Mesa Boogie Walkabout Mega-thread Part 10

[StayLow]

Late to the party, but I received a blackface Walkabout via the classifieds this week. I have a late-model 8 ohm cab arriving this week, also via the classifieds. So, I have basically assembled an ad hoc version of the most recent Walkabout combo.

My question for the owners and experts here is whether the preamp and tone controls on the Walkabout will render my Arkham Oracle preamp obsolete?

Part of the reason I picked up the Walkabout—besides the solid reviews on TB—is that I recently acquired a used Mesa Express 5:25 Plus locally on Craigslist. The tone controls and the various drive and compression options on that amp are so comprehensive that my guitar pedalboard is greatly simplified.

I am sure the Walkabout has some similar flexibility. In the back of my mind, I was thinking that I’d sell the Arkham after getting the Walkabout combo up and running. Recently, I’ve seen some chatter where players are using both, running the Arkham ahead of the Walkabout.

I will have an opportunity to try this out soon enough, but I am curious why one might want a full-featured preamp ahead of the Walkabout. One of the strengths of the Arkham is its tone controls. But presumably the Walkabout controls covers similar territory.

Does anyone here have thoughts or firsthand experience with this or a similar setup?

I am running a Union LAB ahead of the Arkham. Is anyone using one of these ahead of the Walkabout?

thanks

Can't speak on the Arkham, but can say you can easily get a great goey color from the WA plus the bloom of the Scout cabs, so it may at least mitigate the effect of the Arkham. I think the reason so many love the WA so much is that it offers a wide range of "fantastic" all on its own.

The Union LAB ... that I've used and to me that'd be squish in front of more squish. Depends on your application of course. I don't find the need for compression, much less an optical one, in front of the WA. You'll soon know.

Congrats!

 

[MarkA]

Late to the party, but I received a blackface Walkabout via the classifieds this week. I have a late-model 8 ohm cab arriving this week, also via the classifieds. So, I have basically assembled an ad hoc version of the most recent Walkabout combo.

My question for the owners and experts here is whether the preamp and tone controls on the Walkabout will render my Arkham Oracle preamp obsolete?

Part of the reason I picked up the Walkabout—besides the solid reviews on TB—is that I recently acquired a used Mesa Express 5:25 Plus locally on Craigslist. The tone controls and the various drive and compression options on that amp are so comprehensive that my guitar pedalboard is greatly simplified.

I am sure the Walkabout has some similar flexibility. In the back of my mind, I was thinking that I’d sell the Arkham after getting the Walkabout combo up and running. Recently, I’ve seen some chatter where players are using both, running the Arkham ahead of the Walkabout.

I will have an opportunity to try this out soon enough, but I am curious why one might want a full-featured preamp ahead of the Walkabout. One of the strengths of the Arkham is its tone controls. But presumably the Walkabout controls covers similar territory.

Does anyone here have thoughts or firsthand experience with this or a similar setup?

I am running a Union LAB ahead of the Arkham. Is anyone using one of these ahead of the Walkabout?

thanks

I've had two Arkham Zephyrs -- the older, two tube version and the newer, one tube version, which I still have -- and owned a Walkabout. Not sure that I had them concurrently, though (and I am sure that I've never run the Zephyr in front of the Walkabout). From what I've read, the tone and much of the circuitry should be similar between the Oracle and the Zephyr.

The Zephyr (and, I presume, the Oracle) will get some hair on the notes and some compression as you dial the gain up but don't, IMO, overdrive the same way the Walkabout does. The Zephyr to my ear is more open up top and (at lower gain settings) firmer-feeling in the lows than I recall the Walkabout being. The Walkabout is famously reactive to tube choice -- the Zephyr is pretty reactive, too, IMO, though rolling tubes is simpler when only one is involved.

Tone controls and EQ are pretty different between the two.

Generally, I am not a fan of stacking multiple preamps -- even when I get a sound I like, I feel like things get finicky and more complicated. That's not to say that it has to be that way. I have, for instance, run the Zephyr in front of an Orange 4-Stroke 500 -- normally, I'd run into the effects return of a standalone amp, but the Orange doesn't have one. Running into the front end (and even using both EQs) worked better than I thought it would. Maybe the Walkabout would be the same. That said, I've currently got the Zephyr racked with a standalone power-amp.

When you get the cab, you can try running the Oracle both in front of the Walkabout (try both Active and Passive settings, but watch your levels in the Passive setting) and in the effects loop -- and of course try the WA solo. You can then decide whether that setup offers you enough "something different" that you like to make it worth your while.

 

[sunbeast]

Late to the party, but I received a blackface Walkabout via the classifieds this week. I have a late-model 8 ohm cab arriving this week, also via the classifieds. So, I have basically assembled an ad hoc version of the most recent Walkabout combo.

My question for the owners and experts here is whether the preamp and tone controls on the Walkabout will render my Arkham Oracle preamp obsolete?

Part of the reason I picked up the Walkabout—besides the solid reviews on TB—is that I recently acquired a used Mesa Express 5:25 Plus locally on Craigslist. The tone controls and the various drive and compression options on that amp are so comprehensive that my guitar pedalboard is greatly simplified.

I am sure the Walkabout has some similar flexibility. In the back of my mind, I was thinking that I’d sell the Arkham after getting the Walkabout combo up and running. Recently, I’ve seen some chatter where players are using both, running the Arkham ahead of the Walkabout.

I will have an opportunity to try this out soon enough, but I am curious why one might want a full-featured preamp ahead of the Walkabout. One of the strengths of the Arkham is its tone controls. But presumably the Walkabout controls covers similar territory.

Does anyone here have thoughts or firsthand experience with this or a similar setup?

I am running a Union LAB ahead of the Arkham. Is anyone using one of these ahead of the Walkabout?

thanks

I have never tried an Arkham, but have done lots of experimentation with other preamps before the Walkabout and through its FX Loop. In my opinion much of the mojo of the WA is the way the power amp is driven, and the driver tube actually comes after the FX loop in that amp (much of the unique character I like seems to come from that part of the circuit). I’d bet you could get some killer tones running your Arkham into the FX Return and totally bypassing the Walkabout preamp (I have done the same with a number of different preamps).

The Walkabout preamp is nice and has a lot of control, but as mentioned above its native voice is fairly dark, fat and mid-heavy. You can tweak it beyond that native voice for sure but I’ve never been able to get it as bright or aggressive up top as I prefer without combining it with another brighter preamp before it- YMMV of course. I usually am using another outboard preamp into the front of my Walkabout when I gig with it (or even just a bright-voiced light drive pedal)- for me the darker mid-forward Walkabout voicing is the perfect complement to a brighter Fender-voiced preamp in particular.

 

[pfschim]

I have never tried an Arkham, but have done lots of experimentation with other preamps before the Walkabout and through its FX Loop. In my opinion much of the mojo of the WA is the way the power amp is driven, and the driver tube actually comes after the FX loop in that amp (much of the unique character I like seems to come from that part of the circuit). I’d bet you could get some killer tones running your Arkham into the FX Return and totally bypassing the Walkabout preamp (I have done the same with a number of different preamps).

The Walkabout preamp is nice and has a lot of control, but as mentioned above its native voice is fairly dark, fat and mid-heavy. You can tweak it beyond that native voice for sure but I’ve never been able to get it as bright or aggressive up top as I prefer without combining it with another brighter preamp before it- YMMV of course. I usually am using another outboard preamp into the front of my Walkabout when I gig with it (or even just a bright-voiced light drive pedal)- for me the darker mid-forward Walkabout voicing is the perfect complement to a brighter Fender-voiced preamp in particular.

this is another great thing about the Walkabout ... that the driver tube section is after the FX return. I use a Noble DI, and the WA is the only amp I use the FX loop with it ... exactly because of the FX return still gets the driver tube influence before the power amp.

 

[DC in ATX]

Thanks for the insights. It will be interesting to hear the native voicing of the WA preamp. That's a lot of what I love about the Mesa Express.

Very interesting that the tube is actually in the circuit after the preamp. I assumed the opposite. But my understanding of these things is simple and the Mesa engineers are smart.

I will experiment as recommended. Cool tip to try using the Arkham as a dedicated preamp, via the effects loop. It definitely makes sense that the Union LAB could be the redundant piece of kit. I've tried running that ahead of my Mesa Express guitar amp and come to that same conclusion.

Cab should arrive today!

 

[agedhorse]

The Express is a VERY different amp.

 

[DC in ATX]

The Express is a VERY different amp.

Right. From my perspective, the Express is the best guitar combo I've ever played through. Based on the reviews here and elsewhere, I expect the Walkabout will be the best bass combo I've ever played through. If the similarities end there, I am fine.

I understand that there are significant differences in these amp designs—in part because y'all publish great manuals. I studied the Express manual before buying that amp. I've done the same thing with the Express. There's obviously an learning curve with these tools, but the manuals do a good job of establishing the fundamentals.

 

[agedhorse]

Best is always in the eye of the beholder, every player has different tastes and preferences.

 

[DC in ATX]

Best is always in the eye of the beholder, every player has different tastes and preferences.

Good point. In my case, I have simply never played though amplifiers of this quality. So leveling up is satisfying.

Tonally, the Express is very much to my liking, in part because it covers so many bases. If the Walkabout proves less so over time, I suspect I will have had fun in the process of finding that out.

This combo is pieced together, but some of y’all will recognize the cab and may have even played through it.

 

[lomo]

This combo is pieced together, but some of y’all will recognize the cab and may have even played through it.

Glad it found a loving home

 

[DC in ATX]

Glad it found a loving home

It has traveled far, but still looks and smells (leather) as good as new.

 

[lomo]

It has traveled far, but still looks and smells (leather) as good as new.

It lived a uniquely luxurious youth north of the border......a livin' room Sultan of Swing, clad in swanky duds my queen approved of

 

[pfschim]

Good point. In my case, I have simply never played though amplifiers of this quality. So leveling up is satisfying.

Tonally, the Express is very much to my liking, in part because it covers so many bases. If the Walkabout proves less so over time, I suspect I will have had fun in the process of finding that out.

This combo is pieced together, but some of y’all will recognize the cab and may have even played through it.

I'm sure you will find at least some kind of bass tone bliss with the WA. But also remember that while the WA combo is a very nice compact rig, the WA amp, removed from the combo, can be a true thing of tonal/sonic beauty through any number of other cabs.

 

[DC in ATX]

Boy howdy. That’s an upgrade.

My wife’s hot take was “that’s buttery.” (I dialed it in to the “clean solo” setting as a staring point.) My hot take was, “Oh, that’s what an E-string is supposed to sound like.”

The snake cab’s new home is probably a step down from Lomo’s sultan of swing-style digs. But it has a place of honor in the middle of our little old longleaf pine 4-square.

While I haven’t dialed up any dirt yet, I feel safe paraphrasing Ray Wyllie Hubbard:

Snake cab, it just sound nasty
Snake cab, it pretty much is

 

[Leo was right]

I'm sure you will find at least some kind of bass tone bliss with the WA. But also remember that while the WA combo is a very nice compact rig, the WA amp, removed from the combo, can be a true thing of tonal/sonic beauty through any number of other cabs.

One day I brought my WA to a rental rehersing place, there were a Ampeg 8X10 in the room, same power as the SVT, same grind, amazing...

 

[pfschim]

One day I brought my WA to a rental rehersing place, there were a Ampeg 8X10 in the room, same power as the SVT, same grind, amazing...

I've yet to run into a cab that did not sound great with the WA driving it. To date I have used:
Scout 12 ... x1 and x2
Scout 15
Powerhouse 212
Berg CN212
Berg CN112
Berg NV610
Berg NV212t
Accugroove Tri112 (interesting match given how neutral/hi-fi the Accugroove is)
70's Fender EVM loaded 1x15
LDS 2x15 loaded with Faital 15PR400's
Ampeg PF115

and any number of forgotten backline cabs. and the WA made them all sing

have I mentioned how much I love my Walkabout ?

 

[amper]

Ok. This walkabout is awesome and I’m pumped that I got one. It’s an old silver face with red and it has not undergone any of the mods I have read about in other threads - the active/passive switch etc. is it worth the hassle to see if Mesa would do this or if it this is a ain’t broke don’t break it type situation.
Thing sounds so good. Very impressed and will be my new rig moving forward. Contemplating an extension cab but I’ve seen somethings across the threads saying that by adding an extension cab it doesn’t mean that it gets louder which doesn’t make sense to me. Mine is a 4ohm and I understand while there seem to be nO real issues running at 2 or 2.67 Mesa doesn’t recommend it. So how would having 2 speakers not be louder than 1. Maybe I’m just misunderstanding. I’m also somewhat an idiot when it comes to ohms and the physics of this.

Thanks for any help

I have a silver one, I can’t say I’ve ever had any issues with it, and so far as I know, mine hasn’t been modified or updated, at all. I kind of wish I had the blackface version just for aesthetic reasons.

But I’m also sure I didn’t imagine Mesa reps saying the Walkabout was rock solid at 2 Ohms, though I am also aware that they seem to have pulled back on saying that in later years.

 

[amper]

Got a line on an old red face 12 that doesnt appear to have any upgrades done to it and seems like its in fair condition. Anyone can give me an idea of price on this thing and what i should be willing to pay? i have no idea if this is a $400 combo or like an $800 rig. Help!

Consider that the Mesa net price on these at the time they were discontinued was $1699 USD. I believe they were $999 when first introduced.

I paid $700 used for mine in 2009. Guy had it on Craigslist for $650, but when I showed up, he wanted $700. I could tell he was a student and was selling because he really needed the money, so I forked it over. I’ve never had a single regret.

The only thing that will or could replace my Walkabout is a new Mesa Subway rig. TBPH, the reason I rarely even stop by the Amps and Cabs forum, anymore, is because I decided some time ago that when I do get around to picking up a Subway rig, it will be the last bass rig I ever buy in my life.

For over 15 years, I kept changing my rigs around, thinking I was going to find something that magically sounded “even better”, and I never did. I honestly would have been happy the whole time with my first bass amp, a Trace Elliot Series 6 played through a Pearce 1x15 and a Fender 1x15. Nothing I’ve had since has sounded “better”, only “just as good” or “a little different, but also just as good”.

I’m confident that the Subway series will deliver everything I’ve ever needed out of a bass rig, and now that I’m over 50, I doubt I’ll ever need another rig after that.

 

[agedhorse]

The Walkabout works ok at 2 ohms most of the time, but as the manufacturers of the MOSFETs changed their process the reliability varied all over the place. We went through 4 or 5 different vendors and series over the years, ultimately they were no longer available in production quantities as all manufacturers facing these issues phased them out.

Currently, I recommend a 4 ohm minimum load based on 19 years of hindsight along with not knowing which devices may be installed in any amp.

 

[amper]

I wouldn’t rely on a Scout 12 alone in a full band with a drummer based on my experience. I used one a few times by itself, but it required pushing the speaker to potentially damaging levels. The Scout 15 I have now has MUCH more clean headroom and volume on tap and has worked quite well by itself in a variety of moderate volume situations (it can carry a small room without PA support if your band is at moderate bar-band levels IME). Of course the 15 combo is pretty cumbersome to carry by hand though (weight and size/ergonomics), so it’s a trade off for sure. I’d love to get a custom combo cab built using Mesa Subway 15 speaker/specs- would pretty much outperform the Scout in every way I would guess and would actually be portable in a modern sense.

I’d concur with this. I played a few gigs with my old band (very/too loud) after I got my Walkabout Scout 12, and it wasn’t enough. Almost, but not quite.

Now, my original plan was to actually get two of these, and use them both for rock gigs and one for quieter stuff, but I ended up leaving that band the next year and haven’t had a full-on rock gig since. At some point, I plan on starting a new band, but I plan to be on guitar for that. My bass work will probably be mostly quieter stuff, so the one Scout 12 is fine.

I kind of wish I had the Scout 15, now, but that ship sailed long ago, and if I ever go back to playing rock bass live, at that point, I will probably go for the Subway rig.