5 Reasons Why the Yamaha THR is the Best Practice Amp

The newest version of the Yamaha THR has been out for around 3 years now. It was released just before the pandemic in 2019. Since that time there have been similar offerings from other guitar amp manufacturers like Boss, Positive Grid, Marshall, Fender, Blackstar and many more. I was considering buying a new practice amp to get some different tones and try something new, but during that process of looking for a new practice amp, I was shocked at the price of the Boss Katana Air EX. Way too expensive in my opinion. In this video, I get into the 5 reasons why I think the THR is still the best practice amp, and will continue to be the best in 2024.
00:00 INTRO
00:52 Reason #1: PRICE
04:00 Reason #2: AESTETICS
05:09 Reason #3: MORE SOUNDS
06:55 Reason #4: BETTER EDITOR
08:53 Reason #5: SPEAKER CABINETS
10:27 Final Thoughts
Music by Adam Griffith
Buy a Yamaha THR:
THR10 amzn.to/3SNxL9H
THR30W amzn.to/3R6bwuE
If you want to support what I'm doing here at the channel, any donation amount is incredibly appreciated:
Venmo: @drew-creal
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Music by Adam Griffith
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[@yinYangMountain]

Drew, Good review, Drew, and I agree the Yamaha THR sounds better. But, to be fair, you got quite of few things wrong about the BOSS EX: - Technically it’s not a $200 difference, it’s 150 (wireless). This extra price would be the same for the THR if it was engineered to have a removable battery. I.e., it costs more to make it that way. The battery life with the removable battery is 18 hours. BOSS wins. - You say the THR has 5 presets while the BOSS has only 2. Well, no, the BOSS has 6. A x 3 and B x 3. Based on your argument, BOSS wins. - Although it’s a pain to use the software, there are way more models and effects under each setting in the BOSS. Based on your argument, BOSS wins. - The THR has 2 effects knobs. The Katana has 3-which can now be combined. BOSS wins. - The speakers are much larger and sound more like a guitar amp as compared to its little brother. This is a tie. - If you are comparing features for features, and using an app, then yes, the BOSS has a tuner. It’s in the app and it’s more accurate. BOSS wins. - You admitted there is a better wireless option. Well, the BOSS wireless does not suffer from the THR issues: The BOSS wireless system is far more reliable than the THR; it’s a separate transmitter / receiver; it doesn’t place the electricity inside the INPUT. BOSS wins. - Looks? That’s simply a matter of taste. In the end, it looks like a Katana. This is a tie. - The Katana EX has a new practice / streaming feature (you can slow down the audio or video without changing the pitch) inside the app. BOSS wins. - BOSS has a wireless expression pedal or wireless footswitch. You can add the boost, delay, etc. with a click of a foot without going to the next patch (so, no dropout)-as we do when practicing the way we play on stage. I.e., you’re not really ‘practicing’ with the THR; you’re jamming. BOSS wins. * Because of the possible ‘points of failure’ in the THR, BOSS was very wise to separate the battery and wireless. BOSS wins. * With only a 150 difference (wireless), and the extra features the THR does not, and will never, have that the BOSS does, it’s not much more. Where does the THR shine. The guitar tone is better. But if the BOSS EX had that tone, there is no comparison-which is why people want an improved THR. yYM

[@DrewCreal]

Well thanks for weighing in on this, I've been a huge Boss fan for years, and I own about a half dozen of their pedals, but I think I'm sticking with the THR when it comes to practice amps.

[@yinYangMountain]

@@DrewCreal Yes, of course. I actually own the THRII30 Wireless. I went to a Guitar Center and tried the BOSS EX. The BOSS ‘might’ be a better fit for many-but that’s only if it had the THR tone. Note: The BOSS accessories really increase the overall cost. But practicing with no dropout accessories, adding boost for lead for example, makes the BOSS work like a real rig.

[@stryguy]

Do you work for and/or are sponsored by "BOSS?" lol bc you certainly present like it. As an owner of both I HUGELY prefer the Yamaha THR, personally. Either way, curb your borderline obnoxious "BOSS" enthusiasm on a video clearly intended to highlight the many positive attributes of the Yamaha THR, please and thank you.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

@stryguy Well, he does compare it to the BOSS so he's kind of inviting the comparison. Having said that they both look like decent amps and they have features that different people might like for different reasons. I thought his comment was good because some of the points he brings up makes sense.

[@stryguy]

@@Joe-mz6dc Hey thanks, Joe.

[@nicorico8090]

Hey Drew, can I use the THR30II W with my bass guitar? or is it only meant for electric/acoustic guitars?

[@DrewCreal]

Yes you can! It's made for bass as well. There are 3 main tones that it does for bass, but you can add effects or even experiment with the guitar amps in there as well.

[@nicorico8090]

Thank you! @@DrewCreal

[@mikejohnston4858]

Got the THR 30ii 2 weeks ago and I am loving it. Sold my peavey classic 30 tube amp that I never used at home because it was too loud and no good for low volume playing. The yamaha has an unlimited amount of tone possibilities and sounds great at any volume. With the app you can create your own presets, blue tooth to play music or backing tracks if you like. Did a lot of research before purchasing this and it paid off. Play my guitar all the time now, and with the headphone jack it can be totally quiet. Bought the black one. Have a nu-x mighty amp as well, but it is sort of a toy really, but if you only have $100 it's not bad if you use headphones.

[@DrewCreal]

Thanks for sharing, I'm envious of your black THR, they look so cool!

[@arifozdemir8981]

First of all , i would like to thank for the amazing thing you’ve done .I ran into your channel while i was looking for valuable information about yamaha thiiw. After i watched your incredible review and amazing information series about yamaha th , playing guitar became more enjoyable thing for me .Plus, after your videos i realized that my guitar and yamaha were incredible instrument and had a variety of powerful features. ( i have a fender american pro ii ) . I’ve been watching your videos since yesterday . Thus, I dunno if there is a video that you’ve reviewed fender tone master pro , especially with yamaha .

[@DrewCreal]

Thanks for the kind words. I'd love to play a Fender Tone Master, maybe I'll try and get my hands on one in the near future. I'm glad you are getting some mileage out of your THR, keep jammin!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

My (black) THR30II is the Best gear purchase, that I've made in years. I love that amp. Utilize the app and the possibilities are endless. It Sounds phenomenal. oNe LovE from NYC

[@DrewCreal]

I feel the same, biggest value item I own, and it's gotten more use than a lot of boutique pedals I own.

[@greg6162]

How do you shape tones like in the Katana? Like adding a tube screamer, Big Muff etc… I’m not sure how to get a good pop punk/grunge tone.

[@mdwvt]

You have to experiment with everything really. Starting from the left with the “modeling type” or whatever, then you can switch between Classic, Boutique and Modern, then you can use the app to change the speaker cabinet. The speaker cabinet settings have probably more of an effect on the sound than you think. You really just have to tinker, tinker, tinker. Don’t be afraid to dial in what you think is a “bad” sound and just experiment with it and try to tweak it and adjust all the things.

[@cocktailzombie]

I have the thr30ii which is great but personally i prefer the thr10X which i think does heavier tones and chug a little better. Wonder if yamaha will ever release a more metal version of the thr30ii? Would definitely buy one

[@DrewCreal]

That would be sick!

[@stevensonnewberry8724]

Thx Drew. I've had this amp for a year; works great! Your quick BTooth review was most helpful. I like the stereo feature and w a decent portable audio digicorder (tascam, zoom etc.) w stereo mics, one can make VERY good recordings. Almost studio quality. Excellent practice tool. Happy camper.

[@DrewCreal]

They're great amps man, I'm glad the tutorial videos helped you. Thanks for checking this out.

[@MrHotwheelz42]

Drew how is the THR 10ii for metal and Rock? Also Drew what are you using for your computer ? Apple(IOS) or Android. phone or tablet. please

[@DrewCreal]

The THR is great for both metal and rock, I feel like it specializes in those genres. Lots of great tones here for that. I'm using a Digital Storm Windows 10 machine.

[@lukevuncannonmusic]

Yamaha THRii is by far my favorite practice amp!!! I can get so many awesome tones out of it. I even use this thing as my main live amp run into the mixer!!! Love it!! Thanks for the videos, I really enjoy them!!

[@DrewCreal]

I have also used the THR live and it does great as a stage monitor and running the output to the PA. Sounds great!

[@MikeColeWorld]

Can I run a boss DS1 with this amp?

[@kalender3434]

Hi Drew, I bought a Yamaha THR10II. I connected my Yamaha SV130BL electric violin to the amplifier and it worked seamlessly. At the same time, I can connect my electro-acoustic guitar and other electronic devices to the amplifier and use them. The only issue is that when I connect my iPhone and iPad devices to the amplifier via Bluetooth, there is no sound coming from the devices to the amplifier. Despite using both the "THR Remote" application and Bluetooth, I'm not getting any sound from my phone and tablet to the amplifier. Neither Spotify nor KZbin applications are sending sound to the amplifier. When I connect via Bluetooth, there is no sound coming to the amplifier. I would appreciate your assistance with this matter.

[@DrewCreal]

Man, I can't be totally sure without trouble shooting myself in person. I would recommend updating the firmware and possibly updating your computers OS. Get the latest version of the THR remote app. That should fix most issues. I've never had an issue connecting my phone or tablet to the THR with the playback issue you are describing. Best of luck.

[@reneeschke]

How do you use the xvive with your THR? Does it work with the built in receiver?!

[@DrewCreal]

Nope, you have to use the Transmitter and Receiver with the XVive. It's a great wireless option and the XVive form factor stays out of the way better than the Line 6 wireless.

[@reneeschke]

@@DrewCreal got it! Hard to believe that having it "better out of the way" beats not having to use an extra receiver (which I assume requires yet another powersource?)

[@ofirr673]

The Air EX comes with a rechargeable battery compartment for rechargeable AA's.......(in addition to AC power). The power pack is extra

[@apocalypsy]

Does the thr librarian app work with the thr ii models? I was tryng to connect it to my phone and it doesnt want to connect?

[@DrewCreal]

Sorry you're having that issue. Try updating the firmware on the THR and make sure you're using the newest version of IOS or Android.

[@sahamal_savu]

Bought one of these for my Dad for Christmas two years ago. He still talks about how it's the perfect amp 🙂👍

[@DrewCreal]

This is awesome! I'm glad your dad digs the amp, what a great gift.

[@ggh799]

I’ve had the the older thr for like 9 years since I started playing and it’s basically the only amp I’ve ever needed. I still use it whenever I need to be quiet and it’s so portable. Idk about the new one, but the old model is nearly indestructible. It took a couple big hits over the years and still sounds great. Also sounds really good when using it with headphones

[@DrewCreal]

Glad to hear your THR has made it through a couple wars with you. 🤘

[@InTheSh8]

I agree with the quality, mine is in mint condition still and I have it as long or longer than you. But come on, the sound of the internal amps and cabs is not good even when compared to free amp-sims at the time of its release. I use it as an audio interface and when I use a Marshall in Amplitube for example, then I actually hear how good this amp could sound. Maybe it is an unfair comparison, but once I heard it via its DI into a VST amp-sim, the internal "Modern, Brit, Lead, Crunch and Clean" instantly died for me!

[@jgfunk]

Can you get a footswitch for the yamaha? I like to switch between effects while jamming or playing a song. I don't want to have to use my phone

[@DrewCreal]

Yes, there's this Bluetooth footswitch called the Airstep Lite or the Airstep YT that works with the Yamaha. Change presents or effects, it's pretty sweet. I have a video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWaoZaF7fr-Ubc0

[@jgfunk]

@@DrewCreal wow! Thank you for the quick response!

[@MikeColeWorld]

Can I run pedals with this thing? Like a Boss DS1?

[@DrewCreal]

Yep, sure can!

[@johngibson911]

Hi Drew. I’ve actually got both of these amps so I feel I’m well placed to appreciate the good points and limitations of each of them. The Boss EX feels far more like a “proper” guitar amp, which is down to the more solid construction and better quality speakers, while the THR is more versatile as a home audio device that seamlessly blends two different functions. The Boss actually has six preset stores while the THR has five and the emulated effects on the Boss are far better than those on the THR. I didn’t fork out the extra hundred quid for the battery pack, but I use rechargeable AA batteries with my Boss & it works fine. The THR is easier to integrate a Bluetooth foot switch, like an X-Sonic, while still allowing audio streaming. The Boss has its own wireless foot switch available but it’s a bit clunky in operation. The THR phone app is much easier to use than the Boss equivalent but the Yamaha app has historically struggled to keep up with phone software updates causing frustration until it gets its own update. The THR is a lot lighter to use as a portable amp to just throw anywhere in the house or garden when the urge takes you, but the Boss is a better recording option due to the higher quality effects. For music or backing track streaming, the THR is better and definitely wins on the vintage “Americana” aesthetic but principally these are supposed to be guitar amps and they are very different in that regard. The clean tones from the Yamaha are much sweeter and clearer than those on the Boss, but the THR doesn’t match the Katana when it comes to crunch or overdrive. I think it boils down to what kind of music you play - indie, vintage pop & country sound best on the THR but blues, rock & metal are better served by the Boss. It’s a bit like expecting a Fender Twin Reverb to sound like a Marshall Plexi - they’re different animals and they both do what they’re best at very well, but in reality you want both.

[@DrewCreal]

Thanks for sharing all this information here John.

[@friedriz]

Appreciate the comparison. I'm debating between these two models for my apartment setup. Which one did you end up going with?

[@adama2562]

Your reviews a bit biased. I watched other videos comparing the katana Air versus the katana Air EX and they are two completely different sounding amps where you can actually tell the difference in the video reviews that I watched. I still haven't decided which one i want to buy yet it's probably between katana air ex and the Yamaha THR 30 but I need a good video comparing the two side by side. which one really sounds better overall?

[@DrewCreal]

You're right man, a side by side comparison is definitely needed. In this video I was mainly talking about the features and the price, I'm sorry if that came off as biased.

[@Lauri_K]

Should I get the THR30IIW for playing "everywhere"? I'm a fairly experienced guitarist and I only have a Katana 50 MKII EX. And I was thinking I need something more portable. So... I just want to have a simple practice amp I could play in my living room, outside, anywhere. I want to play anything from blues to more modern metal.

[@willgo7898]

What about Line 6 Catalyst ?? ... yeah, I get that the THR is smaller/lighter/more portable/battery powered/cab options, but I assume the Catalyst is more gigable, better sounding (?), with most of the functionality, at 1/2 the cost. Please weigh in. Am I missing something ?

[@DrewCreal]

I've never played the Catalyst, I'll have to check that out.

[@Bitterkarma71]

I truly regret selling my thr10x, it was such a sweet little amp. If I do decide to pick one up again, (and after watching this i am sure I will) I am going to see about getting it modded out with a ext speaker out, and mabye check if an effects loop can also be an added possibiliy..

[@DrewCreal]

That's a great amp, I regret selling mine too. I loved that army green color!

[@sinistrousdiabolus]

Big fan-sadly the II is crazy expensive here but my original THR got a ton of use as a desktop amp// interface for grab and go ideas. Funny enough i got a second hand Katana II for a 3rd of the thr cost

[@DrewCreal]

They're both great! I'm amazed by the tones we can get from these little practice amps.

[@sinistrousdiabolus]

@@DrewCreal yeah i actually ended up selling the THR because it only had the 1/8'' jack and no line out to drive a bigger amp :(

[@Joe-mz6dc]

"...Like some kind of explosive device..." you had me laughing bro. 😃

[@DrewCreal]

Haha sweet 🤘😜

[@rockerbuck967]

It's no surprise that the Line6 stuff has gotten better, since Yamaha bought out Line 6. There's a different captain at the helm, and its name is Capt. Yamaha lol

[@DrewCreal]

LEAD us towards the TONE captain Yamaha.

[@updraft4me280]

did yamaha fix the remote app issues ? seems the app is useless from the reviews

[@DrewCreal]

I've had the THR for about 4 years now and have not had any remote app issues. Occasionally the app won't recognize the THR but after updating the firmware and restarting the computer, I've always been able to get it to connect.

[@naomipowers9480]

Sorry to break the current 69 comment count but nice review, Drew

[@DrewCreal]

You are welcome to break the 69th comment and add the 70th comment, at any time! Thanks for watching!

[@psocques]

Spark?

[@ViTAR30]

THR can also be used for bass, while Katana can’t, which is important to me. I have older THR-X, would like to upgrade to newer THR top model.

[@eldiablo443]

bRUH just wear a good pair of glasses. First selector'option: ACOUSTIC/BASS

[@greg6162]

Get a Katana 50 MKII-EX… at least. I’d recommend the 100MKII minimum for the GAFC switch and looper pedal. The 50 EX can use GAFC switch but the 100 MKII is worth it

[@DrewCreal]

I'll check that amp out, thanks for the tip.

[@JP-jp8xc]

The Boss has 6 presets. Press A or B three times and led changes color indicating another preset

[@DrewCreal]

I've got to try the Boss soon, thanks for the heads up.

[@smartmammal9926]

You are forming an opinion without testing the Katana? Dude.

[@DrewCreal]

Sorry about this, I was mainly focusing on the features and the price that both amps offer. I think you're right though, a full review and comparison is in order for next year!

[@Durkhead]

Yamaha such a weird company. They make musical instruments, home stereos, and motorcycles?, boats?, and semiconductors. And ther all really good 👍

[@DrewCreal]

They make great stuff!

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

Some of their engineers actually came from Toyota engineering's elite R&D department The part of them that branched off from the department that eventually became TRD(Toyota Racing Development)is still responsible for helping Toyota engineer every beloved "GE"/performance engine It's why I have a Yamaha stamped 5 Valve per cylinder spare Toyota engine, that was built using some of the Yamaha R1 engine features such as ITBs

[@TeensierPython]

Japan doesn’t have the same kind of anti-trust laws as the US. Otherwise there would be some fantastic mega-corps in the US as well.

[@InTheSh8]

My THR10 is still going strong! It is the first generation one that came out but I upgraded to firmware V2.0. I think it sounds horrible! Especially when you record the amp models directly into a track. They sound sterile like the old POD's ones. The Brit mode compared to Amplitube Marshalls sounds like a toy. The Modern is usable. The Clean doesn't sound good with pedals so it is not very good as a platform for pedals. I enjoy it though because I use it as an audio interface and the sound of the speakers is really ok even for a bit of mixing. It is clear that Yamaha at that time had no clue how many guitarists use their gear and in what order. The only virtual pedal you can put in front is a compressor. No Tube Screamer availabe to boost the Modern preset. Through the years I found a way to turn the cab sim off and use 3rd party impulses for it at least in my DAW. I cannot understand how people constantly say that this sounds great. Your THR is the next generation, so they might have really improved on their software and hardware.

[@miquelmarti6537]

After looking at 40w DSL Marshall prices, I'd get an attenuator and a real amp before one of these. Too expensive to justify.

[@DrewCreal]

Its an all-in-one practice solution, no pedals needed, just plug in and play. The 40w DSL is a great amp, but with an attenuator, you're going to be closer to $700. You can get the cheapter THR for $300. I love all amps, but for practicing, I like this one the best.

[@AnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

Why don't you prefer Positive Grid? It has multiple amp models which will be used for different songs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYi9fIuFmtCEec0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5auk2qubNtmY6M kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3e2eJyeiZ2kfZo kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4GylnuwatWWqac kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYHHXo2bob57pKc

[@DrewCreal]

I’m sure great tones can be made with the positive grid stuff. I’ve used several of their plugins but found myself dialing forever and couldn’t come up with a great sound. I found that for recording the Helix Native stuff was a much better option. As far as practice amps go, I found the Yamaha to be easier to dial in a great sound without option paralysis. The good news is there are SO many options, Tone X, positive grid, neural DSP, it’s an endless landscape of tone. There almost isn’t enough time to try it all. I’m just sharing what I use the most on my channel, you’re free to share your favorites with me. My only critique in those clips that you shared is that there is something weird going on in the top end of the tone, it’s a strange chimy sound that I found hard to get rid of with the Positive Grid amps. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@AnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

@@DrewCreal If you want to play "In The Shadows", use "Plexiglas" amp model in Positive Grid Spark. Link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWTSm4aKpLJ_hrs Amp settings: Gain: 7.5 Bass: 3.5 Mids: 5.5 Treble: 6.5 Noise Gate: On Comp: On Drive: Off Mod: Off Delay: On Reverb: On

[@ricardobenedetti3520]

It's overpriced. You can get a Katana Artist for the same price.

[@DrewCreal]

I'll have to get one and check it out.

[@greg6162]

Yeah I have the Yamaha THR10II and it’s a great sounding amp… but I got my Katana 100 MKII and you can shape your tone using the artists real life pedals. Like smashing pumpkins you would use the Big Muff and it emulates the pedals so accurately. It’s confusing at first but once you watch a couple KZbin videos you realize it’s far superior for tonal capabilities. If the Yamaha had better software it might be a better practice amp

[@AnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

You have no idea about Positive Grid.

[@DrewCreal]

Actually I do, and I don't like it.

[@AnonymousIsAnonymous1234]

@@DrewCreal Why not?

[@afigurezero777]

No tones, no playing. Come on man!

[@DrewCreal]

Sorry you're bummed man, there are lots of tones and playing on the channel. This was a talking video, I don't normally do these, but look around, you might find something that you dig.

[@Vortex1988]

Sometimes I think people intentionally mispronounce words just to gaslight me.

[@DrewCreal]

What words did I mispronounce?

[@motorbikeray]

@@DrewCreal wrote, "What words did I mispronounce?" My guess is the word "Katana". You pronounce the letter "a" like "apple" for all three syllables of "Katana" instead of sounding the letter "a" like the letter "o" as in the word "copy".