Mesa Boogie M9 Megathread: Pt II

[Chef]

I never messed with my M9, I don't think.
i remember rolling 5 or 6 thru my M6, noting no diff, and going back to stock.
I figured why put a high$ tube in there if I can't hear it?

 

[L.A. BASS]

It's in the warranty section you received when you purchased your amp. You should read it... It might save you some big headaches in the future...

 

[lomo]

Do you guys know that using any tube other than a Mesa Boogie Tube voids the warranty with Mesa???
Not to mention, their tube sounds great. That's what makes the amp so good to begin with, it made you fall in in love and buy it. Why would you start messing around with it like a guitar player would and change what is already perfect!!!

I have sent my Walkabout, with non-Mesa tubes in it, in for warranty service with no hassles. FWIW I am no fan of their 12ax7 tubes. In my limited experience they have a high failure rate and although the differences in tone are slight, I prefer other tubes. I am pretty sure they do not make their own tubes, and suspect they are rebadged Sovteks anyway. If there is someone out there who knows otherwise for a fact, please correct me.

 

[Baird6869]

It's in the warranty section you received when you purchased your amp. You should read it... It might save you some big headaches in the future...

Just read it..... "The warranty becomes void if tubes other than genuine Mesa tubes are used".

Good to know.... Note to self..... Remember to re-install the original Mesa before shipping it back for service.

 

[Futera]

After countless problems with my v12 Titan which I got a refund on. I decided to get a M9 I'm very much sold on the Mesa tone. Everything was going fantastically until tonight at practise it decided to blow! I even saw it happen, I lost output turned around to see sparks flames and a bunch of smoke.
Hoping it was just a tube I opened her up to have a look but sadly looks like some of the resistors near the heat sink have truly shat themselves I'll upload a picture when I'm on a PC.

Sadly it's not under warranty as I got it second hand hoping that this would solve any issues with crappy factory models to no avail.

A low serial number of 000061 has me thinking it may have a few issues that needed to be fixed and am hoping Mesa will help me pit despite being in New Zealand and not having bought the amp new myself.
I've got the NZ contact for Mesa who is a guy at chain store here, so fingers crossed we can get somewhere with it. I'll keep you posted.

 

[lomo]

If it's less than 5 yrs old based on serial # they'll honor the warranty IME.

After countless problems with my v12 Titan which I got a refund on. I decided to get a M9 I'm very much sold on the Mesa tone. Everything was going fantastically until tonight at practise it decided to blow! I even saw it happen, I lost output turned around to see sparks flames and a bunch of smoke.
Hoping it was just a tube I opened her up to have a look but sadly looks like some of the resistors near the heat sink have truly shat themselves I'll upload a picture when I'm on a PC.

Sadly it's not under warranty as I got it second hand hoping that this would solve any issues with crappy factory models to no avail.

A low serial number of 000061 has me thinking it may have a few issues that needed to be fixed and am hoping Mesa will help me pit despite being in New Zealand and not having bought the amp new myself.
I've got the NZ contact for Mesa who is a guy at chain store here, so fingers crossed we can get somewhere with it. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Jim Carr]

...Everything was going fantastically until tonight at practise it decided to blow!...

Sadly it's not under warranty as I got it second hand hoping that this...

A low serial number of 000061...

It probably is under warranty, as the warranty is transferable (I have first hand knowledge of this). You will need a sales receipt showing the original date of purchase by the first owner. The first owner could at least tell you where it was purchased and the merchant can likely issue you a duplicate receipt with the correct date for warranty purposes. Mesa is good about their warranty, but I would not wait for any extra time to pass before contacting them, and get the receipt first!

The serial number indicates that it needs major thermal updates, and the previous owner likely had shutdowns and did not tell you. Get the original purchase receipt or a duplicate then call Mesa Customer Service in Petaluma, CA with the serial number and a scan of the receipt. They will help. US Phone number is on their web page.

 

[lomo]

I have sent no less than 3 Mesa amp back to the factory for service. All were bought used and all fixed under warranty. I had no papers for any of them.

It probably is under warranty, as the warranty is transferable (I have first hand knowledge of this). You will need a sales receipt showing the original date of purchase by the first owner. The first owner could at least tell you where it was purchased and the merchant can likely issue you a duplicate receipt with the correct date for warranty purposes. Mesa is good about their warranty, but I would not wait for any extra time to pass before contacting them, and get the receipt first!

The serial number indicates that it needs major thermal updates, and the previous owner likely had shutdowns and did not tell you. Get the original purchase receipt or a duplicate then call Mesa Customer Service in Petaluma, CA with the serial number and a scan of the receipt. They will help. US Phone number is on their web page.

 

[Chef]

I've heard, thru anecdotal evidence like that^^^^, Mesa will work from serial numbers, or, just make it right in case of updates to fix failures....

 

[rockstarbassist]

M9 still crushing all with 0 problems thus far.
Fingers crossed.

I read the new Mesa tube amp will have an M9-styled front end. Can't say I didn't :love: a little bit when reading that...

 

[lomo]

I've heard, thru anecdotal evidence like that^^^^, Mesa will work from serial numbers, or, just make it right in case of updates to fix failures....

That has been my experience and although I don't love everything about the company, they have always treated me well as a (repeat) customer and made it all good in the end. Definitely a standup outfit as far as their service goals are concerned.......and I reeeeaaaaally dig the sound of their bass heads

 

[Chef]

where'd you read that?
link?

M9 still crushing all with 0 problems thus far.
Fingers crossed.

I read the new Mesa tube amp will have an M9-styled front end. Can't say I didn't :love: a little bit when reading that...

 

[rockstarbassist]

where'd you read that?
link?

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/new-mesa-all-tube-amp-851884/index2.html#post12157700

Thread about the new amp is on the first page.

It sounds awesome. Not in love w/ the "dirty dozen" tube thing but I digress.

 

[Chef]

right:
thanks!

 

[Jim Carr]

I have sent no less than 3 Mesa amp back to the factory for service. All were bought used and all fixed under warranty. I had no papers for any of them.

I've heard, thru anecdotal evidence like that^^^^, Mesa will work from serial numbers, or, just make it right in case of updates to fix failures....

Glad to hear this. With me, they were quite insistent that I produce the original receipt both times I sent it in. I must say I have always spoken to them politely and with great patience—even when asked the second time for the receipt. My M9 is finally sorted out, but before I could get a return authorization number, I had to provide a scan of the receipt. Don't know why...

 

[Futera]

Thanks for the reply guys, it brings some peace of mind.

Still Little worried that because I'm outside of the US they won't be that keen on helping out.
I emailed the Mesa contact here in NZ to which he replied:

Ouch - some bad luck along the way here by the sounds.

YES - all techs for Mesa are in Auckland.
I suggest you drop it off at the nearest Rock Shop and they will arrange
to have it put through for service appraisal if you wish.

Hopefully we can make your Mesa experience so far a better one.

Doesn't sound like its gonna be a free fix up job.


Anyone had/know if people have had luck calling Mesa from other countries? Or do they just pawn you off to the local dealer?

Here is a picture of said damage.

 

[Futera]

After a call to Mesa in the US my fears have been realised.

Call your local dealer.

I'll let you know the damage.

 

[Zootsuitbass]

I know the answer may be "call mesa" but does anybody have a semi definitive idea on build date serial numbers that are the end of the updates???

Is 788 "safe???

 

[Chef]

mine is 574, so, i'd presume so (safe)

 

[Zootsuitbass]

Que Olivier's voice,, "is it safe"

Hoffman,, "yes it's safe,very safe,So safe......"