Roland JC-55

Twin 8-inch Roland speakers, normal EQ controls, on-board distortion, a luscious and versatile stereo chorus section and pretty good reverb (all with individual footswitch connections) for it's size make up the very little brother to the JC-120. This little bugger is also very loud for such a small package...it could easily handle a club or small auditorium gig. This amp has a lot of features that it make it great for practice, studio work or small-to-medium size gigs.

The entire JC line of amps has a reputation for being very neutral, clean and even "sterile" to some. Indeed, the JC-55 is an extremely clean, colorless amp....at least with the chorus off. This characteristic isn't bad at all though. Straight through with no reverb or chorus, my Strats and Telecasters a very direct, taut attack to them that cuts extremely well. Pickup selections greatly influence what comes out on the other end, though not in the same dynamic way they might with a tube amp. If you're looking for unvarnished clean at high volumes, this amp will deliver it. The amp also takes pedals extremely well, allowing it to serve a wide variety of stylistic functions. The only thing it doesn't seem to work well with are germanium style fuzzes, though my Big Muff sounds huge with it.

And my Rickenbacker 330/12 positively sparkles through it. It may possibly be my favorite amp to run the Rick through (and I have a Vox AC30). Again, the JC-55s ability to remain clean at high volumes keeps all of that characteristic jangle up front in the sound and emphasizes the inherent 3-D quality those Rickenbackers possess.

When you click on the chorus, the main draw for this amp, you get character in spades. The true stereo set-up makes for a gorgeous sound for a guy that tends to be indifferent about chorus. The fixed setting gives a great, wide sound with just a tiny bit of swirl that helps paint a great ambient picture, while the manual side allows you to dial up everything from very subtle warbles to all out seasick vibrato. It's a great, rich, musical chorus sound that sounds great on everything.

The reverb is pretty good for an amp of this size. It's a bit darker than the typical Fender tank, but compliments the whole package nicely.

The distortion, at higher settings, just isn't terribly usable. However, as someone else here noted, plugging into the Low input expands your options a bit and you can actually get some very nice break up if you keep the distortion setting between 5 and 8.

Mine was made sometime in 1989 and was well kept by the original owner. There are tones of these solid state amps out there on the used market, which tells you something about their longevity.

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I've been playing 20 years. I own two Strats two Telecasters, a Rickenbacker 330/12 and have owned a couple of Gibsons but just never took them. AMp-wise, I've got an AC30, a smaller Vox solid state combo and a Fender Stage 112 solid state combo that has seen a ton of use.

I picked this JC-55 up because I wanted something that could capture the magic of the Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, as well as an ultra clean practice/recording amp. The JC series seems to be coming back in to favor as a good sounding reliable option, and with good reason. While it has a reputation as being very "clean", it is incredibly versatile as a textural amp...something that can add a lot of body and "air" to a sound. And it rocks for 12 string electrics. Most of the JCs on the used market seem to be very well priced.

2 inputs. Stereo chorus, solid state amp with two 8-inch speakers (more about that below.)Includes footswicthable chorus, distortion, and reverb. I bought mine used without the pedal but in otherwise very good shape. I use this amp every week at church with my PODxt and it sounds great. When jamming I play what I like to call "funktry" or "blusion." I'm really into guys like Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Michael Landau but also Brent Mason and Johnny Hiland. I wish it had a headphone jack but otherwise it's great.

This is the ultimate in icy-clean, classic chorus tones loved by many tone chasers. No tube warmth/responsiveness of course, but lots of clean volume to spare. I think the reverb is great for an amp of this size. A couple of reviews earlier, it was suggested that the stock speakers be replaced with Eminence Alpha-8's. I SECOND THAT! It made a world of difference with tigher bottom end and snappier response to my picking. If you dime this amp on the high input it actually has a great breakup tone which surprised me. THIS AMP IS LOUD!! One tip regarding the distortion - if you use the low input and turn the distortion to about 12:00 you will have a simple boost control, if you go up to about 2 or 3:00 you will have a smoother gain tone without the buzzaw tone that you get if you use the high input. I strongly recommend changing the stock speakers to gain some bottom end and lose the piercing treble that comes from the aluminum coned stock speakers.

No problems at all with this amp. Very solidly built as I discovered when taking it apart to change the speakers.

Not applicable since it was purchased used.

I have been playing for 20 years and have owned various solid-state and tube amps. This one is a perfect, neutral amp for pedals and digital modelers or for just great, clean tones for jazz or country. It does not weigh a ton which is nice when you lug it around weekly. It is more than loud enough to get the job done for church worship or small gigs. If it were stolen or lost, I would try to find something comparable in size like a hybrid amp or small tube combo that is transparent in tone if needed.

I tried a used jc 55, but didn't buy it.

I truly adore the jc60 and jc77, but the jc 55 is just a little too small, I guess. When it gets loud, only the trebly part of the sound gets louder.

They're all still working after 30 years.

Roland jc's sound good and they're not expensive.
Although the jc55 isn't a bad amp I'd look for a jc77 instead.
But maybe the jc55 is enough for you. Try before you buy.

I have no idea when my JC-55 was made but it is at least 15 years old. The stereo chorus is THE BEST at low freqs. The faster chorus speed sounds like crap and can make you physically ill. The reverb is good but starts to feedback (howl) if it's turned up past half way. The distortion is OK and I did use it for a while until I got my Musicians Junkyard Screamer. Power is fine (true 2X25 watt stereo) but the 8" speakers that came in it were CRAP. No bottom whatsoever. I used an external 2X10" cabinet until I got tired of hauling two pieces around.

HERE IS THE TIP OF THE DECADE FOR ANYONE WHO OWNS OR WANTS TO USE THIS AMP: Buy a pair of Eminence ALPHA-8 speakers, install them (yes, the amp will be a tad heavier) and throw the old ones out. The rest of my review will be about my modified JC-55 since the stock amp is not good enough for most people.

I use a 1963 Gibson SG with a few pedals. I play Rock, Country, Blues, R&B and this amp can handle all styles. With the ALPHA-8s, this amp is stage ready with a clean, loud tone. Crank it past 6 and you get some great natural overdrive tone. At that volume, however, you'll be kicked off of most any stage before someone's ears start to bleed. Believe me, I know.

With a sustain or distortion pedal this puppy packs a wallop (I've always wanted to say that). It's small and not too heavy (not small or light enough for me, however. I've replaced it with a Roland Cube 60 for carrying around and gigs). I've placed it in one of my band's practice area and it is superb for that usage. No more hauling an amp for those practice sessions.

I've been using this amp for 15 years (I got it used) and have never had it break down - except for when a wire broke off of the fuse assembly. I soldered it back on a decade ago and the JC-55 keeps on hummin' along. The case is solid and takes a beating (it fell off a stool and rolled down a hill once). Roland, I think, is famous for their reliability and it seems well deserved.

Never needed CS. Never had a problem I could fix.

I've been playing so long I remember when BB King was young so I've seen and heard a lot of amps. This puppy is worth picking up for $100 or so BUT YOU HAVE TO PUT IN THE ALPHA-8 SPEAKERS for this amp to be workable over a wide range of uses. Otherwise, it's just good for playing at home.

If it were lost or stolen I'd buy another Roland Cube-60 ($345.00) which is the perfect amp, in my opinion, for use ANYWHERE & ANYTIME.

I'd compare this to any Fender around the 50-65 watt range that has some effects. Remember, the Roland chorus is the best!

I got it in Hong Kong in 1992 Feb. I believe it is made in Japan due to the speaker's back labals. I actually found another JC-55 in the same shop in about 1994/5, and this one had different speakers from "Italy". Italian made speakers sounded "shiXX". That's how I learned that even the same models, they sound so different!

I use this "Japan made" JC-55 for my archtop "Jazz" guitars and Godin Multiac Nylon. As almost everybody mentioned and agreed, that the clean sound of this amp is nice. It is a "natural and nuetral" amp, I think. (I do not have much experience in comparing amps in true sense.) The built-in distortion sound is not good. I know it even I never play hard-rock.

I try to make sounds I like by turning nobs of bass, middle, treble, reverb,,,,and chorus to match my idials for both Gibson Byrdland for gutsy jazz sound and Godin Multiac nylon for nice/mellow/warm accoustic sound. While I rehearse myself at home, the amp's response is good and quite satisfactory.

I experienced that the 50W output is not good enough for a gig house for about 70 audiences. The amp sound was distorted when I turned it up to try to let my guitar sound heard.

You can depend on it surely if you intend to use it for "clean" sound purpose, but in a small venue.

I did not have any problem during warranty period of one year. After 10 years, I sent it for overhaul and it is now OK.

I do not think this JC-55 is not in production any longer now. But if you come across used one, see the back of the box and check the speaker spec. And try it for yourself.
This is a good amp if it is not with "Italian" speakers.

year... late 80ish
jazz, funk, r&b
single channel with a high & low input. variable and fixed chorus settings. and a 4 band eq.
built in distortion (who needs it? get a boogie or marshall for that!)
55 watts of solid state clean! doesnt get the bottom end as the JC120 or the 77, same basic tonal sound through teeney weeney 8"s

Les Paul Standard, Kramer T-neck, Fender Strat, Fender Roland ready Strat, Roland GR-30 setup (oh yeah.... the whole orchestra!) perfect fit for clean, if you need the distortion sound, pedals will do nice. as for loud, loud enough to play a 30x40 room without distortion, unbelievably crisp sound and high volumes for twin 8's. Handles the guitar synt and straight guitar together with no break up.

use it every weekend, reliability? no problems so far, liked it so much I bought a second one just in case.. 2nd one, ha, only played it once in the 9-10 months Ive had it, and thats only when I first got it to make sure it worked. :-)

nope

player since 74' first paying gig 77'. dances, parties, expo's, concerts, studio work, 5 nite a week club gigs.
have 4 various JC's so if I lost one... well if the price is right, what the heck! GK ML250, Peavey Musicians(2), Peavey Standard(1). Roland GR-30(2). Alesis rack effects.
giving it only a 9 as its not quite up to par with its bigger bro's. but its very nice, also light and convienient.

It's a great Amp and even the distorted channel is not that bad everybody sais - and it works very well with overdrive and distortion pedals and preamps. So it's quite versatile also because of its power. Yes, it is loud! Actually it's the best choice for clean elegant sounds without the transportation problems of the JC 120. In fact it sounds as good and it's loud enough for almost any gig, too (even on wider stages!)

As mentioned above absolutely the first choice for elegant clean jazz or pop sounds. The chorus is unbelievable! But it also sounds great in the blues sector with my Rocktron Austin-Gold-Overdrive and distorted with a Nobels OD. It's hard to believe, but the tiny Roland 8" speakers sound very adult and powerful. The built-in distortion channel is pretty strange and doesn't sound like everyone likes it - it's individual! It sounds with both a Blade RH4 and a Ibanez RoadstarII with two Humbuckers. And It's not just a pure Jazz amp!!

Very well built. Solid and reliable.

Didn't have any contact with the support, yet.

Playing in two bands I'm looking for another one. I really don't want to play any other amp than a Roland JC - and the smaller and lighter the better: e.g. a JC 55 or JC 77. They're simply great.

This amp was made in 1996 and I am the second owner. The previous owner was a very meticulous man and took care of this amp. Simple controls that actually do something, very good chorus and a very strong reverb. Too strong I barely go past 3. 2 X 8 speakers and loud 55 watt output maybe not louder than a tube amp but louder than most solid states rated at that wattage.

I got the amp because it was the only one I could afford here in Albuquerque without taking the risk of getting crappy stuff from eBay. I use to play bass, but played guitar all along and I needed some amplification for a recently owned Jay Turser achtop, a Takamine Hirade flamenco electric/acoustic and a 1988 G&L SC-3. My expectation was that this was not a Polytone or a JC-120 or any of the big name Jazz or clean amp out there, tube or solid-state. But I feel that I actually got a good amp after trying out other amps with my guitars in music stores and people I gig with. It is a small amp and I expect that I will not be able to compete with louder amps. The other day I was gigging with a guy who played thru a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 40 watt -- which according to some people is acoustically loud as a 75- 100 watt solid state, but I have to keep my volume at 3 and he was around 5 or 6. I also expected the 2 X 8 speakers to be teeny but actually 8 inch speakers provide more projection and a punchy low mids. If you work with the eq, you can get a flat, barely adulterated tone from your guitar. Maybe people feel bias about the cheaper Jay Turser (which is a good guitar --- regardless of price), but I know that the Takamine and the G&L are "good acceptable" guitars and they sound pure to me in this amp if you back the eq down. The amp adds a bit of musical coloration when you set the EQ high or play louder. For the music I play which would be jazz, avant garde and latin, low acoustic settings, this amp is just what I need. On some quiter blues, the "crappy" distortion actually can be used, but would frustrate a lot of people. I tried playing an "Ibanez Tube King" tube pedal and it sounded really good, just the right amount of tube warmth with the clean punchy sound of this Roland. I would not mind buying one and would be the best setup for me. So for clean tones and acoustic amplification it is a good amp.

The guy who I brought it from never had a problem. He had it checked out twice just for regular maintenance, I don't have a problem with it myself and I know Roland JCs are reliable.

Haven't dealt with them but there web site is unreliable.

I would get another one, but I would probably get the JC-120 or JC-90 or a Polytone.

Not the most versatile of amplifiers,but the controls are simple and easy to fine tune. I use the amp specifically for songwriting and in the studio where I need a quality clean sound without a bunch of knobs slowing me down. With the chorus and reverb I can dial up a great album worthy sound in no time.I do wish the amp were louder,but for its size it really puts out. Transportation is a breeze as well.

I run my Gibson Les Paul Classic and my Epiphone Casino through a Boss heavy Metal distortion directly into it and it gives me a quality wellbalanced clean sound and with the distortion on a thick killer crunch at a much lower volume than a stack. I play mostly classic rock and metal,but the amp works great with all styles requiring a very distinguished clean sound and a nasty distortion with a pedal on. The distortion on the amp itself is terrible,I once heard it reffered to as "a broken buzzsaw" Everything else sounds great,thick fat chorus better than most pedals and a decent reverb that thickens up chords and arpeggios. I replaced the twp original speakers with 200 watt speakers and the amp sounds unbelievable now. i can crank it to the max and it still sounds clean as ever.

Other than a busted speaker when I bought it,everything has worked fine. No complaints.

I got the speakers repaired with no problems from a local music store. I called Roland about an owners manual and got one ASAP.

I have a custom modified Marshall JCM800 combo I use live and sometimes in the studio,but my JC-55 gives me a great alternative sound when I want a little something different. i would but another one if this one broke,but I'd probably get the bigger JC-120 for use live. My only complaints are that the amp has 8"s instead of 10"s and its not as loud as Id like it,but overall its a great amp with a powerful quality sound at volumes that wont make your ears bleed. Great studio clean sound.

One channel, two Inputs; high/low gain, distortion, volume, Tr-Mid-Bass eq, reverb and chorus (intensity and rate). More knobs than I need. Speakers 2x8''. Volume not enough for serious stage action. Home use is okay.

The Jazz Chorus is not built for distortion and thus this feature sounds bad. If you want distortion buy a Marshall or a Vox AC-30. The clean sound is not that bad, but I need the chorus and reverb to make the sound anywhat lively. The transistors in the amp and the aluminium in the speakers give enough high, but the tone lacks tube-warmth. I never use this amp for guitar since I bought a VOX 710 amp. Well, tubes rule, in distortion AND clean tone. The JC55 is however useful fore some keyboards. The chorus is nice. The reverb does it's job, but nothing beats the Fender Twin.

Never a problem

No can say.

Fine for use at home, very light and small. Nice for keyboards. Great amp to lend out to a friend in need. If it was cheaper it wouldn't be a bad deal, but I would not buy it again. Compared to the standerd amps (Fender Twin Reverb, Vox AC-30) it just passes the mark. Mine's for sale.

This amp should have everything you'd want for great clean tones at low to moderate volumes. 3 band EQ, reverb and stereo chorus (depth and rate). Also has distortion (knob clicks off when all the way down, but not a sperate channel). Wish it had ext cap outs. Very light at 28 lbs and fairly small - definitely a portable amp.

I play a strat through this amp and it sounds beautiful on most clean settings. The EQ is versatile, the chorus nice (although I try not to overuse it) and the reverb is very deep and rich - I love the reverb. Another amazing feature on this amp which I have never seen on any other amp (tube or solid state) is that with the distortion off, the amps stays perfectly clean all the way up to ten - which is plenty loud for small gigs with a drummer. The down side - the distortion is pretty bad which pretty much anyone sith a JC series amp would tell you. You get a decent edge and volume boost with it set to about 4, but a distortion box is a far better option. Still, I bought it for the clean sound and it definitely has a killer clean sound - I'd love to hear an archtop through this thing.

I'd guess this thing is about 10 to 15 years old and it should last another twenty. Not the prettiest amp, but everything is solid. Since it's solid state you don't have to worry about silly tube problems. I've used it without a backup - no problems yet.

Sorry - I've never had to deal with the people at Roland.

I plan to use this amp for a while. I love it's tones and am more than happy with it's clarity at high volumes. I was hoping to pick up a small tube amp - I tried the Fender Blues Jr. and the Crate Vintage Club 20, but both broke up at about 4 or 5. They are both great little blues/rock amps, but I'm starting to play more jazz so I need the nice clean tones. And I love the reliability of solid state stuff. If I can ever afford two, I'd like to get a second and stack the little guys - they're pretty tough to find though. I had to deal with someone out of state (kind of risky) but luckily he was a great guy to buy from. 10 if it had ext. cab outs and killer distortion, but still an awesome practice/portable amp.