Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I switched from Trace Elliot (which I've used exclusively for the past 20 years) to Mark Bass gear back in March, and it's the best amp decision I've ever made. They suit my Ricks perfectly. I'm using a Momark modular head into a 2x10 cab with horn and bass reflex port, and the amount of low bass available from the 10" speakers is stunning, to a degree I never though possible without using 15" or 18" speakers. It's also very light - I can carry the cab in one hand, whilst the amp head is light and compact, and fits neatly into a MB rucksack specially designed to carry the head, cables, straps, song lists, spare modules, etc.

The modular amp design means that I can switch between a two channel set up with separate pre-amp and tone sections (useful when I'm using my V63 and my fretless and need to set up two different sound channels to suit them, or when running my 4002 through the stereo ROS output) or switch these out for the high end modules through a single channel, which offers superb high definition sound. You can also choose between solid state and valve pre-amp modules, and switch between the two if need arises. Switching the modules takes around three minutes with an Allen wrench.

Overall, a great combination of intelligent, practical design and a powerful but flexible sound. I'd recommend Mark Bass gear to anyone.

Ash

I have had a couple of Markbass amps, a LM II and then a F1, in succession, the F1 was eventually replaced by an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500, very highly recommended if you are looking into a head and cabinet rig (with your choice of speaker cabinet); I still have my Minimark combo amp, a great amp that has served me well for many years, now.

Happyface wrote:...some of them cut out due to portective [sp] circuits..

I have, in fact, experienced this with my former F1. What was happening was that on certain notes that I played the amp would go silent until I turned it off and back on again. What was interesting was that I was going into a PA using the DI out and I still had sound from the DI, so only the power amp was disabled. My best guess (from doing some reading on the all knowing & powerful InterWebz) is that the amp will shut down due to too low a load impedance; this problem only showed up using one particular cabinet, all the others I had used with this amp showed no issues, all of which had USA made Eminence drivers, different models at different times. The cabinet that producced the cutout has, ironically, Italian made drivers! The load impedance at certain frequencies dips well below the 4Ω minimum for the amp which caused the protection circuit to shut it down. This only happened if I was really cranking the amp up, at low to moderate volumes I never had this happen.

The only reason I sold the F1 was I wanted an amp that had a sweepable midrange control as I found the fixed 4 band EQ to be a bit limiting, primarily the two mid bands were at odd frequencies for my needs. I like the EQ on my Walter Woods Electacoustic Super amp and the Aguilar fits the bill quite nicely in that area, plus it is just a killer sounding amp and gets REALLY loud for it's size and power rating.

Thanks for all the great comments everyone! Not only has this been very helpful but I love the side issues that have emerged which are most informative. Now I just need to round up some cash.

Hey, I've been smoking cigarettes for 45 years and I don't have lung cancer! So smoking must be safe, right?

We are talking about mass-produced consumer goods here. MB and all of the other PCB class D amps are bound to have a percentage with issues. Fact of life at that price point.

So buy used from a trusted source or new from a vendor with a generous return policy.

I use the Cmd121p combo,and have found it to be completely reliable and a great peice of gear. I think it is one of their best values as well. 300 watts,1-12" and 29 pounds,it really doesn't get any better than that! Oh wait,it does! It goes to 500watts with a 2nd cab! I've used it alone in all sorts of situations,occasionally i add a 2nd traveller 1-12 cab for more low-volume oomph,but i really love all my markbass equipment. I also used to have the 6"-equipped micromark,which was an astounding peice of gear,but not gig-worthy unless its just a coffehouse acoustic guitar type gig.

Happyface wrote:We are talking about mass-produced consumer goods here. MB and all of the other PCB class D amps are bound to have a percentage with issues. Fact of life at that price point.

Products produced by any manufacturer within any industry whether for business to business or consumer use are bound to have a percentage with issues. Fact of life at any price point.

I've only had two experiences playing a gig thru Mark Bass rigs. Both times, I was unable to get a tone I was happy with. They had plenty of power and volume, but they weren't as sharp and transparent as I prefer. I'm kind of a, er, different, player so my testimony may not be the norm.

I think markbass amps have a fairly clean/warm sort of tone,but i do preamp it with a VT pedal for more crunch and edge. I would like to try the model that has a 12ax7 preamp tube to hear if it gets more of a tubey sound.i have owned other amps (hartke,ampeg) that had that feature,and didn't quite get what i wanted out of them,though.

s4001 wrote:I've only had two experiences playing a gig thru Mark Bass rigs. Both times, I was unable to get a tone I was happy with. They had plenty of power and volume, but they weren't as sharp and transparent as I prefer. I'm kind of a, er, different, player so my testimony may not be the norm.

You're probably not familiar Variable Preshape Filter (VPF) control. Tweaking that up higher would probably give you the sound your thinking of, at least close anyway. I know you've played through my Little Mark Tube head. I usually leave the Variable Preshape Filter (VPF) control at zero since I'm usually playing classic rock tunes.

Definitely next time we're together you can show me.

s4001 wrote:Definitely next time we're together you can show me.

I'll bring the Littlemark Tube amp to the jam Saturday.

s4001 wrote:

I hear dat.