Yamaha Thr10 vs Thr10c – Differences You Should Know

I just tested Yamaha Thr10 vs Thr 10c in a local store so I wanted to quickly note down the main differences between these 2 models.

Both models are pretty similar in terms of layout, design, prices and even basic audio. To hear their differences, you need to zoom in on the models offered.

Essential, Yamaha Thr10 differs from Thr10c in terms of versatility. Thr10 is able to do a good job in many different genres of music while Thr10c caters more to classic and blues. This is because Thr10c handles low gains well while Thr10 has more of a mixture.

The rest of the article will touch on more detailed differences between Yahama Thr10 vs Thr10c, focusing specifically on the gain and tonial differences.

 

Model Difference

Thr10 offers different models relative to Thr10c. Specifically, 10C offers models that have lower gains while the 10 has a wider range of models to choose from.

Thr10C models:

• Fender Deluxe Reverb (Clean)
• Matchless DC30 (Clean tone with some slight edge of breakup effects)
• Fender Blues Jr (Clean and slight warm)
• Marshall Blues Breaker (For slight crunchy sound)
• Dr Z Mini Z (For warm tones and blue + grainy)

These models focuses more on lower gains. For warm tones, I particular love the Dr Z mini Z with a flat setting. The mini model is also great if you want blues + grainy stuff like Santana.

Thr10 Models

• Mesa Dual Rectifier (For modern sounds with high gains)
• Marshall JCM800 (For high gain British sounds)
• Marshall Plexi (For low gain British sounds)
• Vox AC30 (For crunchy gains that is towards British)
• Fender Twin (For clean gains)

On first glance, there are some similar models. For example, Fender Twin is comparably to Fender Blue Jr while the Marshall Plexi can be compared to Marshall Blue Breaker. These 2 mainly offers lower gains for those who likes blues/jazz and country.

For high gains, you have the likes of Marshall 800 as well as Mesa Dual Rectifier. Hence, Thr10 has both high and low gains. This is why I said it has more versatility.

 

Gain Difference

As a result of the model differences, the Thr10 offers a higher gain through the Marshall 800 and the Mesa Dual that isn’t possible on the Thr10c. So, if you want to play classical rock and hit those high gains, then only the Thr10 can achieve it without pedals.

For the Thr10c, you will probably need distortion pedals if you want to try to work on that high gains. It will not sound as good but at least it is ok enough to play it.

For lower gains, both models do offer similar options. However, the cleans are louder under the 10c. In addition, the gains sound warmer in the 10c, relatively to the regular 10. Finally, the Fender twin and the Marshall blues breaker offers a lower gain than their counter parts on the Thr10.

 

Ease of control

As the Thr10 offers more variety, you will need to spend more time figuring out the right models and settings. It can be a lot of fun for those who likes to experiment. However, it can also be frustrating if you are looking for that one particular tone or gain settings.

In contrast, the Thr10c is more straight forward. Most of the models offer clean tones with some differences in terms of graininess and crunchiness. However, they are all suited to certain genres like blues or jazz so figuring it out is pretty easy.

 

Other minor differences

Here are other differences that are not as obvious

• Color – The Thr10 comes in beige while the Thr10c comes in black
• Dial settings – The numbers printed on the dial setting for Thr10c can be difficult to read due to the color. The letterings are printed in dark and it blends right in with the black color of the Thr10c.

 

Thr10 vs Thr10X

How about the Thr10X? How does it differ from the regular version?

The difference between Thr10 and Thr10X is in the higher gains model. Thr10X gives you more power in higher gain with plenty of distortion and heavy tones. Thr10’s Marshall 800 also offers high gain but not to the extend of Thr10x’s models.

Specifically, these are the Thr10x models:

• Power I – ENGL Powerball Rhythm Channel
• Power II – ENGL Powerball Lead Channel
• Brown I – Modded marshall plexi (vh)
• Beown II – EVH (fender)
• Southern High –

 

Can you share preset libraries?

The answer is no, unless they have recently changed the software.

Be default, only preset libraries meant for the specific model of Thr10 can be used.

If the company allow libraries to be shared, it would probably make the different models reluctant. This means the difference become the color of the casing lol.

 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the choice is pretty straight forward. If you are a blues player or you want something with cleaner tones and lower gains, then the Thr10c is for you. It is straight forward to set up and offers a nice clean and warm output.

If you like to play different styles or want to experiment, the regular Thr10 is for you. It has models that cater to both high and low gain, without the need to add in pedals. However, you will need some time to try and figure out everything it has to offer.

If you want mainly high gains, go for the Thr10x instead. The models it has focuses mainly for players who like rock and heavy metal.