Alembic Guitars Club

Alembic products => Alembic Basses & Guitars => Topic started by: danny_bryant on March 12, 2008, 06:34:44 PM

Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: danny_bryant on March 12, 2008, 06:34:44 PM: Well, I have officially given up my search for tone. This Fathom 600 head reminds me of some of the older Ampeg stuff but with more balls. I suggest that if anyone is in need of a new head, give this a try. The head room is just astonishing and will fill the stage all night long.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: alembic_doctor on March 12, 2008, 06:49:54 PM: After much poking and prodding from Rich at Mesa, I finally plugged my Series II into that amp last night. We just got in all the new bass amps from Mesa-Boogie. (SCB-S2 has not been played through a bass amp in years) I like the PA.

Anyway, HOLY S**T. That thing is freaking loud. Didn't sound bad either (for a bass amp)
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: danny_bryant on March 12, 2008, 07:22:57 PM: Tone for days and loud as all get out. I have serial # 30 and I am quite proud of that small feat. In some ways you can call me a guinea pig. My wife sat across from me about 10 ft away and looked at me as if I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. In her words, WOWWWWWW!!
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: alembic_doctor on March 12, 2008, 08:10:26 PM: I guess WOWWWWWW!! is much better than You think you're play that damn thing in the house?!?!?
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: FC Bass on March 13, 2008, 09:43:37 AM: Alembic and Mesa = ultimate tone (IMHO)
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: danny_bryant on March 13, 2008, 09:53:51 AM: You got it brother. I was a Euphonic guy for a while but I noticed the louder it got the less I could hear myself. Kind of weird but its the truth. So I did the logical thing and went back to using Mesa
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: eldiablo on March 13, 2008, 08:10:41 PM: Gotta agree with the Mesa/Alembic combo.
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/49488.jpg)
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: foth on March 14, 2008, 03:44:59 AM: Me too.... hundreds of gigs with my Rogue 5 and Mesa amp with no problems....

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/49503.jpg)
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: 5stringho on March 14, 2008, 05:44:51 AM: Hey, Danny:
Wanna sell your iAmp , Cheap? =] You KNOW I don't have much money right now!

Mike. tho
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: danny_bryant on March 14, 2008, 07:38:16 AM: Mike, I traded it for the Fathom with cash to boot.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: FC Bass on March 14, 2008, 10:35:25 AM: More Alembic/Mesa:
(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/49520.jpg)
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: foth on March 14, 2008, 01:25:42 PM: I wish Mesa would have included the compressor from the M-Pulse 600 on their Titan 1200, Big block 750, and Fathom models.
Flip, that must be fun to feel the tube thump from your rig!
Paul
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: jazzyvee on March 14, 2008, 01:39:35 PM: Do you take that whole rig on your gigs fc_spoiler?

Jazzyvee
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: briant on March 14, 2008, 01:57:56 PM: I'm another Alembic + Mesa Boogie user. I bought a Venture 600 combo amp last fall and it absolutely destroys. Loud as all hell and tone for days and days. In December I played a gig infront of ~2000 people in a gigantic room. That combo amp destroyed worlds and it still had plenty of headroom.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: eldiablo on March 14, 2008, 06:32:23 PM: Totally agree with you on the compressor. Flip I think that's a set up Cliff would be happy with!
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: rockbassist on March 14, 2008, 08:23:22 PM: I hate to sound like the oddball here but I have never found a Mesa rig that I like. Some people swear by them, but I have never been able to get the tone that I want. The bottom line is to play whatever you like no matter what anyone else says. I currently play through GK which I love but every time I hear a bass player that has That Sound he is playing through Eden or EBS.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: jazzyvee on March 15, 2008, 01:25:40 AM: I'm a Mesa boogie alembician too, although I don't have the big meaty amps. I use a Walkabout 300w head and have 3 of the newer style powerhouse cabs. 2x10, 1x15 and 4x10.
Those cabs give me a great sound whether with my mesa head or my F-1x, SF-2 ,qsc component system.

I've read in the past people mention that mesa boogie cabs don't throw their sound weight very far from the front of the cab very well. I have not experienced that as I've not done loads of gigs with my setup and usually i'm close to the rig. Any view ?

I can't imagine FC_spoiler having that problem

Jazyvee
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: danny_bryant on March 15, 2008, 06:13:17 AM: I played last night in front of 200+ people and it had no problem throwing my sound. The gain was at 12 oclock and the master was at 3 oclock. The sound guy would not let me go any louder.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: bsee on March 15, 2008, 08:47:10 AM: The most buttery smooth tone can be had from a 400+ through a 2x15 cab. Too much for me to carry around, but a really sweet setup.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: lbpesq on March 15, 2008, 09:22:24 AM: I've been playing through a Boogie Mark III since 1986 (it was my present to myself upon graduation from law school). I recently added a Mark IIC+ and am in the process of putting together a rack system with an F2-B and a Mesa 50/50 power amp. I also use an old blackface Fender Pro-Reverb I've had forever.

Bill, tgo
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: eldiablo on March 15, 2008, 11:49:08 AM: That's the beauty of music, it's all personal, and one guys rig isn't any better than the others because we all have different tastes. Although we can all agree Alembics are numero uno!
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: hb3 on March 15, 2008, 02:11:53 PM: What's the price?
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: danny_bryant on March 16, 2008, 07:35:30 PM: Price is 1100 and really its a steal. Most of the more recent Boogie stuff has been in the 1400-1800 range. Check it out and see what you think.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: hb3 on March 16, 2008, 08:38:06 PM: I just might do that.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: briant on March 17, 2008, 10:33:19 AM: $1100 is a steal for that head! I was fully expecting $1500+.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: juggernaught on March 17, 2008, 04:55:51 PM: Got myself an Alembic + Mesa + Bag End combination and I must say I'm quite happy with the sound. I picked up the M-pulse 600 for $1100 used from bassnorthwest. Clean, very present, and loud. I can't really imagine myself moving away from that combination, apart from maybe getting lighter cabs; those bag ends are freaking heavy!
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: hb3 on March 17, 2008, 05:24:54 PM: Yes, I've got two Bag End 4X10s, and Aguilar separates....the tone is incredible, but so is the weight. I always toy w/ getting something lighter/smaller....
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: briant on March 17, 2008, 05:40:17 PM: This thread has me looking at the Mesa Boogie website again just because. If I ever can convince myself that I need to haul around a bigger rig again for some silly reason I am going to have to get one of these:

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Amps/titan/titan.html (http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Amps/titan/titan.html)

And drive one of these with it:

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Cabs/RoadReadyCABS/RRbass8x10-LG.htm (http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Cabs/RoadReadyCABS/RRbass8x10-LG.htm)

I figure if I'm going to haul around something big and heavy again I may as well go all out. That setup could destroy worlds.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: hb3 on March 18, 2008, 12:33:14 AM: Scary.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: Bradley Young on March 18, 2008, 01:04:30 PM: I want some of these (http://www.higherfi.com/spkrlist/Platinum_Audio_Air_Pulse_3_.jpg).
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: elwoodblue on March 18, 2008, 01:16:00 PM: uh huh...yeah...I agree...those make me smile
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: dadabass2001 on March 18, 2008, 04:28:37 PM: Well yes but what kind of hand cart would Georgie (or me) use to get into that step -up bar?

Mike
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: eldiablo on March 19, 2008, 10:45:21 PM: You can't go wrong with the Titan V-12. It's extremely flexible. Two channels, OD for each channel, a solo boost and 1200 BIG ONES!!!!!
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: bassclef29 on March 25, 2008, 06:03:14 PM: Brothers and Sisters in Alembic, this Fathom head sounds like a dream...

I already have a Mesa Buster head. It weighs close to 50 pounds. I find I play out most often with my rack head (Alembic F1-X and Walter Woods) -- the whole thing tips the scales at less than 20 pounds.

I'm interested in the Fathom. Can one of you Fathom owners or wannabe owners provide its dimensions and weight? They're not on the website.

I'd be interested in finding out both the rackmount (naked) weight and the with optional head cabinet weight.

Thanks!
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: danny_bryant on March 26, 2008, 10:58:24 AM: The Fathom weighs abouy 35 pounds and is 22 in. w, 18 in. L, and is about 6 inches high. It is a dream to use and the presets are pretty cool. I usually set my gain at 12 pm and the master at 8 or 9 and its all the band can handle. Very warm tube sound. I paired it with the Mesa 6 10 cab. Best amp I have ever owned, period.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: bassclef29 on March 26, 2008, 02:08:10 PM: Danny, thanks for responding with the dimensions. I appreciate it.

Is 35 pounds the weight of the Fathom as a bare rack unit? Or, does the 35 pounds you mention include the optional head cabinet?

For instance, the bare rack unit might tip the scales at 27 pounds, but with the cabinet the (combined) weight of the head is 35 pounds.

Thanks if you can answer this.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: danny_bryant on March 26, 2008, 03:25:00 PM: I think the bear head would be in the 27 to 30 pound range give or take.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: bassclef29 on March 26, 2008, 04:02:25 PM: Danny, thanks for following up with the weight of the Fathom.

A light bag or rack would bring it up to the low 30s, which is still at least 15 pounds less than my Mesa Buster head.

I can't afford to buy a new head unless I sell the Buster, and I'd feel conflicted about that. Time will tell.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: FC Bass on May 05, 2008, 07:45:55 AM: Extra reason to be happy with your Fathom: If I'm not mistaken, the amp is discontinued already...
I believe there is a legal issue with the name Fathom and the amp will return with another name.

(Message edited by FC_Spoiler on May 05, 2008)
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: rockbassist on May 17, 2008, 05:39:55 PM: I guess I am in the minority here as I have never been a fan of Mesa. I like the older Edens or EBS heads and cabs. I have also had great luck with Gallien Krueger which is whay I am currently using. I can dial in any tone, they have plenty of power and the service is exceptional.
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: FC Bass on May 25, 2008, 01:32:51 AM: Here's the new version: M6 Carbine, click here (http://mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Bass_Amps/carbine/index.html target=_blank)
For guitar players: The Mark IV has been taken out of production (!)
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: eligilam on May 25, 2008, 11:13:37 AM: Hey Flip, on post 690, what kind of bass is Cliff playing on that poster in the background? Almost looks like a single-pickup Rickenbacker, which I've never seen him with before...

Cheers!
Will
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: FC Bass on May 25, 2008, 01:20:07 PM: That's his one and only Burgundy Rick, with Gibson Humbucker in the nek position and Dimarzio Jazz Bass pick up in the bridge position ;-)

(http://club.alembic.com/Images/393/52168.jpg)
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: DaveD on June 04, 2008, 09:17:06 PM: I'm a die-hard fan of Mesa heads. I love my M2000 and Walkabout! But I've had less than stellar results with their combos. First, I bought a Buster 2x10 combo. Great tone at low volume but it just could not keep up when playing with my funk band. It's just not loud enough. Tried every EQ setting imaginable as well as a variety of Alembic and other basses. It now sits in my music room where I use it for lessons. I should have known though - 200 watts for bass ain't nothing.

Then came the Scout combo. I loved my Walkabout so much that a combo amp tailor made for it sounded ideal. I custom ordered one w/o hearing it first (big mistake) and even bought another one off Ebay while waiting for Mesa to make my custom one. Again, it sounds great at low volume for small quiet rehearsals. At anything approaching gig volume, it chokes, sounds weak, thin and very un-Mesa. It sounds nowhere near the 300 watts it's supposed to put out.

So, while I'm curious about the M6, I'm also skeptical since Mesa has struck out twice w/ combos. Has anyone bought or heard the M6 combo and if so, have any comments?
Title: New Mesa Fathom 600 Head
Post by: briant on June 06, 2008, 05:48:36 PM: Dave,

From my post earlier in this same thread:

I bought a Venture 600 combo amp last fall and it absolutely destroys. Loud as all hell and tone for days and days. In December I played a gig infront of ~2000 people in a gigantic room. That combo amp destroyed worlds and it still had plenty of headroom.

I have both the Venture combo and the Walkabout Scout combo. The Walkabout Scout is great for home practice and low key gigs - but it couldn't keep up with a loud rock band. The Venture combo on the other hand easily keeps up with a loud rock band and has headroom to spare - plenty of low end and crunchy Mesa Boogie tone as well.