Members LaLiLuLeLo Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Hey guys, I'm new to the guitar scene, I looked around online for an answer to this but I couldn't find anything. Basically, I bought a Fender 212R and there are certain things about it that make me wonder if there's something wrong with it. I would ask the people at the shop but I think they would just tell me it's normal and let me go on like that. I don't really know anybody that plays so I can't ask other people either. So I'm turning to an online community such as this one! Now, this applies to both channels so I'm only going to talk from the clean channel point of view. There are 4 knobs on the clean channel volume/treble/mid/bass. What strikes me as odd is they all increase the volume. I also have a 30-40 year old tube amp that a family member gave me and when I increase mid/treble/bass it just changes the sound, it does not increase the volume, and only the volume knob does so. On the fender 212R every single knob increases the volume. To get the sound I like, I put the treble/mid at around half way up. This makes it so that I only have to slightly, and I do mean slightly, turn the volume knob and the volume becomes very loud. Is this normal for my amp/amps in general? Secondly, the volume knob. When I turn it to the exact spot when sound starts to come out of the speakers, the lowest possible setting which is what I sometimes need to have it at, it crackles. This is not always the case, but it sometimes happens. Also, as I turn the volume, it seems to be like this /sound/nosound/loudsound. All of this crackling/nosound issue is only at the very beginning of when I turn the volume knob. So I'm not sure if it's normal or not. I'm guessing it could be since the knob might be making contact with something to increase volume, and as it first makes the contact it might not be solid? It is a cheaper amp after all. Sorry if this is a repetitive post, I really tried looking online for an answer. Thanks to all that try to help out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members billybilly Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Sounds like you have some dust inside your volume pot. It's common. They just need to be cleaned. But not on a new amp. That amp has a fair bit of power and a slight increase in the volume knob may increase the volume a fair bit. How old is the amp? If you just got it, take it back and make them fix it. If they won't I would ask for my money back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LaLiLuLeLo Posted October 21, 2010 Author Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 It's brand new, The guy said I had 30 days to try it out and if it didn't meet my needs I could get my money back. I think that's what I'm going to do. Bring it back, and maybe go to one of the smaller stores that are locally owned and not part of some chain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Prages Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 On many older tube amps, the EQs are very interactive, so it's not uncommon that there is some volume gain or loss when you adjust the EQs. I wouldn't think that would be significant with that amp though. I'd probably take it back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DaleH Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 It's brand new, The guy said I had 30 days to try it out and if it didn't meet my needs I could get my money back. I think that's what I'm going to do. Bring it back, and maybe go to one of the smaller stores that are locally owned and not part of some chain. That's what I would do. Does not sound like it is meeting your needs. Do you need that big of amp? Maybe something like a Fender Super Champ XD for a strarter amp would be better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members billybilly Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 I didn't want to say earlier but it's not my favorite amp. Take it back. You should check out those new Fender Mustang II's. Probably get it for under 200 and will have a lot of fun with it. Many more options and great reviews. Check it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members k tone Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 That's what I would do. Does not sound like it is meeting your needs. Do you need that big of amp? Maybe something like a Fender Super Champ XD for a strarter amp would be better. I would go for the Pro or Blues Jr. YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LaLiLuLeLo Posted October 21, 2010 Author Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 That's what I would do. Does not sound like it is meeting your needs. Do you need that big of amp? Maybe something like a Fender Super Champ XD for a strarter amp would be better. Yes, I did think of taking it back and buying something smaller, the tube amp I have is a 100w half stack anyway. The whole purpose of buying this amp would be so that I would have something that wasn't ass loud and I could carry around and jam with a friend of mine. He has a marshall MG. the frontman was in my price range and seemed like it sounded good enough. I want to buy a smaller amp but I don't want to get something that sounds like crap either, and my knowledge on such matters is limited. Since my friend has a 50w marshall MG I want something that will be loud enough so that I can play with him. Basically I want something of quality sound but it doesn't have to be too loud. I've been looking online but opinions vary so much. some say get a 10 inch for practice no less than 40w for quality sound etc etc. All this unfamiliar information can get overwhelming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members k tone Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Yes, I did think of taking it back and buying something smaller, the tube amp I have is a 100w half stack anyway. The whole purpose of buying this amp would be so that I would have something that wasn't ass loud and I could carry around and jam with a friend of mine. He has a marshall MG. the frontman was in my price range and seemed like it sounded good enough. I want to buy a smaller amp but I don't want to get something that sounds like crap either, and my knowledge on such matters is limited. Since my friend has a 50w marshall MG I want something that will be loud enough so that I can play with him. Basically I want something of quality sound but it doesn't have to be too loud. I've been looking online but opinions vary so much. some say get a 10 inch for practice no less than 40w for quality sound etc etc. All this unfamiliar information can get overwhelming. The BJ or PJ is good but I have had good luck with Bugeras as well (I have a V55H and a 1990). I would look at the Bugera V22 as an option. If you are jamming gainier stuff you may need a pedal. To keep up with your bud I would go minimum 15w 112 speaker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Prages Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Yes, I did think of taking it back and buying something smaller, the tube amp I have is a 100w half stack anyway. The whole purpose of buying this amp would be so that I would have something that wasn't ass loud and I could carry around and jam with a friend of mine. He has a marshall MG. the frontman was in my price range and seemed like it sounded good enough. I want to buy a smaller amp but I don't want to get something that sounds like crap either, and my knowledge on such matters is limited. Since my friend has a 50w marshall MG I want something that will be loud enough so that I can play with him. Basically I want something of quality sound but it doesn't have to be too loud. I've been looking online but opinions vary so much. some say get a 10 inch for practice no less than 40w for quality sound etc etc. All this unfamiliar information can get overwhelming. You may be able to find something like a Peavey Classic 30 used for not too much more than $250. I paid $200 for mine several years ago, but it seems like they are generally closer to $350 lately. Crate had some nice smaller tube amps out for a while too that might fall in your budget. Even a 15 watt amp though a decent speaker should be loud enough for most jam sessions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members k tone Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 I scored the Bugera 1990 Head and a Crate 412 cabinet for $400 on the used market. The deals are out there you just have to be patient Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sk8centilli Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 amp though a decent speaker should be loud enough for most jam sessions. Fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Prages Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Fixed. Yes, you did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LaLiLuLeLo Posted October 21, 2010 Author Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 wow, I didn't expect so many responses. Thanks everyone! I've been doing more research and read what you all have said here so far. Of course I'll have to try them out, but it looks like it's boiling down to the superchamp xd // mustang right now. But I may go for something else. I'm leaning more towards the superchamp though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DaleH Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 The new Roland Cube 40XL has an 80 sec looper.With the footswitch it would be a great little jam rig IMO.[YOUTUBE]m5H6hk8yA-s&feature[/YOUTUBE] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members k tone Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Just a warning on the Superchamp. When switching between channels at lower volumes mine never stayed at a consistent volume. It would jump high or dissappear whenever the switch was made. It was kind of like a toy with all of the bells and whistles. I sold it after a couple of months. I find my BJr with a Bad Monkey (or a dirt box of your choice) and a Delay out front way more satisfying and something you could gig with if that ever came up. The 12" Special Design Emminence driver in the BJr is way fuller with better low end as well (as opposed to the cheapo 10" in the SCXD - I mean the magnet on that stock speaker must wieigh 1 oz). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BlueSky1963 Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Yes, I did think of taking it back and buying something smaller, the tube amp I have is a 100w half stack anyway. The whole purpose of buying this amp would be so that I would have something that wasn't ass loud and I could carry around and jam with a friend of mine. He has a marshall MG. the frontman was in my price range and seemed like it sounded good enough. Nobody likes ass loud amps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DaleH Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Just a warning on the Superchamp. When switching between channels at lower volumes mine never stayed at a consistent volume. It would jump high or dissappear whenever the switch was made. It was kind of like a toy with all of the bells and whistles. I sold it after a couple of months. I find my BJr with a Bad Monkey (or a dirt box of your choice) and a Delay out front way more satisfying and something you could gig with if that ever came up. The 12" Special Design Emminence driver in the BJr is way fuller with better low end as well (as opposed to the cheapo 10" in the SCXD - I mean the magnet on that stock speaker must wieigh 1 oz). That's because the XD is made to use with the footswitch. You set up the voice you want to switch to for a boost or more grain whatever.I run a Bad Monkey infront of mine. So I have three levels of gain or boost to switch to.If I want to change to another voicing then I have to set that voicings EQ up with the clean channel first. Then I have a clean and boost/gain with that voicing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members k tone Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 That was using my footswitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members WarmMachineHead Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 You should get a Vox Valvetronix 1x12. I own a 2x12 and I've gigged mine for 2 years and it is still going strong. Awesome amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pine Apple Slim Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Sounds like you may just have gotten lemon.Id take it back, but Id probably get another FM212 to see if it has the same issues.Those amps generally get pretty good all around reviews, mostly from tele players looking for affordable cleans with plenty of power to gig.I was thinking of getting one myself. But I play mostly clean countryish stuff nowadays. A small tube amp like a Peavey Classic 30 or Blues Junior may be more to your liking if you want some tube distortion. They can get plenty loud. I thought I wanted a Mustang II, given the raves they are getting, but I realized that to alter the presets, like change the reverb on the Twin setting, you cant just twist a knob, you gotta hook up a computer. Thats just not me. Im sure it would be great for recording, but for gigging and jamming, I m old school. I just wanna plug in and turn a knob or two. The Cube 60 is a good solid state modeling amp, and Im pretty sure the new Cube 80 would be great too. In any case, to hang with your bud, Id stick with at least one 12" speaker, 40 to 60 watts solid state, 15-20 watts tube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LaLiLuLeLo Posted October 21, 2010 Author Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 I went back to the store and tried out a few amps. In the end I decided to take the SuperChampXD. I can always bring it back if it's not to my liking. Now that I have it home I looked it over and noticed that the casing is scratched up a bit on the side. If I would have noticed that at the store I would have said something. Blah, things you don't know what to look for when you're a newb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steadfastly Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 Take it back and get the Super Champ XD. I don't think we've had a bad word on those. They also have a 12" speaker and a line out if you want to plug it into something else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DaleH Posted October 21, 2010 Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 I went back to the store and tried out a few amps. In the end I decided to take the SuperChampXD. I can always bring it back if it's not to my liking. Now that I have it home I looked it over and noticed that the casing is scratched up a bit on the side. If I would have noticed that at the store I would have said something. Blah, things you don't know what to look for when you're a newb. Let them know it is scratched up so they don't say you did it after leaving the store.Did you buy the foot switch with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LaLiLuLeLo Posted October 21, 2010 Author Members Share Posted October 21, 2010 No, they didn't have that kind of foot switch there. they said they could get one for me though. So what should I do, call them up tomorrow morning and tell them to get me another amp like it? Because that was the only one they had there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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