Yamaha may have just perfected the desktop amp with the all-new THR-II series

Yamaha has unveiled the THR-II series, upgrading its popular, Paul Gilbert-favored THR desktop guitar amp line-up with new sounds and wireless capability.

The three THR-II models boast 15 new amp tones, driven by Yamaha’s Virtual Circuitry Modeling, as well as three modeled mic sounds for acoustic-electric guitars, three bass amp models and three flat voicings for use with other instruments.

Like the original, there’s a choice of four modulation effects (chorus, flanger, phaser and tremolo), plus a quartet of delays/reverbs (echo, echo/rev, spring and hall).

Yamaha THR-II guitar amps

(Image credit: Yamaha)

Extended Stereo Technology promises a more immersive experience for reverb sounds and music playback, with the entire chassis optimized by Yamaha’s Audio Visual Division.

Three models are available: the THR10II ($299), THR10II Wireless ($449) and THR30II Wireless ($499) - with the Wireless models packing a built-in rechargeable battery and integrated wireless receiver for pairing with an optional Line 6 Relay G10T transmitter.

All three come with a USB port for direct recording and playback, while sounds can be edited using a free Yamaha THR Remote app for Mac, PC and mobile.

Anyone seeking to use the THR live will want to opt for the THR30II, which boasts a pair of stereo 1/4” line outputs in addition to aux, phones and input jacks, which come as standard across the new range.

This is a tidy series of updates for what was pretty much the original desktop guitar amp - and one of the most fully featured and best-sounding to boot.

It’s good to see Yamaha take the fight back to the likes of Boss, Blackstar and Fender, who have all got in on the desktop action since the THR’s debut way back in 2011.

The THR-II range will be available later this year - see Yamaha THR for more info.

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Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.