Mesa Boogie M3 Carbine

P and J Bass · #1 10-13-2011, 08:36 PM

I am looking for a new amp and have narrowed the field to two - M3 Carbine and Walkabout. I really like the tone on the M3. Does anyone have any thoughts or opinions on the M3 and the Walkabout? Is the M3 versatile enough. I have also recently tried the TC RH450. I like this head, not thrilled with their cabinets - they don't seem durable.

rodl2005 · #2 10-13-2011, 10:12 PM

I love my Walkabout, both in it's Scout cab/combo, & with other cabs.
Haven't tried an M3 but have heard say they're very different to the WA.

Limeman · #3 10-13-2011, 10:59 PM

Yes. Very different sounds from those two heads. The Walkabout is creamy and warm and wonderfully old-school in it's overall voicing. It can be made to sound a bit modern, but really it is the head for those who love all that all-tube sound. The M3 is a much more modern sounding amp, if not for the tone so much as the immediacy of the notes - this amp is fast and quick. It can have huge low-end, but compared to the Walkabout, it is a world class sprinter. Notes leap out almost before you play them. It can be very addicting. One thing to note: The M3 sounds significantly louder at 4 ohms than the Walkabout. You need to run the WA at 2 ohms (not listed as allowable but mine has never failed me running at that impedance) to come close to the volume of the M3 at 4 ohms. Just thought I'd mention that... Both amps are wonderful though, and hopefully you can play them before you purchase. One other note: I believe the WA weighs less, if that is a concern.