I’m about to order an Ampeg PF-500 with the PF-115HE cab. Love that peg tone and want something a little lighter than my V-4B. Originally I had my sights set on one of the new Rocketbass combos but decided on the PF-500 for power and versatility. Before I pull the trigger on one of these I thought I’d just consider a couple Markbass combos because they’re not that much more expensive, very light, even more powerful and very well rated. I’m specifically looking at the CMD 102P and the CMD 151P. Are those amps capable of digging into some classic B-15N tones without using a Sansamp VT-Bass pedal? The only other thing I was semi worried about was those stories of PF-500’s cutting out mid-gig, but I’ve heard that they’ve fixed that issue, so that shouldn’t be something I’d need to worry about right? What about getting lost in the mix with a drummer? Does the PF-500 Hold up just fine? I’ve heard those Markbasses do. I did consider a Mesa Subway with 115 but those almost sound too clean and modern to my ears.
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Markbass feeler before I go with another Peg
- Thread starter Mo Boogs
- Start date
I’ve never owned, but have played plenty through those MB combos you’ve mentioned. They do lots of stuff incredibly well, but I don’t think they are great for ballsy and thick rock tones. If you like that vibe from the V4-B, I’m not sure the MB stuff will do it for you. I had the LMIII head and sold it for an Orange Terror. I still use a pair of MB 12” cabs with the Terror, mind you. They pair really nicely
No doubt the MBs are excellent combos, and really put out some booty-shaking lows, but depending on your tonal needs, the PF may be the better route
No doubt the MBs are excellent combos, and really put out some booty-shaking lows, but depending on your tonal needs, the PF may be the better route
Right on. I’m definitely looking for warmer James Jameson tone. More Berry Oakley tone.
Well, obviously everyone's ears are different, but the Mark amps should be able to do Jamerson/Berry stuff. It can do warm and soulful stuff just fine. It's only if you want that really thick Ampeg rock tone where I found the MB amps come up short
I had a markbass 121combo for a while (ten years) and really loved it…until I got a pf500. The markbass is very natural sounding, very even, but to my ear a bit bland. The ampeg just had that character to it, I think for the RnB classic vibe the ampeg is gonna be the move. Even compared to my band mates Aguilar th350, the ampeg just blew it out of the water, for me. But I never tried the markbass with any sort of external pre amp in front of it.
Edit: haven’t had my pf500 cut out on me yet, knock on wood, but mines also a 2019 model and I heard that issue got fixed after 2015. As far as if the pf500 can keep up in the mix, I use mine mostly for jazz, funk stuff but I plug it into an ampeg 410hlf for a doom metal band I’m in and it gets LOOOUD, TOOOO LOUD. Shouldn’t have trouble keeping up with a drummer, just mind the ultra hi/ultra low switches, they scoop out all the mids. I really love that sound and use it but I lose myself on stage everytime but the audience and sound techs are happy so eh.
Edit: haven’t had my pf500 cut out on me yet, knock on wood, but mines also a 2019 model and I heard that issue got fixed after 2015. As far as if the pf500 can keep up in the mix, I use mine mostly for jazz, funk stuff but I plug it into an ampeg 410hlf for a doom metal band I’m in and it gets LOOOUD, TOOOO LOUD. Shouldn’t have trouble keeping up with a drummer, just mind the ultra hi/ultra low switches, they scoop out all the mids. I really love that sound and use it but I lose myself on stage everytime but the audience and sound techs are happy so eh.
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I've played the 102P a few times and was always very impressed. I got a great deal on a K1 in the end but sometimes wish I'd gone for the 102P even though it was a little quieter. That said, customer service is great here in the UK so problems were fixed very quickly. You may be wiser getting the Ampeg in your part of the world. Good luck.
I have the Markbass 121 with 121 extension. Bass player in town owns the 102 and back lines it for blues night, so I’ve used it a couple times.
Markbass is definitely more straight forward, less baked in “stuff” in the tone. But the lo mid bump adds a warmth that leaves it less clinical than some other amps I’ve played. The VLE filter acts like a LPF and can help with warmth too.
I’ll say that from my experience the Markbass amps sit in the mix so freaking well. The clarity is incredible, and I never need to worry about hearing myself. I used to consider myself an Ampeg guy- when I bought mine I thought I could add a preamp if needed, but in the end never felt I had to.
Markbass is definitely more straight forward, less baked in “stuff” in the tone. But the lo mid bump adds a warmth that leaves it less clinical than some other amps I’ve played. The VLE filter acts like a LPF and can help with warmth too.
I’ll say that from my experience the Markbass amps sit in the mix so freaking well. The clarity is incredible, and I never need to worry about hearing myself. I used to consider myself an Ampeg guy- when I bought mine I thought I could add a preamp if needed, but in the end never felt I had to.
I've got the pf-500 w HF210E cab and it's been great. Loud and clear, and it works especially well w my P's. I've played through a bunch of Marks but never owned one. I'm sure they wouldn't dissapoint either.
I also have one of the Micro-CL mini-stacks and a small Rocket combo, so I admit my Ampeg bias, but I do think it's tonally justified. Super classic. The cutting out thing w the PF's was rectified about 5-6 years ago (I researched it a ton before I bought, and have never had an issue). If you're going for more of a Jamerson thing I'd prob go the 15 route as opposed to 210.
I also have one of the Micro-CL mini-stacks and a small Rocket combo, so I admit my Ampeg bias, but I do think it's tonally justified. Super classic. The cutting out thing w the PF's was rectified about 5-6 years ago (I researched it a ton before I bought, and have never had an issue). If you're going for more of a Jamerson thing I'd prob go the 15 route as opposed to 210.
Right on! Man that’s good to know. The Micro VR is another amp I’m considering. Particularly with two sets of the 210’s but I think the PF-500/w 115 is gonna be the winner for me here. It sounds just like the amp I’m looking for.
My gig at the weekend had a standard Markbass 210 combo provided. It was angled back and with everything set at 12 o'clock made my PJ5 sound pretty good. I know FOH was DI'ed, but on stage my bass was powerful and punchy. Markbass hardly get a mention on the interweb, but in real life make a great sound all the same.
I had the 102 and the 103. Amazing combos and very versatile. But in the end they both were sold and I kept an ampeg ba210 and loved the tone. The markbass could handle anything I sculpted using pedals and eq. The ampeg didn't need any help.
You might want th look at the Genzler Magellan 350 "combo" as well.
You might want th look at the Genzler Magellan 350 "combo" as well.
The markbass and the peg solid states both sound good. If you want to replace your V4 with something more portable and authentic b15 tone... I would suggest ampeg pf50T and either a 115 or what I now use a BBC112 tank. I've been using a mesa boogie 400+ with boogie 210 and 115. Now I am using a ampeg pf50T with BBC112 tank. It's very small, portable, light, less tubes to replace, and louder than I will ever need it to be. The BBC112 tank has a lot of midrange and is completely non directional. I like that no matter where I am on stage I can hear the bass cut though the mix...my drummer loves it too cause he can hear and feel the bass far better than with my boogie 115 facing forward. IMHO
They're both great sounding amps but they don't sound very similar. If you really love the Ampeg sound, buy one of those, cause you won't get it out of the Markbass.
I have owned a PF-500, a PF50T and a MarkBass CMD121.
I agree with @coy_garcia, the PF50T is the closest to the V4B sound. It has the all-tube squish that creates a different sound than the other two amps when you push it. The tubes break up in a nice way. But it is heavier, and has a goofy shape, which makes it a little awkward if you're transporting it all over the place for gigs. Just something to consider.
The PF-500 and Markbass CMD amps are more similar than they are different. They both have a lot of tone-shaping capabilities, from dark and thumpy to bright and snappy. They are very versatile amps.
Don't know what cab you want to pair with the PF-500. You can use it as a flip-top, which is a nice feature. That makes for easy transportation. The CMD is a combo, and the speaker is voiced for that specific head, which is nice.
Between the two, my preference was the MarkBass. It felt solid and well built, whereas the PF-500 felt mass-produced and flimsy. The Ampeg got dinged and scratched in the first few months I had it. It's a cheaper amp, and it showed. The Markbass is built to last longer, IMHO.
I agree with @coy_garcia, the PF50T is the closest to the V4B sound. It has the all-tube squish that creates a different sound than the other two amps when you push it. The tubes break up in a nice way. But it is heavier, and has a goofy shape, which makes it a little awkward if you're transporting it all over the place for gigs. Just something to consider.
The PF-500 and Markbass CMD amps are more similar than they are different. They both have a lot of tone-shaping capabilities, from dark and thumpy to bright and snappy. They are very versatile amps.
Don't know what cab you want to pair with the PF-500. You can use it as a flip-top, which is a nice feature. That makes for easy transportation. The CMD is a combo, and the speaker is voiced for that specific head, which is nice.
Between the two, my preference was the MarkBass. It felt solid and well built, whereas the PF-500 felt mass-produced and flimsy. The Ampeg got dinged and scratched in the first few months I had it. It's a cheaper amp, and it showed. The Markbass is built to last longer, IMHO.
Moved from Ampeg to a Markbass CMD102P and Traveler 210P earlier this year. I love the Markbass, the sound is killer and it is surprisingly flexible. I have a Sans Amp BDDI that I always keep close by, but I have not been using it much at all because I like the tone of the MB so much. But, occasionally I will turn the BDDI on and the tone is pure SVT gold. I should note that I have a Broughton Always On high pass filter that is, always on, works great. The only issue I ever have with the MB is that is awfully punchy and sometimes it needs to be calmed the **** down. Not a problem just takes a bit of tweaking, but if need be, the BDDI will totally take care of it. Also, I should say that the total weight of the combo and the cabinet is about the same as one of my old Eden 2X10's, people are absolutely shocked when they pick them up. I know they aren't the lightest out there, but they are great for me.
I'm a MarkBass guy, tonally the best sounding rig I've heard next to a David Eden WT400.
Reliable, gig-worthy. I use a 212 ninja cab with the Little Mark Tube 800. At 450 watts with one 8 Ohm cab it rocks the house behind two guitars. The 210 combo would be my combo of choice, it's powerful and punchy, or lowdown and thumpy, however you want it.
John
Reliable, gig-worthy. I use a 212 ninja cab with the Little Mark Tube 800. At 450 watts with one 8 Ohm cab it rocks the house behind two guitars. The 210 combo would be my combo of choice, it's powerful and punchy, or lowdown and thumpy, however you want it.
John
