When/Why did Mesa stop making Bass Combos?

[Analogeezer]

So I was aware they no longer made them, I did a search and turned up a lot of positive comments about their bass combo amps but they were all from 10+ years ago.

Now someone might say these days why bother, what with 8 pound or less Class D heads and lightweight cabs, if you are such a dingus you cannot figure out how to hook up a speaker cable to an amp, well maybe consider another avocation LOL

BUT putting that notion aside, it seems lots of other companies, many smaller I would think than Mesa still make combo versions of their products.

In terms of a similar market position and size and history, G-K comes to mind, they offer a lot of combo amps, some fairly pricey.

I don't think Aguilar or Bergantino offer them (did they ever?) but those are relatively small competitors to Mesa.

I realize the combo market is rather competitive and there is a ton of product out there but it's curious to me as to why Mesa doesn't stick their head(s) into a combo setup.

I suppose their chunky form factor is part of the reason, they might have to re-engineer the chassis to get a wider yet narrower profile or just make a deep combo, I dunno.

800 watts might be a tad too much for a combo enclosure with a single 12" or two 10" speakers but they could always put a smaller, 400 watt power module in the case I would think.

It just seems other than a handful of smaller players, everybody else does make combos.

Let's put aside the current situation with getting parts and components (hell Mesa cannot meet demand for their existing line); it seems they just stopped offering combos like 10 - 15 years ago.

Hell if anything combo amps are more popular than they ever were, especially now there are some loud and light ones that will work in a full band format.

Analogeezer

 

[agedhorse]

The last combo, the Walkabout version was phased out around the time the Subway line was introduced, even though the walkabout continued on for a couple more years. The player interest in $2k, 70 lb combos had lost its luster and the Subway amps/cabinets quickly filled that niche.

There was also the Carbine combos, also expensive and even heavier (I recall one model was close to 100 lbs). Those too quickly fell out of favor, just too heavy and large to be practical.

This doesn't mean that we are excluding the possibility of revisiting the combo concept though.

 

[rodl2005]

A 1x15 lightweight combo with abilify to add another (Subway) 115 would be hard to resist

 

[SJan3]

The last combo, the Walkabout version was phased out around the time the Subway line was introduced, even though the walkabout continued on for a couple more years. The player interest in $2k, 70 lb combos had lost its luster and the Subway amps/cabinets quickly filled that niche.

There was also the Carbine combos, also expensive and even heavier (I recall one model was close to 100 lbs). Those too quickly fell out of favor, just too heavy and large to be practical.

This doesn't mean that we are excluding the possibility of revisiting the combo concept though.

It would be very nice to see a Subway combo. I'd certainly entertain a D-800/1x12 or 2x10"combo. Should be very light weight and convenient.

 

[joelns]

It would be very nice to see a Subway combo. I'd certainly entertain a D-800/1x12 or 2x10"combo. Should be very light weight and convenient.

That with a 1x12 and the D-800+, with a jack for another 8ohm cab, DI out, etc. and I'd happily unload all of my other combos.

 

[JW56789]

I've always dreamed my favorite bass amp / cabinet designer would revisit a 'Twin Reverb' for bass (a latter day Super Redhead, if you will), and a single 12 /12 extension stack that would be a doppelanger to a Mark Boogie Single 12 / 12 extension for bass (could I get it in wood and wicker ?).

But, it's real easy for me to daydream as I don't have to design it, prototype it, cost it out, and see if it would make a dime profit, and cover warranty claims and answer dumb questions about it on TalkBass. Reality always messes things up . . .

But, I still keep thinking about it . . . . . in a world of IEM's, itty-bitty bass heads, recording interfaces, and on and on and on. Oh well.

 

[dannylectro]

@agedhorse - if Mesa did a 800 series amp into a 112 combo (400ish watts at 8 ohm) with the ability to add a cab to get 800 watts at 4 ohms, in a compact (think GK MB150S) package, I would be first in line.

 

[daveobieone]

I've always dreamed my favorite bass amp / cabinet designer would revisit a 'Twin Reverb' for bass

I really LOVE this idea! The "Twin-Bassman". As light as 12 inch drivers can be these days, and as good as Mesa is at building lightweight but solid cabs, should be do-able. It would also be different from other combo offerings out there (I think).

I've always loved 12's for bass. Presently, I run a Subway 112 and Subway 115. With a D800, that's my primary gig rig, and has been for a couple of years. The 112 is so good, I could have probably gone with two of them. The 115 just adds a bit more fundamental punch below A1.

Seems like a single "212 Subway" could be lighter than 2 of the 112 Subways...which are pretty light already. Of course, the D800 weighs very little, and delivers massive punch. It could probably be setup such that it could be used either horizontal or vertical (if floor space is limited). Sockets for casters would be nice on the bottom and one side. Yep...I'd love to see this!

Since the D800 can drive 2 ohms at full power, a Subway 212, 4 ohm extension cab could be used with it!

Now that we've done all the hard work for them (ya, right), they just need to build it. There it is...the new Mesa Subway 212-800 combo. We'll just "wish it into existence". No problem. (I can dream though)

Dave O.

 

[gln1955]

I've been using a Genz Benz Contour for many years now. 1 x 15 500 watt combo (also came in a 2x10 version) along with a matching extension cab. Not a real heavyweight, but with current Mesa tech it could be a sweet convenient D-800/1x12.

 

[two fingers]

Too many variables. Mesa is offering soany heads these days. Which one would go into the combo? And no matter which one they picked, there would he a crap storm.

"Why the D800???? Why not the TT???"

Now, that said, if they used the model of the Walkabout Scout, and made a 115 cab that would house any of their heads, I would he fully onboard. (Yes, I realize they are different sizes so that would necessitate adapters.) I already have a TT and a Subway 115. If they came out with a 115 that would house the TT as a combo I would throw cash at it.

I own a 15" Walkabout Scout combo and matching cab. It's a formidable stack. A Subway version would be .

That said, I am not the universe. I am but one, very satisfied, customer. And I love what I already have.

 

[Analogeezer]

Too many variables. Mesa is offering soany heads these days. Which one would go into the combo? And no matter which one they picked, there would he a crap storm.

"Why the D800???? Why not the TT???"

Now, that said, if they used the model of the Walkabout Scout, and made a 115 cab that would house any of their heads, I would he fully onboard. (Yes, I realize they are different sizes so that would necessitate adapters.) I already have a TT and a Subway 115. If they came out with a 115 that would house the TT as a combo I would throw cash at it.

I own a 15" Walkabout Scout combo and matching cab. It's a formidable stack. A Subway version would be .

That said, I am not the universe. I am but one, very satisfied, customer. And I love what I already have.

I think their best bet would be do have a separate amp that shared some of the features of the other heads but as you mention if they went with one head then some people would want the other one.

The tall form factor of the current line would not translate as well into a combo, kinda thick if you put it vertically on the back and lots of dead space if you made it front panel mounted.

Offering a combo with four different choices in power to compete against the head and cabinet versions would not be very advisable. As it is the heads and cabinets are fairly light so the "advantage" of a combo version would be no need to carry two small pieces and hook up a speaker cable.

I'm no marketing expert (but I did watch the entire "Mad Men" series LOL) but it seems to me for Mesa to make a combo, a slightly less powerful, and cheaper than an existing head and cabinet would be a good idea. Ability to add an extension speaker of course.

I mean if it's an 800 watts combo with a 12" and and you buy a 12" extension cab, well it's not all that different or cheaper than just buying a head and two cabinets, right?

You want a product that is complimentary to the rest of your line, not competition for it.

At this point they can't even meet demand (through no fault of their own) for their existing cabinets so offering a combo is well down the road, if at all.

Although they have offered combo amps in the past, it never seemed to be a big focus of the company in terms of their bass amp offerings.

Analogeezer

 

[msb]

I had a Walkabout for a while , it was a great amp , but was simply not portable enough . Heavy , and awkward to carry .

 

[two fingers]

I think their best bet would be do have a separate amp that shared some of the features of the other heads but as you mention if they went with one head then some people would want the other one.

The tall form factor of the current line would not translate as well into a combo, kinda thick if you put it vertically on the back and lots of dead space if you made it front panel mounted.

Offering a combo with four different choices in power to compete against the head and cabinet versions would not be very advisable. As it is the heads and cabinets are fairly light so the "advantage" of a combo version would be no need to carry two small pieces and hook up a speaker cable.

I'm no marketing expert (but I did watch the entire "Mad Men" series LOL) but it seems to me for Mesa to make a combo, a slightly less powerful, and cheaper than an existing head and cabinet would be a good idea. Ability to add an extension speaker of course.

I mean if it's an 800 watts combo with a 12" and and you buy a 12" extension cab, well it's not all that different or cheaper than just buying a head and two cabinets, right?

You want a product that is complimentary to the rest of your line, not competition for it.

At this point they can't even meet demand (through no fault of their own) for their existing cabinets so offering a combo is well down the road, if at all.

Although they have offered combo amps in the past, it never seemed to be a big focus of the company in terms of their bass amp offerings.

Analogeezer

1) Honestly, every major manufacturer is having a hard time meeting demand.

2) The question then becomes What IS the "damand" for a Mesa combo? I would venture a guess that the Subway line is one if the top 5 selling bass amp lines on the market. If that's the case, how much potential business are they "missing out" on? How many bass players "insist" on a combo? Of those, how many are itching to pull the trigger on Mesa product? It's a roll of the dice at best.

 

[Analogeezer]

1) Honestly, every major manufacturer is having a hard time meeting demand.

2) The question then becomes What IS the "damand" for a Mesa combo? I would venture a guess that the Subway line is one if the top 5 selling bass amp lines on the market. If that's the case, how much potential business are they "missing out" on? How many bass players "insist" on a combo? Of those, how many are itching to pull the trigger on Mesa product? It's a roll of the dice at best.

As far as point #1, I was not singling Mesa out, just pointing out (in my initial post) it would not be an opportune time for Mesa to introduce a new product. If you can't meet existing demand, creating a new product is kinda insane.

As far as point #2, when you say top 5 selling lines, I would imagine Ampeg, Fender, and G-K all outsell Mesa by a wide margin. Now they are also set up in a higher market space than Ampeg and Fender for sure. But these other companies all make combos, some of them rather successful.

I'm not suggesting Mesa come out with 50 watt combos with 10" speakers, a lot of competition in that arena and they are not in the beginner amp market, never have been.

Mesa used to make combos, now they don't. I was asking when they stopped, and if they might make them in the future.

I am not suggesting they are "missing out" on an opportunity, that's their call.

The Aged One has already said they would consider doing combos in the future. But if they don't it's not the end of the world.

Analogeezer

 

[CTW68]

There was also the Carbine combos, also expensive and even heavier (I recall one model was close to 100 lbs). Those too quickly fell out of favor, just too heavy and large to be practical.

Yes, my M3 1x12 is an utter beast to move. I got it fairly cheap because of this, and it does sound quite good. Y'all will end up selling me a D800 and a 1x15 at some point, though.

 

[Analogeezer]

I had a Walkabout for a while , it was a great amp , but was simply not portable enough . Heavy , and awkward to carry .

So you are saying they lied when they named the amp?

Some how "Dragabout" or "Carryitonadollyabout" just don't have the same ring

Analogeezer

p.s. Of course back then all combos of any capability were heavy. I remember looking at the Ampeg B-328, which was a 150 watt combo with two 8" drivers and a horn. Tiltback style cabinet; neat amp, very small.

FIFTY-EIGHT POUNDS of road hugging weight LOL

 

[Analogeezer]

Yes, my M3 1x12 is an utter beast to move. I got it fairly cheap because of this, and it does sound quite good. Y'all will end up selling me a D800 and a 1x15 at some point, though.

Yeah all the gig capable combos of that era were rather heavy. I think the point was to take up less room on stage and scare the club owners less than rolling in with a SVT or a 4 x 10" rig LOL

Analogeezer

 

[2milehighspike]

1) Honestly, every major manufacturer is having a hard time meeting demand.

2) The question then becomes What IS the "damand" for a Mesa combo? I would venture a guess that the Subway line is one if the top 5 selling bass amp lines on the market. If that's the case, how much potential business are they "missing out" on? How many bass players "insist" on a combo? Of those, how many are itching to pull the trigger on Mesa product? It's a roll of the dice at best.

Demand plus supply chain shortage makes developing a new product at this time unrealistic IMO,but Andy may address that better than I. However a combo of some type would bring in a buyer that is new to the Mesa brand in the form of a lower wattage, small gig/practice amp in the 112 platform. The whole idea of the Subway line is light weight. Adding an amp to an existing cabinet other than the 112 may defeat that objective.

 

[two fingers]

As far as point #1, I was not singling Mesa out, just pointing out (in my initial post) it would not be an opportune time for Mesa to introduce a new product. If you can't meet existing demand, creating a new product is kinda insane.

As far as point #2, when you say top 5 selling lines, I would imagine Ampeg, Fender, and G-K all outsell Mesa by a wide margin. Now they are also set up in a higher market space than Ampeg and Fender for sure. But these other companies all make combos, some of them rather successful.

I'm not suggesting Mesa come out with 50 watt combos with 10" speakers, a lot of competition in that arena and they are not in the beginner amp market, never have been.

Mesa used to make combos, now they don't. I was asking when they stopped, and if they might make them in the future.

I am not suggesting they are "missing out" on an opportunity, that's their call.

The Aged One has already said they would consider doing combos in the future. But if they don't it's not the end of the world.

Analogeezer

As far as I can remember, Mesa has always made products for the stage, moreso than "practice amps". This goes for their guitar amps as well.

I honestly can't remember a single product they have ever made that I would consider a "practice amp".

So it may be a heritage thing. Heritage seems to be an integral part of the Mesa culture.

 

[S-Bigbottom]

Just get a Subway head and cab of your choice, put a ratchet strap around them two and...Combo.