BigO
New member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2025
- Messages
- 1
I've been stalking local pawnshops and marketplace to find the right amp. I was looking for a Fender Bassman, Twin Reverb or something similar. Then a Mesa Maverick 4x10 with Jensen's showed up. Despite being a Mesa fan, I hadn't heard or seen a Maverick so, after researching, I pulled the trigger. It was also a steal at $600 because the Lead channel isn't quite working right. I figured I could get it working and, if not, I still had room to pay someone to fix it. My goal is to get feedback from anyone who'll listen and see if I'm on the right path or should take it in.
First, the amp itself is super clean. No scratches, dings, dents or tears. It looks like it's sat in the closet most of it's life which is a damn shame. The clean channel works flawlessly and sounds great. When I kick it over to the lead channel it didn't engage, just sounded the same. I then noticed the volume knob (far left side facing the amp) was stuck. I was able to get it to move with slight pressure and noticed if I played with the knob it would intermittently engage the lead channel. I then popped off the knob cover and noticed there's a lot of play in the pot pole. When I pull the pot pole towards me and to the side it works but without outward pressure on the pot pole the drive from the lead channel goes away. (and yes I have tightened it) I can also see play in the backside of the pot looking into the circuit board. I've ordered a new pot from Mesa and plan on installing it.
Right now, I've figured out if I use a rubber band and pull the pot pole to the left slightly it will let me play it.. so it works with slight red neck engineering.
Before I move on, I have to say I love this amp and am blown away it's not mentioned more. The cleans are amazing for my strat and the lead channel just EATS my Burstbuckers on my Gibson. It's got the crunchy, punchy growl that I've always been after. I wanted a good clean reverb amp but the fact I can get that and this sound for my SG is a huge bonus.
But wait there's more... after playing it for 45 minitues to an hour it started to crackle a little and I lost 50% of volume on the gain channel. I went in and tapped the tubes and one of the power tubes was moderately micro-phonic so I replaced it with the same type of tube just a different brand. It's been going strong now for about 12 hours of total play and zero issues so I HOPE I've found all the gremlins.
My question: am I on the right path?
I think once I replace the pot this thing will work without issue. I just don't want to run the risk of messing it up. I am familiar with how to solder and replace the pot but this is my first Mesa so I obviously haven't worked on them. Is there anything else I should be testing or considering? I can take it to a tech but they're all backed up and it will be weeks if not months before I get it back.
First, the amp itself is super clean. No scratches, dings, dents or tears. It looks like it's sat in the closet most of it's life which is a damn shame. The clean channel works flawlessly and sounds great. When I kick it over to the lead channel it didn't engage, just sounded the same. I then noticed the volume knob (far left side facing the amp) was stuck. I was able to get it to move with slight pressure and noticed if I played with the knob it would intermittently engage the lead channel. I then popped off the knob cover and noticed there's a lot of play in the pot pole. When I pull the pot pole towards me and to the side it works but without outward pressure on the pot pole the drive from the lead channel goes away. (and yes I have tightened it) I can also see play in the backside of the pot looking into the circuit board. I've ordered a new pot from Mesa and plan on installing it.
Right now, I've figured out if I use a rubber band and pull the pot pole to the left slightly it will let me play it.. so it works with slight red neck engineering.
Before I move on, I have to say I love this amp and am blown away it's not mentioned more. The cleans are amazing for my strat and the lead channel just EATS my Burstbuckers on my Gibson. It's got the crunchy, punchy growl that I've always been after. I wanted a good clean reverb amp but the fact I can get that and this sound for my SG is a huge bonus.
But wait there's more... after playing it for 45 minitues to an hour it started to crackle a little and I lost 50% of volume on the gain channel. I went in and tapped the tubes and one of the power tubes was moderately micro-phonic so I replaced it with the same type of tube just a different brand. It's been going strong now for about 12 hours of total play and zero issues so I HOPE I've found all the gremlins.
My question: am I on the right path?
I think once I replace the pot this thing will work without issue. I just don't want to run the risk of messing it up. I am familiar with how to solder and replace the pot but this is my first Mesa so I obviously haven't worked on them. Is there anything else I should be testing or considering? I can take it to a tech but they're all backed up and it will be weeks if not months before I get it back.
