WalkAbout Scout vs. Big Block 750, Over-all Practicality Comparison

[Alex1984]

I have read many threads on this, but most are focused on the tonal characteristics rather than as a whole and I'm curious as to people's opinions on these.

Tonally: The WalkAbout seems to be the more versatile of the two. The Big Block seems to be capable of getting the closest to the 400+ and deliver a good tube tone.

Form factor: Here's the interesting part that not many people discuss. The Big Block 750 being a head, might fit in more easily with existing cab/head set-ups. OTOH, the WalkAbout Scout, being a combo, provides an interesting alternative, and IMHO, it's one of the best around.

So, can anyone comment on their experiences with them, and how they fit into the rest of their set-up, it'd be interesting to hear. Clips would be nice too!

[vin*tone]

* the Walkabout is the head... the scout is the combo. I've never played the 750 so can't offer comparisons.

[lomo]

I own the WA head and the combo and have owned the BB750. They'll both do 2 Ohms happily (even though Mesa doesn't officially recommend it for the WA). Main differences are: weight, power and the OD channel on the 750. If you want to easily toggle between relatively clean and dirty, the WA won't do it. They're both very warm and tubey sounding. The power difference, in practical terms, is minimal. The physics nerds will tell us (correctly so IME) that it takes a doubling in wattage to produce an audible change in volume through the same cabs, so 500 vs 300 at 4 Ohms means you won't discern a volume difference: I certainly could not. I much prefer a 15 lb head over a 30 lb head, YMMV.

[RickenBoogie]

The Walkabout (head) is quite possibly the best bass amp ever designed, imo. While the Scout package is a great little combo, I sold off my 4 ohm Scout, and primarily use the WA head with a larger cab. It rivals anything out there for tone, and is no slouch with power, either. The BB750, as mentioned, has the advantage of the o/d switch, for an instant second sound, and the clean side is big and fat, but a tasty o/d pedal in front of the WA is just as good, (or better), at less than half the weight.

[rekesbass]

I have a weird set-up but it makes me happy..I use a BB750 with a 4 ohm scout 15 cab. If I do a multi-band gig I will just bring the BB and use whatever cabs are there(if I can)..both amps work very well with pretty much any cab..My head and cab weigh about the same and its a pretty small footprint,not as light as the combo but it works for me and it allows me to add another cab if I need to...This is probably no help to you..Sorry

[ToeJam76]

I have a BB750 that I run into 2 Aguilar 1 x 12 cabs for bigger gigs (I use one cab for smaller gigs). In my last rock band with 2 guitar players (sometimes 3 and keys too) I was asked to turn down more often than up and that was with the master on 4 or 5. I've never had to push it past that. That head has so much power and headroom its stupid!

That being said, I have plugged into the Scout and WAs in stores many times, and on a few occasions really cranked them. Their power for the size is incredible! I found that the WA/Scout can be just as Tubey as the BB, if you bring up the input. The EQ is more flexible on the WA/Scout, but I haven't found myself needing to do a lot of EQ'ing with either amp. A slight low mid cut and I am good to go!

I have seriously considered selling my BB to get a Scout combo because I rarely need that much power and the tone is pretty damn close.

[BassIan]

Originally Posted by lomo

I own the WA head and the combo and have owned the BB750. They'll both do 2 Ohms happily (even though Mesa doesn't officially recommend it for the WA). Main differences are: weight, power and the OD channel on the 750. If you want to easily toggle between relatively clean and dirty, the WA won't do it. They're both very warm and tubey sounding. The power difference, in practical terms, is minimal. The physics nerds will tell us (correctly so IME) that it takes a doubling in wattage to produce an audible change in volume through the same cabs, so 500 vs 300 at 4 Ohms means you won't discern a volume difference: I certainly could not. I much prefer a 15 lb head over a 30 lb head, YMMV.

Not quite. Physically, 3dB is gained for every doubling of power. 3dB is considerably more than an "audible" change. However, 3dB is far from a perceived doubling of volume. Just a nit-pick.

[Crabby]

I own both and love them both but the Big Block is a brute to move around as its mounted in a Mesa headcase. I think I could get by quite nicely with just the Walkabout as they sound so similar, I usually run them almost flat and don't really use the overdrive. If you really need more power then a Walkabout can provide, the Big Block is the closest in tone you will find.

[Alex1984]

Back in town, Bruce?