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Would this be enough to gig?

#21
Tough to say if what you have is enough. My first instinct is to say no, but your experience and goals might be different from mine.

The 250W head is not bad by any stretch, but if you want to keep up with a full band you'll likely be pushing this amp pretty hard so you'll likely end up with overdriven sound. Maybe that works for you, maybe it doesn't. I like a very clean sound so I use more powerful amps to allow for greater headroom before compression/clipping kicks in. I prefer to use amps rated at 500W+ for this reason. It's not that all of that power is needed, but a large portion of it is available without pushing the amp hard or changing the sound.

The 112 cab usually is a decent option. I have one and I like it, but it doesn't put out a lot of volume and really can't keep up with my drummer. If I'm in a full band I throw my 210 on top to get more output. You may want to consider at the least another 12, or perhaps going with a different format/cabinet. (Personally I don't like mixing cabs, if you can afford it try to get a matched set instead of mixing... again YMMV)

Those are my thoughts based on my experience. BUT, some of this can be ignored IF: you have PA support (I often do not), your band maintains reasonable stage volumes (mine does not), You don't need to hear yourself clearly to play your part (I like to hear as much detail as possible), etc, etc

My recommendation:
Markbass amps are good, just not my preference. I like the GK stuff (maybe you will too) but either way try to find something with a bit more juice. Too much power isn't a problem, too little is.
Markbass cabs are staggeringly expensive (IMO). Check out Avatar cabs instead. They are much cheaper, sound great, and you can take the savings and put it into a slightly bigger amp. You can buy 2 Avatar 112's for just a bit over the (new) cost of that 1 markbass 112.
Which brings me to my final item: BUY USED. Be careful, get good gear that's been taken care of, and save a mint by doing so.
 
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#22
slade said:
agreed with all of the above.
I can get by with a single 12" on a handful of gigs. Once the drums start to play at full volume I have to switch over to 2 112s. Once the band demands a louder stage sound, playing outdoors, or a style of music (like reggae) etc I switch to my 410.
If you have a nice PA, and great monitors you can get away with less in general.
cheers!
Click to expand...
slade said:
i regularly carry a 250 capacity bar (usually at capacity) with 2 112s FYI with no PA support, in a pretty loud band.
Click to expand...
Thanks!
 
#23
strictlybass_ic said:
Tough to say if what you have is enough. My first instinct is to say no, but your experience and goals might be different from mine.

The 250W head is not bad by any stretch, but if you want to keep up with a full band you'll likely be pushing this amp pretty hard so you'll likely end up with overdriven sound. Maybe that works for you, maybe it doesn't. I like a very clean sound so I use more powerful amps to allow for greater headroom before compression/clipping kicks in. I prefer to use amps rated at 500W+ for this reason. It's not that all of that power is needed, but a large portion of it is available without pushing the amp hard or changing the sound.

The 112 cab usually is a decent option. I have one and I like it, but it doesn't put out a lot of volume and really can't keep up with my drummer. If I'm in a full band I throw my 210 on top to get more output. You may want to consider at the least another 12, or perhaps going with a different format/cabinet. (Personally I don't like mixing cabs, if you can afford it try to get a matched set instead of mixing... again YMMV)

Those are my thoughts based on my experience. BUT, some of this can be ignored IF: you have PA support (I often do not), your band maintains reasonable stage volumes (mine does not), You don't need to hear yourself clearly to play your part (I like to hear as much detail as possible), etc, etc

My recommendation:
Markbass amps are good, just not my preference. I like the GK stuff (maybe you will too) but either way try to find something with a bit more juice. Too much power isn't a problem, too little is.
Markbass cabs are staggeringly expensive (IMO). Check out Avatar cabs instead. They are much cheaper, sound great, and you can take the savings and put it into a slightly bigger amp. You can buy 2 Avatar 112's for just a bit over the (new) cost of that 1 markbass 112.
Which brings me to my final item: BUY USED. Be careful, get good gear that's been taken care of, and save a mint by doing so.
Click to expand...
I've play-tested the head and I really dig the sterile sound of the amp. I do think about looking around for other cabs, though. I am a bit hesitant about used stuff, mostly because I'm not aware of many places in the Netherlands where I can pick up some good stuff. But I'll have a look around.
 
#24
TheGravyNator said:
Hello fellow bass-players,

I have been playing bass guitar for roughly 5 years now and I am looking to upgrade my gear. I'm talking new bass and new amplifier now. I am currently in a band consisting of a drummer, keyboard player, 2 guitarists and vocals. We currently do smaller gigs but are looking to go bigger, medium and maybe even large gigs. We play a variety of different genres, consisting of rock, blues, rock-n-roll, bluegrass, jazz etc.

I found a very nice head, the Markbass Little Mark 250 Blackline, and cab, the Markbass New York 121.
Invalid Link Removed <- Head
Invalid Link Removed <- Cab
The head is a lightweight solid-state head which delivers a power of 250W @ 4 ohms. It has DI built in, although I do currently own a DI box myself. The cab is a 1x12" cab which delivers a power 400W @ 8 ohms.

Would this be enough for at least small gigs and medium gigs? I work on a tight budget, really tight. This set together will cost just under 800 euro's. So I can't raise the price too much.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

The variety of genre's you list, particularly blues, bluegrass, and jazz tell me that your choice there would be fine. Not like you are doing heavy metal or anything obnoxiously loud like that... However I am sure you could get much more bang for the Euro. Markbass tends to be somewhat pricey, and from what I have heard playing through a friends CMD-102P, the sound isn't to my taste. Kind of boomy no matter how you set it... Of course your experience could be completely different. I just didn't care for it.

I can't really tell you much about what is available where you are as I am in the U.S. not Europe, so my best advice is go to a music store that carries the sets you are interested in, and play through them, as loud and with the varied settings as much as they will let you. You need to know what your sound through them is going to be...

I personally am going with a Fender Rumble 500 V3 combo, and if I feel I need to add on later, I will grab an extension cab, most likely try to play through a 115 and 410 cab. Due to weight, the 410 is NOT high on my list, but the only time I would be moving / using it is gigging, and I could wrangle some help hefting it...

If they are available in your country, I would check out the Rumble V3 amps. As well as the Ampegs, and GK if you can get your hands on them...

My experience thus far... GK, nice, real nice, too expensive. Ampeg, nice, a bit high cost wise, and heavy, Fender Rumble, well I picked that as my amp for good reason. I love the sound, is is light enough I can deal with it even with a bad back, and I can rattle my teeth out with it, Markbass, at least here, they are REALLY high dollar for my budget, and the sound leaves a bit to be desired. Didn't even look at the weight specs due to the cost / sound issues. And cost could be reduced buying used...
 
#25
Hello,i also agree the Markbass 1-12 combo is usually enough for just about any place i have played,and it would be less expensive than buying the separate markbass head and cab.(the combo has the Little mark 2 head which is 250/500 watts in 8/4 ohms. I have used one now for about 7 years,it is hard to beat. In the larger places i have played,i use the DI i to the PA for reinforcement. I also have a 2nd 1-12 Markbass Traveller cab,that i like to use when i play outdoor gigs, but truthfully the combo by itself works beautifully in most situations. If i were going to buy separate head and cab,i would get the traveller over the new york. Oh,and i play in 2 loud rock/pop style bands if you're wondering about that....
 
#26
Big Hoss said:
The variety of genre's you list, particularly blues, bluegrass, and jazz tell me that your choice there would be fine. Not like you are doing heavy metal or anything obnoxiously loud like that... However I am sure you could get much more bang for the Euro. Markbass tends to be somewhat pricey, and from what I have heard playing through a friends CMD-102P, the sound isn't to my taste. Kind of boomy no matter how you set it... Of course your experience could be completely different. I just didn't care for it.

I can't really tell you much about what is available where you are as I am in the U.S. not Europe, so my best advice is go to a music store that carries the sets you are interested in, and play through them, as loud and with the varied settings as much as they will let you. You need to know what your sound through them is going to be...

I personally am going with a Fender Rumble 500 V3 combo, and if I feel I need to add on later, I will grab an extension cab, most likely try to play through a 115 and 410 cab. Due to weight, the 410 is NOT high on my list, but the only time I would be moving / using it is gigging, and I could wrangle some help hefting it...

If they are available in your country, I would check out the Rumble V3 amps. As well as the Ampegs, and GK if you can get your hands on them...

My experience thus far... GK, nice, real nice, too expensive. Ampeg, nice, a bit high cost wise, and heavy, Fender Rumble, well I picked that as my amp for good reason. I love the sound, is is light enough I can deal with it even with a bad back, and I can rattle my teeth out with it, Markbass, at least here, they are REALLY high dollar for my budget, and the sound leaves a bit to be desired. Didn't even look at the weight specs due to the cost / sound issues. And cost could be reduced buying used...
Click to expand...
Thanks for replying! I will stick with the Markbass, because I really dig that sound. But I am aware that I could get more for the price of the set. With taking that in mind, I still lean towards Markbass. But I understand your arguments.
 
#28
woodyng said:
Hello,i also agree the Markbass 1-12 combo is usually enough for just about any place i have played,and it would be less expensive than buying the separate markbass head and cab.(the combo has the Little mark 2 head which is 250/500 watts in 8/4 ohms. I have used one now for about 7 years,it is hard to beat. In the larger places i have played,i use the DI i to the PA for reinforcement. I also have a 2nd 1-12 Markbass Traveller cab,that i like to use when i play outdoor gigs, but truthfully the combo by itself works beautifully in most situations. If i were going to buy separate head and cab,i would get the traveller over the new york. Oh,and i play in 2 loud rock/pop style bands if you're wondering about that....
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply! I have thought about the Traveler, but what is it that I should buy it over the New York? I have been wondering what the major differences were.
 
#30
TheGravyNator said:
Thanks for the reply! I have thought about the Traveler, but what is it that I should buy it over the New York? I have been wondering what the major differences were.
Click to expand...
The traveller is a somewhat larger cabinet,so there may be a bit more air volume being pumped out. Also it has an adjustable high quality horn instead of the cheap "always-on-full" Piezo tweeters found in the new york and combo cabs. If i remember correctly,the price difference isn't too big,either. Personally since i also use a tube emualtion device almost always (VT pedal),i have disconnected the piezo in my combo,and keep the attenuator on the Traveller turned off whenever i play. If you are going for a cleaner sound,you will appreciate the smoother highs of the horn.
 
#31
woodyng said:
The traveller is a somewhat larger cabinet,so there may be a bit more air volume being pumped out. Also it has an adjustable high quality horn instead of the cheap "always-on-full" Piezo tweeters found in the new york and combo cabs. If i remember correctly,the price difference isn't too big,either. Personally since i also use a tube emualtion device almost always (VT pedal),i have disconnected the piezo in my combo,and keep the attenuator on the Traveller turned off whenever i play. If you are going for a cleaner sound,you will appreciate the smoother highs of the horn.
Click to expand...
Okay, I didn't know that. The site I was looking actually asks 1 euro less for the Traveler. :) I'll take it in consideration.
 
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#32
You're in the Netherlands? Have you ever tried Hevos products? I have been seeing them for years before Markbass came around,but don't know too much about them.
I will say that every piece of Markbass gear that i have owned has been absolutely reliable,sounds great,and is very easy to set up,transport,etc.
 
#33
woodyng said:
You're in the Netherlands? Have you ever tried Hevos products? I have been seeing them for years before Markbass came around,but don't know too much about them.
I will say that every piece of Markbass gear that i have owned has been absolutely reliable,sounds great,and is very easy to set up,transport,etc.
Click to expand...
Never heard of them. I have their site in front of me now. People told me Markbass was reliable.
 
#36
After 40 years of playing I've used a lot of amps and many of the ones I gigged with successfully don't fit what many people today think is "big enough".

It comes down to the stage level (how loud will the drummer and guitarists be playing?) and the tone you are after. Headroom vs. compression, clean vs. overdriven, scooped mids vs. flatter response...all these choices contribute to what's usable.
 
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#38
Sam Dingle said:
That should be fine volume wise. When you get to large gigs (past a small stage or big bar) you may want to get a large speaker (think marshal stacks). What bass are you thinking of playing through it?
Click to expand...
I'm thinking of playing passive basses. Currently have a Westone XP-10 (P-Bass) and a Höfner Ignition Violin Bass and I'm looking for a Fender MiM Standard Jazz Bass and a Squier Vintage Modified Fretless Jazz bass.
 
#39
brianrost said:
After 40 years of playing I've used a lot of amps and many of the ones I gigged with successfully don't fit what many people today think is "big enough".

It comes down to the stage level (how loud will the drummer and guitarists be playing?) and the tone you are after. Headroom vs. compression, clean vs. overdriven, scooped mids vs. flatter response...all these choices contribute to what's usable.
Click to expand...
Thanks! I think our drummer plays at a pretty decent volume, and the guitarists won't play too loud, either. Our volume is pretty balanced on stage.
 
#40
Maybe late to the conversation, but just to share the newbie rule of thumb I heard, is that the volume you generate goes up about 10% every time you double the wattage of the amps (200 watts will give you 110% the volume of 100 watts) but goes up proportionate with the surface area of your speakers (e.g. a 2x12 cabinet will be twice as loud as a 1x12 with the same same amount of power driving it). Extra wattage doesn't get you loudness so much as headroom; if you're concerned about being loud enough, add more speakers.

In my experience, basically rock cover band bar gigs, I've done fine with 200 watts into either a 1x15 or 2x10. And if there's enough PA to do the heavy lifting, you don't even need that.
 

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