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CONTACT Yamaha Music Europe PHONE +49 (0) 4101 3030 WEB https://uk.yamaha.com
What is it?
It’s the latest evolution of what Yamaha calls the ‘third amp’ concept. It’s not a traditional stage amp nor a conventional practise amp but a bit of both – with some more tech-enabled tricks up its sleeve besides. It’s basically meant to be your home noodling amp, housing cuttingedge modelling amp tones in a svelte and minimalist package that’ll look good in your living room.
The first THR was pretty good – what’s new on the Mark II version?
The new THR II range comprises three models: THR10II (£357), THR10IIW (£469) and the THR30IIW (£535). At the heart of each one is Yamaha’s Virtual Circuit Modelling tech and these Mark II models feature three times as many valve-amp models as on the original THR amps. As well as 15 classic valve-amp tones, when the full range of Modern, Boutique or Classic modes is employed, you get “three modelled microphone sounds for acoustic-electric guitars, three bass amp models and three flat voicings for other instruments”, Yamaha adds, and there’s also a raft of onboard effects. The new amps provide hi-fi playback for music streamed from mobile devices via Bluetooth – and project a wide, lush stereo image thanks to Yamaha’s Extended Stereo Technology. You can even adjust amp settings remotely, thanks to the THR Remote editor app that’s compatible with iOS and Android mobile devices. Finally, the new THR’s have an in-built rechargeable battery – making them potential posh busking amps, too.
What’s the difference between the three different new models, then?
You can play guitar and listen to music through the base model THR10II, but as their names hint the THR10IIW and THR30IIW also feature an integrated wireless receiver. Used in conjunction with a Line 6 Relay G10T transmitter, you can wander freely round your living room busting out the solo to Parisienne Walkways without tripping over your cable – because there won’t be one. Shame the transmitter isn’t included as standard but the Relay G10T is fair value at just under a hundred quid. The 30-watt THR30IIW is also more pokey, volume-wise, than the other two and while Yamaha says it isn’t intended to be gigged, word is that you’ll struggle to hold a conversation in the same room with its internal speakers at full chat. The 30 also
features quarter-inch line outputs, allowing it to be run directly into PAs and standard recording gear if desired.
What else should I look at?
Although Yamaha now owns Line 6, it’s worth considering the latter’s AMPLIFi range, which can be had for about £150 for the 30-watt model. The AMPLIFi range might not be as pretty as THR, but there’s tons of amp models and effects onboard and they’ll also stream music from your mobile. Vox’s natty-looking Adio Air GT is also well worth a look, at £225, but the one to beat may be Boss’s 30-watt Katana-Air at around £330. The Katana-Air is designed to be fully wireless and ships with its own transmitter. It boasts five amp styles and 50 Boss effects onboard, plus an editing app – and it’ll stream your music collection, too.