Dean Markley K-300B

I bought this amp used about 13 years ago (maybe more) and it has done well for me. The boost and 9 band EQ are nice features that allow me to dial in the sounds I have needed over the years. Everything from my current accoustic band to the 80's metal I cranked out while wildly shaking my mullet. The XLR out and additional 8 ohm speaker out are also nice although I have never used the speaker out.

This amp has never achieved the sound I crave. Don't get me wrong it has a good sound, but not a great sound. It will crank but begins to slightly distort around 8.5.

The only problem I have ever had with this unit was the ground breaking off the plug ( I replaced it with one from the Home Depot)2 years ago. It is rock solid and has never let me down even after grueling 5 hour practices in a room that was 90 degrees!

Never had an issue.

I have been playing for 15 years and this has been my one and only for 13 of them. Now that I am older and can afford it I am getting a lighter unit and dedicating the Dean Markley to practices in my home (unless I hit it big and can afford a roadie). I love the dependability, but dislike the weight (65 lbs. or so). This would be a great amp for an aspiring bass player that wanted to be heard over the hyperactive drummer and always too loud lead guitarist!

This was my first bass amp, and I still use it most of the time. 150 watts, solid state. 1 X 15", built in compressor, and a bass boost button that should warn you to buckle up! It has high and low inputs, bass, mid and treble tone controls with sweepable mids, plus a 9 band bypassable graphic EQ. It also has an effects loop, external cab out (8 ohm), XLR out and headphone jacks. I use it for the bar scene, and it's never let me down, except as noted in reliability.

I use a JB Player P/J bass, not the best in the world, but it's a poor artist who blames his tools. I use both P/U's most of the time, and I do get an annoying buzz from the single coil when not playing, but I guess that's life with single coils. I play mostly Classic rock, with the occasional HR jam thrown in, and I have never been able to get the amp to make weak sounds. I get a mild distortion at around 7 or 8 with the bass boost on. I'm not a flashy player, so I'm not a good judge of it's limitations.

This amp is less dependable than the Rock of Gibraltar, but only because it has more moving parts. The only problems I've had were the prongs on the power cord needed to be bent outward a little, and the button for the EQ bypass gets scratchy now and then. A pair of pliers and a can of contact cleaner fixed the problems.

I bought this amp used, and had no idea about exactly what it was in terms of power rating. I called Dean Markley, and they sent me a photocopy of the owners manual, no charge. You can't ask for much more than that. I wish they'd get their web site finished, though.

I've been playing bass for about four years, and this is the best amp for me in its range. If it was stolen, I'd call Dean personally and ask him to autograph my new one. The only mod I've made was to add a set of casters. It weighs 65lbs. according to the manual, and I'm not a kid any more. I'm looking at a K50B for my son. If you're looking for a 150 watt solid state combo, try this one out before you buy any other. It is just a good amp.