Simple: I don't like rat fur on cabs. That's really my only beef with Markbass.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Markbass ? Why the dislike ?
- Thread starter PeaveyPlayer
- Start date
I agree with some other posts I've read in that they lost a lot of support when they moved production out of Italy. When this took place they did start using lesser quality drivers in the cabs (yellow line drivers) which don't hold up as well as the originals..
That being said, I have a Little Mark II and standard 4x10 cab that I purchased new back in like 2008-09. I loooove this setup. I have put it through hell and back, beat the crap out of them both, and never had a problem with either. MB maybe isn't the flavor choice of most rock players because the tone of them is more transparent, however, I find that because of this transparency if you simply run a preamp in front of the head it will cop the tone you are aiming for with said preamp very well. Lots of jazz guys use MB and I have seen quite a few country guys around my scene with them as well (myself included).
I haven't really had much experience with the newer stuff that uses the yellow line drivers but, if you can find an older piece of their gear from when it was produced in Italy it is for sure some knockout-good equipment.
That being said, I have a Little Mark II and standard 4x10 cab that I purchased new back in like 2008-09. I loooove this setup. I have put it through hell and back, beat the crap out of them both, and never had a problem with either. MB maybe isn't the flavor choice of most rock players because the tone of them is more transparent, however, I find that because of this transparency if you simply run a preamp in front of the head it will cop the tone you are aiming for with said preamp very well. Lots of jazz guys use MB and I have seen quite a few country guys around my scene with them as well (myself included).
I haven't really had much experience with the newer stuff that uses the yellow line drivers but, if you can find an older piece of their gear from when it was produced in Italy it is for sure some knockout-good equipment.
Last edited:
The Price!!! I dig the sound, just overpriced IMO. I, and likely may other weekend warrior types, would have MB gear if it was affordable or even reasonably priced.
I just picked up a used CMD 121P here a couple of weeks ago. It's my first Mark Bass experience. I had it out for the first time this weekend, last night on an upright jazz gig and today at a fusion-ish rehearsal with my Roscoe 5'er. I was previously using a Genz Benz Shuttle 6.2. The MB is anything but thin! Big and fat - I had to tone down the low end a bit for both basses. Now I want a NY 121 to go with the combo, so if anyone is selling one, give me a shout!
I dunno.... I used a Markbass rig for many years. And I finally got bored with the tone.
I bought a couple other heads from them. But, ended up selling one and returning the other.
They all sounded the same to me.
But, I did love it for a good long while.
I bought a couple other heads from them. But, ended up selling one and returning the other.
They all sounded the same to me.
But, I did love it for a good long while.
I agree that people should worry less about what other people think about their gear. Otherwise, your post seems to drip with condescension towards people who you assume don't practice enough, maybe because they've taken the time to learn about the science behind the gear.
There is as much hype here as there is negativity, and MarkBass has been on both ends of the spectrum. I remember in '07 and '08, just after I joined, when the Amps forum was just flooded with MarkBass love threads. Even JimmyM (unhappy with what Loud was doing with Ampeg at the time, IIRC) was a fervent preacher of their virtues.
After I read all this praise, I went to check the gear out at GC. I didn't care for it, and posted as much (not in harsh terms, I don't think). One poster told me it must be due to a technique issue on my part. Another said--since MarkBass gear was *claimed* on TB at the time to be transparent-sounding--that I must not like the sound of my bass. Good times.
So yeah, the pendulum on MarkBass probably swung too far one way, now it's arguably gone too far in the other direction.
MarkBass heads are the first heads I've ever used that are effortless for me to get a sound I like from; Eden was close. I am indifferent about their cabinets.
No way I'm going to pay that much for a rat fur cab.
I agree that people should worry less about what other people think about their gear. Otherwise, your post seems to drip with condescension towards people who you assume don't practice enough, maybe because they've taken the time to learn about the science behind the gear.
There is as much hype here as there is negativity, and MarkBass has been on both ends of the spectrum. I remember in '07 and '08, just after I joined, when the Amps forum was just flooded with MarkBass love threads. Even JimmyM (unhappy with what Loud was doing with Ampeg at the time, IIRC) was a fervent preacher of their virtues.
After I read all this praise, I went to check the gear out at GC. I didn't care for it, and posted as much (not in harsh terms, I don't think). One poster told me it must be due to a technique issue on my part. Another said--since MarkBass gear was *claimed* on TB at the time to be transparent-sounding--that I must not like the sound of my bass. Good times.
So yeah, the pendulum on MarkBass probably swung too far one way, now it's arguably gone too far in the other direction.
It's not condescension when it's true, and your words regarding the science-minded seem as though you missed that I did, indeed, give due credit to the science guys. I hope you were not intentionally overlooking that tidbit. You will note from my profile that though I have a Mark Bass amp (bought only due to recommendation from a trusted science friend that the amps are good quality) but it's a backup to my lowly Carvin. I buy no hype, pro or con.
If he told me to buy a Peavey, I'd buy a Peavey and make it work just about as good as the flavor of the month boutique amp. Anybody can do that.
Perhaps I should have specified that I buy no hype on either side. Play more bass. Ignore all hype, pro and con. And first and foremost in my post, I've not met an amp that can't be worked with. That sounds pretty level-headed to me.
I don't know why I bother responding to people who don't bother understanding my posts before they argue that I'm wrong or miss my point that TB gear comments are frequently hyperbolic and that one should play more and buy less if one wants to sound better where it really counts.
Last edited:
I think they're uglyand look like something Stryper would have used for their shtick, but this is the first time I've ever posted that thought. Usually if i don't have something nice to say blah blah, but you did ask
Edit to add > Can't say I've seen or heard of a lot of hate for them. And I'm glad they're out there (like orange), adding color options to the traditional black. I'm waiting on a Purple brand
Well, it isn't bass gear, but there is Purple Audio, which is excellent pro audio gear. Andrew Roberts created the company after he apprenticed with John Klett, a fellow 3M-o-phile and one sharp tech.
Otto
I don't like the tone of their speakers and heads. And by tone I mean definition 7a listed below.
____________________________________________________________________________
Definition of tone
____________________________________________________________________________
Definition of tone
- 1: vocal or musical sound of a specific quality <spoke in low tones> <masculine tones>; especially : musical sound with respect to timbre and manner of expression
- 2a : a sound of definite pitch and vibrationb : whole step
- 3: accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion
- 4: the pitch of a word often used to express differences of meaning
- 5: a particular pitch or change of pitch constituting an element in the intonation of a phrase or sentence <high tone> <low tone> <mid tone> <low-rising tone> <falling tone>
- 6: style or manner of expression in speaking or writing <seemed wise to adopt a conciliatory tone>
- 7a (1) : color quality or value (2) : a tint or shade of colorb : the color that appreciably modifies a hue or white or black <gray walls of greenish tone>
- 8: the effect in painting of light and shade together with color
- 9a : the state of a living body or of any of its organs or parts in which the functions are healthy and performed with due vigorb : normal tension or responsiveness to stimuli; specifically : muscular tonus
- 10a : healthy elasticity : resiliencyb : general character, quality, or trend <a city's upbeat tone>c : frame of mind : mood
I just can't bring myself to plug my bass into Stryper's wardrobe.
Edit
! Someone was quoted making the same reference when I was typing!! Now that's funny.
Edit
! Someone was quoted making the same reference when I was typing!! Now that's funny.
Well, they seem to be doing o.k. business wise...so I'm not sure what you really mean? (hadn't really noticed any more TB dislike than with any other brand). I really liked the sound of the ones I've played through, but personally feel they are quite pricey for what you get. Guess I'm cheap.
Actually, yes....yes I am cheap.
Last edited:
Honestly, I have not noticed an unbalanced dislike for MarkBass here on TB. As far as dislike for MarkBass here where I live in the Foothills of NC, most folks have probably never heard of the brand. If it ain't Fender, Peavey or Ampeg, it's looked upon as cheaper gear. In fact, the only MarkBass I have now is a MicroMark 801, and I have been asked several times if it was "home-made". (My name is Mark).
Having said that, I used a Little Mark III for about a year - it was one of several D series amps I tried out. It and several other brands just weren't what I was looking for tone wise. the LMIII hit the mark on the modern tone, but I lean more towards a smoother, more vintage sound. It was a great amp, and I had no trouble selling it.
First of all I have the Jeff Berlin combo bought during the Talkbass hype period after unsuccessfully finding a suitable B-15 (price/condition ratio to suit me) and shortly after added the NY151 extension cab.
Love the sound , weight , portability and even the look. Not normally my taste in color but works for this line I think.
I think the color and GC are the top two issues folks seem to have. My GC (100 Oaks Nashvile store has for the most part been great for me since their opening. Some great staff there over the years .)
As far as dialing in my sound - both filters off all EQ set flat, volume to taste . Use bass pots to trim tone and volume - done . Active basses ? No prob , set pre gain to flicker when digging in. My EMG equipped basses have piano tone to die for. All 10 of my basses maintain their own personality depending on pickups and string choices but I do like p basses, Fretless and flats. And tapewounds and rounds as well. Don't play a five string but have an Esp Vintage 4 with EMGs tuned BEAD and it rocks.
The rat fur. Not my first choice, still prefer Fender style tolex. But it does cover lightweight 3/4 " void free Italian Poplar laminate.
I am glad I got my rig while still Italian made but as mentioned a lot of companies to stay viable unfortunately have outsourced .
I'm always open to trying new and different gear but my MB rig is one thing I' ve owned which I have zero buyer's remorse even down to price paid. (If I recall due to special offers and store discounts in the $1600 range .)
Love the sound , weight , portability and even the look. Not normally my taste in color but works for this line I think.
I think the color and GC are the top two issues folks seem to have. My GC (100 Oaks Nashvile store has for the most part been great for me since their opening. Some great staff there over the years .)
As far as dialing in my sound - both filters off all EQ set flat, volume to taste . Use bass pots to trim tone and volume - done . Active basses ? No prob , set pre gain to flicker when digging in. My EMG equipped basses have piano tone to die for. All 10 of my basses maintain their own personality depending on pickups and string choices but I do like p basses, Fretless and flats. And tapewounds and rounds as well. Don't play a five string but have an Esp Vintage 4 with EMGs tuned BEAD and it rocks.
The rat fur. Not my first choice, still prefer Fender style tolex. But it does cover lightweight 3/4 " void free Italian Poplar laminate.
I am glad I got my rig while still Italian made but as mentioned a lot of companies to stay viable unfortunately have outsourced .
I'm always open to trying new and different gear but my MB rig is one thing I' ve owned which I have zero buyer's remorse even down to price paid. (If I recall due to special offers and store discounts in the $1600 range .)
i've seen a lot of people say they feel markbass stuff sounds "sterile", but that's not how they sound to me. to me, markbass sounds rich. it makes me wonder if i or some of the people who say this might have some hearing loss at certain frequencies.
Had an LM II i got second hand for a backup and outside of trying it before i bought it and a couple times at home to get a feel for it, it never came out of the little kid suitcase it came in when i got it. It sounded good, but i liked my SWR Basic 350 better so after about 6 months of it sitting in the suitcase i sold it here.
But no hate for MB. I thought then and still do that their gear was somewhat on the expensive side of the scale, but not outrageously so. Just enough to keep me from wanting to drop the coin before a decent test drive.
But no hate for MB. I thought then and still do that their gear was somewhat on the expensive side of the scale, but not outrageously so. Just enough to keep me from wanting to drop the coin before a decent test drive.
