The Yamaha THR10 is a DSP-based modeling amplifier. It is designed to give you five tube amp emulated settings. The amplifier has two 3.15″ speakers built in to provide stereo-quality audio. All with the option of auxiliary input.
Being a battery-powered amplifier takes this to another level. Making it great for practice, songwriting, and more!
Features
Let’s take a look at some of the key features of the Yamaha THR10.
- Five tube amp emulated settings.
- Combo with two 3.15″ speakers.
- Built-In effects.
- Battery power possible.
- Auxiliary Input and headphone out.
- Additional modeling for bass and acoustic.
- Included software for model tweaking.
- Included Cubase recording software.
Ratings
| Feature | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|
| Sound | 4 |
| External hardware | 4.1 |
| Channels and controls | 4.3 |
| Output power | 4.4 |
| Recording quality | 4 |
Sound Performance
Yamaha uses what they call Virtual Circuitry Modeling as part of their models. The idea is that they try and replicate what is happening in a tube amp. While using Digital Signal Processing and they did a pretty good job!
The cleans are great and pretty chimey, sort of Fender like, add in an effect, and you will get lost in the tone.
The crunch with the right guitar will get you close to a Vox tone. And as you increase your settings up the scale, you get right into the high-gain metal. Sort of Marshall or Boogie-like in sound and feel.
One of the cool things about the amplifier is the master volume control. As you turn it up higher, it tends to compress and almost acts like it’s part of the EQ. When the master and volume are turned right up, there is a lot of bottom end available. Although for some this might be a bit muddy.
However, if you’re looking for some bass push, it can do it and is no slouch!
The effects on board are really nice sounding for an amplifier under 500 bucks. They are a great way to fine-tune your sound! The controls are easy to understand once you spend some time with it. And the software allows you to set your effects as you like.
The sound from the THR10 is quite good and is very close to tube amp tones! It’s well worth the money and is an amazing little amp in both sound and function. The video below has been created to give you a sample of the sounds and functions. This way you can see what it sounds like!
External Hardware
Firstly, the Yamaha THR10 is a 6 pound combo amplifier measuring in at 14″ wide, 7.2″ high, and 5.5″ deep. It is equipped with two 3.15″ speakers in a small aluminum and plastic ported enclosure.
All controls are accessible from the top of the amplifier. They are pretty sturdy mechanically, with modern-style knobs throughout.
The amplifier is powered with either the 15 Volt DC adapter. Or, if you need portability, the amp can be powered with 8 AA batteries and will get you up to 6 hours of playtime.
Overall the amplifier is small, light, and easy to carry around with the nice plated handle. It also lights up as though there are tubes inside. Even though there are not.
Channels and Controls
The THR10 has a pretty standard control scheme that is intuitive and easy to use. If you have ever owned or played a modeling amplifier, you will recognize the layout. It’s pretty similar to most.
The models are selected with the amp control knob, where you will find the 5 selections. The 3-band EQ will then allow you to find your perfect sound from your selected amp model.
Effects on the THR10 consist of Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, and Tremolo. But then right next to it, you can add delay or reverb. There are a few different settings of delay and reverb, which is nice.
The amp is 10 watts and your output level can then be controlled with the guitar volume knob. The amp features a USB and Aux output, which is also controlled in the output level section of the amplifier.
On the rear of the amp, you will find the USB jack, which will allow you to send the amplifier signal out to record. Because the amp concept is focused on practice and recording. The USB jack will allow just that!
Output Power
The Yamaha THR10 is a 10-watt amplifier, so you will not get it loud enough to perform on stage.
Are you planning to use the amplifier for performances? You might get it to work in a coffee shop without a drummer. Beyond that, it is not powerful enough for performance.
But that was never the intent with this amp. Of course, if you throw a mic in front of it, that would do the trick.
Recording Quality
The Yamaha THR10 comes with Cubase recording software and sounds pretty good.
You will not want to record an album with this amp, but for songwriting it’s great! We also used Reaper and the amplifier worked great with that software as well. The sound quality is pretty good for such a small and affordable modeling amplifier!
Find more great amps under 500 bucks here!
Built In Tuner
The Yamaha THR10 has a built-in tuner, which is a great little feature. If you’re just a beginner, this can be a huge help as you get started with learning how to tune. The built-in tuner will allow you to get going much quicker. If you are not a beginner and wondering about the accuracy of the tuner, rest assured, it’s pretty accurate!
PROS
- Build and Design.
- Great Sounds Over all.
- Small And Compact.
- Built-In Effects.
- Sufficient Volume For Its Size.
- Good Recorded Sound From The Amp.
CONS
- No External Speaker Out Option.
- Battery Life Might Be lower Than Estimated.
Final Verdict
There are many great electric guitar amplifiers on the market for under $500. The Yamaha THR10 is one of the better amplifiers you can get.
It is very easy to get a great sound as soon as you plug in. Which makes it a better choice than other amp modelers at this price point.
The included THR software allows you to edit the effects and set up amp patches for many sounds. Great for those who like to tweak a great deal! So if you are looking for a practice or home amplifier, you will enjoy this one.
Yamaha also makes a few different versions of the THR series amps. The Yamaha THR5 is smaller and has fewer options. Things like a volume control for the external input, plus a smaller price.
There is also the Yamaha THR10C, which is made more for blues players. It will not get you into higher gain territories like the THR10. If you’re not really into high gain, then you might like the THR10C for its lower gain amp models. It’s worth checking out!
It has some great features and sounds, and the output power is perfect. Especially for home practice and recording. Many people use this amplifier and love it for its compact size and its great sounds and functions. So if you are interested, it’s worth taking the plunge as the price really can’t be beat for such a great amp!
