Mesa Boogie Walkabout Mega-thread Part 10

[sunbeast]

I've not replaced the grille cloth on my previously owned Walkabout, but have had grille cloth covered speakers since the 70s, and I've never had any problems with anything damaging em.
Mostly they're in either vinyl or padded covers anyway.

Obviously the metal is gonna be tougher, but even tho my cabs have been in vans with PAs and dogs and kids.......
and even drummers,
I've never had anything stick thru.

I think you'd have to be pretty dang careless.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

I’ve been transporting, loading, and unloading different band’s gear for nearly 30 years and have seen plenty of torn grill cloths in that time including my old Ampeg fridge on multiple occasions (hard not to tear the grill on such a huge cab when transporting it multiple times a week as I did for a time). I treat gear like tools, so I consider this reasonable wear and tear as part of the reality. This is the first time I’ve ever done it on a cab I always transport in a cover, though an old guitarist I played with for many years used a vintage Orange 4x12 that he managed to tear the cloth on when in a cover- the larger the cab the less a light vinyl cover can really do to protect it (with the Walkabout I was pretty surprised to have been able to do this damage while covered given the relative tightness of the cover but it happened). Crap happens, I usually travel with it held tightly in between two seats in my van, but when I folded the front seat down this time it tipped over and fell right into the corner of the downed seat in just the wrong way to cause a tear. It was an annoying surprise for me for sure on my way into a rehearsal.

As careless as you apparently find me, you’ll understand my interest in a metal grille like my Bergantino NV610 that has seen hell and taken it with grace for the last 18 or so years sans any sort of protective cover (though my different Scout cabs have had great runs as well until now).

 

[donhank]

Oh awesome, that looks great! Do you happen to know which metal grating you selected?

Pulled my receipt from Reliable Hardware . . . I used material style 3163. (3/16 inch hole) For my Scout 12 the dimensions were 15-13/16 x 14-3/8 with a 3/4 inch bend on all four sides. Standoff from the baffle board was with Penn Elcom rubber feet, but I can't seem to find the order with their part number. (Approx one inch tall and one inch wide)

Nothing was wrong with the factory original cloth grill or frame; I just did this to match the grill for my rebuild project on the little Avatar cube.

 

[sunbeast]

Pulled my receipt from Reliable Hardware . . . I used material style 3163. (3/16 inch hole) For my Scout 12 the dimensions were 15-13/16 x 14-3/8 with a 3/4 inch bend on all four sides. Standoff from the baffle board was with Penn Elcom rubber feet, but I can't seem to find the order with their part number. (Approx one inch tall and one inch wide)

Nothing was wrong with the factory original cloth grill or frame; I just did this to match the grill for my rebuild project on the little Avatar cube.
View attachment 5272773

That looks great! Thanks again- Reliable has some standoffs as well that I’ll have to consider if I go that route

 

[sunbeast]

Either way should be fine, not much difference in practice.

Thanks, figured as much but hadn’t ever looked into this sort of conversion before on a cab

 

[U4EA]

I really like the looks of the Subway grills and would like to replicate that somewhat to my scout cabs so I could uniformly mix and match rigs. I haven't found a source for that grill pattern yet though.

 

[ShawnG]

I really like the looks of the Subway grills and would like to replicate that somewhat to my scout cabs so I could uniformly mix and match rigs. I haven't found a source for that grill pattern yet though.

This would be pretty cool. Have you reached out to Mesa Customer Service to see if they can direct you to a supplier? Would make for a nice looking Scout/Subway stack.

 

[ShawnG]

Walkabout Scout with an HPF, a couple of questions:

Can the Broughton Always On HPF accept line-level inputs (run in the FX loop) without issue? Info on their web page says input impedance is 1M-ohm. Is this good enough? FDeck shows Series 3 input impedance as 10M-ohms/100pF and I know that he has stated it is good in the FX loop.

For those that have tried the Broughton Always On AND the FDeck Series 3 with the Walkabout, have you found any significant difference between the two? The 12+12 filter in the FDeck sounds to be the way to go, but does it really help in this application?

I have easy access to a Broughton Always On, but want to ensure its the right unit for this amp/cab combo. If FDeck is a better fit, I'll order ASAP.

It took about 10 seconds for me to realize that I was going to want an HPF running with my Walkabout Scout.
I’ve done some reading, and believe that I would like to place the HPF in the FX loop on the Walkabout, so as not to limit the input to the tube pre, but filter the lows before the power section.
Primary goal is cleaner lows and a less boomy Scout cab, but also to make the amp run more efficiently.

Thx for reading, any inputs, advice, info re: the questions above would be most appreciated.

SPG

 

[JohnPaul]

My scout has been randomly turning on and off erratically. Has anyone had any experience with this issue? Its been to the mesa boogie factory for repair twice now and still does it :/

 

[sunbeast]

Walkabout Scout with an HPF, a couple of questions:

Can the Broughton Always On HPF accept line-level inputs (run in the FX loop) without issue? Info on their web page says input impedance is 1M-ohm. Is this good enough? FDeck shows Series 3 input impedance as 10M-ohms/100pF and I know that he has stated it is good in the FX loop.

For those that have tried the Broughton Always On AND the FDeck Series 3 with the Walkabout, have you found any significant difference between the two? The 12+12 filter in the FDeck sounds to be the way to go, but does it really help in this application?

I have easy access to a Broughton Always On, but want to ensure its the right unit for this amp/cab combo. If FDeck is a better fit, I'll order ASAP.

It took about 10 seconds for me to realize that I was going to want an HPF running with my Walkabout Scout.
I’ve done some reading, and believe that I would like to place the HPF in the FX loop on the Walkabout, so as not to limit the input to the tube pre, but filter the lows before the power section.
Primary goal is cleaner lows and a less boomy Scout cab, but also to make the amp run more efficiently.

Thx for reading, any inputs, advice, info re: the questions above would be most appreciated.

SPG

I’ve used the FDeck Series 3 in front of different Scout rigs for years, for my uses I actually prefer it in front of the amp as it helps focus the tube drive/compression (same results in front of my Mesa Prodigy). The Walkabout can be a bit mushy down low when pushed and filtering it before the preamp tubes really cleans that up.

The input impedance doesn’t tell you anything about the headroom that the pedal can take. I’ve not noticed any extra distortion or level drop when I did try the FDeck in FX loops though.

I can’t compare the responses of the Broughton and FDeck, but before FDeck released the Series 3 I used one of his earlier HPFs that was only a 12dB filter and definitely prefer the feel/utility of the Series 3. The filter is strong enough that I could actually use the sweepable filter for voicing purposes which was really handy in front of the Prodigy in particular while still having that parked filter cleaning up the subs

 

[JohnPaul]

I’ve used the FDeck Series 3 in front of different Scout rigs for years, for my uses I actually prefer it in front of the amp as it helps focus the tube drive/compression (same results in front of my Mesa Prodigy). The input impedance doesn’t tell you anything about the headroom that the pedal can take. I’ve not noticed any extra distortion when I did try the FDeck in FX loops though. I can’t compare the responses of the Broughton and FDeck, but before FDeck released the Series 3 I used one of his earlier pedals that was only a 12dB filter and definitely prefer the feel/utility of the Series 3. The filter is strong enough that I could actually use the sweepable filter for voicing purposes which was really handy in front of the Prodigy in particular.

the FDeck is a great piece of gear. I use it all the time

 

[agedhorse]

My scout has been randomly turning on and off erratically. Has anyone had any experience with this issue? Its been to the mesa boogie factory for repair twice now and still does it :/

Be sure the IEC power connector is firmly inserted into the inlet. If that doesn't help, give our service manager Rich a call, he will be able to help you sort this out.

 

[JohnPaul]

Be sure the IEC power connector is firmly inserted into the inlet. If that doesn't help, give our service manager Rich a call, he will be able to help you sort this out.

its been to the factory twice now for repair with no luck. Im trying to figure out if i try again with boogie or just call it a lost cause. Im not looking forward to a 3rd repair cost if they cant figure it out. theyve replaced mismatched MOSFETs the first time and a intermittent fuse holder the 2nd. the red light stays on but it "Clicks" loudly repeatedly while the speaker cuts in and out.
Thanks for the input

 

[ShawnG]

I’ve used the FDeck Series 3 in front of different Scout rigs for years, for my uses I actually prefer it in front of the amp as it helps focus the tube drive/compression (same results in front of my Mesa Prodigy). The Walkabout can be a bit mushy down low when pushed and filtering it before the preamp tubes really cleans that up.

The input impedance doesn’t tell you anything about the headroom that the pedal can take. I’ve not noticed any extra distortion or level drop when I did try the FDeck in FX loops though.

I can’t compare the responses of the Broughton and FDeck, but before FDeck released the Series 3 I used one of his earlier HPFs that was only a 12dB filter and definitely prefer the feel/utility of the Series 3. The filter is strong enough that I could actually use the sweepable filter for voicing purposes which was really handy in front of the Prodigy in particular while still having that parked filter cleaning up the subs

Great response. Thx!

 

[StayLow]

This popped up on my local FB Marketplace at such a good price, I had to go take a look. 2.5 hr drive later, it was on its way home with me.
In almost new condition and I really like Mesa’s “gold” (basket & black weave) grill cover and the brown handle.
Appears to be working like it should.
I need to get an HPF to run in front, definitely a bit rumbly for me with paras set flat. Cutting para at 40hz makes things better, might as well get an external and get the para back so as to be available for something else if needed.
Mine has the 4 ohm speaker, I don’t see any need to replace with an 8 ohm, if I need it to be louder I’d probably just pull the head and run a different 4 ohm 2x12 cab.
This is my first “real” amp (I have a Fender Studio 40 as my practice amp and love it for what it is), but am looking forward to learning how to work with a tube preamp and the controls on the Walkabout to find “my” sound.
Thx for looking, any advice/thoughts are always appreciated.

Shawn G
View attachment 5271913 View attachment 5271914

Another winner!

I’ve owned and used WalkAbout amps, combos, and Scout cabs, for …longer than I care to admit. 12”, 15”, 4 Ohm, 8 Ohm, and pairing the heads with a wide variety of different cabs. Often playing a bass with a low-B, and bass-heavy music like reggae or soul-funk (including w/ active bass boosted a bit).

Never used an HPF.

I bring the Gain up to the level of grit I want. Then approaching the volume I need on the Master if it gets too tubby I ease off the amp’s parametric Bass EQ as a de-facto HPF I suppose, until I’m sounding how I want at volume. Then I use the rest of the amp’s EQ to taste.

It’s *amazing* the gigs I’ve covered with just the 12” combo or just the full 12” cab (larger internal volume than the 12” combo) and the sizes of stages and venues (with PA support when warranted of course) I’ve played using these without sacrificing anything. Large outdoor festivals, large theaters, etc. If the guitarist is happy with a combo, I’m fine with mine.

My fave with all things factored is the single 12” extension cab. If I need more than that I’m probably doing hard rock or heavier & inevitably much louder rock/funk/metal music for which the 15” wouldn’t cut it either. Maybe a WalkAbout stack would do it, but then I’ve got easier single-cab solutions much better suited to those styles and volumes (and those venues).

WalkAbout manual - https://mesa-boogie.imgix.net/media/User Manuals/WalkAbout.pdf

“The BASS control is actually a gain and frequency control all rolled into one with the Q center at 55Hz and harmonics in both low and high directions are affected because of its broader band nature. As the control is increased past 12:00 there is a 6db per octave rise in gain with the frequency topping out at 321Hz. With 12:00 straight-up representing “flat” (a no boost/no cut setting).

“As the BASS control is dialed below 12:00, 55Hz and all associated harmonics are reduced and eventually notched completely out of the signal. Conversely, there is a 6db per octave cut beginning at 55Hz going down to 20Hz where the shelving ends with a cut gain of -20db as the control approaches 7:30 (off).”

 

[sunbeast]

Another winner!

I’ve owned and used WalkAbout amps, combos, and Scout cabs, for …longer than I care to admit. 12”, 15”, 4 Ohm, 8 Ohm, and pairing the heads with a wide variety of different cabs. Often playing a bass with a low-B, and bass-heavy music like reggae or soul-funk (including w/ active bass boosted a bit).

Never used an HPF.

I bring the Gain up to the level of grit I want. Then approaching the volume I need on the Master if it gets too tubby I ease off the amp’s parametric Bass EQ as a de-facto HPF I suppose, until I’m sounding how I want at volume. Then I use the rest of the amp’s EQ to taste.

It’s *amazing* the gigs I’ve covered with just the 12” combo or just the full 12” cab (larger internal volume than the 12” combo) and the sizes of stages and venues (with PA support when warranted of course) I’ve played using these without sacrificing anything. Large outdoor festivals, large theaters, etc. If the guitarist is happy with a combo, I’m fine with mine.

My fave with all things factored is the single 12” extension cab. If I need more than that I’m probably doing hard rock or heavier & inevitably much louder rock/funk/metal music for which the 15” wouldn’t cut it either. Maybe a WalkAbout stack would do it, but then I’ve got easier single-cab solutions much better suited to those styles and volumes (and those venues).

WalkAbout manual - https://mesa-boogie.imgix.net/media/User Manuals/WalkAbout.pdf

“The BASS control is actually a gain and frequency control all rolled into one with the Q center at 55Hz and harmonics in both low and high directions are affected because of its broader band nature. As the control is increased past 12:00 there is a 6db per octave rise in gain with the frequency topping out at 321Hz. With 12:00 straight-up representing “flat” (a no boost/no cut setting).

“As the BASS control is dialed below 12:00, 55Hz and all associated harmonics are reduced and eventually notched completely out of the signal. Conversely, there is a 6db per octave cut beginning at 55Hz going down to 20Hz where the shelving ends with a cut gain of -20db as the control approaches 7:30 (off).”

I've found I prefer the tone of the Walkabout with the Bass control anywhere from 10 o'clock to 1 o'clock in conjunction with the external HPF to chop off the very bottom. The combination of the two allows for some really nice low-end sculpting that neither alone can do. The semi-parametric EQ works nicely for this as well, but the external HPF seems to work better for me for that purpose. Honestly though I've not been bringing the HPF to some new gig I have the last few months and the semi-parametric set to cut out a good amount of subs works good enough for that particular gig. Having multiple different ways to shape the lows is a great perk on these amps!

This is one thing that @agedhorse really nailed about the design of the WD800- being able to boost the Bass while raising the HPF control keeps the fat without the mush that the Walkabout alone can sometimes fall into (especially at loud volumes). When I first picked up the WD I was still clearly preferring the Walkabout, but the more I use it the more I start leaning towards the WD as an all-around workhorse since I can dial in a great tight and punchy tone that just gets louder when I turn it up rather than mushier.

 

[U4EA]

My scout has been randomly turning on and off erratically. Has anyone had any experience with this issue? Its been to the mesa boogie factory for repair twice now and still does it :/

I had an issue with my WA powering up but no sound. I sent it off to be repaired and the problem turned out to be that the power amp relay was intermittent, wasn't holding contact and was replaced. It's difficult to pinpoint intermittent issues and aside from following Agedhorses advice, it's up to you if another repair attempt is worth it.

 

[U4EA]

Walkabout Scout with an HPF, a couple of questions:

Can the Broughton Always On HPF accept line-level inputs (run in the FX loop) without issue? Info on their web page says input impedance is 1M-ohm. Is this good enough? FDeck shows Series 3 input impedance as 10M-ohms/100pF and I know that he has stated it is good in the FX loop.

For those that have tried the Broughton Always On AND the FDeck Series 3 with the Walkabout, have you found any significant difference between the two? The 12+12 filter in the FDeck sounds to be the way to go, but does it really help in this application?

I have easy access to a Broughton Always On, but want to ensure its the right unit for this amp/cab combo. If FDeck is a better fit, I'll order ASAP.

It took about 10 seconds for me to realize that I was going to want an HPF running with my Walkabout Scout.
I’ve done some reading, and believe that I would like to place the HPF in the FX loop on the Walkabout, so as not to limit the input to the tube pre, but filter the lows before the power section.
Primary goal is cleaner lows and a less boomy Scout cab, but also to make the amp run more efficiently.

Thx for reading, any inputs, advice, info re: the questions above would be most appreciated.

SPG

I use the Broughton hpf with the Walkabout going in the Input and it works like a charm. Set it and forget it.

 

[JohnPaul]

I had an issue with my WA powering up but no sound. I sent it off to be repaired and the problem turned out to be that the power amp relay was intermittent, wasn't holding contact and was replaced. It's difficult to pinpoint intermittent issues and aside from following Agedhorses advice, it's up to you if another repair attempt is worth it.

Ive suspected it has something to do with a relay opening and closing intermittently like you've described. I'm having the hardest time figuring out if another "repair attempt" is worth it. seems like most people I've talked to opt to replace instead of repair. thanks for the input, seems like these failures are far and few between.

 

[agedhorse]

Ive suspected it has something to do with a relay opening and closing intermittently like you've described. I'm having the hardest time figuring out if another "repair attempt" is worth it. seems like most people I've talked to opt to replace instead of repair. thanks for the input, seems like these failures are far and few between.

Give Rich a call and explain the situation to him. See what he suggests.

 

[ShawnG]

I've found I prefer the tone of the Walkabout with the Bass control anywhere from 10 o'clock to 1 o'clock in conjunction with the external HPF to chop off the very bottom. The combination of the two allows for some really nice low-end sculpting that neither alone can do. The semi-parametric EQ works nicely for this as well, but the external HPF seems to work better for me for that purpose. Honestly though I've not been bringing the HPF to some new gig I have the last few months and the semi-parametric set to cut out a good amount of subs works good enough for that particular gig. Having multiple different ways to shape the lows is a great perk on these amps!

This is one thing that @agedhorse really nailed about the design of the WD800- being able to boost the Bass while raising the HPF control keeps the fat without the mush that the Walkabout alone can sometimes fall into (especially at loud volumes). When I first picked up the WD I was still clearly preferring the Walkabout, but the more I use it the more I start leaning towards the WD as an all-around workhorse since I can dial in a great tight and punchy tone that just gets louder when I turn it up rather than mushier.

In my very limited experimentation, the lowest para works great to cut out the rumbly lows, I haven’t played with the bass control much.
To me, the para works great as a “poor man’s HPF”, but then you lose the ability to boost or cut another freq if desired. Having an HPF, in front or in the FX loop, would accomplish much of the same and give back the low para for further customization if desired.
As you said, lots of ways to get to the same destination with this very cool combo!