Roland Cube 60

Bog-standard modelling amp with a difference.

Made 2008 and made primarily for producing a good jazz tone (I suspect through an archtop).

All the usual whistles and bells on a smallish combo, headphones jack, speaker ext cab, tuner jack (very useful, the Korg GA30 just stays plugged in and it switched on once in a while to get the strings straight.)

This amp is a replacement for a 50 watt valve head that didn't have the flexibility of sound.

Mainly used as practice but I am looking to step up to playing live and the Cube would be great to play through.

It is two channel. Chanel one is JC Clean but although they are on channel two I would include the acoustic and black face as genuine jazz settings - depends on the sounds youo are after. A lot of jazz guys are playing Gibbo's through AER acoustic amps and black face twins have always been a fave.

It is warm for a solid state amp. There is some noticeable hiss when the guitar volume is turned down........secret.......this leads me to believe that the preamp may have a compression circuit in it on the JC setting. Chords vs single notes volume backs this up as does sustain - and may account for the hiss? (Hmmmmm! have I released rolands secret?)

So I use JC, acoustic, blackface twin, and play on the others.

I like a little reverb - nicely done. On acoustic setting an archtop
sounds like a 12 string acoustic with the minimum chorus - though it does go from nought to out a bit harsh.

Play an archtop, Vintage Brooklyn (Peerless Monarch)through it with a Kent armstrong floater jazz pickup installed in the neck posn.

The articulation of single notes within subtle jazz chord changes is brilliant. My wife smiles, when I come down stairs and says, "That sounded really sweet!"

A proper carved archtop will always sound less dark than a laminated Gibbo ES175 - but I am getting a really sound and a minor amp change of less than ??150 has got me way closer to "the sound" than forking out for a Gib 175.

It can do wild distortion solos on the other settings but I only like to explore these when I'm blind drunk!

It's a Roland road block - don't anticipate any problems.

Dunno - haven't needed it

Compared it to (financially) Jazzkats, Polytones, JazzKing- no idea how much better they might sound but for the money a budding jazzer would be barking mad to look elsewhere.

The NR is a bit of a pisser - but I suspect it comes from an onboard (not mentioned) compresssor.

If I put pedals in front (compression/EQ/reverb) then it hisses like mad - horrible.

Take is as it is, a cheap company copy of the JC120 (which is a hissy amp), with the addition of at least two other jazz channels to play on and you won't be disappointed.

Compact, ported closed back, good bass response, nice articulate tight jazzz sound, either electric or Gypsy jazz.

Emjoy!

First some ground rules. This is a review of a Solid State Modeling Amplifier. I will not compare this Amp to a Tube, Trans Tube or Solid State non modeling Amplifier. That would be comparing Apples to Oranges and could not be a fair and honest review. If you are in the market for a Tube Amp, nothing short of the $600.00+ required will do for you.

Made in 2007 The amp provides settings for Clean Acoustic Black Panel (Fender Twin, Brit Combo (Vox AC-30TB) Tweed (Fender Bassman) Classic Stack Marshall, Metal Stack (peavey EVH-5150) R-Fier Stack (Mesa Boogie Rectifier) and Dyna Amp. So this Amp is very versatile and can compliment most styles of play. Two Channels with Optional Pedals for foot selection. With Chorus, Flanger, Delay and Reverb onboard. Line Out, Tuner Input, and External Speaker Jacks. This is basically a practice amp for me however, it has the potential to be lightweight combo for small clubs and if the amp can be mic'ed properly good for average venues. With 60w (sort of) of power it is REALLY LOUD for such a small amplifier.

Controls
POWER Switch, SELECT Switch
JC CLEAN Channel
BRIGHT Switch, VOLUME Knob
LEAD Channel
TYPE Switch (ACOUSTIC, BLACK PANEL, BRIT COMBO,
TWEED, CLASSIC STACK, METAL STACK, R-FIER STACK,
DYNA AMP), GAIN Knob, VOLUME Knob
EQUALIZER
BASS Knob, MIDDLE Knob, TREBLE Knob
PRESENCE
PRESENCE Knob
EFX
EFX Knob (CHORUS, FLANGER, PHASER, TREMOLO)
DELAY/REVERB
DELAY/REVERB Knob

I would have liked separate Bass Mid and Treble knobs for both channels.

The Effects are misleading, yes there are Chorus, Flanger, Phaser and Tremolo Effects. Only ONE can be selected for use at a given time So If the Chorus is used the other three are not available.
Same with the Reverb and Delay. One OR the other can be in use at any given time. But not both simultaneously.
The effects all work and sound OK but you would be best served using your favorite stompbox instead. And if you are new to Guitardom and don't know what each effect sounds like. The effects are good enough to provide you with an understanding of what they actually do.

OK, lets all face facts "Sound Quality" is subjective. I have been playing for 38 years. I have owned Marshalls, Peaveys, Line 6s, Behringers, Traynors, Crates, Fenders. And other nameless Amplifiers in my lifetime. Both Tube and Solid State. I can compare the "Sound" of this amp to those that came before them and say that there are similarities to the sounds that this Amp has been designed to emulate. Based on this Amp being a Modeling Amp, solid state, in a small package, and lightweight. Based on a POOR, GOOD, VERY GOOD and EXCELLENT scale. The "Sound Quality" is VERY GOOD. Overall I firmly believe that if you are looking for an Amp that provides what this Amp is offering you would be making a wise choice. All the various AMP settings are easily distinguishable from the others, the Clean Channel is clean, and with 3 varying types of gain Amps you could dial in the sound you are looking for.

No Breakdowns, the before mentioned plastic Jack Nuts have and should be replaced immediately.

*Note to ROLAND Plastic Jacks, Jack/Nuts suck. The employee/s responsible for choosing Plastic over Metal should be summarily dismissed for recommending this cost slashing boner. The savings were small, the cost to your reputation extreme. I didn't buy an Amplifier "Kit" I bought what I hoped was a finished product.

Hmmm interesting category however, I cannot comment given that the unit works and no repairs have been necessary. Bought used with a 30 day seller warranty.

Recommendation, If you are looking for a Solid State Modeling Amp. You couldn't do better. This is a well built, very versatile, and reliable Amp. If you are looking for a Tube Amp this will NOT suffice. Tube amps have a "warmth" to their sound that cannot be replicated with silicone (At this time anyway). 60 watts (as presented) of LOUD sound, and if you are a Closet Clapton like me the various Amp settings are very cool to modify. Small enclosure is easily stored in a corner behind a dresser. And when I need to perform before my legions of fans I have the power to do so. At least I tell myself that, as I turn off the Amp, when my wife has announced "Dinner's ready".

This amp was made in the 2006 time frame.
The features can be found in the specification sheet for this amp.
This amp has enough features to handle most situations.

I use a Epiphone Les Paul - made in China with Seymour Duncan 59 in the neck and JB in the bridge.
The amp is quiet. I use the Brit Combo setting for lead and it sounds sweet with the Duncan pickups. You can cover a wide spectrum of great lead tones and quite a few people have made favorable comments on the tone that I am getting with this amp!

This amp is built well and I do not expect problems.

Never had to use customer support

This is a great amp. I have many other amps including a wide assortment of Fender, Mesa Boogie, Peavey, etc. but I reach for this amp for the size, power and tone!

The features have been discussed extensively.

I play a 1989 Epiphone Sheraton (made in Korea, but really damn good guitar!). I play mostly jazz (quartet, trio, and even duo stuff) as well as some rock and fusion. As has been discussed extensively, the clean channel on this amp is remarkable for reproducing the jazz guitar sound. However, I was surprised by the high noise floor and the unadjustable and permanently-on noise gate! I didn't see any warnings about this in the other reviews on this board. Admittedly, the noise and the sound of the gate are not noticeable when playing live with a group, but at home practicing, they do annoy. I haven't tried to record with this amp either, but I'm guessing any engineer would have a fit. The other problem is the reverb, which has a terribly unnatural decay. I know you will say, "well, it's digital!" but then it should be categorized along with the other crap-sounding effects on this amp.

Seems tough enough.

Overall, for jazz gigs, this amp is great. It is light, powerful, and has a great clean tone. I have been playing guitar for over 20 years, concentrating on jazz for the last 15 or so. My main gigging amp was a mid 60s Fender Princeton (4-knob variety) and I loved the sound, but it broke up too much at higher volumes, and I wound up playing crunchy jazz when the drummer used sticks. Strangely, the other musicians and even the audience usually seemed to like that tone! But I thought I should have it under a little more control. The other amp in the contention for me was the new Henriksen. I would still like to try one, but I have the impression that it is really only meant for one sound, and I like the idea of having some options. Obviously, the options on this Roland amp aren't so great, but I still spent less than half the price of the Henrikesn.

Plenty of 'em. Delay/Reverb and Chorus/Phaser/Flanger/Tremolo are onboard. Lots of amp models on tap, too. Footswitchable FX and channel, too. Very light amp to carry around.

Sadly, you don't have much control over the FX. You can't control the dry/wet mix, the feedback on the delay, etc. And it would be much better if Roland actually included the footswitches!

Also, it's a bit of a bummer that you HAVE to have only the JC120 sound on the clean channel. It would have been nice to have the Blackface model there, or even the acoustic simulator. So this amp is a bit more versatile on paper than what it's once you own it and use it regularly.

Also, where's my FX loop?

You really have to take into account the price tag on this thing before judging. Comparing it to a $2000 tube amp is ridiculous.

Also, I can't stress this enough: This amp really becomes alive at high volumes. From 5 and up. At low volumes, it sounds drowned and lifeless. Around 6 it starts to breathe, and will be loud enough for a band rehearsal and even a small gig. But for a bedroom, a Cube 30 might be better. Also, at high volumes, the cleans stay clean and don't distort. It's very dependable on that aspect.

I'm using this amplifier with two guitars: A Strat clone with a Duncan JB on bridge, and an Ibanez RG1550 which I don't play at all, really.

I'm mostly a classic Rock player, and the Strat clone is more handy here; with the JB split on the Marshall mode, you can nail something really, really into Blackmore/Roth/Malmsteen territory. It's amazing. And if I need to go heavier, say into EVH or Megadeth, then the Peavey mode is perfect. Sounds less organic, a bit more compressed, and more angry.

The acoustic simulator is impressive. Now as I stated, this would be much better if you could use it on the clean channel and not on the lead channel, but sticking to the sound, it's great. It will fool most of your audience.

The Blackface model is nice, too. It does get really muddy when you crank the gain a bit, which might be the way the real thing behaves; haven't tried a proper Fender with poweramp saturation. But it's a phenomenal sound; SRV fans will be pleased. A Strat on the 4 position, with a very clean setup will get surprisingly close to the Knopfler sound in Sultans of Swing!

The Vox amp model is interesting. It has a warm but gritty character which is what most layers recognize as the Vox sound. It won't give you the Machine Head by itself though, it's not bright enough. A Treble Booster might be handy here? That's what Blackmore did with his Vox at least... anyway. It's a thick, middy tone that can be creamy or a bit nastier if you want it to. It even sounds a bit 3D-ish... Brian May would be proud.

The Tweed model... I won't comment on it. I just don't use it. It doesn't suit me at all; not that it's good or bad, just not for me.

Now it's my favorite model... the Marshall. Now we're into serious high gain territory here. This model isn't a Slayer/Zakk Wylde modern Marshall attempt; it's actually closer to Hendrix and Page. AC/DC too. The only gripe I have with this model is that's extremely bright; If I'm playing really loud, be it by myself or jamming with others, the treble and presence have to stay around 2 at most or it will kill your eardrums. But again, the sound is phenomenal. Stuff like The Wind Cries Mary or Deep Purple's Burn are all right here. HUGE mids waiting for you.

The Peavey model is great, too. It has enormous amounts of gain though, anything past 4 on the gain knob is useless feedback. This is more like Judas Priest, Megadeth, early Metallica and of course, Van Halen all rolled together. It's very cutting and heavy. Good stuff here. Not really versatile, but then what did you expect?

I don't like the Mesa model at all. This will get close to Metallica's Black Album, and to other bands like Godsmack, Disturbed, Korn, etc. Doesn't sound really tight with my guitars, but then I don't have EMGs or Dimebuckers on them. It's extremely compressed and lifeless, and leads sound very thin through this. Not for me.

I won't comment on the DynaAmp mode again because I don't like it, and I haven't given it much of a chance really.

Delay and Reverb do their thing, they aren't spectacular but are effective. Phaser/Flanger/Chorus are a cheap, plastic bad joke, and the Tremolo is decent enough to be usable.

Overall, it's a very wide palette of useful sounds that don't sound overdone or plastic (excepting the cheap FX).

It's a 9, but it gets -1 for the terrible FX, so it's an 8.

Two years so far, and not a problem. The knobs work without noise, and everything is just like the day I bought it. No complaints! Looks tough, and has protection in all the right places.

Haven't had to deal with Roland, so far.

I don't think you can really beat this amplifier at this price range. It's an incredible amplifier, with tons of power, a very flexible tonal palette and great features that could be better in some aspects, but still more than worth the price. I compared it to a very common rival on it's price range, the Peavey Bandit 112. It ran circles around it. It weighs at least 20 pounds less, sounds better, it's louder and it's more versatile. And both amps smoke anything Marshall offers in their entry level range. What else do you need?

It's a great buy!

Could use a footswitch to control settings.

Sounds really good when it works.

Here's where the ratings start to drop. I've had this amp for a few years and only used about a dozen times. I have several others. It blew a fuse and I replaced it and it blew again. Still under warranty, I took it to a local repair facility I found on Roland's site. It cost me $120 in shipping and "bench fees". I got it back turned it on and it worked for about 3 minutes. I'm contacting Roland now and so far it's going well.

I've been passed around to different extensions and am still waiting for a reply from the service manager. If anything changes, I will submit a better review, but for now...not good.

I would be leery to buy any Roland product knwoing that it will cost a fortune to ship it back for "warranty service". If you're on the East Coast, DON"T BUY IT! It has to go L.A. OUCH!

Practically everyone on here that's reviewed this amp doesn't like the onboard effects, preferring instead to use pedals they've purchased separately.

Bummer - especially since 40% of the price is probably paying for the onboard effects, that are apparently useless.

Need to think about things like that before buying an amp. Cheap bells and whistles still jack the price up, when you could probably have found a comparable amp with one decent clean channel for a better price, or have put all your bread into a better amp sans cheap FX and clean channel.

After all, that's all anyone here that's purchased this amp seems to be interested in - the 1 clean channel, minus the 2nd channel and the onboard effects.

All seem only to like the clean channel.

Roland products are usually very reliable.

n/a

Sounds like the buyers paid 2/3 more for junk they didn't want just to get the 1/3 they did want.

Two channels, one clean, one with amp modelling and effects (chorus, flanger, phaser, tremelo), reverb/delay.
Nice solid cab, 60 watts, 12 inch speaker.

The effects are OK to play around with with but I don't think I could ever use them in a real situation. You can alter the rate, but the depth is set at a fixed (and IMHO too deep) level. There just isn't enough flexibility here for me, I'd prefer to use pedals rather than the on-board effects. You could happily lose the effects and it would still be a viable option.

I play a Vintage 335 Copy with Kent Armstrong P-90 in the neck for jazz.
I mainly play jazz, so I really bought this amp for its clean channel, which is superb, can't be faulted. Crystal clear, bright and with plenty of body, nicely balanced, just right for jazz. It's certainly loud enough for most situations and keeps a good tone with out dirtying up at higher levels.

I also play classic rock stuff (on a Vintage SG copy with Seymour Duncan Phat CAt P-90's), in a practice room it was plenty loud enough, even when turned up about half way. Never played it on stage, but I would perhaps want to run it thru an extention cab if not miked up.

When playing channel two I tend not to use most of the amp models. I just can't seem to find a tone I like, I found them a bit too tinny or harsh, just not my cup of tea - though this is not a criticism of them ; other users on her have certainly found them to be usable.
However one setting I can't get enough of is the 'dyna-amp' feature. Basically you go from clean to distorted depending on how hard you attack the strings. Pick lightly with your fingers for a sweet, warm, clean tone, and go at them with a pick for a warm, very usable distortion. I love the freedom of being able to go from one end to the other without running backwards and forwards to a pedal. It also makes you think a lot more about your picking technique, and it's put a lot more subtlety and versatility in my playing.

So, there are a whole lot of amp models and effects on there which I never use, but with the superb clean channel and the brilliant dyna-amp distortion channel, it's got everything I want and these alone are worth what I paid for it.

It's as solid as a rock, but is nicely portable. Very well made, built to last.

Never dealt with customer support.

This amp is just fine for jazz, and a very versatile and powerful little amp for when I need to turn things up a bit.

Top marks for clean channel, top marks for the dist. channel on dyna-amp setting, but forget the effects, they're not flexible enough to make them viable.

If this was stolen I'd get another one, no problem. I've not yet played rock thru this in a live situation, but while it would probably hold its own for a small gig or miked up thru the PA I'd probably want to run it thru an extention cab for bigger gigs.

This is a add-in to my previous review.
I've been reading the manual that came together, with this thing. And I was really stunned, when I discovered that Roland says that cracking the volume up on the JC Clean channel will change its sound and at around maximum volume it gets crunchy. Well I thought that should not be mentioned in a manual, since I would definetley call this a faul.
But I've tried it out really loud and this thing turned out not to be true. I was truely relieved.
But I still can't see why would they write down a thing like that... Why would the CLEAN channel get CRUNCHY??? But again, it stays clean, don't worry.
And also, I've found an other useable setting, then the jc. The Black Panel (Fender Twin Reverb) also sounds nice (although it reacts strangely to changes of the gain knob) with a bit of a boost on the middle. A bit bluesier than the JC, but still with a jazzy feel.

So. First things first, I LOOOOOOVE this amp. But this category is the one where it really sucks. I think, that apart from the jc clean chanel everithing elese is pretty much useless. All the modelled amps an the effects too. Maybe the reverb is not too far from OK.
So do not buy this for the lead chanel. It doesn't even worth to try out. But i am sure you won't get enough of the clean chanel.
My problem with the effects is, that if you just turn a tiny little on the nob the signal is way too modulated for my taste. You can get lots of Chorus/Flanger/Phaser/Tremolo or you can get even more. And there is even nothing inbetveen. It's like having a swich with 0,1,2 on.
The Reverb is quite useable until like 3-4.
The Delay seams like, if it would be taking away the guitar's real sound to produce the delayed sound. My guitar just looses all it's sustain when turned in. It's useless.
The EQ is also quite tricky. It works strangely. It doesn't mean it would be bad, tot at all. But I had to tweak it a lot to get "the sound". But it really worthed it.
One thing this thing is realy lack of is an effect loop. Least it could make up a bit for the bad effects.
So basicly I see this thing as an amp that is good for one seul thing. And the clean chanel is that thing. Quite basic, isn't it? That's why it gets only a 3.

Jeeez. I'm a JAZZ GUITARIST. And therefore I use only one setting on this amp: JC Clean chanel /w bright swich on; Bass: 10 o'clock; Middle: 1 o'clock; Treble: 2:30; Presence: 3 o'clock; Reverb: 1 o'clock.
It sounds like a real Jazz Chorus, but for third the price and it weights only 14 kilos. It is extremly portable and very loud! It makes my jazzbox singgggg. With the middles and highs boosted it souns twangy and woody, but still it stays warm an full.
Never thought that my relatively cheap (i mean for an archtop :)) guitar could sound this sweet.

LOVE IT!

Based on the other reviews it sould be built like a rock, and it really looks like it was.
But only time will tell.

Never han anything so far.

So I won't turn on the effects, unless I want some heavy flanged or chorused sound. So what.
This is THE amp for me. I am so very gratefull to Roland that I am planning to buy the 30W version of this, just to support them financially ;).
If it would be stolen I would buy two of them.
I can only suggest this it you are looking for clean tones. Like this: Go buuuy motherfucka' :D For this price... you wont find a this good sounding, portable, gig ready amp. I am completly sure,