat hybrids and as someone else already mentioned the Mesa Walkabout is a fantastic amp.
 
#25
Another nod for the Markbass CMD 121P combo. Amazing what that little box can do. Had almost convinced myself to get rid of my CMD 102P combo for the 1x12 but ended up going with a modular Aguilar setup and kept the 102P. Speaking of, the Aguilar TH500 + SL112 is a beastly setup that's on the light and portable side.
 
#26
Get a micro/mini head and carrying case and throw it over your shoulder...or in your gigbag if it's micro (under 5 pounds)

Makes it even easier to go with a walkabout, cause the 10 or so pounds makes a huge difference (they come out of the cab really easily)

I have heard some amazing things from an Acoustic Image head through a Bag End cab
 
#27
I also use the Markbass CMD 121P and love it. I wanted something light & loud and this amp is it. I have found it to be plenty loud by itself for most small to midsize bars/clubs. Of course you could always add another 12" extension speaker down the road if necessary and it has a pretty nice DI, too.

I've been playing a Skyline Duck Dunn P with an Aguilar Tone Hammer pedal up front and can achieve wonderful tones in most rooms with very little effort. The TH also allows me to tame the tweeter some on the 121P.
 
#30
TXLawDawg said:
Another nod for the Markbass CMD 121P combo. Amazing what that little box can do. Had almost convinced myself to get rid of my CMD 102P combo for the 1x12 but ended up going with a modular Aguilar setup and kept the 102P. Speaking of, the Aguilar TH500 + SL112 is a beastly setup that's on the light and portable side.
Click to expand...
Hey Tx, since you've had both the CMD102P and the CMD121P, what's you opinion of the difference tone-wise and volume-wise. I know they both have the same head but the cab shape (volume) is different and the drivers are different.

Also, OP please notice that pretty much everyone says MB and Sansamp go together well - that's because they do!
 
#31
Skip a combo and get a Little Mark III head and a Traveler 151P cab, like me. It's working like a champ, plenty of volume and lows, plus the ability to use other cabs, too, if I want. Don't worry about the piezo, just turn it off. The 151P cab also has a bigger box than the Berlin, so it might have more lows, but I dunno actually since I've never played the Berlin. 151P cab weighs 44.75 lbs.
 
#33
Phil Jones amps do what you want. Built like a tank, they are bullet proof. The more expensive (and heavier) ones will go down to 20 Hz, a reasonable sound can be had by the cheaper and lighter 40 Hz cabs like the 83 lb 6 pac I have. If you're rocking I doubt you want the smaller combos, they don't have enough punch.

I traded an SVT for that 6 Pac and never regretted it.

They're not cheap though.
 
#34
cchorney said:
Hey Tx, since you've had both the CMD102P and the CMD121P, what's you opinion of the difference tone-wise and volume-wise. I know they both have the same head but the cab shape (volume) is different and the drivers are different.

Also, OP please notice that pretty much everyone says MB and Sansamp go together well - that's because they do!
Click to expand...

Sorry if I mislead or was unclear, I've never owned the CMD 121P combo though I've really thought about it. I have used one in a gig environment a couple of times and tested another @ GC extensively when I was initially shopping for combos - ended up with the 102P. With that in mind though, I can tell you that the 102P offers a fuller sound and was perceived as louder. The 121P is no slouch though and I doubt there's much ground that the 102P can cover that the 121 can't. Tonewise, they are very similar in that they both have the smooth Markbass tone. The 102P again, being a more full sound and seeming to have just a tad more bite up top than the 121P. The 121P with a New York 121 extension cab is phenominal. While the 121P is great by itself, when paired with the extension you'll be blown away. The 102P, when I tested them, benefitted from the addition of a traveler 102P cab as well but, I thought the 121P really opened up with the extension cab. With a little adjustment to the VLP filter, I think you can get real close to an Ampeg type sound if that's what you're looking for. Add a VT bass to your chain and you're definitely in the ballpark. Me? I was looking for something more transparent and use mine set relatively flat with just a touch of VLP filter added.

I'd venture to say that at the same volume in a band/gig environment you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two. The deciding factor for me came down to the 102P being a kickback style combo. That's what I wanted and was willing to add a few pounds and a bigger overall cab to get that. Both are really great IMHO and it'd be hard to wrong with either.

I'll also tell you that when I bought the 102P combo I had every intention of getting an extension cab....but, I never needed it. I came from the big 8x10 setup and was doubtful that the little combo could keep me in the same comfort zone volume-wise that I was used to with the 8x10. While I'm not knocking that setup, I've never looked back and would not anticipate going back to something that big - unless, I have someone to haul that stuff around for me. The kickback design also proves very beneficial in being able to hear yourself although, admittedly, there are stands and other devices that can tilt your cab back or bring them up further for better hearing.

If you don't mind the extra 16 or so pounds of the CMD 102P, it's the front runner for me. However, at 28 pounds, if you like the Markbass sound, the CMD 121P is the way to go if you're looking for a compact and lightweight combo that can really knock your socks off
 
#35
I have a 121H combo in addition. I found the 12" to easily run out of excursion if I had the bottom too heavy. The 15"?, it doesn't sweat it at the same settings and volume. But, my 121H combo sounds great otherwise. I think it gives you a bigger sound than the 121P combo. 39.5 lbs. weight.

I am getting good blues and R&B sounds through my Markbass stuff while running flats with the right eq. Ya just gotta experiment. Rock tones? Oh yes, that, too. Markbass is really some good stuff.

[And YES, I LIKE the look].
 
#39
TXLawDawg said:
Sorry if I mislead or was unclear, I've never owned the CMD 121P combo though I've really thought about it. I have used one in a gig environment a couple of times and tested another @ GC extensively when I was initially shopping for combos - ended up with the 102P. With that in mind though, I can tell you that the 102P offers a fuller sound and was perceived as louder. The 121P is no slouch though and I doubt there's much ground that the 102P can cover that the 121 can't. Tonewise, they are very similar in that they both have the smooth Markbass tone. The 102P again, being a more full sound and seeming to have just a tad more bite up top than the 121P. The 121P with a New York 121 extension cab is phenominal. While the 121P is great by itself, when paired with the extension you'll be blown away. The 102P, when I tested them, benefitted from the addition of a traveler 102P cab as well but, I thought the 121P really opened up with the extension cab. With a little adjustment to the VLP filter, I think you can get real close to an Ampeg type sound if that's what you're looking for. Add a VT bass to your chain and you're definitely in the ballpark. Me? I was looking for something more transparent and use mine set relatively flat with just a touch of VLP filter added.

I'd venture to say that at the same volume in a band/gig environment you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two. The deciding factor for me came down to the 102P being a kickback style combo. That's what I wanted and was willing to add a few pounds and a bigger overall cab to get that. Both are really great IMHO and it'd be hard to wrong with either.

I'll also tell you that when I bought the 102P combo I had every intention of getting an extension cab....but, I never needed it. I came from the big 8x10 setup and was doubtful that the little combo could keep me in the same comfort zone volume-wise that I was used to with the 8x10. While I'm not knocking that setup, I've never looked back and would not anticipate going back to something that big - unless, I have someone to haul that stuff around for me. The kickback design also proves very beneficial in being able to hear yourself although, admittedly, there are stands and other devices that can tilt your cab back or bring them up further for better hearing.

If you don't mind the extra 16 or so pounds of the CMD 102P, it's the front runner for me. However, at 28 pounds, if you like the Markbass sound, the CMD 121P is the way to go if you're looking for a compact and lightweight combo that can really knock your socks off
Click to expand...

Hey Tx, thanks for the great response to my question on the relative volume and tonal merits between the MB CMD102P and CMD121P. I've been happy with my choice of the CMD102P but I really didn't give the 121P a fair shake, so now I feel better. :)

FWIW, I tried the kickback position and I couldn't hear it any better than when it's pointing at my ankles. However, when I put it on it's side on top of a sturdy,upside down, 12" tall storage crate (similar to this: Link Removed), it really helped me hear myself better!

I will at some point get myself a 102HF extension cab, but honestly since raising it up and putting it on it's side, I can't say I've needed it for small venue and on-the-stage monitoring purposes. Beyond small venues, I always plug into the PA anyway. But I will get one anyway, because I'm a guy, and sometimes we just go bigger "because". :bassist:
 
#40
I had the Mark Bass CMD121P for a while but got rid of it because of the damn piezo - the highs were just too brittle and noisy to me. I got the slightly larger CMD 121H with the compression driver and I am so much happier. Much smoother highs and deeper lows with the bigger cabinet. I also think having the controls on the front rather than on the top is much easier. I usually pair it with a 112 MB cabinet for a great mini-stack.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back