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Post subject: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 12:59 pm
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I'm getting a Fender Deluxe Lonestar Strat soon (Seymour Duncan Pearly gates and two Texas Special Single Coils). I am a hobby player only.

I'm looking for an amp that will sound good, but won't be too much overkill or underkill. I love Blues and Rock (think SRV/Clapton/Aerosmith's Joe Perry type stuff). I was considering at first getting a tube amp. But then I read about how fragile they can be, potential overheating issues, how you have to wait 10 minutes after playing before moving them (read a lot of horror stories about that), etc. Then there's the tube changing every once in a while and a bunch of nonsense that I really don't want to mess with even if they do supposedly give a better tone. So, with that being said...tube amps are out. I'm looking for Solid State only. I have read enough to convince me that I need Solid State.

I'm also a bit curious...what all is needed for me to be able to practice via headphones? I know that there are a lot of "headphone amps" where people want to just plug directly into the guitar for some reason and skip the actual amp. I'm fine with going through the amp directly. Am I correct in thinking that all I need is an adapter to convert the smaller headphone plug into the larger Amp headphone outlet?

I live in a house, but we're a bit close to the neighbors, so I will be playing mostly through headphones for now and occasionally use the amp speaker on a lower volume. In the spring, we're moving to a better place with a lot more space and I won't have to worry about the neighbors. So I'd like to go ahead and have decent sound with both (instead of getting something like a Pod just for headphones only).

I intend to get some type of looper pedal that will let me store at least three different loops and play them back over one another via footswitch.

Any advice or particular amps? I was looking at the Mustangs. It is my understanding that SRV and Clapton, among others, have been quite fond of Fender amps.

As a final thing, I'd like to be able to record directly to my computer. I understand that there can be a quality difference by doing this. I'd just like a way to capture it for now.


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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:29 pm
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Here's one thought:
Get a Fender Mustang amp. With the FUSE software you can get a helluvalot of sounds, and a M1v2 will only set you back some 120€/170$ - and it's plenty loud for home practise use.
It also plugs in your computer: Fender, Audio to PC

A Mustang ain't what SRV/EC and other top pros use, but for their kind of amps you'd need to dig your pockets a lot deeper. And somehow I think that in a couple of years you will get to a point where you know exactly what you want in an amp.

The headphone amps, like Vox AmPlugs etc. Some like them, and they're really cheap - try if you want to.


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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 7:52 am
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I agree. The Fender Mustang series kicks the stuffing out of anything else in the price class because of versatility. This post is by a very amateur Spanish guitarist who has been a gigging bassist since 1968. So you have to consider that 6 string guitar is not my strong suite and I just goof around with it for fun, sort of like my ukuleles.

I replaced my 20 plus year old Peavey Blazer with a Mustang I V2 and it really is an amazing $120 USD home practice amp. I also considered the Super Champ combo but decided I didn't want tube hassles and a more voracious power consumption on what is only going to be a home practice amp, and I considered the current Fender Champion 20 model which is maybe better if you aren't looking to record direct or use Fuse software to edit presets. If you can hold off till after Christmas and if there is a Guitar Center nearby, go in on the 26th. They'll almost certainly be way cheaper. The only difference between the Mustang I and II is power and speaker size but the III has a completely different user interface that I like better, only I didn't need anything that big. All are excellent values. The Fender Fuse software is amazing to modify any Mustang's presets and a Mustang amp comes with two other software downloads including a light DAW for computer recording and a recording effects chain. The Mustang IV combo is probably better for live work because of the stereo XLR outputs, way better footswitch control and immense power but the Mustang I is to me the ideal home practice amp and probably MORE amp than I need. I also considered the Fender Passport Mini (which at one time was called the Mustang Mini) but didn't really need the battery power capability and the Mustang I seemed a better buy for the money since it can get way louder. I really don't know of a better guitar amp value right now than any of the Fender Mustang amps. The Champion series is a bit less costly up front but the Champion is not as versatile either. Still if you just want to plug in and play without all the tone editing and direct recording capability then either the Champion 20 or Champion 40 might be a good choice.

If you do decide to go the tube route also look at the Blues Jr. Tube emulation has come a long way, but it still isn't perfect, so if you gotta have a tube tone you are still better served to get a tube amp in spite of the maintenance issues. I plan to mess with my Mustang I today some.

My only criticism of the Mustang I is a pale low end compared to the Mustang II, but for home practice and for having an 8 inch speaker it is just fine!

Since Spanish guitar is not my primary instrument I'm not really qualified to write a review for the Mustang I but I'd give it a very solid 4 stars out of 5 stars in tone and 5 out of 5 stars for value and just plain fun.


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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 9:18 am
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:idea: :arrow: If you want something that is: quick; easy, sounds great, and is inexpensive, then Fender's new Champion 40 is for you! Especially if you're going to be doing a lot of headphone practice. $180 and plenty loud enough to jam with bass & drums or play out.

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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 9:28 am
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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2014 12:07 pm
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What kind of computer are you using? Windows or Mac? Garage Band on the Mac is the easiest recording software I've ever used. Regardless of which platform you use you'll need an interface. The interface is a device that plugs into your computer, usually through a USB port, that converts analogue signals (from your guitar or guitar preamp or a mic placed in front of your amp) into digital and sends them to your computer for use recording with a DAW. On a Windows machine MixCraft is a fairly decent DAW for not a lot of money. It's not as easy to use as Garage Band but it works with most common file formats allowing you to share files if you ever decide to collaborate with others from a distance; emailing files back and forth.

Digital
Audio
Workstation

Interfaces are available at a lot of different price points, ranging from about $70 to well over $1K.

For a small apartment style amp that can also be used at jams with your buddies you might want to consider a Tweed Champ clone. You can get clones with a 12" speaker or the original 8" configuration. Tweed Champs and Deluxes are pretty much the go-to recording amps for a lot of musicians. They won't allow you to use headphones but they will give you a great tone in a small package.

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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2014 10:12 am
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Agree that "Garage Band" is a good choice for a DAW platform... affordable and easy to use.

Amplifier... I would go with the Mustang's. I use one for gigging as well as play at home volumes (I have two... A Mustang I and a Mustang III).
The little guy is great for rocking out at low volumes... although it is capable of getting pretty darn loud for a little amp. You could easily do the laid back coffee and cheescake bar gig with a Mustang I.

If you have plans of eventually jamming with others (Drums, Bass, Keys etc..) I suggest getting a Mustang III.
I gig with my MIII... it's versatile, easy to use (easier than the MI due to not having to go into Fuse to edit things... can do it right off the amp itself!) powerful enough to push some serious air at a medium to large Bar/Club gig... and it sounds incredibly good. It's also light weight (32-35-ish pounds). Also has a line out to go straight into a PA channel... that's awesome when playing live... no need to mic! 8) and you have a great stage volume via the amp itself. I've played through a lot of different amps over the years (Tube piggies)... Kustom, Marshall, Peavey, Music Man, Ampeg, Fender... all of which were awesome. But the Mustang line is the absolute best in Digi/Solid State on the market right now.
I give the Mustang's an AAA+ rating based on experience of use... They're great amps and IMO... the best bang for the buck for both pro and hobby players.

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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 2:47 am
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Why not just go to your nearest retailer and try out several amps ? See what appeals to you and just take it from there .


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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:00 am
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Long time tube guy with another Mustang vote. I recently got a Mustang I (you might want a larger model) and I've been impressed. The modeling is reasonable even when compared to more expensive Line6 gear and it seems well built. I'm not about to sell the tube amps, but I find myself almost exclusively using the Mustang to practice and to toss in the car when I travel.

You should try some models -- it's fun if nothing else. I'm basing my statement on having done that AND on looking at the lower end (price, power, etc.) of the market.

For software, I've used Macs for years but (I'll never admit to saying this even under torture :) I don't think there's a dramatic difference between them and PCs anymore. I'm not sure I'd spend the extra for a Mac if my only reason was that they still hold some edge in music applications. There's a price for that too and you'd have to consider what else you're going to use the system for.

(Disclaimer: I'm comparing a Mac used for general purposes with a PC. I don't know how much difference there'd be if I could have a Mac and a PC configured exclusively for music production and nothing else.)


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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2015 5:55 pm
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I had no trouble using Audacity on an older (2007 model) Mac Mini, and recording via the USB port on a Mustang I V2. I like Audacity because it has a lot of tools, it's totally free, and you can "zoom in" on the waveform to edit individual samples, if you want.

Note also that the FUSE software (for the Mustangs) lets you adjust the volume level separately for the USB output, and differently for each preset. It's part of the "Advanced Amp" settings in the preset editor.

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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2015 12:07 pm
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John L Rose wrote:
I had no trouble using Audacity on an older (2007 model) Mac Mini, and recording via the USB port on a Mustang I V2. I like Audacity because it has a lot of tools, it's totally free, and you can "zoom in" on the waveform to edit individual samples, if you want.

Note also that the FUSE software (for the Mustangs) lets you adjust the volume level separately for the USB output, and differently for each preset. It's part of the "Advanced Amp" settings in the preset editor.

I use audacity as well, I like it.I would like to try GarageBand but I have a PC, I have seen links to download a version that runs on windows but the links seem to be bogus, anyone know if the elusive windows GarageBand exists?


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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2015 7:47 am
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I know this is an older thread and that the OP has likely moved on, however I wanted to toss my $.02 worth in here, just for the sake of posterity if nothing else. These are, as always, just my own personal opinions.


As far as the amp goes, given the OP's comments, I'd be more focused on wattage vs use rather than any specific make/model of amp. While everyone is likely to have their own opinions and preferences and obviously everyone has their favorite amp, the fact of the matter is that anything with a headphone jack is going to be little more than a practice amp...whether we're talking one of those new Mustangs or an old Peavey Backstage and as such, the quality of sound is NOT going to blow people's socks off. They are what they are and they do serve their purpose very well, however with amps in this category, any brand name should serve it's purpose well...just avoid brands like "First Act", "Gorilla", "Marlboro" or any other brand you might find at Walmart or Toys-R-Us, etc., and you should be fine.

The real factor here is simply how much volume a given individual may need for a given purpose. For example, for quite/silent practice here at home (say via headphones with some mp3's), I really favor my little Roland Microcube...great little amp, decent sound, pretty versatile and it can even run on standard AA batteries (great for taking to the park!). I've even recorded with the silly thing a couple of times. That said, for any kind of live practice (i.e. with a drummer), such an amp just isn't powerful enough unless you can pipe it into a PA system. Depending on the situation, the style of music and especially the drummer, I tend to find that 20 to 30 watts is the absolute minimum...a lower powered amp that sounds great may be fine for your bedroom, but does NOTHING if you can't hear it over the drummer and bass player. In this case, I tend to favor my little Peavey Backstage+...she's not the best sounding amp, however she's loud enough to use even at a small gig (and I have). What's more is she's REALLY easy on the back...grab a guitar and a cable and I'm off and rockin'! LOL!

Finally regarding amps, remember this; most of your "sound" comes not from your guitar or your amp, but simply from you. As I've said so many times now, Eric Clapton would still sound like Eric Clapton even if he were using a $200 Squier Strat with one of these modern digital wonders. Why? Because he -IS- Eric Clapton! If you're concerned about "tone", focus on your playing and worry about the hardware later.



As far as recording on a computer goes, I will say right off the bat that I just do NOT care for Garageband. Like Final Cut Pro and so many other Mac specific programs, it's just way too "Mac-centric" for my tastes...as my wife (a PC apps developer) often says, I just don't do "fruit", LOL! What's more is that unless you already own a Mac, you're also looking at getting a new computer...which just isn't terribly pragmatic for someone just getting into home recording, particularly when there really isn't any advantage to it at all...for the $1500 to $4000 you can easily spend on a new Mac, you can get a really nice stand alone Roland unit that's going to be VASTLY superior to anything like Garageband. 20 years ago Macs -may- have had some advantage (at least regarding hardware), but today Mac's are little more than over-priced PC's...with a really goofy OS.

Now Mac rant out of the way, for those on a budget, I would recommend either N-Track or Kristal Audio Engine...the former being shareware and the later being free. Audacity is fine for editing and I've used it myself for such (although I prefer Wavelab or older versions of Sound Forge personally), but it's not really the greatest for "multi-tracking". If you're looking to lay down a few tracks to jam with...say a rhythm guitar track, bass track and maybe some drums, decent multi-track software will usually get you further than an editing program will. You -can- do it with Audacity, but there are other affordable options out there that work better (at least in my opinion). Personally I actually started with N-Track and it did a very good job for me until I finally moved up to Cakewalk. That said, don't be afraid to keep an eye out for "used software" either...I now use Sonar Producer v. 4 (along with Reason for my midi work), which I got for free from a bud who was upgrading his studio. For those getting started, don't assume you need the latest, greatest software that's out there...even something like an old copy of Cakewalk can work VERY well.

I will say that in general, most multi-track software does share some very similar attributes. Some, like Logic, may be a bit more midi oriented (which may or may not be a benefit depending on personal needs), however for the most part, they tend to share a similar "feel"...most resemble a multi-track cassette deck (one way or the other) with the ability to record, playback, fast forward, reverse, arm tracks, mute and solo tracks etc.. Some of the higher priced packages may come with some snazzy, spanky plugins, but unless you're VERY proficient with the software, I find these tend to get in the way for those who are learning...reverb, eq and compression are really all most folks need to get started. As such, again I'd suggest getting something like Kristal, just to get your feet wet and look at other packages once you have a better understanding of the whole process.

Now as far as an "interface" goes, I will admit that I'm the odd man out here, but unless you need the ability to record multiple channels simultaneously (such as trying to record the whole band live or having 8 mics on a live drum kit), most people can do VERY well with just the basic audio card that's built into their computer. The fact of the matter here is that despite all the "science" regarding DA converters and such that a lot of people like to spew, a typical computer these days usually has a sound card that is VASTLY superior in it's recording quality to most of the vinyl that many of us old timers grew up listening too. Most sound cards these days (including those built into your motherboard) are capable of recording at CD quality, if not a bit higher...and that's usually more than enough to get most people started with recording. Yes, there are input systems out there that have an audio range that only your dog can hear...and certainly some people will swear by these, however again for someone JUST GETTING STARTED, it's a waste of money, as most newbies just are NOT going to hear a difference. Conversely, I've gone as simple as just plugging my little $50 Behringer 4 channel mixer directly into a sound card and I've gotten some really great results with it.

There's obviously A LOT more that I could go into here...reference speakers for example are well worth a bit of research (I use Event 20/20's)...and ANYONE interested in home recording needs to learn a bit of "system maintenance"...keeping those harddrives defrag'd and such. Certainly there's a TON of info on the internet these days for those interested in creating their own home studio (along with a ton of mis-information), but what I've written above are really the basics...get some inexpensive recording software, plug into your computer's sound card and go for it! It's rather amazing how much you can do with just the basics 8) .


Alrighty...again it's an older thread, but I hope someone finds some of the helpful along the way.


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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2015 2:28 am
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lomitus wrote:
the fact of the matter is that anything with a headphone jack is going to be little more than a practice amp...whether we're talking one of those new Mustangs or an old Peavey Backstage and as such, the quality of sound is NOT going to blow people's socks off.

I disagree. My Mustang IIIs have headphone jacks AND push 100 watts if you need them. And they sound so much better at every volume level than my little 10 watts practice amp I basically got for free when buying a guitar.

Quote:
Finally regarding amps, remember this; most of your "sound" comes not from your guitar or your amp, but simply from you.

+1. As someone's signature here says, if your playing is crap it will sound like crap no matter how much you spend on your gear.

Quote:
As far as recording on a computer goes, I will say right off the bat that I just do NOT care for Garageband.

+1, I hate Apple.

I also can recommend Reaper as a non-expensive DAW with lots of features. I started with Audacity, but that doesn't even do MIDI or ASIO.

Quote:
most people can do VERY well with just the basic audio card that's built into their computer

One more point for the Mustangs (et.al.): You can just grab the already digitized signal from their USB port.

Quote:
and ANYONE interested in home recording needs to learn a bit of "system maintenance"...keeping those harddrives defrag'd and such.

Only if you have a really old system. Modern OSs and hard disks (not to mention SSDs) will provide enough bandwith for audio recording under pretty much any condition.


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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Wed Jan 06, 2016 11:25 am
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Another vote for a Mustang III -- great amp! The little Mustang I is little and cheap and is ok, but the interface is kind of annoying.

Reaper is a really nice cheap DAW. I like it!

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Post subject: Re: What setup would you recommend?
Posted: Thu Jan 07, 2016 8:49 am
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ChrisH1 wrote:
lomitus wrote:
the fact of the matter is that anything with a headphone jack is going to be little more than a practice amp...whether we're talking one of those new Mustangs or an old Peavey Backstage and as such, the quality of sound is NOT going to blow people's socks off.

I disagree. My Mustang IIIs have headphone jacks AND push 100 watts if you need them. And they sound so much better at every volume level than my little 10 watts practice amp I basically got for free when buying a guitar.

Yeah I have to say, I've played outdoor gigs with my 100watt Mustang III and the headphone jack did not hold me back at all. :mrgreen: 100 SS watts is 100 SS watts. High speed, amp'd up and LOUD!

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