Shipping is going to be in the $75 neighborhood ...mesa combos are killer heavy. UPS and FedEx ground are the usual suspects, but if you want the absolute lowest shipping rate, go Greyhound! They are amazing, and in some cases faster since they carry, um, people that have to get from CA to WI.
The catch is that you need to have your friend pack it well as he would have to for the UPS, (take out tubes and wrap, lots of packing material, with lots of extra cardboard at the corners and sides, and make sure the amp/material are tight as 60+lbs will shift easily if loose in there), then drop it off at the local Greyhound station. He will ship it to the station nearest your town. That's it. I've saved lots of dough this way when shipping anything heavy or just awkward/bulky (like auto parts).
BTW, the 600 is a bit high, but the SOB will deliver some very nice tones. While not as versatile as its brethren, its still a great tone machine, nevertheless. Sorry, though, that this may have soured you with your former bud. Hope this helps you.
Edward