That small 8" combo is unbelievable, i'd def get one if i see a deal
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Why the negativity regarding Markbass?
- Thread starter EricMordus
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I had a LM II and the traveler 2x10 cab that was rear ported. My favorite part about it was that it was easy to carry around a college town and gig with. It sounded well enough and I didn't really care about the yellow cones (and that wouldn't stop me from getting another one). I replaced it with an Ampeg SVT 7 and 410 as the band I was in started gigging more and I just preferred the color that Ampeg added to my sound. I can see how some people may thing that the Markbass stuff can sound sterile, to me it just sounded like what I put into it. I felt like it didn't add or take away from my sound. To myself and anyone who listens to recordings I have of both rigs can't tell that much of a difference, it still sounds like me. I didn't have an reliability issues either. The only thing that would keep me from picking anything markbass up again is price. I don't gig often enough, have other hobbies, and a family. So I'm relegated to cheaper options which to me are for the most part just as good now that so much more is available.
Edit - Just remembered I had a GK MB210 for a little while that I also preferred to the Markbass. Again, I think it had more to do with the overall sound that I perceived more than anything and the fact that it was just as capable but cheaper.
Edit - Just remembered I had a GK MB210 for a little while that I also preferred to the Markbass. Again, I think it had more to do with the overall sound that I perceived more than anything and the fact that it was just as capable but cheaper.
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The only thing I have issue with MB stuff is their price. You could get a GK with similar specs for a few hundred bucks less. I know they're imported from Italy but still, I don't think MB is actually worth $1k+ for a combo with the wattage and weight that can be found in a $650 combo unit from GK, Fender, Ampeg, etc.
I don't read too much legitimate bashing here about MB. Of the more credible complaints, some very sensitive and discriminating ears have criticized the cabs for not making their loins tingle. And, obviously, those who want serious grit dirt natural tube OD aren't going to find much of it in the MB line of amps.
I settled on a MB CMD151P 15" combo about 10 years ago, and it's been my go-to. By itself, it can pin even loud drummer's ears right back. Coupled with a 15" extension cab I can fill theater and outdoor stages nicely. I don't mind the transparent nature of the rig, I like the sound of my basses and along with a few select pedals that's what I largely prefer to hear (as opposed to coloration from the amp). It works for the wide variety of music I play. I now also own a LMT800 head, a spare LMIII head, and a 4X10 cab for variety.
And yellow doesn't bother me any more than green or orange or any other color, any musician who gets his panties in a wad over things like the color or aesthetics of my rig won't my bandmate for long, and audiences (remember them, that 99.9% of the listeners?) couldn't care less.
I settled on a MB CMD151P 15" combo about 10 years ago, and it's been my go-to. By itself, it can pin even loud drummer's ears right back. Coupled with a 15" extension cab I can fill theater and outdoor stages nicely. I don't mind the transparent nature of the rig, I like the sound of my basses and along with a few select pedals that's what I largely prefer to hear (as opposed to coloration from the amp). It works for the wide variety of music I play. I now also own a LMT800 head, a spare LMIII head, and a 4X10 cab for variety.
And yellow doesn't bother me any more than green or orange or any other color, any musician who gets his panties in a wad over things like the color or aesthetics of my rig won't my bandmate for long, and audiences (remember them, that 99.9% of the listeners?) couldn't care less.
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Big Hoss
Up note, down note, blue note, brown note...
- Sep 5, 2014
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Wait long enough and every brand of gear ever made gets trashed here at TB.
Three pages already...
This year I experienced an injury that has temporarily prohibited me from lifting heavy objects. As my SWR Redhead at 80 lbs. was severely testing my ability to avoid me from lifting something too heavy into my car, I decided to purchase a Markbass single 12 inch/horn combo weighing in at only 39 lbs. To my ears it sounds almost as good, so I'll let the anti-Markbass crowd rant while I happily use this amp during my rehabilitation phase.
I don't think Markbass stuff is *bad*. It's good for its intended audience, but it's not a sound I really want from my rig. File that under all of the things that can still be great but just isn't my cup of tea (ie. GK).
Something has to be exceptionally terrible for me to say it's bad.
Something has to be exceptionally terrible for me to say it's bad.
Don't care for the look of the MarkBass stuff at all—although I do use and enjoy a Compressore (giant) pedal from them. That said, Molly's really cute!
[Hehehe...just realized how it looks like Bunny in my avatar is glaring at Molly!]
My Jeff Berlin combo and NY151 extention cab is my favorite rig I've played through . Just bought a Rumble 100 for my daughter (and small practice amp for me ) and I 'm digging it, for the money but doesn't compare with the Markbass IMO .
Over 200 gigs on my 102p combo. Call me a wuss, but at the time I bought it, there weren't a ton of lightweight contenders to keep me from hauling 300 lbs of bass rig to every gig besides markbass. I think they sound great, but not with every instrument. They sound like a honky turd with piezo pickups, or example. (Just an opinion.) Sounds great with some other stuff though. I'm gonna keep gigging mine until my wife green lights the barefaced.
No negativity here.. i used to have a LMIII that worked great.. until i traded it for a Mesa
I just wanted something that sounded different, but I know a grip of folks use their amps and combos around here and love them. I think many are drawn to MB because they are readily available, moderately priced, and work well.
I just wanted something that sounded different, but I know a grip of folks use their amps and combos around here and love them. I think many are drawn to MB because they are readily available, moderately priced, and work well.
I ran a LM III and 10x2 cab for years. I had the anniversary models and it sounded great. Lightweight, strong and clear...what’s not to like?
Here's mine. For it's size it's a complete and utter beast. It's really the only thing I've gigged for the past 5 years. Never had any issues or problems with it. The amp section has more tonal presence and is easier to deal with concerning tone changing than my backup head which is a GenzBenz Shuttle 9.0.
Markbass CMD121H
Markbass CMD121H
I took this photo about two weeks ago, a fellow from Argentina I hadn't seen before. He is playing with a local jazz group. He's excellent and the tone was like listening to a CD. I asked him about the bass and he said it was from France, couldn't catch the name. GK head and he had a Alessi reverb unit. He said he just got the Markbass cab. I wish the photo focus was a little sharper.
