Mesa amp…….do it?

[MCF]

I think I need to break down and RTFM on this thing Several rehearsals and one gig with the TT-800 and... meh? It's very "sterile" sounding, on any channel, compared to my TH. I just want a nice warm woolly 'toob' tone that Jamerson would be proud of, and then be able to kick over to a different channel for some crunchy light OD for a chorus or two.

Have you read the manual? Sterile? We obviously have different ears. The TT Boogie channel is based on the 400/400+. The TT is anything but sterile. JMO. And full disclosure, not a TH fan. It may just be that it’s not for you. We’re all different when it comes to tone.

 

[HolmeBass]

View attachment 5467574
The WD is a single-channel amp whereas the TT is a two-channel amp.

You can use the WD like a two-channel amp by setting up the switchable 3 bands of mids with a different setting and switching them off or on, giving you a second sound but not a second channel.

I do that all the time!

I see, I stand corrected!

 

[HolmeBass]

The WD is single channel, the TT is 2 channel.

My mistake, thank you for pointing that out.

 

[agedhorse]

I think I need to break down and RTFM on this thing Several rehearsals and one gig with the TT-800 and... meh? It's very "sterile" sounding, on any channel, compared to my TH. I just want a nice warm woolly 'toob' tone that Jamerson would be proud of, and then be able to kick over to a different channel for some crunchy light OD for a chorus or two.

You haven't ready the manual yet?

You are shooting yourself in the foot, there is a lot of useful information there to help you understand how the amp works and how to use the various features to achieve your tone.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I think I need to break down and RTFM on this thing Several rehearsals and one gig with the TT-800 and... meh? It's very "sterile" sounding, on any channel, compared to my TH. I just want a nice warm woolly 'toob' tone that Jamerson would be proud of, and then be able to kick over to a different channel for some crunchy light OD for a chorus or two.

You have to be doing something wrong then.

Have you read the manual?

Do you understand how the High/Low gain switch works and it is opposite to an Active/Passive switch as far as its function?

Do you run the gain higher and the volume lower on the channel you wanna get grit from?

Have you worked wilh the O/D Symmetry potentiometer?

Did you read the manual?

 

[g-dude]

I think I need to break down and RTFM on this thing Several rehearsals and one gig with the TT-800 and... meh? It's very "sterile" sounding, on any channel, compared to my TH. I just want a nice warm woolly 'toob' tone that Jamerson would be proud of, and then be able to kick over to a different channel for some crunchy light OD for a chorus or two.

Even if you don't read the manual, try the settings in the back of it.

 

[DJ Bebop]

 

[MCF]

View attachment 5467772 View attachment 5467773

So true. You are spot on as usual my friend. Andy put together a dream team to write the manuals for the WD and the TT. Everything is explained about how to get the most from the amps. I’ve settled on running gain between 1:00 and 2:00 o’clock on both channels on the TT. I can even get reasonably close to my favorites settings on my Carbine on the Subway channel. Not the same, but certainly not sterile. I am admittedly outside of our friend’s wheelhouse. I don’t double as he does. I just play my Thunderbirds with various pickups and am completely satisfied with my TT.

 

[sleeplessknight]

Hey man, I'm just saying, the amp is not as idiot-proof as many others on the market. I can set any of my Aguilars flat, and get something good and usable (for my ear, yes I know tone is subjective, yada yada) from the go. This particular Mesa is the first I've had that DOESN'T do that - totally flat (all knobs at 12) sounds... very sterile and 'hi-fi' to my ear. It's clean, it's loud, and if y'all are so gaga over this amp, then it is almost assuredly me. I will read the manual AND the quickstart front to back first thing tomorrow, gig with it tomorrow night, and report back Tuesday!

 

[Nebadon2000]

Hey man, I'm just saying, the amp is not as idiot-proof as many others on the market. I can set any of my Aguilars flat, and get something good and usable (for my ear, yes I know tone is subjective, yada yada) from the go. This particular Mesa is the first I've had that DOESN'T do that - totally flat (all knobs at 12) sounds... very sterile and 'hi-fi' to my ear. It's clean, it's loud, and if y'all are so gaga over this amp, then it is almost assuredly me. I will read the manual AND the quickstart front to back first thing tomorrow, gig with it tomorrow night, and report back Tuesday!

The TH with knobs at 12 O'clock does not mean Flat; TH [as do most others] has it's Voice not sure about 'Tooby' but Warm and Wooly maybe and can add light OD; Which is why many are attracted to it

I remember Andy posting something like "12 O'clock is just 1 setting for knobs"

I can only speak for the WD 800 and as you stated being subjective; it's 12 O' clock setting [including Passive Mid] is a very useable tone for me; It is not Warm and Wooly but I can achieve that with proper use of it's resources and also can achieve very pleasing slight 'Tube Overdrive'

Why the many check Manual suggestions above; Once understanding what resources do and using your ear I am confident TT 800 can be a worthy upgrade and open up a world of other worthy tones.

If by chance TH tone was main type tone you prefer where was it lacking that brought you to TT 800?

 

[sleeplessknight]

OK, someone in the manuals department absolutely saw me coming

So I read the manual cover to cover before my gig, and even had the chance to poke around a little bit. My biggest gripe was, at flat/12 o'clock, a pretty noticeable lack of 'booty' or 'bottom end', no matter what I seemed to do to the Bass knob. Turns out, that was the HPF . Once I figured that out, the amp got A LOT more versatile. "Instant Gratification" got me even further (and what I was using, with some minor volume tweaks for the room, at my gig). However, I still couldn't quite get my Motown-forward tone out of it like I can with my Aguilar, either muckin' around in the studio or at the gig. I did A LOT of messing around with that OD Symmetry knob, but even with the Limit light flashing "about 25% of the time", I couldn't seem to get it to do that 'bloom' that I like so much with my Aguilar or vintage B-15, with either a passive or active bass.

I'm still within the 30-day trial period with the seller, I think this one might have to go back. It's pretty, every ounce of it is dripping with Mesa quality and attention to detail, but I just can't get it to do what I want it to do...

 

[MCF]

View attachment 5470116

OK, someone in the manuals department absolutely saw me coming

So I read the manual cover to cover before my gig, and even had the chance to poke around a little bit. My biggest gripe was, at flat/12 o'clock, a pretty noticeable lack of 'booty' or 'bottom end', no matter what I seemed to do to the Bass knob. Turns out, that was the HPF . Once I figured that out, the amp got A LOT more versatile. "Instant Gratification" got me even further (and what I was using, with some minor volume tweaks for the room, at my gig). However, I still couldn't quite get my Motown-forward tone out of it like I can with my Aguilar, either muckin' around in the studio or at the gig. I did A LOT of messing around with that OD Symmetry knob, but even with the Limit light flashing "about 25% of the time", I couldn't seem to get it to do that 'bloom' that I like so much with my Aguilar or vintage B-15, with either a passive or active bass.

I'm still within the 30-day trial period with the seller, I think this one might have to go back. It's pretty, every ounce of it is dripping with Mesa quality and attention to detail, but I just can't get it to do what I want it to do...

I hope you keep experimenting. But I understand if you decide to move on. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Which channel are you talking about? If you are referencing the Boggie channel, try starting with the mid knob dimed, bass and treble knobs at zero, HPF around 9:00 to 10:00, and work from there. The “bloom” is there. In spades. At least it is with my various Thunderbirds equipped with assorted humbucker flavors (vintage Alnico and modern ceramic pickups from various manufacturers) and through the Subway 410 with the tweeter control usually set at noon. Also, try the suggested R&B settings for the Boogie channel as a starting place.

It takes time to get the various tones dialed in for your particular basses, technique, etc. Spend the time and you’ll be rewarded. And remember, the Subway channel is a different beast entirely.

I had a ton of fun getting to know my TT. As I did with my SVT VR and my M6 Carbine. I can’t wait for the next Subway head. It’ll be more fun.

The TT is incredibly versatile. It’s kind of like the Subarus I’ve owned with various drive settings for different driving conditions and weather. Now that I know how they all work, I won’t drive anything else. My wife’s Honda all wheel CRV is great for running to the grocery store. But it is a huge compromise in the mountains and the ice and snow that I rencounter when I go to my mountain house, skiing or on fly fishing trips.

 

[USAJO]

I think most people are used to getting an amp and doing minor tweaks to get close to the sound they have in their head.

When you feel you have to solve rubik’s cube to get there it’s concerning.

The ToneHammer may simply be a better fit for some bass players. It may be for me as well although I’m still good with my D800+.

I guess moving forward maybe Mesa should consider this feedback from users or …… maybe not.

My concern with Aguilar to be honest is that I’m hearing they were sold. That alone makes me nervous if true. Oh sold several years ago. Hmmmm

 

[agedhorse]

I would think the WD might be a better choice for this application. Not impossible to get that tone from the TT, but more work.

 

[MCF]

I think most people are used to getting an amp and doing minor tweaks to get close to the sound they have in their head.

When you feel you have to solve rubik’s cube to get there it’s concerning.

The ToneHammer may simply be a better fit for some bass players. It may be for me as well although I’m still good with my D800+.

I guess moving forward maybe Mesa should consider this feedback from users or …… maybe not.

My concern with Aguilar to be honest is that I’m hearing they were sold. That alone makes me nervous if true. Oh sold several years ago. Hmmmm

The new iterations from Korg aren’t even 2ohm capable. It’s 2024.

 

[Nebadon2000]

My concern with Aguilar to be honest is that I’m hearing they were sold. That alone makes me nervous if true. Oh sold several years ago. Hmmmm

Mesa was Sold also and has not changed a thing; Products, attention to detail, QC and Customer Service both Bass and Guitar still First Rate

As long as Fender doesn't buy either of them all is well

 

[HelpImaRock]

I think most people are used to getting an amp and doing minor tweaks to get close to the sound they have in their head.

When you feel you have to solve rubik’s cube to get there it’s concerning.

The ToneHammer may simply be a better fit for some bass players. It may be for me as well although I’m still good with my D800+.

This is exactly why I bought a D-350 and not one of the amps with more controls. I like knobs just as much as the next person, but I can get lost in it super easy and just want a simple amp I can roll with.

 

[agedhorse]

Mesa was Sold also and has not changed a thing; Products, attention to detail, QC and Customer Service both Bass and Guitar still First Rate

As long as Fender doesn't buy either of them all is well

You got a sad chuckle out of me on this...