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Epifani and Mark Bass - questions, questions...

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by macmrkt, Dec 5, 2005.

  1. Dec 5, 2005 #1
    macmrkt

    macmrkt Inactive

    Dec 4, 2002
    1. I'm just curious (or hallucinating). Is there any relationship at all between Epifani and Mark Bass. I say this because they are both made in Italy (Epifani is based in NY but I read that some of their gear is Italian made), both use a striking yellow and black color scheme on some products, both push ultra-lite cabinets, drivers and heads, Mark Bass uses B&C drivers (but I'm not sure what Epifani uses, other than the fact that they are neo magnets as well) and both seem to be after a hi-fi bassist market. Is there any relation between the two companies or was there in the past? Do they share any manufacturing? I am just paranoid?

    2. Why doesn't Mark Bass have a distributor in the US? Is there an Epifani connection here too? Or am I really getting conspiratorial?

    3. Does anyone know of any Mark Bass retailers other than Club Bass in Canada?

    4. Has anyone tried the UL-502 or Little Mark heads with a modern acoustic bass piezo pickup direct in?

    Thanks...
     
  2. Dec 5, 2005 #2
    Mark Sacchetti

    Mark Sacchetti

    Nov 14, 2002
    Pittsburgh, PA
    I dont know if there is a Epifani markbass connection.

    What i have heard about Mark Bass is that after the new year they will announce a US dist for their products. I know they had concerns with the euro/US money exchange. I guess they have worked it out.

    I think they will change the face of amps here in the US. Portable high quality amps at affordable prices.

    I have an older LM amp and can vouch for its sound and reliability.

    I for one am excited about Mark Bass coming to the states.
     
  3. Dec 5, 2005 #3
    Brian Barrett

    Brian Barrett Commercial User

    Nov 25, 2001
    Cane Ridge, TN (Nashville)
    Dealer LowEndBassShop.com, Builder LowEndBasses.com
    B&C I know does make Epifani's speaker's. I know Markbass built the first Epifani Heads, but not sure who does now... I think someone else does, but not sure.

    As far as company relationship going any further, I have no idea. You would have to ask someone inside Epifani to see if they would give info like that out.

    Also not sure who will be caring Markbass, Heard mix reviews and look forward to checking them out my self.
     
  4. Dec 17, 2005 #4
    Peter Murray

    Peter Murray Commercial User

    Dec 13, 2005
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Marketing and artist relations for Xvive (ex-Markbass, ex-Supro, ex-Pigtronix)
    Hi there, happy to answer your questions!

    1. There's no relationship between Markbass and Epifani. There are certainly similarities in design, but that's where the connection ends.

    2. Markbass (one word, by the way ;) ) has been exploring a number of US distribution options since January 2005, and all I can say is that it's not a simple process, and we need to be careful about making the right decisions. I wish it could be a faster process, and trust me, we are very eager to get into the US market. There seems to be a great deal of interest in Markbass products in the US. There's no conspiracy here, and certainly nothing to do with Epifani. We're just making sure things are set up properly. Thanks to anyone who's been waiting for their patience!

    3. There are over 30 Markbass retailers across Canada. Markbass is distributed in Canada by Erikson Music. Where are you located?

    Cheers and thanks for your interest,
    Peter
     
  5. Dec 17, 2005 #5
    macmrkt

    macmrkt Inactive

    Dec 4, 2002
    Hi,
    Thanks for the response. The Markbass website didn't seem to list the Canadian dealers. However, it worked out as I just got my order fulfilled from Club Bass, today in fact. Should have the LMII and 210 Traveler this week. Curious about the new AC601 and AC101. Any specs yet?
    MR
     
  6. Dec 17, 2005 #6
    Peter Murray

    Peter Murray Commercial User

    Dec 13, 2005
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Marketing and artist relations for Xvive (ex-Markbass, ex-Supro, ex-Pigtronix)
    Hi macmrkt,

    Just noticed now that you're in Florida. There's a bunch of Markbass amps at Jeff Berlin's school in Clearwater... but we won't be in stores there until probably February.

    Thanks for your interest, and I promise to keep everybody posted here. You can also add yourself to our email list if you want to keep in the loop (www.markbass.it).

    Cheers,
    Peter
     
  7. Dec 17, 2005 #7
    Peter Murray

    Peter Murray Commercial User

    Dec 13, 2005
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Marketing and artist relations for Xvive (ex-Markbass, ex-Supro, ex-Pigtronix)
    Glad you managed to order some gear! Let us know how you like it!

    Here's some specs on the MarkAcoustic AC601 and AC101. They both have solid state preamps, analog power amps and digital power supplies. The cabinet impedance is 8 ohms. Onboard DSP (6 effects incl 2 choruses and 4 reverbs). Combo head power: 150WRMS @ 8 ohms, 250W RMS @ 4 ohms.

    AC601: 1x6" speaker and 1" HF compression driver; 19.4 lbs; 12.32" wide, 13" high, 11.22" deep; crossover 3.5kHz; cab power handling 150W RMS, 8 ohms
    AC101: 1x10" speaker and 1" HF compression driver; 23.15 lbs; 13.9" wide, 14.45" high, 14.45" deep; crossover 3.5kHz; cab power handling 200W RMS, 8 ohms

    I haven't heard the final products myself, but the early prototype I checked out in Italy in September was incredible! These amps will be at the NAMM show.

    Cheers,
    Peter