machinehead

Bought a lovely classic '70s jazz from Rich. A very pleasant and smooth transaction and the bass was set up well by Rich himself. And a nice guy to chat with too. Frank

I have a Markbass 121 combo, which is probably close to the 121 cab in tone and volume. For my money, I would go for a pair of Barefaced 1 x 12 Midget cabs. Cheaper, louder, deeper, lighter...... I'm not on commission, just offering my opinion. Frank

[quote name='JTUK' post='881275' date='Jun 29 2010, 07:36 PM']Can't see the point of a one cab solution being ..err two cabs. I only use 1x12" for quiet rehearsals but then I am very picky about sound, projection, tone and frequency range. If your 15" and 12 " cabs have the range that you want, than that is a question for you.[/quote] I'm not sure if this is to me or the OP? If it's for me - I don't want a one cab solution. I like the situation where I can take either cab to most gigs and the 1 x 12 for handiness at rehearsals OR a pub gig, and have two cabs for bigger gigs. (Which isn't that often, but I have the gear if I need it) A one cab solution is all very well but a lot of the time for me, it would be far more than I need. (Assuming I had one cab rated at 4 ohms with multiple speakers) The Compact would always be my first choice as a single cab but sometimes I play in quite tight spaces and the Midget is perfect in that situation. People wonder where all the noise is coming from. "........but then I am very picky about sound, projection, tone and frequency range." Me too. That's why I went with Barefaced. Frank.

[quote name='cetera' post='881731' date='Jun 30 2010, 11:11 AM']Well, here's the info - straight from their wonderful Artist Relations man PJ.... weird they didn't realise this.... and it puts a WHOLE new slant on the Tonepump! [i]"Hello again - thanks for sending me the link. After reviewing all of this, of course the person who designed our TonePump circuit is accurate...so...I need to work with our new web designer and include the proper TonePump / TonePump Jr. info! Sounds like we misinterpreted his info almost 10 years ago while working on this with him. Thanks again, PJ Also please send my regards to everybody at Bass Chat UK!!! "[/i][/quote] Isn't that amazing, after all the years since it was introduced? My CRFM5 (made circa 2001) originally had an Aguilar preamp but had a U-Retro fitted years ago which sounds just wonderful. I got my Spector out of the case last night for a noodle. I'd forgotten how beautiful it sounds, looks and plays. Frank.

[quote name='fatback' post='881205' date='Jun 29 2010, 06:27 PM']Out of curiosity, is your Midget with or without tweeter?[/quote] Without tweeter. And it's fine. I have no regrets at all in buying the non-tweeter verssion. It handles the highs very smoothly. Frank

[quote name='Musicman20' post='881065' date='Jun 29 2010, 03:44 PM']A single 12 will only go so far....ok for rehearsing and acoustic, but a 2x10 is the smallest Id go for small gigs. 2x12 is the optimum (or 1x12 x 2).[/quote] I know what you mean, but the 1 x 12 Barefaced Midget is in another league. It's loud, very loud, but can still sound deep up to a pretty loud volume using a bit of EQ. Beats my Markbass 2 x 10 easily and I still regard the Markbass 2 x 10 as a good cab. For me, the Compact OR the Midget is loud enough for most of my gigs. The Compact with the Midget on top is a killer rig. It's nice to have all that headroom. Frank

[quote name='charlie_bass' post='879900' date='Jun 28 2010, 02:24 PM']I've used a GK MB150e with a GK MBX112 extension cab for all gigs and rehearsals until recently. This includes playing a Warwick Corvette $$ five string and a Steinberger UEB. Fitted the bill in terms of size and weight and has always sounded great but, it was just too "small a sound" for bigger gigs. So, I've taken the plunge and just taken delivery of the following: - MARKBASS F1 (500 watts into 4ohms) - MARKBASS 210P Traveller * 2 (8ohms + 8ohms = 4ohms) Absolutely fabulous, just the sound/presence required to be heard and to hear well on stage when playing in a big band. Also the 2x10s are less than 30lbs each and the F1 comes in under six lbs (and fits in my gig bag too) !! Nice speakon to speakon connections (optional as 1/4" jacks can be used too). The build quality is excellent and I also love the cool yellow cones and decals. Total cost about £1,500 (multiple suppliers). NB: the twin 210s fit together well in a vertical configuration and the F1 fits neatly on the top. This way you can have a back-line which sort of fits the human model rather than having loads of sound blasted around your knees. Issues ? None yet but I'll miss the stereo chorus on the GK a bit - perhaps you really can't have everything !? I'm keeping the MB150e for rehearsals and small gigs and for use with the Steinberger but I've sold the MBX 112 already. Charlie[/quote] That's a great and very flexible rig charlie. I had the same except with a little mark II. Try stacking the cabs on their sides, in a 4 high configuration. Gives a small footprint and gets the top speaker up to your ear height. Frank

Glad your turmoil is over gaf. I'd be interested in what advice Alex gave you. Frank.

After reading about your financial situation and having owned both rigs, I'd say just stick with what you have. The Midget is a better cab in every way than the 102P but the 102P is still a brilliant little cab and very good in most pub gig situations. And combined with the larger 2 x10, it's a very, very good rig. No doubt, the Midget is lighter thn the 102P and cheaper too, if you're buying new, but why spend money you don't have too? This is only my opinion and, just to add, I only sold my pair of markbass 2 x 10s because a new and smaller car wouldn't carry them in the boot. Frank

If you listened to a rig with your eyes closed, could you tell its weight? Frank

Black in a swirly pearl finish is lovely. Frank

[quote name='Happy Jack' post='875855' date='Jun 23 2010, 09:22 PM']But some of your cabs already have twitters, don't they?[/quote] hehehe. Just joined twEEter Frank

[quote name='lojo' post='870091' date='Jun 17 2010, 06:23 PM']Find a lightweight speaker you like and nail a RH450 to the top of it [/quote] I agree. A lightweight amp, about 500watts and a lightweight cab. Should end up overall a lighter weight and more convenient shape to carry. Plus, you have the option of adding another identical cab for bigger gigs. Lots of good gear out there to choose from, dependiing on your sound preferences. Frank.

I have a Markbass 121P and it is a decent and loud combo for rehearsals and small pubs. Weighs about 29 lbs. I also have a Barefaced Midget and LM II amp. The Midget and LM II weighs in at about 26 lbs so it's lighter than the 121P. It's also easier to carry due to the shape. The big difference is in the sound, with the Midget sounding much bigger, louder and deeper than the 121P. Both are decent rigs but the Midget would be easily the better of the two. And since you already own a LM 3............ Frank.

I played through one for most of the 80s and early 90s. Always seemed plenty loud although most of the time I was into the PA. I also used a Peavey databass 450. It's a tiny little cab but also loud. It all seemed decent gigging gear to me but I admit that times have moved an a lot with gear since those days. Frank.

The US '75 reissue has neck binding that covers the fret ends. Pure quality. I have no doubt that the Jap versions are top class too (I've only payed two, and they were both good) but the US version just seems slightly more classy all round. You pays yer money and makes yer choice. I have a US '75 reissue with the rosewood neck which is lovely to look at but the feel of the neck is the really outstanding feature of this bass - apart from the sound which I'm loving. Only fault is that the E string is slightly too loud compared to the others. I must try to sort this out when I get the time. An easy fix I think? They're not cheap, but once the money's spent, it's spent but the enjoyment lasts forever. Frank.

It's a bit obvious that since I own a US '75 reissue that my vote would go there. The quality is superb and the looks are what finally sold mine. Natural ash body with the rarer rosewood board and those beautiful block inlays. The range of sounds is enough for the music I play although I'm usually very partial to active basses for the more focussed type sound. The downside is the price. They are way overpriced when compared to other Fender models. Perhaps the best all-round value for money is the 2008 onwards models? Frank.

Thanks for the review. I'd love to hear one of these - must be truly fantastic. And, the asking price is a snip for such a high quality piece of kit. Frank.

Product: BarefacedBass The Compact . (And a comment on the Midget) [url="http://www.barefacedbass.com/thecompact.html"]http://www.barefacedbass.com/thecompact.html[/url] Price paid: £425 including delivery (July 2009) I’ve copied the format for this review from here . Thanks sharkfinger! Features : 9 ====== from barefaced web site =================== Dimensions: 25.5" high x 19.5" wide x 13.5" deep Weight: 32 lbs Sensitivity: Similar to many 2x12" cabs Frequency Response: Similar to the classic sealed 8x10" fridge Recommended Amp Power: 100 - 500W RMS Maximum Output: Similar to a quality 2x12" or 3x10" cabinet Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms =========================================== I found it hard to score on features because the greatest feature is the simplicity. One speakon socket is what you get. The shape is excellent for carrying and fitting in the boot of a hatchback. The weight is another big selling feature. Even though my Compact is a “Mark 1”, the weight is only 31 lbs on my fishing scales. I think the new model weighs in at 26 lbs. Astonishing weight, although I’m not thinking I need to change to save 5 lbs weight. I’m very happy with 31 lbs thank you. Mine is the standard cab but it’s available with the vintage cloth covering which looks very cool and, if I was buying again, I would go for that look. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the standard look. That big 15” speaker looks the dogs danglies through the wire mesh cover. I could score it a 10 but some might like to see two speakon sockets so I decided on a 9 for that reason only. Sound Quality: 10 Amp: Markbass LMII Bass: Mostly a USA Vintage 75 reissue jazz for gigging Playing style: 99% finger style and (very little), and poorly played slap. Effects: Usually none. Sometimes Sansamp BDDI Music: Pop/rock covers, blues, ballads I spent years gigging with a Peavey combo with a single 15” speaker. In those days I was playing far bigger venues, sometimes up to 1200 people, always into the PA. I was happy enough with that gear for years. But time and technology has moved on since then. This cab has a very well rounded sound to my ears. It can sound big and bassy, but very precise. The higher frequencies come across better than any cab I owned or heard. My style of playing comes out better without a tweeter but it has taken me a few years to realise this. The high notes are sweet and even, never harsh in the way a tweeter can sometimes sound. On a gig all your notes can be easily heard. The cab can sound fast as well. This might be unexpected, if based on popular opinions of a single big speaker . The sound is mellowing and sounding richer as more playing time passes. The volume from the Compact is definitely in the loud category. I have driven it to the top of “moderate” volumes. It’s never sounded anything near to farting. To get it to those levels would be bad for your long-term hearing prospects! I have no problem keeping up with a loud drummer with this cab. In my opinion, the Compact on it’s own would be easily sufficient for 90% of pub/club/ hotel gigging bassists for 90% of the time, depending on tone preferences of course. The Compact sounds clean and precise which is what I prefer. If your preference is for a gritty, distorted sound, the Compact might not be for you. Having said that, maybe with the use of pedals that might be possible. I’m not likely to try it so maybe another owner could help here? Caveat: I’ve never owned a 4 x 10 or 8 x 10 or any other “big” cabinet. Biggest rig was a pair of 2 x 10. I have never wanted either the tone or the volume – never needed it. So please bear this in mind when reading my opinions on sound. Reliability/Build Quality: 8 I have owned my Compact for almost a year now (as of May 2010) and I have had no issues with reliability so far. Only time will tell if that continues. I have not seen or heard anything with the cab to make me worry The build quality is excellent. It seems sturdy and well put together. Some people equate weight with strength. If you’re an engineer you’ll know that there isn’t necessarily a correlation between the two. The Compact is sturdy but also light. I don’t like the plastic corners though and I usually don’t object to them. It’s just that the ones on the Compact look slightly flimsy to me. In truth, they’d probably do a good job for many years. But it’s just my feeling on them. I know that the mark 2 Compacts have metal corners which I do prefer. On the plus side, during discussions about buying a Midget cab, Alex offered to supply me new metal corners for my Compact. If I wasn’t living in Belfast and was closer to him, he would have fitted them also. That’s customer care at its best. The finish seems tough. Personally, I prefer the look of carpet. But the crinkly paint look is growing on me. And you can touch it up easily in the future to renovate the cabs inevitable gigging wear and tear. The handle is on the side of the cab for easy lifting and carrying. It seems very strong and performs its function perfectly. The score of 8 given here, is mainly based on my personal prejudices against the plastic corners and the paint finish. Since the mark 2 has metal corners, if you like the paint finish, take it as a 9. And if the cab remains reliable after another year or two, I will be changing the 8 to a 9 myself. Maybe even a 10. Customer Support: 10 I know of no other bass cabinet manufacturer who will give the level of customer support given by Barefaced. One-to-one advice on your needs based on your playing style, type of music and your sound preferences. A one month trial, with your money back if you don’t like the cab. Jeez, what more could a customer ask? I doubt if there are many of Barefaced products returned though. Overall Rating: 10 I’m conscious that a review that is 100% positive is worthless, but I really do have to try hard to hear any negatives with the Compact’s sound. For me, it gives me a really top notch sound and at a bargain price. You’ve read my reservations with the finish, corners etc and if that wasn’t there, the review would be 10/10 all the way. In a way, I’d like to have a few more negatives to write about the Compact, only because readers will scoff at almost perfect reviews. I’m not saying this is the perfect cab for all bass players. Please don’t read that into this review. What it is however, is a properly engineered bass cabinet which gives a high quality sound, at good volume. I have every intention of keeping this cab for a very long time but if I were to fancy a change, it would be for another Barefaced product. In my opinion, they are that good. The Midget. Most of the review of the Compact could be applied to the Midget. Mine if the non-tweeter version and it suits me fine. It has the metal corners which are excellent. Sound-wise, it seems as loud as the Compact, not as deep and more hard-edged and mid aggressive. It’s possible to get it to go deep at decent volume. It’s a great cab in it’s own right. It also stacks perfectly with the Compact and is designed to be paired this way if desired. I haven’t gigged the Midget yet. I’ll write a slightly more comprehensive review after it’s been through a few gigs, both stand-alone and paired with the Compact. EDIT. I've now used the Midget alone on gigs and it can get really loud and the sound is fuller than would be expected of such a small box. I've also used the Compact and Midget a few times as a stack and it's like having an enormous wall of big fat sound behind you. It feels powerful but I've found that you can make the stack sound rocky, grindy or sweet as you prefer. I haven't driven this stack to anywhere near it's limit and I think doing so would be bad for my hearing health. So, I highly recommend this combination. Use the Compact for most gigs, big and deep. Tthe Midget if you are in a small pub but still want loud but it can also give very decent rich bass. Combine the pair for a rig that provides a beautifully balanced sound. I also noticed that it's easy to hear the Midget when it's on top of the Compact - another advantage. Both these cabs use top grade drivers and it shows. The modular design is great for gigging bass players like myself who cover dirty dive pubs, clubs and the odd wedding. Three rigs in one and two cabs which are specifically designed to work together. What more could you want. I will say though, a pair of Midgets would also make a fantastic rig too. I just like having the Compact as a different option. Don't listen to the talk of a neo equipped cab sounding different. If it does, it not down to the magnet material and I defy anyone to listen to a set of cabs blindfolded and pick out the neo's. Don't let that talk put you off. It's just plain untrue. Frank Frank.

[quote name='acidbass' post='844448' date='May 21 2010, 06:03 PM']Hi Alex - I'd like to test the cab out too, if it wasn't too much bother to get it across the water to me in Northern Ireland. Postage shouldn't be that much more expensive depending on courier.[/quote] You're welcome to try mine Danny. And my Midget if you like? Let me know. Frank.