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Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus 2 x 12-inch 120-watt Stereo Combo Amp

120-watt, 2-channel 2x12" Guitar Combo Amplifier with Reverb and Vibrato - Black
$1,241.99

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Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus 2 x 12-inch 120-watt Stereo Combo Amp
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The King of Clean Since 1975

Roland’s JC-120 stereo combo amplifier is the flagship of their Jazz Chorus line, and it’s been setting the standard for clean guitar tones since 1975. This 120-watt, 2 x 12-inch monster boasts two separate power amps to deliver its signature true-stereo Dimension Space Chorus, one of the most revered guitar effects of all time. Two channels feature independent bright switches and 3-band EQs, with reverb, distortion, vibrato, and chorus available on the second channel for a wealth of different sounds to add to your tonal toolbox. What’s more, this amp is built tough, featuring a distinct riveted construction and rock-solid reliability that have made it a backline mainstay for decades. Pick up a JC-120 from Sweetwater and find out for yourself why the JC-120 is among the most beloved solid-state amplifiers of all time!

World-class clean tones

When the Roland JC-120 was first released in 1975, it was perhaps the first real solid-state contender in a primarily tube amplifier driven market. The reason for this? The JC-120’s legendary clean tone. Instead of attempting to replicate the tube breakup that we all love, the JC-120 is built to excel with clean tones of any style — and that’s exactly what it’s been doing since 1975. Andy Summers, Albert King, Adrian Belew, Metallica, and Johnny Marr all used the JC-120’s beautiful clean tone to reshape musical history. If you’re after big, immaculate cleans with plenty of low-end power, it simply doesn’t get any better than the JC-120.

Double the power

The 120 in JC-120 comes from the amp’s dual power amp design — two separate power amps deliver 60 watts to each 12-inch speaker. This design is the key to the JC-120’s legendary chorus sound as one speaker produces a normal tone and the other speaker produces a modulated tone, resulting in Roland’s massive Dimensional Space Chorus sound.

Classic chorus

For chorus fanatics, the JC-120’s Dimensional Space Chorus is second to none. It’s arguably the most renowned chorus sound in history, and it directly inspired the first-ever Boss pedal (and chorus pedal), the CE-1. Spacey, wide, lush, shimmering — it's the classic chorus sound of the '80s and beyond!

Loaded with effects

Apart from the chorus, the JC-120’s second channel boasts several other built-in effects that make it an impressive all-in-one setup for your stage or studio rig. A distortion control offers a wild contrast to the JC-120’s beautiful cleans, producing a uniquely solid-state-style dirt sound with plenty of bite and clarity. The vibrato might not be as famous as the JC-120’s chorus, but it’s perfect for injecting a bit of movement and ambience into your signal. Finally, the JC-120 sports a lively spring reverb to give your tone some depth.

Roland JC-120 2 x 12-inch Stereo Combo Amplifier Features:

  • One of the most legendary clean amps since 1975
  • Dual 60W power amps drive 2 x 12-inch speakers for wide, powerful sound
  • True stereo chorus that’s been featured on countless classic recordings
  • Vibrato that can go from a subtle warble to wild modulation
  • Lively spring reverb to give your tone some depth
  • Bright switch for cutting through a thick mix or giving a dark-sounding guitar an articulation boost
  • Casters included for easy transport
  • Line out that perfectly captures the JC tone when playing direct in
  • Effects loop for versatility when building a pedal setup
  • Footswitch jacks for chorus/vibrato, reverb, and distortion
  • Stereo effects loop on channel 2 for series/parallel connections
  • Incredibly durable road-ready construction

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Solid State
  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Total Power: 2 x 60W
  • Speaker Size: 2 x 12"
  • Reverb: Yes
  • EQ: 3-band
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4"
  • Effects Loop: Yes
  • Footswitch I/O: 3 x 1/4" (chorus/vibrato, reverb, distortion)
  • Footswitch Included: No
  • Power Source: Fixed AC cable
  • Height: 24.49"
  • Width: 29.92"
  • Depth: 11"
  • Weight: 61.73 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: JC-120P

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

A must have if you are into tone seeking

I had this amp before and I had to sold it and now I have it again. This is the best clean tone ever and if you have Fender Stratocasters they are a match made in heaven.
Music background: Guitar aficionado
Rated 5/5

Believe the hype

This really is the best sounding clean... I have never really heard anything like it. You have heard this amp on so many famous songs... buy this.
Rated 5/5

One of the best clean amps on the market

I bought one of these right after they came out. It has the best chorus out there. The distortion is something most complain about but I don't use it. It is as clean as they come. I have talked to several former owners and everyone of them regret turning loose this amp. I am now using a Helix through mine and no complaints.
Music background: Praise band guitar
Rated 5/5

Legendary metallica amp

I finally found the one amp that actually completely changed the game. You can sound like or even identical to Metallica and put this amp to its full potential.
Rated 5/5

The "Distortion" Channel is Fine *** Amazing Amp!

I've been playing a Vintage (1980) JC120 for a few years now. I play a lot of different styles of music - from totally clean to Jazz, to Hard Rock. I've got a board that's equipped with good pedals and have most of the effects most everyone else has. I run a stereo rig and the other amp is a Fender Twin. The main reason I'm writing this review is not to keep praising on the clean tone, build quality, amazing chorus and sheer volume. All of these things have been said in spades already - it truly is an amazing sounding amp. It's not as loud as the Twin but once you get to those volumes it's all a moot point anyway. This amp is PLENTY LOUD.

What I actually wanted to talk about is the "distortion" that people keep bashing and saying how terrible it is. Keep in mind what this amp was designed to play - JAZZ - it says "JAZZ" in the name. If you know anyone who really plays Jazz and is in Jazz circles - you'll find that they often actually do use overdrive. They use the overdrive for no other purpose than to slightly color the tone, usually pushing the midrange forward a little bit and adding a small amount of compression/sustain. If people who play rock would listen to their "overdriven" tone we would say "that's a clean tone".

This is what the "distortion" knob on a JC series amp is doing and Roland got this spot-on. In fact, I think the only flaw in this amp is when Roland called this control "distortion". It should be called something like "Thickness" or "Sustain". It's not distortion like most people think of distortion. It's designed for a low output pickup - something that's not slamming the front of the amp like a dump truck (think PAFs). It's taking the signal and just bringing it up slightly to give it some extra warmth and sustain - that's it and no more. People praise the amazing clean tone my amp has. For this beautiful sound my "distortion" knob is on 6 and my volume is rolled back to about half way on the guitar - AMAZING CLEAN TONE.

Trying to use this distortion knob for anything more than what I said above sounds totally awful - truly bad as people have said. It's like spilling a box of cheerios on your kitchen floor and using a pair of tweezers to clean them up - it's the wrong tool for the job. It doesn't mean tweezers have no use - just not for that job. If you want crunch and dirt - use a good pedal, some boost and EQ and let it rip. This amp will melt faces or put a newborn baby to sleep - it's your choice if you use it right. Thanks.
Music background: 30 years of guitar experience

Hear from a Sales Engineer

What Do Our In-house Gear Experts Think?

Robert Williams

Not having a JC-120 is like missing a food group, its solid state clean sound is that fundamental. It's a long standing workhorse useful with bass and guitar synth as well as electric guitar. The chorus and vibrato effects are classics heard on countless recordings.

Carson McClain

I have many customers that are unsure of which amp to buy after they buy a Boss multi-FX pedal from me. Many customers want to utilize the COSM features of their new pedal and get the clearest, cleanest amplification of that pedal and I always recommend the JC-120. There is no coloration, just pure reproduction of your amp modeling. This is not just an amp for jazz guys, this is an amp for people who love modeling with their pedals. Hook up any GT series Boss pedal and you will hear what I'm talking about.

Simply put, modern electronic music wouldn't exist without Roland. Many of the electronic musicians here at Sweetwater cut our teeth on TR Rhythm machines and fondly remember programming our first TB-303s. We owe a good part of our careers to this amazing and innovative company. It's been fun to watch and grow right alongside Roland, as they've introduced wave after wave of revolutionary keyboards, digital pianos, and more. For example, Roland's V-Drum Kits continuously redefine the possibilities of electronic drums, beginning with SuperNATURAL technology to the latest Prismatic Sound Modeling. We're huge fans, and we'd love to tell you all about them. Whether you want a pocket-sized synth or a cutting-edge video mixer, if Roland makes it, then Sweetwater is 100% behind it.

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