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Post subject: Vibro-Champ® XD 5-Watt Tube VS MUSTANG® I
Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 11:46 am
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Hi there,

Looking to upgrade my son's amp from a Crate BX-15 to something better sounding and possibly better for small performances (like a school talent show). He'd like to have some effects if possible.

I'm look at the Vibro-Champ XD and The Mustang I.

Can anyone advise me to which might better suit his needs or if I'm even on the right track??

Thanks! Thanks!


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Post subject: Re: Vibro-Champ® XD 5-Watt Tube VS MUSTANG® I
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 5:23 am
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Hi JM, I would recommend making a short list of amps, & letting your son try them out. The vibro & mustang 1 are a good starting point IMO. I might also recommend the Super Champ XD or the Mustang 2. I personally Like the Roland Cube series amps. BTW Musicians Friend has the Super Champ XD on sale ATM. Same price as the vibro. All the above are very versatile litte amps, on board FXs etc. Good luck.


Last edited by mojjett on Fri Dec 09, 2011 6:26 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject: Re: Vibro-Champ® XD 5-Watt Tube VS MUSTANG® I
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 6:24 am
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Thanks Mojjett,

I'm actually hoping for it to be a surprise. I know app selection can be some what subjective but if it had to be a surprise, is there one you would pick over the rest?


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Post subject: Re: Vibro-Champ® XD 5-Watt Tube VS MUSTANG® I
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 6:58 am
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As you said, very subjective. I'm sure someone else will give their prefered choice shortly. But as you mentioned, it's not just for home practice, but perhaps talent shows etc. so I might go w/something a little bigger than the 2 you asked about. The Super Champ is very tempting at $200, but just know that w/tube amps there's some looking after to do, i.e. tube maintenence. Not a big deal. The Roland Cube 40xl has lots of footswitch options which would make it better for performing, footswitches cost extra though. The Cube for it's versatility or the Super Champ for it's tube tone are the ones I would consider most. Actually, the Super Champ & Mustang 2 also have footswitch options. There's my short list. :)


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Post subject: Re: Vibro-Champ® XD 5-Watt Tube VS MUSTANG® I
Posted: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:06 am
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You can't go wrong with either....I believe it depends on the music that your son listens to and wants to emulate. The Vibro-Champ sounds pretty impressive in the demo I just saw.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehD3TgcE5G8

If your son prefers going for that elusive Hendrix/SRV blues sound, or straight blues based rock you can't go wrong with it.

I own a Mustang I and a III. They are VERY loud and pretty neat in their own right. If your son has a computer (and what teenage boy doesn't have one?....) it is pretty awesome to be able to hook up the computer to the amp and chain some very powerful effects together, and save the settings to the amp, or just to the computer to be accessed later. What I always liked about the Mustangs is, whenever I got a little bored, I would go online and download a couple of new sounds from Fender's online library, and it was almost like having a NEW TOY again that would keep me occupied for hours. It definitely has a much more comprehensive array of effects, and I found it to be quite informative as to "How did so-and-so get THAT sound?" kind of questions, as far as chaining different effects together and settings and stuff, since the FUSE software gives a great virtual picture of what is going on. Mustang I's effects can be accessed via the amp but doing it with out the software is like fighting with one arm tied behind your back.

If your son is playing with a band anytime soon I would suggest a Mustang II as it costs as much as the Vibro Champ XD and is 40 watts as opposed to the 5 Watt Vibro Champ (which is LOUD...but not quite enough to keep up with a drummer...especially a teenage boy drummer!)...the MII will keep up alright...The MI has the same features as the II it's just a wattage question. If your son wants to take a stab at recording with a computer, it is a nice way to go to as it comes bundled with software for doing just that, and it does a fine job of getting good sounds (at reasonable volumes...no need for mic'ing an amp and cranking it up....just USB in).

Here is a quick demo of the software:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-lIGPzn ... re=related

and the MI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQltpCjJaE0

Again you can't go wrong with either....mostly depends on what the boy's needs are. It is probably arguable that the Vibro Champ has a better tone by simple virtue of the tubes in the pre and power amp sections but I really got a lot of miles and some good tone from the Mustang III playing with a band. I recently bought a Hrdlx III though. This was mostly due to trying to keep up one night with a 60 watt Egnater head and cabinet. I noticed that at louder volumes, the MIII started getting a bit snarly and "shrill". Problem solved with the new purchase but, no effects....about 700 dollars later (1300 bucks total on my new rig...amp and effects)...PROBLEM SOLVED! LOL! The MIII only cost me 300 bucks and I am keeping it around as a backup amp.


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