• 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 M9 mega thread

Status
Not open for further replies.
#981
It seems every owner I know has had tech issues with their M9 or M6. The local guy I know here who suggested an M6 was admittedly having DI issues. I thought my luck couldn't be that bad. Got latest model updated M9 and after a few hours of use it developed a loud (talking voice loud) buzz that I described in more detail a few posts back (changing tubes made no difference). I'm able use it in live situations with background noise, like loud bars or clubs, but definitely not quieter jazz gigs.

I am sold by the tone of these, but definitely not the reliability. If Mesa can't fix this for me on the first attempt/shipment to service center I won't be using Mesa anymore. There's just way too much history of issues with this model. Reliability is key, IMO, for choosing the right gear for getting the job done right. I show up to a gig with failing equipment and that's a mark on me. Just can't happen. I need to be able trust my gear.
 
#982
I think it's a testament to how good these amps sound that the reliability issues have yet to develop into a pitch fork mob.

Everyone who's had problems gets frustrated, but ultimately when they work right they sound so good it's hard to stay mad.
:)
 
#983
Chef said:
Jim: am I paraphrasing you right:
"they applied new updates before testing the amp, so, maybe it didn't misbehave because they fixed it before they tested it."

that about right?
Click to expand...

That's how I read it. And boy.....if so, that's mighty unimpressive. Treatment before diagnosis is not the way to roll, especially if the goal is continuous improvement of the product. Mine has arrived at Mesa. I spoke to them yesterday and asked if the many Carbine troubles had a common thread, and stated up front that on TB, a disproportionate number of folks have had "issues". The tech became a bit defensive and said he'd be happy to discuss my unit after it was fixed, but "didn't want to feed the internet gossip mill". I can totally sympathize with him and immediately backed off, but when I speak to him next time, I'll simply remind him that it's the Mesa customers and faithful who are having issues, and that ignoring the internet altogether may not be the ideal strategy either:(......in 2011.
 
#985
Yessir; folks have had M6/9 issues, and I've been one of them.
Yes, there are vocal folks here who recount their problems.

I think that's a long way from saying "the majority of M/X users have had issues.''
 
#986
I don't recall reading any posts saying "majority" (maybe I missed that) ,but as Scott posted, it's plain as day that the number of issues seems far beyond what I'd call a "usual" failure rate for a quality head. Your repair experience alone, Chef, is pretty mind boggling IMHO. If I read right, you have owned 5 Carbines and 3 failed....is that right?
 
#987
OK, re-reading your post you say disproportionate, and not majority.

I still think us the few here at TB are a constitute a pretty small number of folks, compared to the thousands(?) of heads they've likely put out by now.

But yeah, enough that it sure doesn't look great, especially to anyone here who uses search much.
 
#988
Chef said:
OK, re-reading your post you say disproportionate, and not majority.

I still think us the few here at TB are a constitute a pretty small number of folks, compared to the thousands(?) of heads they've likely put out by now.

But yeah, enough that it sure doesn't look great, especially to anyone here who uses search much.
Click to expand...

We could poll it. You do tend to hear from folks having issues more than people who don't.
 
#989
You could, but to get real numbers "you'd need everyone here who has one to respond," which even yet isn't the same as "everyone who has one."

You'd be surprised how many members we have here who have been members for yyyyeeears, and have *zero* posts. Or, at least I'm surprised, when I find someone's profile that says "join date 2004, posts 0."
 
#990
Chef said:
OK, re-reading your post you say disproportionate, and not majority.

I still think us the few here at TB are a constitute a pretty small number of folks, compared to the thousands(?) of heads they've likely put out by now.

But yeah, enough that it sure doesn't look great, especially to anyone here who uses search much.
Click to expand...

IMHO the fact that they have already been through a couple or few mods related to cooling (rather than features or finish) is a sign that our sample on TB might actually be very representative of the overall picture. Again, I don't mean to be a drag and am certainly a Mesa fanboy, but on the other hand I refuse to play ostrich. Hope my dragon comes home soon, and glad I don't need it to make a living during the month or so it'll be away.
 
#992
Chef said:
You'd be surprised how many members we have here who have been members for yyyyeeears, and have *zero* posts. Or, at least I'm surprised, when I find someone's profile that says "join date 2004, posts 0."
Click to expand...

I do a bass specific board too, so no surprise for me there. I think a lot of people join boards because it pertains to their interests and they intend to participate but don't get to it. Or they just want to reserve their favorite handle for possible future use. :)
 
#993
Or, maybe they read alot. Do some research.
That's what I did at first.

Twain-ish:
"Better to keep you mouth shut and let folks wonder if you're a fool..."

I probably 'over-speak' now...
 
#994
Chef said:
Jim: am I paraphrasing you right:
"they applied new updates before testing the amp, so, maybe it didn't misbehave because they fixed it before they tested it."

that about right?
Click to expand...

Yep. I realize that seems like a mistake, but probably the tech took a look at the file, saw missing updates, and figured, heck, better do these and then test, rather than test, update, test—hence saving a step.

At least that was intimated by Mesa CS saying "our techs are proactive and a little more enthusiastic than you would expect." :eyebrow:
 
#995
well; maybe it's bee updated into fixed mode.
time will tell and all.

it's really a shame they didn't hook it up first. kinda breaks the diagnostic chain.
 
#996
I'll let everyone know once it is back.

I am hoping no more weird oscillations, but if it still does it, I will post a sound clip (and heck pics, too) and head over to Audio Electronics.

I must add that Rich Duvall at Mesa has been very helpful during what has no doubt been a frustrating case for him, and many others here on the TB M9 mega thread and via PM have offered advice, sympathy, and an open ear. Thanks.
 
#998
I've been watching these problem threads closely and just hope that mine does not ever fall into that pot. I certainly do sympathize but personally have very little patience for unreliable gear especially when it involves cross country shipping and a whole lotta money to do so. In my only small experience with CS there I was well cared for but got the distinct impression that they were a very busy (and potentially undermanned) shop. I was told that these things were being updated constantly so they are aware of their fickle nature and probably see far more back then they like. They told mine had been updated to at least the January 2011 level whatever that means by today's standards. Best of luck to you all and I hope I won't ever need them on a larger scale.
 
#999
lomo said:
Hope my dragon comes home soon, and glad I don't need it to make a living during the month or so it'll be away.
Click to expand...

This is one of the reasons I haven't contacted Mesa support yet, besides the fact that they can only be reached by phone during the same hours I work during the day... But that's a whole 'nother topic... I gig every weekend between now and the end of the year. I can't be without a head for more than a few weekdays at best.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back