Mesa Boogie Walkabout Mega-thread Part 10

[agedhorse]

Hey sunbeast, yep this is the single input latest blackface version. I tried swapping out all you suggested, even different cab, speaker cable, bass, no luck. I read about this problem somewhere here on Talkbass but can't recall where or what the solution was.

There isn't "a solution" without knowing what the actual cause is. There are multiple possibilities, all of which require technical diagnostics once sunbeat's suggestions are tried.

 

[U4EA]

Unless you understand and have experience with analyzing circuits (and working SAFELY with power applied), it might be possible. A DVM (and knowing how to use it) is essential for this as well.

There are several things that might be responsible for the symptoms, there are also (many) things you can do to further damage the amp to the point that it becomes non economical to repair. They are not terribly easy to troubleshoot without experience.

You might give the factory customer service guys a call, we still service this amp under the factory service program.

I have experience working on old Traynor amp with a vm, so I know the dangers. I'm hoping the culprit isn't buried in the windings which could lead to too expensive a repair. I'm also in Canada otherwise I'd send it back to Mesa for service.

 

[agedhorse]

It's almost certainly not in the transformer.

This amp is completely different than old Traynors. Sending back from Canada isn't all that bad using the postal service. Our customer service guys can help with best shipping methods too. You do not pay customs or duty when shipping an amp for repairs.

 

[U4EA]

It's almost certainly not in the transformer.

This amp is completely different than old Traynors. Sending back from Canada isn't all that bad using the postal service. Our customer service guys can help with best shipping methods too. You do not pay customs or duty when shipping an amp for repairs.

I'll give them a call and see what we can do, thanks guys.

 

[sunbeast]

Hey sunbeast, yep this is the single input latest blackface version. I tried swapping out all you suggested, even different cab, speaker cable, bass, no luck. I read about this problem somewhere here on Talkbass but can't recall where or what the solution was.

The most common cutout issue I’ve read about with Walkabouts is oxidized jacks, particularly in the FX Loop. Good luck with the troubleshooting!

 

[agedhorse]

The most common cutout issue I’ve read about with Walkabouts is oxidized jacks, particularly in the FX Loop. Good luck with the troubleshooting!

It happens, but not as often as the internet suggests. Fortunately this can be ruled out easily and quickly by the player.

 

[StayLow]

What he described isn’t a cutout though, it’s a “doesn’t make sound to begin with”; the sound-on ‘click’ doesn’t happen at amp startup.

FYI, when sending cross-border a lot of companies mark “repair” then put the item’s “value” on declaration forms. It can end up being a “value” - such as new or replacement value - much higher than someone may have actually paid on used market.

If so receiver can get dinged tax on the item’s “value”, possibly plus processing fees. Tax plus international shipping can be more than the item cost. Then it’s up to receiver to prove it was theirs to begin with and get a refund of that tax, hopefully including any processing fees for the tax that shouldn’t have been paid. You eat the shipping in any case. It gives a whole new meaning to “free” repairs.

No idea if MESA is hip to that. Am making a general example.

Hope it gets resolved easily. WalkAbout is one of the best amps ever of any kind or class.

 

[agedhorse]

We've done this a few times...

When you send the amp to us you declare as customer owned being returned to the manufacturer for service. When we send it out, we declare customer owned unit being returned after service. The only thing subject to duty/tax is the cost of the repair, but because it's Canada, it's a moot point anyway.

There are also harmonized codes for this, but generally they aren't used for returning a single amp.

 

[U4EA]

I contacted my local Long & McQuade music store. They said to bring it to them and they'll send it to the authorized repair center, so that's my plan. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[StayLow]

We've done this a few times...

When you send the amp to us you declare as customer owned being returned to the manufacturer for service. When we send it out, we declare customer owned unit being returned after service. The only thing subject to duty/tax is the cost of the repair, but because it's Canada, it's a moot point anyway.

There are also harmonized codes for this, but generally they aren't used for returning a single amp.

You’ve been there & done that, and yes that’s how it’s supposed to work and often does.

As have I, and paid the the taxes, processing fees, and battled with the …ughh… selfless brave public servants who are as highly-attentive, intelligent and capable as you’d expect in that type of “career” yet sometimes assess those charges no matter what boxes the repair or shipping facility ticks. And even household name companies have failed to tick the right boxes, which can make a bigger and costlier mess of it. Nobody’s perfect.

Sometimes you get that money back easily. But time is money and sometimes the time and grief isn’t worth it.

And as I said, it was a general comment. Maybe it’s never happened to MESA or Genz repair returns.

 

[drooartz]

I realize this thread has gone quiet since this amp was discontinued, but I figured I'd ask anyways.

I bought my Walkabout Scout back in 2004, and other than one recall I vaguely remember right at the beginning it's still 100% stock. Original tubes, original 4ohm speaker, original world's noisiest fan. Over the last 10 or so years it's been only lightly used, maybe 1-2 times a year, as I had switched to an acoustic duo or quiet jazz gigs and just run direct into the PA.

I find myself back in a rock band again, so the old Walkabout is getting drug back into regular duty (and doing superb at it). Is there anything I should do to have it looked at/serviced/upgraded to help with its continued good functioning? It's always just worked so I never think much about it, but it is 19 years old now.

 

[Mastermold]

I realize this thread has gone quiet since this amp was discontinued, but I figured I'd ask anyways.

I bought my Walkabout Scout back in 2004, and other than one recall I vaguely remember right at the beginning it's still 100% stock. Original tubes, original 4ohm speaker, original world's noisiest fan. Over the last 10 or so years it's been only lightly used, maybe 1-2 times a year, as I had switched to an acoustic duo or quiet jazz gigs and just run direct into the PA.

I find myself back in a rock band again, so the old Walkabout is getting drug back into regular duty (and doing superb at it). Is there anything I should do to have it looked at/serviced/upgraded to help with its continued good functioning? It's always just worked so I never think much about it, but it is 19 years old now.

View attachment 4957562

If it ain't broke, etc. I think mine is a 2012 model and has been working like a champ for over a decade. If you're experiencing any issues, however, see @agedhorse and he'll point you in the right direction.

 

[agedhorse]

You can always give the factory a call, Justin is pretty experienced with these amps and he would be able to access the build history (I think).

 

[drooartz]

You can always give the factory a call, Justin is pretty experienced with these amps and he would be able to access the build history (I think).

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give them a call when I get a minute and see what they say.

 

[agedhorse]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give them a call when I get a minute and see what they say.

The service guys are there Mon-Thurs

 

[drooartz]

The service guys are there Mon-Thurs

Thanks. I assume that's the (707) 789-3348 support line

 

[agedhorse]

Thanks. I assume that's the (707) 789-3348 support line

Yes, that will get you through. If they are on the line with another player, they may need to call you back.

 

[drooartz]

Yes, that will get you through. If they are on the line with another player, they may need to call you back.

Thanks! Much appreciated.

 

[Gnarledlowend]

Hey all! If you have one or know of anyone selling a Walkabout Head Case, please let me know! Thanks!

 

[Gnarledlowend]

Hey all! If you have one or know of anyone selling a Walkabout Head Case, please let me know! Thanks!

I’m still hoping to find an OG Walkabout head case soon. Anyone using a pelican case to transport their WA head? If so, which model and brand? Thank you.