I agree, they can't demand too much on the used market... because when they first came out, they were priced very low, particularly against their direct competition. Did that low initial cost bother anyone?
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Markbass Amp repair?
- Thread starter BassSaxMan
- Start date
I agree, they can't demand too much on the used market... because when they first came out, they were priced very low, particularly against their direct competition. Did that low initial cost bother anyone?
Well, there's reality and then there's the rest of this stuff. Ken. I guess people have to run with something. Dwelling on a single $415 repair as if it is the norm is prety disingenuous IMO.
I agree, they can't demand too much on the used market... because when they first came out, they were priced very low, particularly against their direct competition. Did that low initial cost bother anyone?
+1 Actually, the 'used price versus new price' percentage on LMII heads is about average compared to other 'earlier generation heads from other manufacturers (i.e., older, discontinued amps). However, the very low initial cost results in a VERY low used price.
Any idea how many "ridiculous repair situations" there are out there vs. how many units are in service? Does it matter?
I'd be asking the same questions about any product with a similar track record. People are acting like these regularly fail.
Exactly, which as far as I can tell is still a good thing for a buyer. And since you couldn't sink but so much into it upon initial acquisition...
Have people really forgotten the price/performance ratio prior to the LMII? I haven't. In fact many at the time considered it impossible that Markbass was selling what they claimed.
To be fair, Markbass's communication regarding out of warranty repair has been pretty bad in the US. Lot's of confusion out there (even though, luckily, very little need for it at this point).
Since I love these heads so much, I've pounded on the company a little bit to get their act together regarding US service and support for out of warranty repair situations. I've been impressed with the responses I've received, and it seems that they are working on a reasonably priced service network across the US. At least that's what I've been told.
We shall see what happens!
If anyone is worried about the repair cost on ANYTHING, why wouldn't you either buy something with a warranty or make sure it was an option? I understand the mindset at work in this thread, it simply makes no sense to me as a frequent consumer. Why would you do otherwise knowing your comfort level with paying for a potential but highly unlikely repair?
I bought my BMW for peanuts, less than half the market value at the time. If my engine blew tomorrow and I had to buy another engine, I'd still be way ahead of the game. There's the trees and then there's the forest, folks. Some can't see both.
I bought my BMW for peanuts, less than half the market value at the time. If my engine blew tomorrow and I had to buy another engine, I'd still be way ahead of the game. There's the trees and then there's the forest, folks. Some can't see both.
I am trying to not worry about what might happen down the road. I bought my Markbass head because of their reputation for reliability. I have owned 2 now and both have performed flawlessly. I understand the argument though.
This is true too. The confusion added to the misinformation doesn't always present a very clear picture.
Take the armchair estimates on what a pot replacement "should" cost. That gets others who don't even have an armchair wound up... the blind enraging the blind. What's the point?
I guess I'm more pragmatic than the norm when it comes to my gear. I'm not going to be out of commission should my amp need repair and it takes even a month to repair. I'm not going to have to pay expedited fees just to get back in the game. Knowing that the typical person let alone musician wastes a lot of money on other stuff, the fact that many who actually need their gear don't have options makes no sense to me.
Right. And this is good. Soon we'll all have great sounding rigs for less than $500.
And I don't think $330 is that much of a 'freak deal'. Watch eBay. And there have certainly been LMIIs selling for less than $400 here lately. I PM'd someone earlier -- offered him $350 -- and he accepted. (Eventually backed out -- told him I might -- because this bid went through minutes later.)
As you wish... see my attachment.
So it's not on the very low side of what they sell for? I've been watching the market too. There's a Little Mark 250 for $325... not quite the same thing.
Guitar Center used gear posted online. I see one LMII for $299 in Bartlett, TN. One for $349.99 in Moosic, PA. And if you look closely, that 'LM 250' is a LE Marco 08 LMII, 500W into 4 ohm.
My point is that the prices are dropping in a statistically significant manner. Not sure that's really contestable, though that $330 is a representative price certainly is.
My point is that the prices are dropping in a statistically significant manner. Not sure that's really contestable, though that $330 is a representative price certainly is.
Yes it is... and of course that screw up on the listing had no effect on the sale. In the meantime did you not notice the other LMII's or are you just ignoring them?
What about the other LMII's on GC's website? You're not mentioning them either because...? I looked before I saw this thread. I keep my eye on the market and look on a regular basis. You got a deal on that amp whether you choose to believe it or not.
You said watch ebay... I do
. I also watch GC's used section on their website. IME while it's generally representative they do screw up used pricing frequently. My two favorite examples are the two Minimark combos I bought through the website for well under $400. And in both cases they mentioned that they'd screwed up on the trade-in. That's not what those combos normally go for.LMII's still regularly go for $400 or more. I just looked at ebay and it bore that out. Just like you suggested.
http://www.craiglook.com/all.html?q=markbass+little+mark
Until more people are giving them away for $330 I wouldn't consider that the market value. YMMV
Until more people are giving them away for $330 I wouldn't consider that the market value. YMMV
I agree it's not the norm for a LM to need this board repalcement. But it must be the norm one would pay if it should need to be done. Unless this shop in conjunction with Markbass has lowered their prices.Dwelling on a single $415 repair as if it is the norm is prety disingenuous IMO.
exactly my point. almost let brad and ken make me feel like a big idiot till you came along with that.
hey, markbass makes a fantastic sounding bunch of amps imho. but from now on i'm sticking with amps that can be repaired at the component level, or i'm going to buy used and dirt cheap like my crate power block.
Do you honestly believe there are any "technological secrets" in bass amplification?
This stuff is all pretty standard.
