MB CMD 121H vs Mesa Boogie Walkabout

[bkk130]

Last week I compared the MB cmd 102p vs the Message Boogie Walkabout scout. The Walkabout Scout was the clear winner. After deciding that I know longer wanted a cmd 102p, I had GC order a MB cmd 121H in hopes that this amp would provide more warmth and bottom end. So this weekend I got the chance to compare the MB cmd 121H and the Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout. I was blown away by both amps. The mesa was able to provide a tad more warmth, however I was able to dial into a wider variety of tones with the MB. The 121h also sounded a lot better than the cmd 102p as i expected. I am going to make a decision this week on which amp to purchase. Here’s the catch: I was able to find a guy willing to sell me his walkabout scout for $799. It's the earlier model that has both an active and passive input as opposed to one input with a switch. So I would be buying a used Walkabout for $799 or a brand new MB cmd 121h for $950 plus 10% discount = $855. I was happy with the tones coming both amps. I am leaning towards the MB cmd 121h because it’s brand new. I have a fear of buying used amps online. What do you guys think?

 

[grifff]

Last week I compared the MB cmd 102p vs the Message Boogie Walkabout scout. The Walkabout Scout was the clear winner. After deciding that I know longer wanted a cmd 102p, I had GC order a MB cmd 121H in hopes that this amp would provide more warmth and bottom end. So this weekend I got the chance to compare the MB cmd 121H and the Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout. I was blown away by both amps. The mesa was able to provide a tad more warmth, however I was able to dial into a wider variety of tones with the MB. The 121h also sounded a lot better than the cmd 102p as i expected. I am going to make a decision this week on which amp to purchase. Here’s the catch: I was able to find a guy willing to sell me his walkabout scout for $799. It's the earlier model that has both an active and passive input as opposed to one input with a switch. So I would be buying a used Walkabout for $799 or a brand new MB cmd 121h for $9050 plus 10% discount = $855. I was happy with the tones coming both amps. I am leaning towards the MB cmd 121h because it’s brand new. I have a fear of buying used amps online. What do you guys think?

You mean $1050 I hope. Both are great amps.

 

[RickenBoogie]

Tough choice. Being the huge Walkabout fan that I am, I'm tempted to vote Mesa, but brand new gear is also very appealing.

 

[Jefenator]

TFS! Your post makes me glad I went the route I did. (LMII + Aguilar 1x12 - roughly comparable to the Markbass 121H but heavier. )

I'm fine buying used, but more so with instruments. I've had good luck with used amps (like my much-abused GK micro combo that kept up with me for 10 years). But if I know I'm going to be using the snot out of it, I'm often more inclined towards buying amps and speakers new.

Performance being roughly equal, for just an extra $55, it seems to me like a no-brainer to go new in this case.

 

[pfschim]

I'm a huge Walkabout fan and not so big on MB gear. The main difference to me is that I just have not been able to get the real warm tube character out of the MB stuff I have tried (or Genz for that matter) that I can from the Mesa.

Thant being said, only you can really make this decision and if the sound of both amps works just as well for you, and you like the thought of new vs used (even though the Mesa warranty is very good ), then it sounds like you have already made your mind up. And good for you!

but you know, that $55 would buy a few things like a nice set of TI strings, or 1/2 of a very nice dinner for you and the GF.

just sayin'

enjoy!

 

[bkk130]

I completely agree with you about not being able to get that warm tube sound from MB. I originally wanted the mb cmd 102p but was disappointed when i was unsuccessful at creating that sound. However, the cmd 121h was able to create alot more warmth. Not as much warmth as the walkabout, but definitely enough. It is also capable of dialing into a more vintage sound in comparison to the mesa boogie. It had a very nice growl that i liked. I've decided to go with the 121h. Both are great amps, but a brand new amp is more appealing to me. thanks for all the input

 

[deckard]

I had a CMD 102P for quite a while and really liked that combo. I wanted a CMD 121H but they weren't yet available at that time in the U.S., so I got the 102P.

Recently/finally traded my CMD 102P for a CMD 121H and couldn't be happier!

The CMD 102P was very aggressive sounding, but the CMD 121H definitely has a warmer sound IMHO.

The 121H combo doesn't seem to get a lot of love or mention here on TB - too bad, as it is an excellent unit, again IMHO

Enjoy that new CMD 121H! Excellent choice!!!

 

[AJClone]

I've been looking at this combo recently (CMD 121H) and was curious how it would perform compared to some of my previous gear. Essentially I just use my stuff in my home although I need a small amp once in a great while (house PA Church stuff mainly so no amp needed).

I had an EA iAmp 350 with a berg cab that I loved but sold quite a while back as I just couldn't justify that rig for my basement. I replaced it with a SWR WorkingPro 12 and thought I'd be ok with that....but I'm not.

The other mix I had was the mesa walkabout with an Aggie GS 112...much more tuby than the iAmp but I liked the iAmps EQ better.

Ah Gas....

Anyway, just curious where this combo would fit in compared to the gear above.

Thx