when solid state amps break tube amps

Back in the '80s, before you were born, I was a young guitarist just starting out. I saved my pennies and bought a JC120 as my first "real" gigging amp. I sold it during the tube amp renaissance, because "solid state." I was an idiot.

I have to give it to Roland, when it comes to solid state amps, they set the bar so high with this model!!!

A couple of weeks ago I bought a 1984 JC 120 for about 600 bucks. It sounds amazing!

I think JC120s are the coolest looking amps. I may be in the minority here but they have such a unique aesthetic.

Yes definitely on the Andy Summers video

My church has used the Roland JC-120 since they got it back in the late 80’s-90’s, and it’s still going as loud as ever. Have a huge amount of love for this amp!

Chuck Schuldiner of Death and Dimebag Darrell used solid state for most of their careers

I bought my JC120 in 1984 specifically for its clean sound, onboard chorus feature and raw power. It's a beast of an amp and has been my go to for hundreds of gigs. I seldom need to push it over 30-40% power and has really held up well over the years. When other musicians see it they are surprised and ask to plug in and try it. Glad to see you enjoyed the ride replicating famous guitar riffs with the chorus! Cheers!

My favorite amp ever was a Gallien-Kruger. 50w per channel, size and weight of a concrete block. Fantastic sound.

Andy Summers video…….p l e a s e !

I haven’t touched my other amps after my wife bought me a JC-22 last month. Tiny with just a huge, clean sound.

yes, we need the Andy Summers video

Gotta say, ive been playing for over 20 years and recently came to the realization I prefer solid state. More robust, less maintenance, and overall the distortion tones I can get I prefer over tube overdriven tones.

Meanwhile Peavey: Hold my beer

Check out Quilter amps. Best solid state I've ever heard. And yeah, the Jazz Chorus is excellent, and this is coming from a former tube snob.

I did minor repairs on guitars and amps years ago. The Jazz Chorus totally blew me away. One of the best amps I've ever played! Glad Roland is still making it.

hey mike, if you havent already, give dave simpson a look up. he basically lives for solid state and will likely give you an idea of whats good in the space.

John Fogerty - got all that beautiful swampy goodness out of Kustom SS amps

The JC120 is fabulous. I got to play one in a guitar shop YEARS ago and instantly fell in love, but I left it behind due to the size, volume and just the fact I was not a gigging guitar player at the time and could not justify it. I have not seen one since. But honestly, if I was going to get one for home use like you did, it would be the JC 40. Now the 10" Speakers are not going to give you quite the breath and depth of the 120's 12 " speakers, but the magic is still there at the lower wattage. The 40 removes the "Normal" channel and just keeps the second effects channel, which honestly is why you want the JC in the first place. I don't have one simply due to funds and space. If I had more of both, you can bet a JC 40 would be in my arsenal. If I was gigging and wanted huge clean tones? The JC120 would be my amp of choice.....that or a Katanna 100 2X12 with a Boss CE 2 in Stereo! ;) The CE 1 was designed off the Chorus section of the JC120 BTW.

For the last 30+ years I've had the working man's alternative to the JC120; a Peavey Stereo Chorus 400. I've had a lot of other amps come and go, but this Peavey will probably be buried with me. Oh and on both the Roland and the Peavey, the first thing you should do when you get one is put casters on it. Your back will thank you.