I'm building a Markbass Rig

[phatbass1]

I'm 56 years old now...I've been playing bass since I was a kid. I've had just about every type of bass rig out there. I used to think that having a giant powerful rig would make me a better bass player...we all know that this is just not true. So I got rid of my SVT810/SVTCL and decided to go with a smaller and lighter Ampeg Portaflex PF-500/410/210 stack and I liked it for about a minute...it just had no low end grunt. I went back to a SVT7Pro and (2) SVT410HE's and yeah it sounds great and has the low end I'm used to but remember I'm 56 and don't want to lift the heavy cab's any more.
So...I'm building a new Markbass rig. I know a few guys that use Markbass. I like the way their rigs sound and want something like that. I'd appreciate any advice you guys can offer.

Here is what I'm thinking:
Little Mark III
(2) Traveler 151P's

I like that old school Motown, warm, thick smooth tone.
I don't want to mix driver sizes...either all 10's or all 15's or all 12's.
I don't hear much difference between the Markbass tube and their solid state heads.

BTW...I use a Stingray 4

I'd appreciate any thoughts or advice you guys can offer.

Phatbass1

 

[electracoyote]

Well, I'm a lot like you in terms of demographics and needs.

I jumped on the Markbass bandwagon about ten years ago and never looked elsewhere. I did a whole lot of gigs with a LMIII through either 1X15 or 2X15.

If my experience is any indicator, you will love it.

I also have a CMD151P combo (no tweeter) and it is so convenient. And I recently picked up a MB LMT800 and run it through a 4X10 for some tonal variety. Again, no regrets, a home run in my book.

Good luck, have fun and enjoy!

 

[dlb1001]

Been using a Markbass JB for the past few years...plenty of oomph for what I do. I may add a 151, under the JB, but haven't really needed to yet.
So, a LM3 and two 151 cabs should cover all of your needs.

 

[steveinohio]

I use the LMIII through an Ampeg 810. I pretty much just play Stingrays as well. It sounds great. Plent of power. Great amp! I would go with 410s but that's just me. Whatver cab you pick should work our great!

 

[Guinness20]

I'm in the middle of looking to upgrade my rig. I play a stingray too. I've already decided on an amp head - I love the LM Tube. I love how the tubes add a just a little hair, I think it sounds great. I also love the markbass filters, especially the vintage filter.

Markbass cabs are another issue. DOn't get me wrong, the one's that I've tried I've liked, but they're not as good as the amps. I need to play one first, but the 104HF is a contender. One of the big problems with it for me though is how deep it is, makes it really difficult to move around by myself. I ave portability in mind when looking at cabs, though I do want a decent sized cab.

Cabs I'm looking at are: Bergantino CN212 & HD212, Barefaced Super Twin, possibly the Vanderkley 212MNT (though I've heard it's quite bright/harsh which isn't what I want) and possibly two GK NEO 212's.

 

[Shanebo]

I'm only 44, but carrying heavy cabinets around is getting the best of me too....

I picked up a new Jeff Berlin combo about 6-8 years ago, and just recently added a NY 151 extension cabinet (used) from a seller on this forum. IME, that rig has a lot to love, and not a lot to carry.

LMII head, and a convincing stack with enough power to handle nearly everything this side of normal.

I loved that amp before, and now it's even better.

All the best with your hunt!

Shane