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MARK BASS OR AMPEG?

#24
I don't think you can go wrong with either, really. I currently use a Markbass CMD121P + the matching extension cab, but I love the sound of the new PF500 and their 15" cabs. In fact, I was thinking about selling off my MB rig to fund a PF500 until I found that MB cab locally for almost nothing.

For what its worth, I'm using my amp set flat along with a VT Bass, so if my rig were run over by a train, I could probably recreate my sound for cheaper with the new Ampeg gear.
 
#25
You kind of have to narrow it down to the specific models from each company to make a comparison. I have a Markbass LMII and love it. I got it because it sounded great, was really light, and had a ton of power. Ive had it for over 3 years now and gigged the hell out of it and never had a problem. I would love an all tube amp but then again, at 3 am its really nice to have a 6 lb amp.
 
#27
I took some time at GC about a week ago and used the same bass, american P, with both the Markbass CMD102P combo and the Ampeg PF500 with the PF210. I currently own the Markbass and have for about 1 year and the Ampeg to me just sounded honky in the mids compared to what I was able to EQ with the Markbass. Both are good, but my side by side left me scratching my head thinking that the Ampeg was going to be something amazing after reading all of the hype on Talkbass. It is all preference but if the Ampeg was not so new I don't think it would get this much attention.
MARKBASS!!!!!
 
#28
FuManChu said:
I took some time at GC about a week ago and used the same bass, american P, with both the Markbass CMD102P combo and the Ampeg PF500 with the PF210. I currently own the Markbass and have for about 1 year and the Ampeg to me just sounded honky in the mids compared to what I was able to EQ with the Markbass. Both are good, but my side by side left me scratching my head thinking that the Ampeg was going to be something amazing after reading all of the hype on Talkbass. It is all preference but if the Ampeg was not so new I don't think it would get this much attention.
MARKBASS!!!!!
Click to expand...
I'm scratching my head with this one...Markbass' whole thing with their cabs is honky mids. That's the first time I ever heard an Ampeg rig being called honky in the mids in comparison to a Markbass rig. But different strokes, I guess.
 
#30
I'm a huge Markbass fan.

I have a Littlemark III 800w solid state that has all the power and tone I can imagine. It's extraordinarily flexible.
I think most people don't work with their EQ/Tone controls as much as I have. The Markbass is extremely capable on all fronts if you work with it.

I power 2 Avatar B410 Neos with it and the combination KILLS with either 1 or both cabs.

I'm sure Ampeg will do the same thing provided you take the time to work with it. They have great products too.

It's just a matter of personal preference in the end. You pretty much can't go wrong with either.

:hyper::cool::hyper:
 
#33
They both put out a good product so you really just need to play both brands and see which you like better. I play a Markbass Jeff Berlin, but that's because I like the way it sounds, not because I think Ampeg, or any other brand, is inferior. Have fun playing all those great amps.
 
#34
I dont know what your 'needs' are but i may have an Ampeg b2r head and 4x10 cab (ampeg as well) that i have sittin around and no longer need.... location would obviously be a huge part --> indiana

pm me if interested as i do not wish to anger the forum gods
 
#37
im in the same boat on the op. I went to a GC this weekend and tried various markbass and ampeg. The combo that sounded the worst was the portaflex 500 and mbass 1X15. The one that sounded the best was the mb tube 800 and mb 1X15. The next best sounding was actually the ba 115 @ 110, then the mb lm III with the mb 1X15. Then the jeff berlin. then the 121.

My point is even within those two brands there is a huge range of sounds. To these ears if you want tube the portaflex is not going to do it, but it will sound like an ampeg. The mb tube 800 gets close but not exact to a ampeg svt pro 7 or similar.

Markbass sounded good with my 66 jazz, and I still am on the fence.
 
#38
Lots of models, lots of different features and qualities with each of these models, this is too wide of a comparison in that respect. I've never had a single issue with my Markbass CMD 121P, so I've never had to deal with Guitar Center/Markbass customer service.

I can say that I did a side by side comparison of the Ampeg PF500 vs. the LM II in my Markbass combo, both through a Markbass 12 inch cab. I had a slight preference for the Markbass due to a little better clarity and the advantage of the VLE and VPF controls. I'd be quite happy with the PF500 if I didn't already have the Markbass.
 

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