Roland JC-120

Very straight forward. Solid state, two channels, one clean with parametric equalizer, second with parametric equalizer and built-in chorus/vibrato, reverb and distortion. Effects loop, footswitch jacks for reverb, chorus and distortion. Line out.

Just to give you an idea of what's going on, I run in sequence:
1) Gibson Les Paul Standard or Fender American Deluxe Tele (both with Dean Markley Blue Steel regular 10's);
2) Mutron III (optional);
3) BOSS TU-2 Chromatic Tuner;
4) VHT Valvulator;
5) MXR Phase 100 (script, 'VERY' old);
5) Carl Martin compressor;
6) Budda Bud Wah;
7) Reverend Drivetrain Overdrive;
8) Hot Chili Tubester Distortion;
9) Boss LS-2 Line Selector - splitting the signal to a Mesa DC-5 (always on 'clean' channel) and the second (effects) channel of the JC-120 with a Maxon AD-80 analog delay in the effects loop;
The amp settings are:
vol - mostly between 2 and 3, never past 5 - TOO LOUD!
treble - 3.5;
middle - 4;
bass - 5.5;
reverb - 2;
distortion - 1 (always on !!);
chorus is fixed - you can't adjust it! - but it sounds great the way it is;
vibrato - used sometimes,with speed on 3 and depth on 5.
The distortion always on and set to 1 (smallest knob position you can get without turning it off) provides little mid boost and 'thickness' to the sound. I may turn it off sometimes, especially with the Les Paul, to avoid too much 'mud'. With the Tele is just the perfect combination.
With this set up I can sound big and tight to keep the groove for my 'acid_jazz - R&B - funk - samba' 10 members band that can get really LOUD sometimes. The Mesa provides the 'light break up' and the Jazz Chorus the 'loud clean chorused and echo sound'.
In this application, it's just perfect the way it projects the sound of any combination of guitar - effects - technique.
Technique-wise, I particularly like to use just my fingers (no pick), since the amp adds already plenty of attack to the notes naturally (solid state).
Ok, you can't expect to sound like a wall of Rectifiers with this. But who needs that anyway... and if you want big clear chords and amazing analog chorus, this is definitely the way to go.

It won't break. Believe me, this is the 'road dog' that will always be there for you. I had Fenders, Marshalls and Hiwatt. The Jazz Chorus beats them in reliability with ease. The Mesa is pretty decent too, in this aspect, but needs to be treated differently and this is a topic for another review.

Never talked to them.

I've been playing for twenty years. I finally have a set up that is simple and portable enough with the quality that I always looked for.
I love everything in this amp and would certainly buy it again if it were lost or stolen.

'87 Jazz Chorus, 2 channels, never use the first one.
2*12 speaker, made by Roland. The power is well enough, I've never push it as hard as it goes, cause it would blow my ear.

I play a Guild X-170 w. D'addario 13-56 flatwounds. Just plugging the guitar into the amp and go won't make anyone happy. The amps filters are a bit different from other amps I've tried, like old Fenders, Riviera, Acoustic Image. You have to cut the bass and boost the middle to create a sound with a nice bottom and to save your ears from a horrible treble-sound.

My settings are something like:

Treble: 2,2
Middle: 6,8
Bass: 3,1
Reverb: 1,4

With these setting and with my Guild, I get one of the nicest jazztones ever played by mankind.

Well, I would use it on a gig without a backup, on the settings I use, there would be no change in hell that I would broke this amp.

Warranty probably went out '88

My amp is a 2002 Roland JC-120 120 watt 2x12 Combo. This amp is extremely clean and very loud. One of the loudest i've heard! It has two channels 1-clean 2-effect, stereo effects loop, stereo line outs, footswitching for the chorus, vibrato, and distortion.

I play an modified Ibanez RG-120. It has a Dimarzio PAF Pro in the neck position, and a Dimarzio Super Distortion in the bridge position. (i highly recommend this setup) I run my guitar through a Boss GT-6 Multi-effects Processor. From there I run the stereo outs to the stereo effects loop of the amp. I keep my amp clean, and process all of the sounds I need with the pedal. This is a great setup. I can get any sound I want! This amp handles bass really well without any clipping, and you can crank it as loud as you want.

Too soon to tell, but it's a Roland so i'm not worried. I would definitely gig with out a backup.

I have never delt with Roland or Boss in the past. I doubt I ever need to.

This is a great amp. To all of you tube only guys out there, play a Boss GT-6 through this and tell me it doesn't sound great. It will have you fooled. You can't beat this setup for ease and versatility.

2000 year, 2 channel, High Mid and Low for each channel, pus brightness, channel 2 has an fx loop and chorus + vibrato. Pretty good freatures.

I play metal music with a Fender Strat (Stock PU's) It squeals fairly well, but the treble is much too high for my liking. I also wish it had more bass handling. It is a very good amp, very versatile, acoustic or distortion. altough, I dont reccomend it for metal, it is very bright, which is great for acoustics.

This thing is indestructable. It weights enough to live through dropping it, and its as heavy as a fxcking tank. No worries about breaking it!

Never dealt with them...

Ive been playing for a little over a year, and its is very good, even for someone playing for years. If it was stolen or I could trade it in, Id rather have a half stack, Marshall or Hughes and Kettner.

Mid '80s 2 channels, no switching. 120 watts solid state(2x60)and it is plenty. True Stereo Chorus, vibrato, reverb, distortion, all footswitchable. 2 12's roland speakers.Casters. Built B-4 MIDI. This is the BEST 2-12 combo ever. Clean delivery of any type of signal.I usually run it on 2. I have a Trace elliot super tramp 112 that I have to run at 8 to keep up with the JC-120.I gig every weekend and
have used it on every gig. It can be a pain to lug around, but every time you turn it on , it's worth it.

I use two strats w/ emgs, one has an onboard preamp. This amp covers every thing from country to Creed. There is a little solid state hiss but I might have a bad cord somewhere in my rack. The Distortion is not normally used, but I discovered one day that it has the same quality as the effect used in thr old "Sprit in the Sky" tune form the late 60's.I generally run the treble either off with the bright switch engaged or at 2 witout bright.( I use the Bridge Pickup alot) Mids @ 3, Bass at 4-5. I use a foot switch to engage the chorus. I have found that you get a great sound with the speed and intensity at 0. It's like that perfect 80's chorus on all the time sound (Def Leopard). Also perfect for slow tunes. The amp is basically a clean vehicle for my rack. I run a Boss GX 700 w/ COSM amp emulation, A Marshall JMP-1, an Ibanez UE-405, and an old ART SGE Mach II (into the effects unit of the JMP -1.) I can cover any sound I want with this rig. The volume is enough to blow off some pretty serious house systems if I want to.

I have never had a problem with any Roland Gear. I use the Trace as an additional send off of my rack, not as a backup. If you use decent tube preamps, I see no basis for the argument that "tubes rule". I have 10 years of "peaceful coexistence" to prove it

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. This is my second JC-120. The first was stolen, found at a Pawn shop and then stolen by the owner of the pawn shop b4 I could pay him what he had in it to get it back. (One of the stupidist laws on the books). I suffered for 6 months with an ADA microtube power amp and a boogie cabinet, before I finally broke down and traded a beautiful custom paul for another JC-120. I will probably never get rid of it because I can always depend on it for the sound I love. I have played all the brands over the years and you know you are on to something when you buy it twice.

The Jc-120H is not a feature packed amp. Mine is an early 80's single channel model. The distortion is absolutely the worst you can get for the price; However, the chorus is beautiful (especially when run in stereo)and its got clean power for days. the only thing it doesn't have that i would really like, is aneffects loop.. they had to have known that with the nasty distorion, someone(nearly everyone) would run outboard effects of some sort.

The only thing that stops this from being a 10 is the distortion. the clean sound is clean no matter what level you have it turned up to. I have used a lot of different guitars with this thing, and it makes crappy guitars sound good, and good guitars sound excellent. I am currently using an Ibanez RG570, the jc120 head, a behringer V-amp, all of this coming out of a peavey stereo 4-12 cab. When i plug it in , i am in heaven. i can go from sweet smooth clean to brutal rectified distorion, and the JC just pumps it right out with no effort at all

This is the most dependable amp i have ever had. I have been playing for 18 years, and never used to gig without a back up amp.. well no more. instead of a backup amp, all i have had to carry in the past few years is a back up fuse!!(i haven't had to use it, but you never know.)

the phone number isn't listed on the web site! I want manual for this thing and that isn;'t available on the website either. when i finally found a number to call, the people were rude and they wanted wayyy too much for a manual.. oh well if the past proves to be an indicator, i wont ever really need their help. this thing is indestructible.

the jc-120h is not a comprehensive guitarists dream. it IS the best clean sound out there though, and that is the basis for all guitar sound. Having gigged or owned multiple mesas, marshalls, peaveys and a long list of others, i would say that the only way i would get something else is if i wanted to spend four times what i paid for the JC, and get a line6 flextone II. even if i did get a line6, i would probably still use my JC for some live stuff, and almost all my studio stuff

In my previous review I mentioned the non hissing knob setup. What I forgot to say was that although the Volume was cranked, because the tone knobs are down the volume is at a moderate and quite reasonable level, but if you start to turn the tone knobs up, some noise begins to return and it gets significantly louder. Just thought that I would clarify. Once again PLEASE email about the questions I asked below

I don't think I'm would be able to get any warranty on an amp this old. But who knows ? I've never tried

I own an older, rather beat up JC-120. I bought it through Daddy's Junky Music when they were doing "Used Gear by Mail". I was slightly ripped off. I payed nearly 500 dollars for it including shipping and when I got it it had no casters, one of the speakers was buzzing, the reverb didn't work, the distortion knob had fallien off and it had spray paint all over it. Oh well, I fixed the speaker with a little bit of paper towel and it's too heavy too lug around, so I suppose I shouldn't miss the casters. Plus I woud think that being flush with the floor would make the bass good and heavy. I bought it almost two years ago and I didn't know any better. Nowadays I would use ebay, as they have some nice clean ones, in better condition going for less. Anyways, the core stuff worked great (chorus, vibrato, clean sound etc.).
I made an observation with my amp and I thought that i might pass this along to the other users. On the non-effect channel, Channel one, I noticed that if you cranked the volume knob all the way up, the tone knobs all the way down, and flicked on the bright switch the ever present hiss goes away, and you get a nice clean punchy sound. I would suspect that this might be setting where one could a get a nice bluesy tone going, maybe with a Blues Drvier or something. What's interesting is that this only works on the non-effect channel. Anyone out there know why this is ?
Also, does anyone know any reason for the reverb not working and how it could be fixed ? And what might be nice replacement speakers ? The stock ones are nice but I'd like something with a little more tone. Please Email me if you can help at all because I really like this amp and want to get it running even better !!

1987 Roland JC-120: Two channels, clean/effects. Two 12" Roland speakers, built like a tank and weighs like one too. Effects are chorus (wonderfull true stereo), vibrato (great), reverb (great) and "warm" distortion (use a pedal if you wanna get raunchy). Each channel has high and low impedance inputs. Effects channel also has a "bright" switch. The back has jacks for line-in, external speakers, three footswitches and line out.

This amp is very very loud when you want it to be and tame when you need it to be. I am not a professional musician, but I do sit in at clubs and party's on occation and this amp fits either venue. Mostly I just use it at home for my own enjoyment.

I use a home-made strat copy with three DiMarzio TDS-1 verticle humbucker pickups when I'm in a vintage "surf music" mood. For more up to date stuff I use an Aria Pro-II with DiMarzio Al DiMiola pickups. Most of the time I play an Ovation Celebrity deluxe with the amps chorus speed and depth on 7 and the reverb on 4.

When I'm playing for a croud, I'll plug in a pair of external speakers and set them as far away from me and each other as the room will allow. This lets out a chorus effect that is incredible.

Well, since I got this one used the early 90's and it has never failed I'd have to say this amp is pretty reliable.

Never needed to use it.

I've been playing for around 28 or 29 years. The only other gear I have is a home-made distortion pedal and a Moreley wah pedal.

In my younger days I had to rent or borrow amps since I couldn't afford one, so I got to try many different amps. To many to list. The JC-120 stuck with me though. When I finally could buy my own amp, this is what I got.

This is the second JC-120 I've had, the first one was lost by the movers (yeah right). If this one gets stolen, lost or detroyed I'll get another one.

In addition to the legendary stereo chorus, this amp is famous for being clean, some say TO clean. But if you are one who truly loves the sound of the guitar, this is the amp for you.

There are only two things I could say that are not-so-good about a Roland JC-120. The distortion is not raunchy enough for most styles that require that sort of thing. But then again, it is a JAZZ amp, get a pedal. My 2001 Christmas "wish-list" has a BOSS GP-20 "Amp-factory" on it. This little gadget combined with a Roland JC-120 kicks butt.

The second problem is you can't find a used one at a decent price anymore. You can have a brand new one for less than $200.00 more than a used one.

This is the JC120 with the line out and chorus/vibrato switch/speed and depth. It is the most versitile amp in my collection. I have Marshall, Fender Prosonic, Fender ToneMaster and SWR. If you want to use distortion, use a processor. This distortion sounds like a bad fart...for those of you that own one, you know what I'm talking about. The Roland is in a class of it's own with the legendary Chorus.

Currently, I use '99 Alvarez Yari Fussion with piezzo and a '97 Ovation Deluxe Collectors edition. They sound supior through this amp. I'm currently playing modern Christian and it is working well both on stage and in studio. In the past I have used a '79 Les Paul Custom with vanzant p/u's, '96 strat deluxe,'97 tele plus and other electric guitars. If you want a good dirty sound, use a processor or stomp box. This amp takes effects very well. Distortion boxes add some noise but you can't hear it during play. If you are going to mic this amp, you will need to mic each speaker individually with two mics. **Important** Settings: Make sure that the volume controls on the channel that you are NOT using is set to zero. This will eliminate excess noise. Use chanel 2, high input for best results. Turn the bright swith to off. Treble knob set at or below 4; mid set at 4 bass set at or above 8; distortion set at 0; reverb set at your desire. Chorus setting: Speed set at 0; depth set at 10 and swith set on chorus. Set your volume to your desire, but try and work with your guitars internal volume setting to get your desired sound.

This is my third JC-120. I loved all three. The first one I owned in the early '80s, during high school and I sold it for the cash. My second one I owned in the late '80s and I sold it after the baby was born (thought I'd never play again). I've owned this one since '95 and it is an early '80s model. I'm keeping this one. None of these have ever broke down on me. They have also been through some serious use and abuse. It weighs a ton so they've seen their days of abuse. Just recently the latest one tipped over in the 4Runner backing down a hill. Still works perfectly.

Never had to.

I've been playing since 1981. I've played classic rock, hard rock, metal, pop and even played some disco in my day. If this amp where stolen or lost, I would probably replace it with another older model. The ratings I've read about the new models scare me. What I love about this amp is it makes all of my guitars sound awesome. I can't say that about my Prosonic or Marshall. The thing I hate about it is the weight. I can do without the distortion feature too...I wonder if it would be lighter without it? :)

I just bought theamp,it is a 2001 model. I love theclean tone of the amp.I play everything from metal and funk stuff, where i use alot of wah. It has 2 seperate channels, but I would suggest using the 2nd channel with the effects loop. I like all of the features on the amp.But I definately think you need to have some effects to get the sound you want since it is such a clean amp. I don't use alot of reverb but that is me. The amp has more than enough power. It is a solid state amo,and its very durable, and has alot ofroom in the back to keep cords,picks, etc...

Theamp sounds great,and I like the way it soundswith everything, thats why i paid so much. It suits my music style since i like using my effects. The clean channel is not distorted at all at high levels, that is why its great. The distortion is fine,I like cause its a kind of creamy distortion, like a BB King type gain.

I can most definatey depend on my jazz chorus, i would not use a backup. My amp has never broken down.

Roland is alright, i have not had any problems with them. The warranty is 3 or 5 years, pretty good.

I have been playing for about 6 years, i own my jazz chorus 120, a little peavey rage 12 watt practice amp.My effects include dunlop crybaby, boss metal zone(mt-2), compressor sustainer(ch-3),super-phaser(ph-2,super-chorus(ch-1),digital delay(dd-5),acoustic simulator(ac-2), distortion (ds-1), chromatic tuner (tu-2), and a danelectro daddy-O. I would get another one if anything happened to it. I love the clean tones,and how it makes my effects sound great. The thing i don't liek is hauling it around since it weighs 65 pounds. I chose this amp b/c its such a great amp, i dont like the digital sound, or modeling amps. I wish it came with a 3-way footswitch. Buy this amp if you want your effects to shine, and if you want an awesome clean tone

The main consideration here to me...is does it easily travel around with you and give you enough to play with on the front panel...it has speaker extension jacks but who would need em? Left stock, It is light and sturdy and wheels around just fine. MIne however weighs a lot more with a pair of EV 12 L's!!...It is very heavy yet still worth carting around...I will explain why in the next section. The bright and chorus is fun to flip on occasionally.. so to me it is fun enough to play through as is...could use a deep switch instead of the useless distortion...this would make a great mod in that pot knob.

This amp sounds good stock...its made somewhere between about 87-94 I'd say. The stock speakers must be tossed If you like good tone. I reccomend EV 12 L's . You can still get them new ,however, they make the amp very heavy!!...It is well worth it because this is one of the greatest amps ever made! and will be even greater when you try a speaker with more midrange and warmth!...I am used to playing blackface fender amps but they tend to sound a little old? the presence just gives off a sort of dark vibe to em thats really not necessary to most clean playing styles. The Roland will give you the brilliant natural clean of a fender yet will give you a more pure and modern tone that makes for a smoother all around sound ,whether lead or rythym. The Tone with 2 EVs is fat and warm and huge...like a twin yet more balanced. The only thing you lose is the vintage sponginess but that can be very good if you want modern sounding rythym and fast responding "knopfler type" leads that just seem more livey than a twin. The amp , to me, is much more fun to play than a fender because it just sounds right all the time...predictable and easier to play showing less mistakes in the long run...I don't know but to me it is simply more "friendly". The price that you can buy them at is also very notable!

I have been around these amps for years and the reverb and front jacks go out often. This is an easy fix...just take the head out of the cabinet and solder the broken wires you come across. Its a peice of cake...after you solder it correctly it should be better then it was new.

Heard some bad things but can't say anything personally

Been playing 15 years...I use strats , PRS ...Les Paul...doesn't matter...they all sound great through mine! I will always have one of these around for gigging or I will simply not have the same gig. It will feel /sound empty without that big mutha right behind me. Always get compliments on tone!

I like the 3 way toggle switch for chorus/off/vibrato as opposed to a pushbutton on other amps . I play with the amp waist high and can easily reach to switch while riffing. Don't need to because I use the 3 button foot switch. Clean, quiet, gapless switching between clea/distn, reverb on/off and effects on/off. Plenty of chord length on footswitch. The 3 ply footswitch chord has unravelled over time (12-13 years that I've had it)but it still works! This amp (Mid 80's I'm guessin') has GREAT tonal range and flexibility. It has two inboard 12's and 2- Dig it TWO- 8ohm external speaker jax. Very versatile. Two main ins, one line out - you can mix this dog all over the stage! It has more than enough power for any gig I've ever played. Rock, R&B, Big band, funk etc...it handles it all. Generally I've never had to turn it up (either channel) past 4-5. Great tone at high volumes. The Distortion effect is really, on this amp, more like a volume kick. It doesn't really "distort" but it will notch you up a couple db - great for solos. I use outboard effects ( Roland BOSS - Natch!) so I can dial in the distortion etc. that I need. It has 4 1/4" inputs on 2 channels. Each channel has hi and lo inputs and switchable "brilliant" on/off. Again an easy to reach/use toggle switch. This amp does not have channel switching. I wish it did. Rugged road corners and sturdy construction have made this amp my main road dog.

Best clean amp i've used. (Solid state). It covers all musical bases. I'm mostly a rhythm player and I can keep it strong and clear in the background. It totally steps out when needed. This amp has a real smooth effects section. The chorus and vibrato are true and present. Bingo! I would rename the distortion effect. It's more of a db boost. Killer stereo pan!

I've owned this amp about13 years - steady gigs - never had a single problem! Not once! Ever!

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I can't say enough about the JC-120. (This one. Others i've played haven't stacked up.) For solid state - It has major tone. It has great mixing capabilities. Solid road amp. Most reliable. I'm gonna go play it now!

Don't know what year. seems pretty versatile, I play most styles except metal. 2 channels. I am not sure about channel switching effects loop or headphones. There are some holes in back but the amp is old and the writing got rubbed away so I don't know what the holes are for. I wish the chorus was adjustable. I always plug in to the channel with the reverb and chorus, never the plain channel. I have not gigged with this amp yet, I just play it at home. It has more than anough power. It is solid state.

I plug into it with a gibson sg and a danelectro dc 59 pro. it suits my style because I play blues. it makes a little hiss, and when I play loud it makes this ear piercing and painful ringing. Maybe I need new speakers? It can make alot of sounds. with the vibrato and no distortion I can get that sound from "Classic girl" by Janes Addiction. With the distortion and the chorus together it sounds like Rush. With the distortion only I can sound like Zeppelin or Cream. It distorts plenty for me. I haven't played this amp at really hi volumes so I don't know if it stays clean. The distortion is more "brutal" when I use my sg because the pickups are hotter than my danelectro.

I guess it is reliable.

Got it used so I don't know.

I have been playing since '84. I have my aforementioned guitars, two other (broken) guitars, a series 10 LP copy and a Univox es335 copy, and a washburn d13 acoustic, and a hohner bass, and a ludwig drum set. I guess I would buy it again. I was really in the market for a little tube amp, I tried out 30-50 watters, Laneys, Crate, Peavey, Marshall, Fender, Ampeg. I got this because I know that with this, I won't have to worry about making myself heard and cutting through the mix. I grew up playing with underpowered amps and straining to hear myself in a band situation. So I like lots of power and this was cheap so I got this instead of a tube amp. I love the way the chorus and vibrato effects bounce around. I hate that it is heavy, but I love the 2x12 configuration. Whether I was playing solid state or tube didn't matter to me. The one thing I really noticed while amp shopping was that a single 12 inch speaker is not enough for me. I like more than one speaker.

I bought this one new in 1977(am I that old?) I was wowed by the true stereo chorus and crystal clear sound. So clean even the onboard distortion effect doesn't change the sound.

I use a '67 Tele and a '76 strat with the amp. The Tele has EMG active pickups and is the main guitar. I changed a number of things over the years. The stock speakers were replaced with JBL K-120. Overall a help, but the high end was ear-murdering. Later, I had the aluminim domes on the jbls replaced with fiber domes, problem solved!. Attempts to get "crunch" using pre-amps with the onboard distortion were replaced by a Proco Rat. An indipensable item is an MXR Dyna-Comp, in front of the Rat. I set the level to give solos that needed boost. Last, a Boss analog delay at the end of the line. With this setup, I could duplicate most of the popular tones--everything from Albert Lee to Jeff Beck. And I needed it because our group was definitely a variety band (c&w,rock, top forty, classics and the dreaded open mike nights). On top of the guitars, I also played a Marlin pedal steel thru just the delay and got a fabulous sound. Did I mention the chorus? It's great but the "vibrato" is more versatile. Set the depth and speed on 3-4 for a pretty sparkle,or peg the depth and it's a passable "leslie" sound.

Only broke down once in 23 years and then only when a nimrod I was in a band with "borrowed" it to "jam" somewhere. He broke the ground pin off the ac plug and blew a transistor somehow "cuz thar warn't no three-holers where he wuz". The amp was less than a year old and the warranty took care of it.

My only experience was a dealer warranty repair.(see Reliability) I guess if your products are almost indestructible, you could develop some poor customer relations habits.

I love the versatility of this amp, and the sound is clean and warm at the same time. I had two amps before this one and I have never looked back. I bought it new in 1977, and by 1982 I had what I still think was one of the most versatile rigs going. The thing got me through ten years of clubbing in all kinds of bands. I am not sure about getting another one. The other player in one of my groups was so impressed with mine that he traded for one--and he hated it! But he loved mine and I don't know why they played so differently and I'm not sure a new one could replace this gem.

2 x 65 Watts (total 130 watts) 2 x 12" speakers, open back. Reverb, Chorus, Tremolo. Effects loop, line out.

The JC120's effects loop is limited because it doesn't include a variable output level - only two switch settings, which don't work well for me. Also, the chorus rate is fixed - unlike the smaller (newer?) JC-90. It's a nice chorus, but not flexible.

I used both a Parker Fly and a Adamas Acoustic/Electric with the JC-120. They sounded very nice. I also use a Boss GT-3 (another Roland product) for preamp modeling, so the clean nature of this amp is a real advantage. I like the sound a lot.

Well, here's where the amp fails for me - I have quite a horror story to tell. I purchased a JC-120 at a local store - got it home and found that the reverb was broken (no BIG deal, I use the GT-3 anyway) but it was new, so they ordered me another one.

When the new unit arrived, I brought the old one back, brought the (unboxed) new unit home and opened it up. The packing material was VERY flimsy and the internal bracing non-existent (unlike older JC-120's, which have some internal bracing). The unit was BORKEN - physically damaged, although the carton was fine.

The guys at Guitar Center (they were great through all of this) ordered me another unit. This one arrived a week later - ALSO SMASHED inside the unopened, undamaged carton. I called Roland, my salesman called Roland. They blamed UPS. Believe me when I tell you, the shipping materials ARE NOT ADEQUATE for a 70 lb. amp!

So....we ordered ANOTHER unit. When it arrived SMASHED AGAIN!!! (that's four bad units!!!) I gave up and started trying out other amps. Boy, am I glad I did - I bought an SWR California Blonde and couldn't be happier.

Roland has clearly "value engineered" this product over the years (as fact which I pointed out to the product people at Roland who didn't want any blame for this debacle.) They have removed the corner bracing from the speaker mounting baffle in the front, which has significantly weakened the amp.

These amps sound good, but better buy an older, used one on ebay than risk it with the newer, cheaper version.

As far as I'm concerned, Roland's (U.S.) customer support is the worst in the industry. I have owned (and still own) many Roland and Boss products - and have loved all of them BUT the JC-120. But I can never get reasonable help from Roland.

Their web site stinks. When asked why they don't have manuals onlie, they state "It's our policy". When asked why they don't support electronic products more fully online the tech told me "guitarists don't know how to use that technical stuff" (tell that to the 900 members of the GT-3 users' group).

In general, Roland U.S. suffers from big-company arrogance. They are a giant who doesn't feel (yet) the pressure for smaller, responsive companies who are invading their market space. It's only a matter of time...

I have been playing 30 years, and, although I liked the sound of this amp, I wouldn't trust it beyond my own family room. (for all the reasons I mentioned above). Like so many companies, Roland U.S. will probably have to suffer quite a bit before they wake up and realize that even the big guys have to respond to customers, and you can't value engineer reliability out of a product for long.

Bought in 1987. Still plays like its brand new. A very versitile amp that can play heavy rock, blues, and jazz. Stereo output, i split my speakers like they are two seperate amps! Plenty of power for small to large gigs. (I've had the guitar players from Steely Dan and Earth, Wind and Fire borrow my amp for their gigs!I thought it was going to blow at the Steely show at the volume it was at! But not a probl;em with it!

I play jazz to top-40 music. I'm running it through a tube-works preamp and a Roland GP-16 effects processor. I mostly play a strat with a DiMarzio humbucker in it, an Ibanez S1520-NT (strat style) and even a Yamaha nylon string acoustic/electric. I can get great smooth sounds, to bright comtemporary sounds. The distortion on the amp is terrible, but who uses this anyway???

Not one problem in 14 years, but the darn amp covers keep ripping on me. This amp gets use!!!

Never had a problem with the amp, or any of the other Roland products I own.

I have been playing for almost 20 years now. I would definately replace it if something ever happens to it! I just wish it wasn't so heavy, it wasn't bad when i was younger, but I'm getting older now!! Maybe it's time to invest in 2 Roland JC-90's, or 77's. I wish I could compare it to other amps, but I have had this one for a long time, I have played through others, but just can't get the sound I'm looking for without tweaking like crazy!

Stereo line in, stereo ext. cab, great reverb, chorus, 2 knob vibrato, as well as 1/4" out for a pedal to on/off the chorus or vibrato. 2 channels, but only only gets reverb and chorus so of course only ones gettin' used. Distortion sounds like scolfied and trust me thats a bad thing.

Strats, teles, PRS custom 22. I've owned this amp forever and can give the real scoop on this amp after using it for practice/gigs-everything. I bought this amp at the recommendation the hottest guitar player in tucson, Javier M. The secret to this amps is knowing when to use it. This is a clean amp!! It has amazing sounds with a nice guitar. This amp lets the sound of your guitar come through and basically lets you equalize the sound via the tone controls. Almost all professional players I've seen use these (heres a list: Dave Navarro, Robert Smith, Countless reggae players, a couple few jazz players) use it for its clean sounds and use another amp for everything else. That should tell you just how good the chorus sounds through this amp, better than anything i've ever heard period. I've found that you need the right pickups for jazz playing on this amp, the more natural (ie piezo) the better. Buy a polytone or a fender twin and a t.c electronics chorus pedal to get a more warm jazz tone, because this amp is somewhat bright and tends to get way to buried when treble isn't in play. To make this long story short this amps rules for clean playing but not necessary the best thing for jazz or rock where warmth becomes a major factor.

I've beat this amp like a red-headed step child and it hasn't complained in eight years. Perhaps thats why my mentor javier recommended it to me--its bulletproof allows your playing to be heard clearly.

N/a never had to call them.

This amp is good at clean sounds and has killer reverb and chorus/vibrato. It is perfect for crystal clear pop sounds or anything else that needs to be picture perfect. One this this amps is not is vesatile.

Same as below. I believe this one was made in the late '80's - early '90's.

I'm using a Fender Strat Ultra with Lace Sensors (Blue - neck: Siler - mid: Red - bridge), a Floyd Rose bridge (Wilkinson style) and Sperzel locking tuners. I run through a Sans Amp GT2 and a Boss DD-3. I also use a Big Muff occasionally, but it muddys up the signal too much.

This is probably the only moody solid-state amp I've ever played. Sometimes I'll plug in, play some open chord and ughhhh....less than inspiring. Other times I'll plug in (same settings) and WOW! - It sounds great. I believe the dry channel has an overall better tone than the chorus/reverb channel. It just seems ballsier and more together. I rarely use the chorus, it's just to much and the rate is't steady - it seems to pop in and out. It also effects the volume (lower). I've never had the amp checked out and I probably should. The reverb is really nice - one of the better units I've heard in a combo. The distortion sounds like someone kicked in your speakers - completely unusable.

The only time I've had trouble with noise is when I was in college. The wiring in the house was crap so there was some ground hum. Besides that, it's pretty much silent.

The effecs I use sound OK. I can get some decent sounds out of the SansAmp, but it sounds much better through a tube amp (tried it through a single channel JCM800 and it sounded 10x better). The Big Muff sounds like ass, but it's no fault of the amp. I have one of the black/yellow reissues which are the worst of the series. It sounds thin, trashy, and kills your signal (not true bypass). This is also meant to bet put in front of a tube amp.

The high input on the effect channel is starting to go. Otherwise, it's never failed.

Never dealt with Roland

I've been playing for about 12 years. I've owned Fender and Peavy amps. If it were stolen, I probably wouldn't buy another one. Not that it's a bad amp - it just doesn't suit my style (i need something more versitile). It does what it's intended to do well. If you try to use it for something else, you'll be disappointed. My next amp will probably be either a Marshall DSL or and Mesa Dual Rectifier.

This amp was made in 2000, and I bought it this year 2001. The feature set has been well documented in earlier reviews. What I did like about it was that it was solid state with two line outs (mono) or stereo, and two input channels (one clean and one with a useless distortion channel). I was using this for studio and small jam sessions.

I'm using a Fender Strat w/ Tex-Mex pickups. The chorus, vibrato, and distortion channels seem useless for my needs. I pump in my own external effects. Depending on what the jam session would be I may use a DG Stomp (multi-effects box) by itself, or a combination chain of pedals Tube Screamer, Sonny Boy, Danelectro Fab Tone, Boss Phase Shifter PH-3, Metal Master, and a compressor pedal. I can crank the amp up to just about five and reck shop. This reproduces the effects I pump into it quite accurate - clean & crisp at high volumes. But when I have it down at low volume below 5, this amp has a nasty noise. I like to sometimes mic amps in the studio, so I'm critical about noise an amp puts out when operating at lower valumes. I couldn't believe my ears because I didn't notice the noise at first when I got it. I was jamming at high volumes, but then I got it in a quite room, then I started hearing the noise. I know guitar amps make some noise - I have other guitar and bass amps, but this one would make a noise like a water sprinkler you might hear at night watering the grass, or tire with a loud leak, or what most amps might sound like when cranked at 8. This JC-120's noise was something I did not expect to find in a solid state amp that has had a good reputation and been around for some 25 years. I returned this one for another one thinking that I got a bad one. But nope - the second one (brand new one - with new improved speakers it stated on the back) - had the same exact noise problem as the first one. I tried going through the direct line outs to the mixing board, and the noise was on the line outs, too! I tried connecting the speakers to another amp I have and there was no noise coming out of the speakers, so it was not the speakers that had the noise problem. I tried getting an AC line noise suppressor, but that did nothing. I took it to a repair shop and they said that there is nothing that can be done without modifying the internal circuitry of the amp. This is supposed be a "clean tone jazz amp" but many have found it useful for many other styles of music. If all these JC-120 sound like these two I've used, then it gets some serious minus points for sound applications below setting 5 on the valume knobs and applies to both input channels. What's bad about this noise is - that you cannot mute it out unless you throw a noise gate on the direct outputs before it gets into the mix. Through the speakers the noise reaches a maximum level after the volume knob goes past 5 and never gets any louder, so it's akay if you are just cranking near full blast - which hella loud in a small venue. But if you want to breakdown the sound while jamming at a lower volume, then you might hear this loud ass hiss "SSSsSSSSSSCCSS" noise. You can still hear this noise even if nothing is plugged into the amp. If your ears are not blown, then you can even hear it starting down below 1 and it gets much louder up to 5 on the volume knob. And if you crank it to ten, then the noise goes down a little bit.

This amp must be one the heaviest 2x12 around. It seems to be built to last, that'a if you can live with the noise problems it seems to have.

I called Roland and told them the new JC-120 I bought seems to make excessive noise. And they said all amps makes noise. But I told them - this JC-120 is making a loud hissing noise at low volume. So they said to have it checked out or try another one. It appears they know it makes this noixe.

I've been playing for about 10 years. If it got stolen or lost or ran over, I would not replace it. I jammed with this amp for about three weeks. I had to pay $60 to return this amp to get the rest of my money back. But I am very glad that I was able to get most of my money back - instead of being stuck with this amp. If Roland would update the circuitry on these JC-120s to eliminate this loud hissing noise, then it might be worth checking out throughly at some store before I bring it home. Until then - I'm not going to look at another JC-120 again.

Great Chorus an clean, but not for distortion. Not for Metal.

Les Paul custom w/Gibson '57 pickups and a Dime Culprit w/Washburn 600 series pickups. I used it with Boss Hyper Metal.
I play mostly Heavy Metal and this amp dosen't work for that, it's just to sissy. The clean is great, but if you plug the distortion, you get a noisy-not powerful sound.

I've used it several times on little gigs, but I just didn't get the sound I wanted. Instead of my amp, I've relied on Marshall JC-600, Peavey, and Laney for little gigs.

Haven't asked for help.

I've been playing for 9 years. I have a Peavey Audition plus.
I bought this Amp because someone recommended it. I didn't know anything about amps and stuff, so I bought it, but soon I realized that it wasn't what I expected. I' ve used Marshall, Peavey and Laney and they are way better than the one I have. I'm planning to buy a Mesa DC-5 because they give me the power I want. So if you like the clean, jazzy stuff go for this one, but if you like Hard Rock or Metal don't even think about it. I'm still regreting the day I bought this one.

late 80's model - unlike other reviewer models, this one has adjustable speed and depth for vibrato/chorus, the rest of the amp head is the same as others reviewed - 2 channels, each with hi/low inputs and bright switch. I have owned 3 or 4 of these Roland amps over the years, not all had the adjustable chorus/vibrato, and some did not have the stereo line in which this one does. I have a Roland D10 keyboard and I can plug it into the front of the amp like a guitar or bypass the amp and go direct to the line in inputs. Terrific feature - saves buying a keyboard amp! I kinda think of this amp as a giant effect box, cause with the chorus off it can sound kind of sterile. But the chorus is a big winner! Much better than many (all?) floor pedals. I have owned many of them, including the very transparent Ibanez analog chorus. However the built-in Roland chorus is still my favourite. The distortion is not really distortion. This is not an amp for any kind of music which requires distortion or overdrive. But the engaged distortion gives a mild volume boost and thickens(warms) up single coil pickups, still a cool feature. The always present hiss does not bother me as at only moderate amp volumes I cannot hear it. It does not increase in volume as the amp gets turned up.

There is a kinda joke about that the jc120 makes all guitars sound the same. When I was playing inexpensive guitars - squires and the like - this seemed to be true. The Roland acted like the Equalizer, evening up the sonic play ground. ha ha! However I am now playing a Tom Anderson vintage strat which sounds really cool through the roland with the chorus off - this is the only guitar that I can do this with! All other guitars that I have tried need to have the chorus to defeat the sterility. My gibson nighthawk sounds glorious with the middle pickup position - shining, sparkling, incredible with the chorus engaged!. The Roland speakers have real projection, unlike other amps such as the valvestate marshalls which 20 feet away drop off radically. The Roland yields a rich dispersion sound field, allowing you to play at reasonable volumes and yet cut through the drums and bass. Yes this is one trebly amp, but I always play through the low input with the bright switch off. With treble at 3-5 the sound is bright without being harsh. The combination of the anderson through the roland is guitar bliss. The squires I used to own always sounded a bit shrill no matter what, but hey what did I expect? I like the reverb - not as much as a tube amp reverb, but still cool, rich and deep. Using a distoriton/overdrive pedal solves the one area where the Roland does not do a good job. But nobody buys a jc120 for metal or punk - it is a refined sound, great for blues/jazz/spatial textures. Yum yum!

always works - very but very reliable

never needed it

I am a composer musician www.mp3.com/bacal, and have been playing for many moons now.

I would buy another jc120 if I lost this one. I was playing a 4x10 fender hod rod deville and a vox ac15 previously - The roland gives a much bigger sound than the vox, and a smoother sound than the 4x10 hod rod, though I am purchasing a 1x12 fender hod rod - called the deluxe now - cause for certain bluesy stuff the solid state roland lacks transparent spunk

my jc is an 86 ive had it now 3 years shit distortion but great chourus.very clean .

ive just picked up a jcm 50 marshall head and had el34 s put in and wired up the roland to take the marshall head it sounds great . when at home im often playing the jc without hooking the head up >I think they are a fucking great amp..

no worries there yet it kicks ass in this department also. I have a lot of guitar buddys that want this legendary amp.

donwlaod all maps and shit straight from roland website .

I wouldnt sell this bitch for a thousand dollars .im in desparate need of a quad box for my marshall head but cant part with the jc ..III keep saving my money and keep this amp for my son.

The Roland JC-120 has a chorus that sweeps real clean. As previous posts have mentioned: the distortion is a dog that barks wrong. The 60 watt each dual amp in one feature is great for stereo. Power is no problem---unless your looking for a wide speaker arraingment like Marshall Stacks. The solid state makes one want to blow out the amp to prove the engineers are not infallable. So far no luck HEAR...

1971 Black Les Paul Custon (fretless wonder). As crystal clear Wes Montgomery sounds go---you cannot beat it. Saw both Jimmy Smith's and Jimmy McGriff's Guitarists use it in live gigs. Kenny Burrell was Jimmy Smith's guitarist at abovemetioned show. You can fill up a Warehouse Space with it & also play the smallest cubicles. I really miss my old Fender tube amps though---U know---watching that blue gas in those glass bulbs warm up. Yet, this amp will not break. If you crank the JC-120 to 10/10 it will not distort...and that can ruin the feeling of warmth and feedback without pedals.

Please---someday this thing has got to break. I kinda miss shopping for tubes.

no need for Maytag/Roland repairman

Been at the instruments since 1963. Roland E-56 Synth (which sounds celestial through the JC-120) Tons of different acoustic box guitars
and cheap music station keyboards. If it were stolen I would not miss it at all. Time for a change anyhow. I think that presto synth bass through a guitar amp is killer.

This one's an '85 or '86 model that I traded for. Has been pampered in a Star ATA case all it's life. This is the second JC-120 I've owned.

Works well in just about any situation. Well suited to running my GR-30 and GT-3 through it. How brutal is the distortion? Eeeek. As most people notice, the 'distortion' that's built into this model seems to be some sort of twisted joke from Roland. Pity it doesn't have the lushness of the old "hexa-fuzz" that the older GR-300 featured. Other than that, damned near perfection. The only question is: how loud do YOU want to go? Ah, yes...the chorus. The only word to describe it is "Ahhhhhhhhhhh".

These things are built like a Sherman tank. My first one looked like Keith Richards had slept with it---it was SO beat up, it was funny. But, it still worked. I used it not only as a guitar amp (keep in mind this was 19 yrs ago...I was young, ok?), but as a bass amp (eeek!), and once as an emergency P.A. (double eeeek!!!). Can I rate it higher than a "10"??? This is one product that deserves it.

I've owned tons of Roland and BOSS gear throughout the years. I've never had a bit of trouble from any of it, so I've never had to deal with the company.

My first one WAS stolen years ago. I went through a slew of small combo amps, including most recently a Line6 Flextone Plus, which I dearly loved, but it wasn't the right amp for the guitar synth. If you want a BIG simple guitar amp with TONS of headroom, this is your baby.