Note: the Fender Mustang II is the same as the Fender Mustang I but with a 40w output instead off 20w and a 12 inch speaker as opposed to an 8 inch. Alternatively, you can go for the coveted Boss Katana. The Katana is very similar to the mustang as it’s also a solid-state modeling amp offering its own editing software.

The Mustang I V2 amp is a small powerhouse. Even though it’s famous for being a practice amp, it’s suitable for smaller gigs too. The speakers may seem slightly lesser than average, but having 20 watts of solid-state power delivers a volume level louder than expected. There are 17 modelled amps available which range from vintage Fender amps such as the ’65 Twin Reverb to British and American style amps. As with most modelling technology, you will probably find around 3-5 amps you like the sound of and the rest will suit styles you’re not very interested in. Almost all players will find amps that fit the style they want to play. Despite having sturdy quality, the amp doesn’t feel too heavy. Rather it feels quite well made. The amp is smaller in size, therefore, easy to move around. Also, there is less chance of serious damage in the case of dropping it. The USB cable adds to the flexibility. Overall, it is quite a reliable model in terms of quality. Don’t underestimate it for its size, because the amp is very powerful, even beyond a typical practice amp. It comes with 20 watts of solid state power, which is easily enough for home use and even mic’d gigs. I know this from personal experience. I played my first 3 or 4 gigs with just this amp. The amp was obviously mic’d, because 20 watts of solid-state through an 8” speaker isn’t enough to keep up with a band. If you don’t plan on using the Fender FUSE software or wouldn’t know how to do it, this amp is not a great choice. You won’t have many effects to play with and, in all honesty, you might not like the original presets and voices.

Features

The amp looks great and unique. It obviously resembles some of Fender’s most classic amps, and this is a very creative choice of design. It looks a lot better than other practice amps in this category in my opinion, and it absolutely fits within Fender’s amp catalog. The Fender Mustang I V2 is a small 20-watt amp suitable for beginners at home. The modelling technology and the ability to connect it to your PC/Mac makes this handy little amp a great choice for a first-time guitarist. There’s a Mustang II, which is a 40-watt amp with a 12’’ speaker. The series goes up to the Mustang V, which is a 150-watt head with a 4×12’’ speaker cabinet.

The quality of some of the amp models available was also called into question, particularly some of the metal tones. Some people found it difficult to find a good clean tone they were happy with. It has to be said that only a small minority are unhappy with this practice amp but we like to bring both the good and bad points to your attention so you can make an informed decision. Summary It’s far more than most beginners will ever need, so the amp is far more than a beginner’s amp. Right off the bat, it has so many more possibilities than other amps at the same price range with its 36 available tones you can load at any time. Keep in mind the presets and amp voices exist because the channels don’t. That means there’s not a “clean channel.” Instead, you would have to find and amp voice that delivers a clean sound, like the Fender Twins.Mac version: https://www.fmicassets.com/fender/support/software/fender_software/fender_fuse/mac/FenderFUSE_FULL_2.7.1.dmg As for the modeled amps, you’ll find great tones on the Fender voices. You can dial-in Fender’s signature tones from its 8’’ speakers and their different vintage amp-voice alternatives. Windows version: https://www.fmicassets.com/fender/support/software/fender_software/fender_fuse/pc/FenderFUSE_FULL_2.7.1.exe Some customers might find the complexity of modeling amps a hassle. If this is you, then maybe you’re looking for another kind of ease-to-use and budget-friendly Fender amp.