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Mesa Boogie vs Ampeg vs Markbass vs Others

#81
tarp21 said:
Haven’t made up my mind and yes I’m getting suggestions from strangers off the net. Money is no object for “one” amp purchase, I didn’t clarify.
Isn’t Markbass made in Italy? They used to be anyway. And if it broke where would you send your amp to be repaired? At least with Mesa it’s made in the USA and with repair shops. I’m looking at the total package and all options here
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I believe Markbass is now mostly made in China?....However, they certainly didn't lower their prices to reflect that:) One thing I love about Mesa is I can support "made in the USA", and they are hand signed the folks that actually assembled and test the specific unit.
 
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#82
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#83
FirewalZ said:
I believe Markbass is now mostly made in China?....However, they certainly didn't lower their prices to reflect that:) One thing I love about Mesa is I can support "made in the USA", and they are hand signed the folks that actually assembled and test the specific unit.
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Well I wondered about Markbass. Only thing I don’t care for is the black and yellow scheme, I’m not playing for Stryper lol. That was a joke to the Markbass diehards.
And I do agree about USA Mesa!
 
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#85
tarp21 said:
Well I wondered about Markbass. Only thing I don’t care for is the black and yellow scheme, I’m not playing for Stryper lol. That was a joke to the Markbass diehards.
And I do agree about USA Mesa!
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So, basically sound does take a second seat to other parameters? Very common, even among persons claiming it not beong the case.
You might still benefit from checking up Markbass.it. There are PLENTY of designs and colors, sharing most of the internal design philosophies.
Good luck, regardless.
 
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#86
AlexanderB said:
So, basically sound does take a second seat to other parameters? Very common, even among persons claiming it not beong the case.
You might still benefit from checking up Markbass.it. There are PLENTY of designs and colors, sharing most of the internal design philosophies.
Good luck, regardless.
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I was kidding dude lol. Definitely haven’t ruled out Markbass
 
#88
tarp21 said:
Apparently I’m super duper essential, I’m a paramedic. Lol. My work received huge government funds to distribute as they seen fit.
Glad to know about the Mesa stuff! Thanks!
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You're welcome. I absolutely love my Mesa gear.. also, I was an EMT before selling my soul to the USPS four years ago... working on getting my cert reinstated :thumbsup:
 
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#89
tarp21 said:
I’ve heard lots of good things about Markbass being clean but also heard many things on them being sterile sounding and boring.

I’ve also heard tons great about Mesa with very little poor reviews. Some have also said it’s dull sounding is about the worse.

Had some other suggestions as well. I won’t really know unless I go play some of these amps or just flat out buy one and hope I made the right choice. I’d most likely have to hit several different stores as I’m sure one place wouldn’t have the 3-4 I narrow down on trying. And that is a crappy way to have to do it too.

I believe I’m leaning towards the Mesa’s. But which one? Money is no object in my selection. I know I definitely want a HPF for sure. I’ll have to decide in the “big 3.” Or just 800+ or WD800 as I don’t require a two channel amp because I use only one bass per gig.
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I call BS on Markbass being "sterile or boring". Listen for yourself. I think Markbass is warm, clear but not clinical, relatively flat, easy to EQ and reliable. Years ago I gave up my Eden rig for MarkBass and never looked back. I bet money that half these "players" who slam Markbass never even auditioned one. Yea, I'm a bit sick of it.
 
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#95
FirewalZ said:
You are of course correct and ill admit i was to hasty in my reply...they are made in Indonesia. But my intent was that they are no longer made in Italy but were "offshored".
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Understood but there is a perceived difference in quality control between China and Indonesia. And all product is shipped back to Italy for a 2nd QC check. It's an important difference as many people equate China with "cheap".
 
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#98
SJan3 said:
Understood but there is a perceived difference in quality control between China and Indonesia. And all product is shipped back to Italy for a 2nd QC check. It's an important difference as many people equate China with "cheap".
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I don’t necessarily equate China with cheap...I mean they definitely have some cheap products as well as some not cheap products.

My issue with Chinese products has more to do with how they treat people, their geopolitical goals, the low worker safety and environmental standards, and their behavior towards the USA.

Indonesia has its own issues. It’s better than China, I guess...but they also have a long way to go.
 
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