Huggy and the Bears

I have been through an interesting exercise with MarkBass amps which I thought I would share. Basically, I elected to change my gear for a MarkBass amp and an Aguilar (GS212) cab as I like the sound and they get very complimentary reviews. A well respected bass player friend has a MarkBass LMK (as he wanted 2 channels) and a pair of Aguilar GS112 cabs. This is the sound which I wanted. I Bought a GS212 cab and a MarkBass LMII head. I was pleased enough with the sound however couldn't put my finger on what was missing from the EQ (compared to his) and I wondered if the difference in cab combination was affecting the sound. We compared gear side by side last week, swapping heads, cabs etc. and identified that the LMII is a different sound to the LMK! Very interesting. I wont list the specs as they are well documented elsewhere however, they are kind of pitched as being the same as each other in terms of sound (the LMK having 2 channels of course). To conclude: I have now bought an LMK and again completed some side by side comparisons. This is (crudely) what I found with like-for-like EQ settings: Channel 1 on the LMK sounds the same as the LMII Channel 2 in the LMK sounds like LMII but more defined, clearer and punchier Blended together Channel 1 & 2 on the LMK is (in my opinion only) getting close to an ultimate MarkBass sound and in laymans terms like the LMII on steroids. Whilst I can not be critical of the LMII (it does do what it says on the tin) in my opinion, the LMK is worth the extra money as it is more 'the real deal' and the LMII sounds like a (again not being critical) a poorer version of the LMK. I know you could say 'it is the poorer version as it is cheaper', I agree but my point is, is that it was not identified to me that the LMK had a superior sound - merely that it was a two channel version of the LMII and in my (very) humble opinion (and experience) it is not a like-for-like sound. I would recommend the LMK over the LMII if the budget will stand it. I hope this information helps you select the sound you want. Kindest regards, Simon.

I inherited my Dad's gear when he died 3 years ago. I remember him buying a new Bassman 135 head and matching 2x15 cab in the 70's (which replaced his Bassman Blackface setup which he bought in '65 beige tolex and creame knobs) and a Jazz bass. He used them until 2004 so I guess thats about 30 years with the same gear. He reckoned that changing his gear would not make him play any better! I however do not have the same fortitude and can't stop swapping my rig! Help Dad!