Markbass Little Mark Tube rant

[BassmanPaul]

Those tubes invoked a memory. When I first started working, after some time training, I was set to work function testing what were referred to as toggles. These were built around similar wired in tubes and were for subscriber Trunk Dialing racks. Information was recorded on a massive magnetic drum and all the required codes to route the call was read off. I thought this drum would create a great echo chamber ala Binson. Bit too costly though.

Last year I came across similar wire in double triodes. One similar to a 12AX7 and another 12AU7. I drew up a circuit for a pre-amp, similar to my current pre, to be built into a Hammond Die cast box. When I get other more pressing projects done I’ll build it.

 

[coreyfyfe]

Cool! How big is that? Hard to gauge but looks to be about the size of one of those old one time use flashbulbs for cameras.

Datasheet spec is about 1.375" bottom to tip on the 6205 and 1.93" for aInvalid Link Removed. Obviously depends on brand, but they're not super small.

 

[SJan3]

Cool! How big is that? Hard to gauge but looks to be about the size of one of those old one time use flashbulbs for cameras.

Some people report a subtle change in tone. Others argue that it's not worth the upcharge vs the SS equivalent.

 

[JimmyM]

Some people report a subtle change in tone. Others argue that it's not worth the upcharge vs the SS equivalent.

I liked it better with the tube than without. Agreed that it's pretty subtle, but I still think it's enough to leave it in tube mode.

 

[BOOG]

Some people report a subtle change in tone. Others argue that it's not worth the upcharge vs the SS equivalent.

I notice a difference.

 

[SJan3]

I notice a difference.

If you find it pleasing then you should have it!

 

[mpdd]

i didn't have my glasses on, so i was wondering why there was a neon tetra in a markbass head

 

[JimmyM]

i didn't have my glasses on, so i was wondering why there was a neon tetra in a markbass head

That's a bigass neon tetra!

 

[Red Planet]

Datasheet spec is about 1.375" bottom to tip on the 6205 and 1.93" for aInvalid Link Removed. Obviously depends on brand, but they're not super small.

The biggest size difference is in the diameter. The 6205 is about the size of a pencil eraser and the AX7 is the size of an AX7.

 

[Red Planet]

I liked it better with the tube than without. Agreed that it's pretty subtle, but I still think it's enough to leave it in tube mode.

When these came out I couldn't tell any difference at all .

 

[Red Planet]

Weren't all Markbass products outsourced from Italy manufacturing to China?

 

[coreyfyfe]

Weren't all Markbass products outsourced from Italy manufacturing to China?

Indonesia I believe, unless they've moved production again.

 

[Red Planet]

Indonesia I believe, unless they've moved production again.

I'm sure that's it then though companies do change production origin based on their currency value.

 

[BOOG]

Indonesia I believe, unless they've moved production again.

Yep, the one I returned was Indonesia. That doesn’t bother me. The service reviews bother me.

 

[BOOG]

So, it looks like my patience with Markbass has run it’s course.
I went into GC today to pick up the replacement head and even tested it out before leaving. Everything seemed to be in good order and working fine and everyone was happy. After about a half hour of using it today and checking out different settings it seemed just like what I expected and was hoping for.
Then, I adjust the SS/Tube balance knob and NOISE! ***!?!? One decision was instantly made. I am done with Markbass. I vowed to myself that I will stick to three companies for amp/Head equipment and that one will not be included.

 

[GUY DES ROSIERS]

I am starting to get a little scared from digging deeper in this that MARKBASS is not quite as reliable as I expect a product to be that is listed so high and also, many are commenting that their service process is lengthy, at best.

I bought a month ago a used LMT800, the Gain 1 was very scratchy and also the Master Volume. Since I know that they are sealed pots I removed the knobs and saw that there was a very small hole at the base of the shafts. So, this morning I sprayed DeoxIt D5 in these small holes and turn the shaft of the pots for about a minute or so and voilà no scratchy noise anymore. Hoping this will help those having this problem.
My first idea was to get the cleaner in the pots by spraying the shaft hoping the cleaner will get in the pots that way. I did that also so not sure if the cleaner got in that way only or both ways (Shaft + the small hole at the base of the shaft). The important thing is it worked.

 

[spiritbass]

The 6025 tube in an LM Tube:

View attachment 2900105

Does make a subtle difference when it's turned on and allowed into the circuit, but a more unusual choice for a tube you will not find, what with it having to be soldered into the circuit.

How unusual. I'm glad it's unusual - I prefer my tubes to be well-seated in good sockets.