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Post subject: New firmware, new models, and marketing stratgies.
Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 8:42 pm
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While the Mustang is in it's infancy, Fender has already upgraded firmware and software for it a couple of times. But I wonder just how far they can, or will go towards making upgrades in the form of models or fx. Have G-Dec owners reaped additional benefits one, two or three years into their purchase? I'm a little curious about the upgrade path.

Line6 has certainly learned a lot about selling upgrades in both soft and hardware. Some of their marketing involves spilling out small enticements here and there for a nominal fee. While some of their models (X3 Live) barely lasted a year before they were dropped from production and support in favor of newer, slicker devices.

We've just witnessed 3 new models of Stang that just sorta sprang up from the nowhere.
Are there new models waiting to spill out of these Mustangs six months from now? How much they will cost? Is it even possible? Is there a pedal around the bend?


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Post subject: Re: New firmware, new models, and marketing stratgies.
Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 4:59 am
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I've been wondering about this too - just where Fender is going with this "platform"? I think it's possible we'll see "software upgrade packs" to Fuse that may introduce new amp models and effects for targeted genres of music, i.e., country, hard rock, funk, metal, etc. Fuse is powerful, but they left a lot of "space" that would allow them to significantly upgrade and enhance it with tons of useful features (for a fee of course!). Lots of possibilities here - I'd love to see a two amp options in Fuse - Marshall "Plexi" in the left channel/Cranked Deluxe in the Right... ;)

I also think there are tons of possibilities with effect "plugins" for outside manufacturers - something like a modeled OCD drive from Fulltone or maybe a modeled vintage ADA Flanger. I'm anxious to see where it all goes...


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Post subject: Re: New firmware, new models, and marketing stratgies.
Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 7:18 am
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What is needed is that the person who has a Mustang III or IV or V, Fuse puts the presets in fact on their amps.
Then we try loading them into a Mustang I or II, and hear the result.


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Post subject: Re: New firmware, new models, and marketing stratgies.
Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2011 7:55 am
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These amps are all digital modeling amps and that puts them in the same catagory as all other digital appliances.

The available technology is constantly changeing and there is always something new around the corner.
Much like PC's and cell phones (I paid way more for my old SamSung galaxy cell, than I did for my Mustang amp)
For the phone there were a few firmware updates, then a new model came out and samsung dropped support for my current phone like it was a bad disease.

I'd guess for now the mustangs will take over and the gdecs will eventually vanish.
until something comes along to replace the mustangs.

Once you pick a model you like, buy and use it.
Don't keep waitng for the next best thing to come along or you will never get any satisfaction.

I'm quite happy with the little model of mustang I picked.

_________________
Keep on Truckin, Going full speed ahead down the highway to hades.


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Post subject: Re: New firmware, new models, and marketing stratgies.
Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2011 5:33 pm
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I think the Mustang I and II were the test market to see how the buying public would react. Then Fender got serious because we liked the little amps and actually made gigable amps for the rest of us. The flavors of 1x12 mono, 2x12 stereo or V head makes it more of a semi-pro type amp for the weekend or more gigging musician and gives Line6 a run for their money!
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If you like combo's, get the III or IV. If you're like me and like heads (which are LESS COST ) get the V. Heads do tend to take up less room, but then you've got the 2x12 or 4x12 cab to deal with. All in the name of tone.
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I do agree that the Mustang 'pro' series archetecture is just at its beginnnings. Adding other amp models of the Fender type are a sure bet. Don't count on name brand effects though because of licensing costs. Easier to model the effect and name it somewhat close to the original. Did you notice on the cabs and amp models there's no Marshall, Mesa or Peavey? Probably to not have to deal with trademark craziness. Personally, I'd like to see a TubeScreamer effect and match that up with a Vibrolux (if they add that one) or even a SuperReverb or SuperSix, if they add those. How great would it be to have all your old favorite and vintage Fender amps all in one box! I know I'd buy the upgrade for that one if Fender sold it.
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I'd say by next NAMM we'll have upgrades or add-ons for these amps. A good price point would be UNDER $50, that is if you got a lot of new amp models and some effects. I'm hoping Fender marketing would be more into selling a ton of upgrades at an affordable price instead of charging a higher price and selling less. ARE YOU LISTENING FENDER??? They got the price point right on for the Mustang V. Let's see what they do for the upgrade packages.


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Post subject: Re: New firmware, new models, and marketing stratgies.
Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2011 7:36 pm
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I think all of the effects we know and love (except for a real Cry-Baby or Leslie) are there. It just takes trial and effect to dial it in.
The Stompbox Chorus is dead on for a Boss CE-2 and the Flanger is pretty close to a BF-2 or Phase 90. The Stompbox Compressor works just like my old MXR.

I think it is fairly easy to dial in several flavors of overdrive including Ibanez, MXR, and Boss. Also, I suspect the design philosophy uses the amp for overdrive vs a pedal or rack.
The rack systems are great too - when you you get board you can play the "who is that masked system" game.

All you have to do is open FUSE and, if you can't identify the amps in the pictures; you'll need to start Google-ing to figure out what is what. And really, If you have the classic Fender and Marshall sounds, how many super-gain overdrive amps do you need.

Also - remember that Fender used the same basic amp design for several models at a time - the speaker setup, cabinet, etc. gave it the name. A Super (6G4) was also basically a Pro, Concert, & Bandmaster. And the classic AA763 circuit was used in everything after the mid 1960's. If you find one member of the family, you can usually find the rest. I haven't checked for sure with my references but I bet all of the major Fender circuit families are represented by the Mustang III models.

It would be great if some of the "code" wizards who have created amazing plug-ins for Garage Band could create some for the Fender systems. If Fender didn't have to worry about the licensing and royalties, then maybe we could have a plug-in that would give you "real" Mesa setups, or Bogner, etc. Maybe there could be a BOSS set, or MXR. I suspect it will get there because digital amplifiers are here to stay - they will only get better.


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