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Post subject: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 2:19 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Ok guys I really want to upgrade from my practice amp I bought on ebay. Been to the store and tested the Mustang I to III and the Blues Jr (the nice red FSR one) with my Tele cab. The Blues sounded the best but only when cranked up and damn that was loud! I like how you can get a good tone out of low volumes with the SS mustangs. Having tone at low volumes is important for me because I live in an apt building, and full blast on my practice 10w SS amp is about as loud as I can go before having neighbors knocking on my door.

I've been playing for only a year now and I don't see myself gigging in about another year or so. I'm just not confident enough yet to join a band and play in front of people (the mere thought of that gives me the willies). So I want an amp that will sound good at low volumes for practicing but if and when the time comes, it's also good enough in a live setting for volume and tone.

For that reason I think I'll pass on the BJr as cool as it makes my cab sound, it is still a tube amp that needs to be cranked up and not to mention it's pretty much a one trick pony. So now I'm torn in between the mustang II or III. It's $100 difference but will I miss the III's features if I go with the 2? I liked the LCD display and open back of the III but the II sounded so good too and much louder than I expected. The included two button foot switch included with the III is a big plus as well.

As you can see on my sig I have a Boss GT-6 digital effects board, if there's any other amp this board can pair well for less the $500 I'm all ears. :)

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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 4:27 pm
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I would look for one of two of the older solid state amps. Either a Fender Princeton Chorus (2x10 stereo amp 75 watts) or a Fender Ultimate Chorus (2x12 stereo amp 150 watts) both have stereo effects loops and in my opinion are much better built than the mustangs. The Roland GT series (6,8,10,100) sound really good thru them. I have both amps and a GT10 and love them. I HAD a Mustang IV and traded it for a Schecter Hellraiser (I won on that deal). I like the modeling of the Mustang series so before I got ride of the Mustang IV, I bought the Ultimate chorus $100 used, and the mustang Floor $191 new on sale. For under $300 I got a much better amp (IMO) and the Mustang processing with the extra features that only come with the Floor model. Either amp can be had for around $200 or less and you can get the schematics for those here on the Fender site for repairs if needed. The Mustangs, computer chip boards, so nothing really fixable, so no schematics. Thats my 2 cents to help fund a new amp purchase :)

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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 4:45 pm
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Can't disagree with Mrchevy if you already have a multieffects processor you like.

If you want to go ahead with the M2 or M3, though, I would lean toward the M3 if you plan on gigging with it in the near future. I have an M2 and love it for playing at home, which is what I do with it. It is probably not loud enough for most bands, but the M3 from what I hear is.

The M3 is easier to tweak on the amp more deeply when you are away from your computer (say at rehearsal or a gig) than an M2 (for my purposes, the M2 is great because I set up presets I like on Fuse and generally don't feel the need to adjust them beyond what can be done on the M2 itself.

Also for gigging, the M3 can be used with a 4 button footswitch, making it much easier to change patches at a gig. The M2 can only be used with a 1 button switch so you can only change between 2 presets.

Some people have complained about a digital fizz on some soft clean settings on the M3, and as far as I know, that has not been an issue for the M2. You can read about it on this forum and see if it worries you.

Either the M2 or the M3 should give you nice practice sounds at relatively low volumes.

My 2 cents...


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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Sat Nov 24, 2012 6:00 pm
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Thanks guys! I actually kinda made friends with the owner of one of the biggest music stores in Hawaii, and he insists that the Bjr is a classic tone that will never go out of style, but the M3 might be obsolete in a few years because digital modeling is always evolving. He promised me a killer deal on the Bjr so now I'm a real bind here. I wonder if the GT-6 will sound good through that amp.

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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:35 am
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The Blues Jr. is an awesome amp with classic tone that will never go out of style - for those people who like that kind of classic tone. And it is somewhat versatile if you put the right kinds of pedals with it. I would love to have one myself as well as a dozen other classic amps, But....

Beware not to get sucked into a sales pitch! Remember YOUR reasons for wanting/needing an amp. If you've told your same reasons to your "kinda" new friend at the music store that you've told us here, I can't believe he has %100 of your best interest at heart if he's trying to push the Blues Jr. Clearly a Mustang amp is a better choice for a novice, still learning to play, apartment dweller who may or may not ever play out, but still wants the option.

Now the matter of the Mustang amps becoming obsolete in a few years. Yes, it is inevitable. Such is the circle of life of digital technology. It's only a matter of time before a superior product comes out. But the modeling in these things is really, really good. Remember that when you are demoing at the store you are playing factory presets, some will sound better than others. The magic really comes to life when you get the amp home and start tweaking your own presets. And guess what, you not only get ONE classic Fender amp but half a dozen models to choose from, AND you get several British and American models as well, and they ALL sound pretty close to the originals (not to mention all the effects). Yeah, you can argue, and probably win, that real tube amps are better. But Fender has done an outstanding job creating realistic, natural, organic, "feel" in the Mustang modeling -- at all volumes. Opinions will vary of course, but I can realistically see myself getting good use out my MIII for the next 5 to 10 years.

I bought a MIII for pretty much the exact same reasons you state. I wanted an upgrade from an old practice amp and old digitech multi-effects. Wanted to be able to play quietly around the house. Wanted to be able to take the same rig out to band practice or gigs. I wanted classic Fender tone plus loads of versatility without spending loads of money. After owning the MIII for over a year now, I have no regrets. I love it just as much as I did the day I brought it home.

But now you already have a GT-6 (which correct me if I'm wrong is an older, out of production pedal anyways). I would bring the GT-6 to the shop and spend some time playing through the B.J. See if it meets your needs. Otherwise get the MIII (the extra $100 is worth the upgrade from the MII) you have a 30 day return policy. So you can take your time to see if the amp is right for you and/or, if you can integrate the GT-6 into the mix. You could probably sell that GT-6 or get some trade in cash for the Mustang.


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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 11:37 am
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For the most part, I agree with Scorpaeon.

There is one question not being asked though; How do you plan to use your GT-6 with your amp? Do you use its amp sims and overdrives or do you use it for effects only?
If you plan on using it with the Mustang, it get a bit redundant and can muddy things up if you use the GT's and the Mustang's modeling and effects - you have to be very attentive about this. There's also the issue of overdriving the Mustang's front end (A/D converter) - not a good sound.

The BJ however won't care about all that. You can slam its input stage and it'll probably just sound good no matter what... well almost. I think that the Junior combined with the GT is a better long term alternative. If you already know how to get your sound out of the GT, I think the Junior is a great way to amplify that sound.

O.


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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 1:52 pm
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Scorpaeon wrote:
The Blues Jr. is an awesome amp with classic tone that will never go out of style - for those people who like that kind of classic tone. And it is somewhat versatile if you put the right kinds of pedals with it. I would love to have one myself as well as a dozen other classic amps, But....

Beware not to get sucked into a sales pitch! Remember YOUR reasons for wanting/needing an amp. If you've told your same reasons to your "kinda" new friend at the music store that you've told us here, I can't believe he has %100 of your best interest at heart if he's trying to push the Blues Jr. Clearly a Mustang amp is a better choice for a novice, still learning to play, apartment dweller who may or may not ever play out, but still wants the option.

Now the matter of the Mustang amps becoming obsolete in a few years. Yes, it is inevitable. Such is the circle of life of digital technology. It's only a matter of time before a superior product comes out. But the modeling in these things is really, really good. Remember that when you are demoing at the store you are playing factory presets, some will sound better than others. The magic really comes to life when you get the amp home and start tweaking your own presets. And guess what, you not only get ONE classic Fender amp but half a dozen models to choose from, AND you get several British and American models as well, and they ALL sound pretty close to the originals (not to mention all the effects). Yeah, you can argue, and probably win, that real tube amps are better. But Fender has done an outstanding job creating realistic, natural, organic, "feel" in the Mustang modeling -- at all volumes. Opinions will vary of course, but I can realistically see myself getting good use out my MIII for the next 5 to 10 years.

I bought a MIII for pretty much the exact same reasons you state. I wanted an upgrade from an old practice amp and old digitech multi-effects. Wanted to be able to play quietly around the house. Wanted to be able to take the same rig out to band practice or gigs. I wanted classic Fender tone plus loads of versatility without spending loads of money. After owning the MIII for over a year now, I have no regrets. I love it just as much as I did the day I brought it home.

But now you already have a GT-6 (which correct me if I'm wrong is an older, out of production pedal anyways). I would bring the GT-6 to the shop and spend some time playing through the B.J. See if it meets your needs. Otherwise get the MIII (the extra $100 is worth the upgrade from the MII) you have a 30 day return policy. So you can take your time to see if the amp is right for you and/or, if you can integrate the GT-6 into the mix. You could probably sell that GT-6 or get some trade in cash for the Mustang.


I like the GT-6, it has really brought to life my little practice amp. But, it can be a bit overwhelming, I've spent countless hours just tweaking some settings and at the end I still end up scratching my head. Hard to really judge its sound when all I'm using is a 10 watt SS amp. But you're correct, the GT-6 is a discontinued model, it's about 10 year old technology, and Roland has released way better effects boards like the GT-10 and GT-100.

Thanks for your post, I have a feeling I would never be disappointed with the M3.

Orcatraz wrote:
For the most part, I agree with Scorpaeon.

There is one question not being asked though; How do you plan to use your GT-6 with your amp? Do you use its amp sims and overdrives or do you use it for effects only?
If you plan on using it with the Mustang, it get a bit redundant and can muddy things up if you use the GT's and the Mustang's modeling and effects - you have to be very attentive about this. There's also the issue of overdriving the Mustang's front end (A/D converter) - not a good sound.

The BJ however won't care about all that. You can slam its input stage and it'll probably just sound good no matter what... well almost. I think that the Junior combined with the GT is a better long term alternative. If you already know how to get your sound out of the GT, I think the Junior is a great way to amplify that sound.


Yeah I can't imagine the possibilities of that board with the BJ. If I get the M3, I'm pretty sure the GT-6 will collect dust, only thing useful would be the expression pedal, but it would be silly to haul that thing around just for that.

So I decided to browse around my local CL and this popped up.

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/big/msg/3426051345.html

Only thing that worries me is how the seller posted a 6 year old picture of it. It probably still looks exactly the same today just more dusty, or it could be missing several knobs.

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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Sun Nov 25, 2012 10:25 pm
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Amazingly my HD500 sounds wonderful through the Mustang III but to tell you the truth the Mustang sounds great by itself too!! The only thing I like better on the HD500 is the reverbs and delays.... The modeling of usable amp models is way beyond the paying price of the Mustang III, IMHO...


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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 12:46 am
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Yeah I think I'm set on the MIII, it just offers so much for the money, it's hard to get past that.

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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 6:26 am
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I'd agree with all the above advice. A few more things to consider (or emphasising earlier points):

- You want the option to play quietly (now for practice) and loudly (later...), and have a good sound for both - plus the same good sound for both. The Mustang amps will do that much better than a valve amp.

- You're still learning, and thus by definition finding and evolving your musical style. The amp you like now may not suit you in a year or two. The Mustang has so many sounds built-in, it will evolve with you. When you settle on an eventual sound (that may or may not be the same as the sound you like now), that's the time IMVHO to go out and buy the valve/tube amp that has that sound. The Mustang will cover everything you need until then.

- I'd suggest the Mustang 3 over the M2. Better speaker, less directional, more presets (100 instead of 24) and easier to edit on the amp without needing FUSE. (NB FUSE is great, but it's useful being able to do things without having to hook-up a PC to the amp every time). Also when you're a famous rockstar with hordes of screaming fans at your feet, you'll appreciate the extra power/volume of the M3 to cut through all the noise :-)


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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2012 6:52 pm
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So my music store friend offered me the M3 for $249. Seems like a decent deal 50 bucks off regular price. I think I'll be starting a NAD thread soon! :)

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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 10:13 am
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As previous posts have mentioned, these amps do everything that you'll ever need it to do, brilliant design. with the foot switches (2 button + 6 button) all you will need is the amp, a cable and an axe. Sell the GT-6, you're not gonna need it. That should offset your cash out for the MIII even more then the $249 price to buy it from the store. A good choice for sure to go for the MIII

Some people have had some problems with some digital noise problems, but others have not. (the one I have works fine) I would just offer to make sure the one you will buy is not afflicted by this.

Look up the posts in this forum that speak of this problem, just something to be aware of before you leap.

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=57294

If the one at the store is free of this issue, DO IT! you wont be sorry.


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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 2:50 pm
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KidBlast wrote:
As previous posts have mentioned, these amps do everything that you'll ever need it to do, brilliant design. with the foot switches (2 button + 6 button) all you will need is the amp, a cable and an axe. Sell the GT-6, you're not gonna need it. That should offset your cash out for the MIII even more then the $249 price to buy it from the store. A good choice for sure to go for the MIII

Some people have had some problems with some digital noise problems, but others have not. (the one I have works fine) I would just offer to make sure the one you will buy is not afflicted by this.

Look up the posts in this forum that speak of this problem, just something to be aware of before you leap.

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=57294

If the one at the store is free of this issue, DO IT! you wont be sorry.

Wow that's a long thread. Read the first two pages and the last one. Interesting and I hope this is something that has been sorted out by now. Thanks a whole lot man, I'll read the rest of te thread when I have the time.

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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 6:33 pm
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1neeto wrote:
Wow that's a long thread. Read the first two pages and the last one. Interesting and I hope this is something that has been sorted out by now. Thanks a whole lot man, I'll read the rest of te thread when I have the time.

Long story short, even if your amp has this issue you may or may not ever notice it. The vast majority of people find it to be a very minor thing and don't know the issue exists until they go looking for it. But some people have reported that it was a major problem for them. And it is a sticking point by some people because they feel the amp is flawed and they have a problem with Fender's stance that it's an insignificant anomaly that is not covered by the warranty. Just remember that you have a 30 day no questions asked return policy. If I was a gambling man I'd bet your going to be happy. :)

Congrats on the purchase! The MIII is an amazing value at $299, but at $249 - awesome!


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Post subject: Re: Really GASING for a new amp
Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2012 8:31 pm
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Scorpaeon wrote:
1neeto wrote:
Wow that's a long thread. Read the first two pages and the last one. Interesting and I hope this is something that has been sorted out by now. Thanks a whole lot man, I'll read the rest of te thread when I have the time.

Long story short, even if your amp has this issue you may or may not ever notice it. The vast majority of people find it to be a very minor thing and don't know the issue exists until they go looking for it. But some people have reported that it was a major problem for them. And it is a sticking point by some people because they feel the amp is flawed and they have a problem with Fender's stance that it's an insignificant anomaly that is not covered by the warranty. Just remember that you have a 30 day no questions asked return policy. If I was a gambling man I'd bet your going to be happy. :)

Congrats on the purchase! The MIII is an amazing value at $299, but at $249 - awesome!

I tried to listen to those soundcloud recordings but I could not hear anything. I thought the exact same thing, that it must be something insignificant and it would only bother the most anal audiophiles.

Haven't bought it yet. Most likely this weekend, will keep you guys posted.

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