Off Topic Markbass or Mesa Boogie, another question

[Narendra3]

I have a similar need like Warman's thread...

No gigging but need something portable.

I'd like something that goes into old school territory, like old country and Stax. But I do like some modern stuff on occasion. Some people on other forums might say I need a F***** bass but I love my SR5HH. So I'd like to build around that.

I was looking into either Mesa Boogie's Walkabout or a Markbass. It seems that the Markbass might be more versatile? I like the Markbass CMD102P but didn't think it had enough bottom for old school stuff. Maybe the CMD121P? Or the Jeff Berlin...I should try it again...

I have a Gallien-Krueger 1001RB-II and 2 Aguilar GS112s. I know, overkill for a non-gigger but I do enjoy having the power...the combination is just doing it for me on the old school stuff.

Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[five7]

I switched from old school amps to the markbass and have been happy ever sense. Tons of tone and volume out of such a small package! The tight low end really thumps thru my ampeg 2-10 cabinet. Penty of volume to keep up with the guitar players marshall. Gotta love that! Mesa makes a good guitar amp, but never heard one I liked for bass.

 

[bizmarckie]

I know it's not quite the same, but I switched from a Mesa MPulse 600 to the MarkBass F1 (running through the same cab as before) and I love it! I was nervous at first, but once I hooked it up and played a set with it, I was very pleased... and still am

 

[maddog]

an LMII with the cool VLE knob will get you some old school thump.

 

[bradfordws]

OK, this is off topic to your off topic, but I'm having great success with the Carvin BX500 that was just released this year at NAMM - and I was a Walter Woods guy for around 13 years! I sold my WW Ultra (1200W) recently because I needed the $3000 that I got for it - and the Carvin was only $400. I'd rather have the money in the bank at this point, since I was laid off my day gig a few months ago. The BX is totally loud enought for most gigs, but if I need more power, I also have the BX1200 (1200W) which was under $600. I had a pair of the Aguilar 112s too and they sounded great with the BX. I sold the 112s too because I'm a bigger fan of 210 cabs. Just my $.02 in case you're on a budget. Mark Bass and Mesa are a bit expensive, although the F1 might be a cool amp. I haven't heard anything bad about them yet, but I'd be concerned about service issues since they are not made here. I'm also a fan of products made here - like EB/MM and Carvin. Ampeg products are being made in Vietnam, for example. That's a drag. It's no longer an Ampeg, just like the "new" Acoustic stuff is no longer Acoustic - and Rogers drums are now owned by Yamaha. Huh? But, I've gotten way off topic.

 

[MingusBASS]

I'd be concerned about service issues since they are not made here. I'm also a fan of products made here - like EB/MM and Carvin. Ampeg products are being made in Vietnam, for example. That's a drag. It's no longer an Ampeg, just like the "new" Acoustic stuff is no longer Acoustic - and Rogers drums are now owned by Yamaha. Huh? But, I've gotten way off topic.

Markbass is an Italian company that shockingly manufactures their amps in Italy. The quality is superb and I'd put it up against any amp company, American or Foreign, when it comes to reliability. There are service centers in the States and in a lot of cases, all you have to do is bring your Markbass back to a GC and they'll swap it out for you.

I wish that Ampeg still made their amps in America but I've played/gigged the Vietnampegs and IMO, they sound and hold up the same as the models made in the states. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud to be an American and I try to buy American made stuff as much as possible but the times are changing and there is amazing gear being produced overseas.

 

[Narendra3]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe I can get a Markbass head and use it with the Aguilars and see how that goes.

bradfordws, I hope your job situation is looking up now? I was considering the Carvin when I had bought the GK...maybe I should look into that too...the price is certainly nice.

I'd love an Ampeg, but the ones I like are huge and costly...the best one I've tried out was an SVT-CL into an 8x10

I've also thought of trying 2x10s, but want to have some low end thump...the search for tone continues!

 

[smallequestrian]

the CMD 121p is not the answer for big bottom. Your best bet would be one of the 15" combos or the Walkabout, which is fairly versatile. The Mesa will have a more of an old school influence whereas teh 15" Markbass combos will be more modern. Each will give some flexibility in the other direction though.

 

[Narendra3]

The Markbass website shows a new Little Mark Tube head. Now that's something I'd really like to see...

 

[fidooda]

The Markbass website shows a new Little Mark Tube head. Now that's something I'd really like to see...

yeah me too

 

[Narendra3]

I did try the 121P combo and yes I agree it doesn't have enough bottom.

 

[Steamthief]

Walkabout Scouts are wonderful, and loud!

 

[Moondog]

Walkabout Scouts are wonderful, and loud!

Agreed - promptly returned my markbass 210 and found a 12" walkabout scout I'm much more pleased with - no comparison IMO, and absolutley wonderful w/an MXR M80!

 

[kirkm24]

Maybe the CMD121P? Or the Jeff Berlin...I should try it again...

The Jeff Berlin combo is cool. I had that combo for a while and it had some old school thump but was also very articulte for a 15". You can get deep, old school bass tone with some modern sizzle as well. It's a great "best of both worlds" kind of amp. I've seriously considered making that my one and only amp since I play primarily small, cafe style venues.

 

[five7]

How do the Phil Jones combos compare?

 

[mrpackerguy]

How about both! I am using a Walkabout Scout 12" combo and want to get a LMII for a back up. The Walkabout is REALLY nice and will work for about 99% of my gigs.

 

[dmarotta]

Try the Markbass CMD121H. I have been using one for two years. It has a deeper cabinet and has tons of low end for it's size. For larger gigs I add a traveller 2x10 cab which handles all but the largest venues. It also records great with a nice tube mic.

 

[adouglas]

To the OP....

Pay attention to that last post. Dave Marotta may not be a household name, but he has a track record that lends real weight to his views.

Check this out

Artist Facts

 

[Mogee]

What do you guys think about the Markbass Little Mark LMK II?

 

[Narendra3]

adouglas, thanks for the link! Dave, you have great experience and thank you for your advice!

I really want to hear this new Little Mark Tube but I'm going to call some local GCs to see if they have that CMD 121H in stock...it does sound like something I'd be very happy with!