Tell me about the Mesa Walkabout

[amper]

The only ongoing complaint about the Walkabout head was the power limitations .. 300 Watts sometimes just couldn’t keep up with high volume level situations.

I have never found a situation in which a 300 W amp was unable to keep up with a loud band. The problem is usually less the amp's output and more the ability of the cabs to use it.

The Walkabout Scout cab is not, in my opinion and experience, designed to be very loud. My original intent was actually to buy two of them, and use both for louder gigs, one for quieter gigs, but that never happened. One Scout 12 is just fine with half-decent PA support, anyway.

 

[amper]

It’s been rumoured that the amp tolerates a 2 ohm load and I wouldn’t doubt it.

Certain people at Mesa used to say the amp would handle 2 ohms just fine, but Mesa has backed away from that idea. I wouldn't chance it. 300 W into two 8 ohm cabs is usually more than enough, anyway.

 

[superheavyfunk]

Im not a Mesa fanboy (I’m a GK guy) but I’ve gotta say that the walkabout is probably my favourite amp I’ve played through. At my studio, we have one that is sent through a couple of eden cabs and I just can’t get enough of the sound. I’d never buy a cab/amp setup because I travel too much and play too many gigs to be carrying around such a rig but seriously, if you’re thinking about buying this amp, I heartily recommend it. Ive never used the WD series, so I can’t comment on that.

The walkabout though…. Really, it is a fantastic amplifier.

 

[agedhorse]

I’ve owned three of them. They can’t produce a bad sound. I currently use my head to drive an epifani ul310 and have driven SVT fridges with it. It’s been rumoured that the amp tolerates a 2 ohm load and I wouldn’t doubt it.

We do not recommend running the Walkabout at 2 ohms. Especially now that repair costs have skyrocketed.

 

[cms]

The Walkabout is a tube fed MOSFET driven monster that purrrs. I have the Scout combo and it slays. You must set the gain and EQ correctly or it will not sound right. Setting it correctly results in a great sound.

I hope this isn't a redundant question but what do you recommend for the gain and EQ settings?

 

[Timmah]

The Walkabout is a legend for a reason- it’s a very tube FEELING amp to play, which is rare for something in a compact 13-pound package. There’s a certain bounce and bloom to the notes that a lot of amps just don’t do. The low end is deep, the parametric EQ is super powerful, the build is quality is excellent… the list goes on. It isn’t a particularly scooped and sparkly like an SWR, or aggressive like an Ampeg, or fast like GK; it’s not transparent like a studio preamp but it really does allow your bass to sound like itself.

the Walkabout thing is hard to explain, but it is a good thing.

 

[mikeswals]

I've owned several Walkbout heads, they are great sounding amps. The best description is; they get a tube amp like grunt and growl to them when pushed. If you ease back its very round and bouncy.

I was one of those that initially complained about power, but I eventually learned you need at least two speakers and a 4ohm load to make that amp work with all 300w. I used mine on either a 4ohm 2x15 cab or two 210 cabs and it pumped with tons of volume!
my problems were all with trying to get 165w work at only 8ohm or single speaker.

 

[cms]

Thanks for the replies. I enjoy my WA 12’s but I’m thinking of something lighter “grab n go” for jazz lower volume stuff with a comparable tone. Any thoughts?

 

[Gnarledlowend]

Thanks for the replies. I enjoy my WA 12’s but I’m thinking of something lighter “grab n go” for jazz lower volume stuff with a comparable tone. Any thoughts?

If you decide to let go of the WA Scout extension cab, please let me know

 

[cms]

Unlikely, but will do

 

[jdwinva]

I hope this isn't a redundant question but what do you recommend for the gain and EQ settings?

I run the gain between 12:00 and1:00 to get that tube bounce and a tiny bit of harmonic content. The mid is usually at 9:00. The rest is generally flat. Little movements of the gain knob can make a big difference in your tone.

 

[cms]

I run the gain between 12:00 and1:00 to get that tube bounce and a tiny bit of harmonic content. The mid is usually at 9:00. The rest is generally flat. Little movements of the gain knob can make a big difference in your tone.

Thanks for the info!