Lightweight amp shootout at Guitar Center

[Tubeblaster]

I had a nice opportunity to play a number of the Markbass combos at Guitar Center this afternoon, plus the Mesa Walkabout. I've recently decided to get a lightweight combo and have been reading the forum posts here for a couple of weeks with great interest. I finally had a chance to try a few out.

Suffice it to say they all sounded great. Here are the ones I tried.

Mesa Walkabout Scout
Mini CMD 121P
Mini CMD 151P
CMD 151P Jeff Berlin
CMD 102P

The Scout had a great sound but not enough volume to meet my needs.

I used the same settings on all the Markbass combos with gain at 12:00 and volume almost maxed at about 4:30.

The 121P had enough volume but sputtered a bit on the low E when really cranked.

The 151P didn't sputter at volume but I wasn't quite satisfied with the apparent volume with gain at 12:00 and master close to max.

The 151P Jeff Berlin sounded better than I expected and I enjoyed the low bass thump but given a choice, I'd go with the tweeter and turn it down when needed.

Despite getting very nice sounds from all the above, I couldn't say I was really satisfied with the bass frequency, chest thump and volume until I plugged into 102P. Instant smile on my face. I would've bought it but I haven't tried the Max Shuttle 6.0 series yet.

Drove over to Sam Ash but they didn't have any so I've got to find a store that has them. I'm in Charlotte, NC on business for a couple of weeks so if anyone knows of store that sells Genz Benz around here, please let me know.

 

[JimmyM]

Interesting...the Sam Ash in Charlotte is a GB dealer.

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That's a list of dealers in NC. Looks like most are a big of a drive for you, but when you're spending a grand or more on a combo, what's a couple hours' drive?

 

[hasbeen]

Music City Music
1408 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28806
828- 253-8735

They are a stocking dealer.

 

[hasbeen]

Interesting...the Sam Ash in Charlotte is a GB dealer.

Invalid Link Removed

That's a list of dealers in NC. Looks like most are a big of a drive for you, but when you're spending a grand or more on a combo, what's a couple hours' drive?

thanks for the assistance Jimmy. Most of the Ash stoes don't have a lot of stock though....I wish they did.

OP- Please call ahead with Ash.

 

[Tubeblaster]

Music City Music
1408 Patton Ave
Asheville, NC 28806
828- 253-8735

They are a stocking dealer.

Great. Thanks for the reference and I happen to be driving that direction one day next week.

 

[IdealWay]

I was in Music City the other day looking to try out new heads and don't remember seeing the Shuttle 6.0. It could've been hiding somewhere but I'm pretty thorough when it comes to playing on awesome gear in a music shop

On a side note... if you can make it over to the Sam Ash in Charlotte, I highly recommend you try the Hartke HyDrive cabs if you haven't already. They held it down like a fat kid on a see-saw.

 

[B-string]

Didn't try out the G-K MB2-500?

 

[Munjibunga]

You probably won't find a WTX-500, but it'd be worth a try. The EQ is a little less sensitive than the rest of Eden's WT line, but still can provide a very broad spectrum of tones. Plenty of power, too.

 

[Tubeblaster]

Didn't try out the G-K MB2-500?

Not yet. Didn't see one at either place but I'll find it too. Thanks.

 

[Tubeblaster]

You probably won't find a WTX-500, but it'd be worth a try. The EQ is a little less sensitive than the rest of Eden's WT line, but still can provide a very broad spectrum of tones. Plenty of power, too.

Another good tip. Thanks.