Ghost Rider Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 Anyone on here know if the fans in these are on all the time or just when the head gets hot & has any owners on here had any issues with this combo? I maybe getting a later one so it not Italian made. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakester Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I don't have that exact combo, but the heads in all of the combos are the same. I think generally the consensus is they're great heads, excellent sound and the CMD121P (what I have) is regularly recommended as the 'go to' one box solution. IME it sounds great, is an easy carry and certainly doesn't lack power. That said, and my personal experience is, if the head *does* go wrong, it's likely an expensive fix indeed given the class D heads are very difficult to service. I've given an estimate of in excess of £200 for mine (before they saw it) by the UK service agent and I have seen others have higher quotes. Sadly the private vendor of mine never replied to my messages so I wasn't able to see if there was any warranty cover available, but that's part of the cost/benefit analysis when buying second hand. I gather from what I have read on here and elsewhere MB Italy service is poor, though I haven't personally experienced that myself. The good thing is that the LM form-factor heads are in effect interchangeable, so if it does go, you could always pick up a replacement second hand. I've decided given lockdown meant I've not been playing much to go with a backup/alternative option for now, but I will try and get it fixed down the line. If you're buying new then I'd say go for it - if second-hand, factor in that repairs might be costly, but I think I have been unlucky - faulty heads seem fairly few and far between. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songofthewind Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I have one of these. The Indonesian model, which is identical to the Italian version, as far as I know. It has been very reliable, and I can't say I've noticed any troubling fan noise. It's not as compact as the 121P mentioned above, and it is extremely punchy. i sometimes crave the Traveller 102 extension cab in order to feel more of a man, but I don't think it needs it for most applications. Great DI out and very effective EQ. I find the two filters useful on occasion, especially the vintage one. It is surprisingly light for its size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Rider Posted October 27, 2020 Author Share Posted October 27, 2020 28 minutes ago, Jakester said: I don't have that exact combo, but the heads in all of the combos are the same. I think generally the consensus is they're great heads, excellent sound and the CMD121P (what I have) is regularly recommended as the 'go to' one box solution. IME it sounds great, is an easy carry and certainly doesn't lack power. That said, and my personal experience is, if the head *does* go wrong, it's likely an expensive fix indeed given the class D heads are very difficult to service. I've given an estimate of in excess of £200 for mine (before they saw it) by the UK service agent and I have seen others have higher quotes. Sadly the private vendor of mine never replied to my messages so I wasn't able to see if there was any warranty cover available, but that's part of the cost/benefit analysis when buying second hand. I gather from what I have read on here and elsewhere MB Italy service is poor, though I haven't personally experienced that myself. The good thing is that the LM form-factor heads are in effect interchangeable, so if it does go, you could always pick up a replacement second hand. I've decided given lockdown meant I've not been playing much to go with a backup/alternative option for now, but I will try and get it fixed down the line. If you're buying new then I'd say go for it - if second-hand, factor in that repairs might be costly, but I think I have been unlucky - faulty heads seem fairly few and far between. Hi mate, thanks for the very detailed reply! It’s much appreciated. I did have a look around the Internet forums regarding that combo & there did seem some quality issues but then again it could of sold 5,000 units of that head & you might only hear of the once that go Bang! The one I’ve seen is 2nd hand & according to the rear of the amp it’s a 2016 model. I have been looking for an alternative amp/head/combo as it started a thread last week. This markbass caught my eye but I’m still looking at other options. I did see an Eden TN 226 at thomman for only £177 but then a I’d need a cab so there’s another £150/£250 or thereabouts. Eden doesn’t seem as fashionable as markbass at the moment. The market seems to change regularly!!! Thanks once again for your reply to my thread. Regard - Anth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Rider Posted October 27, 2020 Author Share Posted October 27, 2020 3 minutes ago, songofthewind said: I have one of these. The Indonesian model, which is identical to the Italian version, as far as I know. It has been very reliable, and I can't say I've noticed any troubling fan noise. It's not as compact as the 121P mentioned above, and it is extremely punchy. i sometimes crave the Traveller 102 extension cab in order to feel more of a man, but I don't think it needs it for most applications. Great DI out and very effective EQ. I find the two filters useful on occasion, especially the vintage one. It is surprisingly light for its size. Hi mate, what’s the fan like if you use the amp of really low volume? Cheers - Anth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lownote Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I don't know the combo but my MB Little Mark 2 head was silent under any low or reasonable load. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songofthewind Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 Just now, Ghost Rider said: Hi mate, what’s the fan like if you use the amp of really low volume? Cheers - Anth Inaudible! The amp is not really working at low volume. I can't stand extraneous noises, especially high pitched ones, since my hearing aids make EVERYTHING really loud. If the fan was making a noise I would throw the amp out of the window, probably. Hope this helps! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songofthewind Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 The combo also has a little hatch on the top, as well as the slot at the rear. The hatch is for access to the back of the amp for FX loop etc. There is plenty of ventilation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Rider Posted October 27, 2020 Author Share Posted October 27, 2020 1 minute ago, songofthewind said: Inaudible! The amp is not really working at low volume. I can't stand extraneous noises, especially high pitched ones, since my hearing aids make EVERYTHING really loud. If the fan was making a noise I would throw the amp out of the window, probably. Hope this helps! Yes it does mate! Cheers! I can’t stand anything that messes with the sound, I do a good enough job of that with my sausage fingers! Cheers mate - Anth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickD Posted October 27, 2020 Share Posted October 27, 2020 I've had the later 121h for a few years now, which I believe is the same head. I couldn't tell you when or if the fan comes on, either at home, at rehearsal or gigging.... and I think the fact that I've never noticed is probably a good thing. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si-Fi Posted October 31, 2020 Share Posted October 31, 2020 I've got this model and the fan on mine comes on straight away. not very loud mind. I've had no issues with the combo at all. When i bought it i wasn't to sure if i liked the sound but i have very much grown to like it. When i get gigging again i'll be tempted to get the 12" extension cab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost Rider Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share Posted November 1, 2020 Just bought a Tech 21 VT Bass 500 Head. Thanks for all the input... Now it’s time to look for a suitable cabinet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.