Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Mesa Boogie Walkabout Part 5!!!
- Thread starter Chef
- Start date
- Status
A beautiful thing is never perfect.
Proverb
I agree, and the WA is pretty close to perfect, but the woefully inadequate handles seem odd in the context of a product that is otherwise delightfully overbuilt IMHO.
+1
I have pulled the head out of my WAS 1x15 because it was so unmanageable. Now I run two Genz-Benz 10T speakers for a 4 ohm load and the M/B tone has gone from difficult to easy. Just in case anyone missed the pic, here it is again:
Is it perfect? No, but at 69 years old I can do whatever I want.
word.
i carry mine with my left hand in the top handle the right hand grabbing up under the backside (hehe) of the amp. this gives me two hands on it for stability. i love this combo but it's wee heavy.
You need a dolly
I hate to admit it, but I dropped it loading it out of my truck and on to a dolly!
Lomo: the handle on the 12" Scout is fine. It's shallow enough that you can hold on to the bottom if necessary, as the above poster notes.
Strange to complain about it, IMO.
Strange to complain about it, IMO.
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,197
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
I find it kind of awkard for its small size. I wish I'd had gotten the extension cab and headcase instead.
- Feb 3, 2005
- 7,331
- 10,197
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
+1
I have pulled the head out of my WAS 1x15 because it was so unmanageable. Now I run two Genz-Benz 10T speakers for a 4 ohm load and the M/B tone has gone from difficult to easy. Just in case anyone missed the pic, here it is again:
Is it perfect? No, but at 69 years old I can do whatever I want.
Really nice! Talk about easy to move!
Strange??? I'm certainly not the only one to see it's ergonomic shortcomings. If side handles wouldn't be a better design, then I wonder why they use 2 side handles on the PH12 cab (which weighs a few lbs less than the WA combo), the M3 combo (which weighs a few lbs more) and the WA headcase (which weighs about 25 lbs with the head). And as for the single top handle on a 65 lb 15" combo; they should call that puppy a dragabout. Don't get me wrong, I can carry both the 12 and 15 with one hand, and I also grab each by the bottom with my other hand for longer distances, but 2 handles is simply a no-brainer. My LDS 15/6 has 2 recessed side handles and is far easier to move than a WA 12, even though it's larger and 5 lbs heavier. There's no comparison. It's a detail, but a detail that matters to many and would be a snap to make better. Obsessive, maybe
, but not really hard to get
. Obviously, YMMV and I'm glad it works for you.
There are a few shortcomings with the WA, though my love for that 13lb wonder will not cease. Handles are obvious, as is the lack of a Speakon jack- but what really gets me, is Mesa still claims the MPulse 600 to be it's bigger brother, and we all know that ain't true.
Pre/post D.I. would also be handy for 'those' rooms that are just TOTALLY different onstage & off, & sound guy HAS to have a clean signal :-/
Apart from that, & lack of side handles...... What have the Romans done for us?
Apart from that, & lack of side handles...... What have the Romans done for us?
In the owners manual, Mesa mentions a mod where you can take the master volume out of the DI feed. At least this way, you could change your stage volume without affecting what you send to the board.
Has anyone done this mod?
Has anyone done this mod?
Thinking of buying a walkabout head and considering what cabs to use. Can anyone tell me what Mesa cabs McCartney uses? Also, this would be my first valve amp. Should I just buy the head and learn how to use it before I try and pick cabinets (use my current cabs at first)?
While the WA has tubes in it, it's still got a solid state power section driving the speakers... so technically, it isn't an honest-to-goodness valve amp.
It's just the next best thing!
Oh, and McCartney's cabs are discontinued Diesel Series (IIRC) 1516's and 2x15's.
bigbajo60 said:While the WA has tubes in it, it's still got a solid state power section driving the speakers... so technically, it isn't an honest-to-goodness valve amp.
It's just the next best thing!
Oh, and McCartney's cabs are discontinued Diesel Series (IIRC) 1516's and 2x15's.
This. Just grab the amp & PLAY it.
The GAIN control anywhere from 12 o'clock on will give you overdrive in increasing amounts. Master volume control on any setting to suit your volume needs
- Status
