Behringer ACX450 45-Watt 2-Channel Acoustic Instrument Amplifier w/Dual FX and FBQ Feedback Detection

USB guitar, amp modeling software kit

(Behringer headquarters and designs many relatively less-expensive, yet, high quality music-related devices in Germany and manufactures in China. The company is known for quality, yet economical, musical amplifiers, guitar pedals, and mixers.) The guitar: This is the first USB guitar, and, it comes with specialized software. Other people on instrument sites have complained profusely about having to file frets, major adjustments, etc. I haven't noted any such defects. Fit 'n finish seem really great! I like the action, also. The Amp: The 10W amp is a very nice practice amp--gain control gives good distortion at this price level. The amp doesn't have the effects and amp-modeling of a Line6 "Spider" or a Peavey "Vypyr," however. Nonetheless, this amp strongly induces me to consider Behringer for the better solid-state amp that I desire later on. (Really expensive vacuum tube amps are considered to be the best for warmer sounds as well as for desired distortion and certain tones. Famed vacuum tube amps, including vintage tube amps, do differ widely in tones and features. Given today's advances in electronics, solid-state amps can now mimic (model) many tube amps and famed effects pedals. Such new-era amps have become wildly popular--so popular that even some tube amps now offer such features! The software: Competing with such amps, software, with various guitar/PC interfaces, is now available which also mimic a bewildering number of amps, pedals, effects, settings, and their combinations! This kit's "Guitar Combo" software is intended to introduce novices now to Native Instruments' more advanced software, especially "Guitar Rig," and accessories. When one installs the Guitar Combo software, they may choose one of the three amp-modeling combos and obtain its "unlock" code--at no extra charge. Each of the other two combos offer a 30-day demo and are available for a nominal charge (I think $15 each) from Native Instruments' website. The kit doesn't come with a separate guitar tuner device--instead, a good tuner as well as a metronome are incorporated, very conveniently, into the amp-modeling software. The guitar itself still includes a "Fender-style" conventional 1/4" jack--thus, the guitar isn't reliant totally upon USB and PCs. The included amp won't hook up directly with USB--that's not a good idea, anyway. The iAXE, hooked to a PC, and the amp, also, certainly work with headphones! An adapter may be needed: The headphone jack is the traditional 1/4" "guitar jack" size and is on the outside edge of the iAxe, next to the USB jack. The guitar's USB jack and converter circuitry need for the PC's USB port to be a powered port, not merely a signal port. The nearby blue light in that area of the guitar should light up. The iAxe setup, which I purchased elsewhere before walmart.com offered it, also came with two OK cords, two sets of strings, three picks, instructions, learning aids, several DVD and CD-ROM discs, and a canvas case, with extra storage. Other learning software and aids, many accessories, a fine practice amp, and, some video lessons with a fine teacher are included. Generally, I'm very happy with what Behringer provided! Needed extras: The installed strings leave much to be desired; strings generally are inexpensive. Purchase some good electric extra-light strings. Get a better stand or wall storage hook (neither is included with this kit). Strap locks from a music store will prevent the studs from slipping out of strap holes--resulting in unnecessary dropping and damage. The inexpensive plastic "triangle" type of lock is OK. Some straps already incorporate plastic locks. Purchase an inexpensive tuner (one plugs this type of tuner into the other end of the guitar cord); you're child will like that when using the amp. Upgrading to a better guitar later on: With purchase of a 1/4"-to-usb conversion/connection device interface--other guitars may be used with the Guitar Combo software that you've unlocked (and later on with "Guitar Rig," competitors, etc.). Behringer's relatively inexpensive converter offers yet another unlock code for the combo software! Your children starting to learn to play guitar: For parents who don't want to invest too much into gear and amp-modeling amps/software/pedals at this time: I really believe a child (large enough for this full-sized guitar) will practice more and will more likely become proficient--and, also more likely to become familiar and facile with guitar chords and music concepts in general. Given today's child's likely fascination with PCs and with the brilliant concept of USB/PC connection (finally embodied directly into electric guitar) combined with clever software and DVDs--continuing interest in guitar is much more likely. So, given that you don't yet own an electric guitar for your child, (discounting the bonus amp) this is the cheapest entry into the world of amp modeling software. Conclusion: Given the wild new era in guitar electronics, yet, considering this era's harsh economic restraints, I recommend this highly as very workable for your child's/adolescent's--or even your own--first electric guitar and amp. Behringer iAxe kits today are the only ones which offer the bonus of an economical initial foray into PC amp modeling (resulting in enhanced interest and fascination for your child)! Kits with intro Line6 Spider and Peavey Vypyr amps are more convenient for amp modeling (with those amp companies' "spins" on amp modeling), yet, such kits and gear will set you back considerably more. Thanks for reading this--I know this is a long review--a lot has happened in the industry in the last few years!

gsnoorky . Review provider: walmart.com