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Mesa Boogie Walkabout Part 5!!!

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There are alot of options, and the thing is, what sounds great to one player, doesn't to another. One thing I will say, there's 2 ways of going, taking the time and effort to audition the possible cab options with your WA and bass before you buy, or blindly buying/selling/trading/whatever, until you stumble upon the perfect set up. The first option is ALWAYS cheaper- but not necessarily any more fun. My WA was paired with an Epi UL212, (too bright), a couple of pairs of Powerhouse cabs, 210/15 and 210/410, (sounded alright, but heavy), a few Ampeg Classic cabs, 410he, 210he/15e, (the proverbial "blanket" tone), and finally a Genz Benz Uber 212, which I've been thrilled with for over 4 years now. Some of these cabs were great with other amps, but it did take a while before I was completely happy, and I did squander a bit of money in the process, but it was a learning experience. So, start 'sperimenting, and have fun with the process.
 
I really like the Scout 2x15 solution. I also have a Scout 12. I like the 15 better.

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Question: Does anybody know when its time to change the tubes in a Walkabout? Does the sound deteriorate slowly? Do they just fail? Mine is a pretty old model with two separate inputs for active/passive (see pic in post above), and I'm thinking its time to replace tubes just to see if there is a sound difference.
 
Thank you all!
Let me echo wimpy's thanks--the advice you guys gave steered him to my Scout 15 that was up for sale.:) (No, I'm not shipping to the Czech Republic, he's got a friend in Chicagoland.)

I still have the Scout 12 cab, but it's generally living at home. I'm digging the Walkabout at practice through a pair of those sealed Ampeg 210AVs, it's a nice-sounding light stack! I've got a DB410 for heavier artillery, though I may turn that into an NV610 down the road.
 
projectapollo said:
Question: Does anybody know when its time to change the tubes in a Walkabout? Does the sound deteriorate slowly? Do they just fail? Mine is a pretty old model with two separate inputs for active/passive (see pic in post above), and I'm thinking its time to replace tubes just to see if there is a sound difference.

Mine is the same model & the tubes are fine. If u notice out getting dull sounding, or not getting hardly any headroom before O.D.kicks in, that CAN be a sign.
 
Thank you Greg!...Czech and Chicago is so close :p I'm very happy with my WA12 combo too..I hope 15" version will be even better...

Let me echo wimpy's thanks--the advice you guys gave steered him to my Scout 15 that was up for sale.:) (No, I'm not shipping to the Czech Republic, he's got a friend in Chicagoland.)

I still have the Scout 12 cab, but it's generally living at home. I'm digging the Walkabout at practice through a pair of those sealed Ampeg 210AVs, it's a nice-sounding light stack! I've got a DB410 for heavier artillery, though I may turn that into an NV610 down the road.
 
FYI I just ordered the newest, luxuriously vented top cover for my older Walkabout, direct from Mesa. The service rep tried to talk me out of it, saying "all our bass heads are getting more ventilation in the tops, but I've played a WA combo for years with no issues".
He asked if I was having any troubles (I am not) and said he feels it's not necessary but they'd sell it to me for 67 bucks + shipping. I ordered it. Seems to me if they're making a change it's because they feel it'll be better. Also FYI he says the newest cover will not fit some of the oldest, brown-lettered heads due to differing screw patterns.
 
So, I've been messing around with my rigs again. For my metal tribute band that is working on a side project of original music (heavy, prog, etc.), I really am enjoying the GK 1001 RB II into the GK NEO 112 II pair. It is the first time I've used the biamp feature for the horn and really like it. It is a totally aggressive and clear tone with my Spectors.

For my other band (New Orleans, blues, alt country, roots rock), I've been using the Mesa Walkabout with the GK cabs (Sadowsky basses and a Lakland Hollowbody with flats). However, I really feel like I could get away with a single cab solution most of the time. I have a new weekly gig with the band, so I'm going to try the first two with an Epifani PS210 and then a PS115 for the second. However, they are both 8 ohm cabs, so I don't feel like they are ideal for it and I really don't want to go with two bigger cabs.

So, I am now thinking about something along the lines of a 210, 212 or 115 but a 4ohm. Portability is important. 50# is about my limit with a surgically repaired neck. I'm also intrigued with some of these other configurations I'm hearing about (like LDS and fEarful) such as 15/6/1,2x8, etc. Anyone have any thoughts? I'm open to suggestions. I am hoping that the next two tuesdays trying one gig with a 115 and one gig with a 210 will help guide me with how they sit live in this band.

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Mesa WA + Aguilar GS112s + Sadowsky JJ = absolute tone heaven! Big, round and warm with fingers. Cutting, aggressive and just plain HUGE with a pick. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this combination. Not that I needed any reminder, but every time I think that I might want to switch to a new amp, the WA roars and I'm left with a a huge grin on my face. :bassist:
 
One thing I will say, there's 2 ways of going, taking the time and effort to audition the possible cab options with your WA and bass before you buy, or blindly buying/selling/trading/whatever, until you stumble upon the perfect set up. QUOTE]

Truer words were never spoken:hiding::p:bassist:

I have trod the latter route, and have enjoyed it thoroughly thus far. I found the almost perfect WA cab in 4 Ohm the Audiokinesis TC12.......so I flipped it and ordered the 15, which I await. In the meantime........next week I'm gonna have at a GB Neox 212-112 stack under my Walkabout.
 
One thing I will say, there's 2 ways of going, taking the time and effort to audition the possible cab options with your WA and bass before you buy, or blindly buying/selling/trading/whatever, until you stumble upon the perfect set up. QUOTE]

Truer words were never spoken:hiding::p:bassist:

I have trod the latter route, and have enjoyed it thoroughly thus far. I found the almost perfect WA cab in 4 Ohm the Audiokinesis TC12.......so I flipped it and ordered the 15, which I await. In the meantime........next week I'm gonna have at a GB Neox 212-112 stack under my Walkabout.
Cool. I'll be curious to see the reports from you, Jimmy and others when the TC15 comes out. The port-sealing option is a nice bonus.
 
Cool. I'll be curious to see the reports from you, Jimmy and others when the TC15 comes out. The port-sealing option is a nice bonus.

If it's as good as the 12 my quest for the ultimate WA cab will be over. The 12 is the best 12 I've ever heard by a wide margin. Toneful, flexible and changeable (via the port plugs), light, ergonomic recessed top handle, eats and spits gobs of power. Only a fEarful could come close for me. According to Duke, the 15 will weigh in the low 40s and I should have mine (crosses fingers, sacrifices virgins to the volcano and smears chicken blood on the wall as he dervishes) some time in September........
 
I'm thinking about getting an Avatar TB153 to put under my Walkabout Scout 12 for when I play with my reggae band. Has anybody else tried that combination?

Great pairing. If I wasn't a weight weenie it'd be the perfect cab for my Walkabout. If 65 lbs is cool for you, you'll be smilin'.
Big lows and an articulate mid driver that can really bring out the best from the WA eq.
 
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