Best Bass Combo for You? - Markbass or Gallien-Krueger

[@RobVespa]

Seeing a new video featuring you two made my day. Your styles compliment one another. You make a good team. Love your playing. Enjoyed your banter quite a bit. You were both on point. What a nice video.

[@AndrewCarolyn]

I know they've done it individually but Id love to see a video where Lee interviews CC and CC interviews Lee. It'd be great to see a comparison of their introduction to bass, how they learned, what were their influences, what were their first basses (favourite basses), etc, etc. PS: whoever does Lee's hair needs a shout out - always on point

[@henryeowens]

That GK clarity really speaks to me

[@calebbrown2983]

They’re kinda just the best amps. And markbass kinda just has the best speakers 😂

[@gunslinger1970]

GK for life.

[@MrSparks54]

I've been a GK man for many years. I've tried lots of brands, I always come back to GK. Cheers

[@samuelpeinado1267]

I play a little mark IV combo (I think it’s the mini cmd p IV) in a cover band… perfect. Once dialed in, it’s a very flexible sound using just the controls on the bass. Sounds great with a pick too. Palm mute. Slap. I can stay out of the way or push to the front. When we do restaurant gigs this by itself is more than enough. When we do bigger festivals or corporate stuff I just go direct out. It truly is an amazing instrument. After playing a couple years the speaker has broken in nicely without losing the highs. I also find that the “old school” is quite nice and more flexible than I first realized. It rolls off the highs in a musical way.

[@emptyMan0]

Those jams were beautiful, I could listen to a whole album of that. As for the amps, I would probably have to be in the room to have a preference.

[@RedTheMustang]

First of all, you guys play very well together - your different tones blend well to form a cool duet that is musical and inspiring. Secondly, between the two amps it seems like the GK is meant to serve bassists who want to stand out, utilizing the clarity and toughness as a foundation for effects. The Markbass has a more conventional sound that might sit better in a mix "out of the box", and is aimed at players who want an "iconic" sound. If I can ask for any future videos, I think it would be cool to give Ampeg some more attention. Maybe compare the new Venture series with the Rocket combos to see how "small amp heads and cabs" compare to "lightweight versatile combos" - this could be a series that adds more brands in the future! Either way, I always enjoy seeing when Andertons uploads another bass video and you guys are the ones testing out the gear. If I'm ever in the UK and able to visit, I'll take your notes to try out some stuff! God bless and prayers, John 3:16

[@robertmatthews2932]

Loved the more informal format to this one!

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks Lee & Cici, again a really cool review ! Looking forward to more ! I'm always interested to see how certain bass guitar types / makes, pair up with certain amps in order to obtain various signature sounds, ie: Jaco, Marcus, Flea & more - that is, aside from the ones they actually do use...

[@MarcCoteMusic]

The bass player in the Blues band I play for is a Mark Bass artist. I think their basses sound great and their older models of amp do as well, but their new amps sound noticeably better.

[@hombressinnombre287]

I use a MarkBass because of how it sounds *in the mix.* What sounds good to us when practicing/jamming solo is very different when playing with a band. That “tightness” from the MB mentioned in the video helps the bass come through in the mix. Paired with an MB external cab such as the NYC 121, it can fill an outdoor stage. I have one of the first ones that came out, when they were still made in Italy, and have not had any reliability issues. I also used the GK 115 briefly (from a friend) and liked the sound. It was bulkier of course. I love the portability of the MB.

[@WilliamHosmer-i4m]

I own a GK Legacy 800, 2x12 and it's amazing. Crystal clear as you turn it up and it doesn't sound like it's struggling when you turn it up. Plus you get the full 800 watts without an extension cab on the 2x12

[@kurtohnehelm6589]

I really like the bass videos. It's cool to have two so different in style bass players review stuff together! Since you asked for video ideas; I'd be interested in your take on the modeling stuff regarding bass. There was alot of talk about amp/fx modeling with guitars on the channel but nothing really specific to bass. Many of the modeling pedals also have effects and amp models for bass guitar. The HX Stomp for example is widley known for bass players but maybe there are more affordable options, for folks like me who just want to dip their toes into the topic without robbing a bank. I think it would be cool to see a "budget" bass rig based on a modeling pedal which could cover alot of genres due to the build in amp and effect options. Guitarists already took the step to amp modeling and shrinking their equipment down while it kinda feels like bass equipment is a bit behind and dare I say outdated.

[@VeitLehmann]

I have the GK MB210 (first generation with silver front) for quite some time now, and I love it! When I got it, I also tested the 2x10 MarkBass wedge combo. The difference was similar to what I just heard in your demo: MarkBass is always a bit more mid-forward, GK sounds more full-range and modern. But I'd say both fit almost any style of music. A couple of years ago, I didn't like the MarkBass sound at all, it tended to be too boomy/boxy for my taste. But first, it depends on how you play it, and second, the stronger mids work really well in the mix. But GKs boost can also make it cut really well without making it sound distorted or mid-heavy. And I love the musicality of GKs EQ circuit: you can really push the mids if you want to, it will never sound honky like some other amps.

[@kenster865]

I recently picked up a Fender Rumble 500 based off of numerous reviews. I'm a guitarist that is about to start playing bass in my church group and the Rumble 500 seemed to meet all my requirements. Nothing to knock about on either the Markbass or the GK. Both are fine amps but a little pricier vs. the Rumble 500. Cheers!

[@wolfram4321]

Thank you so much for the comparison. I love you both ❤ great bass players, open minded , interested, enthusiastic, empathic. No shoot out. There are only winners. ❤

[@abouc]

Definitely the GK for me, but a 2x10 would be preferred if that's available.

[@VeitLehmann]

It is, and it's awesome, I have one. It's also more powerful (15: 200W, 2x10: 350W on its own, 500W with additional speaker connected) and a bit lighter than the 15" version. Sams size.

[@animalsunthornn]

Any chance to watch CiCi play makes a good day for me

[@rebeltuba9422]

I never owned a GK amp that didn't go bad within two years (and I had three). My last Markbass lasted 8 years before I sold it an had zero issues. It's still going for its second owner 6 years later. The GK's sounded processed. The Markbass had a smooth, natural sound.

[@viperBSG]

hard to decide. both amp companies are insanely good. My last rig was a Mark Bass Head and a G&K 1x15 cab and a 4x10ncab Was absolutly cool. Played my Warwick mostly with this rig.

[@jennifermusgrove9404]

Well I use a markbass 800 head and play out of a 410 gk cab love it together . Also love the wheels on the gk cab marks needs wheels.

[@steviesedge]

Gallien Krueger. I have one. Sounded cleaner than Mark bass when I played them both together

[@NOTshaneplaysbass]

from someone who has played mesa, orange, ampeg, GK, fender, genzler, hartke, and more...all i can say is....GK OR DIE!

[@NOTshaneplaysbass]

@FucU-bz6jb yeah on a combo shootout an ampeg 8x10 is totally in the picture...

[@NOTshaneplaysbass]

​​@@giordanodifloridi2616strongly disagree with you, as well. the 1200 watt GK fusion S is 6lbs. that's way heavier than Markbass heads? GK amps are some of the lightest on the market. The GK in the video is lighter than the Markbass besides it that's half its size. what are you on?? and GK is used and highly regarded on every genre. I personally think you're the issue. good thing this is the interenet and your opinion matters as much as mine to each other. I'm replying to the video. why are you replying to me? idgaf what you think 😂😂

[@NOTshaneplaysbass]

@@giordanodifloridi2616 i gave my opinion on the video. you gave your opinion on my opinion. I didnt ask for your opinion. neither is worth more than the other. the difference is im posting in relation to the video and my response to it, your posting your opinion about my comment. post your own comment saying what you like and dont like instead of saying "actually, i disagree" on someones opinion. I didnt post it here to hear what other people thought was wrong with what i liked doofus. being nice isnt required anywhere, sorry if youre offended i dont care what you have to say on my opinion. get lost.

[@NOTshaneplaysbass]

@@giordanodifloridi2616 ITS AN OPINION. GK or DIE is something GK users have said on forums for years man..... which is why i dont care what you have to say about it! jesus man take a hint!

[@jayfoghino5392]

www.youtube.com/@NOTshaneplaysbass I am trying out a Fusion 800 s with my Genzler Bass arrays. 2x10 and a 15. The GK head has an awesome tube grind however it is so crisp and bright (drive channel only)....maybe too bright for my Genzler cabs since they have the array of smaller speakers. It is a lot work to engage the filters and turn down treble all over the place to tame it. With that being said and your experience, are the GK NEO cabinets tuned more to tame the the brightness of the GK heads? I see they have a high range knob that could help. I am thinking to try the new GK NEO IV 2x12 cab.

[@theruthlessfish]

Perhaps you could do a comprehensive video about, say, affordable 15" combos? And then a video with 12" combos after, perhaps? Just bring the cheapest ones with that speaker size up to the studio, play them clean and dirty, in different genres, with any footswitches that might be relevant to the various particular combos (because this is a thing that frequently doesn't happen), and so on.

[@clivegregory4126]

CiCi, try a set of Dean Markley Blue Steels when you change the strings on the Warwick. I've found they keep the 'zing' longer than other strings I've tried

[@julianthesmooshyhusky8976]

DR Hi-beams are great on the ‘wicks too, they keep the sizzle for awhile

[@warrenadams2793]

I have a Fender Rumble 200 with a 15" speaker. Great amp. Ideal for rehearsal, lightweight, easily transported. I put a Yamaha 5 string through it and it easily handles the low B. For larger gigs I couple it with an Ashdown 2x10 cabinet. Heaps of volume and an awesome sound. Not a fan of Markbass. Greetings from Brisbane, Australia.

[@jamesmiller800]

I've been playing over 50 years I've used them all. I always come back to Hartke.

[@TheStratpicker]

I do think Markbass gear lends itself to jazz tones more than rock - not saying you can't play rock through 'em, of course. To throw a spanner in the works, my Fender Rumble 200 combo hooked up to my GK 115MBE cab really gets the flares flapping!

[@EntropiaGuitars]

I play a lot of Rock on my MB amps - absolutely no worries cranking it out. Hysteria on a distortion through my MB amps always get compliments from the audiences.

[@TheStratpicker]

I have no doubt. I used a Little Mark head through the GK cab till it blew! As CiCi and Lee comment, you do play and "dig-in" differently depending on the amp. I think my playing was more "polite" through the MB. I now use an Ampeg micro VR for rehearsals and the Rumble combo for gigs, extra cab when needed.

[@EntropiaGuitars]

@@TheStratpicker Its definitely dependent on playing style, however one thing I do note is that there's a physical difference in height between the 2 amps. Cici's using the GK with a tweeter closer to her head which is better for distortion - I've only recently started using 2 large MB cabs stacked and when I had a tweeter near my ear the distortion's clarity and usefulness was like night and day. The MB combo is down at their feet and won't provide the same audio clarity IMHO without a kickback stand/wedge.

[@FJcv-lt7qu]

I'm currently looking for a 250-500w combo. Personally I preferred the MB over the GK on this. I'm more like Lee in my tone and playing and have run through a MB 800w into a 4x10 that sounded awesome. I want to spend an afternoon with my own bass - I have a Fender Jazz with Fender 58 tapes, so it has a distinctive sound, and have a run at an Ashdown, MB, Orange and even a Marshall, pretty much whatever I can find, and do a side-by-side comparison. These vids are great but I want to hear them in-person.

[@giannibiancocircus]

GK for me. Their are built for life. The most silent amp I had. ❤️✌️

[@bassplaya4196]

I think markbass leans more on a vintage tone and GK is more modern. I think you can't go wrong with either just a matter of sound preferences!!

[@davewilkins9981]

Great video as always . Is there any chance you could do a video where you upgrade a "basic" rig please and show the sound difference of a better guitar vs amp vs pedals on the sound ? Where would you spend your money first ?

[@joshcarver9481]

For the gigging bassist, it's The MarkBass all the way, lightweight and a great punch. So good!

[@The_Cat666]

Lee is the reason why I started playing the bass.

[@prsman101]

Very good video

[@beegood]

Wish the GK was with a 12” to compare with the Markbass 12”.

[@gianlucabassi8853]

I'm not a combo fan... I'm not a MB fan...but forced to buy a combo i would choose a MBass or GrBass

[@imitsus]

7:01 is so Sean Malone Gordian Knot. ❤❤❤

[@decrasdj3408]

I love GK , MB is to much Yellow for me

[@colinaitken5090]

Can you do a review of the Duff McKagan deluxe jazz bass🤔

[@loudumont2944]

Would prefer to see you both using the same basses for your reviews. Thanks and cheers.

[@cmdxx]

i want more of whatever that intro was

[@sixstackjack]

IS that A modified Miller V10 bass, or what am i looking at lol

[@rhinovandriver]

What sire is that? Pj V !?

[@bertito43]

How does the fender rumble 500 compare to these?

[@lesliwells5433]

What about the HARTKE?❤,CAN IT COMPARE

[@johnneiberger]

I want that bass Lee is playing but I can't figure out what the hell it is! I don't see any Sire basses on the Anderton site or on the Sire website that match it.

[@ryankowalski3670]

it says marcus miller on the headstock if thats any help

[@bassmanchristian1431]

Dear Lowenders, which one would currently prefer: - Ampeg RB-112 - Fender Rumble 100 - Markbass CMB 121 Blackline Combo? Thx

[@jiripechota7]

Rocky GK is hearder, Jazzy balads Mark is sweet 😂

[@Roadking26]

It's hard to compare since they are all EQED in a studio. If you want to hear the true sound, go to a guitar center and play them. The Fender and Markbass sound the best for a similar price point IMHO.

[@marck7270]

of what type is the MM bass lee is playing? is it a V10? thank you

[@alandeanda]

I´m curious about it too

[@julianthesmooshyhusky8976]

I honestly love the sound of Markbass speakers but their amps sound a bit muddy. Eden and Mesa amps kill it through Markbass speakers

[@stephanfuchs7891]

To me the GK sounds better.

[@OliverMark0001]

That is barely comparable. Had both, GK much less versatile, 15 inch, oldschool bass tone, as the Markbass 12 inch, more punch, more power, more possibilities. Markbass is great to gig with.

[@mdleeproductions5002]

is the audio blend cab and di or one or the other?

[@smoothgroover00]

Lee is just a yes man with no opinion.

[@cchavez248]

Cici and Anderson's, are you kidding me?.!!!!! Like!!!! Love!!!! Woot👍😁

[@Kazdy]

Great video. I especially like this kind of comparison vid, better than a single make/model review. (p.s. no offense, but the videos from these guys together are far better than the Nathan ones, which I'd stopped watching).

[@davidrobertson5881]

MB has broken my heart too many times. They have broken down and gigs too often. They sound great but are expensive to buy and expensive to fix if you can find someone that can fix it.

[@kierenmoore3236]

I’ve always used/liked GK & Eden … 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mrbassdbd]

what wah is that?

[@juancarlosgranados4425]

GK is the winner

[@jamesobrien1614]

That’s the least sounding Warwick I’ve heard. I think I will go with the ampeg

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

she's the biz excellent cc, lee bit better this time, loved the vid guys.

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

many thanks guys.

[@pabo619]

Cici!! I've been wondering about you. Seems like I havent seen you around for a while, especially on FB.

[@richardmerriam7044]

AMPEG. Yamaha straightened them out!

[@pCeLobster]

Markbass forever.

[@jimicunningable]

Since I don't make the mechanicals a Geddy Lee or Billy Sheehan makes, I'll stick to affordable stuff. ty. GL.

[@DerNorrisChuck]

Give Cici a bit Room to talk too, please!

[@bobbyzig3879]

Markbass sounds so much better to me all around.

[@Geetarhed]

GK

[@ephil105]

New strings once a month! Once a year, whether it needs them or not. 🤣

[@seanmmccarthy]

Whether by bass needs them or not, it once a decade from me :-)

[@MICHAELMcCARTHY-h7f]

Lead bass....and ...lead bass. Where are the bass bass sounds. Jamieson-ish, McCartney-ish, band at a wedding dance-ish etc? MM

[@Stick3x]

LOL. Put a Mark Bass up there with a 15 inch and hear what happens.

[@mordokch]

Find an old Ampeg SVT - it's the sound of rock'n'roll.

[@VeitLehmann]

True, but then you also have to factor in getting a bigger car, and somebody who helps you with moving the fridge around 😉

[@chuckfinley3152]

Lose the pedals and crap so we can here the Amps

[@Jesuswinsbirdofmichigan]

#76_LadyIsBuisness_Gentleman_justUnneeded🇺🇸

[@jiripechota7]

Mark is moooor musician, more acoustic, more instrumental, more Italian. Musicians will take only Mark. Punk, Heavy, Destroy, .... GK

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

Hey,..I 🥹get that one wants to demo their style of playing & chops but!!!,..🤨In the REAL World,..demos of this nature require that the Bass performs its role in the music and that is the Bass line / Groove!!! THAT WAN’T demoed here‼️🤨When on doing Amps demos,..play bass lines of various Genres ok!!🫤..’cause THAT’S just how they’ll be really used!!!…most of the time anyway! 🙄Geez!…just illustrating a fact huh!😒

[@pepmasters-999]

First!

[@drewbongiorno]

So much talking, so little playing.

[@hjs5686]

these bass videos are becoming lame. Nathan´s missing...

[@joehoppard814]

Hard disagree.

[@mynameisvisutinnadda]

I do miss Nathan but CC's reviews are much more informative and relevant.

[@christopherfidler3019]

Nathan is missed.

[@TheMlvswoll]

Miss Nathan but love CiCi as well

[@keithmcduffie7182]

I miss Nathan for his virtuosity and all encompassing knowledge. Lee's alright, lads, but CiCi is the root of the problem. She's SO DAMN ADORABLE (As well as being an accomplished bassist in her own right)!!! I practically fall in love with her every time I see one of her videos...... If she and Lee aren't a couple than LEE is in love with her, too!!! Ah, the awkward conversation, the stammering, the rambling on..... "Bewitched, Bothered & " "Bewildered.....Am I." That said, Nice Playing ! 😁

[@ArthurDent33]

No More Lee

[@cyclesgoff9768]

Can’t she see that she’s being used. To be spat out when her usefulness is over.