machinehead

I own a 121P combo, plus a LMII and have used a pair of 2 x 10 travellers and before that a 151 with a 2 x 10. But it's the combos you're interested in so for what it's worth, this thing is very loud and quite deep for the size. It does handle a B string OK. I wouldn't really want to exagerate and mislead you but I use it on its own for pub gigs with a fairly loud drummer in a 5 piece band and it copes OK IMO. Having said that, I intend to buy another 12" cab for a "bigger" sound but I'm thinking I'll wait until later this year as Markbass are bringing out a mini 12 cab to match the 121P mini combo. Thsi should be a really lightweight and powerful rig. It would seem that not everyone likes the sound of the Markbass cabs. Having owned 4 of them I love the sound but, of course, it's very subjective. Hope this helps. Frank

[quote name='chris_b' post='222784' date='Jun 20 2008, 11:43 AM']Front ported are larger than rear ported and they are both larger than the Travellers. I wouldn't buy Markbass cabs but I guess if you do, you would want the front ported cab as they are larger, meaning you'd get a better tone due to te size.[/quote] Markbass traveller cabs are rear ported and very loud and deep for their size and light weight. Frank

What seems to be coming across here is that we must distinguish facts from opinions. And then make informed choices. I really do appreciate the input from Bill, Alex and bassferret and others and they have all been most generous in their giving of good technical input. So, thanks to you all. Frank

Having previously used a matched pair of Markbass 2 x 10 cabs I can confirm that two identical cabs sound great together. That is the reason for my original question. I had doubts about using a MB 1 x 15 with my MB 1 x 12 cobmo. I think I'll probably buy another MB 1 x 12 cab. Thanks for all the input. Frank

Somebody has a problem with ME?

Firstly, title typo has been fixed. Thanks for pointing that out. Feel a bit stupid ! Thanks for all who replied - lots of interesting input. My gut feeling was to go with buying a new 12" to match the 12" combo. In the past I had a pair of Markbass 2 x 10s which I stacked vertically for a small footprint four speakers high and the sound was superb. Sold the pair due to new car with tiny boot. I was hoping that I might get away with using the 15" to save money on buying more gear when I'm actually trying to reduce !! Looks like more household clutter is on the way. Frank

Well, I'm generally not keen on recommending gear because it's all so subjective. But I also use a Schroeder 1212L and for me, it's an excellent gigging cab for all venues that I play which is the usual pubs, clubs and hotels and one outdoor gig. Not everyone likes the tone but I have to say that I love it. It's a pleasure to be able to hear yourself and the tone cuts through the mix like nothing else that I have used. You can also hear all your mistakes exceptionally well which is a mixed blessing...... As always, best to try before you buy IMO. Frank

Speaker size, I mean... I have a Markbass 121 combo as my practice, rehearsal and small gig setup. This little combo is very loud and deep for its size and I love the Markbass sound. I'm thinking about buying another Markbass 121 cab for use in larger venues. Question is this... I have a Markbass 151 (15") traveller cab and I'm wondering if there is a good reason to buy another 121 cab? Would I have any advantage sound-wise using a pair of 12" cabs? Or would the combo with the 15" cab be similar? I think there is some technical reason for using the same size speakers together? Bit of a silly question I know, but any thoughts and advice gratefully received. Frank

I bought a Spector CRFM 5 through-neck for much less than your budget and it's a superb bass. I also have a Warwick Streamer LX4, excellent as well in a different way. I wouldn't like to say Warwick make a better bass than Spector or vice versa - they are just different. Certainly try first, but buying a used Warwick can make you big savings, especially in the present depressed market. Personally, I also like modern Warwicks (although I tried my very first Warwick in about 1989ish and fell in love immediately) and wouldn't write them off without trying for yourself. Frank

Hey Dave, See my post on the G&L Tribute thread. I was told that the 5 string is made on the same neck width as the 4 string. If that's true then that would make that an excellent bass for you. Superb value for money and top class instruments IMO. Frank

Played a Tribute L2000 on Saturday. What a fantastic bass. If I'd discovered these a few years ago I would have bought one for certain. Now I have far too many guitars. The feel and playability are right up there with the best. The range of tones is enormous and the richness of the sound is just what I love in a bass. Top quality at a bargain price. I was offered about £100 off the price ticket right away. I was way too close to spashing out again on another impulse buy. Frank

I have a 2004 LX4 and the neck is pretty deep but I find it very comfortable to play. I own basses with slimmer necks and sometimes prefer the Warwick over them. I'd say stick with it for a few months. The sound alone is worth the effort! Frank

Hey Dave I have a MM3, a US jazz 5 and, best of all, a Spector NS5. You are welcome to call in and give them a try. The jazz has the widest and deepest neck but to me, is still nice to play. The Spector has a narrower string spacing and plays beautifully. The MM3 string spacing is a little too narrow if anything. But I have to say, ease of playing is not just about string spacing. Neck depth and profile are even more important on a 5 than a 4 string IMO. Giss a shout if you're interested. Frank

[quote name='chris_b' post='202162' date='May 19 2008, 02:48 PM']The general opinion seems to be, Markbass heads are good but the cabs are not so loved. I'd take your Ashdown cab to Mark at Bass Direct, not far from you, and try his Markbass and Genz Benz heads.[/quote] Have to say I love the cabs almost as much as the amps. I have owned and sold 3 MB cabs which I regret after I bought the 121P combo and heard the MB cab sound again, albeit in a combo. Frank.

I have an MM3 (the 5 string one) and it's excellent quality. Sound is good as standard. Only problem I had was a loose pot from new but this was easily fixed. Good value all round. Frank

Good thread this. Seems like a lot of people here like nice gear and don't care about the badge so long as it plays/ sounds/ looks good. I agree with this and don't like to spend anywhere near four figures for a bass. I have some nice basses and 6 string guitars at various price levels - mostly bought second hand I have to say. And I am happy with unfashionable names if I know they're well made. I just recently bought a Stagg fretless. Nice feel and look and sounds OK and I will gig it this weekend. But I know the tuners are 5hite and the pickups are a bit weak and weedy. Not a bad bass overall and for what it cost me it's excellent. Lovely player. I also know that I'm likely to want to upgrade to a better fretless if I enjoy actually playing it. Again, I might buy a Warwick or similar but any fretless I find satisfying will be also OK in my book. So I don't think I'm a gear snob - well, not much.

yorks5stringer... I also had the 151 trav paired with a 102 trav but came to prefer the sound of the 102 over the 151. Just a personal thing. But the pair you have sound great together as well. Smash. One 102 trav is very loud. I heard a blues band last week in Rotterdam. Bass player using just one 102 trav with LM II and the sound was perfect. I'll be seeing them again this week.!! I don't agree that the Markbass cabs are in the shadow of the amps. To me the sound is exactly what I like but then, we all have different tastes. Having used the Schroeder 1212L for about a year I bought a markbass CMD121P combo a few months back for practice, rehearsals and small gigs and guess what, there was that tone I love in the Markbass combo. It sounds way too deep, big and loud for its size. Made me regret letting the 102 trav cabs go. Hope you're enjoying them guys..haha Frank

Yes and Yes. And a very wonderful rig it was too. Driven by the LM II. Only changed to a single cab rig because it was a struggle (But just possible) to get the pair of cabs into the boot of a new Ford Fiesta. (And I needed all the seats for people) I'm not much cop at describing sound but what I can say is that, stacked 4 high made it very easy to hear yourself. At gigs I was told I could be heard clearly all over the room. Plus a small footprint to boot. The volume is more than adequate for most small to medium gigs as well. great lightweight rig IMO. Frank

[quote name='chris_b' post='178615' date='Apr 17 2008, 10:07 AM']It is no big deal to use a step down transformer, but, like everything electrical you have to ensure that all components are compatible and off you go. Just Google "step down transformer". The User manual will tell you what you need and the supplier will tell you what is appropriate. Get more than one opinion if that makes you happier. This is just an example from the first site on my list.... Step down Transformer USA to UK Type Autotransformer Winding Toroidal Input 220/240V A.C. 50/60 Hz Ouput 110/120V AC 50/60 Hz Protection Output fuse,input fuse. Mains lead 1.4 Metre long (Approx) Plug type UK 13 Amp 3 pin Socket type Accepts 2 or 3 pin USA type plug Model Number Number of sockets Load Height Diameter Weight SC5238 1 100 VA or Watts 97mm 92mm 1005g SC5300 2 300 VA or Watts 115mm 115mm 1895g So you keep the US mains lead which ensures that you can't plug it into UK sockets and these examples weigh in at less than 4 lbs. It's not rocket science.[/quote] All the above is correct but the transformer will not change the frequency (hertz) from the UK 50Hz to the US 60Hz. Don't be misled by the fact that the transformer is rated 50/60 Hz. Expect a shorter life for appliances connected to the "wrong" frequency supply. Frank

I have a 5 string one of these. It's one of the earlier ones from 1998 and I find that it's a great workhorse bass for all situations. Hope you enjoy it. Frank

Fisrtly, I am assuming that the fuses are - 1. in the plug, and 2. inside the adapter. If so then the fuse is there to protect the cable. Using a 13 amp fuse upstream of a 16 amp fuse only means if the cable gets damaged the 13 amp will blow first. (In theory anyway, but one of them will blow so you'll be safe) The amp itself won't draw anywhere near the 13 amps. Shouldn't be a problem as long as the amp is 230 volt supply. Frank

There's a 102P combo for sale on this very forum although I just read that the seller hasn't been around for a while? Looks a great deal though. Frank

Hi Stevie, I might not be off very much help here but since no one else is responding so far (I'm sure others will chime in to help) I'll give you my opinions/ experience with Markbass gear. Currently use a LM II with Schroeder 1212L for larger gigs and a Markbass 121P in pubs and rehearsals. In the past I've had a 15" traveller cab and a matching pair of 2 x 10 traveller cabs which I stacked 4 high on their sides. So, I would say the 121P is easily loud enough for pub gigs and the sound is beefy for the size of the box. I heard a bass player in a pub last week using a LM II and one trav 2 x 10 cab and his sound was surprisingly big and deep. So you have various options available. Easiest to transport might be the trav 2 x 10 and a LM II head although the 121P is a "one box "solution. Having seperates gives you the option to use one or two cabs as required. My LM II and pair of trav 2 x 10s was great that way. Only sold them as I got a smaller car and could only get one cab in the boot. Finally, Markbass are bringing out a 1 x 12 cab to go with the 121P so I might be looking at adding the new cab making a very light and portable rig. I'll have to wait and see the dimensions of the new cab as some people think it looks too small for stacking? I do advise you to try before you buy, if possible. Hope these ramblings are of some help. Frank

Mine runs off one battery. It'll be fine and I don't find the battery discharges any worse at all. Lasts months and I end up changing a good battery "just in case".

Very interesting Simon, and very surprising to me. Thanks for taking the trouble to write this. Frank