Review on Amplifier Laney LC30

Allow me to present a review of the Laney LC30 Mark I guitar amplifier, a true unsung hero in the realm of guitar amplification. Crafted with British precision, this 1×12, twin-channel, all-valve workhorse possesses an abundance of versatility.

Laney is a manufacturer that often slips under the radar when discussing guitar amplifiers. If you seek pristine clean tones, Fender is the name to turn to. For classic crunch and gain, Marshall takes the crown. And when it comes to distortion, Mesa/Boogie reigns supreme. I’ve had the pleasure of owning all of them, and while they each possess their distinctive sonic character, they also come with their fair share of drawbacks. My former Fender Blues Junior III failed to deliver a satisfying drive sound, while my previous Marshall lacked a truly exceptional clean tone. As for the Mesa, it resides in the realm of boutique amplifiers, occupying an exclusive niche.

Enter the Laney LC30, an amplifier that seems to have surpassed any shortcomings. It not only excels in producing remarkable clean tones, but also offers impressive drive channels that can be effortlessly switched using a foot-switch. What sets it apart is that the Laney LC30 manages to achieve this level of versatility without being a burden to carry or a drain on your finances. This amplifier stands as a testament to the absence of any discernible flaws. With its outstanding clean and drive channels, the Laney LC30 is a true champion that won’t break your back or the bank.

Laney LC30 Features

Let’s explore the remarkable features that make the Laney LC30 an outstanding guitar amplifier

• British Craftsmanship

The Laney LC30 proudly carries the legacy of UK manufacturing, known for its attention to detail and exceptional quality.

• Hi/Low Inputs

With the option of two different input levels, the LC30 caters to various guitars and pickups. This flexibility ensures optimal matching and compatibility for your instrument.

• Two Switchable Channels

The LC30 offers both clean and drive channels that can be easily switched between. What sets it apart is that each channel has its own independent 3-band EQ. This feature eliminates the need to compromise on tone when using a shared EQ, as seen in some other amplifiers like the Marshall DSL. Now, you can enjoy both a pristine clean tone and a phenomenal drive tone without sacrificing either.

• Bright & Modern Switches

 The Clean and Drive Channels of the LC30 are equipped with Bright and Modern switches. These switches add versatility to your sound, allowing you to tailor the tonal characteristics to your preference. Whether you desire a brighter, crisper tone or a modern, edgier sound, the LC30 delivers.

• Global Post-EQ Tone

 The LC30 incorporates a global, post-EQ tone control. This feature enables you to shape the overall tonal characteristics of your sound, making it adaptable to any room or performance space without the need to reconfigure the Clean & Drive channels. This convenience ensures that you can easily adjust and optimize your tone to suit different environments.

Laney LC30 Clean Sounds

The clean channel of the LC30 is a versatile powerhouse, offering a Fender-like clean tone with an enhanced body. With its hi/low inputs, bright switch, and 3-band EQ, it delivers a warm and expansive sound that is free from any harshness. The addition of the bright switch adds a delightful touch of sparkle when desired. The clean channel serves as an exceptional platform for your choice of overdrive or distortion pedals, surpassing the limitations of digital modeling. The gain of control allows you to achieve that coveted valve breakup, a characteristic that digital modelers often struggle to replicate. In fact, for many guitarists, the clean channel alone is sufficient to meet all their musical requirements, making it the unequivocal star of the show.

Laney LC30 Drive Sounds

After experiencing the instant gratification of the clean channel, approaching the drive channel might bring some skepticism. Can it be as good as the clean channel?

What becomes immediately apparent is the drive channel’s remarkable flexibility and range of sounds and gain levels offered by the Laney LC30. While it may not instantly replicate the mid-rich tones of a Marshall, it possesses a broad gain structure akin to something like a Fulltone OCD pedal. It can be tailored to suit your specific requirements, offering a blank canvas rather than a preset template. Although it may be a bit challenging to dial in initially, it grants you the tools to create your own unique sound, ranging from subtle breakup to searing shred, and everything in between. The “modern” switch with mid-shifting capabilities provides a metal scoop if desired. The Laney drive does not favor a specific frequency; instead, it offers the ability to adjust treble, bass, mid, and gain to your liking. However, be cautious not to thin out the tone when seeking more cut. Adjustments to the bass, treble, and middle controls may be necessary due to the highly interactive nature of the EQ.

Unfortunately, while the drive channel’s flexibility is undeniable, there are times when you simply want to plug in and play. A Marshall amplifier consistently sounds like a Marshall, regardless of the EQ settings. On the other hand, the Laney LC30 drive channel can be quite sensitive, especially considering the chicken-head knobs that significantly alter the sound even with the slightest touch. This level of sensitivity can make quick adjustments challenging.

In summary, the Laney LC30 offers exceptional clean sounds reminiscent of Fender, enhanced with added body and versatility. The drive sounds deliver a broad range of tonal possibilities, allowing you to shape your own unique sound. While the drive channel may require some patience and careful adjustments, its flexibility ultimately rewards those who seek to craft their own signature tones.

Laney LC30 Build Quality

The Laney LC30 is a prime example of superior build quality. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this amplifier is a testament to Laney’s commitment to excellence. The sturdy construction of the LC30 ensures its durability, capable of withstanding the demands of both live performances and regular use.

The cabinet of the LC30 is built to last, housing a 12″ Celestion Seventy-80 speaker known for its reliability and exceptional sound reproduction. This speaker delivers powerful tones with clarity and impressive projection, allowing your guitar’s voice to shine through.

Internally, the LC30 boasts a top-notch electronic layout. With four EL84 power tubes and four 12AX7/ECC83 preamp tubes, it not only guarantees reliability but also delivers warm and vintage-inspired tones. These tubes are carefully chosen and matched to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

The control panel of the LC30 is intelligently designed, providing easy access to essential functions and adjustments. The passive bass, middle, and treble EQ controls allow precise tonal shaping, while the bright and modern switches offer added versatility and sonic options. The hi and lo gain inputs accommodate different pickup outputs and playing styles.

Additionally, the LC30 incorporates convenient features such as a foot-switchable channel and reverb, enabling seamless transitions between different tones and adding depth to your sound. The FX loop with switchable level and bypass enhance versatility, allowing for the integration of external effects pedals.

Comparing the Laney LC30 to its Competitors

When it comes to gig-ready twin-channel valve combos, it’s hard to find anything quite like the Laney LC30 in today’s market. Sure, there are some obvious competitors like the Marshall DSL40C, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, or Blackstar HT-Club 40, but all of them come with shared EQs. If you’re seeking more versatility, you might consider the Hughes and Kettner Tubemeister 36, but it falls short compared to the Laney in terms of both sound and price. Stepping up further would bring you into the realm of the Marshall JVM, for those truly looking to elevate their game.

If you prefer to forgo the hassle of the Drive channel altogether, the Fender Blues Junior is an option. However, it lacks an effects loop and offers significantly less headroom at just 15 watts, leaving you craving more compared to the Laney LC30.

Here are the specifications of the Laney LC30

• Power Consumption: 100W;
• Output Power Rating: 30W;
• Loudspeaker: 12” Celestion Seventy 80, 8 Ohms;
• Pure Class A Valve tone;
• Power Tubes: 4xEL84;
• Preamp Tubes: 4x12AX7/ECC83;
• Hi & Lo Gain Inputs;
• Footswitchable Channel and Reverb (FS2 Optional);
• Reverb: Yes (Springline ‘Sound Enhancements’);
• EQ: Passive Bass, Middle, and Treble (Separate EQ for Clean and Drive);
• Bright Switch;
• Modern Switch;
• Input Impedance: 1MOhm/47pF;
• Unit Weight: 20kg;
• Loudspeaker Outputs: Extension speaker socket (Minimum 8 Ohm Impedance);
• FX Loop with Switchable Level & Bypass;
• Dimensions (HWD): 451558278.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these days you’d be hard-pressed to find a twin channel valve guitar combo over 30 watts for less than £600, let alone one that offers the class A tone and is made in the UK. The Laney LC30, even at £180 second-hand, is an absolute steal and can handle any gigging situation with ease. The clean channel, in particular, hits the mark by providing players with a Fender Clean+ experience. Personally, I wish the drive channel had a Marshall+ character instead of the blank canvas approach that Laney took to appeal to a wider audience. However, the LC30 allows you to shape your sound in any way you desire, as long as you’re willing to experiment. It’s not only a beautiful-looking amplifier but also a true instrument in itself, offering endless possibilities for tone sculpting and providing an immensely enjoyable playing experience.

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