Have you checked the fuses? My amp was distorted and I took it to a tech who told me the B side of the amp had blown a fuse.
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Mesa Boogie Walkabout Mega-thread Part 10
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
There is 1 fuse on the AC power input, fuse is good, fuse holder is good, both are clean with no corrosion. The unit never looses power.
The problem seems to be distortion/ intermittent loss of signal on input. I have tried multiple different inputs signals both active and passive from different basses, multiple cables tried also (Same input sources used on WD-800 with no troubles) This happens no matter what the level settings are on input or output gain levels, in active or passive input modes, no matter what the EQ settings are. The problem is more pronounced at lower frequencies (B,E,A) strings.
As reported earlier I have tried all of the common fixes, with no success, problem follows amp, I have tried it with a couple of different cabinets.
-Amp is clean inside
-Fan is running and cooling (amp runs cool)
-Pots and Jacks all Burnished/cleaned
-Bypass Cable tried (has bypass switch though)
-Tubes replaced with new
-Input voltage at testing 118VAC
-Tested with multiple Cabinets
-Tested with Multiple Sources
-Amp given plenty of “Warm up” time for tubes
So what am I missing here?
And yes I will call Mesa on Tuesday.
Also- What was Mesa “Upgrading” on these amps?
This is the Blackface, switchable input, switchable effects loop, rear to front airflow version. Serial # in the low 5000s
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The only clear updates I know of over the years we’re replacing the dual inputs with a single + active/passive switch, adding an FX Loop bypass switch, and on the newest black model adding vents on the top of the case for cooling. AgedHorse has mentioned a few internal voicing changes from the earliest models, but none that I’m aware of since.
I believe the only updates later than your unit were ventilatory rather than electrical (new vented top panel for the amp and back panel for the combo cab).
yeah, Wild Bills unit (Blackface) is the latest incarnation and I'm not sure there are/were any updates to that model.
The other updates were for the older 2 or 3 versions that go back to its first release.
Sadly, I'm guessing there is shipping to Mesa in his future, or a trip to an authorized tech, in order to get is amp back in good working order. Good news is that Mesa is very prompt with this kind of thing so they try to make it as painless as possible.
@Wild_Bill_57 did you WA ever work correctly ? or did this start happening after you used it for a while ?
good luck on the repair, its definitely worth it.
The other updates were for the older 2 or 3 versions that go back to its first release.
Sadly, I'm guessing there is shipping to Mesa in his future, or a trip to an authorized tech, in order to get is amp back in good working order. Good news is that Mesa is very prompt with this kind of thing so they try to make it as painless as possible.
@Wild_Bill_57 did you WA ever work correctly ? or did this start happening after you used it for a while ?
good luck on the repair, its definitely worth it.
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
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One thing is for sure, when you get it back, it will work perfectly.
I just bought this unit used, at least it was the right price. It’s in great physical condition. Unfortunately it will be making a trip to the mothership for repair.
I have a WD800, D800+, and Several Subway Cabs, so I’m covered for gigs. I bought this mainly as a living room amp / easy to carry combo.
I’m kinda “AR” about making things right and keeping them that way. I have gear that’s 30+ years old and generally looks showroom condition, no reason to beat things up or not keep thing in proper working condition.
Here is the WD800 racked
I have a WD800, D800+, and Several Subway Cabs, so I’m covered for gigs. I bought this mainly as a living room amp / easy to carry combo.
I’m kinda “AR” about making things right and keeping them that way. I have gear that’s 30+ years old and generally looks showroom condition, no reason to beat things up or not keep thing in proper working condition.
Here is the WD800 racked
IIRC there are more fuses in the amp, one on the A and one on the B.
That was what was wrong with mine. My symptoms were constant distortion, like a fuzz box. YMMV.
That was what was wrong with mine. My symptoms were constant distortion, like a fuzz box. YMMV.
I will look into additional fuses internally. Amp doesn’t make any noise when input is not connected. Only seems to have distortion on input peaks at lower frequencies. Sounds fine on upper frequencies most of the time.
Ok, A+B PSU board fuses tested ok, all voltages from Power supply board are good. I would start chasing signal, but I don’t have an audio generator and scope handy.
One WA blackface I had bought used arrived sounding distorted. I shipped it off to Mesa and they said is had a couple of bad mosfets. Sounded great after they replaced those bad ones (and only those bad ones) and a capacitor.
Out of pocket repair cost was relative low for the job. Now they say they switched mosfet vendor and on my recent phone call they said would have to replace all of the mosfets and the cost would have been way higher.
Out of pocket repair cost was relative low for the job. Now they say they switched mosfet vendor and on my recent phone call they said would have to replace all of the mosfets and the cost would have been way higher.
Well, I spoke to Mesa, they did not have any off the cuff ideas, so it will have to go to the mother ship for repair. Estimate $100-$200
Upside it is “completely update” I will update with the diagnosis when I hear back in a few weeks.
Upside it is “completely update” I will update with the diagnosis when I hear back in a few weeks.
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Thanks-I'm looking for certainty ..... I emailed mesa service and Garey responded that they "do not currently offer Walkabout ears".....so I'm still unclear :-(
