Markbass mini CMD 121p as an upgrade from Fender Rumble 100?

[PatTheDog]

My Rumble 100 is struggling to keep up one of the bands I play with (15 piece funk outfit), particularly after I partially blocked the ports to reduce boominess.

I've been eyeing a Markbass 2x10 model after gigging with one (don't remember which model), but they're pricey. In the meantime, a second hand 2015 Mini CMD 121p has come up locally - the older model without the 3-way EQ switch. It's more within my range of affordability but I'm wondering how much of an upgrade it will be from my Rumble 100, considering they're both based on 12 inch drivers?

The other option is to hold out until I can afford a 2x10 model, so I'm wondering how the CMD 121p compares to something like the CMD 102?

 

[nonohmic]

Anything is an upgrade from the Rumble 100.

But, yes.

 

[Ggaa]

Maybe moot point but Rumbles aren't so boomy when elevated, mudbucket on the floor. Also HPF can help.

 

[SJan3]

My Rumble 100 is struggling to keep up one of the bands I play with (15 piece funk outfit), particularly after I partially blocked the ports to reduce boominess.

I've been eyeing a Markbass 2x10 model after gigging with one (don't remember which model), but they're pricey. In the meantime, a second hand 2015 Mini CMD 121p has come up locally - the older model without the 3-way EQ switch. It's more within my range of affordability but I'm wondering how much of an upgrade it will be from my Rumble 100, considering they're both based on 12 inch drivers?

The other option is to hold out until I can afford a 2x10 model, so I'm wondering how the CMD 121p compares to something like the CMD 102?

The CMD121P would definitely be an upgrade to a Rumble 100. The 102p will play louder than the 121p but not by much. If I were you, I'd get the 121p and add a NY121P cabinet down the road, if even necessary. Then you'll be able to cover just about anything.

 

[ModshopJazz]

The CMD121P would definitely be an upgrade to a Rumble 100. The 102p will play louder than the 121p but not by much. If I were you, I'd get the 121p and add a NY121P cabinet down the road, if even necessary. Then you'll be able to cover just about anything.

I have a Markbass CMD IV 121P currently.I think it sounds great.I previously had a Fender rumble 100.The Markbass blows the rumble out of the water.300 watts vs 100 watts.

 

[SJan3]

I have a Markbass CMD IV 121P currently.I think it sounds great.I previously had a Fender rumble 100.The Markbass blows the rumble out of the water.300 watts vs 100 watts.

No doubt!

 

[Aloe]

it will be an upgrade, 210 a tiny bit more over that.

the next upgrade you'll want is to get a matching cab for louder occasions, that's also an upgrade from Rumble that cannot drive an external speaker.

 

[CallMeAl]

This is EXACTLY what I did! And yes it's a big upgrade. Never had a bad gig with the 121p.

I also got to use the 102p a hand full of times as back line. I think the 2x10 might have a hair more headroom, but if you can get a deal on a 112 now I say jump on it. You can always add the 112 extension cab later.

 

[PatTheDog]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to check out / pick up the used 121p tomorrow. Is there anything in particular I should look out for on a used model? I've read about noisy fans, are these easily replaced?

 

[Nebadon2000]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to check out / pick up the used 121p tomorrow. Is there anything in particular I should look out for on a used model? I've read about noisy fans, are these easily replaced?

I had 121P combo it handled all small medium bar/club gigs by itself
Got extension cab but never needed it

The Fan noise is only annoying to bedroom players that can hear it when NOT playing
It never bothered me even playing solo at home and was not any louder than previous quality amps I had

On a gig or at rehearsal it is a non factor

 

[PatTheDog]

The Fan noise is only annoying to bedroom players that can hear it when NOT playing

That's good to know. I have a nice little ampeg tilt-back for home practice so that won't be a problem. I was more thinking of possible faults I should check for on a used unit, since I read about the fan and piezo occasionally developing issues.

 

[Nebadon2000]

That's good to know. I have a nice little ampeg tilt-back for home practice so that won't be a problem. I was more thinking of possible faults I should check for on a used unit, since I read about the fan and piezo occasionally developing issues.

You said it was local so you can test it out to hear if anything is out of order

Check all knobs see if they do what they say noiseless and smooth operation

Make sure you fully understand what VLE & VPF knobs do
Not sure you have a way to test DI output if you know its needed for you

 

[SJan3]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to check out / pick up the used 121p tomorrow. Is there anything in particular I should look out for on a used model? I've read about noisy fans, are these easily replaced?

Make sure it powers up and provides sound within 8 seconds. Seriously, some of these suffered a slow death exhibited initially by taking too much time to go from circuit protect to play mode. 8 seconds should be about right.

 

[shrinklizard]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to check out / pick up the used 121p tomorrow. Is there anything in particular I should look out for on a used model? I've read about noisy fans, are these easily replaced?

Crunchy control pots. They are not cleanable. They are sealed. Check them out for sure! My volume and treble sweep off to the right are super finicky and I avoid moving them which sucks. They don't clear just by moving them back and forth like traditional pots. Trust me on this one. But I will say although they are expensive the ny121 with the CMD combo will never let you down or break your back. I often bring both just to hold up the combo for easy access and not use the 2nd cab so I don't blow my bandmates away. Super solid bottom using both. It doesn't just boost the watts. It releases Hades.