Roland
Roland has shaped electronic music since 1972, and its guitar-facing work is a story in itself: the JC-120 Jazz Chorus, whose clean channel and stereo chorus became a genre signature; the GR guitar synthesizers; and the Cube and Blues Cube practice amps. It is also the parent of Boss, which is why Roland turns up in our archive on amp round-ups, tone guides and the industry stories — including the Behringer patent dispute — as often as on its own product news.
Goth Guitar Tones - Crafting the Perfect Guitar Tone
Discover the secrets to crafting the iconic post-punk and goth guitar sound. Explore essential gear, techniques, and tips to achieve that dark, atmospheric tone.
- Synthesizers
- Guitar amplifiers
- Guitar synthesizers
- Electronic drums
- Digital pianos
- Effects units
- JC-120 Jazz Chorus
- Blues Cube
- GR series
- Cube
- Space Echo
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Roland FAQ4 questions
What is the Roland JC-120?
The Jazz Chorus, a solid-state combo introduced in the 1970s and still in production — two 12-inch speakers, a famously clean channel and the stereo chorus that gives it its name. It is the reference clean amp for a large amount of post-punk, new wave and jazz playing, and it is one of very few solid-state amps with that standing.
What is the relationship between Roland and Boss?
Boss is Roland's own brand. Roland was founded in 1972 by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka and is now headquartered in Hamamatsu; Boss was created as its compact-pedal marque and remains part of the group along with Drum Workshop and the Waza line.
What is a Roland guitar synthesizer?
A system that tracks the pitch of each string through a divided pickup and drives a synthesiser from it — the GR series, going back to the 1970s. It needs a GK-style hexaphonic pickup fitted to the guitar or a guitar with one built in, which is the main practical barrier to using one.
Is Roland a large company?
Yes by the standards of guitar gear. It is publicly listed in Japan and reported around 2,783 employees in 2022 and revenue in the region of ¥102 billion in 2023. Guitar amplifiers are only one part of a catalogue that runs from synthesizers to electronic drums and DJ equipment.