Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
That's kind of what I am looking for.
That Carvin has a lot of tone adjustments.
It has 3 bands of parametric mid-EQ as well as 9 band graphic EQ
So I am looking to continue along those lines of having tone options.
Thanks again!
Include me in the “Talkbass Brethren Are Evil and Piqued My Interest in the WD-800 a year after getting the D800+ and falling in love with it” list...
I’m happy they did... it’s become my #1 for sure... and coming from the old school amps — the 100lb SWR Super Redhead combos and Ampeg/Trace sleds... as well as current owner to the Super Bassman (which sits), I’m not the least bit disappointed, just continue to marvel in amazement each time I flip the switch on the WD.
I had never owned Mesa equipment prior. I did lust for it, but never was able to afford until recently and didn’t understand what their selection offered, so I went with what I was familiar with. When I got my chance and after some great online demos through high end studio monitors (Dumpstaphunk on the D800+ and Subway cabs), I just decided to jump, and haven’t looked back.
A lot of people in my “D800+ Still Satisfies...” thread chimed in about the WD as well. They mentioned the grit and the grind, and that it was different, but that they couldn’t explain really what it was and that I’d just have to try one and find out. You’ve been a cool guy on here brotha, so I hope you get a chance to chk one out locally and that someone on here who lives local to you invites you to their place to run thru one. I did that recently for someone visiting from out of State and while they didn’t hold up to their end of the bargain and bring me any pizza, it was cool to pass on the groove and help them see if it was right for them.
For me, I’m running it set pretty phat, I personally don’t care too much for the HPF (though it does have its place and other guys swear by it), and everything that the D800+ does — the things I loved about that amp — the WD does, albeit with more textures and options... Aside from the major para EQ’s available on tap, I’ve also found that the sag control is amazing to dial-in just the right amount of thump and pop for slap and funk, as well as get it to rip and bounce phat like my Super Bassman, minus about 80lbs. Again, for me personally, it’s everything I love(d) about other amps, available at-hand.
Truth be told, I was afraid I was going to hate it; I bought it sight unseen, from a private seller who was listing it like new in box. I’m glad it was the exact opposite for me. I too like those clean studio style amps you mention, and when I watch other demos, honestly sometimes I get tempted to check them out. Then I plug into this rig and fall in love all over again — finding those tones and plenty more... there are so many onboard options for different tones and scenarios, but it’s user-friendly and not overwhelming.
But that said, everyone has their own taste and for sure man, anytime you buy I’d recommend trying beforehand unless you’re like me... I feel like a good hour on this thing, trying different EQ, HPF, cabs and sag settings will give you an honest idea of what it does.
Me personally, I am able to pull scooped and sculpted slap tones with texture out of it just the same as the mid driven rock and roll and everything in between. Your cabs will obviously also play a big role in what you can find and channel out of this thing brotha... good luck and let us know what you find out and decide!
I’m happy they did... it’s become my #1 for sure... and coming from the old school amps — the 100lb SWR Super Redhead combos and Ampeg/Trace sleds... as well as current owner to the Super Bassman (which sits), I’m not the least bit disappointed, just continue to marvel in amazement each time I flip the switch on the WD.
I had never owned Mesa equipment prior. I did lust for it, but never was able to afford until recently and didn’t understand what their selection offered, so I went with what I was familiar with. When I got my chance and after some great online demos through high end studio monitors (Dumpstaphunk on the D800+ and Subway cabs), I just decided to jump, and haven’t looked back.
A lot of people in my “D800+ Still Satisfies...” thread chimed in about the WD as well. They mentioned the grit and the grind, and that it was different, but that they couldn’t explain really what it was and that I’d just have to try one and find out. You’ve been a cool guy on here brotha, so I hope you get a chance to chk one out locally and that someone on here who lives local to you invites you to their place to run thru one. I did that recently for someone visiting from out of State and while they didn’t hold up to their end of the bargain and bring me any pizza, it was cool to pass on the groove and help them see if it was right for them.
For me, I’m running it set pretty phat, I personally don’t care too much for the HPF (though it does have its place and other guys swear by it), and everything that the D800+ does — the things I loved about that amp — the WD does, albeit with more textures and options... Aside from the major para EQ’s available on tap, I’ve also found that the sag control is amazing to dial-in just the right amount of thump and pop for slap and funk, as well as get it to rip and bounce phat like my Super Bassman, minus about 80lbs. Again, for me personally, it’s everything I love(d) about other amps, available at-hand.
Truth be told, I was afraid I was going to hate it; I bought it sight unseen, from a private seller who was listing it like new in box. I’m glad it was the exact opposite for me. I too like those clean studio style amps you mention, and when I watch other demos, honestly sometimes I get tempted to check them out. Then I plug into this rig and fall in love all over again — finding those tones and plenty more... there are so many onboard options for different tones and scenarios, but it’s user-friendly and not overwhelming.
But that said, everyone has their own taste and for sure man, anytime you buy I’d recommend trying beforehand unless you’re like me... I feel like a good hour on this thing, trying different EQ, HPF, cabs and sag settings will give you an honest idea of what it does.
Me personally, I am able to pull scooped and sculpted slap tones with texture out of it just the same as the mid driven rock and roll and everything in between. Your cabs will obviously also play a big role in what you can find and channel out of this thing brotha... good luck and let us know what you find out and decide!
Thanks!
I guess I didn't do enough research.
I have a GC close and I know they don't carry anything cool like that.
I guess I stopped thinking that Mesa would have someone in Oregon.
Hope to see you @https://www.talkbass.com/threads/pdx-columbia-gorge-gtg-october-2019.1416213/
You goin' to bring the Magellan out to that?
I think Ben Jones is using Eich right now. He was using TC. He's local, I'll have to get with him.
Ben Jones
Thanks for the rundown!
Dats the stuff I am looking for!
I am looking for maybe my new sound...
FYI those pics are causing serious G.A.S. pains
Last edited:
Love my walkabout #1 amp. Tried the wd, probably didn't give it enough time. Had a 800+ for awhile, more used to it so I liked it better.
If you get a chance to try one, take your time with it.
If you get a chance to try one, take your time with it.
+1. I like the Plus version more because of the eq and other bells and whistles. But the 800 is my favorite amp of all time (I’m old, too). It’s got a great flat sound and doesn’t fall into any of the traps redstrand mentioned. I switched from a GK 800 Fusion despite some likable features because I continually fought against the scoop. The only thing I’d appreciate in the Mesa would be the same simple, onboard compression you got on a lot of Edens.
If you end up in SE Michigan for any reason, you are welcome to stop by and check My WD.
As far as what makes it different or better than my previous amp, I'm not good at describing. It just seems clearer to me. All of the notes are distinct and audible. You can't hide crappy, out of tune playing under this amp. It will rat you out. It sounds so good that I believe WD is an acronym for WOW... Damn... That's what I said the first day I used this amp. I use it with Mesa speakers and I also use it with my older Eden speakers. They sound better too. I spent alot on this rig. I bought used off TB. I have no regrets at all. Hopefully you will get to try one locally. Also hopefully you have the loose coin to buy one after you get hooked.
As far as what makes it different or better than my previous amp, I'm not good at describing. It just seems clearer to me. All of the notes are distinct and audible. You can't hide crappy, out of tune playing under this amp. It will rat you out. It sounds so good that I believe WD is an acronym for WOW... Damn... That's what I said the first day I used this amp. I use it with Mesa speakers and I also use it with my older Eden speakers. They sound better too. I spent alot on this rig. I bought used off TB. I have no regrets at all. Hopefully you will get to try one locally. Also hopefully you have the loose coin to buy one after you get hooked.
This is the thing that gives me the WD800 GAS.
Sag control=A new POWER AMP DAMPING control, which allows tuning of the power response. The POWER DAMPING choices enable you to tailor the tracking and feel of the power amp. The LOW setting produces a looser, more relaxed and blooming character reminiscent of Tube power. HIGH tightens the low end, adding punch and accuracy in tracking, while MEDIUM provides a blend of these opposite ends of the power response spectrum.
At least I think that's it.
I have a Walkabout Combo 112 and I love it, supposably the WD800 has a little DNA from it but I don’t know, never had an opportunity to try one. I did get a D800+ and wasn’t impressed at all so I sent it back, I recently got a GK Legacy 800 and it is killer, I use it with Mesa Subway Cabs, I gigged it this past weekend with just the 112 no FOH with a 5 piece band in a medium to large bar room, it was nice, punchy and just Badd Ass, don’t know how else to explain it, it reminded me of my GK 400RB with a 410 rig that I used for many years...
Yeah that’s the stuff I was talking about, sorry I should’ve double checked what it’s actually called vs what my brain attached to it’s use.
Thanks guys
I should be there and will bring it.
If you would like to try the Genzler in an environment without others banging away and with your cabs let me know and I will meet up with you so you can spend a good hour or so alone with it.
Yeah, that's probably best to check out in another environment.
I just stood and stared at everything in awe at the only one, I've been to.
I think I tried out an upright electric bass that used a Carvin electric bass guitar neck, through a Thunderchild. Had a nice bowl of chili and a nice shot of single malt
But, was like a little shy kid most of the time
Last edited:
He's referring to the power damping feature that allows you to loosen or tighten the interaction between the amp and speakers. One more bit of tone-shaping goodness the WD offers.
I switched from a Markbass Big Bang. It was a loud, clean, accurate amp. It was pretty neutral when run flat. It has VPF and VLE controls that provide different flavors of scoop. These are effective, but I was really looking for something with tone you can only get from tubes. (Well, in the WD's case, tube.)
The WD delivers fat tubey warmth for days! It is on the bright side of things run flat, playing up the neck really shines. I really wouldn't say it's scooped out of the box. But with the parametric EQ, Passive mids, bass and treble controls, you can dial in some scoop easily when called for. @gustobassman recently posted some reggae settings that were spot on, and set up that way, no one would describe the WD as bright. Point is, it's got the most versatile range of tones I've ever been able to get out of a single head.
To my ears, there was a significant tonal difference between the D800 and WD-800. I thought the D800 compared well with the Big Bang; in fact I liked it better, but it wasn't what I was looking for. I certainly didn't feel like it provided the bloom and sweet tubey breakup that the WD gives me when I want it.
The WD sounds great with every cab I've tried. I usually play it through a GK 212 neo cab and it's just killer. I have a 215 at our practice space and that is thunderous! I've played through a 410 and it was loud and punchy as hell. Ima hook 'er up to a fridge the first chance i get. Rumor is, that is the sh!%!
If you can get yourself to the Lou you're welcome to try mine out. I bought mine sight unseen, one of the first ones, and it is the best bass-related upgrade i've ever made. Tonal bliss.
Thanks, everybody for all the feedback so far!
I am excited about this!
I am excited about this!
Thanks guys - on reading this I didn't associate SAG with the damping control.
As an owner of a WA I am very interested in the WD800, so I'm reading all I can about it in the threads here.
Thanks again -
Thanks guys - on reading this I didn't associate SAG with the damping control.
As an owner of a WA I am very interested in the WD800, so I'm reading all I can about it in the threads here.
Thanks again -
I LOVE Walkabout tone, but it was out of production when I decided to upgrade my rig and start playing more seriously. And I wanted more modern features and more power. The ability to plug in a phone, laptop, or ipod and practice through cans was on the "gotta have" list. The WD succeeds in delivering that delicious fat buttery low end but is easy to dial in just the right amount of breakup over a huge range of volumes. I love that I can get tube breakup at lower volumes when I don't want to disturb Mrs. Thumpenstein but still play through my cab. I can also dial back the gain if it gets too wooly for the job at higher SPL, and clean it up quite a bit, which I couldn't do with the Walkabout when the volume was pushed. I've found all the tonal range I need for everything from reggae to jazz with all the EQ options. You can certainly hear the tonal heritage of the Walkabout in the WD.
