Roland Cube

mrman93 · #1 11-09-2010, 04:04 PM

Hello There!

I have question. I have recently gotten into jazz, and bought an nice Ibanez Artcore (AK 80-BS)

I have also been checking out the roland cube amplifier, so now to my question: Is it as good as everybody says?

Is it worth spending money on it?

cosmic gumbo · #2 11-09-2010, 04:18 PM

Search the forum and you'll find out more than you'll ever need to know.

mrman93 · #3 11-09-2010, 04:35 PM

ok, I'll do that. Do you have any experience of the Roland Cube?

backliner · #4 11-09-2010, 05:19 PM

I have had various Roland Cubes from 30 - 50 watt. They are consistent sounding from room to room I played them in, very reliable in my experience, and light to carry for the power.

I think they are better sounding, for straight ahead jazz, than the Vox models in their price range.

RoyaleT · #5 11-09-2010, 09:10 PM

I have had the 20X for home practice and used in light jamminmg with friends for a couple of years. I have never been disappointed with the sound or build quality. I'll be gettting an 80X soon, but will keep the 20.

Bflat · #6 11-09-2010, 09:16 PM

Hi,

I have had an Artcore AK model in the past. It sounded sweet through my Roland Cube 60. The Cubes are pretty nice amps for the $$. Very versatile. I have a micro-cube and a micro-cube Rx. The Rx is a great amp that can fill a small room with very clean sound. I would probably choose the Cube 60 if I could only have one amp. I have tried the Cube 80 because I was curious about the added features but I didn't quite like the sound as much as the 60.

If possible, take your guitar to a music store and plug her in to various amps and get one that sounds good to you!

Enjoy the search.

akubra · #7 11-10-2010, 04:51 AM

I use cube 20x for home playing / practising (also play artcore with it). Nice amp, worth every penny.

jcanter09 · #8 11-10-2010, 07:17 PM

I'm actually in a very similar situation (including the new artcore). I was looking into buying a Roland 60 (I'd also read the shining reviews), but just found out it's been discontinued. I know I can probably find one out there, but my question is, is the Cube 80 the same quality, or should I hold out for the 60?

whiskywheels · #9 11-11-2010, 05:09 AM

I've got the 60 and the 80, and think they make a good clean jazz amp. I wish they made a more basic and cheaper model with just the clean channel and reverb though. They don't sound exactly the same, but close enough, and both sound good when playing my Ibanez AF 75.
I've been using Blackstar valve amps for a while now, and no longer use the cubes however. The 80 is currently for sale here in the UK, and I've also posted it on Amazon UK.

mangotango · #10 11-11-2010, 07:59 AM

As it happens, having just acquired a very inexpensive (for the UK) Henriksen, I am putting my Cube up for sale. I have a Vox Valvetronix which I will keep for the few blues/rock gigs that I may get (and can live with the weight for those occasions) and the Henriksen will cover all of my jazz requirements.

Having said that, if I were only to have one amplifier, then the Cube is probably enough of a jack-of-all-trades to be it. It has the clean channel, the modelling for versatility, and the ability to change channels for clean rhythm to crunchy lead. It's also much lighter and easier to schlep about than the Vox. However, it just sounds a bit processed and just not really enough of a master of anything to keep up with the other two amps and so it will go. I will make some space in the garage, and fill some empty space in my wallet.

Meggy · #11 11-13-2010, 10:30 AM

I have a friend with a Cube 30 - I am amazed how good it sounds. These things are subjective, but IMO it holds its own against my (considerably more expensive) Polytone, in terms of sound quality.

abracadabra · #12 11-13-2010, 12:28 PM

If you play predominantly jazz then I'd say the cubes are a great deal, as the JC clean channel is nice, but they don't get the best reviews from those looking to use them for other genres (in case you play other stuff).

I love mine though. Definitely couldn't have done better for the money.

barrymclark · #13 11-13-2010, 05:29 PM

Gave up my Vox AC50 for the Cube 80X. You can't go wrong with this amp. It is quality enough to keep you and your listeners happy. The rest us up to you. I personally don't hear the processed sound others do as compared to a tube or standard solid state. I use this amp for playing jazz standards as well as Rockabilly and heavy metal. I'd put it up against anything without a sweat.

The ONLY model I don't care for on it is the Mesa Boogie one. But then... I don't care for Mesa Boogie sound to begin with so it is spot on! haha.

The Henrikson suggested as well as amps like Polytone and Evans are all fine amps.