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Description

The Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus is a standout in the world of combo guitar amplifiers. Known for its lush, dimensional sound, this amp is a favorite among musicians seeking clarity and depth in their tone. The JC-160 offers the iconic JC clean sound, characterized by its distinctive stereo chorus effect, which has been a staple in the music industry for decades. This amplifier is perfect for both recording sessions and live performances, providing a reliable and versatile backdrop for a variety of musical styles.

Its dual-channel design allows for a range of tonal possibilities, from pristine cleans to warm, vintage overdrives. Each channel is equipped with independent EQ controls, giving players the flexibility to tailor their sound precisely. The built-in reverb and vibrato effects add further dimensions to your playing, enhancing every note with a touch of character. Musicians will appreciate the sturdy construction and high-quality components that ensure durability and consistent performance.

The JC-160 is not just about sound; it’s also about connectivity. With multiple inputs and outputs, this amp integrates seamlessly with other gear, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's setup. Whether you're in the studio or rocking the stage, the Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus delivers the tonal integrity and reliability that professionals demand.

Key Features:

  • Iconic stereo chorus effect for rich, dimensional sound
  • Dual-channel design with independent EQ controls
  • Built-in reverb and vibrato effects
  • Multiple inputs and outputs for seamless integration
  • Renowned JC clean sound with versatile tonal options

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model JC-160 Jazz Chorus 120-Watt 4x10" Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1976 - 1989
Made In Japan
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Solid State
Number of Channels 4 Channels
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 120
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration 4x10"

FAQs

What type of music is the Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus best suited for?

The Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus is renowned for its clean, crisp sound, making it ideal for jazz, funk, and pop music where clarity and headroom are prioritized.

Does the Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus have built-in effects?

Yes, the Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus features built-in effects, including its iconic chorus effect and spring reverb, which contribute to its signature sound.

How does the Roland JC-160 handle guitar pedals?

The JC-160 is known for taking pedals well, particularly overdrive and distortion pedals, due to its solid-state design and clean sound profile.

Is the Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus loud enough for live performances?

With 120 watts of output power and a 4x10" speaker configuration, the Roland JC-160 is more than capable of handling live performances, even in larger venues.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus?

The JC-160 offers a clean, articulate tone with a wide dynamic range, making it ideal for players who need clarity and precision in their sound.

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Roland Jazz Chorus JC-160 - Much More Than You Think!

Video thumbnail for Roland Jazz Chorus JC-160 - Much More Than You Think! by Johan Segeborn

Roland Jazz Chorus JC-160 - Much More Than You Think!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Roland JC-160 | Clean Chorus and Vibrato by Abdul Aziz Sanford

Roland JC-160 | Clean Chorus and Vibrato

Abdul Aziz Sanford

Abdul Aziz Sanford

Video thumbnail for Define Lush: 1976 Roland Jazz Chorus JC-160 by TheSpaceGuitar

Define Lush: 1976 Roland Jazz Chorus JC-160

TheSpaceGuitar

TheSpaceGuitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus.

Features and functionality

  • The 1976 JC-160 is noted for its focused, punchy sound and quieter operation compared to the JC-120, featuring a standout chorus effect through original CE1 chips and four speakers.

    Source
  • The JC-160 has surprisingly low hiss, potentially due to a grounded cable.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners highlight the JC-160's tighter bass and punchier top end over the JC-120, attributing this to its configuration with four 10-inch speakers.

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  • The JC-160's four 10-inch speakers offer a tighter, less boomy sound compared to the JC-120's low-end emphasis.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A Proco RAT is recommended for distortion with Jazz Chorus amps, and using a compressor pedal like the Wampler Ego can enhance the overdrive feel on models like the JC-40.

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  • The Keeley Phat BD-2 and Proco RAT pedals create a versatile drive setup, with the RAT handling more gain.

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User experience

  • The JC-160, despite being the heaviest, is reportedly the easiest to carry due to its large side handles, making it more portable within its category.

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  • The JC-160 is described as "stupid loud," requiring hearing protection even at volume level 1.

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  • Despite some fragility, the JC-160 is praised as a reliable workhorse for gigging, though its weight can be a notable drawback.

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Use cases and applications

  • The JC-40 is favored for recording due to its stereo inputs, and the JC-22 is recommended for those needing to play at lower volumes due to its surprising loudness.

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  • The JC-160's clean tone pairs well with a Diamond Compressor for a sound reminiscent of The Smiths.

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  • A road case is recommended for the JC-160 to protect it during transport and also serves as an effective amp stand.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The JC-120 from the 80s comes with casters, but some owners remove them to stack the amp, enhancing their setup flexibility.

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  • Owners suggest tightening all screws on the metal amp enclosure to reduce rattling during use.

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Build quality

  • Early JC-160 models feature steel corner plates and lack bright switches, indicating a robust vintage design.

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  • The factory potentiometers in the JC-160 are reportedly fragile, with replacements needed after extended use; soldering skills are beneficial for repairs.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
vladimirkulichenko

nice clean, nice chorus !!!

I used it on some tracks having included the small river and chorus. I played with the sovtec amplifier. I let in a stereo the mode where through "roland" there was a clear sound, and "Sovtec" was a sound of a pedalbord (overload)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, taken in 1979 from the recording of his album "McCartney II", a Jazz Chorus 160 with a Space Echo on it can be seen

See how Robert Smith uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Robert Smith

Singer, Guitarist

The Cure

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:00 in this video you can see Robert playing through a Roland Jazz Chorus-160.

See how Billy Duffy uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Billy Duffy

Guitarist

The Cult

...
Verified via Photo

"So we did a gig in Oslo, and they gave me a thing called a JC-160, which I believe was a 4x10 [version]. I’ve never seen one since. That was the first amp I ever used [live with The Cult]," says Billy, in this interview.

See how Gotoh Masafumi uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Gotoh Masafumi

Singer, Guitarist

Asian Kung-Fu Generation

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 2:06 into this video

See how Jacob Tilley uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Jacob Tilley

Guitarist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via Guitarplayer

Tilley: "Justin introduced us to the Roland JC-120. Growing up, I was told tube amps are the be all and end all, so I may have written off this amp without Justin’s guidance. The JC-120 is responsible for many of the classic ’80s chorus tones heard on the Smiths and Police albums, and it pairs nicely with digital effects. I found that going with a good solid-state amp is a great way to diversify your sonic pallet"

See how Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Jeramy "Rainbow" Gritter

Guitarist, Composer

The Voidz

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram photograph, Jeramy shows his Roland jazz chorus 160.

See how George Kooymans uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

George Kooymans

Singer, Guitarist

Golden Earring

...
Verified via Picturespublishers

‘Bij “Cut” heb ik veel over mijn ouwe Roland JC200 gitaarversterker gespeeld, maar ook over de Roland JC160 van Barry en heb ook een Vox AC30 en een Fender Twin Reverb gebruikt

See how Al McKay uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Al McKay

Guitarist, Composer

Earth, Wind & Fire

...
Verified via YouTube

There's a JC-160 in the video.

See how Dave Wakeling uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Dave Wakeling

Singer, Guitarist

General Public

...
Verified via Muzines

"It was the most expensive rehearsal I've ever been to," sighs Wakeling, who alternates between a new Fender Telecaster and his old Gretsch Tennessean, both strung with Fender 10 gauge strings and put through a Roland JC-160 Combo amp. Wakeling uses Ernie Ball picks and his only effect is a Boss DD-2 delay pedal.

See how Jason Martin uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Jason Martin

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Starflyer 59

...
Verified via YouTube

Jason Martin is confirmed to be using a Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus, as evidenced by a live performance video titled "Starflyer 59: Live at Club 704B, Memphis, TN (11/9/94)" on YouTube, uploaded by Brimstone Chronicles.

See how Paul Wright uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Paul Wright

Guitarist, Composer

Fields of the Nephilim

...
Verified via Photo

In this article Peter Yates from the same band mentions that Paul Wright uses Roland JC-160.

See how Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen uses Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus

Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen

Guitarist

Hedvig Mollestad Trio

...
Verified via Photo

In the "Smells Funny" trailer, Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen is seen in the studio with a Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus amplifier.

Album Usage

The Roland JC-160 Jazz Chorus has been featured on the following albums:

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 JC-160 Jazz Chorus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Boss DD-2 Digital Delay
Boss DD-2 Digital Delay Delay Effects Pedals
2
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Combo Guitar Amplifiers
2
Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar
Gretsch Tennessean Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb
Fender '68 Custom Twin Reverb Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
Roland RE-201 Space Echo Effects Processors
1
Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer
Boss GE-7 Graphic Equalizer Equalizer Effects Pedals
1
Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Fender Jazzmaster
Fender Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Boss OC-2 Octaver
Boss OC-2 Octaver Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1

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