The SV212 is a killer amp but heavy due to being a 2 x 12. Remember, to access the internet via USB you will NEED a foot pedal, either the FBV Express MK II or the FVB Shortboard MKII. IMHO you NEED to be able to access the internet with the amp to update firmware, use the software editor, and play with user created tones (patches). If you are buying used, and it comes with a pedal, that is the way to go. If it doesn't have a pedal, then you have room to "negotiate" because you will need to buy one if you catch my drift?

http://line6.com/footcontrollers/fbvexpressmkii.html

http://line6.com/footcontrollers/fbvshortboardmkii.html

Having come up through the Spider amps including both the MK IV (all Digital) and SValve (Digital front end Tube Back End) I have now ended up with an POD HD500 and a DT25 Head & Cab. Really like that combination (the DT's are killer amps) but of course a more expensive route to go. I still have the SV 212 MK II but it isn't used much. It is kind of a backup amp now and I also use it as a 2 x 12 cab for the DT for gigs. Still, I like this amp. TONS (and I mean it) of volume. I am reluctant to let it go.

IF you have a few efx pedals you like, you can get into a DT25 combo or Head/Cab for a similar price range as a new SV212. The DT's do not have efx onboard only Rev, but they come with 4 (or 8 if you know how to access them) preamp models.

Lastly, although the SV amps come with DSP onboard, it is limited in it's flexibility by virtue of the fact that there are 3 efx banks and you can't use 2 efx from the same bank simultaneously. This frustrated me in the end and was one of the reasons I migrated over to the POD HD500 which has a much more open architecture for DSP management. This may or may not be an issue for you?

All this being said above ... I feel (and this is just my personal opinion) that the Spider Line may have reached the end of it's evolution as L6 seems to be concentrating more on the DT amps and the POD's ? IF you are considering buying new, check out both the DT amps and the POD's just to satisfy your curiosity.

Good luck with your choices.

Dug,

I have a couple of them and use them regularly to gig with.  I have both the Mark I & Mark II.  The Mark I does sound better overall, but the Mark II is more tweakable.  As much as I've complained about them on the forum, they are still the amps I use the most these days and I have some nice amps to choose from (Boogie's, Fenders, etc.).  Between the two if you're more into effects, the Mark II is probably more for you, if you're less into effects the Mark I will probably fit the bill. I'm guessing the MkII would be more in line coming from the Mustang 3.  The 60 watts from the tubes in the Line 6 is probably at least as loud if not louder than the 100 watts solid state from the Fender.  You will also like having the Presence control and the channel volume in addition to the master volume.  I have 1x12's and a 1x12 extension cab to go with if I need/want it.

What are you going to use it for?  Do you play mainly by yourself, or are you in a band or looking to play with a band?  If you're going to use it to gig out, you'll definitely want the shortboard foot controller so the midi thing may be a no brainer.  Like any piece of gear, it has it's little bugs, but most you can get by.  The main reason I switched from my Boogie was because I started to need effects more often and didn't want to carry around or deal with a pedal board.  The Spider Valves are very versatile amps with a wide range of sounds available out of one box.

Hope this helps some...