Sparky Mark

The Bugera valves are pretty good, made by Shuguang.

Just received a pedal from Mike. Packed very well and condition as described (as new). Excellent communication throughout. Cheers.

To see Walk on the wild side played by Herbie on his double bass, Dave using Herbie's stack knob jazz and John on guitar and vocals was priceless and for me quite moving. Herbie's son lent me a bass and combo 40 years ago at school and started my life long love of playing bass. Amongst the many musical lessons we could learn from Herbie, the fact that he still uses his original tuba,double and electric basses should be remembered each time GAS tempts us. Many, many thanks to the organisers of, and contributors to this brilliant day.

[quote name='Sammers' timestamp='1474382320' post='3137532'] You're paying for the customisation options rather than upgraded hardware, surely? That's what I've always thought the custom shop was, essentially just an American Fender but with the option to change a few bits [/quote] Plus, as has already been mentioned, selected higher grade woods.

I'm not sure that I entirely agree that the 2012 and later are any better than 2008 through 2012 American Standards. I have a few examples of these vintages and the only significant difference is the custom shop pups fitted since 2012. The standard pups that were fitted from 2008 to 2012 are slightly more modern sounding (clearer and hotter output) whilst the custom shops are warmer old school. Both sound great and I wouldn't have a problem with using either. The hardware, other than the latest machine heads have remained the same since 2008 to date. The fit and finish has been excellent since 2008 and the USA high mass bridge with through body stringing option is as good as any. The cheaper cast and BBOT bridges fitted to non USA Fenders just don't have the same build quality (probably sound just as good though). For me the most desirable Fenders are the USA standard series, not the higher specification deluxe/elite models that they have released through the years and I am sad that Fender might be ceasing production of this iconic series.

Good choice. Two NY121P and a LM3 is a brilliant and flexible set up. Sounds way bigger than it looks.

I used to own 90's made 410XL and 115XL. Back then the hartke cabs were made in the USA which I guess was the main reason for the higher prices. Had mine for 15 years through house moves, storage in the garage for baby breaks and always worked like new. I have a real soft spot for those cabs but don't miss the weight!

Played two gigs last weekend with a Spector USA Coda Deluxe with Aguilar 60s pups and OBP2 pre. Absolutely stunning bass a bit more than your budget but if you are looking for a super Jazz it should be on the shortlist.

The 1000W power amp board is effectively a step and repeat of the Big Bang/LM3 500W unit. I think it's a shame that it has such a radical colour scheme, as a LM1000 in standard Markbass livery would be a logical upgrade of the LM800.

Edward bought my synth pedal recently. Very smooth transaction with great communication throughout. Thanks Edward.

Also consider the USA made Spector Coda Deluxe.

Over the past couple of years I have owned and gigged every combination of the Markbass 121 combos and cabinets. I.e., CMD121H with TRV121H, CMD121H with NY121P, CMD121P with CMD121H and finally CMD121P with NY121P. Whilst they all sound great IMO, I have actually settled on using my LM3 with either one or two NY121P cabs because this cab has a tweeter level control and does have a bigger sound than the CMD121P (perhaps because of the slightly larger internal volume over the CMD121P combo). The TRV121H cab is a great cab but is almost as large as two NY121P which together go louder with more control IME than a single TRV121H. Just like the CMD121P hits the combo sweet spot in the Markbass range, the NY121P does it for me in their cabinets. Assuming you are happy with your tone then my preference would be to have one NY121P at home and two NY121P at the studio and carry a LM3 between the two.