NatJag wrote:I've been looking to get a new bass amp.
The only problem I have is what fits in my boot, its not that deep approx 14 1/2 inches
I've been looking at the Ampeg PF range and wonder how powerful they are in a real world situation.
Someone else had told me that the baffle on the Mass Bass cabs, soon break as they are only made from a light wood like balsa wood. Which with constant moving about from putting in a boot etc soon weakens it. Any long term users of Mark Bass out there can advise?
The PF500 is plenty loud enough with one cabinet for small to medium sized venues (my son has one, and I know someone else who has one and uses two PF cabs - the latter sounds too loud to me as an audience member). The Markbass Little Mark 3 (which I use) produces similar power - both are 500 watts at 8 ohms, so produce about 350 through one cabinet. The power of these things is very deceptive as the speaker cabinets are designed to project the sound - they sound fabulous in the audience - it is also possible to drown the entire band and PA if you're not careful, particularly if using two cabinets.
I have used a Markbass 210HF standard with a Little Mark 3 for over a year for all gigs (Cliff and Shads tribute; function band; modern jazz/funk/blues band; occassional swing band gigs), and there have been no issues whatsoever - it's built like a tank in my opinion - the 210 Traveller is even more compact. It produces deep bassy sound if you wish, but also can produce a sound which is excellent for R and B pop and slap style (not really relevant to Shadows music, but just indicates the flexibility).
There is a particular sound associated with an Ampeg stack and a Precision bass - the PF nails that sound in my opinion from having heard one used live - they are also a good studio or practice amp (headphone socket) - the result from a studio session I've heard is very impressive indeed. For us older guys, a rig which you can carry in either hand and will fill the room with rich bass sound - without getting a hernia - is great - and something which would have been considered utopia and unachievable 40 yrs ago
An alternative range of lightweight cabinets which bassists rave about is the Barefaced range - worth checking out.