Markbass Megathread PART 2

[Tony G]

FWIW, unless I am mistaken, that was likely the rear-ported Traveler 102P 2x10. The 'non-ported', or 'sealed' cabs only come in 4x10, 6x10, and 8x10 configuration.

Oh, I think you're right. Sorry for the misinformation.

 

[vision]

My guess is, the LMII might be serving as a 'loss leader' to some extent (like milk in the grocery store).

+1...especially for the US market. I don't think the difference in price between the LMII and their other products is as great in Europe.

Also, I think that Markbass has plans on taking a larger market share than Epifani, Bergantino, Thunderfunk, Accugroove, etc. which are all boutique "niche" products. I think they want to eventually be a brand that all bassplayers know, like SWR/Eden/GK/Ampeg. (This would explain going with Guitar Center as a partner for visibility where people can try out their gear vs. focusing on online sales.) MB's product line is very diverse and well thought out, while still maintaining a strong identity and "boutique" level quality.

 

[Baird6869]

The word is that Long & McQuade in the Toronto area (and throughout Canada) are going to take a run at offering Markbass products.

L&M is Canada's version of GC and have 28 locations.

Be interesting to see how this works considering it is a little known fact that L&M also owns Traynor/Yorkville which is their main money making line of amps. L&M is also the Canadian distributor for GK.

+1...especially for the US market. I don't think the difference in price between the LMII and their other products is as great in Europe.

Also, I think that Markbass has plans on taking a larger market share than Epifani, Bergantino, Thunderfunk, Accugroove, etc. which are all boutique "niche" products. I think they want to eventually be a brand that all bassplayers know, like SWR/Eden/GK/Ampeg. (This would explain going with Guitar Center as a partner for visibility where people can try out their gear vs. focusing on online sales.) MB's product line is very diverse and well thought out, while still maintaining a strong identity and "boutique" level quality.

 

[Bass Boy]

The word is that Long & McQuade in the Toronto area (and throughout Canada) are going to take a run at offering Markbass products.

L&M is Canada's version of GC and have 28 locations.

Be interesting to see how this works considering it is a little known fact that L&M also owns Traynor/Yorkville which is their main money making line of amps. L&M is also the Canadian distributor for GK.

It's actually pretty well known in Canada! I hope Club Bass keeps offering Markbass as well. I don't think I could bring myself to shop at L&M.

 

[Baird6869]

It's actually pretty well known in Canada! I hope Club Bass keeps offering Markbass as well. I don't think I could bring myself to shop at L&M.

I still shop at L&M as the Oshawa guys and gals take care of me, but I buy everything I can first from Dave at Club Bass.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

The word is that Long & McQuade in the Toronto area (and throughout Canada) are going to take a run at offering Markbass products.

L&M is Canada's version of GC and have 28 locations.

Be interesting to see how this works considering it is a little known fact that L&M also owns Traynor/Yorkville which is their main money making line of amps. L&M is also the Canadian distributor for GK.

Right. I was at L&M here in Vancouver, the other day and they had a MB 250 and the CMD121 (?) combo. The MB stuff is perfect for me, cheap-ish, light, loud AND sounds great. Pretty bloody good, if you ask me!

 

[Bass Boy]

I still shop at L&M as the Oshawa guys and gals take care of me, but I buy everything I can first from Dave at Club Bass.

Good to know. The downtown TO store (mainly staff) always makes me angry.

 

[smakbass]

I have had two dealings with Dave, and like that he spends time to find out what you are looking for tonewise etc....

I bought a bergie cab from him (and have a bass on order) and would go to him over L & M anyday.

One thing I know he does with amps and cabs is apparantly he double checks each one before it ships out, which is a good policy I think.

 

[waffle puzzle]

No replies for my question yet.......Anyone have a comment on if a Mesa Boogie 1x12 Powerhouse and LMII would make a good "small" rig....

There's one on sale I think I'm gonna swoop on.....anyone with experience of this combo ?

 

[chiplexic]

I'll PM you so I don't bore the MB'ers to tears

L

Actually I was scolling ahead to find your answer to his question because I wondered the same just before he asked. I does seem like an interesting arrangement.

 

[andyroo]

I just bought this combo yesterday from the Toronto L&M, played my first gig with it tonight and it just killed! It was a classic rock/blues cover band with two guitarists, a keyboardist, drummer and vocals and the CMD 121H cut through no problem...My band mates and I were all amazed at how much air this thing pushes, it handled my low B without flinching too. Very impressed with Mark Bass gear, now all I need is an extension cab for even more low end!!

 

[bigbadjonny]

That sounds just the ticket, but over here in the UK, Schroeder cabs are very pricey and the main stockist doesn't seem to do the Mini 12 Light...I may shoot them an email, but I'm sure the price will be over my budget...Same story with Bergatino & Epi in terms of price...

Does anyone know of a good Schroeder stockist in the States? I might be tempted to get one shipped, seeing as they're so light...

Just got quote back from basscentral: shipping a Schroeder Mini 12 Lite to the UK by UPS = $215

Think I might give that a miss...

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

Actually I was scolling ahead to find your answer to his question because I wondered the same just before he asked. I does seem like an interesting arrangement.

+1

 

[phat daddy]

I've been roadtesting my CMD 102P combo for over 3 months now with regular gigs around Tampa Bay, and it's blown away every negative opinion I've ever had reguarding combo amps, 2x10 rigs, or lightweight amp makers. It sounds great everywhere I put it. For me the only thing it needed was a good compressor pedal, because I like a lot of punch and evenness when I'm slapping, but I found a Trace Elliot dual compressor pedal on TB for $150 and now the sound is absolutely stunning. My band mates can't believe how good that little amp sounds, nor can I. Can't wait to add a 104HF to the mix and destroy everything that comes within 30 feet of that setup.

 

[Aussiephoenix]

Just saw my first player using the LMII last night. He had a MB 410 cab...meh! This was in Devon Allman's (Greg's son) band, and I thought we all deserved better, frankly. I'm looking forward to hearing the amp with some other cab eventually though.

I use an EBS proline 2000 4x10 with my MB LM F-series...

no complaints... the EBS really brings it to life. In the studio where we jam there's a warwick 4x10 which kills the tone and range of the MB... never tried MB cabs though, I have tried epiphany and it did nothing for me, but maybe because just before I'd tried Aguilar...

 

[waffle puzzle]

In case anyone is (close to) wondering---I DID buy the Mesa Powerhouse 1x12 speaker for my "small rig" LMII ! At 48 pounds, 300 w at 8 ohms, this is one solid speaker that doesn't take up a lot of space.

HOLY COW !! Sounds freaking great ! I can't believe the crisp and clean delicious sounds this "small rig" makes. I tried it with my Lakland Sky DJ 4-string tonight----very pleased !

When I need a big rig with the full 500 w, I can use my Berg HT322, but for portable, quick, easy and punchy, I'll be using my new Mesa 1x12 and the LMII.

 

[GRoberts]

Ok gang, my LMII that was out for repair is going to be replaced with a brand new one afterall. Brian, the product manager at GC went above and beyond and was extremely courteous, responsive and helpful. He really exceeded my expectations. I could not be more pleased. That said ....

I already have another LMII. So this would be a second one. I don't really need the portability of the F1, nor do I think it's sonic signature sound will please me as much as the LMII.

So ... What about the R500? I am thinking about paying the difference and getting the R500! Seems like a pretty cool amp from what little I've read. I have yet to hear or play through one. I would love to hear from those who have been able to compare the R500 to the LMII?

... Do you think I should go for the R500?

 

[rodl2005]

In case anyone is (close to) wondering---I DID buy the Mesa Powerhouse 1x12 speaker for my "small rig" LMII ! At 48 pounds, 300 w at 8 ohms, this is one solid speaker that doesn't take up a lot of space.

HOLY COW !! Sounds freaking great ! I can't believe the crisp and clean delicious sounds this "small rig" makes. I tried it with my Lakland Sky DJ 4-string tonight----very pleased !

When I need a big rig with the full 500 w, I can use my Berg HT322, but for portable, quick, easy and punchy, I'll be using my new Mesa 1x12 and the LMII.

Well done. I hadn't been watching this thread so didn't reply. I don't have much experience w. Mesa gear, but my LMII into my Aguilar GS112 is a GREAT small rig. So congrats on yours!!!!!

 

[KJung]

In case anyone is (close to) wondering---I DID buy the Mesa Powerhouse 1x12 speaker for my "small rig" LMII ! At 48 pounds, 300 w at 8 ohms, this is one solid speaker that doesn't take up a lot of space.

HOLY COW !! Sounds freaking great ! I can't believe the crisp and clean delicious sounds this "small rig" makes. I tried it with my Lakland Sky DJ 4-string tonight----very pleased !

When I need a big rig with the full 500 w, I can use my Berg HT322, but for portable, quick, easy and punchy, I'll be using my new Mesa 1x12 and the LMII.

Very cool! I was thinking that would be a good combination, but like most (maybe all) others, I have no experience with that particular cab and the LMII (hence I didn't reply to your post). I would guess the voicing is somewhat similar to the new Aguilar DB112, and that sounds quite good with the LMII. Nice!

 

[tombowlus]

Ok gang, my LMII that was out for repair is going to be replaced with a brand new one afterall. Brian, the product manager at GC went above and beyond and was extremely courteous, responsive and helpful. He really exceeded my expectations. I could not be more pleased. That said ....

I already have another LMII. So this would be a second one. I don't really need the portability of the F1, nor do I think it's sonic signature sound will please me as much as the LMII.

So ... What about the R500? I am thinking about paying the difference and getting the R500! Seems like a pretty cool amp from what little I've read. I have yet to hear or play through one. I would love to hear from those who have been able to compare the R500 to the LMII?

... Do you think I should go for the R500?

If you plan on keeping both, having the R 500 would be a cool alternative to the LMII, I would think.