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Double Bass MarkBass

#21
I know it will sound like I'm avoiding the question, but in my playing experience, there is no sonic character to the head. None. If you like the sound of your playing and your bass, you will like the head. I hope these comments don't come off as glib, but every other product I've tried has a sonic signature. The Markbass head has none that I can descern. The cabinets are almost as nuetral, but each has a particular tone.
 
#22
macmrkt said:
...The difference is that the WW adds a fatness to the sound. Kind of like if I gained a layer of soft skin to my plucking fingers. It's not quite the same as adding 'tube' warmth, but similar. The MarkBass simply doesn't have this fattening. The fattening also adds a bit of sustain, I think. It's not a bad coloration, but it is a coloration.
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That's a big vote for WW in my book. Looking forward to hearing other comments from DB players.
 
#23
Thanks for the reviews on the amp and cabs.

I feel the same way regarding the LMII. It has surpassed my expectations.

I am in the process of selling off my equipment to go lighter. I wanted to carry one 2x10.1x12, and 1x15, to coveer all the basses.

How do you feel about the piezo tweeters they are using in the cabs? I wasnt sure if it was worth the weight to get the cabs with the horns vs the cabs with the piezos. Have you used the 121h with the other cabs in the MB line to see how they match up?
 
#24
Yes...I heard the piezo's weren't very their strong point. But that's not my experience at all. I made sure to check the highest registers of my DB and it's just as open and natural as the lower notes. I did not hear a difference in the highs between the 102P, 121H and 151P. I also ran the Traveler 151P cabinet with bass guitar the other night at a club and another bassist tried it and noted to me how good the high notes sounded.
 
#25
I also posted this on the BG side...I ran the LMII and the 121H cabinet last night in a small jazz club with a loud 5 piece blues band. I was on bass guitar. Everyone was miked but me. Great sound to my ears, but I was standing right in front of the amp due to the tiny stage, plenty of gain and lots of compliments on the tone. The band told me this club was a real problem for sound - that's why I brought the 12" and not the potentially too strong 15". The cabinet weighs under 35lbs!
 
#27
I contacted MarkBass to inquire about US Distributore and this is the response that I received.

Firstly I'd like to thank you for contacting us and also for your
interest in Markbass.

We'll be at NAMM show (Hall E #1154)in next weeks, where we will define the last details of arranging our infrastructure for US distribution and expect to be up and running in place by the NAMM.

At that time we'll be able to let you know the U.S. Markbass Yellow
Point dealer, just a little bit of patience and you'll be able to check
out the Markbass products for yourself and also about the prices.

Please add yourself to our email list (on the homepage of
[This invalid link has been removed] ) so we can let you know when the US distribution is in
place.
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#28
I liked the WW heads over the Acoustic Image Focus in the same way I like the LMII over the WW. So I can assume that I'd like the LMII quite a bit over the Focus. The AI stuff produces a nice warm tube-like tone. If there wasn't and WW or Markbass, it would be my choice. Note that the new Markbass line of combos IS a reality and will be released at NAMM - 3 tiny rigs designed for 'acoustic instruments' including DB.
 
#29
macmrkt said:
If there wasn't and WW or Markbass, it would be my choice.
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I thought you preferred the Ashdown Labs MK500 to even the Woods. Wouldn't that make it second choice behind the Markbass and ahead of AI? Or did the love affair with the MK500 wear off?

Tom.
 
#30
tombowlus said:
I thought you preferred the Ashdown Labs MK500 to even the Woods. Wouldn't that make it second choice behind the Markbass and ahead of AI? Or did the love affair with the MK500 wear off?

Tom.
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You know they say there's a chemical people produce the first 6 months of a relationship which causes them to feel that ecstatic, rapturous affection for the other person. I'd be interested in seeing some endocrinology for bass players with new amps... :D

INFATUATION AND AMPHETAMINES
When someone we're attracted to steps into our life, three chemicals are let loose in our bodies: phenylethylamine (PEA), which speeds up the communication between nerve cells and triggers the release of dopamine; dopamine, which gives us the feeling of bliss; and norepinepherine, which stimulates adrenaline production. The combined effect of these three wizards is something similar to amphetamines--amazingly high energy levels, euphoria, a racing heart, sweaty palms, and the shakes. Sound familiar? Well, the next time you talk to your new sweetheart on the phone for 5 hours straight or go on one of those marathon dates where you spend an entire day together and are still ready for more, you'll know who to thank.

The effect of these thrilling infatuation chemicals usually lasts anywhere from 6 months to 3 years (when our bodies build up a tolerance), and after that comes the true relationship test: Is there real love and friendship in the air? Many people don't stick around to find out--once the infatuation high is gone, they're out the door chasing around for a brand new love and more of the addictive amphetamine-esque bliss.
 
#31
Wilbyman said:
You know they say there's a chemical people produce the first 6 months of a relationship which causes them to feel that ecstatic, rapturous affection for the other person. I'd be interested in seeing some endocrinology for bass players with new amps... :D
Click to expand...

Whatever you do, don't let my endocrines (sp?) 'out there'! They tend to latch onto too much gear, and then never wear off! :help:
 
#32
That must be it. But does it work on hearing too? It probably does as my wife's voice went from a timber I wanted to hear 24/7 to one that seems appropriate only when saying 'change that diaper!'

The Ashdown Labs was only removed from my remarks due to weight. I'm now an under 10lbs or no go guy.
 
#33
macmrkt said:
The Ashdown Labs was only removed from my remarks due to weight. I'm now an under 10lbs or no go guy.
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Wow, I have meals that weigh more than that! :D I guess I don't notice much of a difference in weight. Sure, it's kinda neat that my WWU weighs only 7 lbs, but to be honest, any of my solid state (or hybrid) heads feel light to me compared to my tube amps.

Where would you rank the MK500 if weight were not an issue for you?

Tom.
 
#34
Again, going on DB alone, the MK500 had a very slightly cleaner sound than the WW and had a more honest and deeper low end. Advantage - MK500. Outside of that, it was basically a toss up. The WW may have slightly thickened the sound, which could have made a richer DB tone for some basses, but that's a negative for me. I was very surprised because my testing had a Full Circle pickup going in direct to both. However, I don't think DB players will be tossing out their WW's for the MK500's due to the lack of 2 channel ability and weight.
 
#35
OK, I'm really thinking about getting a Little Mark II. My
only question is, what happens if it needs repair. If they
they don't even have a distributor in the USA till NAMM,
I'm a little worried about service on these little beauties.
 
#36
B String said:
OK, I'm really thinking about getting a Little Mark II. My
only question is, what happens if it needs repair. If they
they don't even have a distributor in the USA till NAMM,
I'm a little worried about service on these little beauties.
Click to expand...
I believe US distribution starts in March of this year. However, if you are impatient like me, I'm sure your selling Canadian dealer will handle service. I live in a major city but haven't been able to drive to a local dealer to find the boutique gear I want in many years. So buying over the phone/web is what I'm used to. Ground shipping to Canada runs about 6 days and is marginally more expensive than long distance US shipping. Express services are also available. The Canadian distributor seems to be VERY on the ball so I expect their in-house service department can handle anything the dealers can't. So I'm not too concerned. Of course, when Bass Central or other top boutique dealers get it with full US support, it'll be great.
 
#37
macmrkt said:
Again, going on DB alone, the MK500 had a very slightly cleaner sound than the WW and had a more honest and deeper low end. Advantage - MK500. Outside of that, it was basically a toss up. The WW may have slightly thickened the sound, which could have made a richer DB tone for some basses, but that's a negative for me. I was very surprised because my testing had a Full Circle pickup going in direct to both. However, I don't think DB players will be tossing out their WW's for the MK500's due to the lack of 2 channel ability and weight.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the information, Martin! On electric bass, I am hearing a noticable difference between the WWU and the MK500, but the interesting thing is that I think I prefer the tone of the Music Man HD-500 to both of them. And we all know who made that amp! [Hint, this thread is about them! :eek:]
 
#38
SMASH said:
Tom, what tube's in your HD-500?
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I haven't checked yet, but I do have some nice NOS 12AU7's, so at some point (when I find the free time), I look forward to a little tube rolling. I'll probably wait until I pick up my two HD-212's (ebay!) to do this testing.

Tom.
 

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