I bought the Blues Cube because I like the way it sounds and reacts to the guitar. I didn’t buy it because it sounds “better”than a tube amp. It doesn’t sound better or worse. It sounds like a really good amp and I like it a lot.
Gitfiddle 7766 Same here. I went into a shop to by the tweed blues junior and came away with the Blues Cube. It does pretty much everything the blues junior tweed does, but has attenuation, emulated speaker line out which works very well and headphones. Like you say no better no worse. As good but with the benefits of solid state.
I traded in my Fender Blues de Luxe for a Roland blues cube stage. The Blues de Luxet was (is!) unplayable unless you are deaf already. It was/is everything else but "de luxe" (why does Fender label some of it's gear like that anyway? Most other companies have those "de luxe" features as standard for half of the price). I did not sell my Fender Blues Junior (green, USA) - although it has a very very sloppy reverb circuit and needs some support to sound really good. I guess because it was my first Fender tube amp more than 20 years ago - so there is an emotional tie to it- not soundwise. The blues cube stage sounds perfect. It just sounds interesting... perfect. I don't care where the good sound comes from. I do not believe that it has to be tubes anymore. And I would not get into any discussion on this anymore. The Roland is a lightweight, playable-everywhere-at-any-time- amp. That is it.
@@gnatiu They make a master volume control module for Hot Rod amps. I know what you mean about the loudness thing. www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Blues-Deluxe-Deville-Master-Volume-Module/184238143348?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
I bought a BC Hot a few months ago, and AB'd with my Palomino, class A all tube. When I played the Roland there was nothing I missed about the tube amp after about 30 seconds of playing. I sold the tube amp, kept the Roland.
The Fender sounds ever so slightly more dynamic and open. The Roland is 95% there with no tubes. Absolutely amazing! The voltage adjustment and no tubes required makes it the winner!
Funny thing I own the same guitar and a Blues Cube. Sounds better than most valve amps costing as much as twice more. I love it. Especially having the power adjustments 0.5, 5, 15 etc
@@philipchau6019 I would imagine the Blues Jnr has the fender spanky sparkle. I have an old 80's Cube 60 also and a Vox Night-Train 15w. Totally different amps. I love the headroom on the Cube in a band setting but it really lacks 'personality'. My 15w VOX falls down in a loud rock band. It lacks the balls. My wee vox tube amp sounds awesome clean, very dynamic, detailed and of course chimey. Fenders also have a clean chime. Cube is a great amp too, but for me playing rootsy and alt-rock, I often need flavour pedals in front. So I use a Deco for some crunch and/or a Formula 55. Never used the OD channel on the cube.
I thought the blues junior sounded better, but I think it may be because it was louder than the Roland. I've played the Roland Blues Cube Artist, and I was honestly blown away at the response and the tone that I was hearing from a solid-state amp.
+Timothy Busby These videos are always tough because they're completely different amps. The BC isn't based on a BJ. The BJ has EL84s and the BC is based on a Tweed tube-rectified 6V6 amp. This video seemed to be about trying to get the BC to sound like a BJ which will never happen.
As someone who needs to be able to play at low volumes and play small gigs with affordable equipment, I think I just found my next amp in the Blues Cube. Great video, thanks a lot for this one.
Is it safe to say that the old fender amps had their reverb tanks covered in some kind of insulation to help keep them grounded from vibrating from the amps speakers and the plywood cab 🤷 I think this has a lot to do with the amps fluttering at high volume some times does that sound logical or not
One thing you always get with the Anderton guys is an open and honest review. Yes you may say they are out to take your dough, but they want you to spend it wisely and help you to get everything you want from your purchase, I love em!!
And that’s why I watch all of their videos too, for that personal impression, what they really think of what they’re reviewing.And they go really deep on thoughts and examples.It’s worth gold.
Dynamic Hypnotic Don’t need a bigger one, The fender wins on all fronts. But i do believe it’s a matter of taste. I like a gretsch tone like Chet atkins fingerstyle or Brian Setzers Rockabilly and a fender is realy made for those sounds
+Erik Nyberg that's odd I just had a sales guy yesterday extolling the virtues of the new roland's,and marshall code series, and how much he likes BOTH of his... NO they aren't valve, and although similar they will never nail it, but as a starter/student amps, or just something to punk around on your small DAW... they really are good tools.
+Erik Nyberg That's true of 99% of gear reviews. How many demos of guitars, amps and pedals have Lee and Rob done? Now how many of that gear do you think they would pay for? How much of it have they actually bought?
Agreed, 90% of GC Toadies are there because they didn't think it would actually be work. You want to lose a sale? 1. Be uninformed about your products,If you don't know dick about the products you rep, you should prob move on. 2. The biggie, CUSTOMER SERVICE. If I come into your store looking to drop 3-5k your ass BEST pay attention to me like I am the walking incarnation of every famous musician you worship, because you fucking well know YOU expect it when you are shopping.
Jason Hunt Does a guitar salesperson really need to know about gear once your past the beginner level? I can't recall any time I was in a music store and I needed to know anything about a product besides price. And the only customer service I've needed is "can you grab that guitar off the wall." I would rather not be bothered while I try out gear. Don't try to talk to me and don't turn knobs or flip switches while I'm playing.
I've heard it said that we "also listen with our eyes" when watching vids etc like these... I now agree with that notion, because I dislike the colour of that Strat so much that it's putting me off the sound of both amps
Overall: This Roland Blues Cube Hot amp is everything it’s advertised to be. I have always been a Fender tube amp guy. I purchased this amp and a Fender Blues Jr IV within a week of each other to compare the two for home use.Well I hate to say it and to my surprise the Fender Blues Jr IV I sent it back for a refund. The tone of the Blues Jr is very good over all but the issue is when you try to play at lower levels for home use. It just loses a lot of its tone and character at these levels.The Roland Blues Cube Hot on the other hand does not loose any of it’s tone at lower levels. It’s consistent with tone levels set on the .5 or 1/2 watt setting the 5 watt setting the 15 watt or the 30 watt, It just plain rocks the tone across the board and has it in spades. The EQ ability of the Bluest Cube Hot amp is really good and was more precise than the Fender Blues Jr. The Reverb on the Blues Cube Hot is also very good and very usable.In summery, to my ears at the the end of the day my conclusion was after playing both amps back to back for an afternoon of playing I just preferred the Blues Cube Hot to the Blues Jr IV. Also to be honest I can not tell by the tone ore the feel and response of the Roland Blues Cube Hot that it’s not a valve amp. With that said I was a bit skeptical of all that was being said about Rolands Tube Logic amps but not anymore. Roland did a fantastic job and I am sold on this little amp for my needs.Oh Ya...also the Blues Cube Hot it can get very loud as loud or louder than the Blues Jr IV. It also takes pedals with no issues. Also the Blues cube was modeled after a tweed style amp not a hot rod series Blues Jr. Keep this in mind when comparing it to a Fender Blues Jr. I call it like I see it and with that said I am glad that I am not a tube snob. I do hands down love Fender tube amps but if I had turned my noise up to the Blues Cube Hot amp I would have missed out on a great little quality amp for my needs.
Mick nails it the 21:32 mark. Both amps sound great but they are slightly different. He describes the tonal envelope of the Cube perfectly. My own ears prefer the Blues Jr because of the mid presence while I am sure many others would prefer the Roland. Great video and just another reminder that an amp, guitar, pedal...whatever tone is just a personal preference. Don't let anyone tell you something is the best or better without adding the "to me" phrase.
I have the Blues Cube and your right (about the sparkle part) but it's not by a whole lot though. Just bought it today. Considering the BC gives you 4 different wattage settings versus the 15w Blue Junior, 3 pounds lighter and no tubes to bother with.....I bought mine used for $300 less than retail so it was even bigger savings than a new or even used Fender Blues Junior. Another customer in the store much more experience than me (40 years versus 2 years lol) loved the BC more than his Blues Junior which was the sealer for me. He played 3 Hendrix songs and said it was Hendrix sound quality without even having to use any pedals. He said the crunch output was much richer at higher volume without breaking up and is sometimes unreliable with tube amps? To each their own I suppose but I'm happy with mine and especially for what I paid for it :). The big bonus which he also pointed out, is playing at different voltage levels, a tube amp either plays loud or not much at all. I live in a 1.5 room (don't ask lol) apartment so I can practice in peace (0.5w) or gig with it at a bar (15w, 45w, 60w) there's absolutely no way I could do that with a similar wattage Blues Junior and a headphone jack on the BC to boot.
I think that's because of the way the Roland Blues Cube is voiced and not because it's solid state. The Blues Cube is voiced to sound like a Fender Tweed amplifier, which has a darker sound than the Fender Blues Junior.
It has this gritty warm but glassy clean clarity it's lovely aliveness... like a living breathing creature compared to an android.. the bl Jr is unreal for the size and wattage it's like the all around perfect amp weight loudness is plentiful it actually sounds hand wired it's so sparkling
loving that fender classic player strat in gold the classic player strats are hard to beat if you are looking for a strat and you don't have to have made in u.s.a on the head stock a lot cheaper than a u.s.a standard and i think it's better i know i love mine!
Anderson's is doing the world a favor with these uploads, thanks guys, I ordered a shirt. Pretty much my fave channel. We considered a vacation in Surrey... and we appreciate all of the guys here in these uploads. Pete obviously speaks more than one language. Would be cool to hear him break out with some lingo. Recording sucks. It is such an art. There's a pile of money invested and equipment falling out your ears and even still, everyone is cautiously appreciative. My recommendation is to only listen to your monitors, get as far away from amp speakers as possible, use all external cabs and put them in another room, never listen to them. It is a strange realization if you only hear what is recorded. Listening to their interpretation of the live amp, knowing we get only a fraction of the in-room effect. Night and day, really. Speakers pretty much ARE the amp, the different voiced speakers are what makes most of the 'quote' tone. I didn't realize until I specifically bought the variety pack. Greenbacks and high gain are born to be together. Alnico Blue are charming, all by themselves thru whatever amp. Vintage 30 are middle of the road, jack of all trades. Golds are full frequency... worth the extra. Cream backs are vintage r/r... Eminence are a radically different speaker. My first amp was a Rockman XP100. Instead of a distortion pedal I bought an ADA MP1, must have been 10 years before finding tube power, another 10 before learning about loudspeakers. It took me forever. But I'll never use a pedal again. I will only post process, I love effects but the last place I would out them is in front of my tubes. Thank you Mick, your playing has all of the subtle charm I personally expect from a guitarist. Not to be harsh on the others, but Mick really understands subtlety.
More and more, I find myself adding "Andertons" to the start of my searches when looking for demos and thoughts on gear! You all are rocking it. I've been delving into revamping my tone and these SS amps keep popping up. In the end, I think what's most important is what amp/guitar makes you WANT to play. I've played some SS amps recently which sounded nice, but didn't get me excited. Then, I come across a used Blues Jr. LTD and ended up sitting there for awhile without even thinking about the specs, etc. It was just fun to play through. On the other side, I did that with a Lab Series L5 a few years ago. Amps aren't so different than guitars in that the specs might look great on paper, but they all have their own unique qualities from amp to amp.
Great demo guys and good banter too!!! Anderton's, Wildwood Guitars and Tim And Pete's Guitar Show are unquestionably the best guitar channels on TH-cam.
I was considering the Blue Cube Hot. But to be honest, TO MY EARS, there's no comparison between these two. It's the Fender all the way. I don't hear anything on the Roland that's better, other than the attenuator.
Thank you, Andertons for good guitar demo-ing-people-whatever finally. Lee's playing is great as well maybe do a trio thing. Chappers just homogenises every guitar/amp.
I have played a couple Blues Jr's. and they are great but folks lemme tell you the Blues Cube is LEGIT and thats not me even being biased based on pricing or whatnot because used market is about the same but the built in autenuator that Roland offers as well as the Tube Logic not being a gimmick makes it a better amp and its LOUD too
You two absolutely rock. I'll be watching everything you guys do for a long time. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us. I for one am truly inspired by you guys.
I bought a Blues Cube Artist in January (from Andertons, as it happens,) because the four power amps give me so much versatility. The 0.5 watts is plenty loud enough for home use, the 15 watts also good for home (slightly cleaner than the 0.5 watts,) the 45 watts is more than adequate for band rehearsal/small gigs and the 80 watts is f*cking loud! The thing the Blues Cube Hot is lacking, apart from the volume options, is the second gain stage and the 'Dual Tone' function where you can run the clean and crunch channels together, which is where the amp really comes into it's own. I just don't understand the "Give me valves or give me death" mentality. I've had Plexis, a Bluesbreaker, AVT (combo and stack,) Blackheart Handsome Devil, Fender Blues Jr. Bugera V22 etc etc and I can tell you that, based on the kind of sounds you can get, the versatility and the relative indestructability, compared to an amp full of glass bottles and all the paraphernalia to keep them from rattling, the Blues Cube is a fantastic amp. There really is no need to keep comparing them to valve amps, they are brilliant in their own right. If you just write them off because "I've got to have tubes, man" then you are really missing out on something great....
+goldtop362 I wish they stop doing demos comparing the BC to whatever tube amp is in the price range. The BC is based on Tweed amps but they've never actually compared it to a tweed amp. I think that would be a more useful demo. They're trying to get the BCH to sound like the BJ and that will never happen. Naturally, the BJ is going to sound better because they're trying to get the BC to imitate that tone. The results would be opposite if they started with a good tone on the BC and tried to imitate that with the BJ. You wouldn't test modeling against a tube amps by using a Deluxe Reverb model against a real Twin Reverb. They're two different amps. The real test is to put the Deluxe Reverb model against a real Deluxe Reverb. I would really like to see a comparison video of a Tweed Deluxe with a BCH and a Tweed Bassman with a BCS or a BCH. That's the real test of the Blues Cube series.
This is a very interesting approach. More than that, it is the right approach. I swapped a Blues Deluxe Reissue with a B. Cube Stage. I can gig with that one too - without breaking my back and without having service costs every 2-3 years.
@@gnatiu absolutely! I recently bought both the new Sparkle Clean Tone capsule, which emulates the sound of a KT66 driven amp, like the Marshall JTM45 Bluesbreaker. I subsequently bought a (used) Marshall Vintage Modern 2266C combo, which also uses KT66 output valves and sounds very similar to the JTM45. So, I've been playing the SCTC alongside the Marshall...and they sound remarkably similar! I think a valve amp, when cranked, will always have something about it that the Blues Cube won't quite reach...but it is very close. As you say, it needs no servicing (I've already had to have two new KT66 valves in the Marshall) and isn't back breakingly heavy!
ok don't beat me for what I'm about to say but...Blues Cube all the way. I wouldn't bother with tube reliability or spend hard earned cash unless it's a Twin, Deluxe, Princeton, Super Reverb etc. If you need a good sounding amp that takes pedals well, the Blues Cube at 369p is an awesome and reliable amp. Then, when you got the cash, by all means go for the big iconic Fender amps and keep the BC for backup (you will need one) or home practice. I'd go for the Blues Cube. I had a Blues Junior and I still wanted an iconic Fender amp. If you're happy with your Blues Junior that's great.
Yep. I use a Blues Jnr at home or for small gigs and my beast for everything else - the beast being a Laney VC50 as used by my namesake Mr. Paul G. Running both as dual mono/wet-dry is a treat, I can tell you.
if your tube amp fails, you can see the tube that is not glowing and replace it for less than $25 no tools required . I have only destroyed one tube and it was through misuse but the amp was working again in a couple hours.
Loved your comparison of the amps. I've known about the Roland Blues Cube and recently revisited it at my locate used music store. I'm a sucker for older amps, Fender and Peavey respectively but the Blues Cube has grabbed my musical heartstrings. In your comparison I thought the Fender had more sparkle but the Blues Cube had a sweetness that the Fender didn't have. The other thing I love about the Blue Cube that the Roland Boss amps have is the wattage selector. I feel that for me the selector on the Blue Cube has a logical and perfect spread in the distance between the selections. From 30 to 15 to 5 to 0.5 is perfect and ideal. Most amps drop too low from max watts to the next lowest setting and going lower get worst. Each setting on the Blue Cube can except the 0.5 watts can be purchased in an individual amp and you don't have that in any other amp selector. It sounds so good on any setting. I didn't know it took pedals so well. That demo was impressive. Your channel is one of my go to channels for guitars. You guys are crazy and crazy good. Loved the wangger part. That was hill-lar-re-us! If and went I get the cash I will definitely be getting a Blues Cube. Thanks and keep doing whatcha doing.
The beauty of the blues cube is that you can run the amp at a lower wattage, then push everything like your going to blow it up at 1/2 a watt. It sounds super thick! The new cubes are so good i sold my hotrod deluxe. it was a great amp too, but was finniki.
while I'm probably in the minority. the versatility and reliability of the cube outweighs the negligible tonal difference. they're both great, it just depends what you're looking for
+J Garvey I don't watch them at all anymore, after Chappers destroyed the Digitech Trio+ demo, while these guys were brilliant with it. The humour is real and they enjoy each other, the Chappers ones are contrived.
+J Garvey I'm with you, these two are the new breed. They are so much easier to watch and they seem keen for us to learn something from their efforts. The Chappers videos are pretty low-grade compared with these and i don't watch them much anymore. I guess that's progress!
Since when this was all about bashing Chaps? It s about comparing amps, not reviewers. You re not obliged to watch. How dump is it to spend the most valuable gift of life - your time in this life - on looking at and complaining what you do not like ... Duhuh ...
MrRFasters lol next time on an anderton's video, how about just put an amp in a room for 25 minutes and let you make up your own mind; the reviews are all about the reviewers
Lucido Actually, playing the same lick over and over might be a good judge of different amps. However, I don't play Chapper's type music, so I prefer these guys and Lee. in fact, I can't hear much difference in most decent pickups, amps or pedals highly distorted guitar with the lead pickup.
There's a reason why people test how their guitar sounds with different amps... There is a big difference how each guitar interacts with the respective amp it is tested with, whether it is feedback, the way it sounds in crunch / overdrive and so on. Sometimes, there is no way you can dodge getting a valve amp with the sound you're looking for... at other times, there's something like the Roland JC-40 for jazz guitarists. Thus my verdict: Less prejudice, drop the bias (not the valve bias though :P) and figure out what works for you with some hands on testing for what you're playing.
Actually there's a lot more Jazz guitarists playing solid state than you think. Check out some jazz guitar reviews of amps and many of the top picks are also SS versus valve.
The blues cube sounds to me quite more like a peavey classic, I hate to say this but I love Fender overdrive in this video, It's a lot of a Texas Blues sound.
I have the Roland Stage Blues Cube. I've owned it a few years now, have grown into it, gigged with it, loved it from the first note. I'm keeping the Roland.
@@marcelowcr 95% of the time I use clean tones. It's lightweight, reliable, and versatile at gigs. What really sold me were the clean tones. It is by no means a stand alone metal amp. You can dial in distortion for rock, but even maxed out it never goes overboard. That means the entire bandwidth of the amp is able to capture the nuance of exactly how much distortion you may need. It's really all about the clean tones. Takes pedals really well. I used to work in a guitar store, so I know what I like. It's the last guitar amp I'll ever buy.
@@spoonido awesome man! Thanks for the quick response. Yeah, what gets me is the versatility, in terms output volume and the possibility to record easily as well. So you say even in higher volumes it doesn’t break up distortion? As I said, I’ll mostly use it clean, with or without some transparent OD and delay. Thanks!
Back in the day before Jules Holland and The Guardian readership gave a shit Sea Sick Steve used a standard Roland Cube 30 on tweed model and got tone of the beast from it.
"Warm and open sounding" seem to be the cliched words used to describe valve amps..... And, after listening intently to this comparison; I've gotta say the Fender sounded far more "warm and open" to my ears. Don't get me wrong the little Roland sounded great but in a strait up comparison like this?.... Nope, far to boxy sounding. The valves win again! Great demo though guys :-)
+Gary Moseley Yes, I don't know if this is related to TH-cam, whose CoDec might be unfriendly to the sound of the Blues Cube for whatever reason. But for the most time of the video, I didn't know what Pete and Mick where talking about, because for me the Blues Junior sounds better by an order of magnitude. As you wrote, a more warm and open sounding Fender, more dynamic and just that extra umpf. Just a no contest IMHO. But maybe that is different when sitting in front of these amps?
They sounded pretty close to me, but live it would be easier to hear the differences. As for tubes vs solid state: bass amps now are usually solid state, yet they can sound very warm, and round. The Ampeg B100R sounds like B15N.
To me both are quality sounding amps but I feel the fender just sounds more authentic. Maybe because it is lol. The cube does a great job trying though
Dear lord, they sound VERY different from one another.. Both sound great, just sooo different, especially with the Gibson guit! Awesome video guys, i'm 4 years late
i have the roland micro cube and blues jr but i just sold the Jr cause i can make the cube sound crazy good and has built in effects. im thinking about the the blues cube now
I have watched Andertons vids for years. Love Rob and the Cap, but I gotta say, these guys rule. So naturally engaging, both of them. Hopefully when Rob gets back, we still get to these two work together. Maybe their own show. Maybe even these two with Daniel from the other show Mick has (whose name escapes me right now).
In other reviews I read that the BC Hot was intended to emulate the tone of a Fender Bassman, not a Blues Jr, so I wonder if this is the right comparison. In all reviews the Cube does sound bassier and 'saggier' than the Junior (esp. when pushed). Might explain why there are midrange discrepancies?
JELIFISH19 I tried the Blues Cube hot vs the tweed version of the blues junior which has a different speaker and the sound was much closer. But yes, should try against a Bassman.
Because they might win. The tube snobs can't have that. A dishonest comparison to a tube amp that the blues cube isn't based on is the only way to get it to lose.
Answer the question, if you were going to buy one, which one would you actually buy and want to be seen with? Almost like would you buy a single cut Paul Read Smith or Gibson Les Paul?
I would prefer the blues cube for home/gig, its just more enjoyable voiced and flexible. Blues Junior is a one trick pony with narrow shouty mids that works well cutting through live, but without a bass player underneath its sound kinda nasty
Actually on other videos, it's said that the Roland blues cube hot is more voiced on a fender bassman. Proof is in the tone button which seems like a bright channel switch.
It seems like they wanted to, but couldn't admit that they liked the Roland better. A solid state beating a tube amp? *gasp* I'm a Fender fan, and might still choose the Cube over the Junior just for the reliability.
i had a BJR in tweed and brought a Roland BC hot 30w and i ended up selling the BJR this week even tho the reverb is way better in the JR. great review.
I agree with your comment. I bought the blues cube hot and put my Strymon Flint in front of it for reverb and tremolo and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a great amp and perfect for my playing at home needs. Cheers
Blues Jr. at home in my studio, but when you're banging out a couple of quick nights in some small clubs and throwing the amp into the back of the car to get home for a few badly-needed winks, the Blues Cube just can't be beat for holding up and hanging on!
I bought Blues Cube Stage, and I really love it! A few weeks after it, I bought a tone capsule, Robbben Ford. That tone capsule makes my Blues Cube singing more beautiful!! It really sound like a tube amp, and it handles pedals very well!
I own CR120 and Blues Cube Hot-quality non-tube amps; both sound great are very pedal friendly and bullet proof. Shut your eyes and open your ears,. FYI-your favorite pedal in front of your tube amp is analog or digital.
Pete is a god of dialling tone. That's one of the great things about these videos - the amps are really compared strongly trying to make them equal, and exploring the real differences
The problem is the blues cube is based on a 50s tweed bassman. Totally different circuit, sound, power tubes, etc. It's the wrong comparison and it's a bit dishonest. You can't make the blues cube and blues junior sound like each other anymore then you can the blues junior and tweed bassman. But when the transistor amp is this good, dishonest is the only way the tube snobs can satisfy their bias.
I was totally surprised, having been a 'tubes only" guy for decades, to actually give the Cube the nod in a couple of the clean and low volume crunch comparisons, where the Fender sounded thin and spiky. I thought they needed to trim the bass a bit on the Cube, but still - impressive. Having said that, the first tone out of the Cube when cranked sounded like Gramp's butt-cheeks after a couple of bad burritos...HORRIFYING. Tweaking the EQ a bit helped, but the best part? Look at Danish Pete's face on the first high volume blatt out of the Cube at 22:22. He actually looked like he was SMELLING one of Gramp's gassers. I laughed my ass off. Of course, they can't say "HOLY FUCK, TURN THAT BEAST OFF!" But I bet Pete wanted to just then:) As usual, tube amps shine when you crank 'em, and without a LOT of tweaking SS amps just don't, at least in my totally subjective opinion (BB King notwithstanding).
It's the loudest 30 ss watts I've ever heard. It's unreal how loud it gets. Definitely gig worthy. Easily keeps up with a hard hitting drummer. The speaker and circuit is crazy efficient, and class a/b ss power just has great clarity and grunt.
Thank you Mick & Pete. I have been waiting for a Blues Cube vs valve amp kind of a review. I have the impression that the Blues Cube breaks up and compresses earlier than the Blues Jr. So, it seems playing the Blues Cube clean is harder than the Blues Jr. Would you agree with that?
@@benallmark9671It’s been 8 years so I’m not 100% sure, but I think I was thinking of recording guitar straight to computer via USB. I have a Boss ME-80 which sounds really good via USB in my opinion, and is simple to use when recording.
The problem with videos by this company and others like it is they are afraid to make a call on what is better and such like because they are trying to make a product sound good so people buy it and I this case buy both. It's like make a call and don't be afraid to upset the apple cart.
What's really astonishing here to my ears is the Roland have finally taken solid state to a point where the blues cube seems to react to the player in a tube amp style way and that the tone is not better or worse, simply different. I still the the fender is a little more open but that has a fair bit to do with the natural mid characteristic I think. They both sound great.
Maybe you can help ? Buy Mustang GT40 with looper pedal and extra Yamaha Reface YC organ or Blues Cube Hot or Jazz chorus JC40 ? What do you thing ? Most at home, sometimes little gig / Dire straits / Knopfler thing on Fender Strat.
I have both (well the Roland blues cube stage and not cube amp) and at first I couldn't tell a difference but the fender blues junior sounds better the more I've been playing it.
The cube sounds nice and tight, junior sounds more straight and wild. I love blues junior before, now she is got a competitor, looks like more durable, feel free to take it out and make fun.
I have to agree..I do indeed love both of these little amps, and they both have there place for sure. This particular debate will of course go on forever, and long may the musical battle continue!! Just so long as we keep getting out there playing our guitars, making music and having fun..cos then it doesn't matter what we plug in to. Keep the loud pedal to the metal guys and enjoy :)
From the times I've played the Fender Hot Rod amps in the past, they're beautifully versatile and sound sublime. However sacrilegious it may be, I've generally played Les Pauls through them, and I've always been pleased with the sound they produce :D! Never played a Roland though... So my view is a little biased towards the Hot Rod, naturally. It does sound beautiful though, even through my speakers...
I managed to A/B the stock Artist model with a Fender Blue Junior III and I was more impressed with the latter. Then with a Victoria Double Deluxe and whilst the Victoria was better there was not that much in it. Finally, my good old Sessionette 75 with Retrotone upgrade was very similar to the Roland.
Nice video guys. Badge influenced players will doubtless choose the Fender even if the Roland sounds just as good in its own way...which I reckon it does and probably carries better reliability too. I noticed your reaction to volume levels in the room at times and I worry about your apparent lack of hearing protection. Tinnitus onset over time is an evil thing...take care.
Well, one thing a video can't show you is how an amp "feels" as they commented.. I own a Blues Junior, and my Les Paul thru a Lumpys Tone Bender is pure Led Zep! I also own Bias FX on an Ipad, which I play thru a '60 Gibson Skylark tube amp. The whole point is: You HAVE TO have tubes somewhere in your setup! Solid state sounds and feels too perfect!
bluesguitarman 77 Of course, the sensitive dynamics of an amp is a factor that determines the way people plays an amplified guitar. That's why tube/valves exists nowadays, due that "warm" feel.
![ค้างคืนโรงเก็บกระสวยอวกาศร้างกลางทะเลทราย [Around The World Ep. 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E5bWZQhABJE/mqdefault.jpg)
I'll be honest, I don't need an amp, i just come to listen to Pete and Mick.
:)
+Kyle592
same...
Kyle592 Me too.
Really like those guys too :)
ill be honest too, i dont really NEED half the stuff i have, but i wanted it :P
I bought the Blues Cube because I like the way it sounds and reacts to the guitar. I didn’t buy it because it sounds “better”than a tube amp. It doesn’t sound better or worse. It sounds like a really good amp and I like it a lot.
This is a reasonable comment, since the Blues Cube actually doesn't sound like an all-tube, but it can sound cool anyway.
Gitfiddle 7766
Same here. I went into a shop to by the tweed blues junior and came away with the Blues Cube. It does pretty much everything the blues junior tweed does, but has attenuation, emulated speaker line out which works very well and headphones. Like you say no better no worse. As good but with the benefits of solid state.
I did the same thing!
I traded in my Fender Blues de Luxe for a Roland blues cube stage. The Blues de Luxet was (is!) unplayable unless you are deaf already. It was/is everything else but "de luxe" (why does Fender label some of it's gear like that anyway? Most other companies have those "de luxe" features as standard for half of the price). I did not sell my Fender Blues Junior (green, USA) - although it has a very very sloppy reverb circuit and needs some support to sound really good. I guess because it was my first Fender tube amp more than 20 years ago - so there is an emotional tie to it- not soundwise. The blues cube stage sounds perfect. It just sounds interesting... perfect. I don't care where the good sound comes from. I do not believe that it has to be tubes anymore. And I would not get into any discussion on this anymore. The Roland is a lightweight, playable-everywhere-at-any-time- amp. That is it.
@@gnatiu They make a master volume control module for Hot Rod amps. I know what you mean about the loudness thing.
www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Blues-Deluxe-Deville-Master-Volume-Module/184238143348?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649
I bought a BC Hot a few months ago, and AB'd with my Palomino, class A all tube. When I played the Roland there was nothing I missed about the tube amp after about 30 seconds of playing. I sold the tube amp, kept the Roland.
I LOVE the Cube, and it will last for ever because Roland are known to built amps tough like a tanks.
The Fender sounds ever so slightly more dynamic and open. The Roland is 95% there with no tubes. Absolutely amazing! The voltage adjustment and no tubes required makes it the winner!
A very good comparison !
I'm blown away from this Blues Cube !
24:43 ! And it has the big Advantage to have a power attenuation !
if jack black and Leo DiCaprio had a british love child it would be pete
Holy crap
Not sure how that would work 🤔
danish isnt he?
Funny thing I own the same guitar and a Blues Cube. Sounds better than most valve amps costing as much as twice more. I love it. Especially having the power adjustments 0.5, 5, 15 etc
I have a Blues Jnr. (Chrome panel) and a cube 60.
Roland really kicks goals in the solid state arena, not surprised this sounds as good as it does.
Which one sounds better in your opinion (clean)
@@philipchau6019 I would imagine the Blues Jnr has the fender spanky sparkle. I have an old 80's Cube 60 also and a Vox Night-Train 15w. Totally different amps. I love the headroom on the Cube in a band setting but it really lacks 'personality'. My 15w VOX falls down in a loud rock band. It lacks the balls. My wee vox tube amp sounds awesome clean, very dynamic, detailed and of course chimey. Fenders also have a clean chime. Cube is a great amp too, but for me playing rootsy and alt-rock, I often need flavour pedals in front. So I use a Deco for some crunch and/or a Formula 55. Never used the OD channel on the cube.
Played the Blues Cube today at Andertons and on half a watt cranked with a Les Paul it sounded epic...
I thought the blues junior sounded better, but I think it may be because it was louder than the Roland. I've played the Roland Blues Cube Artist, and I was honestly blown away at the response and the tone that I was hearing from a solid-state amp.
+Timothy Busby These videos are always tough because they're completely different amps. The BC isn't based on a BJ. The BJ has EL84s and the BC is based on a Tweed tube-rectified 6V6 amp. This video seemed to be about trying to get the BC to sound like a BJ which will never happen.
As someone who needs to be able to play at low volumes and play small gigs with affordable equipment, I think I just found my next amp in the Blues Cube. Great video, thanks a lot for this one.
Same here. A big selling point for me is the headphone Jack due to late night practice sessions.
Is it safe to say that the old fender amps had their reverb tanks covered in some kind of insulation to help keep them grounded from vibrating from the amps speakers and the plywood cab 🤷 I think this has a lot to do with the amps fluttering at high volume some times does that sound logical or not
I know it’s been a whole but did either of ya buy it and if so do ya still have it ?
The main trouble with both those amps is that I can't make either of them sound as good as Pete or Mick does. :)
One thing you always get with the Anderton guys is an open and honest review. Yes you may say they are out to take your dough, but they want you to spend it wisely and help you to get everything you want from your purchase, I love em!!
And that’s why I watch all of their videos too, for that personal impression, what they really think of what they’re reviewing.And they go really deep on thoughts and examples.It’s worth gold.
Too right mate! I have recently visited the store and bumped into Lee, lovely guy.
The Roland muffels, and the Fender is clearer, more defined tone. The clear winner for me is the Fender.
+Michael Achenbach Agreed... It was particularly evident with the bridge humbucker where the Gibson "quack" was much more prominent.
You might think again after you hear Robben Ford noodling on the bigger cube th-cam.com/video/de4SW41qbzw/w-d-xo.html&list=WL&index=152
Nothing a small turn of the treble knob won't correct.
Dynamic Hypnotic Don’t need a bigger one, The fender wins on all fronts. But i do believe it’s a matter of taste. I like a gretsch tone like Chet atkins fingerstyle or Brian Setzers Rockabilly and a fender is realy made for those sounds
I'd imagine if this was a blindfold test you may feel different. Also eq makes a difference.
Interesting review. Seems that the blues cube is going to be useful in a home 'quiet' (neighbors, parents etc) playing environment.
"I really like this [insert solid state alternative]"
So would you buy it?
"Not in a million years"
- Every guitar salesman ever.
Ha. That is so true.
+Erik Nyberg that's odd I just had a sales guy yesterday extolling the virtues of the new roland's,and marshall code series, and how much he likes BOTH of his...
NO they aren't valve, and although similar they will never nail it, but as a starter/student amps, or just something to punk around on your small DAW... they really are good tools.
+Erik Nyberg That's true of 99% of gear reviews. How many demos of guitars, amps and pedals have Lee and Rob done? Now how many of that gear do you think they would pay for? How much of it have they actually bought?
Agreed,
90% of GC Toadies are there because they didn't think it would actually be work.
You want to lose a sale?
1. Be uninformed about your products,If you don't know dick about the products you rep, you should prob move on.
2. The biggie, CUSTOMER SERVICE.
If I come into your store looking to drop 3-5k your ass BEST pay attention to me like I am the walking incarnation of every famous musician you worship, because you fucking well know YOU expect it when you are shopping.
Jason Hunt Does a guitar salesperson really need to know about gear once your past the beginner level? I can't recall any time I was in a music store and I needed to know anything about a product besides price. And the only customer service I've needed is "can you grab that guitar off the wall." I would rather not be bothered while I try out gear. Don't try to talk to me and don't turn knobs or flip switches while I'm playing.
I've heard it said that we "also listen with our eyes" when watching vids etc like these...
I now agree with that notion, because I dislike the colour of that Strat so much that it's putting me off the sound of both amps
Blues junior for the win
Overall: This Roland Blues Cube Hot amp is everything it’s advertised to be. I have always been a Fender tube amp guy. I purchased this amp and a Fender Blues Jr IV within a week of each other to compare the two for home use.Well I hate to say it and to my surprise the Fender Blues Jr IV I sent it back for a refund. The tone of the Blues Jr is very good over all but the issue is when you try to play at lower levels for home use. It just loses a lot of its tone and character at these levels.The Roland Blues Cube Hot on the other hand does not loose any of it’s tone at lower levels. It’s consistent with tone levels set on the .5 or 1/2 watt setting the 5 watt setting the 15 watt or the 30 watt, It just plain rocks the tone across the board and has it in spades. The EQ ability of the Bluest Cube Hot amp is really good and was more precise than the Fender Blues Jr. The Reverb on the Blues Cube Hot is also very good and very usable.In summery, to my ears at the the end of the day my conclusion was after playing both amps back to back for an afternoon of playing I just preferred the Blues Cube Hot to the Blues Jr IV. Also to be honest I can not tell by the tone ore the feel and response of the Roland Blues Cube Hot that it’s not a valve amp. With that said I was a bit skeptical of all that was being said about Rolands Tube Logic amps but not anymore. Roland did a fantastic job and I am sold on this little amp for my needs.Oh Ya...also the Blues Cube Hot it can get very loud as loud or louder than the Blues Jr IV. It also takes pedals with no issues. Also the Blues cube was modeled after a tweed style amp not a hot rod series Blues Jr. Keep this in mind when comparing it to a Fender Blues Jr. I call it like I see it and with that said I am glad that I am not a tube snob. I do hands down love Fender tube amps but if I had turned my noise up to the Blues Cube Hot amp I would have missed out on a great little quality amp for my needs.
Well now I'll have to get a Blues Jr. I've been holding off for a long time but this pushed it over the top for me. Thanks :)
Mick nails it the 21:32 mark. Both amps sound great but they are slightly different. He describes the tonal envelope of the Cube perfectly. My own ears prefer the Blues Jr because of the mid presence while I am sure many others would prefer the Roland.
Great video and just another reminder that an amp, guitar, pedal...whatever tone is just a personal preference. Don't let anyone tell you something is the best or better without adding the "to me" phrase.
The Fender amp has more sparkle to it. I like the tube amp sound better.
I have the Blues Cube and your right (about the sparkle part) but it's not by a whole lot though. Just bought it today. Considering the BC gives you 4 different wattage settings versus the 15w Blue Junior, 3 pounds lighter and no tubes to bother with.....I bought mine used for $300 less than retail so it was even bigger savings than a new or even used Fender Blues Junior. Another customer in the store much more experience than me (40 years versus 2 years lol) loved the BC more than his Blues Junior which was the sealer for me. He played 3 Hendrix songs and said it was Hendrix sound quality without even having to use any pedals. He said the crunch output was much richer at higher volume without breaking up and is sometimes unreliable with tube amps?
To each their own I suppose but I'm happy with mine and especially for what I paid for it :). The big bonus which he also pointed out, is playing at different voltage levels, a tube amp either plays loud or not much at all. I live in a 1.5 room (don't ask lol) apartment so I can practice in peace (0.5w) or gig with it at a bar (15w, 45w, 60w) there's absolutely no way I could do that with a similar wattage Blues Junior and a headphone jack on the BC to boot.
I think that's because of the way the Roland Blues Cube is voiced and not because it's solid state. The Blues Cube is voiced to sound like a Fender Tweed amplifier, which has a darker sound than the Fender Blues Junior.
E.Q. Pedal will help greatly!
It has this gritty warm but glassy clean clarity it's lovely aliveness... like a living breathing creature compared to an android.. the bl Jr is unreal for the size and wattage it's like the all around perfect amp weight loudness is plentiful it actually sounds hand wired it's so sparkling
loving that fender classic player strat in gold the classic player strats are hard to beat if you are looking for a strat and you don't have to have made in u.s.a on the head stock a lot cheaper than a u.s.a standard and i think it's better i know i love mine!
Anderson's is doing the world a favor with these uploads, thanks guys, I ordered a shirt. Pretty much my fave channel. We considered a vacation in Surrey... and we appreciate all of the guys here in these uploads. Pete obviously speaks more than one language. Would be cool to hear him break out with some lingo.
Recording sucks. It is such an art. There's a pile of money invested and equipment falling out your ears and even still, everyone is cautiously appreciative. My recommendation is to only listen to your monitors, get as far away from amp speakers as possible, use all external cabs and put them in another room, never listen to them. It is a strange realization if you only hear what is recorded. Listening to their interpretation of the live amp, knowing we get only a fraction of the in-room effect. Night and day, really. Speakers pretty much ARE the amp, the different voiced speakers are what makes most of the 'quote' tone. I didn't realize until I specifically bought the variety pack. Greenbacks and high gain are born to be together. Alnico Blue are charming, all by themselves thru whatever amp. Vintage 30 are middle of the road, jack of all trades. Golds are full frequency... worth the extra. Cream backs are vintage r/r... Eminence are a radically different speaker.
My first amp was a Rockman XP100. Instead of a distortion pedal I bought an ADA MP1, must have been 10 years before finding tube power, another 10 before learning about loudspeakers. It took me forever. But I'll never use a pedal again. I will only post process, I love effects but the last place I would out them is in front of my tubes.
Thank you Mick, your playing has all of the subtle charm I personally expect from a guitarist. Not to be harsh on the others, but Mick really understands subtlety.
More and more, I find myself adding "Andertons" to the start of my searches when looking for demos and thoughts on gear! You all are rocking it. I've been delving into revamping my tone and these SS amps keep popping up. In the end, I think what's most important is what amp/guitar makes you WANT to play. I've played some SS amps recently which sounded nice, but didn't get me excited. Then, I come across a used Blues Jr. LTD and ended up sitting there for awhile without even thinking about the specs, etc. It was just fun to play through. On the other side, I did that with a Lab Series L5 a few years ago. Amps aren't so different than guitars in that the specs might look great on paper, but they all have their own unique qualities from amp to amp.
Great demo guys and good banter too!!! Anderton's, Wildwood Guitars and Tim And Pete's Guitar Show are unquestionably the best guitar channels on TH-cam.
Mud Wiser I would like to add pgs, pete thorn, pixxy lyxx, in the blues... :)
Blues Junior wins for me, Blues Cube sounds great too though!
I was considering the Blue Cube Hot. But to be honest, TO MY EARS, there's no comparison between these two. It's the Fender all the way. I don't hear anything on the Roland that's better, other than the attenuator.
Thank you, Andertons for good guitar demo-ing-people-whatever finally. Lee's playing is great as well maybe do a trio thing. Chappers just homogenises every guitar/amp.
While the Roland is respectable the fender just seemed to sound better at every click of the ab switch.
I have played a couple Blues Jr's. and they are great but folks lemme tell you the Blues Cube is LEGIT and thats not me even being biased based on pricing or whatnot because used market is about the same but the built in autenuator that Roland offers as well as the Tube Logic not being a gimmick makes it a better amp and its LOUD too
I bought Blues Junior.
You two absolutely rock. I'll be watching everything you guys do for a long time. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us. I for one am truly inspired by you guys.
I bought a Blues Cube Artist in January (from Andertons, as it happens,) because the four power amps give me so much versatility. The 0.5 watts is plenty loud enough for home use, the 15 watts also good for home (slightly cleaner than the 0.5 watts,) the 45 watts is more than adequate for band rehearsal/small gigs and the 80 watts is f*cking loud! The thing the Blues Cube Hot is lacking, apart from the volume options, is the second gain stage and the 'Dual Tone' function where you can run the clean and crunch channels together, which is where the amp really comes into it's own. I just don't understand the "Give me valves or give me death" mentality. I've had Plexis, a Bluesbreaker, AVT (combo and stack,) Blackheart Handsome Devil, Fender Blues Jr. Bugera V22 etc etc and I can tell you that, based on the kind of sounds you can get, the versatility and the relative indestructability, compared to an amp full of glass bottles and all the paraphernalia to keep them from rattling, the Blues Cube is a fantastic amp. There really is no need to keep comparing them to valve amps, they are brilliant in their own right. If you just write them off because "I've got to have tubes, man" then you are really missing out on something great....
+goldtop362 I wish they stop doing demos comparing the BC to whatever tube amp is in the price range. The BC is based on Tweed amps but they've never actually compared it to a tweed amp. I think that would be a more useful demo. They're trying to get the BCH to sound like the BJ and that will never happen. Naturally, the BJ is going to sound better because they're trying to get the BC to imitate that tone. The results would be opposite if they started with a good tone on the BC and tried to imitate that with the BJ.
You wouldn't test modeling against a tube amps by using a Deluxe Reverb model against a real Twin Reverb. They're two different amps. The real test is to put the Deluxe Reverb model against a real Deluxe Reverb. I would really like to see a comparison video of a Tweed Deluxe with a BCH and a Tweed Bassman with a BCS or a BCH. That's the real test of the Blues Cube series.
This is a very interesting approach. More than that, it is the right approach. I swapped a Blues Deluxe Reissue with a B. Cube Stage. I can gig with that one too - without breaking my back and without having service costs every 2-3 years.
@@gnatiu absolutely! I recently bought both the new Sparkle Clean Tone capsule, which emulates the sound of a KT66 driven amp, like the Marshall JTM45 Bluesbreaker. I subsequently bought a (used) Marshall Vintage Modern 2266C combo, which also uses KT66 output valves and sounds very similar to the JTM45.
So, I've been playing the SCTC alongside the Marshall...and they sound remarkably similar! I think a valve amp, when cranked, will always have something about it that the Blues Cube won't quite reach...but it is very close. As you say, it needs no servicing (I've already had to have two new KT66 valves in the Marshall) and isn't back breakingly heavy!
If they tested the blues cube honestly it might win. As tube snobs they can't have that.
ok don't beat me for what I'm about to say but...Blues Cube all the way. I wouldn't bother with tube reliability or spend hard earned cash unless it's a Twin, Deluxe, Princeton, Super Reverb etc. If you need a good sounding amp that takes pedals well, the Blues Cube at 369p is an awesome and reliable amp. Then, when you got the cash, by all means go for the big iconic Fender amps and keep the BC for backup (you will need one) or home practice. I'd go for the Blues Cube. I had a Blues Junior and I still wanted an iconic Fender amp. If you're happy with your Blues Junior that's great.
Yep. I use a Blues Jnr at home or for small gigs and my beast for everything else - the beast being a Laney VC50 as used by my namesake Mr. Paul G. Running both as dual mono/wet-dry is a treat, I can tell you.
if your tube amp fails, you can see the tube that is not glowing and replace it for less than $25 no tools required . I have only destroyed one tube and it was through misuse but the amp was working again in a couple hours.
Excellent video. I could watch you two playing all day.
Loved your comparison of the amps. I've known about the Roland Blues Cube and recently revisited it at my locate used music store. I'm a sucker for older amps, Fender and Peavey respectively but the Blues Cube has grabbed my musical heartstrings. In your comparison I thought the Fender had more sparkle but the Blues Cube had a sweetness that the Fender didn't have. The other thing I love about the Blue Cube that the Roland Boss amps have is the wattage selector. I feel that for me the selector on the Blue Cube has a logical and perfect spread in the distance between the selections. From 30 to 15 to 5 to 0.5 is perfect and ideal. Most amps drop too low from max watts to the next lowest setting and going lower get worst. Each setting on the Blue Cube can except the 0.5 watts can be purchased in an individual amp and you don't have that in any other amp selector. It sounds so good on any setting. I didn't know it took pedals so well. That demo was impressive. Your channel is one of my go to channels for guitars. You guys are crazy and crazy good. Loved the wangger part. That was hill-lar-re-us! If and went I get the cash I will definitely be getting a Blues Cube. Thanks and keep doing whatcha doing.
I think the Fender sounds better but being solid state is a nice reliability thing with the Roland. Tough choice.
The beauty of the blues cube is that you can run the amp at a lower wattage, then push everything like your going to blow it up at 1/2 a watt. It sounds super thick! The new cubes are so good i sold my hotrod deluxe. it was a great amp too, but was finniki.
while I'm probably in the minority. the versatility and reliability of the cube outweighs the negligible tonal difference. they're both great, it just depends what you're looking for
Mick/Pete ("Mete") demos are so so so good. I've been spoilt; Chappers and Lee demos are just so uninspiring now.
+J Garvey I don't watch them at all anymore, after Chappers destroyed the Digitech Trio+ demo, while these guys were brilliant with it. The humour is real and they enjoy each other, the Chappers ones are contrived.
+J Garvey I'm with you, these two are the new breed. They are so much easier to watch and they seem keen for us to learn something from their efforts. The Chappers videos are pretty low-grade compared with these and i don't watch them much anymore. I guess that's progress!
Since when this was all about bashing Chaps? It s about comparing amps, not reviewers.
You re not obliged to watch. How dump is it to spend the most valuable gift of life - your time in this life - on looking at and complaining what you do not like ...
Duhuh ...
MrRFasters lol next time on an anderton's video, how about just put an amp in a room for 25 minutes and let you make up your own mind; the reviews are all about the reviewers
Lucido Actually, playing the same lick over and over might be a good judge of different amps. However, I don't play Chapper's type music, so I prefer these guys and Lee. in fact, I can't hear much difference in most decent pickups, amps or pedals highly distorted guitar with the lead pickup.
There's a reason why people test how their guitar sounds with different amps... There is a big difference how each guitar interacts with the respective amp it is tested with, whether it is feedback, the way it sounds in crunch / overdrive and so on. Sometimes, there is no way you can dodge getting a valve amp with the sound you're looking for... at other times, there's something like the Roland JC-40 for jazz guitarists. Thus my verdict: Less prejudice, drop the bias (not the valve bias though :P) and figure out what works for you with some hands on testing for what you're playing.
Actually there's a lot more Jazz guitarists playing solid state than you think. Check out some jazz guitar reviews of amps and many of the top picks are also SS versus valve.
The blues cube sounds to me quite more like a peavey classic, I hate to say this but I love Fender overdrive in this video, It's a lot of a Texas Blues sound.
I was thinking of the zz top sound the entire time
I have the Roland Stage Blues Cube. I've owned it a few years now, have grown into it, gigged with it, loved it from the first note. I'm keeping the Roland.
How is it dealing with gigs? I'm really into this amp...Have you used clean setup? Because I play a lot of jazz.
@@marcelowcr 95% of the time I use clean tones. It's lightweight, reliable, and versatile at gigs. What really sold me were the clean tones. It is by no means a stand alone metal amp. You can dial in distortion for rock, but even maxed out it never goes overboard. That means the entire bandwidth of the amp is able to capture the nuance of exactly how much distortion you may need. It's really all about the clean tones. Takes pedals really well. I used to work in a guitar store, so I know what I like. It's the last guitar amp I'll ever buy.
@@spoonido awesome man! Thanks for the quick response. Yeah, what gets me is the versatility, in terms output volume and the possibility to record easily as well. So you say even in higher volumes it doesn’t break up distortion? As I said, I’ll mostly use it clean, with or without some transparent OD and delay. Thanks!
@@marcelowcr It's clean as far as I've turned it up - and I think I've had it rather loud for my ears. Seen your videos. I like your playing.
I really enjoy listening to Mick and Pete's discussions and playing. More please.
Cheers for this! Jeff Beck uses Pro juniors btw. Sorry, I'm a geek.
This has just become my fav TH-cam series probably
Back in the day before Jules Holland and The Guardian readership gave a shit Sea Sick Steve used a standard Roland Cube 30 on tweed model and got tone of the beast from it.
I did this comparison and the junior had the classic valve fender tone I was searching.
"Warm and open sounding" seem to be the cliched words used to describe valve amps..... And, after listening intently to this comparison; I've gotta say the Fender sounded far more "warm and open" to my ears. Don't get me wrong the little Roland sounded great but in a strait up comparison like this?.... Nope, far to boxy sounding. The valves win again! Great demo though guys :-)
+Gary Moseley Yes, I don't know if this is related to TH-cam, whose CoDec might be unfriendly to the sound of the Blues Cube for whatever reason. But for the most time of the video, I didn't know what Pete and Mick where talking about, because for me the Blues Junior sounds better by an order of magnitude. As you wrote, a more warm and open sounding Fender, more dynamic and just that extra umpf. Just a no contest IMHO.
But maybe that is different when sitting in front of these amps?
They sounded pretty close to me, but live it would be easier to hear the differences. As for tubes vs solid state: bass amps now are usually solid state, yet they can sound very warm, and round. The Ampeg B100R sounds like B15N.
Man! I really like everything about that Blues Cube except how it sounds.
Have to admit I like tube amps, but when dicaprio plays the cube, it sounds great.
I got the Roland for 130 bucks and it kicks ass and it may be a little different but not enough when you are playing at home
To me both are quality sounding amps but I feel the fender just sounds more authentic. Maybe because it is lol. The cube does a great job trying though
Dear lord, they sound VERY different from one another.. Both sound great, just sooo different, especially with the Gibson guit! Awesome video guys, i'm 4 years late
Well duh. The blues cube is modeled after a tweed bassman. Totally different circuit to the blues junior.
i love that mick makes his living just helping out making long youtube videos about music and gear i'm really jealous
That blues cube 'blew' me away! But can I really pick it over a Fender tube??????
i have the roland micro cube and blues jr but i just sold the Jr cause i can make the cube sound crazy good and has built in effects. im thinking about the the blues cube now
You guys are great, I have loved watching this from start to finish, well done guys, a real joy.
I have watched Andertons vids for years. Love Rob and the Cap, but I gotta say, these guys rule. So naturally engaging, both of them. Hopefully when Rob gets back, we still get to these two work together. Maybe their own show. Maybe even these two with Daniel from the other show Mick has (whose name escapes me right now).
I had a Blues Junior, very good amp but really too loud if you want to play at home. I prefer the Roland for this.
In other reviews I read that the BC Hot was intended to emulate the tone of a Fender Bassman, not a Blues Jr, so I wonder if this is the right comparison. In all reviews the Cube does sound bassier and 'saggier' than the Junior (esp. when pushed). Might explain why there are midrange discrepancies?
That's a big pet peeve of mine. The Blues Cubes are based on tweed amps. Why isn't anyone putting them up against what they're actually based on?
JELIFISH19
I tried the Blues Cube hot vs the tweed version of the blues junior which has a different speaker and the sound was much closer. But yes, should try against a Bassman.
Because they might win. The tube snobs can't have that. A dishonest comparison to a tube amp that the blues cube isn't based on is the only way to get it to lose.
Answer the question, if you were going to buy one, which one would you actually buy and want to be seen with? Almost like would you buy a single cut Paul Read Smith or Gibson Les Paul?
I would prefer the blues cube for home/gig, its just more enjoyable voiced and flexible. Blues Junior is a one trick pony with narrow shouty mids that works well cutting through live, but without a bass player underneath its sound kinda nasty
Oi! Where are the Hawaiian shirts?
+TastyChevelle The wash ? :)
+TastyChevelle Hawaiian shirts are so 2015, double denim is the look for 2016
+#TONEWOODSMATTER err....Mankini's actually!
Your comment is SO one month ago!
Say! This sounds terrific!
Actually on other videos, it's said that the Roland blues cube hot is more voiced on a fender bassman. Proof is in the tone button which seems like a bright channel switch.
It seems like they wanted to, but couldn't admit that they liked the Roland better.
A solid state beating a tube amp? *gasp*
I'm a Fender fan, and might still choose the Cube over the Junior just for the reliability.
Pete and mick are much improved on chappers.
i had a BJR in tweed and brought a Roland BC hot 30w and i ended up selling the BJR this week even tho the reverb is way better in the JR. great review.
I agree with your comment. I bought the blues cube hot and put my Strymon Flint in front of it for reverb and tremolo and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a great amp and perfect for my playing at home needs.
Cheers
Blues Jr. at home in my studio, but when you're banging out a couple of quick nights in some small clubs and throwing the amp into the back of the car to get home for a few badly-needed winks, the Blues Cube just can't be beat for holding up and hanging on!
One more. This is the best review of these two amps back to back. Great job guys 👍🏻
I bought Blues Cube Stage, and I really love it! A few weeks after it, I bought a tone capsule, Robbben Ford. That tone capsule makes my Blues Cube singing more beautiful!! It really sound like a tube amp, and it handles pedals very well!
A "tone capsule"???never heard of it....what is it?
I own CR120 and Blues Cube Hot-quality non-tube amps; both sound great are very pedal friendly and bullet proof. Shut your eyes and open your ears,. FYI-your favorite pedal in front of your tube amp is analog or digital.
Isn't the guy on the left from the pedal show?
+Austin Alvarenga yup
Pete is a god of dialling tone. That's one of the great things about these videos - the amps are really compared strongly trying to make them equal, and exploring the real differences
The problem is the blues cube is based on a 50s tweed bassman. Totally different circuit, sound, power tubes, etc. It's the wrong comparison and it's a bit dishonest. You can't make the blues cube and blues junior sound like each other anymore then you can the blues junior and tweed bassman. But when the transistor amp is this good, dishonest is the only way the tube snobs can satisfy their bias.
Loved it. Great demo and comparison with really useful advice and insight into what we are hearing.
Thanks to this i bought RBCH. Perfect for home but on gig people asked whats amp i played that sounds so great.
I was totally surprised, having been a 'tubes only" guy for decades, to actually give the Cube the nod in a couple of the clean and low volume crunch comparisons, where the Fender sounded thin and spiky. I thought they needed to trim the bass a bit on the Cube, but still - impressive. Having said that, the first tone out of the Cube when cranked sounded like Gramp's butt-cheeks after a couple of bad burritos...HORRIFYING. Tweaking the EQ a bit helped, but the best part? Look at Danish Pete's face on the first high volume blatt out of the Cube at 22:22. He actually looked like he was SMELLING one of Gramp's gassers. I laughed my ass off. Of course, they can't say "HOLY FUCK, TURN THAT BEAST OFF!" But I bet Pete wanted to just then:) As usual, tube amps shine when you crank 'em, and without a LOT of tweaking SS amps just don't, at least in my totally subjective opinion (BB King notwithstanding).
Is 30w Blues cube enough volume for a small gig or rehearsal with a loud drummer? Or do I need the 60w stage version? I don't need a clean sound.
It's the loudest 30 ss watts I've ever heard. It's unreal how loud it gets. Definitely gig worthy. Easily keeps up with a hard hitting drummer. The speaker and circuit is crazy efficient, and class a/b ss power just has great clarity and grunt.
A great comparison, thanks. It really helped compare them with the quick switching between the two, with the same riffs played. Thanks
I have a Princeton Reverb Tube amp and for blues tones my Blues cube hot is the better of the two:)
No 💩 eh. That’s so interesting. Do ya still have and use it ?
Thank you for comparing at the same volume!
Thank you Mick & Pete. I have been waiting for a Blues Cube vs valve amp kind of a review. I have the impression that the Blues Cube breaks up and compresses earlier than the Blues Jr. So, it seems playing the Blues Cube clean is harder than the Blues Jr. Would you agree with that?
There is ton of volume on tap on the BC.
roland for home, fender for live. i agree with mick, the blues jr is voiced for being used with a live band.
Are they giggable? Without being mic'd up?
I would choose Roland because I really like the USB option :)
What would ya use the USB input for out curiosity ? I’m old.
@@benallmark9671It’s been 8 years so I’m not 100% sure, but I think I was thinking of recording guitar straight to computer via USB. I have a Boss ME-80 which sounds really good via USB in my opinion, and is simple to use when recording.
@@apinakapinastorba nice !
The problem with videos by this company and others like it is they are afraid to make a call on what is better and such like because they are trying to make a product sound good so people buy it and I this case buy both.
It's like make a call and don't be afraid to upset the apple cart.
What's really astonishing here to my ears is the Roland have finally taken solid state to a point where the blues cube seems to react to the player in a tube amp style way and that the tone is not better or worse, simply different. I still the the fender is a little more open but that has a fair bit to do with the natural mid characteristic I think. They both sound great.
Maybe you can help ? Buy Mustang GT40 with looper pedal and extra Yamaha Reface YC organ or Blues Cube Hot or Jazz chorus JC40 ? What do you thing ? Most at home, sometimes little gig / Dire straits / Knopfler thing on Fender Strat.
I have both (well the Roland blues cube stage and not cube amp) and at first I couldn't tell a difference but the fender blues junior sounds better the more I've been playing it.
I have a first gen Blues Jr. Is there anything special about it, compared to newer versions?
The cube sounds nice and tight, junior sounds more straight and wild. I love blues junior before, now she is got a competitor, looks like more durable, feel free to take it out and make fun.
I have to agree..I do indeed love both of these little amps, and they both have there place for sure. This particular debate will of course go on forever, and long may the musical battle continue!! Just so long as we keep getting out there playing our guitars, making music and having fun..cos then it doesn't matter what we plug in to. Keep the loud pedal to the metal guys and enjoy :)
The Fender sounds a lot better. It might be caused by a bigger tone variability on the Blues Cube.
From the times I've played the Fender Hot Rod amps in the past, they're beautifully versatile and sound sublime. However sacrilegious it may be, I've generally played Les Pauls through them, and I've always been pleased with the sound they produce :D!
Never played a Roland though... So my view is a little biased towards the Hot Rod, naturally. It does sound beautiful though, even through my speakers...
+Callum Wood It's not a hot rod (a blues junior)
My eyes deceived me, I (for some reason) read Hot Rod... Well darn, looks like my glasses aren't working after all xD
Callum Wood
Ha! Both good Fenders Amps (Hot Rod & Blues Junior) anyway :)
Indeed they are. However, they both fall slightly short of my love for an AC15/30 sadly
@@BV_Beve I think the Hot Rod range of amps include the Blues Junior and the Pro Junior... at least thats where they are listed on the Fender page
I managed to A/B the stock Artist model with a Fender Blue Junior III
and I was more impressed with the latter. Then with a Victoria Double
Deluxe and whilst the Victoria was better there was not that much in it.
Finally, my good old Sessionette 75 with Retrotone upgrade was very
similar to the Roland.
That is really a superb comparison . Thanks for posting !
Nice video guys. Badge influenced players will doubtless choose the Fender even if the Roland sounds just as good in its own way...which I reckon it does and probably carries better reliability too. I noticed your reaction to volume levels in the room at times and I worry about your apparent lack of hearing protection. Tinnitus onset over time is an evil thing...take care.
Well, one thing a video can't show you is how an amp "feels" as they commented..
I own a Blues Junior, and my Les Paul thru a Lumpys Tone Bender is pure Led Zep!
I also own Bias FX on an Ipad, which I play thru a '60 Gibson Skylark tube amp.
The whole point is: You HAVE TO have tubes somewhere in your setup! Solid state sounds and feels too perfect!
bluesguitarman 77 Of course, the sensitive dynamics of an amp is a factor that determines the way people plays an amplified guitar. That's why tube/valves exists nowadays, due that "warm" feel.
Fender any day great vid Pete and mick.