šļøĀ As Jake E. Lee continues his recovery after the shooting incident in Las Vegas, fans have a new piece of gear to look forward to: the Friedman IR-J Signature Tube Preamp. Done in collaboration with amp builder Dave Friedman, this compact, advanced unit aims to capture the guitarist’s legendary tones from the 1980s and ’70s.
š Two Channels of Modified Plexi Power
The IR-J preamp is based on Friedman’s existing IR-D platform but features two distinct channels driven by a pair of 12AX7 tubes. These channels are voiced after Friedmanās own JEL-100 and JEL-20 amplifiers, which are modern interpretations of the highly modified Marshall Plexi amps Lee famously used in his early career with Ozzy Osbourne.
* Channel 1: Delivers a classic, raw Plexi-type tone.
* Channel 2: Offers a more “percussive” and aggressive sound, based on the specific voicing of the JEL amps.
āØ Advanced Tonal Sculpting
Both channels feature independent footswitches and comprehensive controls, including separate knobs for volume, gain, and 3-band EQ. Enhancing its versatility, the IR-J includes a global boost switch, alongside separate boost knobs for each channel.
The pedal also features additional switches to control the brightness voicing and offers different built-in cabinet simulators based on Jake E. Lee’s personal preferences. For integration into complex rigs, the unit includes an effects loop and MIDI connectivity.
šø Retaining the ’70s Heart
Lee himself commented on the collaboration, expressing his satisfaction with Friedman’s understanding of his sound:
> “Dave has an innate understanding of where Iām coming from as a player… I grew up in the ’70s and those muscular, articulate rock tones were the tones I always sought… I’ve always tried to retain a little of that ’70s heart, and I still do. That’s what this preamp does, though itās got plenty more on tap if you need it!”
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The IR-J is available for $599. Given its tube-driven design, professional features, and tonal flexibility, the new Friedman preamp promises to be a powerful tool for guitarists looking to capture the iconic sounds of one of rockās most distinctive players.