All user reviews for the Roland Jazz Chorus JC-55

It's a solid-state amp, the small sibling of the JC 120. It delivers 2*22.5W stereo, it has two inputs (high and low), a chorus (with two modes) a distortion, and a line out.
3-band EQ, reverb and chorus parameters.

UTILIZATION

It is extremely easy to use and has a wonderful clean sound (maybe a bit cold). It suits keyboards and guitars alike. There's no need for a manual. The clean sound, with or without chorus, is always amazing. As for the distortion, it is worthy of its bigger sibling: It isn't meant to not be used!

SOUNDS

I play jazz and the sound is excellent. It lacks a bit of presence due to the 8" speaker, but it does a fine job with an acoustic guitar!

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it since 2006 and I got rid of it due to lack of space. I miss its clean sounds, its robustness and its chorus (it's also pretty light, which is cool).

If I had to get a solid-state amp, I would definitely get this one, although I wouldn't have any room for it!

Jazz Chorus series with the JC-77 and JC-120.
Manufactured from 1987 to 1994
Features:
2 X 25 watts
2 x 8" (8-ohm) speakers, ROLAND Heavy Duty Transducer
Inputs: High/Low jack
Controls: distortion/Volume/Treble/Middle/Bass/Reverb
Effects: distortion, reverb, chorus
1 x 3-way "chorus" switch
manual/off/fixed
2 chorus controls (rate, depth)
Connections on the rear
Footswitches with FS1/FS2 option
Chorus, Reverb and Distortion
2 line outs: effect/mixed (recording / console / other amps / monitoring ...)
Weight: 26.4 lbs
Dimensions: 20" x 15.7" x 8.2".

UTILIZATION

Classic configuration.
You can easily find the manual online to make yourself an idea.

I only regret that the controls on the front panel are placed vertically and if you put the amp too high up, you'll have a hard time dialing in without groping.

SOUNDS

I use it with and without a Digitech RP 1000 + Fender Stratocaster signature SRV guitar.
Music: rock/blues

OVERALL OPINION

I only got it recently, but I'm very happy with my purchase.
Clean sounds are awesome (especially for blues), the amp distortion is average, but pushing it you can get pretty decent results, contrary to what others have written.
It's also very good with the effects pedal because the amp doesn't alter the sound of the pre-modeled amps, which is what I was looking for.

Solid-state amp with preset chorus, as well as adjustable reverb and distortion
Two channels
Reverb and distortion switch
line out
55w of output power
2 x 12" speakers

UTILIZATION

No manual, but it's easy to use and the chorus sound is superb, even if not as nice as that of the jc 120

SOUNDS

It suits all styles, I play jazz and blues rock and it's a treat.
For a warmer sound, I connected it to an old ibanez60 with a 16" speaker.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it one and a half years ago.
It's light and easy to transport, as well as to amplify live.

This is the 55 watt version of the most popular clean amp in existence. You don't have 120 watts of power but only 55 which makes it a lot cheaper and a lower priced as well. These are harder to find then the JC120, but equally as good.

The Jazz Chorus 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.

UTILIZATION

* The classic and most popular "JC" since 1975
* 60W 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

SOUNDS

The tone from this amp is so legendary! You get 55 watts rather than 120 which is much more usable. 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

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!

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.

1 channel solid-sate amp
2 inputs, hi and lo
On the rear: line out, 3 switch possibilities (distortion, reverb, chorus)
Controls: distortion (on/off at first and then comes the distortion), volume, equalization (treble, mid, bass), reverb, 3 chorus settings (depth, rate and a 3-way auto/off/manual switch).

UTILIZATION

Extremely easy to use and dial in.
Very easy to transport and good size/power ratio.

SOUNDS

Hyper versatile
The distortion is not that great, but it has its charm, so if you need distorted sounds, you'll need external effects.
The chorus is great, typical Roland.
The reverb is nothing special, in my view.

The clean sounds are well-defined and can go from pristine to really round and even twangy if you push the mids.

I used it a couple of times to amplify an acoustic-electric and it was a very nice surprise...

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for over 15 years.

The pros: Super reliable, awesome clean sounds, great size/power relation, typical Roland chorus, switches.

The cons: The distortion isn't that good, lousy line out.