Double Bass MB CMD 121P Vs. GK MB150E?

[apguy13]

Hello fellow bassists, I'm currently in the market for a portable amp with enough power to match drummers and big bands that won't break my back or wallet. I play both DB and EB, so a doubling rig is a must right now. I play a '53 Kaybass with a barbera piezo bridge and a stock Epiphone Thunderbird. Mostly all I play is jazz; anything from trio to an 18-piece big band. I've read into the AI amps and they don't seem too fit for doubling. (unless someone reasons otherwise) There are so many choices so as you can imagine, I'm struggling to come to a conclusion.

Main questions:
-How much louder (without a forced sound) is the MB than the GK?

-Is it worth the extra $300 for the MB?

-What other alternatives could I consider?

Thank you all for helping.

 

[elgecko]

The Markbass has dual inputs (invaluable for doubling), twice the wattage, a more roadworthy design (i.e. the knobs aren't as exposed as they are on the GK), and is silly loud for its size. I own two. The GK is lighter and more compact.

I've been thinking of picking up a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] as a little brother to my Marbass amps.

 

[robgrow]

This is something of an apples and oranges comparison, as these two amps are really different. From the info in your post, I'd say the Markbass CMD 121P would probably be best for you. If you decide to go with the GK, you might want to consider the MB150S, which is slightly less expensive than the MB150E. Unless you need chorus, they are basically the same amp (and to me the MB150S is better sounding for DB). If you get a GK MB150, a gig bag is really mandatory IMO. I like the aftermarket bags like Tuki makes much better the GK bag.

 

[apguy13]

I really appreciate the help. I actually meant the GK MB150S; can't even find the GK MB150E for sale. I was going to get it (the GK MB150S) for about $610, but then started looking at MarkBass. Anyone that can give me a better understanding on the differences in these amps besides the volume (seems like MarkBass wins volume). My real concern here is volume of sound in a medium sized room with horns and percussion. Most of the time, there will be a DI to the PA, but how would these amps fare in that environment (without DI)?

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

The GK MB150S is a handy little amp that sounds good with both electric and upright, but I've found that it doesn't do a great job of projecting its sound into the room. I have Markbass CMD 121P and from what you describe it will fulfill your needs better. The second input will make doubling easier too, although you'll need a preamp in order to use the XLR input.

As an alternative, I recommend the more obscure Markacoustic AC101. You can read my review of this amp here. You may be able to find a used one like I did, but this amp is still availble as the here.

- Steve

 

[B String]

Not too much to add here. The 150s is a great amp but very old school sounding and not much volume. What is does, it does very well. There's a reason the 121p is (has been) the top selling product in the Markbass line. When I use mine for doubling, I use a Sansamp Paradriver with the upright and Full Circle, and plug the electric straight in the amp.
The 121p amp has tons headroom and takes eq really well making it very versatile. It's much louder than it looks. Also, if you couple the rear port with a wall you get about a half octave more lows. BUT!!!! I still have my very old GK mb200, the first version of the MB 150. So..... Buy both!

 

[old spice]

The GK MB150 needs an extension cabinet for bass guitar use.
I used it (with extension cabinet) for a loud band with double bass for years and loved it. Very reliable. Steel cabinet.