Perhaps not by winter, but rumor has it that many MFG's are preparing similar products for release next year that will compete directly with LMII and other small heads. The difficult thing is going to be getting the same exposure MB has received thanks to the GC partnership in the US. Still, the competition should be good all the way around for the consumer, and hopefully it will drive prices down for everyone. I wouldn't necessarily advise someone to wait that long to buy something, especially if the LMII fits the bill for something they need now. As has already been mentioned here, the LMII is a great product at a good price, so if one is able, they might as well jump.
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The time has come! Markbass MegaThread!
- Thread starter SundanceChile
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+1Such as who? I'm genuinely curious. This recent way of mini amps fell far short IMO.
Agreed, and it might take some time for things to catch up. That's why I wouldn't wait around for it. But there is a huge market for these types of heads, and everyone will be trying to capitalize on it.Such as who? I'm genuinely curious. This recent way of mini amps fell far short IMO.
Took my LM II to practice for the first time with a single GS112. Geez, it was sweet. About 8 o'clock on the master volume (!) was all it took. The low end was effortless. Everything was clear and easily heard. I have found the VLE and VPF filters handy for some tweaking, while leaving the eqs flat...sorta like the "enhance" and "timbre" controls on the TF...but with different action...very useful, imho.
I agree with earlier posters...if you are on the fence...buy it. When compared to what else folks are seriously gigging with...this head is an unbelievable steal. Ampeg SVT 3 Pro? It'll set you back about $900, new. GK 1001RB? About $750. Even a Peavey Tour 700 (I am not dissin' them, lol!) will run about $560. Those amps, imho, are not close to being in the same class as the LM II.
I popped the hood to change the DI from post to pre and was very impressed at the materials and construction of this amp. Unbelievably, it's not even made in Asia
Time will tell about long term ruggedness and durability. Those, to me, unknowns, are the only things that might spoil this experience...but honestly I really don't expect any problems from seeing how this thing is put together and how everything works so well. Some TBers have been gigging these for about a year now and I haven't heard any gripes.
Kim
I agree with earlier posters...if you are on the fence...buy it. When compared to what else folks are seriously gigging with...this head is an unbelievable steal. Ampeg SVT 3 Pro? It'll set you back about $900, new. GK 1001RB? About $750. Even a Peavey Tour 700 (I am not dissin' them, lol!) will run about $560. Those amps, imho, are not close to being in the same class as the LM II.
I popped the hood to change the DI from post to pre and was very impressed at the materials and construction of this amp. Unbelievably, it's not even made in Asia
Time will tell about long term ruggedness and durability. Those, to me, unknowns, are the only things that might spoil this experience...but honestly I really don't expect any problems from seeing how this thing is put together and how everything works so well. Some TBers have been gigging these for about a year now and I haven't heard any gripes.
Kim
I was wondering who the many MFG's are?
I've seen a few companies try to capitalize on this segment and Markbass really rewrote that business IMO.
Well, I don't think they rewrote anything per se. They just came out with something that had a sound that was more appealing than much of the previous lightweight gear, and they took the size and weight thing to the next level. More evolutionary than revolutionary IMO. It's a good design, and the filters help overcome the gaps that the traditional guys might have.
Also, a big part of their succes lies in the very strategic move to put these little guys in Guitar Centers where they get a lot of exposure. While many people here at TB give GC a hard time, most of the non-TB world isn't quite as biased. The place stays packed all weekend long, and those little $599 heads have drawn the attentiont of a lot of people who've never even heard of Acoustic Image or Walter Woods for example.
It probably feels like MB has accomplished a whole lot more to you and others who really dig their gear. I can certainly understand that, especially given how poorly so much of the ultra small equipment leading up to MB performed by comparison (AI, Walter Woods, etc.). But for guys like me that as taken with it, it just feels like a linear improvement within the same genre. Heads have been getting smaller and more powerful for quite some time now. MB is just helping move that trend along, although they are doing it quite well. I certainly want to give them credit for their accomplishments. But you can certainly expect others will counter that move very quickly, and some of them will be effective.
I don't know man. So someone comes out with a 3LB head. Whop-ti-do. Its only a 3 LB difference. Someone may come out with a head that sounds different, but "different" isn't necessarily better. Preference of tone is such subjective thing. I think MB did well to keep the LMII tone clean and true to the bass guitar's inherent tone.
Could improvements be made? Sure. I'd like to see a mute switch and *gasp* a built-in tuner.
The only amp I've heard of with a tuner built in was the EA Iamp.
I bought a Planet Waves patch cord with a mute switch built into it. Problem solved.
Could improvements be made? Sure. I'd like to see a mute switch and *gasp* a built-in tuner.
The only amp I've heard of with a tuner built in was the EA Iamp.
I bought a Planet Waves patch cord with a mute switch built into it. Problem solved.
IMHO/FWIW, that's all Brad was saying... at least as I took it.
Regardless, I'd still really like to know who the "many" are you refer to in the above quote. This is a market segment I'm particularly interested in.
I didn't mean they used alien technology, I meant that prior to them, you pretty much had to pay Walter Woods type money to get what they put out. This is a huge leap from WW-type money for a product like this.
I've said it before, I'll say it again... if they sold them at K-Mart, I'd still have one. I seriously doubt that where they're sold has as much of an effect on their success as WHAT they're selling. I remember going round and round about this with someone before (it may have been you), with talk of massive advertising, they're in GC, etc. that's why they're successful. I think that's hogwash. Not going to do that again. If the product didn't work, it wouldn't be this successful, period. Feel free to disagree.
So basically your talk of rumors of many companies was what? An educated guess?
I don't recall AI or WW performing "poorly". When did that happen? they seem to do what they're designed to do to me. And my LMII does what it's designed to do... granted it would perform "poorly" as a toaster.
It doesn't "feel" like they've accomplished alot, almost anyone can see it. It's that obvious. You don't see it as the big leap, I do. I've been around this stuff for over thirty years and I've never seen a product hit the market that so thoroughly leaves it's competition in the dust on so many levels.
Basscentre? that where i got mine for £400. Not many great music shops in Lincs
And the philosophy that you can only have two of the following three is a lie!
-Small
-Light
-Powerful
As the LMII is all three
Im hoping the LMII will sing with DHA VT1-Std-Bass infront of it...
Actually no, I got my LMII head from "Live Music" in Peterborough (the key is to say "So what price could you do that for" mine worked out at £400 cos I bought a couple of things with it but you pay more buying it on its own)
My Traveller 151p was from Electro Music in Doncaster... Invalid Link Removed Electro music is THE place to go for mark bass gear if you cant get to London (never music shopped in london but I'm guessing they have stuff there, and depending where you are in lincolnshire you may be nearby
I think the bass guy in Electro music was called Dave and he was amazing, I needed the cab quick and he got if shipped in over night and I picked it up the next day! again you might be able to pay less than the website prices if you ask nicely! but dont quote me on that! as a side note they are actually one of the best bass gear shops in the UK most UK shops just dont stock the high end stuff but electro music also have Phil Jones Bass Amps/eden amps warwick basses/sandberg/rickenbackers and also have great second hand gear!
VIC/BRAD, you're right. I think the three of us are on the same page with the LMII. FWIW, I highly contemplated getting one myself at one point. I think they are great. Brad used one word in his post about them "rewriting" the genre, and I just didn't necessarily see it that way, and most of my comments were based on that one word. But as he came back and clarified, the BIGGEST thing they did was make a great sounding ultralight and ultrasmall head at an affordable price. I agree, but my opinion on their success extends beyond that. They made sure it was in a store that has a presence in most every average-sized city across the US. That help jump start their popularity. Again, it's all good. Kudos to MB for doing all that.
As for other MFG's releasing similar products, I did use the term "rumor". You guys have to be hearing this stuff as well. I've heard that the wtx will get an update. Epifani, who has been in the SMPS market for a while now, is supposedly working on something. It is rumored that GB will have something in the future, and we got an official "no-comment" on what that would be just last week here on TB. I have no specific details on any of this stuff, and that's why I said it was rumored. Was part of my statement an assumption? Sure it was. But I also said that I wouldn't advise someone to wait based on such rumors. If the LMII or any other MB head does what you want now, I'd snag it in a heart beat.
I think the confusion here is just based on the shortcomings of internet posting, where thoughts run fast yet dialogue flows a lot more slowly than it would face to face.
As for other MFG's releasing similar products, I did use the term "rumor". You guys have to be hearing this stuff as well. I've heard that the wtx will get an update. Epifani, who has been in the SMPS market for a while now, is supposedly working on something. It is rumored that GB will have something in the future, and we got an official "no-comment" on what that would be just last week here on TB. I have no specific details on any of this stuff, and that's why I said it was rumored. Was part of my statement an assumption? Sure it was. But I also said that I wouldn't advise someone to wait based on such rumors. If the LMII or any other MB head does what you want now, I'd snag it in a heart beat.
I think the confusion here is just based on the shortcomings of internet posting, where thoughts run fast yet dialogue flows a lot more slowly than it would face to face.
Thanks, Jason. I was genuinely curious as to what might be coming down the pike. I haven't heard any rumors so far, that's why my ears perked up.
When the LMII hit it was half the price of the Thunderfunk. That IMO was HUGE. For something that IMO is easily comparable tone and volumewise to come it at less than half the price was unimaginable IMO. Then people got them, gigged with them and the reports were practically unbelievable.
While the brand was taking hold, Eden had the WTX260 on the way, EA had the 300, GB had the Neo Pak. IMO the combination of build, price, performance isn't going to be beat anytime soon. Matched? That would be nice... but these amps don't. This amp is a quantum leap over the competition.
Here's an analogy. There are plenty of folks who can't afford or don't want to spend $1200 on an amp. This is like the bass fairy popping in and saying "No problem, you can have an amp along the lines of a Walter Woods... for half that".
Then you woke up and found it wasn't a dream
Again, on the GC thing, I think it's a wash. Yes, ultimately there will be a big network of stores carrying them. OTOH there's so much anti-GC sentiment it keeps many from even checking them out. At this point they still don't have that wide an exposure, some GC reps don't know how to demo the amp properly and that can hurt sales too. There are still many bassists outside ot the TB world who don't have a clue about them. Lots of bassists don't get bass mags (I don't) so the ads aren't affecting them. The GC return policy is cool but how many return them?
I knew about them from the NAMM show. I was impressed with what I saw (particularly the smallest combo) so I looked forward to what they might have that might work for me. To say I wasn't disappointed would be an understatement
When the LMII hit it was half the price of the Thunderfunk. That IMO was HUGE. For something that IMO is easily comparable tone and volumewise to come it at less than half the price was unimaginable IMO. Then people got them, gigged with them and the reports were practically unbelievable.
While the brand was taking hold, Eden had the WTX260 on the way, EA had the 300, GB had the Neo Pak. IMO the combination of build, price, performance isn't going to be beat anytime soon. Matched? That would be nice... but these amps don't. This amp is a quantum leap over the competition.
Here's an analogy. There are plenty of folks who can't afford or don't want to spend $1200 on an amp. This is like the bass fairy popping in and saying "No problem, you can have an amp along the lines of a Walter Woods... for half that".
Then you woke up and found it wasn't a dream
Again, on the GC thing, I think it's a wash. Yes, ultimately there will be a big network of stores carrying them. OTOH there's so much anti-GC sentiment it keeps many from even checking them out. At this point they still don't have that wide an exposure, some GC reps don't know how to demo the amp properly and that can hurt sales too. There are still many bassists outside ot the TB world who don't have a clue about them. Lots of bassists don't get bass mags (I don't) so the ads aren't affecting them. The GC return policy is cool but how many return them?
I knew about them from the NAMM show. I was impressed with what I saw (particularly the smallest combo) so I looked forward to what they might have that might work for me. To say I wasn't disappointed would be an understatement
- Apr 3, 2003
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Great points, Brad. I have been recommending the LMII a lot, and I think it is an exceptional performer, as well as an exceptional deal. 
Tom.
Tom.
Thanks, Tom. I think that most people on TB know that you get your hands on just about everything out there and also are one of the "no hype" guys here. I try to be the same way. These amps aren't magic, they're obviously not for everyone but for the people who dig what they do, they're extraordinary.
Here's a possible benefit of the GC connection: the volume of business that a successful product can generate can help to keep the sales price low.
Here's a possible benefit of the GC connection: the volume of business that a successful product can generate can help to keep the sales price low.
No problem. I can understand that for sure.
Well, I don't want to promote another brand here in a MB thread, but I don't see MB as a quantum leap. I think at least one of those heads is not far off from the LMII, but it was designed to have a different application. It's about 4 inches bigger across the front, but it is also more feature rich, and it's only slightly more expensive. Removing some of those features would reduce costs and allow it to get smaller if that were the goal. Perhaps it will be...rumor has it...
And now that the ice is broken with the LMII, meaning affordable power in a small form factor, I personally think that is all it will take for others to jump on board. Small is becoming less of a luxury, and more of a requirement. You won't have to pay premium dollars to get it in the near future. I fully expect to see many amps competing at similar specs and prices in the near future, meaning 12-18 months.
My point about GC is that at least you can go check the LMII out, which has the added benefit if increasing GAS. People will ignore all kinds of reservations when they have a case of GAS. How often do people come here and ask extensive questions about the tone of Epifani, GB, Eden, Glock, whatever? They hear people talk glowingly about a particular head or cab, but they can't find one to check out anywhere, so they wind up going with what the can demo. Most people are at least close enough to a city that has a GC so they can sit down in front of a LMII and just have fun. That is a HUGE plus for MB. Really huge. While a lot of people dislike doing business with GC, I think most of them would still be willing to take the chance on it with a piece of equipment that has otherwise been proven to be reliable, especially when you simply can't get it anywhere else.Again, on the GC thing, I think it's a wash. Yes, ultimately there will be a big network of stores carrying them. OTOH there's so much anti-GC sentiment it keeps many from even checking them out. At this point they still don't have that wide an exposure, some GC reps don't know how to demo the amp properly and that can hurt sales too. There are still many bassists outside ot the TB world who don't have a clue about them. Lots of bassists don't get bass mags (I don't) so the ads aren't affecting them. The GC return policy is cool but how many return them?
No doubt. It is a very compelling piece of equipment, especially when you consider that neon yellow that most people are put off by. And they STILL buy the darn things. Great piece of gear. Kudos all around.I knew about them from the NAMM show. I was impressed with what I saw (particularly the smallest combo) so I looked forward to what they might have that might work for me. To say I wasn't disappointed would be an understatement
I was just about to say the same thing... especially since service is solely through GC via policy provided strictly by GC. IMHO, great exposure, but from a greatly controversial company, is a wash.
Also, Eublet, on the "many companies", I didn't care about the rumor element... I just wanted to know which companies you were referring to, that's all.
IMHO...
Eden/WTX - They have a lot of work to do. At least one pretty serious shortcoming, tho exemplary patching, and not enough juice*.
EA/Micro300 - They have a lot of work to do. I don't care that it fits under your thumbnail, if it's not reliable, noisy, or doesn't have enough output*, I won't gig with it.
Epifani - Point me at threads. I'd really like to see/hear what people are talking about and learning about this.
GBE - Same as Epifani.
* Strong IMHO here, but I don't think 300W is really enough to be "generally gigworthy". I think if you don't come in around 500W (or more), you don't have enough headroom for anything except smaller jazz combo/coffee shop gigs and such, and with that kind of limitation, the amp better cost under $500 street. Again, IMHO.
Agreed, and that's why I've been saying that we don't really know how the current partnership with MB is going to pan out over time. But at least for now, I think the risks involved are well worth it. It has allowed MB to hit the US market hard, getting a physical unit in front of as many potential buyers and players as possible. Collective GAS if you will. Very good strategy IMO.
Good point, but for me, the storefront is moot. I'm not within reasonable driving distance from a GC, so I still had to order it and risk losing shipping if I returned it.
I truly wonder if MF would've been better overall for MB than GC or not.
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