Mesa M6 - upgrades

oinge · #1 11-18-2011, 03:06 PM

Hey all, I'm debating sending my Mesa M6 in for upgrades. Serial # in the 400s. It gets warm, never has failed me but certainly a couple times during long sessions it has given off that sort of smell that warm electronics give off. Again, never actually failed me.

My unit does not have the new vented cover or second fan and I'm guessing does not have the newer fuse holder.

Has anyone NOT sent in their M6 (or even M9) for upgrades and had no issues?

I've had it for a year or two, love the sound, would rather not risk shipping damage if its not a huge issue.

Thanks for any input!

RickenBoogie · #2 11-18-2011, 05:56 PM

If it's been no trouble for 2 years, it's not likely to become a problem.

sunbeast · #3 11-18-2011, 06:40 PM

I personally would ship it in while it's still under warranty. There have been folks who have used them for a decently long stretch of time before having the shutdowns (though maybe not as long as you've had yours). I figure they added the extra ventilation and fan for a reason, so why not get it upgraded while labor and parts are free? Its also worth considertation in case you ever want to sell it- I personally am much less likely to buy a non-upgraded Carbine from someone having owned one that crapped out once already!

Crabby · #4 11-18-2011, 10:01 PM

You can't go wrong having the upgrades done. I had my M9 upgraded despite no obvious problems except that the amp got quite hot. Still gets warm but nowhere near as hot as before. My retail store covered shipping and packing so you might want to check with them.

bassman10096 · #5 11-18-2011, 10:26 PM

If you can get the upgrades covered or done at a discount, shipping risk is minimal if well-packed (and insured, of course). Perhaps the simpler solution is just to unload your current amp and buy a new one? By the time you get done worrying about the shipping, the cost, whether the upgrades got you what you want, you still have an amp that's a couple years old. Mesa's warranty is great, but still doesn't cover you for downtime or your own worries. Time to upgrade to a new M9?

I've had several favorite preamps crap out on me. Even if they repair OK, I always sell them and look for a new model or one that promises not to have the same problem I experienced. As a wise man said (IIRC): "Fool me once - shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."

**B-string** · #6 11-18-2011, 11:18 PM

Free upgrades are usually offered because there is a SERIOUS concern by the manufacturer . A vented cover and second fan is a big cooling upgrade, if you like to gamble don't send it in. (Smoke on the water is a song to stay away from.)

Randyt · #7 11-19-2011, 06:47 AM

Oinge...did you recieve this information in the mail/email?....Im trying to do a little research on my M6 Combo to see if this is required too?..Is there a recall or warranty site on the Mesa Site that I could go to?

Crabby · #8 11-19-2011, 12:04 PM

Just call Mesa's customer service line during business hours. They are not open Friday's though. They will give you an RA (return authorization) number to return the amp.

oinge · #9 11-19-2011, 12:08 PM

Thanks all for the thoughts. Yeah I did think about upgrading to an M9 but then I'd want to upgrade this amp before selling it anyway.

I think I will send it in either way. Better for resale. 3 week turnaround, yikes.

RandyT, I called Mesa support and they relayed the info to me after I gave them my serial #. Give them the serial # and they will tell you if your amp is a candidate for upgrades.

Randyt · #10 11-19-2011, 12:15 PM

Oinge
Thanks Brother!!