Fender Mustang GTX 50 - Should I keep it?

[@Sm00thR0ckS]

You definitely should keep it. I'm a new player and I bought the Katana 50 MK2 a couple of years ago as my first real amp. Six months ago I purchased the GTX50 thinking that it will be replacing the Katana, but I still have the Katana and still love it and it's not going anywhere. Although I love the sound of the GTX50 too and I like the Fender Tone app better than the Boss app, I find the sound of especially my cleans on the Boss better for my ears that the Fender. When dialed in right with OD and the effects the Katana realy kicks butt.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

There's something that the Katana does that feels a little closer to a tube amp. It has warmth, especially in the clean channel, that the GTX just doesn't have. I still have both by the way. :)

[@CameraLaw]

I’ve had a GTX50 for four years. Getting the Bluetooth to work requires a bit of patience. Usually, I need to turn on, have it not work, then unpair and restart. Works fine after that. Like you, I found the Super Reverb to be the best sounding model. Just way above the others. Recently, I got a George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe and find it puts a grin on my face that somehow I never got from the Mustang. Yet, for a gig, I’m too old and weak to drag around that boat anchor. But at home, it’s king.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Pairing the app with the amp has been relatively easy, it's just what happens on occasion later on! I've been through quite a few very heavy tube amps (Hot Rod Deluxe, Vibrolux Reverb, AC30), and I'm done carrying around heavy amps as well!

[@johnwelch557]

David, happy to watch another fun video. There are several setting you made that I like. O have the Mustang IV 2x12. Very similar in sound. I've never used the software, just no need for me. Anyway hope to see another post soon! Thanks.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks! I used to have a Mustang II 1-12" and I found it much easier to use than the GTX. I think I did use the software for that too, when recording.

[@jmCodinach]

I changed my katana II for this one one year ago and until today I'm happy with the change, with no problems Bluetooth connection. There are some interesting settings in the download section of the fender site. Take a look if you don't.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I've downloaded a couple of presets off the Fender site. Lots of stuff there! Do you use the GTX-7 footswitch with yours?

[@jmCodinach]

@@anotherheadlessdemo no, I don't have the footswitch, I'm a bedroom player and not needed right now.

[@genenery9315]

I had the GTX100 and While I really liked it, I was held captive by the Twin model and never really left that model. I mostly gigged with a Helix and so when my friend expressed interest in buying the GTX from me, I let it go. Not that I didn't like it anymore but because he wanted it. The one thing I wish it had was the Twin that was in the original Mustang 1. That thing wouldn't really distort, It would just get very intense sounding and angry sounding - without getting all buzzy.. I miss that.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Way back when, I had a Mustang II and I really liked it. I don't remember why I sold it. How does the GTX100 compare to your Helix?

[@genenery9315]

@@anotherheadlessdemo They are two completely different devices. The Mustang obviously gets the Fender feel and sound right out of the box. The Helix, not so much. It takes a lot more work to get it to feel 'right'. From the factory, it's geared more towards modern metal players so ALL the amp models feel like a clean metal amp including the Fender models (ICK!) But because its controls are comprehensive you can make the Fender models feel more like classic Fenders. It just takes a lot of work.

[@michaelschmidt6548]

I've had this amp for a few years. Ensure you mess with the EQ settings, Guitar Phase works great for me at home. Agree completely with using the app on an iPad and the footswitch is great.

[@peterkelly8357]

I bought one of these when they first came out in 2020. I could never get the bluetooth to work so it is currently in storage. My favourite presets were the clean tones. Since then I bought a Line 6 Catalyst which for me is a lot better because it has power attenuation and I can use my Helix through it. Also Line 6 updated the firmware when the Catalyst CX was released.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

I'm thinking that the Catalyst may have been a better choice. Unfortunately, I can't find one in a local store to test.

[@ВладимирИльин-о4к]

Hello David. I am glad to see and hear you in good health. I can’t recommend anything to you regarding the essence of your questions. I'm literally shocked by the number of presets.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Yes, most all the presets are useless, at least for me. I suppose it does show the capabilities of the amp though!

[@dwainmcbain5263]

I own one and I like it, I run it into GB through a Presonus interface and it’s better than the guitar modelling sold in most of those recording software programs and it’s easy to connect to a board for performances through a PA so it’s a winner for me. I still own a small tube amp and pedal board because they just seem to inspire me still but the GTX is very versatile and convenient.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Do you have any problems with latency issued while using the GTX in Garageband?

[@dwainmcbain5263]

@@anotherheadlessdemo I haven’t noticed any issues but that could be many things. I use the XLR cables into a Presonus interface on a pretty fast Apple MacBook Pro I’m not happy with the blue tooth though it’s crap. The software is ok it’s just the actual Bluetooth that sucks on the amp it’s cheap.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

Thanks for the info! I've been recording via USB, so maybe that's the issue. Since I'm still gigging with my Katana, I'm debating if i should keep the GTX or sell it.

[@dwainmcbain5263]

@@anotherheadlessdemo I think Fenders Software is worth it. I have no experience with the Katana though, but if buy a SS amp the Boss amps would for sure be on my short list! I think they have better speakers than the GTX.

[@Michel-r6m]

If it does clean, an AC 30, Princeton/Deluxe and Plexi kind of sound keep it. For gigging tone snobbery is expensive as very delicate. The interface (bt as display) is a lot better on the Fender. Remember to just have fun and NOT listen to others opinion too much.

[@anotherheadlessdemo]

The only opinion that matters is mine! LOL. I still have it, but haven't gigged with it all that much. I need to take it out for a spin.