ReeV0 Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 (edited) Hey guys, I've decided to move on from my GK 1001RB-II ([url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=81854"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=81854[/url]) in favour of a lightweight head. I had my heart set on the GK MB-500 as I love the GK tone, but i've heard there were problems with it, and since i'm looking to buy used, I'd rather not risk it. Another option is Markbass, but theres just somthing about Markbass that doesn't appeal to me... not quite sure what it is though! Any recommendations, or stay-away-froms' will be much welcome! cheers Edited March 28, 2010 by jjl5590 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrenleepoole Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIL72B3JXgc"]Ibanez Promethean[/url] - half the price of Mark Bass but just as good, just as powerful, head comes away from the combo to be used with other cabs as required, extremely well made and rugged, small, light and portable. You can even get a gig bag for it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 [quote name='jjl5590' post='788130' date='Mar 27 2010, 07:35 PM']Another option is Markbass, but theres just somthing about Markbass that doesn't appeal to me... not quite sure what it is though![/quote] It's because they look like [i]Lego[/i] Woah! (hides in wardrobe and waits for inevitable backlash from MB owners). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted March 27, 2010 Author Share Posted March 27, 2010 [quote name='derrenleepoole' post='788170' date='Mar 27 2010, 08:05 PM'][url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIL72B3JXgc"]Ibanez Promethean[/url] - half the price of Mark Bass but just as good, just as powerful, head comes away from the combo to be used with other cabs as required, extremely well made and rugged, small, light and portable. You can even get a gig bag for it....[/quote] this is the one your talking about, right? [url="http://www.dv247.com/guitars/ibanez-p500h-promethean--64359"]http://www.dv247.com/guitars/ibanez-p500h-promethean--64359[/url] never seen that before, ibanez arn't really known for their amps. not sure what I think of the red faceplate, the amp looks like it should be at least £100 less, for that money might as well buy a markbass. Theres not much info on it, no view of the back either. Nice find though, always good to broaden the spectrum of amps out there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrenleepoole Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 That is the head, but I have it in combo form with the head being removable to pair with other larger cabs if required. The combo is available for £500 from Thomann. Don't be put off by the Ibanez name, this is as good as any MB gear, and I've owned MB gear so should know It also bloody loud for it's size. Don't judge a book by its cover, you may be pleasantly surprised and better off in the pocket for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrenleepoole Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 There's n amp shout out on youtube of the Ibanez head against a Genz Benz and TC: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCnC0n4txgA"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCnC0n4txgA[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteb Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 [quote name='jjl5590' post='788130' date='Mar 27 2010, 07:35 PM']Hey guys, I've decided to move on from my GK 1001RB-II (it's in the for sale section) in favour of a lightweight head. I had my heart set on the GK MB-500 as I love the GK tone, but i've heard there were problems with it, and since i'm looking to buy used, I'd rather not risk it. Another option is Markbass, but theres just somthing about Markbass that doesn't appeal to me... not quite sure what it is though! Any recommendations, or stay-away-froms' will be much welcome! cheers[/quote] I know what you mean - Markbass gear just didn't appeal to me until I got one out of sheet convenience & being offered a deal too good to turn down! Having owned one I have to say that they are great – if you like GK or SWR you will love Markbass once you get used to the look of ‘em! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan_da_man Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Epifani gets my vote - all tone, no compromises. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 Over on TB, they talk about various Markbass models, RH4550, and Puma as lightweight alternativesf for the more hi-fi type amps. Masses of work posted about comparisons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted March 27, 2010 Author Share Posted March 27, 2010 [quote name='derrenleepoole' post='788205' date='Mar 27 2010, 08:56 PM']There's n amp shout out on youtube of the Ibanez head against a Genz Benz and TC: [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCnC0n4txgA"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCnC0n4txgA[/url][/quote] had a listen on youtube, can't say i'm digging the tone. I much prefer the tone from the Genz benz, and my GK. That punchy slap tone. I also think it will be underpowered for my needs, i play in a black metal 5-piece band. I'll have a look at some Epifani amps, but i need to find a used amp. so far no one's even made me an offer on my FS/FT thread (http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=81854) which is a bit weird because GK's usually get a lot of attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 (edited) I've been running the GK MB2 500 for about a year now no problems at all. It was the best for my tonal requirements over mark bass, genz and Eden lightweight varieties Edited March 27, 2010 by crez5150 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted March 27, 2010 Author Share Posted March 27, 2010 Are you looking to trade it by any chance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crez5150 Posted March 27, 2010 Share Posted March 27, 2010 I can't as I have an endorsement with GK, not that I'd want to anyhow.... I love the MB2! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrenleepoole Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 (edited) [quote name='jjl5590' post='788252' date='Mar 27 2010, 11:31 PM']had a listen on youtube, can't say i'm digging the tone. I much prefer the tone from the Genz benz, and my GK. That punchy slap tone. I also think it will be underpowered for my needs, i play in a black metal 5-piece band. I'll have a look at some Epifani amps, but i need to find a used amp. so far no one's even made me an offer on my FS/FT thread (http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=81854) which is a bit weird because GK's usually get a lot of attention.[/quote] Ah, the Promethean amp wouldn't suit a black metal band, you need plenty of air for that type of gig Of the 3 amps tested in the link, the Genz Benz was my favourite too but I couldn't justify the extra expense when making my purchase. The MB gear is really good, the tone and power they offer are simply superb. But it comes at a price obviously, and for me, the Ibanez offered a good compromise for my more meagre needs (blues and jazz band at low volumes etc). The MB gear is tonally very flat though, and I found that you need a really good bass with lots of character to get the most from them because they don't really add any colour. This is probably true of most really high end gear though. Good luck with your search, it's a nightmare trying to find the right bit of kit. I did with the Promethean and I hope you do too. Edited March 28, 2010 by derrenleepoole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTGAndy Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 The SWR Headlite is really rather good, I've been using mine for metal bands. Nice bright punchy tone and loud! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 [quote name='jjl5590' post='788252' date='Mar 27 2010, 11:31 PM']....I also think it will be underpowered for my needs, i play in a black metal 5-piece band....[/quote] I haven't a clue what "black metal" is but it sounds like it requires big, heavy amps to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted March 28, 2010 Author Share Posted March 28, 2010 [quote name='BTGAndy' post='789000' date='Mar 28 2010, 10:18 PM']The SWR Headlite is really rather good, I've been using mine for metal bands. Nice bright punchy tone and loud![/quote] looks like a nice amp, but at 400W i'm pretty sure it wont be loud enough for my needs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted March 28, 2010 Share Posted March 28, 2010 400w will do pretty much any bass player with a decent cab, as previously said it's best not to judge a book by it's cover. A nice and loud 400w amp with an efficient cab or two is quite a big rig I've found my LMII to be louder that any other SS amp i've used, i can't think of a gig where it's powerful eq wouldn't do the job. If in doubt get a LMII! They're dirt cheap 2nd hand (approx £350) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted March 28, 2010 Author Share Posted March 28, 2010 my 700W GK gets the job done, but I wouldnt get anything under 500W, exception being the TC electronic RH450, reason being is i dont plan on changing my cabs any time soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTGAndy Posted March 29, 2010 Share Posted March 29, 2010 I use a 1001RB at uni and it's not a particularly loud amp I've found. I think your best bet would be get yourself down to a good music shop and try some stuff out. If you really have your heart set on more power it might be worth thinking of getting a normal weight head. Most 500-700 Watt heads will fit into 2u and be easily light enough for a one hand lift. The benefits of lightweight gear are mostly to be found in the cabs, not the heads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted March 29, 2010 Author Share Posted March 29, 2010 I'm very interested in the Genz Benz shuttle 9.0, 900W and only 4lbs. But i've heard rather a lot of negatives, like its tinny sterile tone... I might have to go down to the bass gallery and try it out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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