My Mesa Boogie Walkabout Scout 12" has been randomly and erratically turning on and off. I've taken it to factory for repair twice now and it's still acting up. Im so bummed. Would you reach out to Boogie for the 3rd time for repair? It seems like they can't figure it out. it's been getting kinda expensive wasting money on unsuccessful repairs. Ive already put about $350 into it. shopping for alternative amp rigs has been stressful so id rather just have my boogie but if its not going to make bass sounds on the gig then i guess its just an expensive paperweight.
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Mesa Walkabout - 3rd repair or throw in the towel?
- Thread starter JohnPaul
- Start date
FYI, The Mesa Subway WD800 was modeled on the Walkabout. Design intent was to capture the Walkabouts unique tone and feel, while delivering more useable headroom. I believe new Mesa amps still come with a 5-year warrant, but they are no longer transferrable.
IMHO, consider donating the Walkabout to someone with a technical background.
I'm aware. ive also read about subway heads randomly turning off too which makes me extremely hesitant to drop $2k on a mesa rig thats going to fail at somepoint down the road.
I can empathize and my impression is previous generation Mesa bass amps had more than their fair share of problems. I believe this is one of the reasons @agedhorse was brought in to design the Subway line. My impression is Subways are significantly more reliable than previous generation Mesa bass amps. However, any product can fail randomly at any time, so it's nice to have a warranty.
thanks for the input. this issue has been so random and inconsistent its been heck trying to diagnose. ive been daydreaming of the WD800...
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,061
- 5
- 221,094
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
Where did you hear this? It's not true which is why I am asking. The failure rate on the WD's and all of the Subway line is extremely low, and it comes with a 5 year warranty to back this up.
My apologies, im sure youre correct. if i can find the post again ill link. it was probably a different issue or im just remembering incorrectly.
I just wish my amp would work
Trouble with Mesa Boogie subway D800 | TalkBass.comMy apologies, im sure youre correct. if i can find the post again ill link. it was probably a different issue or im just remembering incorrectly.
I just wish my amp would work
i think this is the post. which does seem to be a different issue since mine turns off and on randomly and the post describes it just staying off. my apologies for being misleading. Im just having such a hard time figuring out what to do. I guess ill be using the old peavey this weekend :/
- Dec 21, 2007
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- Lark in the Morning Instructional Videos; Audix Microphones
Mine either. Daily use and lots of gigs.
If you like the Walkabout and want more reliable with as close as possible to the same sound/controls, the WD-800 is your huckleberry.
You've got it easy: If I get the WD800, I will also need to get the TT800 and D800+ 
.
I have a WD800, but if I ever get a couple of quarters to rub together, I’d love to get them TT800 as well.
My D800+ has been flawless. Many times on for many hours without any temp or performance issues. Heard a comment about the fan being too loud. Absolutely not true, very quiet.
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,061
- 5
- 221,094
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
In the case of the D-800 case, it's about 99% certain that the input gain pot was broken from a fall. It happens sometimes, and is unrelated to the amp itself.
The Walkabout is a little trickier to resolve intermittent problems on, but if you tell Rich that the relay is clicking on and off, this is a clue that narrows it down to 4 or 5 possible causes. There may have been more than one problem with your amp as well. Your other option is that you can always sell it and move on.
Its wonderful to have feedback from you! I reached out to Rich again and mentioned the relay click again. Thanks for the help, this has been a stressful experience. 3rd times the charm I hope!
Remember those are pretty small, make sure they don't get lost amongst the many dozens of monster amps you've got.
My Subway has been a rock. And I’m “that guy”, I’m the serial abuser who’s always got a drink on top and really doesn’t spend a lot of time cleaning or maintaining amps.
Never had a problem of any kind. Nothing lasts forever. How old is yours?
Never had a problem of any kind. Nothing lasts forever. How old is yours?
I hope the OP gets his Walkabout issues fixed. I hate when things like that can't/don't get resolved.
Having said that, I never had one problem with my very well used (and well loved) gen2 Walkabout (it's at least 15 years old). I also have never had any issue with my well used (and well loved) WD800. Both are great amps.
Again, I hope the OP gets his Walkabout issues resolved.
Having said that, I never had one problem with my very well used (and well loved) gen2 Walkabout (it's at least 15 years old). I also have never had any issue with my well used (and well loved) WD800. Both are great amps.
Again, I hope the OP gets his Walkabout issues resolved.
I bought mine, brand new, in 2014. says it was made in 2012. so its had about 10 solid years of use. yeah, i guess you're right, nothing lasts forever, 10 years was a good run.
