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Opinion on Markbass

#61
alaskaleftybass said:
Watch out for Markbass cynics. They became furious when MB switched it's manufacturing to China where all the other name brands were already being built. There's also a group who despise the yellow color and make special effort to ridicule the amp color theme.

I've used Markbass backline and played quite a few in stores. I've loved their sound and weight, and yeah, I'm going to say it-- their yellow theme. but I couldn't get myself to put out the moolah when I could buy a Gallien Krueger MB112 for about half the price, made in USA, with USA support. If my wife was a little more generous with my musical allowance (just kidding) I'd probably own a MB112 with a NYC112 for everything I need. But I own Gallien Krueger and Eden and they are totally bullet proof. If you found a good deal on a Markbass combo, I say go for it! Good luck and let us know how it turned out. :thumbsup:
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It's important to point out that current Markbass equipment is made in Indonesia, not China.
Big difference as Indonesia has shown to consistently put forth quality products from Lakland to G&L and others.
 
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#63
While I like to support good US companies who are keeping the standards high, I think it's foolish to simply write something off as second rate solely because it wasn't made in the US. If all other aspects are equal, the US made gear will always be my first choice even if it costs a little more. However, I won't blindly buy US products when a company thinks that waving the flag is an acceptable substitute for top tier quality and service.
 
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#64
willbass44 said:
I'm putting this out there as a request for help. I just purchased a brand new Little Mark Ninja from Guitar Center. In the store, paired with the 122 New York Ninja cab, it seemed to have it all....highs, lows, great tone. When I got the amp home, paired with Bergantino 112 cabs, I can't get any highs. Still getting great finger style tones, nice and warm with plenty of lows, but no highs. Since these don't seem to come with a user manual, I'm reaching out for help from those more familiar with these amps than I am. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Sorry if this sounds too basic but were you playing the same guitar in the store sat home? Are they the same strings?
 
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#65
Al Kraft said:
While I like to support good US companies who are keeping the standards high, I think it's foolish to simply write something off as second rate solely because it wasn't made in the US. If all other aspects are equal, the US made gear will always be my first choice even it costs a little more. However, I won't blindly buy US products when a company thinks that waving the flag is an acceptable substitute for top tier quality and service.
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A good example of Asian production and American support: Peavey has moved most of its production overseas but maintains a small support team in Meridian. I've called them a couple times and received great help even on older Peavey products. If the company must move overseas at the least their support will elevate them from other brands. Mesa is undoubtedly top tier support, we even have a local in-house expert always giving free excellent advice whether it's a Mesa product or not.
 
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#66
alaskaleftybass said:
A good example of Asian production and American support: Peavey has moved most of its production overseas but maintains a small support team in Meridian. I've called them a couple times and received great help even on older Peavey products. If the company must move overseas at the least their support will elevate them from other brands. Mesa is undoubtedly top tier support, we even have a local in-house expert always giving free excellent advice whether it's a Mesa product or not.
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My biggest concern with seeing manufacturing and other business functions/activities move entirely out of the US is that it's really hard to reconstitute capability once it's gone. I get the whole global economy and citizen of the world thing, but I just like it better when I see capability being established in a US-centric way...and I'm sure folks in other countries feel the same way when they see their own country's industries growing at home.
 
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#67
I've had the Jeff Berlin CMD151P for just over a year now and I think it's the best amo I've eber used. I never thought a tweeter-less 15" cab would be my thing and yet I threw my hat in because I adore Jeff's tone.

Well, I was right to do so because it's a brilliant sounding amp.

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#68
TrevorG said:
Sorry if this sounds too basic but were you playing the same guitar in the store sat home? Are they the same strings?
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Thanks so much for your help. I took that amp back to Guitar Center and exchanged it.....the amp was defective. I'm back home with the "new" amp playing and I've got plenty of highs. Thanks again for all the responses.
 
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#70
I got my Jeff Berlin combo probably 7 years ago if I'm remembering correctly and it has never failed to deliver stellar live tones. Other amps will come and go but I know that I'll always have this combo in my possession. It wasn't until I started using this amp with bands that it's nature revealed itself. It sounds good by itself but really shines in a band mix which is what it was designed for. It's like a P bass, it should only be evaluated in the context of a band and not by itself. Markbass has a mid presence that just works great live.
 
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#72
As a Markbass gear user for some 7 or so years my dear original CMD102P with the 102HF cab is still going strong. The original class AB amp has been great and seen a ton of action, remarkable. Also recently had the CMD112H which was good but didn't quite float my boat, this has moved on.

I'm not crazy about the Markbass 'look' but has proved to be reliable. Had various upsets with Ashdown and more recently two Rumble 500's.

Gone berserk and waiting for a K1 and Traveler 123 cab, any comments appreciated.

Getting Markbass gear serviced here is not a problem, never needed, two year warranty apparently. Also probably cheaper.

Anyway, that's my 2'pennorth..
 
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#73
I've been using a Little Mark amp through a single 15" at BandCamp. Now, I'm not a noob. Used Fender Bassman, Dual Showman, Acoustic 470, SVT, and currently an SWR SM900 for gigs. This little Mark Bass amp totally blows me away. Tone for miles, plenty of low end, tons of power. And, it's lighter than a rack o' ribs. I'm buying one. Just as soon as my wife says I can.
 
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#74
GlennA said:
As a Markbass gear user for some 7 or so years my dear original CMD102P with the 102HF cab is still going strong. The original class AB amp has been great and seen a ton of action, remarkable. Also recently had the CMD112H which was good but didn't quite float my boat, this has moved on.

I'm not crazy about the Markbass 'look' but has proved to be reliable. Had various upsets with Ashdown and more recently two Rumble 500's.

Gone berserk and waiting for a K1 and Traveler 123 cab, any comments appreciated.

Getting Markbass gear serviced here is not a problem, never needed, two year warranty apparently. Also probably cheaper.

Anyway, that's my 2'pennorth..
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Got my K1 a year ago. Initially there was a fan noise problem which was quickly repaired. Done a few tests comparing amp signal straight into the desk with sound coming out of the cabinet. The cab sound is marginally bassier to my ears so I am going to look for a bright 400watt cab to compliment the combo. No idea what yet. I have actually carried it with one hand from the car park to the venue but it is still heavier than most Markbass products. There's no venue it isn't right for. Originally wanted a MessaBoogie outfit but I got the K1 for about a third the price with very little separating them with regards to sound quality.
 
#75
IMG_0815.JPG
Good all-around amps in my book ... been using them for years, this is my everyday go to rig the cab is a 1x15 made by a local builder to the specs supplied by Eminence for the 2515 II neo speaker. I have two of these amp heads the other is the normal black and yellow both are the older class A-B Italian units
 
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#79
With the exception of the built-in speakers in the Minimark I have had for 11 years now, I do not use Markbass speaker cabinets. I use LDS cabinets that sound great with Markbass heads, although I have been using an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 for a few years with the LDS cabs (sold off my LM II and F1). I still use the Minimark for jams and personal playing at home.
 
#80
I have taken my Markbass CMP 121P to countless gigs and rehearsals over the last ten years. It's relatively light and not terribly bulky. I can usually carry it in one hand and my bass case in the other. The sound is excellent, tight, warm, and punchy. I seldom need to fiddle with the knobs. The DI in it is great for recording. The only part on it that has failed is the carrying strap which my tech repaired with generic parts. Although I paid around $800 or so for it, I feel like a got really good value for the money.

I take my Phil Jones BG-75 Double Four instead for situations where I don't need much volume or I need to use battery power or headphones. For example, the BG-75 is the better choice if I'm rehearsing in a klezmer band in somebody's house in tight quarters where space is at a premium. But for 90% of my musical life, the Markbass fits the bill. I haven't even bought an extension cab for it yet, although with the current sales I am a bit tempted.
 
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