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Post subject: Bronco 40: One-month Review Part I
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 10:31 pm
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I've actually been running through the amp for about three weeks, so this review will be far from complete, I'm sure, but I promised to offer some thoughts so here goes. First of all, I'm playing a Rogue VB100 short-scaled Beatle bass. Don't laugh, for under 200 clams it's got fat tone up the wazoo. My playing out rig is a Markbass CMD 121P combo and New York 121 extension cab, and I only mention that so you have an idea of what I play through.

I purchased the Bronco 40 before Christmas because I'd read about it and thought it might be a fun amp to practice with, especially since my Markbass combo doesn't have a headphone jack and I have a wife likes to sleep at midnight! So I went down to my local GC a couple of times, ran through the models, and thought it was worth buying. The 10" speaker sounded much fuller in the store than I figured it would and that impressed me. My home music room is a second bedroom and the Bronco 40 dominates. Will it fill an auditorium? No, but that's not the intended target. Regardless, the 40 watts it comes with should allow for low-level jamming with buddies in normal-sized room.

Being a previous Mustang IV owner, I was familiar with the FUSE software and how the amp gets prepped for play. Easier now than a year ago if only for the fact there's no software disc; it's all online. As long as Fender continues keeping the updates coming I don't foresee any problems accessing the goodies that the Bronco 40 provides. In no time I was messing around with each of the amp models just seeing what there was with effects and all. For anyone thinking of purchasing this combo just to use the controls on the actual unit...don't! The true value is found within your computer's hard drive. Even if you're not one who likes to tweak every possible dial, you'll find it sonically rewarding to open up the "advanced amp" section and swap speakers, and alter the noise gate or compression of any of the models. It would take a lot longer to explain all the features that FUSE offers so your best bet is to be given a tour of a friend's amp or buy one and keep it for the month before deciding if it's worth your time and effort. I think it is.

As far as the modelling goes, most of us will probably admit we haven't been given the chance to play through these iconic models, so I'm taking it for granted that Fender's techs did an adequate job recreating the nuances of each amp, within budgetary means. One of the best models available (and I'm the only one who thinks this) is the Rockin' Peg. Scoop the mids, bump up the bottom and it's a B-15 Fliptop. Crank up the mids and you're rocking with the SVT tone I grew up listening to on most of my albums. It's that good.

For a more natural sounding bass tone in terms of what I think an acoustic bass might sound like, the Fender Bassman TV with decreased bass and a touch of plate reverb works great with my hollow-bodied bass. Real old-school tone to go along with traditional blues music. That's what's great about this amp, with a bit of patience, a little imagination, and a positive attitude you can re-create just about anything you want in the privacy of your home, and for less than $250! Where was this amp when I was in high school, back in '78?

Cont in "One-month Review Part II"


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Post subject: Re: Bronco 40: One-month Review Part I
Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2012 4:46 am
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Very good review :D


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Post subject: Re: Bronco 40: One-month Review Part I
Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 1:08 pm
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viewtopic.php?f=23&t=60988

I did a lot of research on the g-decIII series and i explain a lot in this thread.
Still very dissappointed with the dropping of the b-dec sreies.
Please read it explains a load.


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Post subject: Re: Bronco 40: One-month Review Part I
Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2012 2:13 pm
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A load nothing, you wrote more than I usually do! Honestly, I don't know what it is you want to hear that Loren hasn't already tried saying. The B-DEC may be the better product compared to the Bronco 40, and time will bear that out. That being said, Fender, the corporation, obviously decided it was more prudent to move on. Maybe it was the goofy name; the fact it never looked like an amp in the traditional sense, but more a toy (at least to me); or it just lived out its time, but the Bronco 40 is what they're currently banking on right now.

I see you've moved onto Marshall. Speaking of companies who've made decisions at the corporate level regardless of what the fan base thought...my point is at some point you have to let go and embrace what is. Not that I'm denying you your right to gripe about it, and who knows, maybe if enough owners like yourself get their attention, a new and even better version will come out. I'm currently harping about a pedal version of the Bronco 40 for all those not interested in a bedroom practice amp, but may like the tones it has to offer. If it doesn't happen though, my Markbass gig rig and Behringer V-bass pedal will suffice.

Personally, I love the Bronco 40. For what it offers and how I use it, I'm not interested in anything else...at least for this week. To sum this already-too long posting, to each his own. Good luck muskokamillwright, enjoy playing bass 'cuz that's what it's truly all about!


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Post subject: Re: Bronco 40: One-month Review Part I
Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 1:17 pm
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Greetings.

How does the Bronco 40 "fare" at low practice volumes?
Think late at night not wanting to rattle the walls, or scare the children...

Do the tone characteristics hold pretty well when the volume is dialed way down?

Thanks.

Steve


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Post subject: Re: Bronco 40: One-month Review Part I
Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 3:14 pm
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Hi Steve. To me, that's where the Bronco 40 really excels. Now if you're talking the "baby is five feet away" volume, then I'd definitely opt for the headphones, but if you're looking to fill your practice area with a decent amount of bass without bothering those watching TV in the living room, then running it around 10:00 on the volume is perfect.

As I've mentioned, to me it's nit really a medium-level jam amp for bass, but a wonderful practice tool to use and have fun with. For a little over two bones I'd say it's a great value.


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