1980's Roland Cube 60

presbystrat · 06-28-2006, 01:49 PM

I recently bought a Roland Cube 60 from a pawn shop for $90. I believe it was made in the 80's before they added the COSM modeling stuff. I bought it to sell on Ebay because they go for $150-200 there. After trying it out for a few days I am not so sure I want to part with it. It has some great clean sounds. I can also get a good bluesy tone with some moderate overdrive. It definitely has the types of sounds they I use for P&W and I think it does them better than my RP100. The only thing I have played on that might have sounded better at clean and bluesy tones was a Fender Blues JR (even then, it's pretty close). I have been pretty happy with my current setup and it performed great at an outdoor service we did last week with a full band. The advantage of my current setup is that I can switch between tones with a step on the pedals. With the Roland I could get a footswitch for the overdrive but I would still have to change the volume setting when I switch to overdrive. The Rp100 doesn't sound as good through this amp as it does with my keyboard amp (I have tried sending it directly into the power amp as well as the clean channel). I am going to try it out Sunday during worship to see how it sounds in a live situation. I know that my current setup sounds better live than it does when I am playing at home by myself. The other question I have is how much life is left in this 20+ year old amp?

**jamforchrist123** · 06-28-2006, 02:04 PM

sounds like a good find. I have seen those on ebay alot.....

presbystrat · 06-29-2006, 10:25 AM

Last night I used the amp at band rehearsal and it sounded awesome mixed with keyboard and bass. I particularly notice the difference in tone between the Roland and my current setup when it comes to playing single notes. My current setup sounds good when strumming chords but sounds thin when picking single notes. I am thinking of ditching the whole modeling pedal thing in favor of going straight into the Roland. I am finding I don't have much desire for all the effects now that I can get a much better tone. I think I also spend too much time tweaking effects when I should be spending time working on technique. I think I might be inspired to get more serious about working on my soloing. I am also thinking about selling the PA/Keyboard amp and the zoom acoustic pedal and getting an Ultrasound 30 with a DI out for the acoustic. It will also be easier to carry these two smaller amps than my big honking keyboard amp.

4Glory · 07-01-2006, 08:15 AM

I have to admit I was plesently suprised with the Cube 60's tone and effects. They actually sounded full and very good. I was so suprised that I bought one and I havn't looked back since. Keeping in mind I love my Peavey Ultra, but for practice and writing songs on, the Cube works great and I play it live too.

thomaspg70 · 07-01-2006, 09:51 AM

Nice find.

**thesteve** · 07-01-2006, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by presbystrat

The other question I have is how much life is left in this 20+ year old amp?

it may eventually be due for an overall...replacing the filter caps and such, but in general it should just keep chugging along.

presbystrat · 07-03-2006, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

it may eventually be due for an overall...replacing the filter caps and such, but in general it should just keep chugging along.

How do you know when filter caps need changing and is this something for a DIY if one is good with a soldering iron?

**thesteve** · 07-03-2006, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by presbystrat

How do you know when filter caps need changing and is this something for a DIY if one is good with a soldering iron?

Filter cap replacement can be very dangerous. I believe they are the same caps on tube amps that can kill you if they aren't properly discharged.

bad caps are generally noted by an increase on crackling and static, because the noise isn't being filtered anymore.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 07-03-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

Filter cap replacement can be very dangerous. I believe they are the same caps on tube amps that can kill you if they aren't properly discharged.

bad caps are generally noted by an increase on crackling and static, because the noise isn't being filtered anymore.

Yeah it would be more something to do if you were fammiliar with electronics work, knew how to discharge caps and were handy with a multimeter and a soldering iron.

presbystrat · 07-03-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

Filter cap replacement can be very dangerous. I believe they are the same caps on tube amps that can kill you if they aren't properly discharged.

Nope, I probably wouldn't want to mess with that then.