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When/Why did Mesa stop making Bass Combos?
- Thread starter Analogeezer
- Start date
That was my thoughts too, it does not make a lot of sense to take a 800 series product, put it in a Subway cabinet and make it into a combo. That's just almost replicating what is already available with separate components.
Right now it seems the cheapest you can get into a Mesa rig is about $1,300 (D800 and 112 Subway). A smaller, less powerful combo based amp but priced well below a kilobuck would make sense; IF they could meet that price point.
Analogeezer
I have already posted replicating the current line in a combo format would not make sense. Cheaper and less powerful is what I am talking about, IF they could make a lowish price point (as in under $1,000).
Analogeezer
I can convince agedhorse to push for this with one statement.
The odds of someone using a non-genuine neutrik with a mesa combo are far far lower.
(awaits new mesa combo)
The odds of someone using a non-genuine neutrik with a mesa combo are far far lower.
(awaits new mesa combo)
I wonder if Mesa / Gibson would ever take a chance of a US design and offshore build for a mid level combo?
The risk would be possible damage to the brand; upside would be the potential for a $800 / 500 watt combo amp that sounded really good.
I can hear the marketing and engineering departments fighting already!
The risk would be possible damage to the brand; upside would be the potential for a $800 / 500 watt combo amp that sounded really good.
I can hear the marketing and engineering departments fighting already!
One product they haven't offered (and AFAIK hasn't really ever been a part of M/B business model) is a sort of entry-level bass combo.
Maybe that teaser D-350 proto could find a niche atop a SW110 or SW208.
Maybe even something in a Subway Busker.... there is at minimum a thread every month or so about a product run on rechargeable battery power. E-bikes use lots of power, and their batteries have some current output.. If anyone can do it with a bit less weight and a bit more "loud" than PJB, I think it's the team Mesa is rocking right now.
Maybe that teaser D-350 proto could find a niche atop a SW110 or SW208.
Maybe even something in a Subway Busker.... there is at minimum a thread every month or so about a product run on rechargeable battery power. E-bikes use lots of power, and their batteries have some current output.. If anyone can do it with a bit less weight and a bit more "loud" than PJB, I think it's the team Mesa is rocking right now.
I had a M-Pulse 600 “Venture” combo at one point in my past. That thing was a beast - sonically and weight wise.
That would make sense as another offshore product but Epiphone has no brand attraction for amplifiers IMO. The Mesa badge would get all the press and it would never be released if it didn't sound awesome. Seems like Ampeg and GK found a recipe for great, small, and light. Wonder of there is enough market share for another manufacturer?
I think the Mesa bass offerings are complete as is, but if I was asked what would complement/expand their current line, I'd recommend a much smaller utility combo directed at recording and use as a small stage monitor.......110 cab and head (26 lbs or less) with much lower power (maybe 175 to the internal speaker and 350 with ext?) but with the full gamut of features (DI, phones out, aux in, loop, tube pre, HPF).........it wouldn't be cheap but it would be a truly different tool, even attractive to those (like me) who already own SW cabs and heads. They'd be competing in a new niche currently served by PJB, etc. I think there's more of a new market for them in the "uber portable multi-tool" space. The alternative is a severely dressed down combo (D250 on a 112) to lower the price of admission to Mesa bassdom. I see trying to turn the current array of SW cabs/ heads into a combo as a cluster cluck not worth the effort. Just my .02 ;-)
I know it’s completely unrealistic to expect them to be produced, but, I would love 2 x (Subway D800+ with vertical 15’s). They would probably tilt and roll easily and be easy to setup since they are combos. And 2 of them next to each other on a stage would be to die for.
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All Mesa, Bergantino Etc.; is do what Genzler does with BA-10 and MG-12T combo or Quilter stuff; main benefit keeps Head on Cabinet
In fact why doesn't Genzler have same setup with with 800 and all cab's they make; 'build your own combo'
Markbass has it where any of their Little Mark Heads will fit in Combo's Head slot BUT speaker enclosures are slightly different than their separate one's
In fact why doesn't Genzler have same setup with with 800 and all cab's they make; 'build your own combo'
Markbass has it where any of their Little Mark Heads will fit in Combo's Head slot BUT speaker enclosures are slightly different than their separate one's
I think with the new Gibson jefe with the Levi/M&M brand experience that we are most likely to see Mesa/Boogie continue to be the upscale brand that it has always held in the market. The idea of diluting the market position for risky, potential, short-term gain is much less likely given the current management.
Five years from now the manufacturing issues will most likely be resolved and the SW line will be well established and likely increasing market share by focusing on quality, well thought out products and continuing the tradition of exceptional customer service and warranty. Doing what is working and doing it well in meeting realistic demands will keep the operation nimble and cutting edge while expanding a boutique customer base.
Five years from now the manufacturing issues will most likely be resolved and the SW line will be well established and likely increasing market share by focusing on quality, well thought out products and continuing the tradition of exceptional customer service and warranty. Doing what is working and doing it well in meeting realistic demands will keep the operation nimble and cutting edge while expanding a boutique customer base.
I had a need for a small/light combo and ended up with a MarkBass 12" combo and I'm really happy with it. I would have gone for a Mesa alternative if it was available. I own the Mesa 2x10 and 1x15 cabs and a Genz Benz Class D head. I needed something very small/light that would fit on public transit. Instrument case + one hand for the amp. It's working out very well and the MarkBass really exceeded my expectations.
I would think that dropping your GBz into the front pocket of your Mono M80 gig bag for your Fender Mustang Bass and another Mesa SW112 in the other hand would have (a) met your needs for two (2) hand public transportation (b) expanded your Mesa/Boogie SW speaker cabinets from 1-210 & 1-115 for other modular configurations (c) saved you about +/- $200 assuming new purchases.
Seems like you may not have really thought that through.
I own an OG Subway Scout 12 and it's a beast to carry. Awkwardly off balance when carried by the handle.
I separated it ASAP. Still use the head part with a Subway 15 cab. That cab is super portable.
I separated it ASAP. Still use the head part with a Subway 15 cab. That cab is super portable.
I have both the Ampeg micro 210 mini rig and the Acoustic micro 210 mini rig, for times I don't need nor want to bring my Mesas out.
I would buy a Mesa 'micro' if they made such a thing...especially when Andy had already made that D350 Subway thing early on.
RE; mesa Scout.
Back in the day these were available, Mesa sold a telescopic luggage style dolly you can buy to roll your Scout in. It's also easy to make dollies to roll gear/cabinets in. I don't see any need to carry anything into venues.
Back in the day these were available, Mesa sold a telescopic luggage style dolly you can buy to roll your Scout in. It's also easy to make dollies to roll gear/cabinets in. I don't see any need to carry anything into venues.
Price and weight are two big reasons I don't see it happening now if they could do loud and light weight combos for $300-$800 then I'm sure they would sell like hotcakes . I don't know anyone willing to spend more then that range for a combo. I know for me personally if I'm spending that much I'd prefer going to a head and cab setup as it is generally a more modular and scalable solution. I do think making a universal clamp or locking mechanism that could work with many of these light weight amp heads and lock them in place would be cool that would kind of simulate the benefit of a combo
