Markbass Little Mark Tube 800 vs Subway D800+?

Tom Gotsch

Tom Gotsch

Sep 30, 2018
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Chicago, IL
#1
Hey everyone. What are the pros/cons of the Little Mark Tube 800 and Subway D800+? I’ve been looking at the two, and they both look good. What are their characteristics? I’ve noticed people saying that the Mesa is really Tube-y, and I was wondering what the Tube 800 would be like, being a hybrid.

Let’s discuss
 
#2
I really like both. Could happily gig either. The Markbass isn't necessarily more tubey because it has a tube. But it is a solid head and has that Markbass clean but warm sound. I really like the tone controls on Markbass heads.

The Mesa has more flexibility and a little more of a baked in tone IMO (which sounds kind of like the D180, an all tube amp). Feels more powerful, can handle a 2 ohm load, is well built and has an excellent transferable warranty.

If you like the Mesa tone it is a no brainer. It's a killer head. I personally find it easier to get a sound I like from the Markbass. Both are solid reliable amps but Markbass warranty isn't great if you need it. Mesa's warranty, if you need it, is just about the best in the business and is transferrable. A great resale feature.
 
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#3
Tom Gotsch said:
Hey everyone. What are the pros/cons of the Little Mark Tube 800 and Subway D800+? I’ve been looking at the two, and they both look good. What are their characteristics? I’ve noticed people saying that the Mesa is really Tube-y, and I was wondering what the Tube 800 would be like, being a hybrid.

Let’s discuss
Click to expand...
I'd pick a Mesa over a mark any day of the week. But, to make a decision, you would need to watch countless videos, or simply play them both with your current set up. You'll like one more than the other. But only you would know. Everyone who has either is going to preach on the one they have, because they love it. YouTube with great headphones. Try to find ones that have a similar bass and cab as yours. The problem is that the videos you'll find are probably going to be playing through cabs from the same companies. It's much better to take your bass to the closest store that has the amps you're looking at. Sorry to be a downer on the situation. I know you're looking for insight, because your trial options are limited. But really dude, it's the only way besides flipping a coin.

Flip a coin. The one you called tails on is really the one you want. Because tails has about a 20% greater chance of popping up because of weight distribution. The Head is heavier. It throws off the spin, and makes tails the more likely outcome.

If you don't know, now you know...
 
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#4
I wanted to say everything aproud1 said but he said it better. Tried the Messa gear - loved it but I own Markbass because I get the sound I want in seconds
(and the customer support in the UK is excellent).
 
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#7
I had the mb lmt 800, loved it! Used it for a few years. I only sold it because i wanted to try the new Aguilar Ag700. I cant comment on the mesa but, that was my second choice.
I had a great experience with customer service. My markbass lm3 started to develop some minor issues, i reached out to their artist relations rep via Facebook. he took care of an out of warranty repair, right away. It cost me nothing. I was very impressed. Im not a big name bassist or anything remotely like that.
 
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#10
Tom Gotsch said:
Would you (or anyone else who would like to chime in) consider the Mesa to be more muddy?
Click to expand...
Good grief, no. Tight, punchy, even crisp and crunchy if you dial it in that way...just about entirely the polar opposite of muddy.

EDIT: I have multiples of both Markbass (CMD112 with NY112 and CMD102) and Mesa (M6 Carbine into 2x Bag End S115-D and D-800+ into 2x Subway 112). The Markbass units still get used, but only as practice amps where I feel okay leaving them at the rehearsal location. They don't sound bad - I gigged them a lot, but the difference between them and the Mesa is NOT subtle in my opinion...which may not be the same as YOUR opinion...and that's fine.
 
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#14
I like both. MB LMT is a very good amp, D-800+ is a great amp. Mesa has additional features, the most important being (IMO) two bands of parametric mids and HPF. In my part of the world you can get two LMTs for the price of one D-800+. So, if I were you, I would choose LMT unless I lwanted those additional features...
 
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#18
I found this thread reading up on my new amp. I would have never considered a Markbass LMT 800 unless I got on at a local pawn shop for $25. My best pawnshop deal ever.

I was running an 800 and an 800+. In my opinion the Markbass sound more like 800 than different. I am easily able to get my sound out of either one. Quicker with the Markbass cause it has less knobs. Both get deep bright and loud with a nice upper mid presence. I would have never considered Markbass in the past. I think the Guitar Center thing soured me on Markbass. I was wrong on that one. I really like this amp. Too many haters out there.
 
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