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Markbass Micromark 801 Opinions?

J

junglejem

Guest
May 20, 2012
38
2
#1
In another thread we've been exploring opinions/suggestions re small combo amps, and there have been a lot of interesting comments and suggestions, causing me to do some homework.

I notice a definite lack of enthusiasm for the Markbass micro amps. I have never played thru one, but there is a YouTube demo from a German music store (I believe) wherein the amp sounds fantastic. Plenty of punch and low end. I'm assuming that is an accurate reflection of the amp, but maybe I'm naive.

Is there no love around here for these little amps? Is it the fact Guitar Center sells them? Could it be the dollar-per-watt (bang for the buck) that is a deterrent? What am I missing?
 
#3
I played one a while back in a GC store. For a small amp, it is capable of quite good sound, despite having no normal tone controls.

However, it is quite expensive for what is essentially a practice amp. To me - it is better to spend a a bit more money and buy the CMD121P 12" combo amp. It is still small, you can still carry it with one hand and it just KILLS. You can gig with it nearly anywhere. The only time I use my extension speaker with my 121 is outdoors. The 121's are starting to show up on the used market now for about $600. A much better value IMHO.
 
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#4
I have one and I love it. I use it for practice in the living room, RV etc. Fantastic sound (limited to Markbass combo EQ button) but lots of bottom and clarity for it's size. It also drives an extension cabinet well and will work for quiet band practice just fine with an extension (Aguilar Db112).

It's very expensive but if you have the money for a practice amp, it's the best I've heard and it's so small , light and portable.

Decent recording preamp as well
 
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#6
I had one of the earlier 6" micromark combos,and was absolutley amazed at what you could do with one. (I even used it for band practice,with a 7-piece band,drums,gtr,low volume of course). So,i imagine the 8" version has even more punch. I think some of Markbass's pricing is wacky,they would sell a lot more of these for $350. But MF has 15% off coupons from time to time (i just bought a new Traveller 1-12 cab for &75 off),so that helps. Having said all this, i tend to agree to get the 1-12 combo if possible,i have one and it's great and very portable.
 
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#7
i'd love to have a Markbass combo ... but while i was keeping an eye out for a used one (121 ) ... i bought a Carvin MB10 ... little combo does the job ... unlike many small combo both have an external speaker that you can run along with the combo .. 8 ohms ... for a bit more power , and move some more air ...

Markbass definately is " the Brand " if you're really into that ... they do sound great ... i just want a bit more for my money ... like , 2 normal priced amps ..! ha
i think Carvin has the micro combos on sale now for $299 ..

and yes , i understand it's Apples / Oranges ... Chevy /Cadi

i also agree with the slightly bigger Markbass 12" ...
 
#10
I am also interested in the micromark. Can anyone answer these questions?

1) Is the sound quality good on its own?

2) is the sound quality good with PA support?

3) I am planning to use it for study as well. Paired with my PC and headphones for learning new songs by ear. Is it good for that purpose?
 
#12
I just got a 801 and already own a CMD 102.

Love Markbass! The 801 is a very impressive little combo, especially if you use it for what is was designed for: practice, home use mostly. Small venues if necessary.

I read a lot of comments about the 121 combo, but remember one important factor: to my knowledge, only the 801, 601, 602 and Big Bang amp have an aux input and the possibility of plugging headphones so you can play along with your music. All others do not have those.

For the size and weight of the amp, the sound is very big, not boxy. You might regret not having treble, mid and bass knobs, but actually it does not matter to me, the only knob available (VPF) and my basses own knobs do the trick.

Yes, it is not a cheap amp, but you really get what you pay for. The thing is so tiny and light but with a lot of attitude!

Oh, and you can add an external tweeter for $70.00. Haven't received it yet, sold-out, so I can not judge on it. But the amp in itself is already great sounding...
 
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#13
Just got one this week and played it at my weekly jazz gig.. Piano drummer sax bass. It was super clear and never turned up past 10 30 am. Great little amp and easy to bring to the gig at 11 lbs. the cleanest small combo I tried at gc of similar wattage.. Ampeg ba112, fender rumble, hartke, acoustic, and roland .
 
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#15
Jeff Scott said:
Perhaps that is more about who distributes Markbass in the USA?
Click to expand...
Really,13 monthes later,:roflmao: lol....perhaps that is true,i really have no idea....since i posted that comment,Markbass has come out with a 200 watt Jeff Berlin model for even less money. Of course,it is manufactured in China,so one wonders about the long term reliability....i played through one at the Medford GC,and thought it sounded good,but i am very very happy with my Cmd121p.
 
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#16
I would not personally buy their "Blackline" (that's what they call it, right?) These days I want to buy American made products, (so Mexican, Canadian, Venezuelan, etc. is okay by me, after all, they are all American countries :D). I have been looking at Reeves, Gries, Dr. Z, and some others recently, for a small tube guitar amp. If I want Chinese I'll buy a Bugera! ;)
 
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#18
Jeff Scott said:
I would not personally buy their "Blackline" (that's what they call it, right?) These days I want to buy American made products, (so Mexican, Canadian, Venezuelan, etc. is okay by me, after all, they are all American countries :D). I have been looking at Reeves, Gries, Dr. Z, and some others recently, for a small tube guitar amp. If I want Chinese I'll buy a Bugera! ;)
Click to expand...
Well,i do have a fondness for Italian products- My kitchen has italian hi gloss cabinets,i drive a Fiat 500L,and i've purchased 4 Markbass products over the last few years. I will stop short of buying a Futurama bass,though!....:cool:
 
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#19
woodyng said:
Well,i do have a fondness for Italian products- My kitchen has italian hi gloss cabinets,i drive a Fiat,and i've purchased 4 Markbass products over the last few years. I will stop short of buying a Futurama bass,though!....:cool:
Click to expand...
As Markbass is an Italian company I have no qualms about owning their stuff that is made in Italy (I still have my Minimark, and used to own a LM III and a F1). They go quite well with the three Ferraris and the one Lancia I have in the garage (in my dreams).
 
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#20
Jeff Scott said:
As Markbass is an Italian company I have no qualms about owning their stuff that is made in Italy (I still have my Minimark, and used to own a LM III and a F1). They go quite well with the three Ferraris and the one Lancia I have in the garage (in my dreams).
Click to expand...
Yeah,the Fiat is the closest i'm ever gonna get to a Ferrarri.;)
All the italian made Markbass stuff i've had has been fantastic,but if they are applying their same high standards at their chinese factory,maybe that stuff will prove to be ok. It certainly gives the Markbass option to lower budget clientel.
 
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