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Opinions going from Eden to MarkBass?

CascadeBass

CascadeBass

May 29, 2005
824
1,032
Roseburg, Oregon
#1
I've done some searching, but I'm still hoping to gather a pool of experience-laden banter from folks who have gone from Eden heads to MarkBass, specifically the LMII.

I play through a WT-300C and I'm looking for a little more power and the LMII sure is popular.

What's the consensus?
 
#2
Heres my story:

About three years ago I got caught up in the eden hype and bought a WT800B after trying several different amps. It took a loooong time to dial in it but once I did I was happy with the sound. The WT800 is a monster tone amp and a bit on the aggressive side. The only two things I did not like about the amp was that it got EXTREMELY hot during the course of a practice or 4 hour gig and it weighs in at 23lbs.

I had been talking with the Markbass guys at the NAMM shows for a couple of years and really wanted to try their stuff and at one show Peter said that they would soon have a HUGE presence in the US with the help of a big guitar store. At that time he could not tell me the name of the guitar store that was going to carry Markbass but I clued in on what he was saying. Needless to say about 9 months later our local GC got the SD800 and I picked up the first in San Diego. I gigged with it that weekend and put the WT800B up for sale (sold it pretty quick).

It only took me minutes to dial in the sound/tone that I wanted and I loved that it is only 7.5 (or so) lbs. and it NEVER gets hot....never, not even after a 4 hour gig in the middle of summer with a packed house. You can ride the B string all night and it wont even bust a sweat....just keeps on going.

I absolutely love my MB SD800! Never had a problem with it, powers up in mere moments and the sound that comes out my cab is awsome.

So, to reply to your question: I had an Eden but traded for a Markbass.

ikestr
 
#3
I have a few amps - Eden WT400 - Aguilar DB750 - Ashdown ABM500RC.

I use the WT400 for rehearsals and small to medium gigs with either an Aguilar GS212 or Eden D610XLT and I use the DB750 or ABM500RC with either the Aguilar DB810 or GS412 for larger shows.

I owned the LMII for a couple of years also and have recently sold it due to non use. I also got on the light weight GAS wagon and that amp sounded good and never failed.

I really feel that amp tonally wasn't as good as the WT400 for what I was using it for and although rated at 500w compared to the Eden's 400w, the Eden has never been out of depth in the specific situations I use it for... consequently, the LMII became stored in my gig bag with my leads etc. and taken to gigs as the back up if one of my others failed (never happened)

So, my experience (and I did A/B the LMII with not only the WT400, but the other amps many times also) has been that yes, the LMII is a good, reliable amplifier BUT, not good enough either tonally or convenience wise to move ME away from the others. I bought an Eden amp gig bag also which has a few pockets etc. and now susequently, I still use the WT400 for rehearsals and smaller gigs AND it goes everywhere as the back-up amp as it's in my "lead bag"

You need more power and the LMII maybe the ticket compared to the WT300? but, you may, or may not be happy tonally?

As always, try the LMII as well as probably the GB 6.0 and if you like the tone of the WT300 but need more power, look out for a secondhand WT550 maybe?

Good luck with your search...
 
#4
Had the WT405 and liked that amp alot. Then it got broken (not the amps fault, but my 3 year olds'). After 4 attempts at getting it fixed the CS at Eden pretty well forced me to sell the amp. Mulitiple emails and no response etc.

I bought an LMII and I am very happy. Its got a great tone set flat and is IMO more powerful than the eden, even though it weighs 1/3 of the eden.

I did really like that WT405, but have no regrets switching to the Markbass LMII... especially considering Edens poor customer service. I wont buy from them again just because of that issue.
 
#5
I have and use both LM2 and WT550. Great tone from both-advantage of the LM2 is ease of transport. Advantages of WT550 are: goes to 2 Ohms/more power, more finely tweakable mid eq, DI has level control, has headphone out, more inputs. If you won't need any of the added features, the LM2 is a good bet. I like the other features and use 2 heads.
 
#6
Ok. Lots of good replies; thanks. My main issue has been that the tone I like when practicing by myself just doesn't cut through in a mix or during band practice.

It's this factor that has convinced me that my MTD Kingston and my Spector Legend are my best instruments to date. I sold my Cort RB5 (Elrick collaboration) because it just didn't cut through and didn't have the sustain I wanted, even though it was tonally more versatile.

It's the same with the Eden. It's GREAT sounding by itself, and I'm not bagging on Eden-- I love them. And I finally have pro quality gear (WT300 and Aguilar GS112) but I find I have to push the Eden during gigs. That's more a power issue than anything else, but I figure I could get $400 for my WT300, and that puts me close to an LMII, with a bit more power and probably a more transparent sound (which will cut through like I need.)

This is WAY more within reach than a WT550, which I would be okay with. ;)

So. I may post a feeler for my WT300. :( I will miss it.

I'm like lots of folks who can't A/B gear by ADDING to their arsenal. I must sell to buy. :)

Thanks again.
 
#7
I own a 550 and an LMII and love them both, although I may be trading the 550. In my opinion, the 550 sounds VERY pleasing when practicing alone, but not as great in a mix. With the LMII, it's the opposite - I hate playing with it solo, but it sounds awesome when playing with a group. With that said, however, this is all from where I'm standing. On a stage, the Eden may sound awesome out front, and the LMII may sound bad. Although I've been playing the LMII, I think it will be tough to get rid of the 550 - but Eden's less than stellar customer service may be be the push I need to get over it.
 
#8
LMII doesn't have the low-mid push and hybrid tone of the Eden. Not even close. Shuttle 6.0 is closer. If you want the low-mids without the hybrid sound, the Thunderfunk or AG500 is a good call.
 
#9
lm183902 said:
In my opinion, the 550 sounds VERY pleasing when practicing alone, but not as great in a mix. With the LMII, it's the opposite - I hate playing with it solo, but it sounds awesome when playing with a group.
Click to expand...

Too funny, exactly my experience. Good point, however-- it may be a different story FOH.

Whatever. I'm sure I'll miss my Eden. I'm getting close to going Italian. I've done it with motorcycles and some other stuff! ;)
 
#11
I do not have the LM but I have the Eden 330 and the Shuttle 6.0. I love the Eden and the Shuttle, but my Eden will power two Schroeder 4 ohm cabs and the Shuttle will not. I am not familiar with the MB ratings but if you plan on multiple cabs that are 2 Ohm, just keep it in mind.
 
#13
CrackBass said:
you need more speakers. the biggest baddest amp out there is going to be severely limited by a single 12. maby another 112 would be a good choice. it will have much more impact on your volume than than more power.
Click to expand...

This does nothing for my head GAS! I am not listening to you! :) Actually I'd like to pick up a 210 as well but that must come later.

I'll see how my WT300/GS112 does tomorrow at a first pratice/jam with a new project I'm playing with.

If I feel like I need something MORE than what my current rig gives me, tone aside, I'm posting pics for a FS: Eden WT300C thread. :)
 

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