LeftyBassist.com

I've not been having very good luck with my Hartke's, and am thinking about a replacement. However I'd like to get some real-world feedback from those who've used and/or abused their gear without problems. Here's the basic list of wants/needs

Needs:
500+ watts(probably more like 750-1000)
Rack-mount
Robust, good warranty, high-quality

Wants:
Solid state only, no tubes
Multi-band EQ
Light weight

I'm intrigued by Markbass but have no experience, I had an Eden years ago that seemed like a good amp, but I believe they all have preamp tubes? Honestly, I'd feel better about something that's not made in China, but I'm far more concerned with quality and support than origin. What else am I overlooking?

I've jotted down a few thoughts below. Hopefully they will at least give you a few things to ponder on. I will admit to going the All-tube route these days, but I have dabbled a bit in the SS waters.

I've had really good luck with my Mesa gear - The M9 Carbine looks like it will fit some of your requirements (huge power, graphic EQ, rack-mount, robust), with the exception of the "no tube" part and the light-weight request, as it has tube pre-amp and is built like a tank. Have you tried the Aguilar Tonehammer? I've always had a soft spot for them. There's an all solid state 500W version, and it's light weight. No graphic EQ, however.

Used Genz Benz gear can be a good choice if you can find them. The Shuttle series is light-weight and highly regarded. The 9.2 for example is in the right area horsepower wise, but it has a parametric EQ rather than a graphic (as well as a single tube pre).

I've not owned any MarkBass gear, but I've tinkered with plenty in GC and they are generally well-liked, and the LittleMark III is a good starting point for a lightweight non-tube amp in their range. i like the more tubey sound of some of their other heads, but you can get close to that with the filters if need be. The Little Mark 800 could be of some interest if you need more juice.

Another idea- Have you thought about going the pre/power-amp route? For example, I really enjoyed my Tech 21 "VT Bass Rack" (all SS), and then you can choose a power amp to suit your needs, along with a pre that nails it (might not be the lightest solution though). On the Tech 21 side, they are more well known for their Sansamp pedals, but they do have some killer full-blown amps (killer prices too, however) such as the new Dug Pinnick and the VT bass 1000. These fit the all SS requirement.

Cheers!

Thanks for the reply!

I was curious about the Boogie Carbine line. They've caught my attention, but the only Boogie I've played was my 400+ 15-years ago. I just need to find someplace that carries them and check them out.

I'd completely forgotten about Genz Benz! I'm not opposed to used gear, but so often - especially with amps - they seem "abused" more than "used".

I haven't really considered the separate pre/power setup, mainly because I'm not at all familiar with what's available for either. I think it's worth looking into though. And yes, that dUg Tech21 looks perfect, but I'd like to stay closer to a grand rather than 2. I'd also rather let someone else try out a brand-new model to find the bugs before I spend my money on one. That said, Sweetwater shows them as forthcoming, and I'll be over there in a few weeks for Gearfest....

Noxx hit the ones I'd recommend too, based on your wants, the Mesa M9 and Genz Shuttlemax 9.2.

M9 is about 29lbs., 9.2 is about 5 lbs. Both are pretty light in general, though of course in the age of the ultralights a 29 lb. amp is a boat anchor in amp terms.

I own both and for any kind of aggressive rock or metal I'd choose the M9, but for jazz or funk I'd go with the Genz.

Pete
I could have written your post. I too have been having problems with my Harkee amps and am looking for a solution with the same wants as yours, except I would consider a tube pre amp. I like the simplicity and tone of the Hartkee LH but I've had two replacements and four failures. Just sent another one back. Harkee service has been responsive but shipping cost and down times are piling up,so customer service and warranty are also a concern on my list. I'm also concerned about made in China produts. The first made in China product I bought, an Ampeg B2REI went down twice before I bought the Hartke.

I'm interested in hearing from anyone about the Messa M6 Carbide and Messa customer service in addition to any other ideas.

Thanks to everyone in advance.
Wolf

The new 1 kilowatt Trickfish amps are intriguing, but I don't think they've actually made it to production.

I have used a Markbass LMII for a few years. It is nice functional and reliable. You need to learn how to use the filters to get a good sound. Great with fingers but a little harsh in the hi-mids for slapping or pick playing IMO.

Well I stopped by the (somewhat) local GC today and found a Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 on sale for $679. The rack ears are back ordered, but they found a set in TX that are being shipped to me - all included in the price.

Although this does have a tube pre, there's a blend knob so I can dial it out completely if I want. It's certainly light weight, but it puts out 500w RMS at 8-ohms or 800w at 4, so it should have enough power.

I just hope it holds up!

I have an M6 as well. What are you wondering?

Glad you found an amp you're happy with. Enjoy!

Thanks, Andrew. How long have you had it, how much use does it get, and has it been reliable? Have you had any experience w/ customer service and if so, what is your evaluation of the service department? Also, I play blues, pretty much old school. I like the sound and tone that I've gotten from the LH Hartke line and the Ampeg B2RE and SVTPro4 I've used. How does the sound and tone compare to those?

I had a chance to play around with the Little Mark Tube 800 today. I'm really digging the tone from it, it's very clean but also allows me to dial in a wide range of tones. It seems like it has plenty of power too. With the gain set just below clipping, I can barely turn up the master before the windows start shaking significantly.

The LM Tube 800 works really well with Full Range cabs along the lines of Fearless, Accugroove, Audio Kinesis and the like. sounds like you got your a deal there. Congrats!

I bought it new about half a year ago. I mostly use my M9 but the M6 gets used weekly still. Running happily for me so far. I am going to sell it soon so I won't be able to comment on it's reliability long term.

My M9 is in a rack with a bunch of other crap so I bought the M6 to use in those times I don't need to haul a big rack case. It's worked great for that need and is my #1 amp for one band I play in but I'm deconstructing my rack soon so the M9 will cover everything then.

Seems moot now, and I've just seen this because I've been on vacation, but I think the latest offerings from TC Electronics would certainly fit the bill... great heads, and competitively priced. http://www.tcelectronic.com/bass/amps/