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Mesa Boogie Walkabout Mega-thread Pt. Tres
- Thread starter Chef
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AFAIK, most of the multi-speed computer fans that are proposed as replacements for the stock Mesa Sunon fan are thermistor controlled, or have a separate 4 pin jack that plugs into a motherboard smart-fan header and is then controlled by software settings.
So, thermistor controlled (whatever the thermistor value happens to be) or software controlled, which of course would not work on the WA as it does not have either the smart fan header or the software controls.
You could add a small switch to manually control the fan speed, but that's obviously much more work and requires that a hole be drilled in the amp chassis. Not sure that most TBers would be up for that.
So, thermistor controlled (whatever the thermistor value happens to be) or software controlled, which of course would not work on the WA as it does not have either the smart fan header or the software controls.
You could add a small switch to manually control the fan speed, but that's obviously much more work and requires that a hole be drilled in the amp chassis. Not sure that most TBers would be up for that.
Thanks. A switch would be a nice solution - low setting for quiet solo rehearsal, high for full-on gig pumping two 8x10 stacks (or not). But its a solution to something that isn't much of a problem in the first place, at least for me!
"Hello, Mesa...my walkabout's been having some issues"
"yeah, send that in, we'll fix it."
two weeks pass
"Yeah, what's this oddball fan in there? warranty denied"
just ain't worth it to me.
ymmv.
"yeah, send that in, we'll fix it."
two weeks pass
"Yeah, what's this oddball fan in there? warranty denied"
just ain't worth it to me.
ymmv.
A valid concern. That's why I carefully peeled back the label on the stock fan and unsoldered that connection so that if I need to send mine in, I can reverse the fan swap and leave essentially no trace (or so I have myself convinced).
I can't even count the number of times I've read complaints about the fan noise. To me it makes no sense, it's a 300 watt rock and roll machine, and when it's up and running, the noise of the fan is submerged under a thick warm blanket of bassy goo. If you're using the Walkabout as a quiet bedroom practice amp, then it's out of it's element, and a small, quiet 8" combo, or headphone amp would be the better tool. Just sayin'.
I'll probably do it. Mine is a bit of a hotrod as it is. It was originally a 110V model - the power tranny is hand wound and laminated to 240V spec by a guy who custom builds valve amps. ..... So I don't think the fan is going to effect my warranty. 
anyone experience popping noise?
it only happens if i dont play for a second then when i start it will make a slight pop then be fine.
this could be such a great amp.
it only happens if i dont play for a second then when i start it will make a slight pop then be fine.
this could be such a great amp.
clean all your input and output jacks
if it's still doing it, get known good tube, and try it in each of the two sockets.
if it's still doing it, get known good tube, and try it in each of the two sockets.
it may be as simple as input over load?
it happens when i play percussive / staccato.
i just dimmed the master and rolled up the input a little and it didnt happen.
could be input tube?
anyway since i have you on board "chef" when you use your upright with the walkabout do you use a preamp or do you just run straight in?
for that matter what pickup are you running in upright?
i currently have a fishman bp-100 and it is not so good!
thanks
it happens when i play percussive / staccato.
i just dimmed the master and rolled up the input a little and it didnt happen.
could be input tube?
anyway since i have you on board "chef" when you use your upright with the walkabout do you use a preamp or do you just run straight in?
for that matter what pickup are you running in upright?
i currently have a fishman bp-100 and it is not so good!
thanks
I'm gonna do it on an older, out of warranty used one that i hope to receive this week.
For the record, I figured you all were plum crazy. There's no way a little amp like this could sound so good and fill a room with booty shaking bump. Well, turns out, I'm the one that's crazy... about this amp. The amp, the cab, the combo all spill out delicious bass. Ok, I'm done. For now. 
Did I mention I got a smokin' deal...
Did I mention I got a smokin' deal...
Not to turn this into the walkabout with issues thread, but I bought a use blackfaced WA combo recently which is putting out a distorted almost buzzy tone, worse at lower frequencies. Origional owner claims it was fine when it left him. Before I bring it to another mesa shop (long story) any thoughts on what the issue might be. 
CONGRATS BOBUNIT!!! Amazing aint it???? All these other amps that say they're 450, 500, 600watts & then this li'l MESA WA at a "measly" 300w BLOWS them all outta sight!! & tone........ whoooeeee!!!! I love mine-a 12" scout combo- too. Use it with a Bergantino AE112 under it for bigger stuff & WOW!!!!
I tried this amp in the GC two years ago (the same amp) and was amazed by the low end. Of course, my thoughts were "As soon as you get this home you're going to be disappointed". I kept going back, hoping someone would buy it, but alas, no takers. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago. I go online and it's on clearance. I thought, "Ok, I'll bite, but it's probably gone". My girlfriend and I walked in the store and there sat a shiny new Scout, but that was not the one. Just when I kick myself for letting it go, my girlfriend motioned me towards the restroom... There it sat next to some dirty cymbals and a crappy guitar amp. "SOLD!" The little engine that could was now mine. Some things are meant to be. I'm thinking this is one of them.
I'm constantly amazed at it'sability tosoundlike an 'OLD Tube amp'.
I mean that's what I've used all my life!!! Up until a cuppla yrs ago, & even now My SVTII is '91 & the Traynor YBA200 is ..ummmmm??? Well it aint NEW!! But OK that- well both really, aint "vintage", but both will sound it if I want- especially with the right cabs!!
BUT the WA scout 12" just 'has it'
Amazing how it kicks SO many other amps that TRY to be what it is- outta the water!!!
I LOVE the combo SO much I haven't even tried the head out ofit's combo & with a totally different cab. BUT I will.
LOOKING FORWARD to pairing it up w/ the NV215!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean that's what I've used all my life!!! Up until a cuppla yrs ago, & even now My SVTII is '91 & the Traynor YBA200 is ..ummmmm??? Well it aint NEW!! But OK that- well both really, aint "vintage", but both will sound it if I want- especially with the right cabs!!
BUT the WA scout 12" just 'has it'
Amazing how it kicks SO many other amps that TRY to be what it is- outta the water!!!
I LOVE the combo SO much I haven't even tried the head out ofit's combo & with a totally different cab. BUT I will.
LOOKING FORWARD to pairing it up w/ the NV215!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I tried one of these for like the third time in a local music shop and it impresses more each time. I'm just waiting for one to pop up in the classifieds. Damn GAS...
Jammed with my old band this evening. The drummer looked at the Scout and said "Is that all you brought?" I told him I would give it a shot. At the end of the rehearsal, he was amazed by what was coming out of the amp. ***Note*** The drummer and the guitar player (Fender Twin) are VERY loud. I pushed it to the limits and it kicked butt. Next rehearsal, I am going to add a cab to destroy the basement.
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