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Post subject: Amp for a beginner
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 12:29 pm
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Hi,

I'm a complete novice - just starting out. I've accidentally bought a Mustang 1 V2, not realising it was a modelling amp, and its vastly too complicated for me. It seems so controlled by the amp selector that I'm not really able to learn how to use the regular volume, gain and equalizer dials. I also don't want to have to connect to a computer to modify any of the settings. It also annoys me that it doesn't retain settings after it's switched off.

I could do with some advice on a straightforward starter amp and would be grateful for opinions. A bit of wiser searching seems to point to either the Frontman or Champion range. What really is the difference between them (as far as a novice would be concerned)? They seem to be similar prices.

I'm not against effects, I would just prefer to master the basics first. I do want a media player input though and they both have one. Although, I notice that one is stereo input and the other a single jack line - why are they different?

Many thanks.

Simon.


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Post subject: Re: Amp for a beginner
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 3:03 pm
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The Mustang amps are a really great amp for their price range, In a small amount of time, you would really like the amp. Yes it has many functions, You could get just an amp, but with the Mustang, you have room to grow. Just try it for a while. I assure you, its not a mistake that you got this amp. If you get a regular amp with no mustang options, then you will be spending more time and money, shopping for efx pedals etc. Just try the Mustang . I have the 3 v2, and I have to say it takes some time adjusting, but after that, you create the 2 or 4 of the most used presets and than use it as you would a regular no frills amp. The Champions are great but the options are just not there. I started out with a Line 6 modeling amp, that took like 4 months to get adjusted to, now with the Mustang 3's versatility. I am happy with it. The mustang amps hold their own along side many if not all of the amps out there. Now I don't have the M1, but I am sure that the M3 kicks butt! I use a few guitars through it and many different pickup configurations, It just needs time and tweaking, You will get it!
I hope that helps you!
MK

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Post subject: Re: Amp for a beginner
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 6:32 pm
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I am with mak1965. Keep the Mustang and use the standard presets that come with it for a while. You can turn the Master volume up and down and it won't change the preset one bit.

Later, when you get really brave you can adjust all of the parameters of the presets to your liking and hit SAVE and it will recall your adjustments to the way you want them. You can always do an easy factory restore to the original settings if you get botched up.

Read the manual a little bit or ask for additional help here and be aware if you get rid of the Mustang too soon you will probably regret it in a month or so when you want some different sounds and effects.

I only wish I could have had the versatility of a Mustang amp when I started out many many moons ago.

So tame that beast but you gotta break that pony in first.

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Post subject: Re: Amp for a beginner
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 6:49 pm
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simon_aldworth wrote:
It also annoys me that it doesn't retain settings after it's switched off.

The SAVE button lights red when you make any change. If you're happy with the changes you made, press the SAVE button twice to save the changes before turning off the amp or switching to a different preset.

simon_aldworth wrote:
I notice that one is stereo input and the other a single jack line - why are they different?

They are both stereo, the Frontman has RCA stereo connection for the AUX, and the Champion has 1/8" stereo connection for AUX.

Based on the specs:
1/8" stereo for use with media player
RCA input jacks for use with a portable CD or Tape player, drum machine, etc.


But really you can use RCA for a medial player and/or 1/8" stereo for a portable CD or Tape player, drum machine, etc. with the right adapter(s).

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Post subject: Re: Amp for a beginner
Posted: Thu Jan 16, 2014 8:59 pm
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Joined: Sun Feb 03, 2013 6:30 am
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Some good advice above.

I went strait for the 3 when I got my Mustang for one of the same reasons you quoted: no need to bother with a computer- unless I WANTED to. Everything I'll ever use is right there on the amp. Plus it has an fx loop, an upgraded speaker, and a bigger open backed cabinet.

I've never heard the 2 live, but sound samples uploaded by users here and other places sound pretty darn impressive.

My first amp was a modeler- a Vox VT20+. It was a trifle intimidating at first, but I quickly got used to it. I really appreciated the different amp model and effect options.

I switched to a Mustang 3 when they came out, and haven't regretted it. They sound better- the models are richer, more detailed, and there's more depth to the tone. To be fair, I switched from a little 8" stock Vox speaker in a small closed cabinet to a 12" Celestion G12-t in a larger open back, which has a big effect on the sound. Both are good modellers, I just like Fender's features and sound better. ( and to be honest, it was Fender amp sounds I was really after anyway!)

As posted above, I'd say hang in there with your MII. Once you get comfortable with how it all works, crafting, and SAVING your own sounds is easy. Then you just use it like any other amp- with the benefit of a built in multi-effects unit.

Personally, I'm hopelessly addicted to Fender's reverbs on these amps. Every preset I make has at least some 'verb on it, lol. I also love the tremolos and the tape echo. The Echo Filter is a pretty wild sound, too.

One last piece of advice. I'd find ONE amp model that sounds cool to you, and go with that till you learn all about it. It makes things far easier than to do what I did, and lose yourself in the options. For example, if you like clean, non distorted sounds, it's hard to beat the '65 Twin, or the Princeton. If it's more vintagey, classic rock tones, the Deluxe, Brit 60's and Brit 70's are great. I like the Bassman, because it has a nice clean sound, and if you crank the gain, it crunches up in a way I like a lot.


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