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Post subject: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 3:21 am
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Hi everyone; first time poster here, looking for your thoughts. I’m in my 50’s, just getting back into playing after being away from it since my teens. I’m taking lessons to learn some theory and technique (Geez… I didn’t realize how much there is to learn!). Anyway, I’m looking for a decent practice amp with good, clean sounds & reverb. I occasionally like to play around with a little distortion and other effects, but I’m basically looking for the clean sounds . I have a Sheraton II and I’m considering getting a Mustang III. Most people here have good things to say about the MIII so I tried one at a local store but it sounded somewhat muffled. Maybe it was the settings, but I had no idea what to change. So I’m thinking that maybe I need to bring one home and play with it.

Before I do this, my questions are:

I’ve read several threads that seem to indicate that the sound depends greatly on the guitar and pickups. Does anyone have experience getting decent clean sounds with a Mustang III using a Sheraton II with stock pickups? Or is the Mustang III better suited to Strats?

I’ve also read that the default settings are just a starting point, and you really need to “tweak” the amp to get the most out of it. This is fine, but my fear (at least for now) is that if I have to get into the Fuse software, I may end up spending way more time fiddling with the software than practicing. My question is: can I get decent clean sounds by tweaking the controls on the amp itself or do I have to use the Fuse software?

Your thoughts are appreciated.


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 3:44 am
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Hi Surge,
I have a Mustang I and Ibanez AF75 (should be close enough to Sheraton) and I'm getting excellent clean sounds with them.
The default settings were all distorted too much, at least on Mustang I, but you can start with basic bassman or basic deluxe, add a bit of reverb, back off gain some more and there you are. You don't need to use FUSE for this.
You will need to use FUSE to upgrade firmware, which I highly recommend because it will probably remove 'obnoxious tail end distortion' mentioned in the other thread.
I also have a tele but I can't really say which guitar suits Mustang better. They're ...well different. But I'm more than happy how they both sound on Mustang.


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 10:45 am
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Welcome to the Fender forums, Surge 101.

Regarding having to use Fender FUSE, the MIII and up have a really nice LCD display that gives you the ability to easily enable/disable effects, change amp models, and dial in the correct amount on any effect parameter. Fender FUSE is less of a necessity with the higher model Mustangs.

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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 11:45 am
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Hello,

I have two electrics that I use through my Mustang II, a Gibson ES-125 hollowbody and a Fender Highway 1 Tele. The Tele in particular sounds great through the Mustang (with the clean models & a little reverb).

Telehound


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 1:01 pm
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On the subject of Sheraton II - I have one myself (1989 Korean model) and its a very nice guitar but the p/ups let it down.

I've recently replaced the stock p/ups with a matched pair of Seymour Duncan SH1 '59 p/ups (inc. gold p/up covers because I wanted to keep the classic look rather than open p/ups on the Sheraton). The SH1 59's are virtual copies of the original Gibson PAF 335 humbuckers.

http://www.soundslive.co.uk/product~nam ... D~9571.asp

The tonal difference and playing dynamics are a world apart & it's now about as close to a Gibson 335 tone as I'm gonna get without spending £2,500! It totally changed the guitar & I thoroughly recommend the upgrade. I tried it through the Mustang III and it sounded really, really nice with a warmth, sustain, and smoothness missing from the weak stock p/ups. (Through an all-valve amp its even better of course). The cleans are mellow, and the crunch tones are...well, like a Gibson 335.

Rich :wink:

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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 3:30 pm
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Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2011 1:07 pm
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Surge101 wrote:
Hi everyone; first time poster here, looking for your thoughts. I’m in my 50’s, just getting back into playing after being away from it since my teens. I’m taking lessons to learn some theory and technique (Geez… I didn’t realize how much there is to learn!). Anyway, I’m looking for a decent practice amp with good, clean sounds & reverb. I occasionally like to play around with a little distortion and other effects, but I’m basically looking for the clean sounds . I have a Sheraton II and I’m considering getting a Mustang III. Most people here have good things to say about the MIII so I tried one at a local store but it sounded somewhat muffled. Maybe it was the settings, but I had no idea what to change. So I’m thinking that maybe I need to bring one home and play with it.

Before I do this, my questions are:

I’ve read several threads that seem to indicate that the sound depends greatly on the guitar and pickups. Does anyone have experience getting decent clean sounds with a Mustang III using a Sheraton II with stock pickups? Or is the Mustang III better suited to Strats?

I’ve also read that the default settings are just a starting point, and you really need to “tweak” the amp to get the most out of it. This is fine, but my fear (at least for now) is that if I have to get into the Fuse software, I may end up spending way more time fiddling with the software than practicing. My question is: can I get decent clean sounds by tweaking the controls on the amp itself or do I have to use the Fuse software?

Your thoughts are appreciated.


Welcome Surge101 and welcome back to enjoying your guitar. I started palying aver 50 years ago and never quit - and I am still learning something new all the time.

Your guitar will serve you well for quite some time; however, the tone you get will be more of a "blues - jazz - rock-a-billy" sound rather than a Hard rock - Metal - "Slash" type.

As mentioned above, brighter PUs will help get rid of the "muffelled" tone. Also, your choice of amp models on your Mustang will have a large effect on the tone. I'd suggest that you go to the last few patches on the Mustang amp and try the "bare bone" tones. Maybe turn on some reverb ( get a store employee to show you how) and play with the amp tone knobs. I think you will be quite empressed at the range of tones you will get.

Now - if you do get a Mustang and would like a few of my "custom" patches, I'll be glad to provide you with a few. They would include country, jazz and 'CRISP" tones.

I can HIGHLY recommend the SD SH1 pick ups for your guitar. They are around $80 US and the first thing I would do to upgrade you guitar.

Go for it - have fun and keep us posted on how it is going!

Bo baker

PS RocCat - good to see you still around!


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Wed May 25, 2011 5:51 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Sun Jan 16, 2011 9:10 pm
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You should also try out the different cab models on your mustang,i'am sure you will find a good tone for your sheraton guitar if you go through the different amp and cab models.good luck with your mustang and welcome to the fender lounge.


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 4:26 am
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Joined: Tue May 24, 2011 9:19 am
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Thanks everyone; your comments are a big help! I’m hoping to pick up my Mustang III this weekend.

The LCD display and the ability to easily change settings is the main reason I’m looking at the M3 and not the M1 or M2; I don’t need the volume, its bedroom use only.

Bo… if it’s not too much trouble, I’d wouldn’t mind getting a few of your custom patches that you mentioned. The country, jazz and those “crisp” tones are exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks!

I also appreciate the advice on changing the pickups. Next week when I’m at the music shop I’ll get a price to change them out to the SD SH1 59’s. Rich; thanks for mentioning the gold p/up covers; I didn’t think of that. I would like to keep the classic look as well. Obviously I have a lot to learn here.

Quick question though, while I’m at it, would it make sense to change out the electronics at the same time? I know I have a problem with one of my volume knobs; there’s no volume until I turn it to 3 or 4 and then it suddenly comes in. I’ve read that many people change this stuff, but does changing the wiring, pots… actually make a difference in the tone?

Thanks again
-Steve


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 6:57 am
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Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:55 am
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Yes...change your electronics if you're having any problems at all. Depending on the resistance of your pots, it can greatly affect your tone!

Also, lower the sag setting on the presets to get a more responsive sound from your amp. :wink:


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Thu May 26, 2011 11:39 am
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Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2007 6:25 pm
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Surge, Before you go to the local music store, do a little on-line shopping to check prices. Many stores will price match if you print out the ad. Call a few electronic repair shops too and ask about installing them. You could save big bucks by getting them yourself and getting them installed. Just a few ideas to think of. :idea:


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 4:48 am
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Good idea; I’ll take a look on line to see what’s available.

You know, I really like the idea of replacing the p/ups. From the advice I’ve received I think replacing them combined with the Mustang would make a nice rig.

What I’m wrestling with though is if I change the p/ups and on top of that the electronics (which I probably should to get the most out of the p/ups???) I’m starting to sink a fair amount of $ ($300+?) into a $599 guitar.

Maybe I need to look at this not so much as an investment, but as a way to get the best sound I can with what I have. It’s still far cheaper than spending $2000 - $3000+ on a high end guitar which, at my current skill level, I just can’t justify (not to mention convincing my wife!). Again, my original goal is to get “reasonably” good, clean, crisp sounds from the Mustang without going crazy.

Anyway, I plan to pick up the Mustang tonight or tomorrow; looking forward to it.

Thanks everyone for your help!


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 7:51 am
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I took an Epiphone SG (low end - bolt on neck) that I paid $75 for at a pawn shop and put $60 replacement pickups in. Best money I ever spent! Took a guitar that was muddy and almost unusable (although great tone acoustically), and made it our favorite guitar until we found an Epiphone Les Paul Plus Top on sale. Now, it's #2 among our 9 guitars (G&L, Ibanez, Alvarez & Epiphone). :wink:

BTW, the pickups were GFS Memphis models.


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Fri May 27, 2011 8:02 am
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bclarke675 wrote:
I took an Epiphone SG (low end - bolt on neck) that I paid $75 for at a pawn shop and put $60 replacement pickups in. Best money I ever spent! Took a guitar that was muddy and almost unusable (although great tone acoustically), and made it our favorite guitar until we found an Epiphone Les Paul Plus Top on sale. Now, it's #2 among our 9 guitars (G&L, Ibanez, Alvarez & Epiphone). :wink:

BTW, the pickups were GFS Memphis models.


I have to agree. Check out GuitarFetish.com if money is tight I don't think you'll be disappointed. Nothing better for the price


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Sun May 29, 2011 7:50 am
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Location: Dublin, Ireland
Hi Surge101,

Just try a set of Gibson Bright Wires ( 10's ) strings on your stock
Epi Sheraton II, as I do, and hear the difference. Makes it more zingy.
Set the Amp to :- Fender Twin Reverb - or - British 60's (Vox) - deeper.
For both :- Gain 4, Vol 9, Treble 6.0, Mid 5.7, Bass 6.0, Revb. 4 .
Optional - Stomp/Compressor/Level 2 - no other changes.
Cheapest way to start. Try it.

Jim


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Post subject: Re: Sheraton II & Clean Sounds?
Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 4:48 am
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Joined: Thu Mar 17, 2011 7:01 pm
Posts: 11
jimfdr wrote:
Hi Surge101,

Just try a set of Gibson Bright Wires ( 10's ) strings on your stock
Epi Sheraton II, as I do, and hear the difference. Makes it more zingy.
Set the Amp to :- Fender Twin Reverb - or - British 60's (Vox) - deeper.
For both :- Gain 4, Vol 9, Treble 6.0, Mid 5.7, Bass 6.0, Revb. 4 .
Optional - Stomp/Compressor/Level 2 - no other changes.
Cheapest way to start. Try it.

Jim


Save some money! Buy some Deoxit (search youtube for cleaning pots) and clean your pots yourself! Your p/u 's should be fine! When your skill level shoots up then you can think about new p/u 's. Mustang amp will surprise you with your guitar!


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