Practice Amp

[Tom Wolverton]

James, how does the Mustang I headphone output compare to the Vox DA5? If find the Vox's headphone output vol too weak. Is the Fender any better?

[James Mayer]

James, how does the Mustang I headphone output compare to the Vox DA5? If find the Vox's headphone output vol too weak. Is the Fender any better?

I can't use the DA5 headphone out at all as it's both too weak and distorts easily.

The Mustang headphone out is what it should be. No distortion and no volume drop. I use it with the AUX IN for silent practice with tracks. The headphone jack is 1/8" instead of the usual 1/4" which means it's more fragile.

I know I'm starting to sound like a pusher, but it really is an incredible deal for $99.

[Lynn Fargo]

Hey there, James,
You're kind of talking me into the I rather than the II. Let's see, I can get the I for now (already have the credit), and put the II on my Christmas list if need be.

[Pete Burak]

I have heard and played through both of James' practice amps in recent weeks.
They both sound good, but that Mustang really sounded good to me.

[James Mayer]

Hey there, James,
You're kind of talking me into the I rather than the II. Let's see, I can get the I for now (already have the credit), and put the II on my Christmas list if need be.

Something you should know is that the Mustang I and II don't have an LCD screen for editing. You can download the free FUSE software, hook up the amp via USB and get full control of the parameters.

For example, most of the amp models have a mid control, but there is no physical mid control on the amp. You have to adjust it via the software. It's not a big deal because you have about 30 presets.

[Lynn Fargo]

Thanks for chiming in, Pete. I'm not doubting you guys at all, but I'm just surprised that an 8" speaker can sound that good. That is the stock speaker in James' Mustang, right?

James, re: the no mid. Yes, I saw that on the vid and am kind of disappointed with that. But being pretty computer savvy, I guess it won't take too much effort to get it set. I'm probably looking for a Twin Reverb sound, but not sure as I'll most likely be using this for my Morrell lap, which kind of loses some volume on the high strings.

[James Mayer]

Thanks for chiming in, Pete. I'm not doubting you guys at all, but I'm just surprised that an 8" speaker can sound that good. That is the stock speaker in James' Mustang, right?

James, re: the no mid. Yes, I saw that on the vid and am kind of disappointed with that. But being pretty computer savvy, I guess it won't take too much effort to get it set. I'm probably looking for a Twin Reverb sound, but not sure as I'll most likely be using this for my Morrell lap, which kind of loses some volume on the high strings.

Yes, it's the stock speaker.

There are so many settings that there is just no way to fit all of the controls on that amount of real estate. Each effect has up to 5 parameters. You can change speaker cab emulation and adjust the bias and sag. Presence, bright switches, etc.

Also, the ad says "8 amp models" but if you connect via USB, you'll find there are more than that. 12, I believe.

[Bill Howard]

I Sold a Behringer Blue devil on the forum and the man LOVES IT!. I sold my Simmons steel to a man with one He loves his. I had one I traded to my brother for a session 400 because my brother owed me some money we traded even to settle. I miss my behringer. they are 12" speaker (Jensen special design). 60 very underated watts. the cabinet has a closed back it has a LOT of bass response and weighs about 40 lbs. Now lighter than that is a Roland Cube they are light weight and sound great for practice just not big enough to play any place with a lot of people or noise level.Polytone Amps are great powerful light and 15" speaker...Winnie Winston used one never saw him with anything else though he may have used another amp??.

[Pete Burak]

Thanks for chiming in, Pete. I'm not doubting you guys at all, but I'm just surprised that an 8" speaker can sound that good.

Lynn,
I am speaking in "practice amp" terms here when i say it sounded Really good.
Like if you have your steel set up between the night stand and the dresser drawers, and the amp is within an arms length/reach away, and you are playing at the same volume as casual conversation.
I only heard whatever setting James had set, which sounded like "clean with a little reverb". I didn't mess around with the settings or options at all.

[Lynn Fargo]

Thank you all for you input. It is truly appreciated. Having been out-of-the-loop for such a long time, I had no idea of what is out there today.

So I'm leaning toward one of the Mustangs, I or II. I'll have to see what the store in my neighborhood can do for me. Otherwise, I see that another store I have dealt with has a Fender franchise.

Thanks again, Lynn.

[Ron Whitfield]

Lynn, as good as all the suggestions have been, you're still out of the loop until you try the new YAMAHA THR10
google it and include - forum - to get the full groundbreaking lowdown.
They can be had for just $200 and is the best $ one can spend to date on a 'bedroom/practice' amp.

[Lynn Fargo]

OK, so I'm gonna check out these other suggestions before I buy. I like Behringer products. I use a Behringer powered mixer for my karaoke show. (No flaming please; not much steel work around my neck of the woods and I need a supplemental income. Been steady work for 10 years at a lovely little tavern 1/2 mile from my home, great patrons, and it allows me some semblence of a music connection. [They let me sing. ])

Ron, love your State Police line.

[John Peay]

I have a Mustang 1 and when I put it on twin tweed I was blown away and got the exact sound that I had been looking for and at $99 brand new you can not go wrong.

I just picked up a Fender Mustang I (for $50, new, on Craigslist...couldn't resist!), and I must say this thing is clear, crisp and sounds great with pedal steel.

Thomas, there is a "Twin Reverb" preset on this thing, is that what you meant in the above?

Can someone suggest some other presets & settings to try out on this thing? Right now, I'm on that "Twin Reverb" with the reverb turned down a bit from that preset (amp allows you to modify the presets).....any other ideas for pedal steel settings??>

[Tom Wolverton]

James - I took your advice and bought a Mustang I. Wow, it is much better than the Vox DA5, (which I liked a lot). The headphone and Aux-in tone and gain is dramatically better and cleaner with my old Sho-Bud (with a FreeLoader). Thank you for the tip.

Note: while it's nice to play with the thick reverb on the default settings. I've decided to back that reverb way back to almost nothing. I'm thinking it is better for me to practise with little or no reverb, so it doesn't hide intonation and blocking flaws.

[Rob Williams]

I have a Roland Cube 80X and it sounds great. It has 10 different amp sounds, two types of reverb and many built in effects including delay. It's also plenty loud. I've gigged with it on guitar and PSG.

[Rick Barnhart]

Found this Mustang II at my local Guitar Center, used in new condition for $119. It's still on "police hold" but they let me place a deposit to hold it. Anyone try this one for PGS and/or lap? I couldn't pass on it for the price. They even had an old National New Yorker, but not a cord that would fit, so I wasn't able to try it with anything other than a tele...that sounded pretty good though.