Mesa M6 Carbine Mega Thread part 3:

[nervous]

And, it's here! Can't wait to get it out live next week.

 

[Ricky Daion]

Just built this beauty in the last couple of weeks. I won't be able to rock it at a real gig for a couple more weeks. It's killing me! I know the pics big but there's more to love that way.

 

[2cooltoolz]

I don't think about amps much. This is what I have. Mesa cabs are pretty, but weigh a lot. I'm thinking about getting a Fender 100 Bassman and NEO cabs. Or maybe not.

 

[derekale]

After some years of absence the M6 is finally back and now is here with my old walkabout! XD

Link Removed

 

[TomStuart]

I have played an Ampeg SVT religiously for 10+ years and I traded my workhorse SVT and 412he for an M6 carbine Combo. I'm in love with it.

 

[TomStuart]

I recently picked up a m6carbine combo (pictured above) I have practiced with a band for a few weeks with no issue and then last night we played a show. Right away I was getting some heavy distortions that I haven't gotten before. I just plugged her up this morning and I can kind of eliminate most of the distortion with the EQ but it's still there. Any ideas on what I might be looking at?
Also, I'm looking at getting mesa's 1x15 powerhouse extension cab. Since I'm new to the Boogie, I'm wondering how these two would work together.

 

[TomStuart]

I added a 1x15 to my combo. Killer

 

[foderaman]

Anyone experience any issues with the DI on the M6/Fathom. I played a gig last weekend where I had some crazy line noise. Lifted the ground and still no go. The stage tech changed out the XLR cable... Still there.

I have had this problem with a Fathom I have and will no longer use the DI will use my Radial JDI instead.Called Mesa and they say they have never heard this problem but believe there are more people with this but not saying anything ?

 

[Chef]

I used the di on my fathom, m6 and m9 and never had this (or any) issue with any of their di's

 

[bobunit]

I have had this problem with a Fathom I have and will no longer use the DI will use my Radial JDI instead.Called Mesa and they say they have never heard this problem but believe there are more people with this but not saying anything ?

It's usually a 50/50 chance with it and I have no idea why. Now i just use the DI on my Darkglass B7K.

 

[foderaman]

The amp sounds great and has had the upgraded done too it a few years ago and have gad a problem like some I have heard with iverheating and kicking out, all fine with me except the di noise.

 

[DJJazzV]

M6 Carbine with a 2 ohm Bergantino stack:

 

[cellkirk74]

This might have been asked a few times before, but how do you get more control over the volume with your 6ers?

I have one for years and really like the sound, but it is always apain in the a** not to be too loud with it.

Is there some kind of working mod for this where you can actually use the volume pot more precisely?

Over at our german bass forum there are some guys using a short patch cable with resistors in it from send to return, but I was wondering if there was something else....

 

[tomydacat]

Oh my .. this M6 is a keeper wow what a great combo...

 

[Strung_Low]

So it's come to pass that 3 of the 6 tiny screws that hold the metal top cover to the chassis on my M6 no longer tighten all the way down. As a result, there is a crazy loud buzzing sound as they vibrate while i play. As a temporary fix i've been putting the end covers from the rack mount between the head and cab, but I'd like to fix the problem for real. Anyone else have this issue, or can suggest what to do? Just get new screws?

 

[Al Kraft]

I used the di on my fathom, m6 and m9 and never had this (or any) issue with any of their di's

+1, I've never had an issue with my M3, M6 or M9 DI or the DI on any Mesa amp.

 

[agedhorse]

So it's come to pass that 3 of the 6 tiny screws that hold the metal top cover to the chassis on my M6 no longer tighten all the way down. As a result, there is a crazy loud buzzing sound as they vibrate while i play. As a temporary fix i've been putting the end covers from the rack mount between the head and cab, but I'd like to fix the problem for real. Anyone else have this issue, or can suggest what to do? Just get new screws?

Sounds like you stripped the screw holes in the chassis. That's a tough fix if you don't have access to some specific tools (specifically an 82 degree countersink) and some 8-32x1/4" TRUNCATED flat-head phillips (self tapping) replacement screws. You will need to open the countersunk hole in the top a little bit to match the new screws. The stripped hole should be exactly the right diameter for the replacement screws to re-thread. Replace all of the cover screws this way.

As a general note, I have seen this problem in a lot of products (not just Mesa and Genz Benz), and it is caused by 2 things... the first is over-tightening. Snug is good, there is no need to tighten the snot out of these screws. The second cause is that the screw is not started in the existing threads correctly which causes the screws to recut the threads. After a few times, there's nothing left to recut. When installing any sheet metal or machine screw, turn the screw counter-clockwise until you feel it drop down into thread path and then tighten. Done properly, the threads will last well beyond the life of the product.

 

[Strung_Low]

Sounds like you stripped the screw holes in the chassis. That's a tough fix if you don't have access to some specific tools (specifically an 82 degree countersink) and some 8-32x1/4" TRUNCATED flat-head phillips (self tapping) replacement screws. You will need to open the countersunk hole in the top a little bit to match the new screws. The stripped hole should be exactly the right diameter for the replacement screws to re-thread. Replace all of the cover screws this way.

As a general note, I have seen this problem in a lot of products (not just Mesa and Genz Benz), and it is caused by 2 things... the first is over-tightening. Snug is good, there is no need to tighten the snot out of these screws. The second cause is that the screw is not started in the existing threads correctly which causes the screws to recut the threads. After a few times, there's nothing left to recut. When installing any sheet metal or machine screw, turn the screw counter-clockwise until you feel it drop down into thread path and then tighten. Done properly, the threads will last well beyond the life of the product.

Thank you agedhorse for your quick reply, and thank you kindly for sharing your time and expertise. What size head diameter to use for the countersink? I will look into doing this myself, but just in case, is there a shop in or near SF that you might recommend to do the job?

 

[agedhorse]

Thank you agedhorse for your quick reply, and thank you kindly for sharing your time and expertise. What size head diameter to use for the countersink? I will look into doing this myself, but just in case, is there a shop in or near SF that you might recommend to do the job?

You are close enough to Petaluma that the factory service guys should be able to help. Give customer service a call.

The head diameter can vary by vendor, but it's critical to get the truncated (under-cut) type screws. Otherwise the screw will bottom out in the hole without tightening the cover down.

Invalid Link Removed

If you look closely, the "H" dimension is thinner because the bottom by the screw thread is undercut. The screws in your amp are 6-32 undercut flat heads as well.

 

[Strung_Low]

You are close enough to Petaluma that the factory service guys should be able to help. Give customer service a call.

The head diameter can vary by vendor, but it's critical to get the truncated (under-cut) type screws. Otherwise the screw will bottom out in the hole without tightening the cover down.

Invalid Link Removed

If you look closely, the "H" dimension is thinner because the bottom by the screw thread is undercut. The screws in your amp are 6-32 undercut flat heads as well.

Ok perfect, I'll start w a call to cs and go from there. I love a trip to P town (great pool hall downtown. If not, I'll definitely get the screws you recommend. Again, thank you for the help, much appreciated. Happy New Year!