Small, light, loud and good!??

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by Christopher Rhodes

I used the Mark Bass head, LMKII, + Bag End 4x10 cabinet + Ken Smith BMT G 6-string bass. I had more than enough power with the LMKII running 300 watts with an 8Ohmn load from the cabinet.

I do understand one of the "requirements" is for a USA model - however - do not overlook the Itailian made amp - that only weighs 6.5 pounds.

The Smith tone was shining brightly with this amp. I ran it almost flat with little EQ for a full rich tone that the other band memebers noticed in a positive way.

In conclusion, do not overlook this model - a lot of players are converting.

Just picked up a Mark Bass LM II:

At a little over 6 Lbs, the LM II can flat bring it! This was my initial 30 minute LM II test-drive:

I ran the LM II into my Eden 212XLT(8) and 410XLT(8) Cab's. With EQ flat and Gain set at around 9 O'Clock to spark the Limiter.....(that is, with my Smith set flat and volume maxed); set VLE and VPF filters Off initially; turn up Master (somewhere around noon for starters) to get what I wanted out of the Cabs. Then, experimented with the VLE and VPF Filters. For starters, I adjusted the VPF Filter to around noon or so (I think this Filter is key to dialing in a great tone). The VPF Filter adds the highs needed for definition, shape, and clarity. The VLE Filter cuts Mids and I didn't care for that initially, so, after a few adjustments, I opted to leave it Off as it is the Mids where Bass gets it's definition and ability to "cut" through the mix. The results with my Smith BT5EG were very impressive: Very tight bass response with cutting mids with highs that sweetened up the total mix. I found that with the LM II, I didn't need to adjust EQ much beyond Flat, if any. With the LM II EQ set Flat, the EQ adjustments from my Smith gave me all the control I needed.

Overall, the LM II is a great Bass Amp and I would certainly recommend it to anyone wanting a 6.5 lb amp delivering a tight and punchy 500W at 4-Ohms. I don't think any bassist would be disappointed.

As a comparison of power, tone, and the ability to drive the Cabs, I A/B'd the LM II with my Eden WT-550. At 4-Ohms the comparison is more "apples-to-apples" as both amps deliver 500W. Set flat, I noticed similarities in tone, power and the ability to drive 2 8-ohm Cabs and get it done!

Again, the LM II is VERY impressive and was right there with the WT-550, but this would be where the comparison ended as there is simply more flexibility and options with the WT-550. While the WT-550 is heavier (20 lbs), it does have a few more VERY nice features. For example: A tube Pre-amp, Semi-Parametric EQ, Compression and an option to reach 750W at 2-Ohms (just to name a few). This is a big deal! Particularly, when it comes to using multiple Cabs to push the air needed to get it done. This is where the WT-550 is superior to the LM II, BUT, considering the weight, power, tone, ease of use, and price of the LM II; this is an amp that is getting some attention for obvious reasons. I think as these amps get more exposure and continue to invade the market (as we are beginning to see through Guitar Center), Eden will see some competition from Mark Bass.

Finally.......For me, all things being equal, the LM II will most likely be a keeper and a quality Bass Amp I think any bass player owes it to himself to try out.

Additionally, in a closer comparison, as far as size-to-size, weight-to-weight, dollar-to-dollar, power-to-power, tone-to-tone comparison's go, I would choose the compact 3.8 lb. Eden WTX-260 over the LM II due to the even-more compact size. With the tone, power to drive Cabs at 4-Ohms, and incredible DI w/DI Level Control (among other nice options), the Eden WTX-260 is one you don't want to overlook. Try it and see.

[Nakia Green Sr.]

What are your thoughts on the Epifani gear? Ultra-light and powerful

[IanMcElroy]

I'm surprised no one has said anything about the GK MB15012. That thing is cheap as hell, light, and sounds great. (In its price range) GK had a reliability issue a few years back but have really turned things around since then.

Another one is the Acoustic Image. That thing kills for electric and upright bass and is only 20lbs. If you want you can get the extension cab for louder gigs and it will still be under 40lbs. It sells for about $1050.00 and they have great warranty service. Made in the USA.

Ampeg has a great little cheap 112 but it wouldn't be very good at gigs because of the low power. Ampeg was sold to Loud Tech. and is now made in Vietnam.

Markbass has a great 112 combo that is everything you are looking for but it is made in Italy. I own some and it is great. It sells for around $1000 as well.

SWR is now made in Mexico. That was for an earlier post.

Epifani will blow you F'in socks off. It is light, it is awesome, and it is expensive!!! It is made in NYC. I own some as well and I hug it before I go to bed I like it so much. The only things wrong is it's getting up there in the weight, (48lbs) and the price.

I had some issues with some Eden gear so I stay very far away from them now. If you want to know why you can PM me. I'm not going into it here but if you want know I'll tell you.

The GK is everywhere so parts aren't an issue and the Acoustic Image is made in North Carolina. If you want cheaper I would go with one of those two. The Acoustic image is the better of the two and worth the extra $200 for the features and the fact it can be used with your upright as well.

I'm going to go hug my Epifani and go to bed.

[Craig Courtney]

There are a couple of 12" versions of the Mesa Walkabout on E-bay with
some of the warranty still left on one of them.
This thing is a little 40 lb. plus animal.

The amp is 300w with a 12" speaker and an attenuated bass
tweeter for that high end snap.
Both are front loaded.
It also has an 8" passive radiator on the bottom which gives
quite a bit of low end for such a small amp.

I just sold a 15" version of this amp for under a grand.
The warranty is transferrable and I'm sure you could score one
off of those 12" models for under a grand.

The 15" version I had was a monster and could do everything
I needed it to do.
It weighed about 60 lbs.

I just graduated to a 4x10 Mesa rig and the only reason I sold the
combo is so I could bolster my Ken Smith 5 string fund.
Those little Walkabouts are worth looking into.

[Ronson Hall]

Folks,

I just tried this combo out this week, and I must tell you, for my needs, I was impressed!

I was originally looking very intently at the Mesa Walkabout Scout 12" when the salesman ("Bear" is his name), who is a HUGE Mesa Boogie fan, sugested I try this new rig that had just shipped to the store. I hooked up my Smith...

I was floored.

The amp is held in a "saddle" that's attached to the nice-sounding 210 cab w/compression tweeter (frankly, the permanently-attached saddle was the only slightly goofy thing I found on it). You can loosen to big thumb screws on each side of the saddle, take the Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 amp out (it sports a tube preamp), and use it with any other cab you want. The whole thing (amp and cab) only weighs about 44 pounds. Pretty cool!

The BIG thing that got me going? The power of the easy-to-use amp. It only weighs 3.5 pounds, but pumps out a generous 375 watts at 8 ohms, and, get this - 600 watts at 4 ohms! Bear hooked up a 12" extension cab, and the smooth but powerful volume nearly knocked me off my stool!

I had really been interested in an Eden WTX 260 for portability, but for about the same money the WTX only delivers 175 watts at 8 ohms and 300 watts at 4 ohms.

Folks, I think I'm going to take the Genz Benz plunge. Check this gear out if you can. Any comments?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by ramon ramos

God bless you, and I know He has Pastor R.C Hall. this is Bro Ramon from Refuge Temple of C.O.O.L.J.C in San Diego,CA. I was just looking up the Smith Forum's when I ran across your post. I also was looking around for a new Rig and I was also considering the Genz-Benz,Mesa-Boogie name's. my most impressed feature on the Benz was it's size, it's very portable. this was at guitar center, I asked the salesman is the 600 Watts rms! or when it peak's will the mosfet's signal split in half, I'm not sure if it had 4 or 2 Preamp's but iv'e alway's though that the signal is divided by 2 only giving half it's output in reality??maybe I'm wrong if so let me know.the Salesman goes on to say as the bassist in any venue, you must have as much wattage as you can afford??. so I held off and sometime later go online and ran across the name Carvin in San Diego with their new BX1200 Rig dual mono block this thing is a monster!! if you haven't already bought your new amp check this carvin out it is loud and clean 1200 watts,with all the bell's and whistle's included.I get to run my two 10's w horn driver on the high signal out and my bottom end come's out signal 2 to my carvin 18'' enclosure I use the recommended speakon cable's for a high current signal. well the head only cost me $649 but I guess if I could have afford it I would have gotten the best Genz-Benz they make and only because of my belief in wattage.Pastor Hall may I ask what are you currently using to send your anointed riff's up to heaven on your Smith 5, it's beautiful it look's like a Black Tiger 5?. I own a basic model BSR6M-Walnut but the back of the neck is all black? was this an option on smith's it's a 99' model
well Pastor I'm running out of space here lol :] keep holding it down, we all know the Spirit dwelleth in the low end. keep praising his name

Never. Someone must have painted it, not us. Sorry.

[ramon ramos]

ken thank's for catching that part on my post, i was kinda hoping someone would read it. i bought my smith online and well i thought that it was in original condition. i don't regret buying it ken, i love the neck profile!! it's theee best in the buisness. i just want to take the time now and let other smith owner's know to never,ever alter your smith, it just slash's it's value. thank's again ken

[Scott Reed]

Originally Posted by Ronson Hall

Folks,

I just tried this combo out this week, and I must tell you, for my needs, I was impressed!

I was originally looking very intently at the Mesa Walkabout Scout 12" when the salesman ("Bear" is his name), who is a HUGE Mesa Boogie fan, sugested I try this new rig that had just shipped to the store. I hooked up my Smith...

I was floored.

The amp is held in a "saddle" that's attached to the nice-sounding 210 cab w/compression tweeter (frankly, the permanently-attached saddle was the only slightly goofy thing I found on it). You can loosen to big thumb screws on each side of the saddle, take the Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 amp out (it sports a tube preamp), and use it with any other cab you want. The whole thing (amp and cab) only weighs about 44 pounds. Pretty cool!

The BIG thing that got me going? The power of the easy-to-use amp. It only weighs 3.5 pounds, but pumps out a generous 375 watts at 8 ohms, and, get this - 600 watts at 4 ohms! Bear hooked up a 12" extension cab, and the smooth but powerful volume nearly knocked me off my stool!

I had really been interested in an Eden WTX 260 for portability, but for about the same money the WTX only delivers 175 watts at 8 ohms and 300 watts at 4 ohms.

Folks, I think I'm going to take the Genz Benz plunge. Check this gear out if you can. Any comments?

+100

I've have been playing Mesa gear for years. I currently use an mPulse 600 (with a variety of Powerhouse cabs) but have been searching for an ultra-light rig for small gigs and sessions.

I was at Washington Music Center yesterday (Picking up my new BSR5MSG!!!!!! pics coming soon) and demo'd this small Genz Benz with the 1 x 12". It completely blew me away. Not only was it ultra-light, the volume and tone blew me away. It was crystal clear, tight and loud.

I'm a little afraid of Class D amps right now... too many horror stories and bad designs. I think I will let it mature a little before I buy one... but I will end up buying one.

[David Newcomb]

Thought I'd update my input on this. I got back into gigging bands about 18 months ago and having back issues, after much trial and error, this is the rig i use;
For small rooms- Eden WTX260 260 watt @ 4 ohms (discontinued but now a Nemesis head) with an Avatar 2x10 Neo cab which handles 500 watts @ 4 ohms

Bigger rooms-Eden E300T 300 watt @ 4 or 8 ohms all tube monster head and same Avatar 2x10 Neo.

The WTX260 has plenty of beef for a small room with great tone and weighs 4.3 lbs and fits in the pocket of the gig bag!

The E300T weighs just 42 lbs probably due to toroidal transformers.
Avatar claims their Neo 2x10 also weighs 42 lbs but I think its closer to 48 according to my back LOL!
I do load ins in three relatively easy trips with the tube head and two relatively easy trips with the micro head.

If i can figure out how to keep my wife from killing me, I'm gonna upgrade to an Earcandy 2x10 Neo at some point with the Cabbiecab luggage system.
Why is it that women who know NOTHING of gear can instantly figure out you upgraded even if something mostly looks the same? LMAO!

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by David Newcomb

Thought I'd update my input on this. I got back into gigging bands about 18 months ago and having back issues, after much trial and error, this is the rig i use;
For small rooms- Eden WTX260 260 watt @ 4 ohms (discontinued but now a Nemesis head) with an Avatar 2x10 Neo cab which handles 500 watts @ 4 ohms

Bigger rooms-Eden E300T 300 watt @ 4 or 8 ohms all tube monster head and same Avatar 2x10 Neo.

The WTX260 has plenty of beef for a small room with great tone and weighs 4.3 lbs and fits in the pocket of the gig bag!

The E300T weighs just 42 lbs probably due to toroidal transformers.
Avatar claims their Neo 2x10 also weighs 42 lbs but I think its closer to 48 according to my back LOL!

Nice set-up!

[Tim Bishop]

Originally Posted by David Newcomb

....If i can figure out how to keep my wife from killing me, I'm gonna upgrade to an Earcandy 2x10 Neo at some point with the Cabbiecab luggage system.
Why is it that women who know NOTHING of gear can instantly figure out you upgraded even if something mostly looks the same? LMAO!

Too funny! Lol!

[Roger Vaughan]

I haven't really been around, but got an update via email and thought I'd chime in.
I found an old Trace-Elliot AH250SMX head in some disrepair, fixed 'er up and it's sitting atop 2x Bag End S15 D cabs. In the band mix, which I learned about by standing out front while someone else played my rig on a jam-nite we host 2x a month, the sound is punchy, sweet, articulate with a pleasant 'bloom'. No mud, not an overbearing lashing of "that Trace-Elliot sound" after you get the EQ dialed in and decide if/when to use the Pre-Shape feature.
This rig is a relatively easy load in/out, and sounds great. Plenty of bottom and can get plenty loud. TE tend to under-rate their wattage numbers.
I landed this rig for a total of about $650, through bottom-feeding Craigslist and being picky.

[Tim Bishop]

Roger, you should try some of the newer lighter amps that are out there now-days. I'm sure you would be impressed with the right set-up. I'm talking amps in the 3.5 - 4.5 pound range and putting out 500W+.