mesa walkabout 3rd generation

Mr. BassmanPT · #1 01-30-2013, 12:54 PM

i believe this is a 3rd generation walkabout..

correct me if i am wrong...

i am probably going to buy it but would like to know if there are any common issues with this generation in particular since i have read about the effects loop problem on some units, do not know which though.

so, is this model vulnerable to the effects loop problem?

what other problems can it potentially have?

i am still trying to decide if i get this model (used) for about half the price of a new one (considering the new is a black model, probably 5th generation)

so, having that said, any advantages on the 3rd gen vs 5th gen or even 4th?

regards

bassgod0dmw · #2 01-30-2013, 01:09 PM

The FX loop "problem" exists with all of them. This unit has an FX loop bypass though, so it's not really an issue.

**Chef** · #3 01-30-2013, 01:31 PM

That's second gen.
First gen looked the same, but the powder coat was red.
3rd, or current, is the all black unit.

Mr. BassmanPT · #4 01-30-2013, 02:36 PM

thanks, i thought there were more gens

jaywa · #5 01-30-2013, 03:12 PM

For my money, that particular head is still just about perfection in terms of industrial design and user interface.

Chef -- I know you're the resident expert on these little beauties... I've seen some that have the Active/Passive toggle and others with separate inputs... do those define different "generations" or is it more of a 2a / 2b type of thing?

**Chef** · #6 01-30-2013, 03:13 PM

I believe it's 2a/2b, and that was an revision to 2nd gen.
I could be wrong.

Mr. BassmanPT · #7 01-30-2013, 05:08 PM

i will quote rodl2005, post#13 in the walkabout mega thread part 8

Quote:

Silver w/ red markings- 1st -2 inputs for active/passive.
Silver w/ black marking - 2nd
Silver w/ black & 1 input - toggle switch (passive & active) 3rd
Black w/ white - 4th
Black w/white & extra breathe holes in chassis - current
All afaik.

this is the reason i said the model in the picture is a 3rd gen..

**Chef** · #8 01-30-2013, 05:35 PM

ok
i'd call those revisions on three models, but, whichever

lomo · #9 01-30-2013, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaywa

For my money, that particular head is still just about perfection in terms of industrial design and user interface.

Not to mention tone :-)

rodl2005 · #10 01-30-2013, 05:41 PM

I've not listed the FX bypass mod neither

I agree with ya there Chef. 3 models really. I do seem to recall seeing changes inside (guts) iirc too. Was back when I had 2 Walkabouts. Different trannies??

**Chef** · #11 01-30-2013, 05:45 PM

different mosfets and heat sink.

RickenBoogie · #12 01-30-2013, 06:52 PM

I have the same one as pictured in the op, and agree with Chef, it's 2nd gen mk2. Mines been going strong and soundiong beautiful for almost 7 yrs, trouble-free. Absolutely awesome amp.

aetheldrea · #13 01-30-2013, 07:06 PM

I believe the earliest models were actually silver with brown lettering. And I know they added the effects bypass switch before they went to a single input because that's what mine had. The advantages of a new one would be the warranty (not much use for the op in Europe, though) and the better venting, especially if you were planning on running it at 2 ohms. If those things didn't matter, I'd go for the used one.

**Chef** · #14 01-30-2013, 07:18 PM

red...brown...same thing, differing nomenclature.
there's three basic versions, the black and aluminum got the fx bypass, and active/passive switch, the biggest upgrade in production spec.

aetheldrea · #15 01-30-2013, 07:55 PM

Okay, first there was red that is brown, then there was red that is red, but these are the same :-)

Crabby · #16 01-30-2013, 08:09 PM

I honestly wouldn't hesitate to own any of the versions. I like having the effects loop bypassed though because I won't likely ever use it and I can forget its there. I never ever use the amp in "active" mode even with my 18v active Bongo5, so really doesn't matter if there is a passive/active switch or two separate jacks. And finally the latest venting is nice to have but unless you are cranking hard at 2 ohms, you wont likely overheat a Walkabout. Mine has been flawless and is my all time favorite amp!

Mr. BassmanPT · #17 01-31-2013, 08:36 AM

some of you mentioned heat. Is the 2nd gen prone to overheating or is this something i can relax? Not interested in running at 2 ohm, only 8 and 4 ohm.

bassgod0dmw · #18 01-31-2013, 08:42 AM

I have a 2nd gen Mk1. It doesn't overheat at all.

Oh, and to further confuse, you can have the 2 gen Mk1 upgraded with an FX loop bypass and active/passive switch. Like mine...

**Chef** · #19 01-31-2013, 09:05 AM

heat really shouldn't be an issue, even at 2 ohms; or, at least, it never has been for me and I've owned all three gen's.

keep one thing in mind: USA versions are 120 volt. If you need 240, make sure that's what you get, changing to 240 either isn't possible, or, it's hideously expensive requiring a new transformer; I forget which. Either way, you don't want the wrong one.

rodl2005 · #20 01-31-2013, 09:12 AM

I think it's one of the most reliable amps made ever, any version