machinehead

oooops. Yes, it was the micromark I tried. Sorry chaps. Still stand over what I said regarding the micromark although the minimark is probably a different matter. Much as I love markbass gear (and I've owned a range of their amps and cabs), I can't help feeling there's better value to be had elsewhere in the smaller combos. Frank

[quote name='King Tut' post='82310' date='Nov 1 2007, 02:55 PM']Blimey - that's one expensive practice amp then!![/quote] That's what I thought. I was trying one in a shop in Rotteram that was moving and had a 20% off sale. I didn't buy even at that price. 'Nuff said. Frank

Have only played one in a music shop but IMO they are only good for bedroom practice. I don't think they are actually intended to be used for anything more than that. I certainly don't think you would hear yourself even with a quiet drummer. Frank

I use a 1212L with a Markbass LM II. More volume than I can ever need. Never have the volume above 9.00 to 10.00 o'clock and the headroom is enormous. I love the combination and the added bonus of the light weight is worth thinking about. As always though, it's best to try before you buy. Frank

[quote name='Jean-Luc Pickguard' post='67513' date='Sep 29 2007, 10:03 PM']I tried my NS CR5M through the LMII with my Schroeder 1212L today & it knocked my socks off. I don't think I've ever heard a bass sound coming from my fingers that I've loved so much! The VLE & VPF controls make it so easy to quicky dial in great sounds. Impressive![/quote] That's exactly the same bass and rig as I'm using for most gigs at the moment ! The sound is the best I've ever had IMO of course. It does just about every style and covers a wide enough range of sounds for me playing blues/ rock/pop covers. I also use a Sansamp programmable BDDI into the LM II for a more rocky and warmer sound. Also program it for the one and only reggae song we do. The bass wallop is fantastic. Hope you enjoy it. Frank

[quote name='onehappybunny' post='63205' date='Sep 20 2007, 05:17 PM']If it's just for around the house and the schro'/LMII is for gigs why not go for a PJ briefcase, rather than suitcase? Just a thought....[/quote] That's a good idea and I might end up doing that or... a markbass CMD121 combo which has a lot more volume for smaller gigs. BTW, Mikey D, this is for sale at asking price of £400.. I asked the seller if he would post to england and he would be OK with that. I'll PM you his phone number and you can make him an offer if you're interested. the amp is A1 condition. Absolutely unmarked. Frank

Well I tried it and I'm undecided. To me the sound was very clear and bright - not a bad thing, but lacked a certain sizzle in the sound. Not easy to express. It can go deep as well. Surprising for its size. It isn't a loud combo though and I think it would be at full stretch if playing with a medium to loud drummer. It would be fine for acoustic gigs and small pubs but it kind of sounded "small" if you know what I mean. I might still go for it but only as a practice and rehearsal amp. I can't really see me wanting to gig it in preference to the LM II and 1212L Schroeder combination. Not really in the same league, (only IMO of course and agreeing that some people love them). We're all different in our tastes. I've really decided to sleep on it and think about what use it would get if I did go ahead. After saying all that, for it's size it is a serious piece of kit. Frank

Thanks for all the good advice people. The thought was for a practice combo. I had been looking at a few. I have no intention of getting rid of my main rig at all. Thing is, this suitcase jobby is for sale locally at almost half new price. Now based on that, I thought, may as well spend the cash second hand on something decent (If indeed it is decent, which it seems to be from what's been posted on this thread) rather than on say, a new Roland cube etc. But, I do take the point about the Suitcase maybe being underpowered and a compromise for guitar use. I shall keep you updated if I decide to buy. If I set myself a cash figure which it's worth to me, then it might simply come down to the negotiations over price? I could let that be the final decider. Thanks again. You're a helpful bunch. Frank

Thanks Stu. You read me well. How I got into this was the partner was complaining for ages that we'd spent a lot of cash on the house and the room at the back had basses, acoustics, MM5, Warwick, a jazz, LP, sttrat, markbass cabs for a while Scroeder and markbass cabs (3 , markbass, now all sold, one was only 3 weeks old ffs . Trying to get it down to one bass and a small practice amp. Rest stored in cloakroom, out of sight. Most practice amps aren't much smaller than the Schroeder cab but the PJB is a little smaller but the reviews suggest it' s a serious piece of kit also useful for smaller gigs. I'm afraid I'll miss the LM II & Scroeder sound hense the cry for help. (I'd be keeping them as well as the PJB so there's alwaaaaays a way back) Does that make any sense at all?? haha Frank

Or is it? Thinking of buying one of these little beasts. Reasons are: Main reason. Small combo amp for the living room so that partner stops yapping about gear all over the house. (Good thing) Can use it on very small pub gigs. (If I'm honest with myself the LM II + Schroeder 1212L isn't big either and does all volumes at a gig but .....) I've read that the PJB is a great amp for acoustic guitar and keyboards which gives it another use. (Although it might never happen) I'm really trying to justify to myself spending the money so all advice appreciated. The one I'm looking at is second hand BTW. If anyone actually has one, has heard one or used one, then, your opinions would be interesting. Are these as good as the reviews suggest. Thanks for all replies. Frank

Jean-Luc, As Dave said, your experience sounds similar to the rest of us. When I brought the 1212L home and tried it in the house I thought "What the F*** have I done?" First gig = blown away and never looked back. Sold my 3 other cabs, The Schroeder does it all for me. BTW, I always ask people not to take my opinions but to try things for themselves. That still stands but, for what it's worth, I find the LM II and Scroeder 1212L to be a match made in heaven. Sometimes I use a sansamp programmable BDDI which warms the sound up a tad. I like it, but it's not really essential. Glad it's worked out so well for you. Frank

My 151 is also the previous model - about an 18" cube I think. I emailed Markbass about the 151 dimensions not matching the other cabs in the lightweight range. It always annoyed me (but only slightly) that the 102 was narrower than the 151 if the 102 was on its side. If I stack the 102 on top in a side-by-side orientation, it's wider and forms a T shape if that makes sense? I like to think that Markbass took note of my point and the new 151 now matches the 102 dimensionally. Full mark to Markbass for listening to customers. I didn't mean to give the impression that I don't like the 151 - I like it very much, but just prefer the 102. Frank

I've owned a 151 traveller and a pair of 102 traveller cabs. The 151 was loud to my ears and produced decent lows and volume. (I know Dave disagrees and that's fine - just goes to show how personal and subjective sound can be) My main problem was that I had a little trouble hearing myself at some gigs with the 151. So I bought a 102 trav, stacked it on the 151 and loved the sound. Then I started to prefer the 102 sound so I bought another 102 and stacked them 4 speakers high. ie both cabs on their sides. Please try for yourself. My preference is for the 102 over the 151 but that's just me. IMO the 102 is louder and punchier and fuller sounding. Also, it's deffo and easier shape to carry and a little lighter I think. Frank

The markbass heads have a speakon socket that is also a 1/4" jack in the centre. It's a dual socket in other words. Frank

[quote name='JD1' post='56212' date='Sep 5 2007, 07:49 PM']I'm sure mine was solid flame maple rather than a top. Guitar Guitar in Newcastle still have it and I'm toying with buying it back - I miss it! Its Shrektastic - just like Funkymonk's. It was really high output. Not sure what circuit it had. Checked in the control cavity and the circuit looked quite diminutive - but it used to make the pre-amp on my EA amp wince - even in the active input.[/quote] Mine's also solid flamed maple, not just a flamed maple top. it's a beautiful piece of wood. Frank

Yes, I tried one a few months ago and I'd agree that they are well built instrunebts. My thought at the time was that Tokai seem to have pushed their prices up in recent years. This is right across the range of guitars and basses. I suppose it's market forces. Remember when Toyota started selling cars in UK and they were cheap? Frank

[quote name='Chopthebass' post='57305' date='Sep 8 2007, 09:33 AM']Before I can get my money back or start again, they'll need to re-call it. And doing that, they still have to find the funds! This has been going on for 5 weeks and the trouble is that because Nationwide are a Building Society, they have to go through the HSBC in the UK, and then HSBC in New York. You can see how confusing it is![/quote] Why don't you try SHX? (Brighton, I think?) They had some offers on in July and maybe they'd have something in stock to suit you. Worth a thought anyway and maybe less hassle. Frank