Roland BC-60 BluesCube 112 Combo

First let me start with this: I have modded my BC-60 to have the reverb footswtich change the boost setting instead. I have never, ever turned on/off reverb via footswitch and found it to be quite useless. Boost is much more useful. IF ANYBODY WOULD LIKE DETAILS ON THIS MOD THEN EMAIL ME: dolhop AT canada DOT com.

Excellent amp with plenty of features, most importantly individual EQ for each channel. Definitely could use a line-out and headphone out. The effects loop is really good providing the ability to mix the level with the straight through tone.

Great for blues, classic rock, jazz, and more. Not the heaviest sounding amp, but if you wanted heavy metal you wouldn't buy an amp with 'blues' in the name. The clean is nice and clean. This is definitely the closest you'll find to a tube sounding SS amp, but still isn't a tube amp.

Never, ever had a problem. I opened it up to mod it and it is well built.

Never had to deal with them.

This is definitely an amp you want in your arsenal - you will find a use for it in some way. One day be deemed a classic like the JC120, JCM800 or Twin.

Nice amp. Glowing review under "sound" category. But for features, one must wonder if Roland/Boss is the inspiration for "Dilbert". One theory on how this amp came into the marketplace. Roland Engineers: "We have almost perfected solid state tube emulation and here it is, the BC-60." Roland Marketing: Too simple, it'll never sell. Here, take 12 of these knobs and put them on it, and make some of them do something." Roland Engineers: Grumble, grumble. It has four distinct channels, varying degrees of clean to crunch, so we gave it a 4-channel footswitch." Roland Marketing: That'll never do. We have tons of these FS5-L footswitches on hand. Make two footswitch inputs for the FS5-L and make 2 of the 4 channels unswithable via footswitch. Make the footswitches a $25 option." Roland Engineers: "But people are always losing those little footswitches." Roland Marketing: "Now you're catching on..." Roland Engineers: "We'll at least we can make it indistructable." OK, seriously, you can't access 2 of the levels of "crunch" via footswitch. Roland's beautiful chorus is absent, as is a dedicated line out. BUT, this is meant to be pretty much a one trick pony, and it covers that pretty well. Plus, no tubes to worry about.

Guitars: LPDC Standard, American tele and strat. Use for all music except metal. It is a bit noisy with master volume turned up. It seems loud enough. Sound: wonderful. This thing oozes warmth, from clean thru crunch settings, especially with the single-coil guitars. Sounds a a bit tinny with the Les Paul, especially the high end. This amp does what it advertises. The "tube" sound is fairly consistent through the range of low to high volume, so you don't have to find a "sweet spot". There are many of them.

My Roland products have all been quite reliable.

This is a big minus. Wade through the "support" area on the web site to see how bad.

Been playing 30 years and have owned Roland/Boss products ranging from GR-33, to GT-3 to drum machines and even a JC-90. I have always been impressed with the many features of all their gear, until I come to the realization that very little of it is usable as a practical matter. But they always manage to have a few features that make items worth the purchase price. And with some thought, you can get around the fundatmental design flaws. The BC-60 is no exception. It does have a wonderful sound, especially for the price. I would buy again (with lower expectations of course).

The features are exactly what I'm looking for in an amp: two very good channels with separate EQ, consistent tone, good volume, and an effects loop with level control. Everything else here is icing on the cake: boost button for lead, bright button for clean, 3 settings on clean channel, pedal/line button for effects loop, accutronics spring reverb. Fantastic features for a combo at this price. Very gig friendly--I can just show up with a guitar, patch cable in addition to this amp for just about any gig and I'm good to go!

I already own a Blues Cube 30, 2x10--a little clearer in the clean channel, but not quite as warm in the lead channel. A great practice amp, but only drawback was the lack of independent EQ's for either channel. Luckily I found this Blues Cube 60 used for almost the same price as the 30. I'm a happy camper now that my two channels are EQ'd the way I like it--and with reverb too!

When comparing it to the stuff that Tech 21 puts out, i'd have to say it's not necessarily better, or worse, just different. The Tech 21 stuff has more of the definition that is characteristic of the amps they simulate. Personally, I love the Boogie and Marshall settings on my Trademark 10 (I run it into 2x12" celestions), but I keep coming back to the Blues Cubes for the clean. I prefer the Blues Cubes for gigs, while leaving the Tech 21 stuff for recording.

I'm really glad that everyone's out buying Line 6 gear and other digital modelling stuff--that's why I've been able to purchase my Blues Cubes used, and for a fraction of their original cost!

I generally use this without a back up. May have to replace the speaker at some point (since I've purchased used), but I don't see the rest of it going anytime soon.

N/A

I've been searching for one of these used for a while, and I'm glad I found it. For me, the fewer the stompboxes, the better--I like the sound of my guitar straight into the amp. This suits my setup just fine.

Amp is 60 watts of solid state. I beleive made in 95. I have found it able to cover all types of music with a few adaptations. It has effects loops that I run a danelectro echo through. IT sounds great and is the best echo pedal i have found and I looked at many. Delays, not distortions should be run through the effects loop. I also run an ibanez DL 10 delay which is the coolest rockabily sound I have ever heard!
I like others wish the crunch had a foot switch but it does have channel swtiching for lead. THIS IS IMPORTANT! I use a C-tech Sonny boy. This pedal is GREAT through this and other solid state amps. The sonny boy is not as good through tubes. This make this amp very versatile. I also put a TS-9 with Chip in front of that and I have BB King, Eric, Carlos, Stevie ect in one amp. I gig with one amp now. For me it has more than enough power. If you need more you play too loud or your drummer plays too loud. Find Tone, Mic it. I give it 9 cause I wanted a headphone jack.

I play a ventura 335 with Sonnet 180's(Gibson Replacement?)pickups. I also play a strat with all seymour duncans,(duckbucker neck, vintage staggered, middle, Hot rail bridge). Both guitars sound great. The 335 barks and howls and the strat is smooth and silky. It is very quiet and the reason I went to this amp is that I found TUBES to be elastic. I found them very difficult to DIAL in the sound and keep it. Therefore I searched for the closest thing. This is it. This is not "Real tube emulation" as one saleman told me" It is not trying to be a blackface and a British vox at the same time and failing at both. It is simply a warm, good feeling amp.
IT IS CLEAN. My feeling is you can always dirty an amp but how many clean footpedals can you find? Therefore if you want the amp to be all things you have to get a few pedals(listed above). The built in distortion is to me like all built in amp distortions, fuzzy at best. The lead channel with the TS-9 gives great Santana but I use more pedal gain then the amp. The amp distortion gets too fuzzy. The Good News is that you can find your tone at home at low volume, and this amp sounds great at low late night volume, and when you turn up it just sounds better. I give it 8 due to honestly I will not use lead channel much.

I went Solid State for two reasons. I either had tube failure or played worrying when would they go or were they giving me all they had. Second, I felt that the tube amps had to be loud to sound good. Then the drummer would get hotter and of course a bass player does not even need a reason to turn up, they just do. Therefore, I bought a used solid state and expect to live in harmony. I bought it from a blues man in Chicago who had in alot of clubs, and it shows. But it still sounds great. It makes me want to play, more.

Not had to call or email. I am not one who is angry that it did not come with a footpedal. I am thankful there is one I can buy, and will.

I have been playing for nearly thirty years. I have owned a 70's princeton, 70's Super Reverb, Reveb II, Concert(Riveria) and various other crate,peavey and even a Kustom lead 1 which is another great solid state amp. But of all these nice amps, if the bc 60 were stolen I would go find another.

If you get this amp and it is too mellow, buy the C-tech sonny boy. They will practically give you one on ebay or in a store. Play with it, work with it and you will love it. If you play metal you probably stopped ready a long time ago. As I approach 40 I realize you can always turn up. No one wants to turn down. Playing too loud effects your vocalist, your ears, and in my humble opionion, the soul of the music. Therefore buy this amp and you will make beautiful music together, if you let it.
Finally, even though I do not play loud, this dude will go there. If not get a hot rod deluxe,deville and bleed those ears.

This amp has all the button, switches and dials for you to fiddle with. The combo channels offer a wide variety of sounds and support subtle variance especially on clean. This solid state amp will blow any house down for an attractive price. This is no beginners amp.

I use a les paul and a semi-12 string through this amp. Whack it on to overdrive and turn those knobs to 12. The volume is easily controlled via the pre-amp. I've never had this amp past 5 on the master volume at home, but it doesn't start rocking until you go past 8 on the dial. One problem occurs for me on channel switching. You may find it difficult to match volumes on both channels without a pedal. Other wise you could almost be fooled it was a $700 valve amp.

No worries. I double soldered speaker connections as this amp shakes at high volume!

12 month warranty, free Roland magazine. Can complain

If you have a budget, been playing a while and wanna impress people, buy this amp if you can find one these days

You know the features from other post, so I will just go on down to the SOUNDS!

I bought this amp through eBay, because I have seen the reviews on it, and wanted to find a smaller amp for small gigs! I normally play through a 65 re-issue Twin Reverb, which is too loud for small club gigs! Everyone is right! This little solid state amp will fool the best tube conissours! It is meaty as hell, with plenty of EQ and headroom! I hate to admit that I ever owned a Peavey Bandit, at one time but this amp DOES NOT fit into the cheesy PEAVEY catagory! I would throw it up against the best tube amps and dare anyone to tell me that it sounds like a solid state amp! The Rectifex circuit has 2 modes(Diode and Tube). The Diode mode is punchy and the tube mode seems to add some compression beef to it!
I play a Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 Soapbar with 3 P-90's in it, and a American 57 Re-issue Strat with EMG's! My favorite channel is the CLEAN channel, which CAN get the Black Face Deluxe tones and more! I use pedals(Barber Tone Pump, 808 Modded TS-9 Tube Screamer, and a Boss DD-3 Delay and Boss Stereo Chorus), and this amp is VERY pedal friendly, which most solid state amps are not! The Distortion channel will definately rock ala Eddie Van Halen! It has that cranked Plexi Brown tone and more! This amp is definately geared for any kind of music except for Hardcore/Mosh/Thrash stuff! It is plenty loud for small/medium club gigs, with plenty of volume to spare!

Had it for 2 weeks and no problems as of yet!

Don't know?

I used it at one of our favorite clubs that we play, this past weekend and had some buddies set in and play on it! They were freaked! One said that he almost bought one awhile back just because of the reviews that he has seen on it! He plays a Dr. Z Mazeratti, and said that this amp has more ooomph than it does! I would like to get another one, just so I could have 2 to run for large venues! It SMOKES our other guitar players Hot Rod DeVille 2x12! I like it!!!

Channel for clean, channel for dirt. Each has three-band EQ. The clean channel has three settings for extra "crunch" to simulate the slightly overdriven sound of a tube amp (crunch can be added or removed to taste). Clean channel also has a "bright" switch which, as you can guess, adds to the brightness of the tone. Dirt channel has the usual pre/post volume settings and a "boost" switch to add gain (taking the sound from overdriven to a thicker, more modern distortion). Also included is an interesting switch that selects emulation of diode or tube sounds (clever thing, makes for a very distinct sound). Master presence, reverb and volume. Effects loop with mix settings as well.

Could have used an external footswitch to change between "crunch", but even more important is the lack of a line out or speaker out jack. Still an excellent amp with a wide range of features, but these things would have been nice.

I have several guitars ranging from single coils to humbuckers, strat sounds and Les Paul sounds and I can say that this amp really works well with all of them. It brings out the ringing jazz sounds of the neck pickup and the Mark Knopfler sounds of the strat. It digs in like a good blues amp should on the high gain stuff and reminds me of a lot of Texas Blues player, only with a bit more gain if you decide you want to dial that up.

I play a combination of styles ranging from modern metal, i.e. Tool or Deftones to folk and funk. This amplifier is not meant to create the tone of a "Warhead" amp head, but even so it can give a broad, broad range of sounds and colors. It's my belief that you can only reasonably ask for a few good sounds out of every amp, and if you get one good clean and one good dirt, that's pretty fair. This amplifier does that, with the bonus of a few tones in between as well. I intend to add a compressor before the pre-amp to bring out some of the smooth sustain (the amp isn't lacking, mind you: The music styles I play just demand that I go this route) and an equalizer in the effects loop to tweak the tones. The Blues Cube hangs in there nicely at high volumes as well: The clean channel doesn't break up unless you've turned on the "crunch" settings for it to do so.

I have noticed no particular problems with the amp being hissy or noisy, but I'm lacking for good cables at the moment... so if I replace those I may find that the noise level is uncommonly low: I just can't say yet.

As for the solid state/tube discussion: I tried this amplifier out in a music store in Toronto. After being shown a Peavey that the salesman thought would be perfect (man, was he wrong), he plugged me into this. My friend wandered over while I was playing and I explained to him that this was a better amp because it was a tube amp, and the difference in the tone was obvious. The salesman corrected me and I nearly fell over: It's all solid state. This sounds like a tube amp to me, but after using a Fender Blackface for many years I can say that this is much, much preferable - no headaches with flaky tubes, no inconsistencies in the tone and guess what? It sounds every bit as good.

I would have personally preferred if this was a closed-back amp, as I like the little extra compression, but as a blues amp (which was the obvious intention) it's probably better without.

I've only had this amplifier for a week, so I shouldn't comment on its dependability. The construction is solid and obviously had quality in mind.

Never had to deal with customer support. Hopefully I never will.

I, myself, have been playing for about 17 years and I own a wide range of guitars and effects processors. I chose this amplifier because I wanted tube-style warmth but solid-state flexibility. I used to use Jazz Chorus amps for the cleanliness and then I moved to a Fender Blackface for the warmth, but neither of them could give me everything I needed (a nice dirt and a nice clean. Is that too much to ask?) In addition, I wanted the 12 inch speaker and I also want that effects loop. There's lots to love about this thing and very little that you can hate: Sound, features, performance and even looks are really good. If it were stolen I'd replace it in a heartbeat.

The features, when you consider the cost, are amazing. You couldn't really ask for more without paying twice as much. Unless you have extremely specific amplification needs (for example, you need Slayer-grade distortion) then it's hard to see how this amplifier wouldn't serve your needs well.

I wish it was a little lighter and I wish it had casters. It's a bit of a pig to move around, but I wouldn't complain: Moving a stack of 4X12s is a lot more of a hassle.

The value is excellent. I'd think twice before trading this amp for another one, even those that cost twice as much.

Two Channels, Lead & Normal, Reverb, Effects Loop, two "cunch" settings on normal channel, Pre/post volume, master volume, reverb control, presence, effects control, VERY COMPREHENSIVE easy to use controls..and they all work!

I only rate the amp an 8 because you hHave to get a footswitch, doesnt come with one, but needs it, and the amp could also use a speaker out jack for extension cabinet.

Everything from crisp fendery, chimey clean to the woman tone, you all think only saturated tubes can yield. I haven't gone any further yet, but there are choices of rectifier settings for those of you who dont really want your guitar to sound like one.

I use a POD as my main tone/efxo control, with a vox wah infron of everything,and its a great match to this tube-logic, solid state amp.

The 12 inch speaker gives a rich, warm tone.




Plenty loud at 60 watts.

just got it in trade, one previous owner,,,seems solid as a rock.

Roland, when needed....ands so far its only been for info...no repairs..has been top notch.

GREAT VALUE, GREAT SOUND, SOLID, PORTABLE, VERSATILE, LOUD ENOUGH,

Two channel, 60 watt, solid state amp. It has two types of crunch built into the clean channel, along with a bright switch. Pity, however, that the crunch sounds are not foot-switchable. Really wish they were, because they sound very good, espacially crunch 1, for extra boost.
This amp has separate tone controls for clean and drive, which is a plus.
There are a couple of things i miss.
1. line out
2. speaker out. This amp sounds good, so i would love to try hooking a external cab up to it.
3. Footswitchable crunc, as mentioned
4. footswitchable loop off/on

But hey I guess I can't demand the works in a affordable amp like this. Or?

I use this amp as a practice amp, and for smaller gigs. I have been surprise how many gigs I can take this to, and avoid schlepping my Mesa head and cab. It is loud enough for most gigs, and I don't feel I am compromising to much on sound either.

Firstly, I actually think this amp is maybe the best sounding solid-state amp I have used. Maybe not for hardcore overdrive stuff, but certainly for jazz, blues, funk, pop etc.
I use two different guitars with this amp; a Blade R4 with EMG's, and a Gibson ES-175. The amp fits them both very well. With the 175 (for jazz) it has that Polytone sound, even though it gets a bit boomy in the bass register sometimes. A very good jazz amp anyway.
With single coil EMG's it sounds sweet, twangy, and well defined. Damn loud for a single 12 inch speaker.
I am a little unhappy about the hiss that i can't seem to avoid. I would have expected that in a tube amp, but it's a bit much for a SS. Keep the master volume as low as possible, and rather crank the preamp.
Clean channel is beautiful and, the overdriev channel is excellent for that crispy blues drive. Wouldn't take it to a rock gig without a stompbox for more overdrive.
I have recorded with this amp a couple of times, and it likes being in the studio. Results were very good, and i actually ended up using it for the whole session; never got to use the Fender Bassman that was the original plan.

It is build like a tank; I am not expecting any problems. Never had problems with Roland amps before either.
One of the resons i got this was that I wanted a solidstate amp as a backup/smaller gigs amp and be able to rely on it. Tube amp are greats, but as you all know, there can be some emergencies when using tube amps, and it's good to have a solidstate you know is going to work when you turn it on. I trust this amp.

Never dealt with the company

I have been playing for 10 years and play professionally. My main amp is Mesa Boogie Mark III and Line 6 cab, and I also have a Mesa +22, which is about the same size as this but requires more attention and is less reliable. This amp is perfect as a backup, and for smaller gigs. (as a matter of fact, I have been using it a lot)
Love the sound of this thing, even though i like tube amps better. Thing is, this amp actually comes quite close.
If it was stolen, I would consider getting a new one, or something very similar. Tried the 3x12 version, which sounded great, but sort of defies the purpose since i wanted something small.

I bought the amp 04/2002 on the internet based on review and downloaded owners manual. Risky, but no local dealers had a Blues Cube to demo. I was looking for a responsive and flexible amp, big enough to do club dates but not so heavy as to throw my back out. I think I found it. It's solid state 60 watts, 1x12", two channels - each w/ 3 bands of EQ - global reverb and presence, effects loop and switchable rectifier (solid state and tube) sounds. Quite loud enough for most gigs, and the effects loop can be used as a line out to the board for larger venues. It looks nice, too. Cream colored Tolex, brown grill cloth. A pleasant change from the black amps that were au rigor for so long.

I had to buy a Boss FS-5L foot pedal and cable seperately for hands free channel swtiching. Should be included. Also would like to have a cover at least available, if not included. Any serious roadworker is going to drop it in a road case for travel but say you have a two week sit down gig - you're going to want to put a cover over it during the day.

I run a customized '64 Tele w/ DiMarzio Super Dist at the neck, Lawrence blade 'bucker at the bridge, F.A.A.S. piezo in the bridge, and Lawrence Q Filter on the tone control. I'm primarily a blues/jazz player but if the gig calls for it, country to metal is in my repertoire. For my applications, the Blues Cube is the best kept secret in guitar amps. Though solid state, it is easily as responsive as most tube units. Better than many. Dig in with your pick and it SPEAKS, back off and it croons. It's name says it, this is a BLUES amp. It'll clean up to do jazz and country. Tweak it and you can do very serviceable classic rock. Crank the "lead" channel distortion and easily do some shredding (you get some noise, but it's 70? db below the guitar so it's not an issue). You want death metal distortion - buy a pedal. But Texas road house blues? Now we're talkin'!

Solid! No loose screws or nuts. No gaps in the joints or Tolex. Crank it up - no rattles. Roland has a great reputation for quality. This amp is true to that rep.

No need of support so far.

People rhapsodize about how great tube amps sound. Not always! I've worked road gigs, sit-downs and studio since 1971. I've either played, or had sidemen that played, Fenders (including Deluxe, Princeton, Twin, Bassman, Dual Showman, Super Reverb) Ampeg (sweet), Sunn, Marshall, Supra and Vox (wretch!). Some sounded good, some displeased me greatly. Your sound is a combination of THE AMP, THE GUITAR AND THE PLAYER! An over-priced tube amp is no guarantee of great sound. Tube amps require maintenance. Ever broken a tube on load-out and had to scramble for a 6L6GC in Moscow, Idaho on a Sunday morning? Or had your last 12AX7 crap out in mid set? Not fun. The Blues Cube is a well built, practical, versatile amp for a working (or would-be working) picker. It excells in a variety of blues/rock sounds but serves well in other styles. A good investment.