• 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.

Just about to pull the trigger on CMD121P. Any advice?

GManfromOz

GManfromOz

Jul 27, 2016
467
933
#1
After a long time looking I'm just about to spend a not inconsiderable sum, A$1520 (that's Australia dudes), on a Markbass CMD121P. I've made some expensive mistakes in the past and don't want to make another.

Any warnings or affirmations?
 
Last edited:
#3
GManfromOz said:
After a long time looking I'm just about to spend a not inconsiderable sum, A$1520, on a Markbass CMD121P. I've made some expensive mistakes in the past and don't want to make another.

Any warnings or affirmations?
Click to expand...

Holy crap, are they that much now? That's a chunk of change.

Anyway, I have played guitar and keys in a band with a guy who used one. All I can say is, if your drummer is even moderately loud, save your nickels for the MB 12" extension cab. You'll be needing it. Otherwise, you'll be okay with the CMD121P and very happy with the tone.

I've been playing MarkBass exclusively for about 8 years now. Clean and transparent are the two words that come to mind. If you like the sound of your bass and that's what you want coming out of your rig, it's a great choice.
 
  • Like
Reactions: G RICH 5 and TN WOODMAN
#6
electracoyote said:
Holy crap, are they that much now? That's a chunk of change.

Anyway, I have played guitar and keys in a band with a guy who used one. All I can say is, if your drummer is even moderately loud, save your nickels for the MB 12" extension cab. You'll be needing it. Otherwise, you'll be okay with the CMD121P and very happy with the tone.

I've been playing MarkBass exclusively for about 8 years now. Clean and transparent are the two words that come to mind. If you like the sound of your bass and that's what you want coming out of your rig, it's a great choice.
Click to expand...

They really are expensive and that's why I'm hesitant. I've bought "top shelf" gear in the past only to be underwhelmed and bought cheap (for Australia anyway) gear that is suprisingly good.

I thought I might save myself 500 clams and get a rumble 500 combo.
 
#9
GManfromOz said:
They really are expensive and that's why I'm hesitant. I've bought "top shelf" gear in the past only to be underwhelmed and bought cheap (for Australia anyway) gear that is suprisingly good.

I thought I might save myself 500 clams and get a rumble 500 combo.
Click to expand...

In Germany the Markbass 112P is 799,- and the Fender Rumble 500 is 657,-. Don't know how I would decide in your shoes. The Fender is a bit heavier (17 vs. 12 kilogramms) but it is a 2x10 instead of a 1x12. I love the Markbass for the small size and weight and the incredible volume it puts out in relation to that, but if the size of the Fender doesn't bother you? It gets lots of good reviews.

- It doesn't have a mute just like the Markbass
- the DI-Out doesn't allow you to choose between pre and post, it is post.
(I wouldn't use such a DI live, but if you have another DI it doesn't matter much). Just imagine you make yourself louder to hear yourself on stage and you get the same amount louder through the PA!!! Your mixer will get a heart-attack or starts to hate you...
- there is a bit of hiss
- on the Fender you can deactivate the tweeter, on the Markbass you can't
- the Markbass sounds a bit boxy, esp. if close to a wall, I guess that is due to the bass port being on the back, maybe the Fender doesn't have that problem due to the clean ports on the front?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: monkeyland
#12
electracoyote said:
Our definitions of "loud" must be far different.

I strongly advise getting a return agreement and auditioning any combo with your drummer, full band if possible, before committing.
Click to expand...

Return agreement? There's no such thing in my experience. Once it's out of the shop the only thing australian retailers want to see is your back, preferably disappearing over the horizon ... fast.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Manichga and rllefebv
#13
If you tried it in the store and liked the sound just buy the damn thing. The worst that's going to happen is you'll have to add another cab to get the volume up on louder gigs. But to be honest if this is the type and size of amp you were considering it will probably be fine for everything. I've played a packed 175 seat pub with mine a couple of times not running through the PA with no issues. It's amazingly loud.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GManfromOz
#14
DirkP said:
I've played with louder drummers and didn't need an extension cab. Get this too:
Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...
I''ve used a 50 watt 6" speaker micromark in a combo with drums.electric gtr,and vocals,and it was more than adequate,which totally blew my mind.
The cmd121p i've used for the last 5 years has been plenty loud enough by itself for most gigs,with 2 medium loud bands. I usually don't bother with my traveller 1-12 cab unless we're playing an outdoor gig. Bottom line,I definitely recommend the combo. It has a clean sound,so If you need any tube grit,i suggest an OD or VT pedal.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TN WOODMAN
#19
GManfromOz said:
Reason?
Click to expand...



It wont hurt the amp but the sound will be very compressed and will eventually distort badly if turnrd to loud.


The clip LED is the INPUT gain clip indicator, and has nothing to do with the output of the amp. On a solid state preamp like most of the Markbass models, there is an 'optimum' setting for your amp (optimum meaning the best signal to noise ratio, and the strongest, cleanest signal going into the EQ and power amp).
 
  • Like
Reactions: TN WOODMAN, Jeff Bonny and GManfromOz

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back