Markbass... Yes, they've started making basses too

[Gizmot]

In Europe, I imagine that MarkBass amps are much more popular than they are here in North America. Some of it is their sound and the other part is that their products are somewhat less expensive in Europe than they are here.

These basses look interesting and I'll be curious to see and hear one in person, especially if they're made in Italy. If they're not Italian made, I couldn't be less interested. The reason that I say that is there aren't many bad Italian products. Yes - they're expensive, but they're usually unique enough and well-made enough to justify spending more for them.

The market for basses isn't underserved, so we'll see if MarkBass brings something new or if they're simply trying to sell more stuff.

 

[gully_jones]

 

[Knavery]

Markbass is a little overpriced in my opinion. I got a really bad hiss in the CMD 102P I had. I read that it was an issue on Talkbass, but got one anyway. Big mistake. I sold it and switched to Mesa. Hopefully, they can make a high quality bass.

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

Where can I get one

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Hi all!

I've just found out with some surprise that Mark Bass is gonna present some basses at NAMM 2019. I'm pretty curious and I'll be on the fence. They make really good amps, lets see what they can do with basses.

One bass is the Richard Bona Kilimanjaro (kimandu).

View attachment 3281115

The other one is a 70s style jazz bass called Gold.

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I wonder if Guitar Center will carry them since they already carry MarkBass amps? If so, I would to play a few before their necks now and rise up high enough to cut you.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Joe Zon called, he has some questions...

Maybe he has royalties on the way?

 

[groooooove]

after actually reading the ad closely, i am even more pessimistic about this.

they're acting like what is effectively a fender knockoff is some sort of revelation.

also... am i the only one that thinks

the way the wrote this ad is really obnoxious. They chose to bold every few words to add excitement to an add for a bass none of us are going to pay whatever they are asking.

 

[Dan B]

Joe Zon called, he has some questions...

Glad to see I wasn't the only one who thought they were Zon-ish. Though I do like that green one.

 

[Iridescentone]

View attachment 3281819

You mean Markbass? Yeah, judging by the over-the-top hyperbole in their ad copy they obviously think we're dumb as doorknobs, but I doubt whether they actually "hate" us. Hold us in contempt maybe, but hate?...prolly not. OTOH, who knows?

 

[Real Soon]

I actually don't hate the look of either (qualified with my general distaste for instruments that try to aggressively emulate Fender body designs, though in that context, the Gold at least has some headstock variety).

The marketing concept...I hope it dies a fiery death RIGHT NOW, but realistically I hope they see how terrible it is and kill it right after NAMM. Also: I hope they eventually get someone bilingual to provide translations rather than apparently using Google.


All said, though, of the items being showcased, the one that has a chance of getting me actively interested, no pun intended, is the onboard preamp. I know there's only so much any given pre will do, but still, it's a pretty small market. If the quality is there, that's a product that'll sell itself.

They're gonna need to bit the bullet and offer a version with Volume/Blend, though. I actually have Vol/Vol on my new active 4 and have gotten used to it, and honestly it's a bit underrated in an active config. BUT blend knobs are surefire and most people are much more likely to choose them overall.

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Don't hate them, just not my style. To me they just look like every other boutique/boutique looking modern active bass. Just on aesthetics alone I have no interest, but then again, the crowd they are marketing probably isn't into the basses I'm attracted to. The good thing is we have so many choices.

 

[Kijuer]

Markbass at NAMM 2019: see all the new stuff we'll put out of production before NAMM 2020!

 

[gjbassist]

Oh man! That is a beautiful bass!

I know, and like a dummy I sold it a couple years ago. I actually made money off the sale but I still miss the bass!

 

[InnerBass]

What would be really cool is if that front pickup doubled as a cell phone - with an emoji screen saver, even....

 

[alaskaleftybass]

What would be really cool is if that front pickup doubled as a cell phone - with an emoji screen saver, even....

At least then people would put their cell phones down for oh--- I don't know-- more than one minute???

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Seems like the community has substantially soured on Markbass in the last 5 or so years. I suppose it's no surprise given their exclusivity with Guitar Center and apparent switch to cheapo far east manufacturing. Two great ways to live long enough to see yourself become the bad guy. Admittedly these basses look ill-fated to me, but it's sad to see that Markbass are no longer thought of very highly. My old LM800 is still the best amp I've ever heard.

I've never been able to get past the yellow stryper speakers. Then they have a boxy tonal quality that isn't my cup o tea. I own a Nano and it's a cool little backup amp / home amp, but I don't think I'd buy much else from them.

 

[chilliwilli]

I thought Italians were good at designing stuff?

*ducks*

 

[InnerBass]

At least then people would put their cell phones down for oh--- I don't know-- more than one minute???

You could play video games during the tacit passages!

 

[user362432]

Markbass was one of those ambitious small little manufacture hoping to get something going on. Until, they were taken by Banking Industrial Complex.
Now, you don't need to think. They are going to design it, establish that design as "the end of the World", they will kill competition, they will manufacture it for $15.00 somewhere and sell it to **** for $1000.
Don't worry. It's XXI century. Just follow the fashion.

 

[BaltBass5]

Perhaps one of the ugliest things made in Italy. Look what other Italians can do (see Ferrari).

Be careful...I made a similar comment and got a warning from the staff. Apparently opinions aren’t allowed on a forum.