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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Sat Sep 05, 2015 11:05 pm
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I am NOT a guitar amp or guitar expert. BUT.....I like my Mustang I for home practice. I'm old and not moving a huge heavy energy hog tube amp or maintaining one either just to bang on it around the house now and then on a six string for my own amusement.

I'm not interested in collect-ability or resale value anymore because I'm old and frankly won't live long enough to see anything appreciate much anyway.

I just wanted a decent practice amp and the one I was using before was frankly terrible.

In a perfect tone world all guitarists would be stuck in the silver face all tube 1960's and 70's, but in reality for occasional use a tube amp is NOT the way to go for many reasons. Cost, maintenance, weight, size, etc.

I am primarily a bassist that fiddles enough with electric Spanish guitar to be annoying to anyone that can actually play Spanish guitar and I don't expect to ever play out in this lifetime, but in my judgment you could play a smallish gig with a Mustang I with no problem and do bigger gigs miked. I think I paid about $120 for it brand new tax included at "The Evil Empire." I bought a cover since then because mostly it sits around unused until I get an urge to play something besides bass or ukulele.

There are lots of little modeling amps around right now, but the Mustang's FUSE software sold me on it. It interfaces with my Windows 10 computer fine. With the Roland CUBE you need an Apple computer, tablet or phone with IOS as it specifies IOS operating system required. I don't record on my i-Phone and don't have an iPad or Mac. So the Fender was a no-bralner because it works with Windows. I think Fender's community is great with more tone patches becoming available for download all the time. Some of the patches are good and some not so good. Not sure about what is going on in the Roland community with patches and maybe someone can fill us in on whether that is happening or not.

No regrets or remorse here for buying the Mustang I instead of a Korg or Vox or Roland or even a Mustang II or III. Do be sure to get the version 2 (V.2) model that has some good upgrades. Do connect the Mustang to your computer and edit the modeling settings as some of the stock ones were totally unusable for me. I like this cheap little amp a lot and you can do a LOT worse for the money. It is so cheap that if it breaks out of warranty I won't fix it and just buy a new one instead. So far mine has been perfect for undemanding occasional needs. I don't know how loud you want to get, but mine is plenty loud for home use.


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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2015 6:43 am
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My first choice would be a Deluxe Reverb Reissue. The Princeton would be a close second.


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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2015 9:36 pm
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Quote:
, but in reality for occasional use a tube amp is NOT the way to go for many reasons. Cost, maintenance, weight, size, etc.


I own a couple of Solid State, modeling amps and they have their place, but nothing compares to the tone of an actual tube amp and how a tube amp response to your playing nuances. Tube amps come in different sizes and weight. A price of a tube isn't all that expensive......really.

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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2015 9:40 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
bluesguitar65 wrote:
A good all around amp that works great on all those music styles you've mentioned would be a Fender Twin Reverb...


You're not really recommending a 67-pound, 85-watt behemoth to a newbie who's laid out these parameters, are you......?

"The amp is for practice, playing at home and in small venues."

:shock:

Arjay


Sure why not? My first practice amp was a 72' Fender Twin Reverb :shock:

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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Sun Sep 06, 2015 10:21 pm
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Many of us have learned a lot in the intervening forty-three years but apparently there are still a few hold-outs who haven't gotten the message......

:roll:

Arjay

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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 5:17 am
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Fender Deluxe Reverb is especially well in small venues.

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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 11:20 am
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Retroverbial wrote:
Many of us have learned a lot in the intervening forty-three years but apparently there are still a few hold-outs who haven't gotten the message......

:roll:


Quite. Obviously he needs a Marshall Major with a full stack. For practice, and for removing unwanted clothing from the audience on smaller venues. The seller may throw in a dolly for free.


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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Mon Sep 07, 2015 11:57 am
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Thumbs up for the Twin, Deluxe Reverb, and Princeton. But, if you're like me, you may not want to haul them up and down a staircase. I'd love to be able to swap weight between the tube amps and the Mustangs (in my case the Mustang IV). All are great IMO, but they all have their advantages and disadvantages.

Personally, I like Fender's offerings throughout their lineup. As someone who used to regularly haul 100 pound cameras to press boxes in stadiums and arenas, smaller weight and big sound is now my preference.

Besides, I can always rent when I want a tube amp. Maybe, I'll get a great deal on a used one to add to my Mustang. :wink:
Andy, the Twin, Deluxe Reverb, and maybe the Princeton may be more amp than you need for your needs (and then again maybe not). I play similar music including Surf. Spring reverb is preferred, but the Mustangs are pretty good as they are. Don't discount Version 1 Mustangs as they are slightly different. One may meet your requirements as it does for me, but check it out as some have complaints, and many others like me do not. No problems. (I like the look of version 1 better). Version 2, still a great choice, additions are, for the most part, wasted on me as I'm not playing heavy tunes and shredding. I'm waiting for a possible advanced version 3 before change. Reverb, delay, and other effect pedals are available as well as computer reverb with programs like Fuse, Amplitube, and others for recording options. You can save money on pedals and amps with the solid state modelling approach, but many prefer the tube/pedal approach and the pros have racks of expensive outboard accessories to complement the sound. You can get some of that expense covered and included in a modelling amp or modelling pedal. You can simulate many of the recommended amps listed here before plunking down the big change, and that may save you from disappointment later. You'll probably keep a Mustang even if you purchase another amp later as they are inexpensive. Budget will dictate. Whatever your choice, trust your ears, your wallet, and then your muscles. :lol:
Enjoy that Strat of yours. :D

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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:03 am
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Perhaps you should look into the Super Champ X2. Highly portable, tube output section with DSP preamp. 16 amp models available and a bunch of onboard effects (incl. 3 reverbs). Very good value, though it may fall short for use in small venues if you are playing with a drummer...

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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 5:20 am
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another tip of the hat for a Mustang III v2. It will take you a little bit to sort out the amps details but they're very good.

if you're trying to keep things really simple tho.. the Princeton reissue is hard to not love.


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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 10:08 am
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My recommendation is against the Mustang amps, mainly because of the outdated skeuomorphic software used to control it from PCs, "Fender FUSE".

It has seen exactly no new features since release years ago. It uses Microsoft Silverlight, which Microsoft themselves have stopped developing, and which is only on life support. Silverlight doesn't work with high DPI displays, for example. Or modern browsers. The new Edge browser from Microsoft has dropped Silverlight support, for example.

The Mustang is also a modelling amp which cannot run "clean" without modelling something. There's no option to turn off modelling.
And changing between presets - well, that means having to set up the presets in advance. Else you'll fiddle and fiddle and fiddle between songs. So it might be better for fixed set lists than improvs and jams.

I think there's a lot of Post-purchase rationalization where the Mustang amps are concerned.

In my opinion, it's mildly useful as a footrest. But YMMV. If you like it, well, swell.


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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2015 1:30 pm
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arth1 wrote:
My recommendation is against the Mustang amps, mainly because of the outdated skeuomorphic software used to control it from PCs, "Fender FUSE".
Which is why I recommended the M III, you can use (almost) all features on it without ever starting FUSE.

Quote:
The Mustang is also a modelling amp which cannot run "clean" without modelling something. There's no option to turn off modelling.
Yes there is. The Studio Preamp "model".

Quote:
And changing between presets - well, that means having to set up the presets in advance. Else you'll fiddle and fiddle and fiddle between songs.
Huh? You can also just use one preset and "fiddle" with gain, reverb, tone etc. just like you would on a normal amp.

Quote:
I think there's a lot of Post-purchase rationalization where the Mustang amps are concerned.
True. After a while, lots of people think "why do I even keep this big heavy unreliable one-trick pony of a tube amp when I use the Mustang all the time anyway"?

Quote:
In my opinion, it's mildly useful as a footrest.
At least base your opinion on facts, not FUD. Or simply say "I don't like it", that's fine too.


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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 9:17 am
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Lemme see. I have a great Sony flatscreen. You Tube no longer supports the app that the Sony (and some other good sets) came with. Did I buy it simply because of You Tube? Nope. Should I dump the TV based on the loss of You Tube? Nope.
YMMV

Microsoft Silverlight is some concern. Should I drop all the good things Microsoft still has to offer? Nope.
YMMV

I have a Mustang IV that uses Fuse (if and when I seldom decide to use it). Did I buy it because it had Fuse? Nope. If Fuse takes a dive should I forget about a great light weight amp with great options and a great value that can run on it's own? Nope.
YMMV

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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 11:19 am
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arth1 wrote:
My recommendation is against the Mustang amps
Fair enough, but you do a terrible job of making your case against them. :lol:
FWIW, I don't understand the controversy. I think it has more to do with impatient/inexperienced users than an inferior product. And if you say, "hey what's the big deal? My Mustang amp is great!", you will be instantly labeled as a "kid" who doesn't know any better. So whatever, keep overpaying for your equipment, I'll see you at the crossroads. :twisted:
And of course, as always, YMMV!

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Post subject: Re: Amp recommendation
Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2015 11:25 am
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I'm not one to argue. Mustangs amps are not "for" everyone. I have two of them, and I like them a lot. however, that said, I don't like them ENOUGH to start selling off my tube amps.

They are very good at what they do.. Very good... but they wont replace a good marshall/fender/etc.. tube amp and a very well thought out, quality pedal board.

the attractive points of the mustangs... they sound great and have excellent effects, great portability (light) and ease of setup.

once you spend sometime to sort out the innards of these, they are very easy to use. All you really need are three or four good presets and you can forget about the rest..


Also with a MIII, IV or V, there is really no need for fuse other than a few very minor things that you can't do from the LCD.


Last edited by KidBlast on Wed Sep 09, 2015 11:38 am, edited 1 time in total.

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