M@23

Ahh, nice one. Good shout. I just checked and saw the cases were roughly the same size, but the 800 looks to have the feet nearer the middle? It always bugged me on Markbass stuff that the amp didn’t sit well on the handle.

I’m going to go a different route, picking up a RM210 cab and head. Now, 500 vs 800w EVO II… are they voiced the same? The difference in price is minimal. I’ll never use a 2nd cab, so not worried about power. I’ll likely stick with the 500 as I like the grey faceplate. Unless the 800 offers more than just additional power?

The markup must be tiny. In fact, I’d be surprised if there’s profit in them. The combos for instance, are £270ish exc. costs. Shopping around recently, I found out that Anderton’s selling a Fender Am Pro I P bass for £1399 was LESS than it cost a few smaller independents to buy from Fender! Thanks to everyone for their volume-pot-experience. Mine does seem to have developed a fault and today it’s taken it a step further by cutting out completely on occasion. No stress though, the retailer have dragged their feet a bit, but it’ll get sorted. I’ve no doubt this is a random and isolated incident and I have no questions about sticking with the RM.

Thank you for that and you’re experience. I’m trying the retailer first as it’s brand new, to get their impression. I don’t want to bother Ashdown if they can sort something. They may come back and say they’ve checked a few and they're all like that!

That’s what I generally expect from an amp. It’s usually the case. But, you usually get tens of variations between that max setting and nil output. Here, I’m at max at 8/9 o’clock. The only other setting available below that is quiet enough to talk over. Surely that’s not how they all are? I hope not, because everything else about it is great. But, that’s not really useable for me. Edit, keeping volume at max and using the gain like a volume pot is a workaround. But, if logistics allow, I’m still going to return it and try another. Will see what the retailer makes of the volume dilemma.

I’ve just done a test video for MP with an SPL meter to show roughly what’s happening too. Mine goes click 1: zero output, click 2: very quiet (less than speaking volume), click 3; very, very close to full volume. Then from click 4 onwards it’s all max volume. This is the same at any gain setting, with EQ out and comp on or off. I get that the volume notches may not graduate exactly as expected, but this is basically off > very low > max.

That’s interesting. But surely not a great design that there’s no useable settings in the middle. I’d say 9 o’clock to max is pretty much the same. Anything below that is too quiet to be of any use. And, yeah. I actually really liked that with the Glock. It’s unusual today, but you legitimately knew how much power you had left in the bank.

They’re hideous, probably somewhat fragile too. Still, didn’t stop me trying to buy the pink one that was in the Gallery a couple years ago!

My combo turned up this morning, didn’t really know what to expect. It is a Gen 1 Evolution. I think I’m right in saying that there isn’t a 1x12 Evo II. It has the mirror faceplate and It doesn’t have a control for the tweeter. Unfortunately, I’m going to send it right back - if that is actually feesable with MP. The tone is fantastic, the build quality is impressive and it’s a very neat box. But, I think the volume pot may have an issue. At first I couldn’t believe how loud it was at about 8 o’clock on the dial. But then found ‘Click’ 1 on the volume dial is too quiet for home use and click 2 is almost too loud. There’s no middle ground. From click 2 onwards the volume barely, and I mean barely, changes. So, it is too quiet OR too loud for home use but too quiet to gig. The comp and input gain don’t seem to change this effect too much at all, so I’m not convinced that all is well. I’ve initially asked MP if I can swap it for the 2x10 combo as the tone and build are great, but I’d a little more at max volume than this may offer. Which, was always likely but something I wanted to test. The low B sounds great, it’s much cleaner and punchier than I was expecting. The plastic window to the VU meter is poorly cut and fitted on this one but otherwise it’s a really cool combo. Dunno how much it’s going to cost to get it back to Germany, but hopefully we can sort something as despite the above, there’s definitely something cool in there. Shouldn’t have waited this long to try Ashdown! The core tone is spot on, I didn’t even need to switch the EQ in.

Very nice set! I’m tempted by a Martin D13 at the moment.

Looks spot on! New scratch plate is a big improvement.

Yeah, interesting outlook, I agree it is an evolution. I guess that’s how some end up with 10+ basses. I’m about to shift my main bass of the last 3 years or so. It’s an utterly fantastic bass, and for cover band stuff I don’t think there’s anything better. Thankfully, I’m no longer in desperate need of a sub 7lb Jazz V. In fact, I’ll probably end up ‘downgrading’ considerably, to keep a Jazz V in the pack. But, for where I am now, my Precision is the tool I need. Selling the Jazz allows me to buy an acoustic and get another project off the ground and free up some cash while I’m at it.

Nice one! I used to have a Blue Sky. I didn’t even switch the EQ on most of the time. They absolutely reek of quality.

Think it’s a situation where you could be happy at saving £200 now, but massively regret it and have an even bigger outlay down the line. You’ll never regret having more power, but could having not enough! I gigged the 102p cab and LM3 head, which was 300 watts at 8ohm for years. It was a really punchy and versatile setup those 2x10 cabs punch way above their weight!

I would say so, if as you say, you’re after headroom. You can add an additional speaker cab to both. But as is, the 250w version is only 150 watts at 8 ohm without an additional speaker cab. Which may be a little underpowered when playing with a band. Plus, with the 500 watt version, you have the ability to add another cab and have a 500w 4x10 setup. Which, if you want to future proof, would do most any gig. Good choice though, they’re great little amps and cabs!

The Pro I pickup seems to divide opinion! I have them on my 5 and really like them, nice and bright with the tone up, but easily tamed with the tone pot. I picked up a Pro 1 in black/maple. I really wanted that bright blue, but ended up with this one as it was the lightest I could find. The build and necks are superb!

@Osiris many thanks, great shout. Thinking about buying the L6 one and then going one of these routes for a backup. The Rockboard/1Spot could be a solid option. There will always be a use for it too if it is a standard size, plus adapter.

Interesting! I already have a Harley Benton PowerPlant ISO-1AC, which has 500mA outputs. Which cables and size converter do you use? Even as an option, that’s good to know.

Yeah, it’s a bit cheap. I know others hate the PSU, I’d always thought it to be fine and have done tons of gigs with it. Now I want to burn the thing!

I hadn’t even checked. Have you tried one, is it safe to trust that it’s all sound and does put out the 3A it says it does? Thanks, I think I thought it L6 used an unusual sized barrel and that nobody would offer a 3rd party.

Yeah all was fine thanks, there’s plenty of backup options to get out of a jam. I’m surprised by how little Line 6 are interested though. Their service centre have just advised that the country adapters aren’t available separately. GAK only charge £25 for a new one, which is fine, but they won’t post to me. I’m reluctant to pay £50 for one though, which is what everyone else charges.

To be honest, that is pretty much what the ferry costs if you’re not on foot! Annoying though, as GAK have always shipped here. It’s very rare that we have to pay extra.