🎛️ 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.
🔊 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 Friedman’s 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.
✨ 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.
🎸 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 I’m 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 it’s 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 rock’s most distinctive players.