Roland JC-120

Clean and Chorus and Vibrato. This is a new model. Number one the body is made of pressed wood so it's heavy, but not really impact resistant. Roland I would prefer playwood. I'd also like to have a footswitch with it come standard so you could switch the chorus back and forth. Other than these details it's a very reliable amp.

I play straight-ahead jazz with a 13.5 pound Wenge jazzmaster hardtail outfitted with a Charlie Christian pup in the neck....in other words a real single coil with a fat sound. Number one this amp is loud and clean. It's also very noisy and not suitable for recording if you play clean like myself. I don't really understand why the previous reviewer's are talking about the clean sound if everyone is playing threw an effects pedal. Have we forgotton what the word clean actually means. My definition. Guitar- Low Capicitance cable- Amp and that's it. You can't review a clean tone if you've got a distortion pedal or delay in front of the amp. This amp will show when you're playing great and when your fingers are sloppy so buyer beware. Basically it's the mother of all solidstate amps and if you put garbage in you'll get garbage out. Unfortionatly I think all the 10's that this has recieved is from the honeymooner's that haven't really played this amp. Personally my Polytone Mini-Brute IV sounds better than this amp and it only weights 32 pounds.

Very relieable considering it isn't played much outside of the house. I think that Roland could stand to visit their vintage construction methods again as the older JC120's seemed a vast improvement over the new cost cutting models.

Mine has rattled on occasion and I haven't any idea what was causing it so I won't speculate. It goes through periods of problems like all amps.......except the polytone.

Don't know and don't care. These are disposable amps so I could care less.

If it were lost or stolen I'd buy another Polytone.

Basically this is a loud solid state amp that is good for medium sized clubs and where the player has some very nice chops. Like I said the channel switch for the chorus would have been nice in a footpedal. Plywood body would be an improvement. And roland should get rid of the hiss as they have all the money and engineers in the world. You wouldn't think this would be a problem as their old amps didn't have these problems.

Best Chorus ever. 2 Channels. Both are clean, you need to put something in front of it to distort it, tube screamer or boss od pedal. The onboard distortion is more light fuzz, funk. Vibrato is unique and fun. Reverb does the job. Very expressive eq.

The best clean amp period. Nothing will top this. I use it to get everything from U2 to Queen. Maybe that isn't the biggest jump, but I can replicate any sound. (Of course I used almost 2 grand in effects!) I love this thing, I will always have it around. It actually has 2- 60 watt amps with one going to each speaker, can be set up with stereo loops for a ping pong delay or other stereo effect. (Good luck finding a place to play with a stereo PA)Loudest clean amp on earth.

Never any problems. I did do a boneheaded thing once. The gain is tied into the eq so if they are all down, you can turn the volume to 10 and its not really very loud. I couldn't figure that out, cost us first place in a battle of the bands, I had only had it for a week. Also, this amp picks up every hum in the world so make sure to use a good power condition, not a strip, a power conditioner, spend $50 bucks you cheapskate.

Never needed them, have had it over a year.

I love it. I would kill the person who stole it and sue their relatives for emotional trauma, than buy another one. The amp has some "white noise" that will show up at high volumes through the direct outs, just mike this sucker with a sm58 and be blown away, actually, don't mike it unless your playing a stadium or at a place that needs low stage volume, this can be loud enough for anywhere. Use with the new boss dd-20 twin pedal delay ( a roland company) and you will be lost in a field of Joshua Trees singing Sunday, Bloody Sunday.

I have a newer (read 2000 or newer) model. All switches are knobs except the power switch, which is push button. About every feature has been covered in earlier posts. The thing this one DOES have is an effects loop (mono out, mono/stereo in). Not a real versitile amp... it's just made to cleanly amplify whatever it is you've got running through it, and it does. I notice that it adds a TEENY amount of bass (hardly even noticeable), but it's just enough to make a really thin guitar preamp warm up and have some space. Not good for rock/metal unless you have some gear you want to put in front of it.

I'm currently running: Epiphone Les Paul w/EMG 81 -> Ernie Ball Volume -> ADA MP-1 -> Roland JC-120 (ADA outs into Roland effects loop, using ADA level knob for volume).

This is the most perfect clean amp I have ever heard. The chorus is AMAZING. It is easily the most lush, rich, deep chorus sound I've ever heard. Standing in front of it, you can almost see the sound swirl around you. You WILL NOT be let down if you're looking for a good clean (or clean/chorus) sound.

The distortion sucks. It flat out sucks. Don't use it. Buy a good pedal or use a preamp instead. The reverb... I don't know. I can't even tell the difference when it's on or off.

Remember... all this really is is a power amp combo with a built-in chorus. All it does is amplify what's coming into it. If what comes in sounds like crap, it's gonna sound like crap coming out.

Do you want an example of the sound? Listen to the clean tone on Metallica's ...And Justice for All.

I've used it for almost a year now, and I know the owner that had it before me. It has never broken down, and has yet to even give a hint of not being up to snuff. I would definately gig without a backup for it, as I have been since March when I started gigging. Nothing beats it for accurate reproduction.

Haven't had to deal with them.

I've been playing for 10 years. My gear is listed in the "sound" section.

The only thing I don't like about it is the complete lack of control/flexibility. There's no channel switching ability, and the idea of the amp coming with all the footswitches for the effects apparently made Roland balk. It pretty annoying. Also, the aneimic distortion could be better. Just because it's made for jazzheads doesn't mean us metalheads won't want one.

I would definately replace it if lost/stolen/destroyed by hecklers. The only place this will be relegated to is on top of my 4x12 cab when I get my rig finished out. I love the JC-120.

I actually have two of these now I love them so much, I have one that stays at my resident gig and the other stays in the boot of my car for all the other gigs.
I've been a pro musician for 27 years now and in that time I've owned pretty much everything that's out there, Marshall, Boogie, Fender, Hiwatt, all that '80s Rack Mount shit.
Over the years, I'd plugged into the odd JC120 at rehearsal rooms etc. and always really liked the clean sound but never really spent time trying to get a good distorted sound out of one.

The whole deal with a Jazz Chorus amp is finding the right distortion \ overdrive pedal to use with it, most of the pedals I had, Marshall, Boss, Electro Harmonix sounded shit with this amp, really buzzy and thin.
You have to realise that it's a brutally honest sounding amp and as such will just amplify the circuitry of your distortion pedal as opposed to a tube amp which will add its own coloration and smooth compression.
The pedal which I found matches this amp really well is the Line 6 Distortion Modeler, it has several different distortion types with pretty good EQ options and you can just tweak away 'till you find your sweet spot then save it in memory.
I hate chorus so I never switch that on (kind of ironic, I just use the Jazz part of the amp).
The built in distortion has been commented on by all you other guys so I'll just say,leave it switched off, THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL!!
The reverb on one of mine has crapped out so I just bought a used Lexicon Alex which sounds better than the springs anyway.

Well, this is why I bought two.
In my humble opinion, with the right pedals, this is all you'll ever need for stage use and it has a clean sound to die for, the best I ever had.
Like with most amps, I have to tame the top end a bit, with my Strats and Teles. I set the Bass and Mids on 9 and the Treble on 2 with the bright switch turned off. It also sounds great with my electro accoustic and electro nylon string, really pure and sparkly.
Sure, you'll probably still need a small tube amp for the studio or blues club gigs to get a real authentic straight into the amp sound but I can still get a real good grainy valve overdrive with the Line 6.
I just sold my Fender Deville 2x12 and now I'm selling my 70s Hiwatt stack which used to be my 2 main gigging amps, just don't need 'em anymore.
The first time I gigged with my JC 120, I was smiling all over my stupid face thinking "These things have been around forever, how come I didn't buy one years ago". I use the Line 6 Distortion and Delay Modelers, a modified Crybaby with True Bypass Modification (Very Important) and an old Boss CS2 compressor for clean solos and my tone is just there everytime.

No problems so far, I plug these amps in, they always work and always sounds the same.
The main reason I bought them is that I was so pissed off with tube amps, they'd sound great for a while and then one day the tone just dies so you retube and it's never the same again.
Apart from that, there's the maintainence costs and inconvenience, tubes, biasing etc. which are now history for me. I always found buying good tubes a real hit and miss affair anyway.

JCs are pretty robust, you'll see loads of real old ones still sounding great and still gigging regularly.
The knobs get a bit bent if you're not careful 'cos they stick out a bit and if you lose any of the rivets in the case edgings, just buy a pack of upholstery nails from any hardware store, they're the same thing even down to the colour.

Dunno, who needs 'em??

I can't imagine needing another gigging amp now and I've never said that before.An amp for life???

I'm not sure what year this amp was built in, but it has a toggle on/off switch, rather than a push button, so I'm guessing late 80's or so. For those not clear on the specifications, here they are:

120w solid state (2 x 60w)
2 x 12" silver cone speakers
High and low Inputs for each channel

2 channels:
Channel 1 - Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass
Channel 2 - Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, Distortion, Reverb, Chorus/Vibrato Toggle Switch, Ch./Vib. Speed, Ch./Vib. Depth

Rear panel:
Footswitch jacks for Chorus/Vibrato, Reverb, and Distortion
2 x 8 ohm Extension Speaker jacks
1 Line Out

This amp doesn't have much versatility, and without some effects pedals (particularly distortion/overdrive), this amp wouldn't be enough for most people. I play funk-rock/alternative most of the time, and the distortion included is simply not up to the task. This amp doesn't have channel switching, but it isn't really needed.
As for power, this volume this amp provides is way sufficient for any place I'm likely to use it. Definitely loud enough to fill any small to medium club/pub. Mostly I don't even put it above three, even when competing with the rest of my band. There is no effects loop, which might have been useful, but not absolutely necessary. No headphone jack either, but it's not exactly a "bedroom" amp.

I play a Gibson ES-135 with 2 x P-100 pickups, and a few effects. It suits my style of funk-rock/alternative music fairly well, though you absolutely, positively MUST have a different distortion. The included distortion is weak to say the least, in fact it's more like a 2dB volume boost.
The amp as a whole stays very quiet. I haven't noticed any significant hum at high volumes.
For all the bitching I've done about the distortion, I take it for granted that it isn't worth squat, and realise that this amp isn't that type of amp. It is basically just a clean, cheap, solid-state amp that sounds like it should cost twice as much as it does. It's a cleaner, purer sound, so if you want a raging, grunty, nu-metal or rock a'la AC/DC sound, then don't expect so much from this amp.
If, however, you want a sparkling clean, airy sound, buy yourself a JC-120. After all, it was made for Jazz guitarists, who aren't well known for their for their feedback drenched, driving, distorted guitar climaxes.

This amp is very reliable and I wouldn't be hesitant to play a gig without a backup amp.
I've never had the amp crap out on me altogether, that being said, lately I've noticed that if I turn the reverb knob past 5, the amp emits a high pitched shrill squeal. Don't let that scare you off, though, because I'm sure that's only a minor thing, and I plan to take it to be serviced directly.
Also being a solid-state amp, it doesn't need a lot of pampering. Just plug it in and it works. As simple as that.

Let me just say that if you are looking for a straight rock amp, go for a Fender or a Marshall. This is not that kind of amp. That being said, I love this amp. The combination of reverb, vibrato/chorus, and distortion provide just enough color for your sound without cluttering up the amp with unnecessary effects. It leaves plenty of room for you to add your own effects.

Like I said, this is not a rock amp. It has distortion, but the distortion acts as more of an accent to the tone. But the tone the amp does have is, for lack of a better word, perfect. Seriously, the only other amp I have found that can provide anything close to the warmth this amp has is the Fender Twin Reverb. This is the closest to a tube sound you will get with a solid state, but it still manages to have its own distinct sound. If you're going for that warm, heavy reverb, kind of vintage tone, this is the amp. I have guys with gear twice as nice as mine tell me how jealous they are of the sound I get from this amp.

The model I have is not new, but it has stood up to lots of moving, playing loud, and other kinds of abuse. Never had a single problem. I have used it live plenty of times, and it always works consistently and dependably.

I can't think of anything to improve on this amp. If I lost it or it was stolen, I wouldn't think twice about going right out and buying another one. The only other amp this one could even compare to are some of the Fender tube amps, and that's saying a lot.

This is one of the later models with the push button on/off switch. This amp really isn't versatile at all....but it excels as a clean amp. If you are totally into providing a good pre-amp then this amp ROCKS because it won't color the tone (even at loud volumes). I has two TOTALLY seperate non switchable channels with their own input. One channel has chorus, reverb, and a cheesy distortion circuit, the other is bare bones with just a a volume control and three band EQ. At first I HATED that setup, but then I started to realize it was actually pretty cool because I could plug into the bare bones channel when I had my "big" pedal board setup, or the channel with chorus and reverb when I had my small setup. This amp has plenty of power. I rarely turn it up above three. The chorus is stereo and also has a vibrato setting as well.

Clean sounds are great. Just goofing around one day I put a Tech 21 Tri-OD in front of this thing. WOOHOOOO!! I couldn't beleive my ears!! I haven't played any of my other amps since I've tried that combination (and I have a Mesa and a Marshall). My unit is one of the newer ones, and I do not have the noise problem that others are complainig of. One of the earlier reviewers had a theory that the newer models had the noise, but I don't think that is the case. This amp has a nice singing quality and plenty of harmonic overtones with the TRI-OD in front of it. The built in distortion is the LAMEST thing I ever heard. If Roland thought they were catering to the blues crowd with it, they were dead wrong. The distortion just plain sucks.......and Roland should be ashamed of themselves for producing such a crappy OD circuit. You will absolutely need to supply an OD pedal here. Like I said earlier, this baby was made for external OD devices, because it doesn't color your tone. Seven.....only because of the lame built in OD.

I own this and an older JC-77. Honestly the JC-77 and older JC-120's seem like they're better built. I haven't had any problem with this, or the 77.....but the older ones have heavier duty switches, jacks and a better (plywood) cabinet. This is a heavy sucka, casters are required.....if you have a bad back get the 77 or the 55. I feel like I'm going to blow a disk every time I load this into the back of my truck. It's big for a 2X12 as well (bigger than a Fender Twin).

I tried to find an older one before I bought this, but I couldn't find one in good enough condition. If I had a choice between an old model in excellent condition, and a new model in excellent condition, I'd take the old model HANDS DOWN. They're just built better and seem much beefier compared to the newer ones. As an example, the on/off switch on the older models is a chromed metal toggle switch, versus a very flimsy feeling plastic push button on the new model. Still.....no problems, no tubes....10.

I needed a new reverb tank for my JC-77. Got through to a live person at Roland on the phone in under two minutes and had a new one order with my credit card in under 4. I've heard others had bad experiences with Boss/Roland support. No problems here for me.

Been playing about 20 years. Owned them all....Mesa, Fender, Marshall, you name it. Still have a few tube amps lying around....but I guess I'm getting more practical in my old age. Once you've had a boat load of tube amps and have had to deal with tube problems the higher end solid state amps start looking good to you. Plus, the majority of tube amps just don't sound good unless they are really cranked. I haven't played a club yet that I could REALLY crank a tube amp in....so they just seem impractical to me lately. Geez...I'm really sounding like an old coot!!! This stacks up with the best of my tube amps (with a good OD pedal), and sounds much better at lower volumes. I highly recommend the Tech 21 SansAmp line (SansAmp, Tri-OD, TRI-AC) with this amp. My Rockman sustainor sounds pretty good through it too. It's the best sound solid state amp I've tried....although I haven't yet tried the Tech 21 Trademark 120 and 300.

This one was probably manufactured in the 80's. I am the second owner, and I don't know why the first owner sold it. It is a great amp. I play mainly rock 'n roll (a general term, but it covers everything I play.) The clean is awesome, and so is the distortion. However, I rarely get real heavy. I'm playing a few guitars through a boss DS-1 cranked about 3/4 the way up on tone and dis. I also add a bit of the amp distortion, but I wouldn't use the amp's alone. The chorus is great! I often set it low and use it through an entire song even with distortion. I began doing this because I don't have the footswitch, and it has worked for me. No digital, and I like that for my amp. However, I'd like to hear a tube warmth with it.

My main guitar is a 2002 les paul standard with the burstbuckers. The guitar has an amazing sustain that the amp only improves on. I also sometimes play with a nice ibanez which gives me a bit more twang and some rippin' distorted flexibility. They both are only helped with the amp. Unless you want to get real heavy, this amp is great. I even play some heavier drop D and it sounds great!

The only prob. I've had so far is that every once in a while when playing clean and loud it would crackle a bit and almost sound distorted. I took it in and had it cleaned especially at the wire connections and that seemed to do it for a couple years, but now it's coming back a bit. The amp is over a decade old though. Also, not a big deal, but one caster wheel doesn't stay in, so every time I lift it the wheel falls out. Otherwise, good.

N/A

I took a long time to find the sound I wanted, and this amp really got me where I want to be. I plan to buy another real soon because I keep spilling beer on it and I know at some point that will affect it. I will buy this same amp again. I only wish it had tubes, but that may change it too much. For the money, this is one of the best amps you can buy (unless you play very heavy music) I love it when I see a superstar using my amp, and it happens often!

1993 JC-120 2 channels. Chorus and Vibrato. People have complained before that this amp is heavy. Try lugging around a Fender Vibro-King.

Running a '76 Les Paul gold top through a Boss DD-3, MXR phase 100, Boss TU-2 tuner, Earnie Ball volume pedal to an A/B box. Channel A goes straight to the Roland. Channel B runs through a Boss super chorus and then to a Fender Twin powering a Laney 4X12. The lushness of the two seperate choruses has to be heard to be believed (a very big and round clean sound). Right now I use the overdrive channel of the the Twin for high Gain, but am planning on getting a Tech 21 O.D. to run with both amps. The "Vibrato" is basically another adjustable chorus sound, not a true vibrato, but it does give you the option of a different setting.

Only had this amp for a short time. Does precisley what I need it to: provide a true clean sound. So far no hiss on this model either!!

Been playing since 1986. The best solid state clean sound I've encountered yet. I'm still a tone buff, but this amp comes in handy for dynamic writing. The stereo chorus sounds are very vibrant and spacey. Reverb is nothing to write home about however. Over-all a great addition to ANY guitar set-up IMHO.

Just a quickie, here, about using this amp for your Rickenbacker 12-- IT IS THE BEST! I got that advice from Roger McGuinn's website.

If it had built-in compression--like a Gison L5---it would be better. I use a Boss Compressor-Sustaine CS-3. It is lound, full, bright and clean.
I had a Peavey Studio Chorus 210, and copuld not compete with my band's other guitarist--with his Fender Tweed. Now--watch out!

I got it used, and it just keeps ticking away.

Roland has always been great to me. Knowing my old bas player is head of tech support helps! Thanks, Marty.

Playing since 1964. I might get the smaller version of this---70 watts. It would fit better in the car.
This is a clean amp with guts and tone, and very fine speakers.

'98/'99 model? Bought it new in '99 form Mars Music (sad to see them go last year). For me, some of the features are usable, some are not. The chorus is legendary and after hearing you know why...beautiful, but not adjustable. Nice reverb. True stereo amplification, multi-faceted equalization, detachable casters(yeah, the big dog is heavy), twin 12's, extensive panel of jacks for all sorts of uses in the back...all NICE. Unfortunately, there are a couple of sour notes...the distortion reminds me of what a Brachiosaur strung out of Zanax would sound like in mid roar). Tremolo/vibrato? Please...go listen to the tremolo on Fender tube amps. THAT'S tremolo. Channel switching? No. BUT, I did call and get through to an engineer and asked about switching between the two channels via an A/B box and he said no danger there, so that is how I switch channels on mine, via an inexpensive DOD A/B box.

Oh, man...you have not heard clean until you sit down in front of one of these! THAT'S NOT ALL, though. Amazingly, and I heard something like this from someone's review below, it sounds almost tubish in some applications. When I stomp on my B.K. Butler real tube it comes alive. TS-9 does good for lighter overdrive apps. But it's amazing that with one little 12AX7 in a box, the whole JC120 thinks it is a full blown tube amp! Sweet!
I have had no problem with the hiss listed in some reviews below. You will have trouble trying to get this amp to break up at high volumes. It stays clean, pure, and sweet (almost) all the way up to 11, unless you're effecting the signal. And power? Oh, man...this thing IS power. You will never be hungry for volume.
Styles are rock (Led Zep, old Heart, Stones) and bluesy stuff (old ZZ Top, SRV, Koko Taylor).

Absolutely zero problems since day one in '99.

I called a rep when I first bought it about the A/B channel switching idea to make sure I wouldn't damage it. I think I got right through. Either that or he returned my call...either way, it was a positive experience.

Playing 20 years or so. I own a LP Standard, Am.Std.Tele, Jackson Custom Soloist, Marshall JCM800 half stack, bunch of cool stomp boxes...MXR, Maxon RI, Teese wah(awesome!), etc. I compared it to Mesas, Fender Twin Reverb RI, JC-90...when the cards landed, JC-120 was the one for me.

This amp was made in 1993. Pretty basic features, 2 channels, efx loop for each one (like this much better than an efx loop for whole amp) solid state, footswitch jacks. they could have included a fs. jack for switching channels, but when you switch chorus on/off, that basically does it. all the features you're gonna need.

I'm using this with a yamaha dual humbucking guitar. alot like an ibanez rg. my music style is mainly rock. I use this for the clean sounds (hey there's a surprise) there is a slight hiss but this may be the environment, or outlet, or something other than the amp itself. the amp is clean. very clean. as clean as it can get. I can't get it to distort. The chorus is heavenly. its just really nice. vibrato is cool too. with none of that on, it sounds great also. the distortion, if you are looking for some sort of metal, look somewhere else. the distortion was made to be very light sounding.

This amp is built to last. Its been around ten years, and I'm guessing it'll be around many more. I would use it at a gig without a backup. I have a pretty tight budget, so I probably wouldn't afford a backup.

I doubt I will ever need assistance

I'm 15 years old and have been playing for 3-4 years. I own a fender stratocaster(blaah), a hughes & kettner warp 7 half stack, a digitech gsp 21, a plus ebow, various pedals, an acoustic, a yamaha electric, and a samick electric. Oh, yeah and a fender mini twin. the rig I usually use is one of the electrics into an aby box, a out to jc120, b to warp 7, and that is the basic thing, sometimes I hook up the efx.

I'm not sure of the year of manufacture - probably mid- to late eighties, judging by the construction and features: plywood and reinforced cab at the stress points(not particle board like the newer ones); real spring reverb tank - not a computer chip; no effects loop; "mains in" jacks, line out, two extension cab jacks, toggle switch to reverse polarity(i.e. the on/off/on switch); also a toggle for chorus/vibrato on/off; metal input jacks with plastic nuts to lock them in --------- other than that, the same controls for eq etc as they've always had: 2 channels, etc. After having tried to purchase a new one through mail order and opening the box to find pieces of particle board from the broken cabinet caused by UPS, I decide to buy an older, better built model for about half the price. Anyway, I like the features of the older models - I've never used effects loops with any success on other amps, so I don't miss it. I wish I had the three button foot switch to be able to select distortion, chorus, reverb at will, but Roland doesn't make them any more. But you can get individual FS-1's for about $15.
I use this amp mostly at home as I use a Roland Blues Cube 60 1x12 to gig with(KILLER AMP! - read the reviews on it here, they're telling it straight). But I have had this thing cranked and it is loud!! Power galore! I'll probably use the JC120 for some outdoor gigs we'll have during the summer. I usually use an amp as a clean base to run my effects through - I play clean a lot and, like another reviewer stated this is the Queen of Clean - lovely, just lovely, sound.

I use a Strat and a Burns Steer through it and have played a 335 through it also and they all sound *superb*. You barely have to adjust the eq when switching - maybe a little treble and bass is all. One thing I've noticed though is that the louder it gets, the more the mid-range dominates. So you just have to cut back on it as you get louder, My typical settings are
Volume: 1-2(this is still pretty d@^%$d loud- plenty loud for smaller gigs etc); treble: 2-3, mid: 3-5; bass: 2.5-3.5. I don't use the bright as that converts the nice, warm, rich tone into an ice pick. The chorus is an industry standard: stereo and not too thick. The vibrato is pretty cool too, but not used much - kind of spacey and tripped-out. The distortion: well...I like to just turn it on but not up, this adds a nice low-mid boost that's great for fattening up single note leads and also adds a mild break up when you dig into partial chords etc. I actually like it for this purpose. For heavier styles I use a digital multi-effect pedal and this amp can turn into a fire breathing monster with the right box(es) in front of it - and I mean it can sound like a raging tube amp -thick, fat and heavey or grindy; it's up to you and the quality of your effects unit(I use a Korg which has some killer distortion tones (not to mention the time based and modulation effects - out of this world; but, hey! that's another review).

I'm not gigging it hard right now, but the thing sounds great. I picked it up used on E-Bay so who knows what it's been through? I assume it saw a lot of club action though as the grill cloth is more brown than silver - probably from smoke. I cleaned the pots and it's sounded and responded great. These amps have a great rep. for being reliable and mine seems to bear that out.

Never dealt with Roland before

I've played on and off for the past thirty years, the last seven seriously again - have owned great tube amps: Marshall, Fender, Trace Elliot custom shop model, Reverend; have had a beavey of guitars - Gretsch, Heritage, Fender, Taylor, etc. This amp let's the sound of the guitar come through and your interaction with it(If you screw up, it's heard loud and clear). Be that as it may, all amps color the sound of the signal they amplify - that's what they're designed to do; when they do it well, we love 'em. The JC is rich and warm and allows the flexibilty I need - and sounds great doing it.

Made in Japan. No idea when. It's the one with 2 knobs for adjusting Vibrato. I saw another version. It had 3 knobs. See other reviews for the rest.

Clean. What can i say. It's a classic for a reason. The chorus is awesome. I used to setup 2 amps through a Boss CE5 chorus. That was good, but this is better. The one button i don't get, is the distortion. It's not. It's more like a clean boost. Which is very handy and not available on most amps. After 5 it breaks up just a tiny bit. Good for a more or less clean solo.
I found it hard to get a decent overdrive pedal to go along with this amp. Tried the Rat, SD1, DS1 and a few more. Awefull! I ended up using a OD 3, which gives a decent overdrive. The other ones were either too harsh, too thin, too whatever is bad in a OD/Dist. I'm happy with the OD3 though. Somebody else mentioned a SansAmp. It's probably a good idea to use one of those. It wasn't available when i needed it, but i think i will try one in the future.
Oh, before i forget. The hiss . . . . It's there and it's loud! The 10 i'm giving here is given the fact that i think someone will fix this hiss for me.

Think abram-tank.

I play a Santana SE through it. Nice combo.

This is a USA made amp, black corners and roland speakers and plywood cabinet, probably 80's amp. has 2 channels, one for clean and no effects like reverb, vib. or chorus and channel 2 that has all the effects. i like that it has two seperate channels, one dry one not.
the vib. and chorus are stereo, VERY AMBIENT !!! for its time, i'd say it had great options, thus give it a nine.

Well, this is a interesting story. i bot a yamaha G100 at the local pawn. its very similar to the Roland JC. I really love the G100, so started to read all the good stuff on the JC. so, i had a mission to go and look for a JC at the local used guitar shops. well, i found one. I must say, this amp is unbelivable !! i've never herd a solid state sound so good. The chorus is very very unbelievable !!! it sounds like your playen in a F church with a choir. I have never herd a better chorus !. The vib. sounds good also. Stereo really adds to this amp. The distorsion is only good if u use a little teeeny bit.
I like this amp, and i wood say its the best sounding solid state ever !!, no question about it !. I think the amp works well with effect units also. my Digitech works great with it. I give this amp a 10 for being the best sounding solid state amp, ever.

its a 80's amp and still ticking.
because of this, i give it a 10

don't no

i like this amp. i've had many many amps, this is the best sounding solid state. I have a fender hot rod currently, but have had other tube amps. i like tube amps for the feel they give vs solid state. but, they don't work well with effect units. its nice to have a tube and solid state amp. i think every one shood have a tube and solid. i'm very happy with the hot rod and roland. i think they're the best of thier world.

the jazz chorus has changed very little, so what difference does it make what year it is? i am sure there are little differences, but it aseems to be the same beast (which is wonderful). i have owned three, from three different decades, and have loved every one.

the chorus is THE CHORUS. everyone knows the distortion is useless, but that is very obviously not what it was made to do. the vibrato is cool but subtle. the tone is so clean it is psychadelic. stereo too. this amp hass all of the features it needs. if you want to play punk death thrash stuff, buy something else. if you want to cleanly and accurate reproduce the sound of your instrument, this is the one.

if you see music as having "layers" and "motion", then this is it. lush, my bloody valentine, worms union, ride, slowdive, curve, etc. psychadelic.

i have used an epiphone casino and sheraton, several greek instruments (bouzouki, tzouras, and baglamades), and even sitars. this will make everything smooth and textured. handles distortion just fine from a pedal. again, theamp's own distortion is a joke. if you want to shout at the devil and such, buy a marshall or whatever. the fender tube amps are cool like the jazz chorus, but the eq on the jc is way better than the fender (which is prone to get that all dreaded tinny midrange). the jc drips with tone.

i have never had a problem whith any of the 3 i have had. i have never serviced them in any way. good luck?

never checked. i like to pretend they are in weird space costumes in bright white rooms experimenting on sound with aliens. but that's just me.

this is the best thing ever for the shoe gazing set. period. you know who you are. zakk wylde probably hates this amp. publicly anyway.

ARound the 80s...not too versatile, 2 channels, 1 for pure clean, 1 for pure clean with chorus OR vibrato, reverb and distortion. It's a HUGE 2x12, heavy, solidstate.

I'm currenly using an ESP LTD ec-1000 with emg 60/81 installed. Emgs are known to distort on clean but with this amp it sounds like heaven, the 60 is almost acoustic and the 81 can sound like a classical guitar it's amazing! I only use this amp for cleans by the way, the distortion isn't so great, it's just pure fuzz.

Dropped it twice carrying it to my room heard pieces fall off, but it was only the casters because they were put at the back of the amp.

I've been playing for 3 years now here's my current rig, it might stay like this for a while (ampwise) Laney GH100L A/B-->ROland JC120 with an ESP LTD ec-1000 with emg 60/81 and ESP LTD ex-351D with EMG 60/81. I might get an RR soon with some duncans. This amp is truly the amp for clean sounds! It gives everything a clean side, even those mean EMGs!

I'm guessing this is a mid to late 80's model- made in USA. Bought it used off of E-Bay. Same features as all the others from this vintage and they are plenty. I use a muli-effecter in front and have all the sounds I need. Enough power? Jeeez! This thing is super loud!!

I use mexi-strat with fat 50's pups into a Korg AX-1000g floor pedal. This thing is sweet! It is full, rich, and very clean! It is warmer than my all-tube Reverend Hellhound 1X12! I use my amps as a platform for pedals b/c I have to switch to different settings rapidly and I always want to be able to get back to a pristine clean sound - of course this baby delivers. I always thought that the Korg needed to be run through a tube amp to get the best sound, but it sounds just as good through the JC as it does through any tube amp I've run it through. This makes me happy. As far as the amps own effects go: CHORUS: Sounds really good but I wish the speed and depth knobs were dual assigned to this and the vibrato. This VIBRATO: is one cool effect! It's unique and I dig it as a "once in a blue-moon" type effect. O.k., now...the DISTORTION: Are you ready?
I LIKE IT!!! So There! At least for what it was designed to do: "provide a mild break up". Seriously, I've always been a tube freak and my Hellhound will stomp all over this thing for rich OD and distortion, but that doesn't mean the JC's sucks - it's just different - and not in a bad sort of way. Its best function is as a boost. It bumps the mids and adds just a hint of hair so the notes aren't quite as pristine as with the dist. off - good for double stops etc. I actually like the sound of BB King, Albert King and Little Milton and they all use(d) solid state amps with this same kind of distortion. Anyway, the distortion is debatable but this amp has become the industry standard for clean and so it gets a ten - Oh, I forgot about fender twins - I like the sound of the JC better - the Twins(at least the reissues), have sounded far more boxey and sterile to me.

This amp is a veri clean specimen, it was advertised as a 9 out of 10 as far as condition goes, and on a very picky scale, I'd say it was accurate. The only thing I had to do was clean the pots. It took about a half hour and it sounds great! I guess after 15+ years and who knows how much use, it seems pretty reliable. I've not had it that long, so I can't say how long it will last. One thing I DO know for sure is that these older ones are a hell of a lot better built than the newer, particle board, break in UPS shipping, pieces of crap!
Also this has a SPRING reverb, not a computer chip. I would never buy a new JC 120, maybe the JC 90 - the reverb is still a tank and is wet enough to do surf. Plus it has a high treble and a treble tone knob which is great for balancing out a guitar.

Been playing for 20+ years. I've owned a lot of gear and I am a tone freak. Actually this one sounds better than the new ones I've played. Maybe it's b/c it's broken in. Anyway, I'm not intending to sell it ever.

Same as all above

Absolutely fantastic clean at all volumes, and beyond words, warm and throaty, with a Tubescreamer. Jeez. I bought this thing, which is pretty beat -- five of the knobs completely broken off, ground prong gone, lower back busted off, speaker holes cutting through the cloth -- for freakin' $75 bucks! Bets money I ever spent. Everyone who hears it just flips, including me.

Guess it's great, BC it looks like it's been to war (which it also looks like it was designed for)., and it sounds incredible.

Dunno.

I purchased this amp from the north attleboro, ma. guitar center for $459 used.......it was probably the best purchase i have ever made.....great clean amp to split w/an ab box along side what ever you use for high gain amp

this amp is possibly the best contender to the mighty fender twin i have ever played through or owned......its so clear and prestine and wonderfull sounding .....the problem isd i had to give it to my landlord at the studios were i practice for rent that i owed because i got stiffed from a few other people in the same room as me .....i will get one again .....nothing made before 90 though

built likea tank

never needed them

i will owne one again very soon i miss that amp to much to not get another one...its finding a good year thats presenting a problem

Same as all the other listings. Actually this is text is just an ammendment to my previous review.

I have noticed that some of you have written about a "hiss" in your JC-120's. Since my JC-120 doesn't do that I decided to investigate that problem.

My brothers JC-120 needed to be repaired after a thunderstorm. It did not hiss before but it does now. So that hightened my curiousity.

I have found that JC-120's which were made in USA during the 80's do not do that. Newer JC-120's that were made in Japan do have a "hiss" in them. JC-120's which have had either or both of the two boards inside replaced hiss.

I've checked out more than a dozen JC-120's now (including brand new ones) and this is very consistant. I then downloaded some schematics and service manuals for the different time periods and found what I believe is the reason.

I found that many of the transistors (especially the power amps) from the original design are no longer made and Roland had to re-design the JC-120. I believe the hiss is a side effect of that redesign.

I also found that the 80's Made-in-USA JC-120's have plywood cabinets and the newer ones are press-board cabinets.

I would like to here from all of you about where your JC-120 was made and whether or not it has a hiss. If it had been repaired and it didn't his before, but it does hiss now. Stuff like that.

Built like a tank. Repairs a uncommon and easy to do in the rare event that any are needed.

Never needed them until I wanted to read the schematics to sort this hiss problem out. But when I asked for them, they gave them to me. So I'm changing my previous N/A rating to a 10.

I have now examined (and taken apart) several JC-120's and asside from the fact that some of them hiss, the sound is great on every one. Such consistancy has changed my previous rating of 9 to a 10.

Same as everybody elses. I wish you could footswitch channels and also footswitch between vibrato and chorus. To get around the channel switching, you can use and a/b switch.

I've used many guitars, instruments, and even vocals through mine. All sounded great. This amp is also stupidly loud. I've seriously hurt myself cranking 120 watts of solid state cleanliness. That's where the beauty of a tube amp comes in.... anywho, I play all styles from jazz, classical, to hard-core and wedding music. The Roland JC series is the perfect platform for other tone altering devices.. Sansamp/Tech 21, POD, V-Amp,etc. In fact, I can get better Marshall tones out of my Roland and a Sansamp then my buddy could out of his Marshall Valvestate! I use a Sansamp Acoustic DI, Mesa Boogie V-Twin, Sansamp Original, and a Sansamp Tri-AC. There isn't much I can't cover with that gear and the Roland. Since I do have a Marshall, I mostly use my Roland for gigging.. mainly for my acoustics. With the Sansamp stuff, I don't always need to lug around my Marshall. At the same time, I do like having the Marshall for it's "appearance" and coolness factor.

I've had mine since 1986. I've gigged a ton with it, recorded with it, hell.. I even rode it down the road once! Never had a problem. In 1999 I had the pots cleaned. That's the only maintainance I've ever performed. Sonically, I know what I'm going to get everytime I turn it on. I can't say the same about my Marshall or Mesa.

never dealt with them. never needed to.

I've had and used a lot of gear in my days and the Roland JC-120 has been the only thing I could never part with. I've had Marshalls, Mesa's, Peavey's, etc etc etc... all of those kicked ass well. The Roland can just do so many things and is so damn reliable. I don't use it for everything, but I like knowing that it's there.

I don't give 10's generously, but now that I've had this amp for 16 years and never been let down, I feel the Roland has earned a few 10's.

I'm guessing this amp was made in the early 90's, toggle switch for chorus. It's very versatile in my application because I use outboard effects to get every sound I need. I play lead guitar in a REM tribute band that also covers the gamut from 80's 90's and '00 rock.
Two channels, two inputs per channel, no channel switching, has an FX loop, no headphone jack.
I use this amp live exclusively - I leave it in our insured band practice room.
Solid state, stereo chorus - the chorus is awesome - and vibrato is very useful!!!!

I'm mostly using a 70's strat thru this, usually on the bridge-neck combination of pickups. It's also a great acoustic guitar amp! Throw a little chorus and 'verb on an acoustic thru it - what a great sound...
It suits all of the styles I play - I also play with an alt-country band (I play lap steel and mandolin) and it handles it all!
It _is_ noisy. It's the first thing I noticed when I tried it out. Basically the JC120 has a inherent hiss somewhere in the circuitry. You'll be able to hear it in the studio and in the bedroom, but live, you will never notice.
The clean channel is never distorted - and this amp can get loud!!! Short of playing a super-arena, you won't NEED to mike this. I have mic'ed it, tho, just to keep stage volume down...
The distortion is not 'brutal'. Other reviewers comment it can be used as a volume boost for solos - that seems like a really good idea, I would try that, but I use a 3 channel Tech21 preamp for amp sounds and solo boosts, plus, the only footswitch I have is devoted to chorus/vibrato.

Which reminds me: the chorus is killer - well worth having this amp. I use the chorus when I want to get a huge spready sound AND the vibrato is killer for when you want to get the John Scofield warbly sound OR a good soul rythym sound (like Greg Humphreys of Hobex!) - just keep it subtle. I use the vibrato sometimes on the 'breakdown' parts of songs like "I Will Follow" by U2 or "Superman" - REM. Volume swells sound great with vibrato.
I always joke that the vibrato on an extreme setting will make you sick to your stomach!

The JC120 is a classic, and once you play thru one for a while, you'll know why and you WON'T regret your purchase of a 'lifetime' amp. The only drawback is the distortion - just getcha a good stompbox!!! Another reviewer said that the tone of the amp won't make you go crazy - I agree. I use a preamp thru the front of the amp or thru the FX returns. I spent HOURS trying to get the preamp to sound good by tweaking the knobs on the Roland until I realized that that was the wrong approach. If you are going to put a preamp in the front of the amp, put the bass, mid, and treble knobs straight up. Add 'verb, chorus, and volume to taste.

This amp has always been there for me. We used to play a club with a really small stage and I turned the JC120 was on it's SIDE (to fit on stage) and it still sounded great!!! I have used it all the time without backup - get a spare fuse, you'll be ok. My backup is Guitar->Tech21->P.A.
One thing to look out for: it's a heavy-duty amp, built well, and will take abuse EXCEPT for the front!!! My JC120 was getting BEAT UP in our band trailer until I had an epiphany. Go to your local Home-superstore and get a 29" by 20" piece of heavy plexiglas cut. Pick up some velco-tape on your way out. Take the cover off the amp, turn it (the cover, not the amp) inside out, and velcro the plexiglas to the INSIDE of the cover on the side that would cover the front. Voila - no one can see it, no more broken knobs, bent chorus switches, kicked-in cloth grilles. If you don't have the cover, check out tukicovers.com.

I've never dealt with Roland. I'm sure a local amp tech can service this amp. It's definitely out of warranty by now - the first question they probably ask is, "Sir, have you ever played the amp when it was on it's side?"

I've been playing 15 years. I own many guitars, bass, dobro, lap steel, a Vox practice amp (don't laugh - I opened for Gatemouth Brown with this sucka!), Tech21 Tri-AC preamp (love it), wah, whammy.

If it was stolen (can't imagine losing a JC120!) I would probably buy a JC77 off eBay instead, just for the fact that it's smaller and lighter.
I love it because this BigMutha has always been there - when I flip the power switch, I KNOW I'm going to get a consistent sound, I know it's not a tube amp, but it's not harsh or brittle. I know I'm going to get MY sound.

I chose this one because I got a KILLER deal on it from a guy who needed a smaller amp!
If you are a semi-pro or pro that uses outboard effects and doesn't need a vintage Fender and needs a reliable classic, get a JC120, you won't be disappointed.

This is the 2002 model (bought new). I've owned it for 24 hours now and think I know enough about what it does to be able to give a considered opinion.

People have said if you want metal, don't buy this amp. I fully disagree. Yes, if you bought this amp and this amp alone and plugged your guitar in, you aren't going to get a Triple Rectifier - take a hint from the name Jazz Chorus. But because of the fact that this is the cleanest amp ever, whatever pedal you put in front of it will sound as it was meant to.

I play metal mostly (with band), some jazz (just when I'm messing around at home) and occasionally some acoustic songs. This amp plays them all. Having not tried to play Van Halen riffs through this, I don't know if it'll give the 80s metal sound, but it's perfect for Rage Against The Machine. As far as jazz goes, this is the best amp available for it. The sweetest tone ever. And, since Channel 1 has no effects, plugging an acoustic in is like going into a PA.

I mentioned Channel 1 - yes, this is a two channel amp. There is no channel switch footpedal, but it's not really needed. The way I use it is having my guitar synth output into channel 1 and the normal guitar into Channel 2 (which is where the chorus/vibrato/distortion effects come into play). When I want guitar and no synth, I just turn down the volume of the synth on my guitar. If you don't like doing that sort of thing, you could always buy a volume pedal. The point is, the channels aren't like "Classic/Crunch" settings, one is totally clean no matter how hard you crank (a BIG selling point for this baby) and the second channel gives the classic JC sounds. It has an Effects Loop on Channel 2 which I don't use (but who knows, I might).

A feature I wish it had was programmable chorus. Yes, the chorus that is built in is the best chorus in town, but it would still be nice to have the option. Another problem is you can't switch between Vibrato and Chorus on the footpedal - they run out of one pot and as such you have to set it on the amp for the footswitch to simply work as an on switch. This is a minor problem.

People have said how bad the distortion is - well, it isn't any good for crunchy power chords, but that's where your effects are meant to come into play. This distortion should be seen more as a booster. So when you do your solo, turn it on and you'll cut through the band more.
I use this amp at home (fine) and on gigs (fine). This is 120 watts (60 in each speaker) - asking "does it have enough power for you?" is almost insulting.

Solid State, stereo chorus, and 2 line outs (Left/Mono and Right).

I use a Godin LGXT with Custom Seymour Duncan pickups, and a Gibson "The Paul" with it's stock pickups.

Here is my biggest problem - the hiss. This amp hisses badly. I don't know why, but for some reason even with all the volumes on 0, it still hisses. When playing alone this is a huge problem. However, in a band it will be unnoticeable, and when recording, a little EQ'ing will get rid of it. However, it's just an unnecessary problem, probably just because of inferior wiring inside the actual amplifier. It's the kind of thing Roland should not just accept as "part of the JC-120 Magic!" and get rid of.

I've said it before, but the clean channel will never ever distort. Ever. It's great.

Only had it a day, but just by looking at it you can tell it's not going to fall apart. It's heavy too, weighing in at 68 lbs and 13 ozs (31.2 kg). No, this is not going to break. (PS. It comes with Wheels so you don't break your back taking it places - GREAT feature!)

Never had to deal with Roland.

I have been playing for about 5 years now. You don't really need my whole gear list, but with this amp I go from the guitar into an electro-harmonix Big Muff (RUSSIAN MADE - no colourful-but-engineered-by-a-monkey american crap for me thanks), into a Line6 FM4 Filter Modeller, into a Digitech Whammy then into Channel 2. For the synth, it's just guitar-synth-Channel 1.

If it were stolen or lost (although how I'd lose this is beyond me) I'd buy a new one... eventually. They aren't cheap amps.

I compared it to many different amps after deciding that using a POD live just wasn't working, but frankly I always wanted one of these and I kept coming back to it. I've tried Marshall's, Peavey, Line6, Fenders, Cornford's and Mesa's and this just had my sound. Simple as that.

This is one of the 90's models, it has the push button power switch (which replaced the toggle on/off switch of earlier models), but does not have the silver cone speakers that were recently put back into production. I purchased this amp looking for the cleanest amp I could find, as a foundation for pedals ... This is it. As far as my musical style is concerned, check it out for yourself: http://www.resignation.ws/music. There is an effects loop which I don't use (I never have been too fond of them), two channels, distortion, vibrato, reverb, and the famous Roland stereo chorus. The power section is completely solid state, two 60 watts power amps for stereo effects. It definitely has all the clean headroom that you need. I've never actually used the distortion or vibrato to any degree, or the non-effected channel (although, since this bridges the amps, it is somewhat louder). I bought this for clean and chorus, and for that, it delivers. I don't consider this a versatile amp - it only does one thing, but it does that amazingly well.

I currently run a Fender Thinline Telecaster 69 reissue through several effects pedals and into the high input of the chorus channel. I replaced the Tele's stock pickups with Joe Barden Twinblades. If you listen to the early Cure (17 Seconds, Faith, Pornography) you can get a good idea of the general sound of this amp. The cleans are sharp, glassy and defined, no one will mistake this for a tube amp. Yet, that's not to say the tone is sterile, simply accurate. I get tones ranging from lap steel esque tremelo to David Gilmour's "Comfortably Numb" solos with the help of effects. I'd have to say that if you're looking for Black Sabbath or modern rock distortion, no ammount of overdriving or effects are going to deliver that with the JC-120. However, combined with pedals, this thing can produce a vast range of tones and textures. And of course, the stereo chorus effect is legendary. I've never heard a better chorus, and I'm a chorus junkie. The only complaint I have in this regard is that the chorus is preprogrammed, ie. unadjustable. Strange, considering they have rate and depth controls for the vibrato. Nonetheless, the stock chorus settings are deep and shimmerining, not to mention, true stereo. All in all, you can turn this thing to 11 and still have a beautifully clean sound and the perfect foundation to reproduce your effects and guitar tone. The only real problem is an all volume hiss that's present on both channels. It is unnoticable when playing, but may present a problem it recording. It seems this hiss is symtomatic of the JC series.

Interestingly enough, mine is currently in the shop. I bought it used, so I can't say how much wear and tear it received before my day. After about a year of owning it, the chorus channel putted out. Instead of any discernable guitar tone, it only produced loud and random static. Nonetheless, solid state amps are known for reliablity, so I'm going to hope that I'm not going to have another problem for a long time.

I've been playing for several years, and in addition to the Roland, I own a Lab Series L5. While I admit, that if I was playing any kind of crunchy or aggressive rock guitar, I'd be in trouble, for the style of music that I'm currently involved in, the JC-120 is peerless. This is not a jack-of-all-trades amplifier. It is a one-trick pony - clean, accurate and loud tone with an amazing chorus. I wish it had a built in compressor (like the L5), I'll just have to purchase one on my own. I purchased this over several other similar models (Fenders and Peaveys) mostly due to my inability to get the JC-120 to distort at high volumes and its transparent tone.

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

N/a

. 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!

n/a

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.