Markbass Yellow Cone Blackout

[Bergerman]

At the risk of deeply offending the MarkBass purists out there, I thought I'd let everyone in on what I have tried on one of my MarkBass New York 122 cabinets. I recently read through a couple of older threads about ways to blacken the cones on the factory drivers, but it seems that there was never a TB consensus on how to accomplish this without potentially ruining the driver, or at least changing its performance characteristics. I wanted to give it a try, and decided to try a very large permanent marker…reasoning that it would not add enough weight to change any performance stats, and hopefully wouldn't change the flexibility or stiffness of the cone, either.

The yellow paper soaked up a lot of the ink after one "coat", but after 3 "coats" was looking pretty good and fairly uniform in color. It was applied with the large, chisel point marker in the photos. Just thought some folks might be interested…I have never found a thread where anyone was ever actually brave (dumb?) enough to try something like this. Thoughts?

 

[StephenMcLuckie]

Markbass yellow is definitely Marmite (British reference for you). I applaud your bravery for trying this. In theory, you'll increase the weight of the cone slightly and probably affect the high-end response. The end result looks really good. The big question is: how do they sound?

 

[MrWolf14]

Markbass yellow is definitely Marmite (British reference for you). I applaud your bravery for trying this. In theory, you'll increase the weight of the cone slightly and probably affect the high-end response. The end result looks really good. The big question is: how do they sound?

I don't like Marmite .... but I actually like the yellow cones.

PS: I was once travelling back from UK with a colleague who tried to put marmite in his hand luggage.... the Heathrow personnel was not too excited about it: apparently it qualifies as "liquid or gel" and I have seen an adult crying while throwing the marmite in the thrash can

 

[MrWolf14]

At the risk of deeply offending the MarkBass purists out there, I thought I'd let everyone in on what I have tried on one of my MarkBass New York 122 cabinets. I recently read through a couple of older threads about ways to blacken the cones on the factory drivers, but it seems that there was never a TB consensus on how to accomplish this without potentially ruining the driver, or at least changing its performance characteristics. I wanted to give it a try, and decided to try a very large permanent marker…reasoning that it would not add enough weight to change any performance stats, and hopefully wouldn't change the flexibility or stiffness of the cone, either.

The yellow paper soaked up a lot of the ink after one "coat", but after 3 "coats" was looking pretty good and fairly uniform in color. It was applied with the large, chisel point marker in the photos. Just thought some folks might be interested…I have never found a thread where anyone was ever actually brave (dumb?) enough to try something like this. Thoughts?

View attachment 7222223View attachment 7222224

I don't second your intent, but I definitely appreciate your creativity.

 

[Five or Six]

I lightly sprayed the MB cones with flat black spray paint. (High temp Rustoleum, 3 light coats) for my cousin. (His choice, not mine). Looks great, hasn't affected the sound yet but,,,what about long term deterioration from the paint? Oh well, like I said, his choice!

 

[Mr_BK]

Heresy

I really like the yellow.

Wouldn't it be easier to put a thin black cloth in front of the whole cabinet?

 

[klyph]

I would think the solvent used in a marker would have a more deleterious effect on a speaker cone (and the adhesives used to attach the dust cap) than a light coating which doesn't soak in. I hope I'm wrong. I understand not wanting a brightly colored speaker cab, though.

 

[dfp]

Looks great, how's it sound? Markbass are an instant "no" for me based on their aesthetic

 

[Deleted member 271037]

It looks great, but personally I would never have done anything like that without knowing 100% that the stuff I used didn't affect the speaker cone in any way, chemically or physically.

Good luck, I hope it still sounds great and that the lifespan of the cone isn't affected in any way.

 

[Hoochie Coochie Man]

Does it make it sound darker?

 

[BadMonk]

I'm glad that I bought newer Markbass gear - head and cab. Not a fan of yellow but orange, esp on Markbass gear, is a favorite color.

 

[henryjurstin13]

WOW! Super cool, and VERY, VERY BRAVE!!!! KUDOS!

 

[S-Bigbottom]

That a lot of marker sniffin'.
Looks good though.

 

[MCS4]

I don't care enough to change the color on my speakers, but I'm interested to see how this experiment turns out in terms of any impact on tone or durability.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Much better. I've avoided MarkBass largely because of the yellow. I was thinking of maybe using fabric paint. Good to see this works.

 

[Gervais Cote]

So now you can no longer play "Yellow submarine" and play exclusively some black metal !

More seriously, if the solvent of the marker didn't attack the material of the speaker cone, it will be fine because when evaporated, there's no solvent left.

Sound wise, I think it's okay because the extra weight the black ink added is negligible.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Markbass yellow is definitely Marmite

They taste bad? Who has been licking their speaker cones?

 

[DuluthDank]

Much better. I've avoided MarkBass largely because of the yellow. I was thinking of maybe using fabric paint. Good to see this works.

I like the fact that Markbass is one of very few manufacturers making light weight, professional quality/featured combos these days. They probably have like 7 at any given time, whereas most manufactures have none. I'm even willing to get past the yellow. My issue is I just can't get into the voicing of their speakers/cabs. Funny thing is that I like the way other players sound in the mix with them, but it's just not a voicing I like for my own playing. I've since found that the old Genz Benz Shuttle combos scratch that itch for me, and cabs are voiced more to my liking.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I like the fact that Markbass is one of very few manufacturers making light weight, professional quality/featured combos these days. They probably have like 7 at any given time, whereas most manufactures have none. I'm even willing to get past the yellow. My issue is I just can't get into the voicing of their speakers/cabs. Funny thing is that I like the way other players sound in the mix with them, but it's just not a voicing I like for my own playing. I've since found that the old Genz Benz Shuttle combos scratch that itch for me.

Yeah, when I play them they sounds boxy to me. Other people sound fine.

 

[Gervais Cote]

They taste bad? Who has been licking their speaker cones?

Him ?