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Post subject: Wit's End
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 4:06 pm
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I appreciate the help from Loren and Alan, but after 2 weeks of trying to understand this amp, I am hopelessly confused. Fender should have NEVER allowed the production of such a complicated amp for the general public. I use a PC and MAC, I have a Master's degree and feel I am reasonably smart. This is the most non-intuitive instrument I have ever seen and I would gladly return it to the music company if I could. I will be sending a similar email to Fender Consumer Relations with specifics. Thank you.


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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Fri Jan 14, 2011 5:10 pm
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are you serious?

what exactly are you struggling with?

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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 7:33 am
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I'm in agreement with Keith. First amp I've ever had that you have to connect a computer to and have owners manual's (3!!) in hand to do anything. I have to move the amp into the room with the computer. Recently spent 3 hours attempting to make most of the presets anywhere close to usable (turn down amp gain and save the changes). Pg 6 of the owners manual shows "Utility Mode" but does not say how to access it. You have to go to pg 10 of another manual for that. Still attempting to set up one of the pre-sets for steel guitar. (note: wanting to play slide guitar is the reason) Should never have sold my Nashville 112 steel guitar amp.

My next battle will be to figure out how to use the "Band Tracks". Currently I use the on-board tracks on my keyboard and had hopes that this amp would work like that. The chord changes, etc. are no help while attempting to do scales - I need to "tame" the tracks for my needs.

I've only had my guitar for 4 months - the amp less time. A true green horn!

I'm sure in the coming months I'll get the hang of this amp -- but it is NOT a plug-and-play device by any stretch.

don


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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 10:28 am
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Just a note of encouragement to Keith. I'm finding it hard going trying to tame this beast.
You're not alone.


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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Tue Jan 18, 2011 2:31 am
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For me the computer connection was the only reason to buy this amp.

Before this I had a brand new Line 6 Spider IV. This one can only be configured trough the panel. Which is a real pain. Or you have to buy a optional footboard for a lot of money. Also the software that comes along with the gdec is way more stable then the line 6 software.


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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2011 2:35 am
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I feel your pain.

I prefer a Jamman Solo looper to do loops and jam with, real simple and lightweight. Not able to make a whole song but I just use it to polish up my tempo and get in some improvisition grooves.

For real recording I use a multitrack stuff and mic the guitar or amp if needed.


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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:31 am
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I have the Gdec3 15 and got really irritated with it. I had the Spider Jam before that and it was about the same amount of aggravation for me. I'm a tech idiot though.

I REALLY liked the idea of the backing tracks which is why I bought it, and the looper. The looper I found much easier to use on the Spider Jam. I don't have a lot of time on my hands to keep messing with settings and pushing buttons, takes away from my practice time which is limited as it is.

Was thinking of getting a new Mustang. I talked to Fender and asked if the Gdec was the same as the Mustang with more bells and whistles and they said the models are a lot more "vague" on the Gdec.

I personally like to be able to grab a knob and turn it instead of hooking to a PC. I had the Fender Super Champ XD and foolishly sold it (it was kinda loud for home use)

Now I use the Amplitube app with Irig on my IPAD for practice. It works great, I can import backing tracks, etc. And best of all, they're fixing to release and ALL Fender Version.

For playing with people, I'm gonna either go back to Super Champ XD or Blues Jr. If the XD had an auxillary input where I could play with MP3's would be perfect for me.


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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:54 am
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Not everything is for everybody. If a simple amp is what you need then the amazingly priced and great sound Valve Jr. only has one knob and is ready to jam. I have found my GDEC 3 endlessly useful and realistically adaptable to all my recording needs. Plugged into my powered PA speakers it also gigs well. Having the ability to match sound presets to backing tracks I have on my SD card - icing on the cake. 1 year later and I still use it daily.


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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 11:01 am
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Hang in there, It took me little while to find my way around this AMP, but I am liking this Amp more everyday. Everyone has their expectations, but the matching tracks to each preset has been great. to me the G-Dec 3 thirty sounds really nice.

Of course, there are very simple Amps out there without the bells and whistles of this Amp if that is what you are after.

Part of the problem was the basic Owners manual, and trying to find out about some specific things. But for those of you that may want more info, I found this to be a helpful link.
http://www.fender.com/support/articles. ... er-g-dec-3

Also, the Advanced Manual can be found here as well as other munuals :
http://www.fender.com/support/articles. ... ct-manuals

I hope this helps some people..


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Post subject: Re: Wit's End
Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2011 11:42 am
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streetknight2 wrote:
I have the Gdec3 15 and got really irritated with it. I had the Spider Jam before that and it was about the same amount of aggravation for me. I'm a tech idiot though.

I REALLY liked the idea of the backing tracks which is why I bought it, and the looper. The looper I found much easier to use on the Spider Jam. I don't have a lot of time on my hands to keep messing with settings and pushing buttons, takes away from my practice time which is limited as it is.

Was thinking of getting a new Mustang. I talked to Fender and asked if the Gdec was the same as the Mustang with more bells and whistles and they said the models are a lot more "vague" on the Gdec.

I personally like to be able to grab a knob and turn it instead of hooking to a PC. I had the Fender Super Champ XD and foolishly sold it (it was kinda loud for home use)

Now I use the Amplitube app with Irig on my IPAD for practice. It works great, I can import backing tracks, etc. And best of all, they're fixing to release and ALL Fender Version.

For playing with people, I'm gonna either go back to Super Champ XD or Blues Jr. If the XD had an auxillary input where I could play with MP3's would be perfect for me.

Thanks for the heads up about our AmpliTube Fender for iPhone/iPad release. We're really proud to be working with Fender again on this, it will be available soon. http://www.ikmultimedia.com/fenderiphone or http://www.ikmultimedia.com/fenderipad

I use a Blues Junior myself, so I can concur with that recommendation too.


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