Hello, my loved Jazz players, and welcome to my review of the best jazz amps!
Lately, I’ve been testing a great number of guitar amps for playing jazz. Now I can bring you a review of the best ones on the market at the moment.
I only ask you to be patient and don’t purchase the first you see online. Please read this review to pick one from my list, and you will be pleased with your choice.
Let’s go immediately to my review of the 15 best jazz amps to find your Holy Jazzy Grail!
Click here to skip the quick overview and jump right to the in-depth reviews.
Quick Overview
Our Top 5 Choices For Jazz Amps
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
If you want an amazing Jazz guitar amp that delivers fabulous note definition, the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV is the right one for you. It is one of the best jazz guitar amps on the market at the moment.
Roland CUBE Street EX
If you want a powerful and portable battery-powered amp to play jazz, the Roland CUBE Street EX is one of a kind with this type of feature. This little amp comes with many benefits such as 4-channel, 50 watts of power, and it can be used as a PA.
Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus
If you are looking for a swirling chorus and a stunning Jazz clean sound, the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus is the right one for you. It is a long-time favorite guitar jazz amp and one of the most popular amps ever created.
Fender ’65 Twin Reverb
The Fender ’65 Twin Reverb is a true American classic sound combo amp. This legendary 85-watt, twin speakers all-tube amplifier will deliver you a total clean tone. It is your perfect Jazz companion whether you play with single-coil or humbucker pickups.
The 15 Best Jazz Guitar Amps Review
Click here to jump to our Top Picks.
#1. Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Review – Best Overall Jazz Amp
If you want an amazing Jazz guitar amp that delivers fabulous note definition, the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV is the right one for you. It is one of the best jazz guitar amps on the market at the moment.
Fender amps are definitely the best amps for jazz, and this new version of the classic Hot Rod has been enhanced to sound outstanding. The onboard spring reverb sounds smoother and sweeter than before.
This new version has also introduced an image refresh, including ivory-colored knobs over a black control panel easy to observe on a dark stage.
The Deluxe IV sounds with an astonishing vintage Fender tone thanks to its pair of 6L6 power tubes and the new 12″ Celestion A-type speaker driven by 40 watts of power. This speaker was chosen because it delivers “smooth highs, laid-back midrange, and full, round lows.”
The Fender spring reverb is a loved piece by the fans of this Fender amp. This new version has been tweaked to give a smoother and richer tone, even in extreme settings.
You’ll love this:
- The Hot Rod can deliver a wide range of tones from shiny cleans to full distortion due to being equipped with three 12AX7 preamp tubes and a pair of 6L6 power tubes.
- It is an extremely versatile amp for playing any Jazz style. The solid-state rectifier keeps its response stable and lets you choose from LOW or HIGH-level input.
- The three 12AX7 preamp tubes and two 6L6 power tubes configuration lest you obtain everything from bright cleans to high-gain distortion.
- The 12″ Celestion A-type speaker delivers the best highs, midrange, and low tones that a Fender amp can give.
You might not like this:
- Nothing to argue.
Conclusion
The Fender Hot Rod is the best jazz guitar amp for those who want clean tone, power, and vintage Fender tube tones. You get an enhanced version of the classic Hot Rod platform with 40 watts of power, three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two 6L6 power tubes, and a Celestion A-type speaker.
#2. Fender GB George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe Review – Best Value for Money Jazz Amp
The Fender George Benson is the definitive amp for Jazz made by Fender and tweaked by George Benson. This combo amplifier sounds astounding and comes equipped with 2-channel, 40-watt of power, and a Jensen C12K speaker.
You obtain more volume and better bass tones than the standard Hot Rod thanks to the Jensen C12K 100-watt speaker. This version brings dual 12AX7 preamp tubes plus one 12AT7 for a cleaner jazz sound with humbucker pickups.
You can feel the clarity and range of Benson’s singing soloing style due to the 100W Jensen C12K speaker. The GB amp is the best option for playing jazz due to its presence, tonal range, and clarity. You can get the best out of its sets of 6L6, 12AX7, and 12AT7 tubes.
This 40-watt and 3-channel guitar amp brings you a great set of features, including Fender spring reverb, clean and “Drive/More Drive” channels, effects loop, and more.
You’ll love this:
- The GB was personalized with Benson’s specifications. It includes a silver-strand grille cloth, a “GB” logo badge, and a beautiful gray-black vinyl covering.
- The control layout includes Presence, Reverb, Master Volume, Drive Select Switch, Middle, Bass, Treble, Drive Volume, and Bright Switch controls.
- It was created with the help of George Benson and comes with 2-channels, 40-watt of power, and a Jensen C12K speaker that will give you rich jazz tones.
- It has a 2-button footswitch included and speaker output to add an extension speaker cabinet.
You might not like this:
- Although the GB has an amazing tone, 40-watt cannot be enough for large stages.
Conclusion
The Fender GB is one of the best jazz guitar amps at the moment and an excellent choice for any Jazz player. It comes packed with a Jensen C12K 100-watt speaker. It delivers great volume, strong basses, and the new 12AT7 tube provides you cleaner tone when using humbucker pickups.
#3. Roland CUBE Street EX Review – Best Budget Jazz Amp
If you want a powerful and portable battery-powered amp to play jazz, the Roland CUBE Street EX is one of a kind with this type of feature. This little amp comes with many benefits such as 4-channel, 50 watts of power, and it can be used as a PA.
The CUBE EX is a battery-powered amp ready to jam anytime, anywhere. You can plug in your smartphone or tablet or any combination of keyboards, guitars, basses, or even drum machines.
You can play up to 20 hours with only eight AA batteries thanks to the power-saving modes that give you longer performances running at 25 watts or 10 watts.
You can use the CUBE EX as a stage monitor, a standalone PA, or a classic combo amp, and you will be really delighted by the great performance and clear sound you get from the CUBE.
You’ll love this:
- The CUBE EX is a totally recommendable three-in-one amp. You can trust that this portable PA system will bring you great flexibility in any performance situation.
- With the CUBE Street, you get everything you need to jam with friends or on the stage. And it is so versatile that you can plug in your vocal microphone, acoustic-electric, or electric guitar.
- You get instrument modeling to produce a wide variety of sounds for any style of music and a helpful built-in tuner to be tuned anywhere.
- CUBE amps deliver exceptional sound anywhere, and the CUBE Street sounds amazing with two 8″ speakers for supreme lows, rich mids, and crystal-clear highs due to the two 2″ speakers.
You might not like this:
- The CUBE EX may have an awkward shape compared to a classic amp.
Conclusion
The CUBE Street EX is the most versatile amp right now. It is perfect for amplifying different instruments such as keyboards, drum machines, electric guitars, acoustic-electric guitars, and even vocal microphones. However, its physical dimensions have great volume and can run for up to 20 hours with only eight AA batteries.
#4. Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus Review
If you are looking for a swirling chorus and a stunning Jazz clean sound, the Roland JC-120 Jazz Chorus is the right one for you. It is a long-time favorite guitar jazz amp and one of the most popular amps ever created.
The JC-120 means four decades of experience and exceptional sound. It brings you 120 watts of brutal power, 12-inch speakers, dual channels, reverb, tremolo, distortion, and more.
The JC-120 is one of Roland universally recognized amps for its outstanding clean guitar sound. It is a legendary Jazz guitar amp first introduced in 1975.
With forty years of experience and improvement, the JC-120 is known for its famous built-in stereo chorus effect and rich tone. This amp remains an enduring choice between many jazz guitarists everywhere.
You’ll love this:
- With the JC-120, you get a complete iconic guitar amp with the most trustful construction that was unchanged from its original specification.
- The JC-120 presents a great taste and sophistication for Jazz ambient. It has no comparison in how it looks and sounds.
- It is such an excellent amplifier that it has become the predecessor of several Roland lines of amplifiers like the AC-, the D-Bass, and the CUBE series.
- The JC-120 stands out among the competition due to its famous tones, vibrato, and built-in reverb. Its clean, bright sound and true-stereo chorus are legendary.
- This great amp has two input channels for normal and effect sound. Each of them comes equipped with authentic spring reverb, three-band EQ, distortion, and Built-in vibrato.
You might not like this:
- It may sound too classic for some new Jazz guitarists.
Conclusion
The heart and soul of the JC-120’s classic chorus sound are located in its two high-quality 12″ speakers driven by a separate 60-watt amp. The JC-120’s is a great Jazz amp with an unparalleled look and a heavy-duty build that has been created for the long haul.
#5. Fender ’65 Twin Reverb Review
The Fender ’65 Twin Reverb is a true American classic sound combo amp. This legendary 85-watt, twin speakers all-tube amplifier will deliver you a total clean tone. It is your perfect Jazz companion whether you play with single-coil or humbucker pickups.
This 65 version of the classic Fender Twin Reverb has been created to sound as close to the original as possible and features traditional tremolo, tube-driven reverb, and Schumacher transformers.
With the Twin, you get the cleanest tube amp sound ever heard. It brings you the Fender tone flavor in all its splendor, even when you play extremely loud.
This fantastic all-tube amp delivers 85 watts of power through two C12K Jensen speakers. It brings you a complete set of features such as two channels, tube spring reverb, tube vibrato, and a two-button footswitch to control vibrato and reverb effects.
You’ll love this:
- When you buy a Fender Twin Reverb, you take possession of an iconic cornerstone of modern American music.
- You’ll enjoy a vintage tube tone experience every time you plug in your guitar to the Twin.
- Get the best of Fender amps with the Twin. This new version provides plentiful clean headroom, delivering a hefty 85 watts driven by the 6L6 output tubes.
- It is a high-quality amp built with the best compound in the market. From the AB763 quad-6L6 circuit to the two C12K Jensen speakers, this amplifier was designed to give jazz guitarists the maximum power and quality possible.
You might not like this:
- This tube amp is not suitable for bedroom use since it requires a certain volume to achieve its optimal sound.
Conclusion
The Fender ’65 Twin Reverb has a well-deserved reputation in show business as the hardest working amp ever. This is why you can hear it in countless iconic recordings since it appeared in 1963. It is a magnificent reissue of a true American classic that delivers 85 watts driven by four 6L6 output tubes through two 12-inch Jensen speakers.
#6. Vox AC30S1 Review
When you play Jazz with a Vox AC30S1, you enjoy the power of 30 watts of jangly British tone. When you plug in your guitar, you will experience the sound behind some of Jazz’s most famous records.
The Vox AC30S1 was designed with top-notch components and inspired by the AC30’s legendary Top Boost circuit. Its design includes 2 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, 4 x EL84 power amp tubes, and a custom-voiced Celestion speaker.
The AC30S1 comes loaded with the best features for you. It delivers a studio-quality onboard digital reverb, a built-in effects loop to be perfectly integrated with all your rig, and you can pair it with any other speaker cabinets thanks to its external speaker output.
#7. Roland CUBE-10GX Review
The Roland CUBE-10GX is an astounding 10-watt and 8-inch amplifier perfect for rehearsals or practice at home. You can find your personal sound thanks to Roland’s COSM modeling technology.
This practice and portable 10-watt amp comes loaded with a set of excellent clean, crunch, and lead tones. You also can try a wide range of amplifier alternative models via the CUBE KIT app for iOS or Android devices.
The CUBE-10GX is a well-sized guitar amp for practicing, and it comes with a full 3-band equalizer on board to work on your tone and a fabulous variety of effects, including delay, reverb, chorus, and spring reverb.
#8. Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb Review
If you want a Fender all-tube amp that’s perfect for the stage, studio, or for practicing, the Fender Princeton Reverb is the best choice for you. You will surely make incredible guitar tones when you get this all-tube combo with a power of 15 watts through a specially voiced Jensen 10″ speaker.
You can play your favorite Jazz chords with that unique Princeton Reverb clean tone, or you can create your own voice with your pedals and effects. This amazing combo amp brings you a couple of onboard effects, such as vibrato and reverb.
#9. Vox AC15C1 Review
The Vox AC15C1 is the perfect choice for the guitarist who wants to feel that classic chime and compact grind that has made Vox so recognized. When you add an AC15C1 to your arsenal, you will have a trustful and classic amp model that defined the British sound and is still used today in studios and stages worldwide.
Thanks to its 15-watt design, the AC15C1 gives adaptable volume in the live environment and sounds above the band in rehearsals. The Vox AC15C1 brings an outstanding combination of Top Boost preamp, EL84 power tubes, and a 25-watt Celestion Greenback speaker to produce the best Vox sound possible.
#10. Fender Champion 40 Review
The Fender Champion 40 is a great option for those looking for a lightweight and affordable Combo with vintage Fender tones. You get a perfect Fender amp with two channels, 40 watts of power through a Fender 12″ Special Design speaker, and selectable voicing to reach a world of new tones.
With the Fender Champion 40, you can choose between the classic cleans tones or a complete set of built-in effects that include Chorus, Tremolo, Vibratone, Reverb, Delay/Echo, and more. In addition, you get a tap button to set Delay time and Tremolo speed, 1 x 1/8″ stereo aux input for use with a media player, 1 x 1/4″ instrument input, and 1 x 1/8″ stereo headphone jack.
#11. Marshall MG30GFX Review
The Marshall MG30GFX is a 30-watts solid-state amp with sufficient power for rehearsal or studio and a design that convincingly emulates a tube amp’s response.
It comes with 4 channels for you to choose from Clean, Crunch, OD1, OD2, and each channel’s settings can be stored and recalled.
The MG30GFX is a great-sounding combo amp with which you can custom your sound thanks to the 3-band EQ and a full set of built-in effects that include reverb, delay, and other digital effects.
#12. Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb Review
The Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb may be the best choice if you don’t need too much power in a classic Fender amp. You obtain the gorgeous ’65 Deluxe Reverb’s vintage look with its silver grille cloth and black vinyl.
This 22-watt all-tube combo amp is driven by four 12AX7s, two 12AT7s, two 6V6s, and a 5AR4 rectifier tube. In addition, the reverb and vibrato effects are tube-driven. Finally, a 12″ 8-ohm Jensen C-12K speaker produces strong and solid sounds in this reissued classic.
#13. Peavey Classic 30 Review
Peavey Classic 30 is a high-quality amp by Peavey and the ideal companion for gigging jazz guitarists. It has 30 watts driven by Three 12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL84 power tubes that deliver all the power and headroom you will need jamming with your friends or gigging around.
With the Peavey Classic 30, you get 2-channel, Spring Reverb, Effects Loop, foot-switchable channels with the included footswitch, and you can connect an external speaker cabinet thanks to the additional output.
#14. Fender Blues Junior IV Review
When you purchase a Fender Blues Junior IV, you get the last and enhanced version of one of the most popular all-tube amplifiers of all time. This 15 watts combo amp is pedal-friendly, has a convenient portable size and is ideal for moving from home to the stage.
This little marvel brings you an easy-to-use and effective 3-band EQ, onboard spring reverb, a wide range of tones to play all kinds of music styles, and a 12″ Celestion A-type speaker that delivers authentic American tones.
#15. Roland Micro Cube GX Review
If you want to obtain a powerful sound from a tiny amp that brings a bunch of features, the Roland Micro Cube GX will get the job done for you. This little battery-powered cube brings many nice features that have made it the most popular portable amp combo on the market.
This 2-watt and 5-inch speaker marvel brings you amazing features such as eight COSM amp models, eight great DSP effects, a built-in chromatic tuner, and you can connect your favorite iOS device to play music with Roland’s i-CUBE LINK input.
What To Consider When Buying a Jazz Guitar Amp
If you are beginning to explore the world of Jazz guitar amps, surely you want to know which one you should purchase to get jazzy guitar tones.
Of course, you need more than an amp to make your guitar sound jazzy. But some guitar amps can help you reach a jazzy flavor in your sound.
Let’s go directly to answer some punctual questions that can help you decide which brand or model are the best in your quest for the Holy Jazzy Grail of the guitar amps.
Which Are the Best Amps for Jazz? Tube or Solid-State Amps?
When buying a jazz guitar amp, you need to know how you want to sound. Depending on your taste and jazz music preferences, let’s see below some of the key points that Tube or Solid-State amps have in favor that you need to know.
Jazz Tube Amps
Some tube amps have certain characteristics that make them more suitable for playing jazz than other tube amps. For example, the Fender Blues Junior has a rich and clean sound and an affordable price.
Another tube amp as the Fender Blues Deluxe, is a bigger Fender model with a separate overdrive channel and a more strong low-end. On the side of the Vox brand, we have the Vox AC30 C2 that has a brighter, janglier sound with less noticeable low-end than Fender.
Jazz Solid-State Amps
On the side of the Solid-State amps, we have models like the Roland Cube Mini that are a high-quality option for using at home or traveling when you are on a budget. The ZT Lunchbox can produce great tones regardless of its compact size.
Finally, the Marshall MG30GFX is a Solid-State amplifier that is the first option for many jazz players, and it can produce a rich and warm tone.
Are Fender Amps Good for Jazz?
Some Fender amps like the Hot Rod Deluxe, the George Benson Hot Rod, or the Twin Reverb are the more preferred among jazz guitarists.
Fender has a wide range of excellent tube-powered amplifiers like the classic Twin Reverb, designed to have a big ‘headroom’ and being super-clean even louder.
Another example of a good Jazz fender amp is the Blues Junior which gives the same rich, clean sounds as the more expensive models being more compact and affordable.
Top Picks
Welcome to my top picks, where you will find which Jazz Guitar Amps were named as the best overall, the best value for money, and the best budget option so that you can pick the best one for you.
#1 – Fender Hot Rod Deluxe – Best Overall Jazz Guitar Amp
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
The Fender Hot Rod is an amazing Jazz guitar amp with excellent note definition. This new version of the classic Hot Rod has been enhanced to sound outstanding.
#2 – Fender GB George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe – Best Value for Money Jazz Amp
Fender GB George Benson Hot Rod Deluxe
Made by Fender and tweaked by George Benson, The Fender GB is the definitive amp for Jazz. This combo amplifier has 40-watt and a Jensen C12K speaker.
#3 – Roland CUBE Street EX – Best Budget Jazz Guitar Amp
Blackstar Fly 3 Mini Amp
The CUBE Street EX is a powerful and portable battery-powered combo amp that is excellent to play Jazz anytime, anywhere. It has 50 watts and can be used as a PA.
Conclusion
We have just arrived at the end of my review of the 15 best Jazz amps. During these reviews, you could meet the marvelous world of the amps for playing Jazz.
With all this information, you can now pick the one with the sets of features that best suits your needs. I hope you have enjoyed these Jazz amp reviews, and finally, I want you to enjoy your chosen one.
