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Pointers on amp selection... again.

CaptainStupido

CaptainStupido

Oct 21, 2021
11
5
Alabama
#1
After my last thread ~3 years ago looking for pointers on a new rig, I ended up getting a good deal on a GK 400RB-III and CX115 (forgot to update that thread, sorry), which was great until I started REALLY gigging and rehearsing again within the last few months. Had a close call in a cramped stairway trying to load out earlier today and decided it's time for something easier to carry around with a lower stage footprint, on top of my taste in amps changing overtime.
Main criteria is:
- Combo.
- Lightweight (<35 lbs/16 kg).
- Versatile preamp.
- Decent headroom / DI (mainly play small stages and usually the larger stages have decent backline/PA support).
- Responsive enough for 5 string/octave pedal use, but not overbearingly boomy/sub heavy.
- No 1x15s, last 3 amps I've owned were 1x15s and I want to try something different.
I've got my eyes on a Markbass MB58R 102 Pure, and wanted to know if anyone has experience with one, or any alternatives before I pull the trigger on it.
 
#2
CaptainStupido said:
After my last thread ~3 years ago looking for pointers on a new rig, I ended up getting a good deal on a GK 400RB-III and CX115 (forgot to update that thread, sorry), which was great until I started REALLY gigging and rehearsing again within the last few months. Had a close call in a cramped stairway trying to load out earlier today and decided it's time for something easier to carry around with a lower stage footprint, on top of my taste in amps changing overtime.
Main criteria is:
- Combo.
- Lightweight (<35 lbs/16 kg).
- Versatile preamp.
- Decent headroom / DI (mainly play small stages and usually the larger stages have decent backline/PA support).
- Responsive enough for 5 string/octave pedal use, but not overbearingly boomy/sub heavy.
- No 1x15s, last 3 amps I've owned were 1x15s and I want to try something different.
I've got my eyes on a Markbass MB58R 102 Pure, and wanted to know if anyone has experience with one, or any alternatives before I pull the trigger on it.
Click to expand...
I would try a GR Bass combo, wood or carbon: GR Bass is famous for its ultra light-weight carbon fiber cabs, but they also sound superior (IMO).
Their wooden cabs & combos sound has good as the carbon fiber equivalent, but they are more affordable and look more sturdy.
They are incredibly detailed and precise, with a lot of great low end that's never muddy.

Even the Cube 800 (made of wood, 800W) weights only 27.8 lbs

1739687582740.png
 
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#5
I have nicer amps but I regularly gig a Rumble 500. It's plenty capable on its own, but the matching 2x10 just make it even mo betta. Its small footprint and lightweight just make it an easy choice. Good luck on your search.
Screenshot_20250216_053135_Gallery.jpg
 
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#7
I have been very impressed with the smaller Markbass combos I've played, but I have no idea which models they were. Markbass discontinue their products and release new ones far too often IMO. It's impossible to keep up with their product range unless you're an absolute Markbass fanatic. This also means it can be difficult to find any meaningful reviews from real world Markbass owners, because the models with a proven track record no longer exist.

And what's "Pure" vs "Energy" really about? I have searched all over the Markbass website for information about this, but I can't find anything other than silly marketing BS that doesn't really say much. I'm sure it has something to do with the overall voicing (like "warm" vs "modern"), and I'm also sure I can find the answer somewhere here on Talkbass, but why should I have to do that?

Seriously Markbass, you need to tighten up your product range, stick with it for more than 2 seconds, and provide better descriptions of your products.

I have really liked the Markbass amps/combos I've played though, and I'm generally a tube amp nut. I have been particularly impressed with their smaller combos. But I haven't played any of the current models, for the reasons explained above.

The one Marksbass product I didn't like at all was the Vintage Pre pedal. What a piece of junk! Pushing the input (and presumably the tube) past the point of breakup just resulted in a nasty buzzing that seemed to sit "on top" of the clean signal rather than be a part of it. There was no touch sensitivity whatsoever. Play softly = no buzzing. Dig in slightly harder = swarm of bees. It doesn't sound even remotely like an actual tube amp, or even like a proper tube preamp pedal. Absolutely horrible product IMO.
 
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#8
Deleted member 271037 said:
And what's "Pure" vs "Energy" really about? I have searched all over the Markbass website for information about this, but I can't find anything other than silly marketing BS that doesn't really say much. I'm sure it has something to do with the overall voicing (like "warm" vs "modern"), and I'm also sure I can find the answer somewhere here on Talkbass, but why should I have to do that?
Click to expand...

well, there's a video on youtube where Marco explains and a bass player shows difference in voicing. yeah, right, discussed on TB multiple times as well.

I don't get what you're complaining about: does Ampeg website specify what's the difference in voicing between a 'Classic' 810 and a 'Heritage' one? does the Fender website specify the voicing difference between a 410 Bassman and a 410 Rumble?
 
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#9
a vertical 210 is great for tight space occasions.

MarkBass has even a tighter option: a CMD Traveler 102 P. it does sound differently to a Pure tho: Pure has more things going in highs and a bit more in lows, but the 102 P is warmer.

it's all about what sound you're after.
 
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#12
#13
Should note I'm on the fence about getting another GK (have had some weird issues with both GKs I had), but I've yet to try a Legacy so that might change.

Rumbles are alright but they're almost TOO common around here, they're a great standby but I can't really get some of the sounds I like out of them.

Also, coincidentally, I've got a chance to try out a Markbass combo at practice later, it'll be good to hear it with the full band.
 
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