Is Markbass really all that??

[CapnSev]

It’s great stuff. I like it a lot actually....

With the exception of two major things:

1) They discontinue and introduce more models faster than any company I’ve ever seen. It’s like there’s an amp around for a year, then it gets ditched and replaced by something else in almost an instant. They make good stuff then *poof*- it’s gone from the lineup.

2) They moved all their production to Asia supposedly to keep costs down, then they turn around and charge an arm and a leg for their stuff.

 

[pie_man_25]

If you don't like it you just don't like it, in all honesty. It doesn't mean the amps are garbage, it's just a different flavor than you're into. I liked my epifani cab (and I liked it lot) for a while, but I got rid of it for a few reasons -having a bit too much baked in mid scoop was one. Now I've just got an old Traynor 115.

 

[Hundred proof]

Oh and JazzCrazy it's OK to be skeptical about if I know anything about real tube amp sound ... this is my reference amp, I've owned it for years.

 

[Sparkl]

First time poster here and I apologize off the bat for a somewhat negative start but here goes - I have never had a single positive experience with Markbass gear. Am I missing something? I've owned MB gear on multiple occasions (Why? Because it kept getting recommended and i'm a sucker for yellow and black) and I've always been left disappointed by the sound i've gotten. I've owned combos, separates , pretty much every combination and i've sold it all. I recently moved to Epifani gear Pic 999 head with the TOUR 4 X 10 and I absolutely love it - Punchy , clean and tons of headroom. I would say definitely in the same price point as MB but really just blows MB away IMO. Tell me MB users - What's the big deal? Sacrilegious, i know

MB gear has a nice mix projection but I just don't care for their nasal upper mid range, to aggressive for my taste and there's really nothing you can do about it unless you add other preamps/fine EQs to preshape your bass sound.

 

[Slevage]

My go to is a 1-12 combo wit a 1-12 extension.

Sounds great. Love the weight and small footprint. Add a Tone Hammer pedal when I need some grit which isn’t often.

 

[chris_b]

Tell me MB users

Tell you what?

You already told us you prefer Epifani to Markbass. I like both, you only like one, what more is there to say?

I'd much rather you told me about the liking Epifani.

 

[bassbully]

I had the anniversary LMIII and a matching 2x10 cab. I gigged it for three years. It was a great rig, light, loud and punchy.

 

[BluesWalker]

Yes

 

[PaulCISSA]

I don't like their stuff, very sterile sounding and they are the most hideous looking amps ever made IMHO. Remember the band Stryper?

View attachment 3331026

Aaaahhhggg! Shoot me now!

 

[Happy Face]

They were one of the first ultra-lite amps so they were revered here (by many) when Guitar Center first introduced them. Now they are one of many light weight rigs so they must compete based on sound rather than weight alone.

 

[Tony In Philly]

If a good sounding small room amp that can easily be DI'ed out to an FOH, not suffering injuries from loading and unloading, and taking up a small footprint on stage and in your vehicle sound repugnant to you, then by all means, Markbass is not for you.

 

[ImaStupidBaby]

some people like some amps, some people don't like others.

some people like some basses, some people don't like others.

the fortunate thing is there are lots of choices available to pick what you like.

Personally, I like MB (I have a little mark III and a TC Electronic 2x10). But there's no reason you have to like it just because I do. At least you have tried them before saying you don't like them.

 

[psychovox]

I can't speak to their amps and cabs (played some in store with unfamiliar basses so I don't feel qualified to comment), but I can speak to some of their pedals. The Compressore is one of my favorite bass compressors. It gives a lovely tubey warmth and a nice natural compression. If I still ever played a 4 string, I would probably use nothing else. The Super Synth gets a lot of criticism that seems based upon the presets. It takes work to dig into the extensive programming and make come to life like no other. In fact, I've gone through so many synths I could have opened a museum. The Markbass is the only one left on my pedal board.

 

[Jazzish]

Very pleased with my Mark Bass Mini CMD 151P and NY 151 rig. Lots of compliments on tone from many seasoned players. So far very reliable, and I can carry both at the same time.

 

[spaz21387]

I cant get into the markbass sound either. I really like the weight but the tone leaves alot to be desired. Im happy with my big heavy svt and 8x10...

 

[Happy Face]

If a good sounding small room amp that can easily be DI'ed out to an FOH, not suffering injuries from loading and unloading, and taking up a small footprint on stage and in your vehicle sound repugnant to you, then by all means, Markbass is not for you.

Yes, there was a time when the Little Mark was the only choice that checked off all of your boxes. Thankfully that's not the case anymore. There are so many good choices now!

 

[MordBass]

So... ive liked the small heads from them when trying out and when hearing them live from another band.... but Ive heard issues with reliability and parts availability and to be honest... the yellow speakers are a deal breaker for me. I dont want the boxes behind me to be a focal point... they shouldnt be grabbing attention behind who's playing. Waaaaaay too loud of a visual style for music gear.
Guitars/basses are fine because youre wearing them... but cabs should be fairly discreet.

 

[DWBass]

I use a Little Mark 250 Blackline that my wife bought for me last year and love it, works great for me.

View attachment 3331411

I gig one as well. Great amp so far.

 

[Amano]

Don’t understand the hype either. Most of their products sucks the musical fire out of me. Maybe just don’t follow the hype. Could be they made the first portable gear. They excel in marketing. People think its exotic because its an Italian company. Overhere in Europe Italian made was never recommended for its technical quality. See small Italian cars like Fiat.

In defence I recently played a Markbass made Musicman amp and its matching 8x10 cabinet, this sounded really good. It was small, good sounding and very powerful. Unfortunately the serie is discontinued.

 

[JazzCrazy]

Is there an authorized MB service center in the states that does post warranty repairs?