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Audiofanzine FR
Published on 12/14/08 at 09:47
(Originally written by SlapKid/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Big combo inspired by the Fender Vibroking: 3 x 10" speakers, reverb, serial-to-parallel adjustable FX loop, switchable Tube Logic circuitry (rectifier tube simulation).
Channel 1 has 3 modes: clean, Deluxe Reverb-like slight crunch and slightly overdriven.
Channel 2 with boost for an incredibly good distortion sound.
75-watt output power... The loudness is much higher than the rated value.
No noise, remote for channel selection and reverb.
And very nice looks... It's the best-looking combo!
UTILIZATION
Very easy to use: you only have to choose between clean and distortion or crunch and lead. The first channel provides a very fine and light crunch. The second channel is perfect for rock... ZZtop and the like.
The reverb is fixed on a side panel. It sounds beautiful and it's not too long (it's the only spring reverb I know that can be used in distortion mode).
The FX loop works perfectly. It allows you to feed another amp (but you are probably deaf if you need to do this) or to use the Roland as power amp + speaker, for example with a SansAmp. The icing on the cake is that the reverb, presence and Tube Logic sections are still available with this configuration.
I already said it: it's perfect.
SOUNDS
This is only useful if the amp sounds good, of course. Don't worry...
I'm saying clear and loud: this amp is the best solid-state combo: incredible detail, brightness, definition and punch.
I'm not joking! Compared to it my Bassman 59 ltd. has no punch and no presence and never mind its ridiculous distortion sound.
Punch is what it's all about. I still can't believe that it only has 75 watts.
An amp with such dimensions is made for band rehearsals and live gigs. If you play alone the sound will be too loud and aggressive.
With a band you'll enjoy its sound precision and its presence without having to crank it.
One thing is for sure: it has no competitor on this regard.
I did a test disconnecting the internal speakers to feed an external speaker cabinet but the result was not so good. I also connected other amps to the Roland speakers and bingo: power, punch, presence in your face!
It's a very well designed and manufactured combo. And a label on the amp confirms it: everything is made in the USA except for the cabinet. Fender can't say the same about its expensive Mexican Princeton...
OVERALL OPINION
An absolutely fabulous combo!
If you have the opportunity to buy one don't hesitate it! (and it's not expensive)
Roland brought out a complete series: 30-watt 2x10", 60-watt 1x12" and 75-watt 3x10". I wouldn't buy the smaller ones because my experiments with other speakers and amps showed that the sound comes from the 3x10" speakers (16-Ohm Vintage 45).
From the dozen amps I own, including solid-state and tubes, this is the only one I will never sell. It's my precious!
Big combo inspired by the Fender Vibroking: 3 x 10" speakers, reverb, serial-to-parallel adjustable FX loop, switchable Tube Logic circuitry (rectifier tube simulation).
Channel 1 has 3 modes: clean, Deluxe Reverb-like slight crunch and slightly overdriven.
Channel 2 with boost for an incredibly good distortion sound.
75-watt output power... The loudness is much higher than the rated value.
No noise, remote for channel selection and reverb.
And very nice looks... It's the best-looking combo!
UTILIZATION
Very easy to use: you only have to choose between clean and distortion or crunch and lead. The first channel provides a very fine and light crunch. The second channel is perfect for rock... ZZtop and the like.
The reverb is fixed on a side panel. It sounds beautiful and it's not too long (it's the only spring reverb I know that can be used in distortion mode).
The FX loop works perfectly. It allows you to feed another amp (but you are probably deaf if you need to do this) or to use the Roland as power amp + speaker, for example with a SansAmp. The icing on the cake is that the reverb, presence and Tube Logic sections are still available with this configuration.
I already said it: it's perfect.
SOUNDS
This is only useful if the amp sounds good, of course. Don't worry...
I'm saying clear and loud: this amp is the best solid-state combo: incredible detail, brightness, definition and punch.
I'm not joking! Compared to it my Bassman 59 ltd. has no punch and no presence and never mind its ridiculous distortion sound.
Punch is what it's all about. I still can't believe that it only has 75 watts.
An amp with such dimensions is made for band rehearsals and live gigs. If you play alone the sound will be too loud and aggressive.
With a band you'll enjoy its sound precision and its presence without having to crank it.
One thing is for sure: it has no competitor on this regard.
I did a test disconnecting the internal speakers to feed an external speaker cabinet but the result was not so good. I also connected other amps to the Roland speakers and bingo: power, punch, presence in your face!
It's a very well designed and manufactured combo. And a label on the amp confirms it: everything is made in the USA except for the cabinet. Fender can't say the same about its expensive Mexican Princeton...
OVERALL OPINION
An absolutely fabulous combo!
If you have the opportunity to buy one don't hesitate it! (and it's not expensive)
Roland brought out a complete series: 30-watt 2x10", 60-watt 1x12" and 75-watt 3x10". I wouldn't buy the smaller ones because my experiments with other speakers and amps showed that the sound comes from the 3x10" speakers (16-Ohm Vintage 45).
From the dozen amps I own, including solid-state and tubes, this is the only one I will never sell. It's my precious!