What happened to Markbass popularity?

[Goatee]

I have a CMD121P and love it , particularly everytime I have to lift it out the boot and carry it up a flight of stairs. So what if it's has limited tone, what can you expect from a small box you can carry with two fingers yet can still hold its own in small/medium gigs. I also have Ampeg but to be honest, I'm not pretentious enough to worry that someone is going to come up to me after a gig and say how "limited my tone" was, so the back saving feature of the Markbass is often a deciding factor when choosing what to take to a gig

 

[BurningSkies]

I dunno man. I have an original issue LM2 that I use as a practice amp.

...But I spend a lot of time on stages through the region and MarkBass gear is regularly represented. Probably more so than Mesa and Genz, etc. Hardly a weekend goes by without me seeing another bass player at a festival, or opener that's using MarkBass cabs or amps.

TB is not your common or average user pool.

 

[waveman]

I love my LM III. It's my primary gigging amp, but I do cycle through about 2-3 amps a year regularly.

 

[B-line]

Hokay, so when I tear myself away from TB for a moment, I practice. The morning is a good time for me; I'm feelin' it.
I don't do so much modes, scales, etc. done that, but I like to play through some Jams (Check out "Can't Get Any Higher" by James Brown, or some old-school Jodeci, etc etc. Stuff that we perform later at night).

So in my bassroom, I have some great gear, and I plugged my LM800T- sort of dormant with my Quilter now- into my Bergantino HS410, and grabbed my "reference" '69 P-Bass, no pre-amp "safety net";it's a P-Bass, you gotta bring it!

Wow, what a great sound, the MB had superior definition and what a joy eq'ing thru it, MIX at 12:00 yada yada.
I thought "Who could not like MarkBass?- Shame!"

Then I remembered this story to bore you with:

I had a guy come over years ago to buy my Walk-About. He knew what it was, price was right, he just needed to see that it worked of course.
So he plugs in and uses one of my basses- I string 40-100, and he starts playing & says "Wow, you really use light-gauge strings on this!; It's hard for me to play! You should go with say 50-120!" (I kid about the 50-120 part anyway)

And I'm thinking: "Why you ham-handed chump-fisted, wank- planking moron, what are you talking about??! That is the gauge that gives me what I want for how I attack, which is a hella lot better than the way you're bashing my bass- Now pay me for the Mesa, and get outta here!"

Well, my thoughts were not really all that hash, but...

Anyhoo, I get why players may not like MarkBass. If it doesn't give them what they want, why like it?

 

[Marley's Ghost]

I dunno man. I have an original issue LM2 that I use as a practice amp.

...But I spend a lot of time on stages through the region and MarkBass gear is regularly represented. Probably more so than Mesa and Genz, etc. Hardly a weekend goes by without me seeing another bass player at a festival, or opener that's using MarkBass cabs or amps.

TB is not your common or average user pool.

Same here. I'm always out supporting other bands in my area and I would say at least 75% of the bass players I've seen in the past year or so run MB.

 

[BurningSkies]

Same here. I'm always out supporting other bands in my area and I would say at least 75% of the bass players I've seen in the past year or so run MB.

Me thinks their death is prematurely reported. I do see some Mesa stuff around, but so far it's all the older full sized heads and amps. I see Ampeg stuff, mix and match older and newer. I'm not sure the average bass player or bass market moves as quickly as the TB world. Lots of the 800w markbass stuff. I also see the 210 and 115 cabinets in use. I generally use my own setup when I have the option, or at the very least put my head up on whatever cab has been designated 'provided backline' if I think it'll be big/loud enough.

 

[B-line]

TBH, I haven't seen a lot of MarkBass used by bassists here on the Casino circuit, but I'm not gonna even go there about what some of the bookings are these days

And I think I'm about right in that MarkBass has been around and a "force" overseas for some time before they were brought over to GC, so I agree, I don't think they're losing out or going anywhere soon.
In any case, I am glad that my 800T is secure in its MarkBass flightcase!

 

[nozkcb]

I have a Markbass CMD 102P and a 1x15 ext cab (which I rarely need) and have used it consistently for about 8 years on gigs in all types of situations (small inside, outside, outside festival mega stages, rich guys deck, etc.) and it has been great! Like others here, I'm NOT a fan of the colors however, I was able to put that aside for the the convenience, light weight, reliability and good tone.

To warm up and fatten the tone, I've been running a Cali76 and an Aguilar Tone Hammer pre-amp/DI in front of the amp (yes, I'm eq-ing in the TH and in the MB) and it sounds great! I get compliments about my sound a lot.

FWIW, I had a Tone Hammer 500 head, and if you take the outer case off of it, it will fit inside the Markbass combo PERFECTLY! Even the vent holes like up. Sound wise, I preferred the Markbass head to the Tone Hammer head and went back to my Tone Hammer pre-amp/DI pedal into the Markbass head.

Are there better light-weight combos out there? Depending on your tone choices, it's safe to say yes. Have I found one yet that would inspire me to sell my Markbass combo to purchase? Not yet.

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

.

Me thinks their death is prematurely reported. I do see some Mesa stuff around, but so far it's all the older full sized heads and amps. I see Ampeg stuff, mix and match older and newer. I'm not sure the average bass player or bass market moves as quickly as the TB world. Lots of the 800w markbass stuff. I also see the 210 and 115 cabinets in use. I generally use my own setup when I have the option, or at the very least put my head up on whatever cab has been designated 'provided backline' if I think it'll be big/loud enough.

yep, this is why I originally asked the question. Seem really popular in the real world, but not one person threw them out as a suggestion when I was looking for an amp*. So I was wondering why the disconnect.

*to clarify, i get that the general consensus is that tone-wise, they don't fit the criteria I had originally outlined, which is a solid reason why there were no reccomendations... But still its kind of odd. Especially since they do have a few (admittedly less popular) models designed to do what I had described (tt series).

Any TT series users out there? Very curious about the 801

 

[BurningSkies]

.


yep, this is why I originally asked the question. Seem really popular in the real world, but not one person threw them out as a suggestion when I was looking for an amp*. So I was wondering why the disconnect.

*to clarify, i get that the general consensus is that tone-wise, they don't fit the criteria I had originally outlined, which is a solid reason why there were no reccomendations... But still its kind of odd. Especially since they do have a few (admittedly less popular) models designed to do what I had described (tt series).

Any TT series users out there? Very curious about the 801

I generally don't consider the Markbass' sweetspot to be 'tube' tone, although I know they've done some of that too. The LM2 was sort of a warm take on solid state clean. I think that's probably what gets lost in the translation for a lot of end users. If you're looking for something that's voiced to be tube-centric there are probably names that are aligned closer. I would also think that some of the more 'esoteric' Markbass offerings aren't generally seen in your common Guitar Center, especially with their selection and stock dwindling. Probably can find 121's and LM3's and Tube800's all day long though.

 

[electracoyote]

Seem really popular in the real world, but not one person threw them out as a suggestion when I was looking for an amp*. So I was wondering why the disconnect.

Your #1 reason is that a lot of us MB advocates are sick to death of the lame tired cliche childish superficial cheap shots about the color scheme and would rather just avoid sharing our experiences and recommendation than deal with the snark.

I have kept my opinion to myself many times and passed on many "please recommend micro amp/lightweight rig" discussions for that simple reason.

I think this thread makes it clear that, in a general sense, any serious search for good ultra light rigs and combos should include at least a look/listen at MarkBass. It may not make the final cut for everyone, but it is competitive in most respects with all the other lightweight micro offerings out there.

I settled on MB early on and have been very happy. I have since had the chance to play through a lot of other similar name brand offerings, but nothing that compelled me to sell off my MB gear and re-invest in another brand. It's not even a remote temptation.

Play as many as you can, buy the one that speaks to you.

 

[iplay5]

I agree with most of the comments on this thread. I have a LMIII (made in Italy) and run it with an Ampeg 410HLF. The mid-heavy MB head blends pretty well with the fattness of the 410HLF. Except for the weight of the cab, it's a good combo.

 

[BassGH]

I have a CMD121P and love it , particularly everytime I have to lift it out the boot and carry it up a flight of stairs. So what if it's has limited tone, what can you expect from a small box you can carry with two fingers yet can still hold its own in small/medium gigs. I also have Ampeg but to be honest, I'm not pretentious enough to worry that someone is going to come up to me after a gig and say how "limited my tone" was, so the back saving feature of the Markbass is often a deciding factor when choosing what to take to a gig

Same thing and same amp for me-if I have to park 5 blocks from the show, can still get my amp and bass in one comfortable stroll. Nothing even vaguely tubeish about the 121p, but it works and it sounds fine. If I needed tubishness, I'd put my Marshall guv'nor or ampeg scrambler in front of the amp, close my eyes, and pretend

 

[Sparky Mark]

The first time I plugged my LM3 into my 4 ohm std104hf I couldn't believe how loud, clear and deep 500w could be from a single 410. I replaced it with two 210 cabs simple because it was physically too big for most of my gigs (and my latest car) but I would still have it if it wasn't for these reasons. Once again you may not be amazed in store but in a band setting markbass cabs are great matches with their heads. If the signature Markbass sound is a bit dry just stick your favourite DI /pre amp pedal in front (I use a Tech 21 VT bass) and it's there. I am tempted by the Mesa Subway pre as it apparently is the sound of the D800 for a whole lot less money.

 

[pfschim]

I don't think so, Gk had not yet intro'd the MicroBass series, the 400/700RB's were considered to be their small units, other than that, they offered the 150 combo, which was/is a pretty good piece of gear. Genz-Benz released the Neo-Pak 3.5 after MarkBass shipped the LM's to the U.S. to claim their piece of the pie.
MarkBass was innovative and revolutionary, if not for the circuitry, certainly for the size, weight, and price.
As far as Neo's, I have no experience with MB cabs, nor do I know the history of Neodynium speakers. I don't think that MarkBass has any claims to bringing them to the forefront as they have with their heads.

I believe that one of the things Marco did was to be an early adopter of Neo speakers to help keep the cabs light to go with the lighter amps. Its in history portion of their History wiki. It does make sense given that one of the goals of the MB amps was to be powerful and light.

 

[pfschim]

Me thinks their death is prematurely reported. I do see some Mesa stuff around, but so far it's all the older full sized heads and amps. I see Ampeg stuff, mix and match older and newer. I'm not sure the average bass player or bass market moves as quickly as the TB world. Lots of the 800w markbass stuff. I also see the 210 and 115 cabinets in use. I generally use my own setup when I have the option, or at the very least put my head up on whatever cab has been designated 'provided backline' if I think it'll be big/loud enough.

here on the N CA/west coast, I rarely see MB on stage, either player provided, or backline (never seen them as a backline).
I do see lots of Ampeg, Aguilar and GK, with a scattering of Mesa and Fender, but not MB (other than in GC's)
Any compare to Mesa is sort of apples/oranges just because of the larger commercial footprint that MB developed over the past 5-10 years vs Mesa's traditionally fairly modest commercial distribution.

Personally I am in the school of "play what you like, like what you play" so I don't have any negative general viewpoint on MB gear. When I've tried it myself, I did not do anything for me, but that has also happened with other popular gear too .. (Genz Benz is another that comes to mind for me). But if folks like their gear, that's certainly the best situation, and it's good to have so many choices to satisfy the broad tastes of bass players world wide.

enjoy!

 

[B-line]

I believe that one of the things Marco did was to be an early adopter of Neo speakers to help keep the cabs light to go with the lighter amps. Its in history portion of their History wiki. It does make sense given that one of the goals of the MB amps was to be powerful and light.

That sounds about right. I don't know the overall history of Neo drivers; when intro'd,first builder to use, etc.
But I wouldn't be surprised at all, seeing as MB was producing the LM long prior to its intro here in the US, if they were among the first wave of bass amp builders using neo's in their cabs

 

[Russell L]

Saw a Celtic band using a 121P combo with a NY121 extension cab for stage sound at a Scottish festival recently.. Good looking female bassist swinging back and forth on a Jazz Bass (can't stop visualizing her, lol). I assume she was lined-out through the mains. Great thick tone.

 

[moogieotter]

I got what I think is an old MB 15. It's made in Italy model number 151 rear ported in slots at the bottom. The speaker is black and the baffle is a light soft gold color. It sounds awesome.

 

[ThinCrappyTone]

Well. If anyone is interested, I just bought the Markbass TTE 801.

Was pretty much set on the Boogie D800+, and was going to pull the trigger, but my favorite online store (cough, Sweetwater, cough) didn't have it in stock. So between impatience, GC having the MarkBass in stock to try, and me still thinking I want a tube or three in the chain, I decided to give it a shot. Figured I can just return it if I don't love it.

I plan to do a video review, with some mic'd and DI audio samples, and an A/B comparison with the Ampeg PF-20T (just to see how it compares to an all tube amp), and upload it over the next few days. Figured that would be useful, because there is almost nothing on this model. But here are the initial impressions:

• It's loud AF
• It is super warm and fat. Really feels and sounds tubey. Responds well to "digging in"
• It's a dark tone, on the verge of too dark. Had to crank the treble and mids to get the tone I want. But it got there. Seems to brighten up as you turn the power amp up.
• That said, the tone controls are subtle... don't seem to do a heck of a lot.
• The "color" knob just seems to darken it more. Off now. Might turn it up with the amp volume.
• There's not a lot of grit, even when you crank the gain to max
• I like how the compressor works. You can dial it in to really squash it, or just catch the transients. Musical/Useful.
• I A/B'd it with the Ampeg. It actually sounds pretty darn close (initial, non-mix impressions). Fatter, a little less articulate, a little less highs and upper mids. Will it be audible/sit nice in a mix? No idea. Hope so.
• The look doesn't bother me. I actually really like it. It's basically all black, and the name badge lights up. heh. Cool
• I like how it has feets on the bottom and the side. Handy. And the handle is on the long end. Way easier to carry IMO
• It's very light. Around 10 lbs I think. It's pretty big though.

Testing method: I tested it by playing a bunch of bass lines into a Ditto Looper, then swapped the output between the Ampeg PF-20T and the MB, and used the same cabs, so I was truly hearing the same parts played the same way. Again, pretty close.

Negatives? Only one, so far: there's no "pre/post" switch for the DI. Not sure which it is. I will experiment tomorrow.

I will keep y'all posted, if you're interested.

Pics or it didn't happen:

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A note on my Guitar Center experience. I'm not a big fan of GC. Had a few ridiculously bad experiences over the last few years. But this was very smooth. Went to the Boylston St, Boston, store. Haggled with the sales gentleman, then the manager, and after much back and forth, they dropped the price 20%. So this ended up being, $850, out the door, with tax. I know, I know. I could've bought a boogie and had $50 left over for cocaine and hookers.