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Description

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Roland Bolt-30, a versatile and dynamic combo guitar amplifier designed for both budding musicians and seasoned performers. This amplifier stands out with its hybrid technology, combining the rich tones of a classic tube amp with modern solid-state reliability. The Bolt-30 offers the perfect blend of vintage warmth and contemporary clarity, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of musical styles, from blues to metal.

At the core of the Bolt-30's appeal is its distinctive tube-driven preamp, providing that sought-after, creamy distortion that guitarists crave. Paired with a robust 30-watt power section, this amp delivers enough punch for small gigs and studio sessions while maintaining a compact and portable form. With an intuitive control panel, musicians can effortlessly dial in their desired sound, thanks to its responsive EQ section and versatile gain settings.

Designed for adaptability, the Bolt-30 features a headphone output for silent practice and an auxiliary input for jamming along with your favorite tracks. Whether you're playing in your bedroom or on stage, this amplifier ensures your guitar's voice is heard with clarity and precision.

Key Features:

  • Hybrid technology combining tube warmth with solid-state reliability
  • 30-watt power output suitable for various performance settings
  • Tube-driven preamp for creamy distortion and vintage tones
  • Intuitive control panel with responsive EQ and gain settings
  • Headphone output and auxiliary input for versatile practice options
Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

1979 Roland Bolt 30 Guitar TUBE Amp - INSANE Bang for the Buck!!!

Video thumbnail for 1979 Roland Bolt 30 Guitar TUBE Amp - INSANE Bang for the Buck!!! by Johan Segeborn

1979 Roland Bolt 30 Guitar TUBE Amp - INSANE Bang for the Buck!!!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Roland Bolt 30 modifiziert by Elektriktomik Musiktechnik

Roland Bolt 30 modifiziert

Elektriktomik Musiktechnik

Elektriktomik Musiktechnik

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland Bolt-30.

Features and functionality

  • The Roland Bolt series (1979-1984) features a unique hybrid design with a MOSFET-based solid state preamp and a tube poweramp, differing from typical modern hybrids.

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  • The Bolt series, including the Bolt-30, uses 6L6 power tubes and a 12AT7 in the phase inverter, offering a distinct tonal character compared to all-tube amps.

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  • The Voodoo Lab Superfuzz, despite its weak low end solo, potentially excels in band settings by cutting through mixes effectively.

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Comparisons

  • Unlike the Roland Jazz Chorus, the Bolt series may not excel in clean tones but offers a distinct hybrid sound combining solid state and tube elements.

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  • The Roland Bolt series’ hybrid design contrasts with the Orange Micro Terror and Joyo Bantamp series, which typically have a tube preamp and solid state poweramp.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Roland Jazz Chorus is highlighted as a top choice for testing pickups due to its transparent, clean tone, providing an uncolored sound platform.

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  • The Jazz Chorus amps are noted for their value as pedal platforms, able to pair well with a range of effects and other amps in stereo setups.

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  • Stacking a Tube Screamer with a Russian Muff can help eliminate the scooped mids often associated with the Muff, better suiting genres like grunge and postpunk.

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  • A KMA Logan pedal's powerful tone section can re-energize a Russian Muff, offering more tonal flexibility and allowing experimentation with mid-heavy drives.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Using a RAT pedal, particularly the Foxpedal Wrath, can enhance the Roland Bolt-30's tone by adding multiple clipping options for diverse sound shaping.

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Setup and maintenance

  • An active EQ pedal post-fuzz can refine tone control, crucial for addressing low-end weaknesses without overcrowding a pedalboard.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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vojtech_suchan

One of the greatest amps ever made

7591A valve power section with a solid state preamplifier. 12AX7 push-pull tube. Very pleasant power amp breakup. Incredible with drive and fuzz pedals.

Artist usage

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See how Robin Guthrie uses Roland Bolt-30

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live video of Pearly Dewdrops' Drops (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0upaIZF_gA), Robin can be seen using a Roland Bolt 30 amp.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland Bolt-30, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland JC-50 Jazz Chorus
Roland JC-50 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1

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