Product: Roland JC-120H
Price Paid: USD 350.00 USED
Submitted
12/29/2007
at
11:53am
by
RUExp?
Features
:
8
This is the head version of the old JC-120 combo but differs in two ways. First, it has only one channel which is channel two on the combo. Second, the head has no Vibrato effect. Instead it has fixed and manual modes for the Chorus as well as Off. There are controls for Rate and Depth which only function in manual mode.
The front panel is laid out like this:
High/Low input, Distortion, Volume, High Treble (presence basically), Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb, Rate, Depth, Chorus switch, Power switch
The back panel is:
2 Right speaker outputs (8ohms each), 2 Left speaker outputs (8ohms each), Sub in, Footswitch jacks for Chorus-Reverb-Distorion, Effect and normal line outs. Unfortunately, there is no effects loop but it's not really much of a problem for me since I run my effect pedals into the front end.
The amp also puts out 120 watts stereo (60 watts per side).
Sound Quality
:
8
Although there is a distortion feature on the amp, it's really just a light overdrive effect and is not the main reason for owning this amp. The amazing clean tone is the reason however and that makes this amp wonderful for running effect pedals.
I run through my Boss BCB-60 pedalboard into the low input with the distortion function activated but turned all the way down. This gives the amp a warmer tone that makes my dirt pedals sound great.
I'm sure you've heard that the JC-120 combo is a very loud amp and the head version is no exception. I rarely ever turn the volume past one at home.
I like to use the built-in Chorus in manual mode with the Rate set low and the Depth about halfway so I can get that stereo spread without the heavy chorus sound. It sounds nice and open in this mode.
I run the amp into two Crate GT112SL 1x12 cabs with the stock Celestion G112K-100 speakers in stereo. These seem to be a good match for the amp and I think they sound better than the Roland speakers I've heard in the combos. Plus, I can move the cabs apart to get a more spread out sound if I want.
For guitars, I'm using an old Gibson SG Firebrand, a Tele copy and a Strat copy.
My current pedalboard is laid out like so:
Boss OD-3 > Music Box Happy Cat (RAT clone) > Boss FZ-3 > Boss GE-7 > Boss CE-3 > Boss DM-3
I've owned quite a few different amps over the years including other Roland amps and a few tube amps and I've never been happier with my sound than I am with the JC-120H setup.
Reliability
:
9
Well, the amps been around since the 80's and it still works just fine. I bought it used but in good condition so I'm not too worried about it breaking down. I play at home most of the time anyway.
Roland makes a high quality product.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I've never dealt with Roland customer support.
Overall Rating
:
8
I certainly recommend the JC-120H or any of the Roland JC series for that matter for people who like to get there sounds from pedals. It has one of the best clean sounds ever, takes to pedals like a fish to water, and it's very reliable with plenty of volume if you need it.
An effects loop would be the only thing I feel is missing from the head. The older combos didn't have one either but the newer combos do.
Personally, I just dig the whole look and vibe of the Roland/Boss stuff. Not to mention the high quality.
