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Mesa Boogie Walkabout Amp Head Problem

C

CtNxFLeX

Sep 23, 2004
48
0
43
Paramus, NJ
#1
Hi,

I bought a Mesa Boogie Walkabout Amp Head 2 years ago and I've had small issues with it since the start. It's a pretty strong head and would think there was no problems, but sometimes when playing, the sound would cut out out of no where just a few seconds and come back. I would either have to fiddle with the output port with the quarter inch jack and it would come back.

Now, in the past week, it's even worse. Now, the sound would sometimes "crackle and/or pop" and sometimes, there would be no sound at all. It would come back eventually after a few seconds or not come back at all.

Anyone have similar experiences? Is it an easy fix? And how long are their warranties?

I've been trying to contact the original owner but no success. I'm trying to get the bill of sales or receipt so I can have it repaired at no cost, but no luck in contact.

Question: If I had a copy of anyone from TB of their receipt of a walkabout, would that help me get warranty for free? Or the receipt will have the registered Serial # from the unit?

Any input would be great. Desperate since I have an event this Friday 3/30/07

Felix
[email protected]
 
#2
This may be crazy... but did you try patching a cord through the effects loop?

Mine did something like that once and that's all it was. Working a plug in and out of the effects loop jacks seamed to fix it... but I kept a patch cord with me at at gigs in case it happened during.

edit: First thing I noticed on my Big Block 750 was that it has a bypass switch for the loop... must just be a safeguard against that kind of thing.
 
#3
Not crazy at all...

The intermittent Effects loop Return jack is a known problem (and subject of a Mesa recall...IIRC). I tried searching on the Mesa website but couldn't find anything.

I bought a NOS Walkabout head at GC last year and within a few days, my fx return jack was causing problems. I called Mesa and they recommended cleaning the jack (which I've done twice). My next step is to insist that they do something more permanent.

FWIW, the latest version has a mini toggle switch to bypass the loop.

The original warranty is 5 years...and it's transferrable AFAIK.
 
#5
In addition to jumping the effects loop (which can be a problem with many different heads) also check that you don't have a dirty pot, like the master gain or input volume.

On my Walkabout I had a problem with the bottom end cutting out once on a gig and when playing with a loud band it sounded like the amp completely cut out. Giving the chassis a tap would restore it. I took it home and found it was a dirty bass control that would cut all the bass, giving the apparency of the amp cutting out. It was an easy fix with a shot of contact cleaner and rotating the control back and forth several times. I haven't had a problem since.
 
#6
I don't have the Walkabout but I do have a Mesa Lonestar Special guitar amp that had a problem just like yours. I took it to a technician who checked it out and could find nothing wrong with the parts. He did find that the output control was noisy. He cleaned all the connections and so far the amp has been working fine. So it might just need some cleaning.
 
#7
Hello Bass Players of TB =)

I would first like to thank you for all those that have contributed. I will be trying the effects loop trick and also using the Detox (red liquid cleaner) to see if there are any dirty spots.

I have also received a call from the original owner! So he's going to try to help me out by trying to find the receipt.

Other than that. I appreciate the input in such a short notice. YOU GUYS ROCK! :bassist:
 

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