The Big Walkabout Purge...

[Woodchuck]

Thanks , a new one at $1,200 is a little steep (but worth it Im sure) I'll be in the hunt for a used WA next month .

There's a used one @GC Raliegh for 599.99

 

[TMARK]

So far as i am aware, it's a 4 Ohm. But, while the Walkabout is technically not rated for 2 Ohms, Mesa admits it will run all day at 600 W into 2 Ohms.

This is true. I used to run an 4 Ohm 210 with my 4 Ohm Scout. I wouldn't say it was screaming loud, but covered most gigs that the 12" alone wasn't cutting it.

I sold mine and still regret it.

 

[JPMcGuire]

After trying lots of rigs including a blackface walkabout.

My rig that is like a "superwalkabout" is my jule Monique into a mark bass Big Bang. The combo is magic to me and has tons of adjustment to dial in tones. Check out the standards I'm comparing to in the pic too.

 

[pfschim]

So far as i am aware, it's a 4 Ohm. But, while the Walkabout is technically not rated for 2 Ohms, Mesa admits it will run all day at 600 W into 2 Ohms.

well, it's really closer to 500w @ 2 ohms, but the WA will run just fine this way. Tons of user reports about this in the big Walkabout Mega thread. I've used mine this way many times in the past with no real functional issues at all.

I would say though, that while it works, I don't do it any more. I started to feel like the WA was getting kind of too squishy when pushed hard at 2ohms. For example, running the gain over 11 o'clock and pushing the master past noon into a 2ohm load. This is just IMO/IME and of course, YMMV

Of course most folks doing this are trying to get the absolute maximum out of the mighty tone box that is the WA. Ultimately I decided more drivers is the better option (for me anyway), rather than pushing the amp to extremes. I think you have to consider what you are really trying to accomplish.

 

[RickenBoogie]

Same here, used to run my WA into a 2.6 ohm load, (4 ohm 212/8 ohm 112). And while I *might* do that again, for the most part I stick with a single 4 ohm cab.

 

[amper]

My original plan was not to use an extension cab, but to use a second Scout combo, and leave the second head installed as a backup. That would have also given me the option of simply running both heads, if I found the single head at 2 Ohms unable to satisfy.

 

[wateroftyne]

The Subway doesn't interest me. No class-D does at the moment, and probably won't until there's a consumer-level power module out there that can compare to a lump of iron. My WA is going nowhere (unless I switch to an Aggie AG500 for a change).

 

[gillento]

The Subway might change your mind on class D. It reminds me a lot of my original Ashdown ABM-500.

Could you elaborate on this as I am a big fan of both the ABM and the WA.

 

[Type-55]

I had one of the first AMB 400's in the country. Sounded great with a variety of cabs.
I loved the tone but not the weight. I would love to hear how close, similarities and or differences, the Mesa Subway sounds.

 

[Chef]

there are at least two huuuuuge threads on the D800.
It's not terribly Walkabout.
It's closer to a Carbine, with more harmonic content and a little less treble extension. IMO
Very nice amp, I have one now and am messing around with it.

 

[nostatic]

Could you elaborate on this as I am a big fan of both the ABM and the WA.

I think the ABM isn't as "chewy" as the WA but depends on how you run it. What I liked about the ABM was a bit of warmth and it hit hard without complaining. The D800 has just a hint of warmth, but relative to the GK amps, I think it is quite "warm" (not nearly as much treble cut). You can drive the D800 into light breakup and it sounds to my ear close to the ABM when you push it. The D800 also doesn't seem to run out of gas when you crank it up.

Always best to try it yourself as everyone has different technique, gigs, ears, etc, but it is a really good amp. I run it pretty much flat with the Smiths and it has been killing on jazz and rock gigs.

 

[chris lykins]

Have to agree with the above regarding the ABM and walkabout. The Ashdown is not as warm in the mids but sounds great through my Berg AE212. I have lots of amps but for my rockabilly gig, nothing beats the WA. And I never have to turn above 10 oclock with the gain set at noon so plenty of volume!

 

[BbbyBld]

No class-D does at the moment, and probably won't until there's a consumer-level power module out there that can compare to a lump of iron.

Keep looking, because I think you may find that this exists already.

 

[floydman]

If I can find some small 4 ohm cabs I would love to pick up another walkabout. That tone!!
It just ran out of steam pushing my larger 8 ohm cab fearful 15/6.
What brands are offering a 4 ohm 1x12 or 1x15?

 

[Chef]

What you really want, to Maximise Walkabout is:
Three highly efficient 8 ohm cabs of your choice.

The Walkabout with a fF 15/6 would be a complete fail. The 3015LF wants a whole tonne of power behind it to work well.

 

[floydman]

Fail it did

 

[agedhorse]

Keep looking, because I think you may find that this exists already.

Indeed, I can think of several examples of such products

 

[emblymouse]

What you really want, to Maximise Walkabout is:
Three highly efficient 8 ohm cabs of your choice.

To this I will say Bag End Bag End Bag End S15's

 

[svtb15]

I always loved Bag End. I had 215 DEEP type cab custom made for me by them in'83 or so... The DEEP 115 is one of the best 115 cabs that i ever owned..
Then had some early 118x112, 212s, 112s, 115s, AF1,,, I just love their stuff. Its tight and full..

To this I will say Bag End Bag End Bag End S15'sView attachment 769904 View attachment 769904

 

[wimpy]

I just put D-800 to my WA 112 +112 ext. rig I was useing for years. Well combo is lighter a little bit but I feel i realy like the tone of D-800 little better in some ways than WA. It's more tight, low B works better and overal sound is more fat...anyway I don't want to sale my Walkabout head in near future. I'm useing D-800 just for short time so will see after couple different gigs at different places.