I preferred using a clean boost overdrive instead, which retained all of the JC-40’s wonderful clarity and articulation while providing added sonic punch, sustain, and just a hint of crunch. The distortion effect, as always, is a love-or-hate affair, but if you’re a fan of modern solid-state distortion (a la Dimebag or Wayne Static) you’ll probably love it. I’ve already raved about the stereo chorus effect, which can be downright hypnotic, but the reverb deserves similar praise as it produces a spacious effect that combines the best of both genuine spring and digital hall reverb without getting in the way of the dry signal’s clarity and definition. The bright switch generates slinky, razor-sharp treble that evokes the heyday of disco-funk or Jamie West-Oram, and the EQ section is versatile. Notes across the fretboard’s entire range have depth, dimension, and balls, the attack is punchy and instantaneous, and the tone remains crystal clear even with the volume control fully maxed. The JC-120 set a new standard for clean tone upon its introduction in 1975, and the JC-40 lives up to that reputation by providing simply the most stunning clean tone I’ve ever heard coming from a sub 50-watt 2x10 combo. The only thing missing is the noise often encountered in older analog chorus circuits. According to Roland, the distortion and chorus/vibrato effects are “newly evolved for modern styles,” but fans of the signature JC stereo chorus effect have nothing to fear as the JC-40’s chorus still retains the same vibrant, lush, and three-dimensional character. Instead of using a spring reverb tank, the JC-40 is equipped built-in digital reverb to create its luscious reverb effect. Individual 1/4-inch footswitch jacks are provided for manually engaging the chorus/vibrato, reverb, and distortion effects separately with optional footswitches. The rear panel is similarly laden with features, providing a 1/4-inch headphone output, stereo line outputs, and effect loop with a single (stereo TRS?) send, pair of stereo returns, and series/parallel switch. The front panel also includes a pair of stereo inputs-another new addition-for connecting stereo effects, amp modelers, or guitar synths to the amp and maintaining true stereo operation.
There’s also a rotary switch for engaging vibrato and manual chorus effects, which can be adjusted with the front panel’s speed and depth knobs, as well as a new fixed chorus effect mode. Instead of the traditional two-channel Jazz Chorus design, it offers only the chorus/effects channel with a bright switch, volume, treble, middle, bass, distortion, and reverb controls. The JC-40 is a 40-watt solid-state combo with two 10-inch speakers.