REVIEWED

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ROLAND JC-120

990.www.roland.co.uk/jc120 Roland UK 702701
The Roland JC-120 Jazz chorus combo helped to create some of the 1980s most memorable guitar tones.and this classic guitar amplifier remains as popular 30 years after it first appeared.
The Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus combo first appeared in 1975 and
amazingly has remained virtually unchanged from the original design. It is virtually unheard of for a transistor powered guitar amp to achieve classic status but the JC-120s reputation makes it virtually unique. Beloved by guitarists and record producers for its prodigious volume, lush built-in chorus/vibrato and great sounds, the JC-120s rugged dependability has also made it a staple of equipment hire companies all over the world. Being solid state, the Jazz Chorus is virtually maintainence-free; with no fragile tubes or hefty mains transformers to worry about this amp is also much lighter and easier to transport than its formidable 212 speaker configuration might suggest - making it a roadies favourite! Even though the JC-120 was launched in the 1970s it really hit its stride during the early 80s, its bold new sound appealed to guitarists seeking a fresh alternative to the valve amp tones that many guitarists then regarded as pass. Some guitarists embraced solid state amps as an exciting new way of expressing themselves but whereas the early solid state amps generally offered good clean tones and plenty of clean headroom their overdriven tones sounded pretty chronic compared to the silky smooth sound of a distorting tube output stage. To be honest, the JC-120s built-in overdrive doesnt sound that great either but that isnt what guitarists tend to favour this amp for. The JC-120 is all about tightly focused clean tones, with that extraordinarily rich-sounding analogue chorus providing extra depth and contour but any decent overdrive or distortion stompbox will always add extra oomph. Just as the 1990s Brit Pop boom favoured retro sounds that were inspired by the 1960s, the resurgence in 1980s music and sounds leaves the way clear for a new generation of guitarists to enjoy the luxurious sounds of the Roland JC-120. Its strident voice and robust build quality make it an ideal amplifier for the stage while its massive headroom and neutral tone also gives this amp its legendary versatility; its wide frequency range also makes it a great amp for keyboards and guitarists that run their guitars through synthesisers. To help illustrate what a great amp the JC-120 is, weve compiled a list of great guitar players that have relied on the Roland Jazz Chorus to help create some awesome tones. PM
Jazzin it up.some classic albums featuring the Roland Jazz Chorus
Adrian Belew King Crimson: Discipline, Talking Heads: Remain in Light John McGeoch Siouxsie & the Banshees: A Kiss in the Dreamhouse, JuJu Johnny Marr The Smiths: The Smiths, Hatful of Hollow
Switchable effects loop and footswitch jacks offer superb control and versatility.
The classic Jazz Chorus control panel 20 3pickup