Markbass F1 First Impressions

[KJung]

Yeah I have a Mooradian bag and it has huge pockets, but I don't have an F1 to try this out with.

Just IMO here, but I would not put an amplifier, no matter how small, in the completely unpadded outer pocket of a gig bag.

I had high hopes for the SlimBag, since there is a padded, protected laptop compartment within the very large front compartment, which itself is somewhat padded for protection. It almost fits!!!!! If it was 10 x 8 it would be no problem

However, it's so small, that the Mooradian amp bags I use with both the F1 and the LMII make it a breeze to schlep!

 

[Bjazzman]

what about the fender deluxe bass gig bags? it looks like it might fit in there.

 

[Bjazzman]

not sure if the padding would be enough for the f1 but i think it might fit in the fender gig bag

 

[macmrkt]

I bought a neoprene laptop sleeve at ebags.com. Fits the F1 and the power cord and still slides into the main pocket of several BG bags.

 

[Wilbyman]

I bought a neoprene laptop sleeve at ebags.com. Fits the F1 and the power cord and still slides into the main pocket of several BG bags.

My favorite purchase has been this X-Box 360 bag. The main compartment fits the Focus/LMII/F1 just fine and the rest of the pockets are great for cords and whatnot. The rear pocket it a good size for sliding a real book in. My measure of a good purchase is how much I use it, and I use this bag all the dern time!

 

[Vic]

My favorite purchase has been this X-Box 360 bag.

Great... now some high school kid is gonna' rip you off someday, get home and go... HEY! WHAT THE...

 

[Wilbyman]

Great... now some high school kid is gonna' rip you off someday, get home and go... HEY! WHAT THE...

Seriously!! Actually, the nice thing is that it doesn't have any noticeable x-box badging on it.

 

[tombowlus]

Seriously!! Actually, the nice thing is that it doesn't have any noticeable x-box badging on it.

Don't fool yourself, those kids know!

 

[Wilbyman]

Don't fool yourself, those kids know!

Yes but, of more concern to me, the old guys I play with DON'T. (I can imagine the ribbing I would get)

 

[Vic]

Yes but, of more concern to me, the old guys I play with DON'T. (I can imagine the ribbing I would get)

Yeah... hehehe... oh, by the way, on an unrelated note, what are all their email addresses?

 

[5StringPocket]

X-box bag... Nice packaging for these small amps but something without a logo would be a lot less likely to be stolen.

Great discussion on the voicing of F1, LMII, and SD800 amps! LMII seems to get the nod for best overall tone and versatility but F1/SD800 can be great with the right amp/cab match. It sounds like even though the SD800 has more headroom, its wide voicing makes the low end sound a litle loose compared to the F1. The F1 also seems to work well with the wide voiced Bergantino HT series and the more evenly voiced Epifani UL-410 Series 2. I like an articulate cab with highs that are clear but not sterile and lows with a solid visceral punch but not boomy.

My question: For an Epi UL2-410 or Berg HT322 would an F1 be the amp of choice of the 3 listed and if so, do you find 500W to provide adequate headroom for most gigs?
I don't play in a metal band or other extreme volume situations but hate it when I can't dial in the right wump for the room to make the groove feel right.

 

[Bassic83]

X-box bag... Nice packaging for these small amps but something without a logo would be a lot less likely to be stolen.

Great discussion on the voicing of F1, LMII, and SD800 amps! LMII seems to get the nod for best overall tone and versatility but F1/SD800 can be great with the right amp/cab match. It sounds like even though the SD800 has more headroom, its wide voicing makes the low end sound a litle loose compared to the F1. The F1 also seems to work well with the wide voiced Bergantino HT series and the more evenly voiced Epifani UL-410 Series 2. I like an articulate cab with highs that are clear but not sterile and lows with a solid visceral punch but not boomy.

My question: For an Epi UL2-410 or Berg HT322 would an F1 be the amp of choice of the 3 listed and if so, do you find 500W to provide adequate headroom for most gigs?
I don't play in a metal band or other extreme volume situations but hate it when I can't dial in the right wump for the room to make the groove feel right.

I've never had a problem with being underpowered on a gig with my LMII. I'll let you borrow it for a little while so you can play with it for a bit in "real-world" settings. It's always satisfied me, and that's with my lowly Schroeder 410L! I've often wondered what it would sound like with your cabs, we've just never had enough time to actually put it through it's paces. I don't have an SD800, nor an F1, but I've considered the SD for big gigs with my Schroeder 310212R...problem being that the Big Box Of Doom doesn't fit in my vehicle! So it'll probably end up going into the 'bay...

 

[chadds]

There is so much love here for the MB products, but here goes.
I only tested it with an EA Cxl112 and two very different Roscoe 5s. I don't plan on cab shopping. It either worked with this or it didn't. I like my EA rig and thought this head would bring another palette of tones for use in the same situations. I understand that cab choice can be huge and that many love MB heads with Epifani and Berg cabs.
1. I love the size.
2. Great build quality.
3. Noisy pre control, scratchy like an old amp.
4. The speed is amazing.
5. The jump and thrust and punch of the mids is also amazing.
6. I was able to duplicate this with the iAMP800.
7. The low bass has been described as appropriate because the low bass on the SD800 and the iAMP800 are considered too huge by some.
The low bass just disappears down low on the B string. You get a growl but no fullness. It was like listening to the low E or B on an inexpensive ABG you hear the string but the note doesn't really have any fundamental. This cab really exposed this.
I do prefer the iAMP800 for this. The SWR BBII has more bass. I can see some bassists not needing or desiring this low bass.
8. The VPF adds a great deal of noise while providing that airy open sound at about 12 o'clock.
9. It seemed to struggle to produce some chords and double stops that other rigs do easily.
10. There are some artifacts noticeable on high notes It is a warbling tone like two strings out of tune . I A/Bed this and it is present only on the F1.
11. Did I say I love the size?!
12. Did try it as a pre, XLR out into a Berg IP310. Sounded smooth and sweet, unless turned all the way up. Absolutely not enough gain to be usable where you would use an IP310.

My conclusions:

Great piece for the price if you are moving up. It's a sign of good things to come. It does sound as good as a lot of gear out there. Above it in price is a lot of gear that blows it a way in tonal maturity.
At the price of the LMII and the F1 the quality of the components is chosen to fit a price point.
I can't see that it could possibly rival a Walter Woods in quality.
It is possible and obvious that for many bassist's uses it may do everything right.

 

[KJung]

There is so much love here for the MB products, but here goes.
I only tested it with an EA Cxl112 and two very different Roscoe 5s. I don't plan on cab shopping. It either worked with this or it didn't. I like my EA rig and thought this head would bring another palette of tones for use in the same situations. I understand that cab choice can be huge and that many love MB heads with Epifani and Berg cabs.
1. I love the size.
2. Great build quality.
3. Noisy pre control, scratchy like an old amp.
4. The speed is amazing.
5. The jump and thrust and punch of the mids is also amazing.
6. I was able to duplicate this with the iAMP800.
7. The low bass has been described as appropriate because the low bass on the SD800 and the iAMP800 are considered too huge by some.
The low bass just disappears down low on the B string. You get a growl but no fullness. It was like listening to the low E or B on an inexpensive ABG you hear the string but the note doesn't really have any fundamental. This cab really exposed this.
I do prefer the iAMP800for this. The SWR BBII has more bass. I can see some bassists not needing or desiring this low bass.
8. The VPF adds a great deal of noise while providing that airy open sound at about 12 o'clock.
9. It seemed to struggle to produce some chords and double stops that other rigs do easily.
10. There are some artifacts noticeable on high notes It is a warbling tone like two strings out of tune . I A/Bed this and it is present only on the F1.
11. Did I say I love the size?!
12. Did try it as a pre, XLR out into a Berg IP310. Sounded smooth and sweet, unless turned all the way up. Absolutely not enough gain to be usable where you would use an IP310.

My conclusions:

Great piece for the price if you are moving up. It's a sign of good things to come. It does sound as good as a lot of gear out there. Above it in price is a lot of gear that blows it a way in tonal maturity.
At the price of the LMII and the F1 the quality of the components is chosen to fit a price point.
I can't see that it could possibly rival a Walter Woods in quality.
It is possible and obvious that for many bassist's uses it may do everything right.

I would agree with most of the above. Don't quite get the noisy pre control. That must be a faulty pot in the particular unit you have. Th controls on every one I've played have been smooth and quiet. I also have never noticed any noise (especiallly compared to the iamp!) when engaging the VPF. I find the MB amps really quiet. However, the VPF at noon is very extreme and I can't imagine using it at that level.

+1 on the low end. The SD800 and iAmp's have huge, deep low bass extension, which can be good and bad depending on the tone you are trying to achieve. I greatly prefer the 'second harmonic punch' of the B string through the F1 or LMII versus the super deep, massive rumble through the iAmp or SD800... pure personal tast there.

I have never noticed a difference or warbling in the high end of the F1, but that doesn't mean it's not there. I'll have to listen more closely.

And... I sold my Walter Woods after I got the F1

All great stuff, and all these amps (WW, iAmp and the various versions of the Mb's) sound different enough that there will be different 'favorites' depending on the tone you are trying to achieve.

Nice review and comments Mr. Chadd!

 

[Vic]

I...the VPF at noon is very extreme and I can't imagine using it at that level.

+1
I was about to say the same thing. I generally like the scoop/enhance sound somewhat and even I have never gone past 10:00, and usually it sits at 9:00. Any more than that is just too much for my tastes.

 

[chadds]

Nice review and comments Mr. Chadd!

Thanks, Mr. KJung!

 

[chadds]

Returned the F1 today. GC was very friendly. Asked if it worked okay but just wasn't right for me. I said yes.
It had a slight grit. I like a clear tone when I want one. I think it's the price point electronics. I have to watch myself on TB because I can impose what I think and value on another's descriptions of the sound of a piece of gear. " Warm mids fast response" may be bright treble and a Jaco burp to me if I were to hear that bassist in person on this piece of gear. I'm spoiled by pres that cost twice as much. For the F1's price I have to want to wake up in the middle of the night and play it.
It didn't call to me....."precious..."
Any way this all being said I've heard Brad get smooth great tone out of an MBII and his Nahas. Of course that's his basses and his touch. Last I looked I was me playing, getting my sonic.
Peace.

P.S. before you think I'm a gear snob. Immediatley after leaving GC, I played a gig in a bar in downtown Baltimore with two singer songwriters, a mandolin player and a harp player. All stellar singers and players. It was an art opening. Mackie PA a little of my line out in the PA. I was using an early now vintage maple neck G&L L1000 and an SWR LA-8 (modded with a BBII 8" Celestion). Outstanding gig, sound, and bass sound. One hand carry. I may spend more time with passive basses after this.

 

[Bjazzman]

i found a targus laptop bag for $15 on my local craigslist. it fits perfectly in there and plenty of room for cables and such. i have to wait until jan 7th to gig with the f1 but in practice it sounds amazing.

 

[KJung]

Returned the F1 today. GC was very friendly. Asked if it worked okay but just wasn't right for me. I said yes.
It had a slight grit. I like a clear tone when I want one. I think it's the price point electronics. I have to watch myself on TB because I can impose what I think and value on another's descriptions of the sound of a piece of gear. " Warm mids fast response" may be bright treble and a Jaco burp to me if I were to hear that bassist in person on this piece of gear. I'm spoiled by pres that cost twice as much. For the F1's price I have to want to wake up in the middle of the night and play it.
It didn't call to me....."precious..."
Any way this all being said I've heard Brad get smooth great tone out of an MBII and his Nahas. Of course that's his basses and his touch. Last I looked I was me playing, getting my sonic.
Peace.

P.S. before you think I'm a gear snob. Immediatley after leaving GC, I played a gig in a bar in downtown Baltimore with two singer songwriters, a mandolin player and a harp player. All stellar singers and players. It was an art opening. Mackie PA a little of my line out in the PA. I was using an early now vintage maple neck G&L L1000 and an SWR LA-8 (modded with a BBII 8" Celestion). Outstanding gig, sound, and bass sound. One hand carry. I may spend more time with passive basses after this.

That's what is so cool about that return period with MB/GC. Pretty cool.. you can try it out for a few days or even a week or three, and if it's not your thing, nothing lost!

The F1 is quite different from the iAmp800 (tighter, a little grittier, punchier, less deep low end, etc.). It does not surprise me that if you really like one, you would like the other much less. I actually find the F1 'higher quality' than the iAmp800 (less hiss, knobs/switches 'feel better', variable filters versus the little chiclet on/off voicing buttons, etc.), but I would agree that the tone is different enough that most would have a strong preference for one or the other.

Cool that you got to try it out for a bit with your cabs. That's really the only way to know!!

 

[Wilbyman]

That's what is so cool about that return period with MB/GC. Pretty cool.. you can try it out for a few days or even a week or three, and if it's not your thing, nothing lost!

Yeah, I bought the F1 planning to check it out and return it and there it sits...both on my Visa and atop my speaker cab!

W