Yamaha THR10II Desktop Amp

I had been looking for a small practice amp for some time. I spent a while reading reviews, comparing specs and features, since due to the pandemic I wasn’t able to go into most music stores to try them out. I came across the THR series desktop amp as I was about to just bite the bullet and get a bigger amp. Let me tell you, I’m so so so glad I didn’t. Now I’ll say, this little firecracker of an amp las literary changed the way I play, and the frequency!• First, just look at her...that sleek, tan, metal body like something right out of a vintage music documentary, emitting this sexy, subtle red glow from the internal LED lights. It gives you that old school tube amp vibe especially when serenading no one in particular in a dimly lit room ??• Once I finished ... MoreI had been looking for a small practice amp for some time. I spent a while reading reviews, comparing specs and features, since due to the pandemic I wasn’t able to go into most music stores to try them out. I came across the THR series desktop amp as I was about to just bite the bullet and get a bigger amp. Let me tell you, I’m so so so glad I didn’t. Now I’ll say, this little firecracker of an amp las literary changed the way I play, and the frequency!• First, just look at her...that sleek, tan, metal body like something right out of a vintage music documentary, emitting this sexy, subtle red glow from the internal LED lights. It gives you that old school tube amp vibe especially when serenading no one in particular in a dimly lit room ??• Once I finished ogling it like a music starved maniac, I turned it on and the infatuation was solidified!! The rang...OH, THE RANGE! When I say you can get almost every sound imaginable with this thing, it’s definitely not an understatement. It’s fully loaded with tons of presets and you can even save your own personal tones in one of the 5 user setting slots. I can instantly got from echoing ethereal melodies to gut wrenching, cranked up, metal with just a push of a button.• Then I paired my THR 20ii with my wireless receiver and my phone and now I almost want to abandon all hope of returning to society and just sit inside and jam my life away...however I know that the cruel reality is that I must eventually turn it off and venture into the world. The fact that it can be totally controlled from the phone has only encouraged me to innovate and find more ways to maximize efficiency with minimal movement. Now that I’m thinking about it...maybe not such a great thing, but a chance I’m willing to take.• Ok, so I’m usually a stickler and looks for everything negative in a product before really digging in, but I’ve gotta say....DAAAAAAANNG!! Yamaha really hit the nail on the head with this one.• The only drawback was that I thought I was getting the 30A wireless version initially and was bummed that I must remain tethered to some kind of outlet. It has, however forced me to also innovate my methods of procuring such power even when on the road and traveling. I even contemplated returning it for the wireless model but just couldn’t imagine the time I would have to go without it in anticipation for the next model. When I’m not roaming the country, I spend most days stealing it back from my daughter who decided that, despite the thousand other means of sound amplification in our house, that MY amp was made specifically for her record player. This has in turn given me the motivation to just keep this one and order the next model as well...then she can have this for Christmas or something lolLong story short....JUST GET IT! Stop browsing, comparing, contemplating and just trust me, it’s everything you’ll ever need and more.

A great versatile practice amp for the bedroom player.

I purchased this amp mainly for bedroom practice at lower volumes, and so far I have had great results creating the tones that I wanted...with a few minor setbacks.Sound-For the size of this amp I didn't expect to be blown away, however I was truly surprised at how much volume this amp can produce. The smaller speakers are great for guitar, however not so much for the dedicated bass guitar setting.Tone-With a bit of tweaking via the app you can produce some fantastic tones anywhere from vintage blues to modern metal, and I have had fantastic results with creating classic rock tones.Unfortunately the "amp type" settings are limited to the app only, so if you are not looking to make full use of the app then you may be better off buying the THR30II which let's you ... MoreI purchased this amp mainly for bedroom practice at lower volumes, and so far I have had great results creating the tones that I wanted...with a few minor setbacks.Sound-For the size of this amp I didn't expect to be blown away, however I was truly surprised at how much volume this amp can produce. The smaller speakers are great for guitar, however not so much for the dedicated bass guitar setting.Tone-With a bit of tweaking via the app you can produce some fantastic tones anywhere from vintage blues to modern metal, and I have had fantastic results with creating classic rock tones.Unfortunately the "amp type" settings are limited to the app only, so if you are not looking to make full use of the app then you may be better off buying the THR30II which let's you use these settings on board the amp.App-Most of the core settings are accessible on the physical amplifier, but I found it quite difficult to dial in the tones that I was looking for without the use of the app.The app let's you choose different "amp types" and also various "speaker types" to play around with. You can also tweak effects such as "reverb" to your liking.It is also worth noting that the amp has a preset noise gate which can be disabled in the app.Pros-. Small amp with great volume. Good variety of effects and tones. Bluetooth compatible. Easy to use applicationCons-. Limited use without the app. No effects loop. The built in tuner can be inaccurate at times

Almost 5 stars

Upgraded from the original cream colored THR10 after finding out that all three of the original THR10 amps (boutique, classic, and high gain) were consolidated in one amp and that the speakers underwent an upgrade (10W->20W). Sonically, the tones in this amp are superior to those of the original THR10, which makes practicing and playing very satisfying and inspiring. Note: Boutique and high gain amps can only be accessed through the desktop or mobile THR remote app. This isn't the case with the larger THR30 amp. All amp models can be access through the unit. The remote app also allows the user to change cabinets to further tweak tone. Here is why I rated this product 4 stars.* Mobile THR remote app crashes all the time. I've been using the remote app on my laptop ... MoreUpgraded from the original cream colored THR10 after finding out that all three of the original THR10 amps (boutique, classic, and high gain) were consolidated in one amp and that the speakers underwent an upgrade (10W->20W). Sonically, the tones in this amp are superior to those of the original THR10, which makes practicing and playing very satisfying and inspiring. Note: Boutique and high gain amps can only be accessed through the desktop or mobile THR remote app. This isn't the case with the larger THR30 amp. All amp models can be access through the unit. The remote app also allows the user to change cabinets to further tweak tone. Here is why I rated this product 4 stars.* Mobile THR remote app crashes all the time. I've been using the remote app on my laptop exclusively. Yamaha rep informed me that this tends to be the case with iPhone users. Doesn't seem like they plan on fixing this anytime soon.* Setting the unit up as an audio interface was not clear at all. The original THR amps required downloading the yamaha steinberg usb driver and selecting this as your driver in your DAW. After configuring your MIDI and audio source in the DAW, you would then get sound. Well, that's not how it works on this amp. I reached out to yamaha after repeatedly getting errors from my DAW about the yamaha steinberg usb driver. Long story short, tech service couldn't figure out the issue and told me to request an exchange for a new unit at GC. After hooking up the new replacement, I got the same error. Turns out you have to download the ASIO THR10ii/30 driver on yamaha's site, not the most current yamaha steinberg usb driver. Select this driver in your DAW. Then you have to go into the app's settings and check the box for "record dry." Now you can configure your MIDI and audio source. I'm baffled about how yamaha's own techs did not know that the steinberg usb driver is not compatible with the THR10ii/30 amp.

Back to the drawing board

I have played through the almost decade old THR10c, which is a fantastic little amp. Through a SM57 in front of it and out to the PA and you can sound great. But I thought that by now, with Yamaha buying Line 6 about 5 years ago, the newest version of this little amp would have some state of the art effects. Wrong!The effects, and the apps that control it are seriously out of date. I mean, the reverb, tremolo and chorus are fine. But they remain exactly as they did ten years ago. No upgrades and nothing fancy. The app is poorly designed and not that easy to use. and there is no way that I have found access the THR10C classic blues models all in one place. So its actually hard to get the classic blues and country sounds that I need all in one place. I went back to ... MoreI have played through the almost decade old THR10c, which is a fantastic little amp. Through a SM57 in front of it and out to the PA and you can sound great. But I thought that by now, with Yamaha buying Line 6 about 5 years ago, the newest version of this little amp would have some state of the art effects. Wrong!The effects, and the apps that control it are seriously out of date. I mean, the reverb, tremolo and chorus are fine. But they remain exactly as they did ten years ago. No upgrades and nothing fancy. The app is poorly designed and not that easy to use. and there is no way that I have found access the THR10C classic blues models all in one place. So its actually hard to get the classic blues and country sounds that I need all in one place. I went back to my THR10c and sold the new one.

Desktop amp / pedal platform solution

I purchased the Yamaha THR10II desktop amplifier for myself for Christmas. I researched the features & differencesof the THRIi models and decided the 10 watt ( non-wireless) was my best choice. The modeled stock sound presets are ok. I haven't tweaked them in the APP yet. I mainly use my pedalboard into the clean setting. I have decent results with my MHFX Rook overdrive, REVV G3 distortion and TC electronic delay & reverb pedals into the THR10II. I had to reduce the Treble, Mid & Bass to 10 o'clock position on the amp and slightly adjust the EQ, gain & output settings on my drive pedals. If this model could be better, is to have the 1/4 L & R outputs like the THR30II model. In summary, a useful desktop practice amp / pedal platform.

Glad I took people's advice but it's not completely perfect

Heard a lot of good things about this which I'm sure you'll already know about. The only negative about this product is how it connects to other devices via Bluetooth or USB. It is fiddly and confusing as you need to follow some very specific steps to get it working as it should. Saying that, once it is connected, it is fantastic and it's such a shame that something so simple of an issue, wouldn't have come up in user tests. Clear cut instructions should be included in the box, however you have to go through a couple of non intuitive sites (you can't actually select your product and then choose supported software, you just search for your model and anything that includes any of your search terms is returned, lame) worrying about whether you have the correct driver ... MoreHeard a lot of good things about this which I'm sure you'll already know about. The only negative about this product is how it connects to other devices via Bluetooth or USB. It is fiddly and confusing as you need to follow some very specific steps to get it working as it should. Saying that, once it is connected, it is fantastic and it's such a shame that something so simple of an issue, wouldn't have come up in user tests. Clear cut instructions should be included in the box, however you have to go through a couple of non intuitive sites (you can't actually select your product and then choose supported software, you just search for your model and anything that includes any of your search terms is returned, lame) worrying about whether you have the correct driver for your product.Tips for those who are struggling;Android app requires Bluetooth AND location enabled to connect and it takes a good 10 - 15 seconds to pop up in the well hidden menu.I had to turn the amp on and off a few times in order for the windows app to detect it the first time.I had issues when recording via the USB audio interface. There would be some bizarre sound coming through the signal and then after a period of time, the signal would stop completely for a half second then repeat. It seems as though changing the sampling rate to 48khz instead of 44khz in the sounds > recording > advanced options (windows) fixed it.I can't stress enough how everything else is amazing about the product, other than some less than stellar software accompaniment. The software is completely optional but there's a bunch of extra awesome features if you do use it like additional cab settings, extended SFX controls and separate noise gate and compressor so I recommend trying it.

One Killer Desktop/Coffee Table Amp

For what it is, I gotta give this 4 stars. For a killer little amp to sit on your desktop or coffee table, I'm not sure how you can do better. Different, but not better. Sure it's solid state. Sure it has 3" speakers. But it's also a real amp that has real tone and touch-sensitivity. It also has a downright spooky stereo spread when you dial it in properly. And dialing it in is why it doesn't get 5 stars.There's no way to know just how splendid this little jewel is without the THR Remote editor. If your only demo is restricted to what you can get out of it with the physical controls, you might be disappointed. And misled. Why? Because using the editor, you have access to two additional amps per amp type, four different cabinets per amp type, a compressor, a noise ... MoreFor what it is, I gotta give this 4 stars. For a killer little amp to sit on your desktop or coffee table, I'm not sure how you can do better. Different, but not better. Sure it's solid state. Sure it has 3" speakers. But it's also a real amp that has real tone and touch-sensitivity. It also has a downright spooky stereo spread when you dial it in properly. And dialing it in is why it doesn't get 5 stars.There's no way to know just how splendid this little jewel is without the THR Remote editor. If your only demo is restricted to what you can get out of it with the physical controls, you might be disappointed. And misled. Why? Because using the editor, you have access to two additional amps per amp type, four different cabinets per amp type, a compressor, a noise gate, and individual control of effects with a fair number of parameters to tweak. None of this is a criticism, but if you don't have ready access to a computer or a smartphone to use the editor, it could be a deal breaker for some.It also has some gain on tap. What's easy to overlook is, the 'Master' control adds 'power amp' gain when turned up. I watched a review of this amp and the guy complained there wasn't enough gain, but he was only using the 'Gain' control. Of course it won't give you brutal, death metal distortion, but the 'Lead' and 'Hi Gain' amps can get quite saturated and give you that slinky feel under the fingers.If you don't need a rechargeable battery and built-in wireless for your guitar, this is the little THR to get. This will stream music/backing tracks via bluetooth, though.

Review of Yamaha THR10II 20W Desktop Guitar Modelling Amp

I did a lot of research prior to my purchase, so I knew the amp was going to be what I wanted. It arrived the next day, so I plugged it in & had a play with all the top settings. I was blown away with how good it sounded. It is much better than I expected & really does sound & react like a valve amp, which breaks up nicely as you play harder.The only downside is you need to use the app, to get the extra amp, cab & effects. These really do give you a really wide range of sounds & have most of the effects you would normally use.The biggest complaint is how tricky the app is to set up. The instructions are useless, so it took a few hours, trying every possible way to set it up. Once set up, it connects pretty quickly. The permissions are a bit worrying too. Why do ... MoreI did a lot of research prior to my purchase, so I knew the amp was going to be what I wanted. It arrived the next day, so I plugged it in & had a play with all the top settings. I was blown away with how good it sounded. It is much better than I expected & really does sound & react like a valve amp, which breaks up nicely as you play harder.The only downside is you need to use the app, to get the extra amp, cab & effects. These really do give you a really wide range of sounds & have most of the effects you would normally use.The biggest complaint is how tricky the app is to set up. The instructions are useless, so it took a few hours, trying every possible way to set it up. Once set up, it connects pretty quickly. The permissions are a bit worrying too. Why do Yamaha require your location & access to your contacts, amongst other things? This is a big black mark, which could put people off.

a looker, makes me want to play, 5 star sound, not too loud

dial in your sound in seconds not minutes, I look at it and then I want to play my best, those amp lights man, wow, dim the lights you will see. No instructions needed. if you need to move some Air for clubs shows or band practice this is not the one for you. What it does is creates a killer vibe for personal guitar growth, very organic and the tones? Man, you have got to play through it to believe it.It will cover any genre and crash most all the competition in the personal practice amp catagory. its about quality tones at lower DBI, it's not a marshal and it doesn't want to be. You can boot this sting up 3 at night and sound like your at an arena in your bedroom without waking up the neighbors and your flat-mates. No getting up or leaning over the amp to adjust ... Moredial in your sound in seconds not minutes, I look at it and then I want to play my best, those amp lights man, wow, dim the lights you will see. No instructions needed. if you need to move some Air for clubs shows or band practice this is not the one for you. What it does is creates a killer vibe for personal guitar growth, very organic and the tones? Man, you have got to play through it to believe it.It will cover any genre and crash most all the competition in the personal practice amp catagory. its about quality tones at lower DBI, it's not a marshal and it doesn't want to be. You can boot this sting up 3 at night and sound like your at an arena in your bedroom without waking up the neighbors and your flat-mates. No getting up or leaning over the amp to adjust setting like a marshal. No LCD's to mess with with or crummy menu diving.Traditional Bluetooth audio is pretty decent for using the amp speaker for guitar youtube vids and playing along instrumental tracks. Someone else said terrible sound, what??? you have got to be kidding me, id call that person an amateur guitarist. the biggest stars have these in the studio, tour buss and green room, hotel room. amazing for writing sounds, its the sound you have always wanted without going deaf sounds good anywhere. saves your hearing from the ringing. if you want to expand this sound on stage get the 30 which has proper outs for studio and stage, and re-amp it. leave it on a partially cleanish tone for your genre, then output to normal amp setup, the smiles will come. Of course many are still going to need their volume pedals but in a lot of situations, if you know how to gain control and then crank it for a lead/ chorus, (id drive it out to the mains / monitors for ramp) but it sounds amazing as you turn it up, the character truly changes, for the better. it's pretty wild. its pretty good about feedback. iv heard people hook these up on tour or use them in the greenroom preshow, it's that good.stick with the new models that are lighter and sound better. these are industry standard personal practice amps. again, if you are gigging you will need some sound reinforcement, but I would find a way myself, it's just not that hard to figure out. it's never fed back at me once and I'm jamming right infant of the cab on me desk. no surprise loud feedback sounds like other amps. small, light goes anywhere.probably need that case if you travel a lot. metal, country, hard rock, pop, blues jazz, hip hop, it nails it. the 30 could drive your current big amp. whatever magic is going on with the sound, full gain w guitar at full gain, is something that has to be heard not seen.