Yamaha THR30IIchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Users value the stereo line outs for running into a PA, mixer, or powered cabs, plus USB as a DAW recording interface and Bluetooth for streaming audio or wireless guitar. This makes the amp function as a mini studio and PA-ready rig.

@killacoiler1707

What the THR 30 gives you that many other \"desktop modeling\" practice amps don't, is stereo line out options. To me this is a plus in that you can run the amp into the PA front of house or to a couple of powered cabinets and use it for live venues. The spark may have more of a library of effects and options for where those effects stack in your signal chain, but it does not have line outs allowing you to use the amp as a head unit to slaved powered cabinets. \n\nAs to the difference in cost between the THR 30 and others like the Katana 50, Spark 40, and the Nux is that Yamaha makes very high quality gear with exceptional quality voicing, and does not bloat the amp with so many digital recreations that are only mediocre. You get professional build and sound quality that reacts to artist input the way that rack or stacks style systems do. \n\nTo me a plethora of options is great in theory but if the options are only mediocre quality what's the point? You can get studio worthy sounds out of the THR which IMO makes the extra cost worth it. Dial in your sound at home, save it, pack up your guitar and amp, and then go to the studio and lay down those same sounds without having to worry about trying to replicate it using a different rig. \n\nPlease do not take this as a diss on other desktop amps or modeling units because I have used Katana and Spark amps to broaden my creativity and reinvigorate my song writing; I am merely saying that if you want professional quality in such a styled platform, IMO, the THR is more suitable to such a challenge as an all in one compact combo.launch

smart_display

September 17, 2023

@jazzism74

I own this amp after 30 years of using big heavy amps... This Yamaha makes me go out and play more because I can carry it with two fingers and line out to the PA! It's a perfect solution to an aging guitar player who doesn't want to drag around Roland JC120's or Fender Twin Reverbslaunch

smart_display

April 22, 2023

@bobbyadamson2333

As a gigging musician who lives in an apartment in NYC where space is a premium, this thing rules. The fact that I can take it outside or anywhere around the house is awesome, and the Line 6 bug makes that less arduous cause I dont have to mess with cables flopping everywhere. Headphones are nice when I want to be loud but not bother anyone, and the USB out is so sick as an interface. I get my favorite recorded sounds from it. I also use it as a bluetooth speaker for parties. \n\nI admit it is expensive though, but that was worth it to me for all of the features. It honestly feels like this amp was made specifically for me. Love itlaunch

smart_display

March 6, 2023

@gregsbikes

Cool! I'm thinking about upgrading my old Thr10. The one selling point that you didn't mention is that the usb isn't just for messing with the app or updating the firmware, it is also a great audio interface! I just plug this into my mac and Garageband or Pro Tools automatically recognises it. I can use the Yamaha sounds and/or a flat signal with plug-ins for a great quality, quick recording.launch

smart_display

February 19, 2023

The battery-powered, lightweight design lets players practice anywhere, take it outside, or busk without cables. Several long-time owners and aging players especially value not having to haul heavy tube amps anymore.

@DonBoehnker

I really enjoy watching your digisection (as opposed to vivisection :) ) videos, Tony. Excellent content to put it mildly.. \n\nAs a user/owner of one of the earlier first series THR amps, and then 2 years back I opted to buy a THR30II wireless (beige model) - what I notice you missed in this excellent video here - is the fact that the original THR lineup was designed to be one style of amp per model unit. So my initial THR is a THR10x (high gain version), but they also had THR5, THR5A, THR10 and THR10C.\n\nAnother thing you seemed to overlook is that there are hidden effects inside the THR Remote app/program. There are multiple modulation effects, multiple delays, and multiple types of reverb that are not top knob/button accessible. Plus in the speaker cabinet section, you can completely disable the cabinet simulation (like if you run the THR outputs into a pair of Line6 PowerCab Plus's and use speaker emulation on the powercabs, you can turn off the THR cab emulation. Another important feature the THR30 has is the RECORD DRY setting when hooked up to your favorite (favourite) DAW for re-amping or whatever suits your fancy.\n\nIn the THR30 series, what you're getting is ALL of the previous model versions rolled up into one unit, but with updated circuitry, rechargeable battery, and depending on the model, wireless connectivity for Line6 G10T or whatever they are up to now, and a jump from 5w per speaker to 15w (30w combined). I don't notice much difference in volumes playing with the unit plugged in vs running on batteries only.. And for the record, I usually get about 4 hours of battery life per charge currently, and that's at a low volume (~6-10/100)\n\nI also have a Line6 G10T wireless dongles and the G10S foot stomp charger. After Line6 had the battery overheating issue in 2020 and issued an emergency firmware update (bad idea Line6), the G10T became useless for more than 20 minutes per charge when it used to work for nearly 5 hours per charge. But to get back to my point, I tried the G10T on the Yamaha THR30II (in high gain mode), I notice a significant loss of fidelity using it wirelessly vs physical Mogami guitar cable.\n\nI do love the thr30II and use it corded for outside practice and live performances. I get a lot of people come up to me when I play live and want to know what I'm playing through as it sounds killer. They usually are stunned when I grab it and show them and the usual response is \"all that sound out of that little thing?\" :)launch

smart_display

August 18, 2026

@jazzism74

I own this amp after 30 years of using big heavy amps... This Yamaha makes me go out and play more because I can carry it with two fingers and line out to the PA! It's a perfect solution to an aging guitar player who doesn't want to drag around Roland JC120's or Fender Twin Reverbslaunch

smart_display

April 22, 2023

@bobbyadamson2333

As a gigging musician who lives in an apartment in NYC where space is a premium, this thing rules. The fact that I can take it outside or anywhere around the house is awesome, and the Line 6 bug makes that less arduous cause I dont have to mess with cables flopping everywhere. Headphones are nice when I want to be loud but not bother anyone, and the USB out is so sick as an interface. I get my favorite recorded sounds from it. I also use it as a bluetooth speaker for parties. \n\nI admit it is expensive though, but that was worth it to me for all of the features. It honestly feels like this amp was made specifically for me. Love itlaunch

smart_display

March 6, 2023

@Strodav

Have both the Yamaha THR3011 and Spark 40. To me, the biggest advantage of the THR3011 is it is battery powered. Very convenient! The Spark 40 software is much more sophisticated allowing you to dial in more tones, amp models and pedals. The only thing missing is spring reverb and it is on the warm side, but it is rated at 40W. On the other hand, I get all the tones I need from the THR3011 and it is plenty loud at 30W. I find myself using the THR3011 more than the Spark 40. There is a pretty big price difference. I would like to see a side by side if you can.launch

smart_display

February 19, 2023

The companion app unlocks compression, gate, extra cabinet simulations, and hidden reverb/delay types not accessible from the physical controls, letting dedicated users dial in studio-quality tones.

@DonBoehnker

I really enjoy watching your digisection (as opposed to vivisection :) ) videos, Tony. Excellent content to put it mildly.. \n\nAs a user/owner of one of the earlier first series THR amps, and then 2 years back I opted to buy a THR30II wireless (beige model) - what I notice you missed in this excellent video here - is the fact that the original THR lineup was designed to be one style of amp per model unit. So my initial THR is a THR10x (high gain version), but they also had THR5, THR5A, THR10 and THR10C.\n\nAnother thing you seemed to overlook is that there are hidden effects inside the THR Remote app/program. There are multiple modulation effects, multiple delays, and multiple types of reverb that are not top knob/button accessible. Plus in the speaker cabinet section, you can completely disable the cabinet simulation (like if you run the THR outputs into a pair of Line6 PowerCab Plus's and use speaker emulation on the powercabs, you can turn off the THR cab emulation. Another important feature the THR30 has is the RECORD DRY setting when hooked up to your favorite (favourite) DAW for re-amping or whatever suits your fancy.\n\nIn the THR30 series, what you're getting is ALL of the previous model versions rolled up into one unit, but with updated circuitry, rechargeable battery, and depending on the model, wireless connectivity for Line6 G10T or whatever they are up to now, and a jump from 5w per speaker to 15w (30w combined). I don't notice much difference in volumes playing with the unit plugged in vs running on batteries only.. And for the record, I usually get about 4 hours of battery life per charge currently, and that's at a low volume (~6-10/100)\n\nI also have a Line6 G10T wireless dongles and the G10S foot stomp charger. After Line6 had the battery overheating issue in 2020 and issued an emergency firmware update (bad idea Line6), the G10T became useless for more than 20 minutes per charge when it used to work for nearly 5 hours per charge. But to get back to my point, I tried the G10T on the Yamaha THR30II (in high gain mode), I notice a significant loss of fidelity using it wirelessly vs physical Mogami guitar cable.\n\nI do love the thr30II and use it corded for outside practice and live performances. I get a lot of people come up to me when I play live and want to know what I'm playing through as it sounds killer. They usually are stunned when I grab it and show them and the usual response is \"all that sound out of that little thing?\" :)launch

smart_display

August 18, 2026

@ResistanceFighterG

On the Yamaha THR30II, YOU MUST USE THE APP to build good quality sounds. There are a number of features, most importantly, compression, and gate that are not available on the dials. As well, the cabinet sounds significantly change the sound and feel, with a few of them making all the difference.\n\nThe standard sounds as you noticed are not all that impressive - or I should say they are both too much and too little, especially for playing a small gig. I also have a THR20, but really would recommend the THR30 as it is more versatile and the sound difference is substantial. One drawback with the THR30 is that in an apartment, the bass is more prominent.\n\nWhile the price has even increased lately, I think you might have a different review if you took time to learned more about it.launch

smart_display

March 31, 2026

@scottjerard1293

Once you get the THR app dialed in the interface is one of the best in my opinion \nRunning it just off the dials isnt even 10% of the amps true tone\nTheres alot of other practice amps and interfaces out there,one for everyone \nIve tryd most of them\nThe Yamaha just flat out works and sounds amazing,,,,,,after you get the app dialed in its,,,for me the best practice amp out there\nLive the stereo live the wireless and easy of app use\nIf you want easy it might not be for you,,,if you like really getting into dialing your tones in and practicing with a great mix of backing tracks I suggest putting the time into dialing in the THR\nI wish Yamaha would bring the THR 100w head back out!!!\nEveryone is different but i enjoy the THR and anyone whi has come over to my place and played and took the time to go thru the tones and set ups has been blown away\nI have atleast 3 good friends life long time players and gig’n musicians who have biught there own THR’s after spending time in minelaunch

smart_display

July 4, 2024

@arvetemecha

I have the THR30II, provided you take the time to pair it with the app (I hate using apps for this kind of stuff but anyway...) and dial some presets you can get quite good tones from this amp. \nJust a common issue with the android app: you probably need to enable the gps before turning on bluetooth and pair it, otherwise it would not connect (Yamaha: please fix the app, this is a bug, not a feature!!!) \nafter a few minutes/hours fiddling with cab sims, gain<->master<->compression interactions, I could get some interesting and decent clean/blues/rock/crunch tones and save them in the 5 presets banks. Yes, you definitely need some time/research to dial some settiings in that amp because the default presets that you can hear out of the box are (in my opinon)...not the best you can get (the default cab sim has way too much spongy bass sound) and that's a pity.\nUsing the volume pot on my guitar, the amp sim is quite accurate, it does clean up even using a decent amount of overdrive/gain.\nAs I had a Line6 G10II wireless transmitter, I could keep it and use it directly with this amp.\nWould this compete with your vintage 4x12 cab+JCM800 or your 4000$ Friedman of course not, and if you are into djent/death metal, I suspect it would not fit your requirements. If you are into blues,classic rock, fusion jazz, etc... and need to practice, busk, play at low volume in a bar or at home, it does the job.launch

smart_display

July 1, 2024

Commenters repeatedly single out the onboard speakers as a standout feature, making the amp sound great both for guitar and as a Bluetooth music speaker. This speaker quality is cited as a key differentiator from competitors.

@updraft4me280

I really enjoyed this demo. You had mentioned the speakers, though briefly and this is what i believe makes this amp shine and other makers do not really pay attention to enough. Pairing speakers to anything audio is vital and because of the well thought out speakers in the THR, it makes dialing in much easier than you think compared to other amps like this. . My main amp is a fender machette combo, my blue tooth speaker is the marshall stanmore , love them both. I use the THR more ( at home ) because it is super convenient and just sounds great for any style guitar playing. For me, the variety of tones along with common effects to layer in and the esthetics / layout of this amp is 100% worth the $$ for these .launch

smart_display

December 24, 2023

@DeGroove

I love watching reviews of gear I allready own...best way to fight GAS. This amp makes me (want to) play every single day, even at home, that alone to me is worth the price of admission. It also amplifies my record player and all bluetooth devices, and even my wife thinks it looks great in the living room. One of the best pieces of gear I've purchased in a while.launch

smart_display

February 20, 2023

@nicolasletellier6162

My wife and I use the THR30II and honestly, it's an amazing amplifier, probably the best value for the price on the market. Simple to use and create your sound, the effects are really good. The sound can be a little \"boxy\" sometimes when playing with lower tuning ( i play baritone guitar) but I think it comes from the little speakers. Also about the little speakers in it they can be really loud for a so little amp. The battery and the Bluetooth are great quality of life features added to the amp. \n\nWe are now waiting for Yamaha to do a new version of the THR100D and we will jump on it.launch

smart_display

July 26, 2022

@ILuvJazzNJava

Have this amp and its pricey, but great. It is super versatile yet fairly easy to use and the line outs mean I can use it direct to a mixing console (works decent for electric, great for acoustic) and the usb makes it a recording interface for a computer DAW scenario. Battery life seems to be at least a few hours, depending on volume. Only thing I don't love is the optional Line 6 G10T wireless I bought with it. I got the old version (the one with the potential battery fire issue) and even though I updated the firmware, it still has issues working with 4 of my 9 guitars (either buzzing, or not working at all in the case of an acoustic with a passive pickup system). So either get the updated G10Tii or don't bother with wireless. This works sweet as a bluetooth speaker too. The iphone app is ok and allows for deeper tweaking should you really want to. I'm hoping they update the app to allow you to use bpm and note subdivision for things like delay and time based effects. This box offers a lot, though if I could have had one more feature a simple built in looper and maybe some basic jam tracks would have been that one more thing (amongst a million things already). In the video it sounds like they are playing through a brand new amp where the speakers haven't been broken in. I played some loud music through mine for several hours once I bought it and it really opened up the sound (so that's my tip - break it in before you really decide if you like it).launch

smart_display

April 6, 2022

Multiple owners say the ease of use and sound quality made them play guitar significantly more often, describing it as reviving a hobby or becoming their go-to amp over pricier rigs.

@goran2608

I have had the old 10 watt version for close to 8 years now, and it is pretty much always on as my computer speaker/practice amp and it is still kicking. It also probably tripled the amount of time i spend practicing just by the ease of use. The 30 watt version has many more amp versions and the wireless, but if you are going to use it only as a bedroom practice amp I think it is an overkill, even the 5 watt version is enough for that. You could probably use the 30 watt as a very portable rehearsal amp, so that is a big plus. I highly recommend any version of these.launch

smart_display

July 1, 2024

@yiannisfaitakis

I can honestly say that the thr30ii is one of the best pieces of guitar gear I have ever bought. The AMAZING tones it provides had me playing guitar a lot more. I have recorded and I have gigged with it through PA systems and it always sounds incredible and it’s super reliable. It’s just a magic piece of gear.launch

smart_display

October 23, 2023

@jazzism74

I own this amp after 30 years of using big heavy amps... This Yamaha makes me go out and play more because I can carry it with two fingers and line out to the PA! It's a perfect solution to an aging guitar player who doesn't want to drag around Roland JC120's or Fender Twin Reverbslaunch

smart_display

April 22, 2023

@DeGroove

I love watching reviews of gear I allready own...best way to fight GAS. This amp makes me (want to) play every single day, even at home, that alone to me is worth the price of admission. It also amplifies my record player and all bluetooth devices, and even my wife thinks it looks great in the living room. One of the best pieces of gear I've purchased in a while.launch

smart_display

February 20, 2023

Several users highlight Yamaha's build quality as justifying the price, with one noting they've never had a defective Yamaha product, and others praising firmware support and long-term durability.

@GreenHoleSun

Overall It's a good amp expecially for clean tones.\nIn my opinion it lacks some character with heavier stuff, but it is also important to set the controls right (gain, master and tones) before turning up the volume: it can make a lot of difference.\nLastly, I agree that it is expensive but II would say that with Yamaha you pay also for the excellent build quality, which is not garanteed in cheaper alternatives...I had to return my fender mustang gt40, which I loved, for build quality issues, on the contrary I never found a defective Yamaha product in my life (maybe I am just lucky).launch

smart_display

September 14, 2024

@killacoiler1707

What the THR 30 gives you that many other \"desktop modeling\" practice amps don't, is stereo line out options. To me this is a plus in that you can run the amp into the PA front of house or to a couple of powered cabinets and use it for live venues. The spark may have more of a library of effects and options for where those effects stack in your signal chain, but it does not have line outs allowing you to use the amp as a head unit to slaved powered cabinets. \n\nAs to the difference in cost between the THR 30 and others like the Katana 50, Spark 40, and the Nux is that Yamaha makes very high quality gear with exceptional quality voicing, and does not bloat the amp with so many digital recreations that are only mediocre. You get professional build and sound quality that reacts to artist input the way that rack or stacks style systems do. \n\nTo me a plethora of options is great in theory but if the options are only mediocre quality what's the point? You can get studio worthy sounds out of the THR which IMO makes the extra cost worth it. Dial in your sound at home, save it, pack up your guitar and amp, and then go to the studio and lay down those same sounds without having to worry about trying to replicate it using a different rig. \n\nPlease do not take this as a diss on other desktop amps or modeling units because I have used Katana and Spark amps to broaden my creativity and reinvigorate my song writing; I am merely saying that if you want professional quality in such a styled platform, IMO, the THR is more suitable to such a challenge as an all in one compact combo.launch

smart_display

September 17, 2023

@rnegtr

The best desktop and practice amp out there. Sounds so much better than the Spark or other small amps. The Line Out into a PA or power side of an amp is great as well and you could totally gig with that set up. The wireless transmitter works flawlessly. And the App is very straightforward, works great, makes sense and doesn’t require a $1000 laptop to work. Bluetooth connection to your phone or tablet sends great sounding audio to it for practicing or just listening to music. As you can tell, I really love this amp. (And, btw, I owned a Spark which sounded awful and had glitchy software, and terrible customer support and also used the small Katana which is simple to use but still can’t match the sound of the THR). Yamaha also updates the firmware and supports the product.launch

smart_display

February 19, 2023

@drunyon08

I bought the THR 10X years ago and still have it and still love it! These things are incredible and sound so damn good.launch

smart_display

July 25, 2022

Owners note the amp delivers a wide range of convincing tones even at very low volumes, making it ideal for apartment or late-night practice without disturbing others.

@WScott-gd2mj

This thing certainly has its sonic limitations, but I'm a small-space player and have had one of these for 3 years with zero regrets. The wide range of sounds even at very low volume; the onboard controls and ease of use (NO APP or COMPUTER NEEDED!!!); the portability; the build quality -- all made it worth the money for me. Your mileage may vary.launch

smart_display

October 21, 2024

@WScott-gd2mj

Have this and love it, overall. Easy to see and use physical controls, lots of options with no phone or computer needed. I do find the sounds erratic and sort of metallic, and the 3.5 inch speakers are easily overwhelmed. For me, as a home hobbyist, the strength is that it allows for very low volume playing, even at full gain. I use with a Line6 Relay and with that and the built-in battery the portability is nuts -- you can take it to another room or outside completely unplugged, no cables whatsoever. A keeper for me although I wouldn't mind also having a real amp with attenuation.launch

smart_display

April 26, 2023

@slashtrio

Yamaha THRs are great little Amps for sure. I have been using the original THR10 for several years now. I can say for bedroom volume playing I haven’t found an equal. I am able to get a very cranked overdriven Marshall tone at speaking volume. I further tweak the tone by using their software editor. I love the amp. \n\nI recently just got a 100 watt katana MKII and I am struggling so far to find a tone that I like as much as the THR10. Im also having some difficulty regularly connecting to tone studio. \n\nCan’t speak to the latest version of the THR but the old is a perfect little bedroom amp.launch

smart_display

March 3, 2023

@ekan1578

I have a THR10II Wireless and I love it! It’s the only amp I tried that sounds really good at low volume. Perfect for by-my-self-noodling without disturbing my family. Sounds amazingly big and spreads the sound in the room. \nThe app is a must-have in my opinion. It opens up the amp and you can change and set up a lot of parameters and effects in a simple way. Perfect for me who don’t like computers.launch

smart_display

December 2, 2022