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Markbass CMD 121. WOW!

PhatBasstard

PhatBasstard

Spector Dissector
Feb 3, 2002
8,191
3,010
Tacoma WA
#1
Just picked this up from a local store in like new condition for only $500 out-the-door :eek:(figured I could flip it if I didn't like it).

All I can say is WOW on two fronts (this thing is not going anywhere)!
1. First, the tone. This thing produces unbelievable highs/upper harmonics without being ticky or clanky. I even had to roll in a touch of the VLE (Vintage Loudspeaker Emulator) just so it wouldn't be a little too glassy.

2. Haven't hooked it up to an extension cab yet (that will happen tonight at the gig), but for only a 1x12 this thing is pretty massive sounding on it's own.

I think a Markbass head for my bigger rig may be in my future.
:bassist:

PS. If anyone ends up selling one of the extension cabs for this (New York 121 or Traveler 121) let me know.
 
#4
I also own the CMD121P. It is awesome for its size and weight, awesome tone etc, etc. I do actually find the tweeter to be slightly abrasive however. It can sometimes get a bit clicky with high energy slapping. This is pretty much the only gripe I have with it. Good choice on amp. :)
Also, I have found a way to remove and use the head as a LMII, so if you ever want to use a different cab, it is possible. Doing so would of course void the warranty, but in the long run, you'd be saving lots of money.
 
#8
You are right - this is an AMAZING amp. There is little that can compare in performance per dollar per size.

Try this - on your next gig - back it into a corner near the stage, on the floor. The sound output will be TREMENDOUS. The corner acts as a giant horn and the output will be much higher with less actual output needed. I have never needed to turn the master volume to more than about 11 O'clock using it this way, and it rattles the room.

For outdoors, I needed an extension cab, and found the Schroeder 1212L. TWO 12s in a cab nearly as small as the 121 and about the same weight. Together they are formidable.

Have fun!

Mini-Stack.jpg
 
#9
Agreed! It really is the best amp I've ever owned. I usually set it flat with the VLE at 12 o'clock. My G-K 700 hasn't left the house since I got it. It works great for double bass too. For larger rooms, I use it with my Aguilar GS112. Can't speak highly enough of it!
 
#11
Gio S said:
You are right - this is an AMAZING amp. There is little that can compare in performance per dollar per size.

Try this - on your next gig - back it into a corner near the stage, on the floor. The sound output will be TREMENDOUS. The corner acts as a giant horn and the output will be much higher with less actual output needed. I have never needed to turn the master volume to more than about 11 O'clock using it this way, and it rattles the room.

For outdoors, I needed an extension cab, and found the Schroeder 1212L. TWO 12s in a cab nearly as small as the 121 and about the same weight. Together they are formidable.

Have fun!

Mini-Stack.jpg
Click to expand...
I have the fore runner to that cab, the Tech Soundsystems CT2000. I want to use it like that, but it's a 4 ohm cab so I would have to unplug the CMD 121 speaker. I think I'm going to get the New York or Traveler extension cab.
 
#12
I too love my CMD 121, some of the best money I've ever invested in an amp. Using it last night with my jazz quartet I was amazed again how warm and punchy a sound it can produce. I use the VLE control to attenuate the horn, the eq is also quite sensitive. The sound per weight ratio with this combo is simply awesome. The OP also got a great deal on his for $500!
 
#13
bassvi said:
The OP also got a great deal on his for $500!
Click to expand...
It was actually owned by a store employee who was a guitarist who bought it on a whim to play a little bass. He had it for a month or two, said he never used it, and had it on the floor for signifigantly more.

I, half jokingly, said I'll give you $500 out-the-door.
To my surprise he fairly quickly said "yes".

I should have said $400. :p
 
#15
Gio S said:
You are right - this is an AMAZING amp. There is little that can compare in performance per dollar per size.

Try this - on your next gig - back it into a corner near the stage, on the floor. The sound output will be TREMENDOUS. The corner acts as a giant horn and the output will be much higher with less actual output needed. I have never needed to turn the master volume to more than about 11 O'clock using it this way, and it rattles the room.

For outdoors, I needed an extension cab, and found the Schroeder 1212L. TWO 12s in a cab nearly as small as the 121 and about the same weight. Together they are formidable.

Have fun!

Mini-Stack.jpg
Click to expand...
Wow, three 12s vertically aligned. I bet that is a great sounding rig.
 
#16
One little niggle with this amp:
Anyone tried to take the logo off the grill or re-mount it?
It's fairly sizable, solid and seems to block about 15% of the speaker area.
There's still about an inch and a half of grill below it. Why didn't they mount it down to the bottom edge where it wouldn't block the driver almost at all?!?

Is the glue tough to deal with?
 

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