Mark Bass Reliability

[J Gold]

I gigged a Little Mark 800 pretty hard for about 6 years before it died. The authorized repair shop I sent to quoted upwards of $500 to repair it, so I told them to trash it. I bought a Mesa Boogie D800+ in its place 3 years ago.

 

[Mark A Munoz]

I'm sure their cabs are great (I play Trace Eliott top to bottom). But their amps aren't a easy fix if you happen to have problems with it.

 

[geowis]

What brand is that?

Mesa Boogie

 

[Mark A Munoz]

Mesa Boogie

Markbass heads are a headache

 

[Turlu]

I've had mine (MarkBass Jeff Berlin Combo w/ NYC 115 cab) since 2009 and it's been nothing but flawless. Please understand that it's never left my home. I bought it used from a TB member and they had gigged it before I bought it, however it is built well with durable corner protection and a decent locking system to keep stacks where they should be.

FWIW I also use a plethora of pedals with it and it sounds great with or without them.

I hope this helps ( is there really help when GAS calls? ?!? Ok, I'm an enabler - I admit it )

Exactly the same here! Never had a single issue with that rig, ever!!! And with all of my MarkBass gear in the past too!

 

[staurosjohn]

I’ve had quite a number of MB products- since 2009 (still have a few). I am fortunate that I live in Maryland & had a licensed MB repairman- about 45mins from me... he has moved to PA- but is still only an hour-ish away. I’ve had one (801 combo) speaker go out (was a floor model)- took about 3 weeks to get a new one & get it repaired... and had a switch break- he keeps them in stock- repaired while I waited. He’s probably not close to you- but maybe someone is?

 

[NativeBobcat]

I’ve had my Markbass 250 since 2002. It’s so old it predates the Blackline units. So mine is actually Made in Italy. Gigged and moved it around regularly. Never had a problem with it.

 

[JimmyM]

From what I have seen, it's a pretty good shop.

I'm sure it's terrific, but it really seems weird that they would only let one shop work on their gear in the whole US.

 

[Rojd]

I have a Little Mark 250 Black Line that developed an issue last year after having it for 8 months. I emailed Markbass in Italy, and heard right back the next day, given they're several hrs ahead. It was under manufacturers warranty so I sent it to the authorized repair facility in CA, $25 to ship. Not bad. Took about 3 weeks, as I understand they're very busy. They replaced all the pots, and I got it back better than new. It's now a backup as I upgraded to something with a little more horsepower.

 

[moon-bass]

I've played Markbass gear for over a decade, owned combos, amp heads, speakers. Still use the speakers, and miss the amp head so much that I might pick another one up. Never had any issues whatsoever, and I used some of it quite heavily.

For the 2*10 cabs, best balance of tone, portability, and price out there!

 

[Sparky Mark]

I have a preference for the older class AB Markbass heads so have accumulated several (LM2, two SA450, TA500) as replacements for my 2009 LM3 when it dies. I bought all of them for less than the Markbass authorized tech would charge to repair. I won't live long enough to get through the backups.

 

[pingvuiini]

I had the popular MB 2x10 combo which I foolishly sold. It was very compact and mobile. I was conveniently able to stow all the instrument, power and XLR cables in the ports in the back and literally carry just the amp in one hand and my bass in the other. It was loud and the tilt-back was perfect for the 'stage monitor w/ XLR out to FOH' setup. No problems at all with that amp and I wish I had it back.

I now have the MB 1x12 combo with 1x12 extension speaker for a mini stack. Also very reliable although it hasn't been gigged as much as the 2x10. I just got a new MB TT-800 head and so the MB mini stack may be on the block soon.

 

[Laurent]

I'm sure it's terrific, but it really seems weird that they would only let one shop work on their gear in the whole US.

Not that weird perhaps if you consider that Aguilar services all their amps for the US. The number of service points is probably proportional to how big the brand is, I would suspect.

 

[Matty Koff]

I had a MoMark from Markbass.. and when it started showing problems I can see why it was discontinued and not a popular item once I took it apart to see if I could diagnose what was wrong. It was outside of warranty when it went wonky. That soured me on Markbass.. though plenty of people seem to have good experiences with the LittleMarks.

I went with the other MB.. Mesa/Boogie.. and no regrets there.

 

[JimmyM]

Not that weird perhaps if you consider that Aguilar services all their amps for the US. The number of service points is probably proportional to how big the brand is, I would suspect.

Possibly, but Aggie's not exactly a little brand anymore. Dave ought to consider expanding his reach a little if you ask me.

 

[superblues]

I am another user with a well gigged Little Mark II that is still going strong. The only issue was the Neutrik combo Speakon-1/4" jack went bad, but it's only on Markbass for choosing what turned out to be a notoriously flimsy part (and lousy eq points, imo). Repairing the jack was a simple and straightforward repair.

 

[Plain Old Barry]

My Little Mark III has been flawless. I'd buy another if it were stolen.

However, it's worth considering that I've have had probably 25-30 amp heads since 1978 and they've all been perfectly reliable. Included are Acoustic, Ampeg, Lab Series (remember them?), Fender, Sunn, Crate, Music Man, Mesa, Yamaha (yes, they made amps), Marshall, Trace, GK, Roland, and Hartke. I've probably left a few out...

So... I'm either really easy on gear or I don't buy enough Powerball tickets.

I have blown speakers, but never an amp.

 

[selowitch]

I have a 2009 Markbass Mini CMP 121P (for the rehearsal space) and a 2012 Markbass Mini CMP 121P and a New York 121 cabinet (for home and gig use). I have had zero issues with them. Rock solid performers. I don’t have to fiddle with them much to get them to what I need them to do. They also don’t weigh a ton nor do they take up much space.

I sure do like ’em.

Fairly easy to acquire used, too.

 

[groooooove]

i've only ever used markbass heads since starting a full time career in music.

once small DI issue that was easily repaired locally.

i love mine.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Dealing with a major case of GAS, Not fighting it, doing some window shopping for the time being.
The MM model combo with the 3X10 array is calling to me..

I've met a few players who while they love their Mark Bass gear have had issue with it & getting them repaired was an ordeal.

Curious if this was an exception to normally great gear or is it something a lot of players experience?..

I don’t think there is an amp made that will never fail. Things happen. If MB was selling a lot of substandard gear, word would get around. Most of the failures that I heard about are component failures, not design or shoddy manufacturing failures. If the design is solid, and it’s well put together, that’s the best you can hope for. As for components failure, I’m sure it comes with a warranty.