I had the oddest experience recently and wanted to write about it. For some
time I'd been shopping around for a small, possibly battery-powered practice
amplifier with digital effects. I'd read a lot about Roland's new cube
amplifiers and heard several impressive demonstrations. Finally I decided
to take a chance on buying the smallest member of the family, the micro
cube, primarily because it has a 1/8" stereo jack for connecting CD or MP3
players, and I reasoned that perhaps I might thus acquire a decent
multipurpose unit whose usefulness could extend to Book Port.
This proved to be the case, and, in fact, I can't adequately describe how
versatile this tiny, seven-pound amplifier actually is. I expected short,
short battery life on six AA batteries, but in fact the batteries last about
as long as Book Port's. Musicians will be interested in knowing that this
amp boasts seven COSM models of popular guitar sounds, plus digital chorus,
phaser, tremolo, and reverb. However, I use it more as a terrific
amplification system for Book Port, which means most of the bells and
whistles are underutilized.
At any rate, I wanted to describe a nonstandard way of amplifying my Book
Port for those who could profit from owning a neat little practice amp which
doubles as a great adjunct to Book Port. Musician's Friend carries all the
Roland cube amps at wonderful discount prices. The Micro Cube costs
$129.95--well below list. With its metal speaker grill and rugged
construction, it's one of the most durable gadgets I've ever purchased at
any price.
David Bennett
