MarkBass 121p Smells funny

[roccobladr]

I just came home from a gig and during the last set i smelled something funny. We checked the PA speakers and everything and I noticed it seemed to be coming from my amp!

I turn it of in between sets so it was only on for about 45 mins at a time. It was also pretty warm when I checked the smell.

Im no expert, but it doesnt seem like a good thing to me lol.
Ive only had it a few months..maybe 6 months tops. The only thing different about tonight was that I was using my brand new Musicman stingray 5. Could the bass have anything to do with it?

 

[Jaco who?]

It would probably be better for the amp if you just turned the gain and volume down all the way in between sets so the fan can work. Less stress than from turning it off and on, too.

Can't really say about the smell. The burning silicon type is pretty different than anything else, though.

 

[Doufuss]

I can relate to this as I had an LMK for about a year and finally sold it due to the smell. Right from the start the head had that odor and while it didn't get any worse if pushed hard, it was always there.

Keep in mind that there is a .06% failure rate on Markbass equipment, so I think you probably have nothing to worry about. Just make sure you keep it well ventilated and periodically use a can of air to dust it out. They're kind of built like a PC power supply, so there is a little maintenance that should be performed.

I can tell you this, there is NO smell from the LMIII I bought a month ago.

 

[JxBass]

I've owned my LMII for a couple of years. For quite some time it too had an unusual, similar to burning smell. I read about other people having the same odorous experience with their Markbass amps but not having any problems as a result. I forged on and the smell is now gone, although it took awhile. It might have to do with goop or coatings they use on their electronics baking off?

 

[roccobladr]

well im glad its not uncommon. makes me feel a little better. still sux to have it do that lol but ill live with it. thanks.

 

[B-string]

New amp smell (cooking off the heat sinks)? Some people fart in their cars to get rid of that "new car" smell?

 

[DanGouge]

I've noticed this smell too, but mostly when they have dirt pedals in front of them. Never had any indication that the amp was about to fail as a result of it though.

 

[Bassamatic]

Just watch it. Mine has no smell at all.

The smell means something is getting hot. It may be that it is normal and a little heat sink grease, etc. got on one of the power transistors and it is cooking off, or something like that, but in general, it shouldn't smell.

Check to be sure that the fan is working.

 

[PSPookie]

Didn't some of the early LMIIs have a smell issue that was related to the particular glue they were using?