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Post subject: Mustang II vs. SCXD and others?
Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 7:55 pm
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Looking for a good clean pedal platform that also has some nice low to mid gain dirt tones, preferably some high gain too.

The SCXD seemed nice to me, I loved the cranked Bassman model, the Plexi sounded nice too. However the Mustang has new modelling and a 12" speaker. I tried one out to day - pretty impressed with the Fender models. Modelers and SS amps often either sound too harsh and fizzy, or too dark and muddy as they attempt to filter off the high end to compensate. This was really clear, almost excessively clear on some of the settings.

I liked it a lot, but I'm not sure. It's hard to trust an amp that cheap.

Has anyone successfully added an effects loop to one yet? I know it's early days yet.

I'm thinking I might wait out for a higher wattage version, but the thing is that I like how light the 40 is for a 12" combo. Would I be able to install a more sensitive speaker? Since it has cab modelling, I imagine it has a mostly full range speaker. Would it even be possible to get a better full range 12" speaker?

I didn't get to try out the Plexi models unfortunately because of the Fuze thing, but I'm pretty excited about the idea of new amps being added as it goes along.

If Fender put some kind of Orange or Ampeg in here, I'm totally sold. Getting tired of modelers ignoring these amps!

I'm also considering a G-DEC 3 since it's kind of similar but more "High end". 10" speakers don't bother me too much, I'd rather a 12" but it's not essential.

Can the Mustang II hold it out for small gigs? Normally a 40 Watt SS wouldn't but I've been told Fenders rate their amps more conservatively. I know the 100 Watt Fender Frontmans aren't spades quieter than a lot of higher wattage tube amps.

What exactly can you do with the Fuse software? For example can you bypass amp modelling altogether if you want to plug a Keyboard or Bass in?

Anyway I'd like to hear some thoughts. I'm thinking of either getting this, the SCXD, the G-Dec, or an old Fender SS like the Deluxe 85, and a modeler like a Pod X3 to shove in the back.

Anyway I'm really indecisive so I need to hear your thoughts. It's hard to trust paying so little for so much amp! There must be a weak link.


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 9:49 pm
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Hi, I have a Mustang1 , and the sounds I can create in FUSE are always
a pleasant surprise. I would say Fender saw room at the low price point
for a no-frills product that offers great sound sculpting. It also has a very
clean headphone output that sounds great driving vsts, so I expect people
doing covers will make a variety of neutral presets to use with Amplitube,
and Guitar Rig type branded models, while keeping 15 or 20 presets for
the unique sounds made in FUSE.

You may be wise getting the Mustang1, and using the saved $100 on an
amp that supports the outboard gear you mention.

The Mustangs FUSE lets you place 4 virtual pedals, each with various components
to choose from, with one of 10 amp models, and one of 12 cabinets. see the link:

http://www.fender.com/community/forums/ ... hp?t=44503

Cheers


Last edited by sixline on Sat Oct 02, 2010 2:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 4:05 am
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The I does seem like a better deal for a practice amp, but the II is light enough. It's cool having a 1x12" in an amp that light and cheap, it's hard to get a good 1x12" anything for that price. If I swap for a better(more sensitive) speaker, it could be really awesome.

I am still sceptical overall though... it's true it would be easier to get the I for modelling but I could probably pick up a used Pod XT for a little more if I'm getting it "just" for modelling into monitors, plus my monitors don't have a lot of bass.


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 3:44 pm
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Hi, the posts from Fender reps indicate that FUSE is only a gui to access the amp, and imply that the amp 'memory', as implemented, is full, so not to expect new gear added, or major changes in workflow. There is no midi, so I see this as a closed but powerful system capable of amazing sound, at a bargain price.

The headphone out allows for driving vsts in an appropriate computer setup, and you can make Mustang presets to facilitate that, and let the imagination run wild.
My suggestion on getting the Mustang 1, assumes you would use the savings towards an amp that supports physical outboard gear connections.
Cheers


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 4:16 pm
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I wouldn't worry about the Mustang failing as all Fender amps come with a 5 year warranty. I would think the II would be a better choice with the 12" speaker. It is priced the same as the Frontman 65R but seems to offer alot more for the money.


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 4:42 pm
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The 12" speaker has more sonic capabilities then the 8" IMO, the Fuse program can provide some very nice tones via the larger speaker. I debated the 8" at first but now I'm glad I picked the 12. The Fuse program via the USB is really great and fun to dial in a Deluxe Reverb or the 57 champ is awesome. I know it's not tube but my ears keep asking how did they make it so real! You will find yourself on tone quests that will be very rewarding.


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Post subject:
Posted: Sat Oct 02, 2010 11:39 pm
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You don't want to use the headphone out for computer recording. The inline amp adds noise and garbage to the audio. Use the USB/direct ASIO-compatible for recording. Much cleaner.


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 10:18 am
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sixline wrote:
Hi, the posts from Fender reps indicate that FUSE is only a gui to access the amp, and imply that the amp 'memory', as implemented, is full, so not to expect new gear added, or major changes in workflow. There is no midi, so I see this as a closed but powerful system capable of amazing sound, at a bargain price.

The headphone out allows for driving vsts in an appropriate computer setup, and you can make Mustang presets to facilitate that, and let the imagination run wild.
My suggestion on getting the Mustang 1, assumes you would use the savings towards an amp that supports physical outboard gear connections.
Cheers


Both Mustangs have usb 2.0 MIDI... much better and faster than the archaic 5-pin DIN systems. All the major manufacturers of amp modeling hardware and software, like Fender, Native Instruments, Peavey, Rob Papen, IK Multimedia, Line 6 et. al., use usb 2.0.

The Mustangs are "soft" amps... that means that they are extremely flexible and open-ended. The firmware, presets, tone stacks and all, can be flashed and changed as necessary. Creating new rack FX, presets, amps, cabs and pedals and additional/improved functionality to the Fuse software is as simple as coding new or enhanced software.

I can't wait to get my Mustang II!!!!! I had hand surgery 10 days ago and just had my stitches removed today. The doc said I can't use the guitar for two weeks ... cheeeze. 8)


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Post subject:
Posted: Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:30 pm
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Hi, there is no internal midi i/o detected in the Mustang, and I have not read anywhere that the collection of modeled gear is flashable, or can be added to. I would be happy if wrong on either conclusion. The low price is in line with a fixed feature set.
Cheers :)


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Post subject:
Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 4:13 pm
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The Mustangs use no midi whatsoever.


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