PICK ONE NEW HEAD MESA OR MARK BASS ?

[bass40hz]

I had an M6, its a beast, way underrated as far as volume output (perceived versus specs) IMHO, way louder than the 600 watts it claims, one negative, and only a negative if you are looking for versatility, is that there is definitely a baked in sound to this amp, not bad, not good, there just is. Then again, same with MarkBass, I had a ton of their gear also. If I were choosing today and these were my only 2 choices, it would still be the M6.
Rock on.

 

[Scott Baiowulf]

Mesa is obviously great gear, but I’m surprised at all the Markbass hate. I’ve been gigging with my LM800 for about two years and I love it. Never had any problems with reliability or dialing in different tones.

 

[armyadarkness]

Always wanted to try a mesa so it definitely wouldn't settling.

Also it always concerned me how markbass gear is always on sale and that sweetwater doesn't sell it.

Well I've been using an Italian Made Markbass Little Tube 800 since 2010, and not only is it very versatile and reliable, but it's obviously become a bit of a bench mark, and (to my knowledge) the only Markbass head to not be discontinued since introduced. That being said... Markbass is a Guitar Center brand now, and I hate everything about the way Markbass handles customers and service.

Mesa on the other hand, has all but taken me to lunch when I needed service. When my Strategy88 needed tubes, Mesa was on point in all aspects.

I have two full Markbass stacks and I couldn't be happier with their quality or tone, but I've moved on from them as a company, because I feel that they're more about marketing than they are about bass players.

 

[armyadarkness]

Mesa is obviously great gear, but I’m surprised at all the Markbass hate. I’ve been gigging with my LM800 for about two years and I love it. Never had any problems with reliability or dialing in different tones.

Yeah they don't get much love. I'll never sell my Markbass SD1200 or 410HR's, but I don't even look to Mark anymore when considering anything new.

 

[dBChad]

Mesa.

Always choose Mesa.

 

[Scott Baiowulf]

Markbass is a Guitar Center brand now, and I hate everything about the way Markbass handles customers and service.

Does GC actually have an ownership stake or is it an exclusive contract for US distribution?

 

[Wisebass]

Mesa M6 carbine (used) or Mark Bass Little Mark Tube 800 ?

Hi redwingxix

Mark Bass = Okay!

Mesa = Wow!

Any doubts? (buy an Ampeg)

greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[hennessybass]

Wow, that vote isn't even close.

 

[GTx2]

It would be hard to ever say no to a Carbine......

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Yeah they don't get much love. I'll never sell my Markbass SD1200 or 410HR's, but I don't even look to Mark anymore when considering anything new.

That's how I feel about Ampeg's "newer" stuff. Peavey for that matter, also.

 

[redwingxix]

Hmmm. Very high praise all around. Thinking I might go get a mesa whether I actually need it or not before I squander my funds on something else. My current thinking is grab the M6 if I have to have it tomorrow, if I don't then try it and the M800 and go from there.

Thanks for the help, all.

 

[gt96g]

Ideally, id say borrow for this gig and give yourself more time. Hastily made decisions are usually not the right ones, but if you put me on the spot Id say Mesa. I owned a walkabout years ago and it was solid. Also briefly owned two Markbass products. Markbass amps play well enough on their own, but I have never successfully gotten one to mix well in a band setting. Always very dark sounding and lacked clarity, IMO.

 

[Bulky Bass]

I might be the minority, but check out getting a used Markbass R500 if you can. Has a tube in it, no filters, and a warmer sound than any other Markbass head I’ve ever owned. I’ve had mine for 8 years now and it’s still my favorite amp! No frills and best of all, it’s black not all yellow or green looking.

 

[redwingxix]

Ideally, id say borrow for this gig and give yourself more time. Hastily made decisions are usually not the right ones, but if you put me on the spot Id say Mesa. I owned a walkabout years ago and it was solid. Also briefly owned two Markbass products. Markbass amps play well enough on their own, but I have never successfully gotten one to mix well in a band setting. Always very dark sounding and lacked clarity, IMO.

It's GC so I can borrow it for 30 days.

 

[baxter_x]

I would take any brand over Mark bass personally

 

[gt96g]

It's GC so I can borrow it for 30 days.

Another option could be Sam Ash if one is near you. I only mention it becasue I think they do 3 day rentals or something on used gear.

 

[onda'bass]

Mesa, end of the story

 

[sstillwell]

The M6 is a brutal sledgehammer of an amp that has been polished to mirror gloss.

The only downside I can think of is that the volume is pretty darn touchy if you try to run the gain up enough to get into the tube a bit. That, and it's heavy when it's in old-school Anvil rack case. The sound is absolutely glorious, though.

Given the two choices, I'd take the M6 every single day of the week. If I had my druthers, though, I'd use a D-800+...and I do. I still have my M6, but that D-800+ is more versatile and is small enough to carry to rehearsals.

 

[pjbassist]

I’m surprised at all the Markbass hate

Exactly what I was thinking. I recently tried a MB LMT800 in a GC and thought it sounded great! I was contemplating a switch to Class D and ended up with Genz Benz, but I was coming from SWR (which I love) so that may have affected my ears/opinion. Good luck OP!

 

[BOOG]

Have not tried the Mesa gear. Liked the sound of the MB LMT500 but could not get passed the QC (or lack of). Combine that with the fact of outrageous service restrictions on MB and it's a no brain'r. Mesa or a lot of others but not that MB stuff, anymore.

Another option is just DI for the next few days and order the head you really want but is not immediately available for use. (small sacrifices)