Fender Mustang I 20w

This second hand guitar amp is in great condition

The Fender Mustang I 20W is a compact modelling amplifier that became a hugely popular choice for guitarists looking for an affordable practice amp with considerably more versatility than a conventional small combo.

Originally introduced as part of Fender's Mustang range, the Mustang I packs 20 watts of solid-state power into a compact cabinet with an 8-inch Fender Special Design speaker. Rather than concentrating on one particular amplifier sound, its strength lies in offering a wide selection of amp models, effects and programmable presets. 

Plenty of Sounds in a Small Package

The Mustang I was designed to give guitarists access to a whole collection of different tones without needing a room full of amplifiers and pedals. The original version came loaded with 24 presets based around eight amp models and 24 effects, covering everything from classic Fender sounds to higher-gain tones. 

The amp models include some of Fender's best-known styles, including the '57 Deluxe, '59 Bassman and '65 Twin Reverb. There are also plenty of effects, including chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, delay and reverb.

Simple, But Surprisingly Powerful

On the front panel you'll find the essential controls for gain, volume, treble, bass and master volume, along with controls for selecting presets and effects. There's also a built-in chromatic tuner and tap-tempo functionality.

One of the cleverest features is the USB connection. The Mustang I can connect to a computer for recording and deeper editing, making it considerably more than just a practice amplifier. 

How Does It Sound?

For an 8-inch practice combo, the Mustang I can produce an impressive range of sounds.

The Fender models are particularly enjoyable, delivering the clean, bright character that you would expect from the company's classic amplifiers. The amp also works well with overdriven and distorted sounds, although the smaller speaker naturally doesn't have the authority or low-end response of a larger 10- or 12-inch speaker.

The 20-watt output gives it plenty of volume for practice and casual playing, while the headphone output makes it possible to practise without disturbing everyone else. An auxiliary input is also useful for playing along with backing tracks. 

A Great First Amplifier

The Mustang I makes a particularly strong case as a first electric guitar amplifier. Instead of buying a basic clean amp and then gradually adding pedals, the player gets a selection of amp sounds and effects from day one.

It is also an excellent way of discovering what sort of sounds you actually like. A beginner can experiment with Fender cleans, British-style overdrive, modulation, delay and reverb without having to understand a complicated pedalboard.

The Fender Mustang I 20W remains an impressive little amplifier and a great example of how much technology Fender managed to pack into an affordable practice combo.

For home practice, experimentation and recording, it offers an enormous amount of versatility for its size.

With its 20 watts of power, numerous amp models, built-in effects, presets, tuner, headphone output, auxiliary input and USB connectivity, the Mustang I is a remarkably capable little amplifier..