AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Markbass Solid-State Bass Combos 2026
The top pick is Markbass MB58R CMD 121 P Combo ($897). Markbass CMB 101 Blackline Combo gives you the most for the money at $244. Markbass Traveler 102P 400-Watt 2x10" Bass Speaker Cabinet (8ohm) leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Weight13.24 kg
This Italian-made combo packs a punch with 300 watts and a biodegradable case. The piezo tweeter adds brightness, and the pre/post EQ line out gives you great flexibility for recording. It's perfect for solo players who want clean, solid power without the bulk.
Pros
- Built with biodegradable housing materials for eco-friendly design
- Includes piezo tweeter for enhanced high-end clarity
- Offers dedicated line out with pre/post EQ control
Cons
- Single speaker configuration limits stereo options
- No external effects loop for complex signal chains
67AudioFu
Index↓ 6.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$955 · Aug 17$897 now$897€797 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass CMD 101 Micro 60 Marcus Miller Signature 60-Watt 1x10" Bass…
Marcus Miller CMD 101 Micro 60 · Markbass
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight11.5 kg
This little Markbass is a game-changer for gigging bassists needing a compact, powerful solution. It’s a fantastic practice amp and surprisingly capable for smaller venues, delivering that signature Markbass punch and clarity in a highly portable package – perfect for session players or those with limited space.
Pros
- Excellent Markbass tone in a remarkably compact and portable package
- Custom speaker delivers surprisingly full low-end for its size
- Balanced XLR DI output provides professional recording and live options
Cons
- 60W might be limiting for larger gigs or louder bands
- The piezo tweeter can sound slightly harsh at higher volumes
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$550 now$550€489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass MB58R Mini CMD 121P 300-Watt 1x12" Bass Combo
Mini CMD 121P V · Markbass
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight12.1 kg
The Mini CMD 121P V is a fantastic little powerhouse. It's remarkably light and sounds huge for its size, making it ideal for gigging bassists needing portability and a seriously modern, clean tone. It's especially good for session work, rehearsals, or smaller venues where you want a Markbass sound without hauling a massive head.
Pros
- Neodymium speaker delivers surprisingly powerful, articulate low-end.
- Compact design and low weight make it incredibly portable for a 500W amp.
- Markbass's 'Old School' mode adds a pleasing, vintage warmth and saturation.
Cons
- Limited power for very large venues or extremely loud bands.
- Piezo tweeter can occasionally sound harsh at higher volumes; requires careful EQ adjustments.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$955 now$955€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass Minimark 802 N300 300-Watt 2x8" Bass Combo
Minimark 802 N 300 · Markbass
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight12.7 kg
This Minimark 802 N 300 is a seriously impressive little combo. It delivers a Markbass signature sound – that warm, punchy tone – in a portable package. Perfect for gigging bassists needing a versatile, affordable amp for smaller venues or home practice, especially those playing genres like jazz, funk, or blues.
Pros
- Markbass’s signature Art Tube emulation adds warmth and harmonic richness.
- The 8-inch speakers deliver a surprisingly full and articulate low-end response.
- Piezo tweeter provides crisp highs without harshness, excellent for clarity.
Cons
- 8-inch speakers limit extreme low-frequency extension; not ideal for metal.
- Lack of a footswitch for EQ or limiter necessitates manual adjustments during performance.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$820 now$820€729 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass Micromark 801 60-Watt 1x8" Bass Combo
Micromark 801 · Markbass
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight6.6 kg
The Micromark 801 is a seriously clever little amp. It’s perfect for gigging bassists needing a portable, reliable practice amp or a small-venue performance rig. The Markbass sound signature is definitely present, just in a more compact and affordable package.
Pros
- Neodymium speaker delivers surprisingly tight and punchy low-end.
- Markbass’s VPF filter provides a uniquely sculpted, modern bass tone.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it supremely portable for practice and small gigs.
Cons
- 8-inch speaker limits maximum volume and low-frequency extension.
- EQ is basic; lacks the finesse of more expensive amps.
56AudioFu
Index↓ 2.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$381 · Aug 17$372 now$372€331 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass Traveler 102P 400-Watt 2x10" Bass Speaker Cabinet (8ohm)
CMD Traveler 102 PV Combo · Markbass
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight15.5 kg
The Traveler 102 PV is a seriously impressive little amp. Markbass has nailed the portability factor without sacrificing too much of that signature punch and clarity. It's perfect for gigging bassists needing a compact, versatile, and premium-priced solution for rehearsals, small venues, or even recording.
Pros
- Neodymium speakers deliver surprisingly tight and powerful low-end response.
- The integrated BI-Band limiter prevents unwanted distortion at higher volumes.
- Compact design and relatively low weight make it genuinely portable for a 2x10 combo.
Cons
- EQ isn't as flexible as some higher-end Markbass offerings; lacks a dedicated parametric band.
- The piezo tweeter can occasionally sound a bit harsh at higher volumes – requires careful EQ adjustment.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,349 now$1,349€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass CMD 102P 500-Watt 2x10" Bass Combo
CMD 102P V · Markbass
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight17.3 kg
The CMD 102P V is a seriously powerful and surprisingly portable combo. It’s perfect for gigging bassists needing a versatile, high-quality sound in a smaller package – great for rehearsals, smaller venues, and even recording. The FSW mode gives it a unique modern edge while the 'Old School' mode delivers a classic vibe.
Pros
- Neodymium speakers deliver impressive low-end extension and clarity.
- Markbass's FSW (Finnish Sound Wave) mode offers a uniquely sculpted, modern tone.
- Compact design and relatively low weight for a 2x10 combo—easily portable.
Cons
- Tweeter can be overly prominent if not carefully adjusted, occasionally harsh.
- Limited headroom at higher volumes compared to larger Markbass offerings.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,113 now$1,113€989 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight15.7 kg
This CMD JB Players School Combo is a fantastic option for gigging bassists and students alike. The Markbass power amp delivers that signature punch and clarity, and the 15in speaker offers a surprisingly full sound. It's a well-rounded package that won't break the bank, offering a great balance of power, tone, and portability.
Pros
- Markbass’s signature analog power amp delivers a tight, modern low-end.
- The 15in speaker provides surprising headroom and a full frequency response.
- VPF and VLE filters offer tonal shaping beyond a standard EQ.
Cons
- The 15in speaker, while full, lacks the ultimate low-frequency extension of larger drivers.
- The EQ, while functional, isn't as comprehensive as some higher-end models.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$652 now$652€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight15.7 kg
This combo packs a solid 250 watts into a big 15-inch speaker, perfect for cutting through a live mix. The four-band EQ gives you real control without needing extra pedals. While the heavy weight is a trade-off, the included cover makes it easier to move around. It's a straightforward, reliable choice for players who want pure amp tone right out of the box.
Pros
- Delivers 250 watts of clean solid-state power for loud rooms
- Large 15-inch speaker handles heavy low-end frequencies well
- Four-band EQ lets you shape the tone precisely
Cons
- Heavy at 15.7 kg makes carrying it difficult
- No active effects loop mentioned in the specs
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$719 now$719€639 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The CMB 101 is a great little practice amp or for bassists needing a compact, affordable stage solution. It's surprisingly punchy for its size thanks to the Markbass voicing, and the Art Tube circuit adds a pleasing warmth. Perfect for beginners or players wanting a focused, portable bass tone.
Pros
- Compact size makes it highly portable for rehearsals and smaller gigs.
- Markbass’s signature Art Tube emulation adds warmth and harmonic richness.
- The 10” speaker provides a surprisingly full and balanced low-end response.
Cons
- 40W is limiting for louder stages or band situations; headroom is a concern.
- EQ lacks a sweepable mid, hindering precise tonal shaping.
37AudioFu
Index↓ 1.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$248 · Aug 17$244 now$244€217 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 solid-state bass combos
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Solid-State Bass Combos by the numbers
Measured across all 108 models we track, not a sample.
Median $843 — half of all solid-state bass combos here cost less.
median of 90 models · 2.7 kg–22 kg
How to choose the best solid-state bass combos
Low-End Extension
Markbass is known for its deep, fundamental low-end response. It's not just 'boomy'; it's controlled and musical, allowing for serious sub-bass without losing clarity. This is critical for anything from funk to metal.
Articulation and Dynamics
Their solid-state designs prioritize transient response. You get incredible detail and clarity-every note is distinct, even when playing fast lines. This is a huge benefit for players who emphasize technique and nuance.
Headroom & Clean Breakup
Markbass combos generally offer impressive headroom for their size. The clean headroom is excellent, but when you push them, the breakup isn't a harsh distortion; it's a more nuanced, slightly gritty character that can be surprisingly usable.
EQ Capabilities
The Markbass EQ is legendary-it's incredibly precise and effective. The 'Spark' control is a signature feature, adding harmonic content to thicken the sound without necessarily getting louder. It's a subtle but powerful tool for dialing in your tone.
Build Quality
While not always rock-solid like some vintage amps, Markbass uses quality components. The enclosures are generally robust, but the Tolex covering can be prone to scuffs if you're gigging hard. It's a trade-off for the compact size and lightweight design.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk Markbass solid-state combos. For years, Markbass carved a niche for themselves by delivering insane low-end and incredible articulation-things other amps just didn't do, especially at gigging volumes. Their solid-state combos aren't just about raw power; they're about that focused, punchy tone that cuts through a dense mix without sounding muddy. If you're tired of fighting your bass for sonic space, Markbass is worth a serious look.
Don't expect vintage warmth-these are solid-state amps, and they sound like it. The earlier combos (like the Little Mark series) can be a bit harsh in the high-midrange if you're not careful with the EQ. Newer models have refined the voicing, but always try before you buy.
Paying extra for the later iterations often gets you better EQ options and a more refined, less brittle high-end response.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 17 solid-state bass combos from the Thomann catalogue (of 108 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Markbass amps really as loud as they claim?
Generally, yes. Their combo designs are surprisingly efficient, delivering a lot of volume for their size. However, 'loud' is relative to the room and the band. Expect to be able to hold your own in most medium-sized venues, but a huge stadium will still need more power.
What's the deal with the 'Spark' control?
The Spark control adds harmonic content, essentially simulating a tube-like warmth and saturation. It's not a distortion pedal; it's a subtle way to add richness and presence without drastically increasing volume. Use it sparingly at first.
Can I use these combos with an external speaker cabinet?
Absolutely. Most Markbass combos have speaker outputs, allowing you to expand your system with additional cabinets. This is a great way to get even more headroom and low-end thump.
Are Markbass amps easy to transport?
Compared to some traditional tube amps, yes. They're generally lighter and more compact, making them easier to haul to gigs. But don't be fooled - they still pack a punch and require careful handling.
I've heard Markbass amps can be 'muddy' - is that true?
It's a common misconception. Early models sometimes had a tendency to get a bit undefined in the low-mids, especially with certain basses. Newer models have addressed this, but it's still something to be mindful of - careful EQ adjustments are key to avoiding that 'mud'.
