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Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120 (Vintage)
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Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120 (Vintage)
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iamqman iamqman

« The best clean tone ever created!!!! »

Published on 06/23/11 at 14:50
Probably the most recognizable Roland amp ever created. Also probably the most highly sought after solid state amp on the planet. And maybe the most highly used clean tone that has ever been created!

From studios to stages this amp has seen a number of uses and major users, such as Metallica and many others. This amp has a clean tone that is perfect for recording as well as running a pedals in front of.

Notable JC-120 Users

James Hetfield
Wes Borland
Andy Summers
Nick McCabe
Robert Fripp
Adrian Belew
Gustavo Cerati

The Jazz Chorus is one of the few 1970s solid-state amplifiers from Japan that "continues to thrive," and fans of its "powerful, clean tone" include Andy Summers.[2] Summers' use of the amp in turn inspired, for instance, Jeff Buckley, whose first amplifier was a Jazz Chorus.[3]

Most models have controls based on the JC-120's standard setup. There are two channels, one clean, the other with effects. The built-in effects include stereo chorus, vibrato, reverb, and distortion. The amplifier features high and low inputs, as well as a three band equalizer and volume for each channel.
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Amplifier Features:

* The classic and most popular "JC" since 1975
* 60W + 60W (RMS)/12" x 2 speakers
* Distinctive "JC" stereo chorus
* Vibrato with rate and depth control
* Two input channels (normal/effect); 3-band EQ per channel
* Stereo effect loop
* Three footswitch jacks for chorus/vibrato, reverb and distortion

UTILIZATION

Detail
Type Solid State
Number of Channels 2
Power 120W
Speakers 2 x 12"
Reverb Yes
EQ Treble, Middle, Bass
No Amp Modeling
Number of Tubes 0
Preamp Tubes No Tubes
Power Tubes No Tubes
Inputs 1 x Instrument
Outputs 2 x Line (1/4")
Footswitch I/O Yes
Effects Loop Yes
Height 24.49"
Width 29.92"
Depth 11"
Weight .61.73 lbs.

SOUNDS

The tone from this amp is so legendary! The clean is really the reason you buy this amp but the ability to take distortion pedals is a huge bonus. The amp takes on your favorite pedal quite well and amplifies the natural harmonics of your guitar and playing style.

For me there is only one reason to own this amp...and that is to use it on a recording for clean tone. The chorus is very lush and smooth! It sounds great with just about any guitar you throw at it. If you have listened to any Metallica album then you have heard this amp.

OVERALL OPINION

I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs the best clean tone you could get out of an amp. I am partial to solid state cleans as I feel that they have a sparkle that tubes cannot match. Distortion is a whole different ball game but the cleans will get you the best chimey sparkle you have ever heard.

At new these amps come in at around $1200. A little bit on the high side for a solid state amps. I have seen these amps on the used market for around $500. This is going to be for a older one which is just as good as the newer ones and really the reason for the hysteria behind the tone of this amp.

If you really want to gig with this amp then it is a good purchase, but if you just want to use it for recording a particularly the clean then save several hundred dollars and get a Cube amp from Roland that has the JC Clean. But this amp is so classic anyway that it is a must own!