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My New Markbass LM II Head

Toyoman

Toyoman

Mar 3, 2007
71
21
#1
I have been lurking around here for a few years and noticed alot of forum members using Markbass heads-cabinets and combos.I noticed about 95% positive threads on Markbass products.So I decided i would go for the Little Mark II its small light and 500watts at 4ohms.

I went to GC online site and noticed they had them for 549.99.But one problem i had not played through one yet.I then called nearest GC in my area and asked if they had any in stock.And they 1 on floor display and 2 new in box.So i made the 2 hour round trip to GC in Charlotte N.C.

I played the floor display through a GK 410BLX like i own.After playin with the knobs and puttin it through it's paces i was totally impressed and purchased a new in box LM II.They had it marked at 599.99 i told salesperson they were at GC online site for 549.99 he said no problem i can do that.

So last night i took it to house gig i play every friday and saturday night we do country-rock-blues-pop and hooked it up to my GK410BLX and Trace Elliot410.Wow this little baby packs some punch.I ran eq flat and played with the VLE and VPF knobs had gain at 10 oclock and master at 10 oclock and it was kicking.

My GK700RBII has been a great and reliable head for many years.But it will taking a back seat i am really digging the LM II and i can get alot of different sounds out of it.Got alot of compliments on my sound from bandmates and and customers.I was using my EB Sterling 4 string through it and combined with the LM II and my cabs time just flew by:bassist:

Sorry for the long post.But i am very happy right now:hyper:
 
#3
Congrats! As you probably read on a zillion threads and posts, IMO you have one of the best amps ever produced based on quality of sound and output per cost.

As Mike points out, there is a new version (LMIII) that is just starting to ship, which is the reason you got the LMII for $50 off the regular price.

The good news is, you can take your 30 day trial period and decide if the relatively minor LMIII upgrade (basically, a more fully featured DI and an improved power amp limiting circuit) is worth another $50:)
 
#4
Toyoman said:
My GK700RBII has been a great and reliable head for many years.But it will taking a back seat i am really digging the LM II and i can get alot of different sounds out of it.Got alot of compliments on my sound from bandmates and and customers.
Click to expand...

It sounds like you play similar stuff, and I've been on the fence with these two particular heads for awhile. I'm interested in what it is in particular you prefer about the LMII.
 
#5
KJung said:
Congrats! As you probably read on a zillion threads and posts, IMO you have one of the best amps ever produced based on quality of sound and output per cost.

As Mike points out, there is a new version (LMIII) that is just starting to ship, which is the reason you got the LMII for $50 off the regular price.

The good news is, you can take your 30 day trial period and decide if the relatively minor LMIII upgrade (basically, a more fully featured DI and an improved power amp limiting circuit) is worth another $50:)
Click to expand...

& I thought I was the only one with insomnia. Hey Ken, as long as ur on a buying spree, could you pick up one of those SWR Golight 4x10's and let us know how they sound??? Thanks.
 
#7
I just got to try out my first LMII Thursday. I didn't have my own bass but I played a MM, a Squier Jbass and a Squier Pbass through the LMII and a little Markbass 2X10 cab.

If I had had $1000 on me I would have walked out with the LMII (and the two Squier basses). :) I thought it sounded great, especially for the price. I'd own one no problem. Maybe someday I'll sell my Thunderfunk and grab an LMIII. Something about equipment that doesn't cost much but performs great that I really like!

As a side note, the $1200 MM bass had the worst fret dressing I've ever felt on a bass. The 2, $200 Squiers were beautiful! :eek:

Al
:bassist:
 
#8
Jaco who? said:
It sounds like you play similar stuff, and I've been on the fence with these two particular heads for awhile. I'm interested in what it is in particular you prefer about the LMII.
Click to expand...

IMO the LM II is the better choice. I don't have to push the volume as hard as i do with my GK and i prefer the overall sound of the LM II over the GK sound.I would say go with the LM II or the LM III that is available now.Give both a try and make your own decision.But my opinion is the LM II is just a better sounding head and more versatile than my GK.And the LM II runs alot cooler than my GK after 5 40minute sets last night it was barely warm.
 
#12
I did a lot of research and demo'd everything out there.
The Markbass F1 and Little Mark clearly sounded better than all others. I purchased the F1 and the 4x10 cab. I got the 4 ohm version so I can get the full 500 watts out of the head. It really is amazing: a lot of head room and overall great sound. The amp is the size of a websters dictionary! The cabinet weighs less than 60lbs....and it looks pretty cool too. Before you purchase a 200+lb cab and head (ie: Ampeg, SVT), check out Markbass. GC had the F1 on sale - I got it for $499! Cab for $699. The best investment I ever made. Don't waste your time with GK, Peavey - totally inferior to the MB.
 

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