Friedman and Jake E. Lee teamed up earlier this year for some brand new amplifier options (and a pedal), and now they’re back once again with a 50-watt head dubbed the JEL-50.
The JEL-50 is an all-tube head packing two EL34 power tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two channels, and an ultra-transparent series effects loop. The JEL-50 offers up a 3-band EQ, a “Thump” knob that varies the lowered response of the amps power section, and a “Presence” option that varies the high end content of the amps power section.
“This amp puts the two specific tones I use to create my sound in one head: The sweetness and warmth of a classic Plexi and the more aggressive slant of the master volume amps of the ’80s — all tweaked to my taste. Dave has an innate understanding of where I’m coming from as a player and we’re alike in the way we hear tones.
“Dave [Friedman] doesn’t hear things as a technician, he hears things like a musician, and that made him really easy to work with. I grew up in the ’70s and those muscular, articulate rock tones were the tones I always sought, but I made a name for myself in the ’80s when you needed a little more aggression and a little more scream. I’ve always tried to retain a little of that ’70s heart and I still do, and that’s what this amp does — though it’s got plenty more on tap if you need it!.”
The JEL-50 is available here for $2,999.99.
