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Average Price: $900

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$300

$801+

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Description

Featuring the same amplifier circuit as the JC-120 but with no speaker of its own, the JC-120H Amp Head allows legendary "Jazz Chorus" sounds to be pumped through your favourite speaker system. With a twin power-amp system (one amp for each speaker system) and original chorus circuit, the JC-120H offers JC's distinctive chorus effects in the fixed mode. In the Manual mode, the effects can be tailored to your taste using the Rate and Depth controls. The JC-120H incorporates a Sub-IN jack with a flat frequency response so that the sound from a connected instrument can be amplified without losing any of its original character. Two Line Out jacks - Normal and Effect - are also provided.

Specifications: - Output: 120W (rms) at 8Ω, 160W (rms) at 4Ω, - Input Channel: 1 - Controls: Volume, High-Treble, Treble, Middle, Bass, Distortion, Reverb, Chorus Rate, Chorus Depth - Chorus Mode Select Switch: Manual / Off / Fixed - Jacks: High Input, Low Input, Line-Out x 2, Sub In, Speaker Out x 4 - Foot Switch Jacks: Distortion, Reverb, Chorus - Dimensions: 574(W) x 290(D) x 240(H) mm (22-5/8" x 11-7/16" x 9-7/16") - Weight: 15.5 kg (34 lb. 3 oz.) - Accessories: Vinyl Cover

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model JC-120H Jazz Chorus 120-Watt Guitar Head
Finish Black
Year 1984 - 1990
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 120
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Digital Reverb

FAQs

What type of effects are built into the Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus head?

The Roland JC-120H features the iconic Dimensional Space Chorus and a digital reverb effect, offering lush, spacious soundscapes that are ideal for clean tones.

How much power does the Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus deliver?

The JC-120H is a 120-watt solid-state guitar amplifier head, providing ample power for live performances and ensuring clean, punchy tones at high volumes.

Is the Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus suitable for use with pedals?

Yes, the JC-120H is well-known for its ability to handle pedals effectively, making it a versatile choice for guitarists who use a variety of effects.

Does the Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus have multiple channels?

No, the JC-120H features a single channel design but offers two inputs for connecting different guitars or setups.

What is the impedance of the Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus?

The JC-120H has an impedance of 8 ohms, which is compatible with a wide range of speaker cabinets.

Scott Bynoe

Scott Bynoe

Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120 Head vs Boss CE-2 Chorus Pedal

Video thumbnail for Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120 Head vs Boss CE-2 Chorus Pedal by Scott Bynoe

Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120 Head vs Boss CE-2 Chorus Pedal

Scott Bynoe

Scott Bynoe

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus.

Features and functionality

  • The JC-120's chorus effect is noted for its stereo setup, creating a lush, immersive sound that's unique to its design.

    Source
  • The JC-120 is notable for being a solid-state amp that handles pedals effectively, making it versatile for various musical styles and setups.

    Source
  • To utilize the JC-120H head in stereo, cabinets must support stereo with a minimum of 8 ohms per speaker, or use multiple 8-ohm mono input cabinets.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The JC-120 is often compared to the Fender Twin Reverb, with some users suggesting the JC is a transistor-based take on the Twin's circuit.

    Source
  • The JC-120H head is a lighter alternative to the combo version, as it lacks built-in speakers, making it easier to transport without sacrificing sound quality.

    Source
  • The JC-120H head maintains its signature sound when paired with various cabinets, including 4x12s with Celestion 70/80s or V30s, and 2x12s with Redbacks.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners frequently use the JC-120 for clean tones and fingerstyle electric, noting its ability to maintain clarity at high volumes.

    Source
  • Known for creating a massively produced live sound with just a few pedals, like flanger and delay, achieving orchestral-like effects for rhythm guitar.

    Source
  • The amp is frequently associated with the clean guitar sounds in Metallica's live performances and the shimmering tones in 80s pop and goth tracks.

    Source
  • Redbacks paired with the JC-120H head help mellow the amp's bright sound, making it less harsh on the high end for cleaner tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Users emphasize the JC-120's reliability for live performances, often citing its consistent sound regardless of environmental conditions.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ability to carry the head and cab separately, reducing the burden of the heavy combo unit while maintaining the same volume and sound quality.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cesar_ce

Perfect cleans and overall transparency for effects

It's a extremely clean sounding amplifier, in fact plugging into this amp will be pretty similar to a line signal with the difference that you have 2 very good speakers with great dynamic range, this makes it very usefull for effects, it is certianly more akin to high frequencies but it shows all the frequencies if you have a guitar that can reproduce them.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

James Hetfield

Singer, Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Angelfire

The pictures in the source link confirm that Hetfield used this amplifier at some point.

See how Alex Lifeson uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via Guitar World

For Hemisphere's Lifeson says "The Boss Chorus unit had just come out at that time, but I think I used a Roland JC-120 for the chorus sound here. Hemispheres was the first of many ‘chorus’ albums.”

See how Taylor York uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via Equipboard

Taylor York is associated with the Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus amplifier head, as noted in an Equipboard source image.

See how Neil Halstead uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Neil Halstead

Singer, Guitarist

Slowdive

...
Verified via Guitar

two roland jc-120 amp head

See how Albert King uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Albert King

Singer, Guitarist

Albert King with Stevie Ray Vaughan

...
Verified via YouTube

Albert King is mentioned in a Gibson article as having used a Roland JC-120 during the 1970s. The article notes his setup included an MXR Phase 90 phase shifter pedal and either a Roland JC-120 combo or an Acoustic 270 head with a 2x12 cabinet.

See how Adam Granduciel uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Adam Granduciel

Singer, Guitarist

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via YouTube

Adam's Roland JC-120 is visible at 1:44 in this video.

See how Bob Mould uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Bob Mould

Singer, Guitarist

Hüsker Dü

...
Verified via Photo

Bob Mould uses Roland JC-120 amp heads, according to Guitar Geek.

See how Steve Rothery uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Steve Rothery

Guitarist

Marillion

...
Verified via Mvdb2b

"Are you still using the Roland JC-120? Yes, for the older songs, but for the last three albums I’ve been using the Groove Tubes Trio preamp and Groove Tubes power amp, through a Marshall 4×12 loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s."

See how Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock) uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Adam Horovitz (Ad-Rock)

Singer, Guitarist

Beastie Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

it can be seemed at 0:45 behind him

See how Ian Williams uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Ian Williams

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Battles

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Imgur, Ian Williams is shown with his Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus amplifier head, positioned on its side and stacked with other amps.

See how Nick Wheeler uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Nick Wheeler

Guitarist, Drummer

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5.10 in this video you can see Nick talking about his use of the Roland JC120. A Vox AC30 is his other Go-To amp.

See how Gordie Johnson uses Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus

Gordie Johnson

Singer, Guitarist

Big Sugar

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, Gordie Johnson can be seen using a Roland JC-120H as a part of his live rig.

Album Usage

The Roland JC-120H 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-120H Jazz Chorus, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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troyrk

troyrk

Gear IQ 1363

1 alternative for Roland JC-120H Jazz Chorus, curated by the Equipboard community.

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