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MARK BASS OR AMPEG?

#3
What are your wattage requirements?

The PF-500 and pretty much any Ampeg cab would do most gigs I could think of.

If you want the option to get louder get a SVT-7 Pro.

I have had some one on one support with this Micro VR issue with Ampeg and I can say talking to someone based in the US that actually plays the products is a huge +1 to Loud (company that owns Ampeg) for me. I mean they even sent me a prototype head to test at a gig to make sure the issues were fixed.

I don't know how MarkBass support works in the US or where they have call centers but any amp can make noise, it's when you have a problem you need to decide who will support you better.
 
#6
I used to own a Markbass head and combo, and wasn't especially happy with their CS when I had an issue. Partially it was because of GC warranty center, but it was also partially because of Markbass and their not being very well set up to handle warranty repairs in the US at the time. I understand they've gotten better about it these days, but I don't know firsthand because I sold my Markbass stuff and went back to Ampeg. Markbass heads sound really good, but the whole reason I got Markbass in the first place is because it reminded me of my favorite sounds with Ampeg, only much lighter. But now Ampeg has that covered, and to an even bigger degree than the Markbass, so I use Ampeg.
 
#7
I've just made the switch from MarkBass to Ampeg. I had the CMD 102P combo and now I've got a PF-500 and a matching 210. They're all great products, but for me the Ampeg wins hands down. It's got a lot more character than the MarkBass and my band really like my tone now and I'm rather smitten with the Ampeg's look. The MarkBass did hold up very well to two years of practices and gigging without any problems though. Mind you, if the new portaflex series had been out when I was looking to buy two years ago, I think I'd have come away with Ampeg gear.
 
#10
kjizzel said:
Im looking for a new cab/head... kinda narrowed it down to those two to choose from just need any recommendations??
Click to expand...

Did you test drive them both first, or are you basing it on user reviews? After all the hype about MarkBass I had to try them out myself. I found a store that had quite a few of them and I spent a lot of time testing them (to my ear).

The end result for me was that they're all power and lack any distinctive character. Almost like they try too hard to be something special, and in the end, there's just no character at all.

That's just my ears though. So I'd recommend you play test them before making any decisions.

As far as Ampeg goes, I think we both know that they're all about character. Very distinctive sound. You either love'm or hate'm.
 
#11
When I bought my MarkBass CMD 121P I compared it against the Ampeg 15"ers, and it wasn't even close, sound or volume wise and the amp is half the size of the Ampegs. I get constant comments on my bass tone from the little 12"er. If you play with the EQ and the contour knobs you can get nearly any tone from it. From what I have seen they are extremely reliable.

In honesty must say that the PF-500 was not out at the time - but I find it hard to imagine something sounding better in actual use. However, I didn't like the MB 102P.
 
#13
I own a LMIII and Ampeg CL and I love them both but for different reasons. The Ampeg has THE tone I want, but it weighs 80lbs. The Markbass has a great tone that's not quite as good as the Ampeg, but it weighs in at only 6lbs :eek:
 

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