🚀 The Jake E. Lee Signature collection from Friedman Amplification has solidified itself as a must-have series for guitarists chasing the tones that defined hard rock across the 70s and 80s. Following the massive success of the limited-edition JEL-100, the smaller JEL-20 head, and the recently released IR-J Preamp Pedal, the collaboration reaches a new zenith with the official launch of the Friedman JEL-50 amplifier head.
Two Eras, One Amp
The JEL-50 is a formidable, all-tube 50-watt amplifier head featuring two meticulously voiced channels. This two-channel design is the core of the amp’s appeal, seamlessly integrating the tones of the two iconic eras embodied by Jake E. Lee’s unparalleled playing style. In the guitarist’s own words, the JEL-50 combines “the sweetness and warmth of a classic Plexi amp” with the “more aggressive edge of the master volume amps of the ’80s—all tuned to my taste.”
The first channel is dedicated to the Plexi sound, delivering the rich, articulate, and expressive sonic foundation of the ’70s hard rock that originally inspired Lee. The second, the JEL channel, steps into the ’80s, offering the high-gain aggression and percussive punch needed for the Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin eras and beyond.
Power and Precision in 50 Watts
The JEL-50 packs its punch with a robust feature set tailored for professional use. It is handwired in the USA and features three 12AX7 preamp tubes and two EL34 power tubes, providing the rich harmonic complexity and dynamic response Friedman amps are known for. While both channels share a flexible 3-band EQ, the JEL channel also features a handy push/pull gain switch for Hi/Lo gain modes, maximizing versatility.
The head is also built for the modern player, featuring an ultra-transparent, buffered series effects loop, ensuring time-based effects like delays and reverbs shine through without coloring the core tone. With a distinctive red Tolex cabinet, the JEL-50 is instantly recognizable and a visually stunning addition to any rig.
Completing the Signature Lineup
The JEL-50 arrives as the perfect middle ground between the 100-watt and 20-watt versions, offering an ideal volume and headroom for both stage and studio. It solidifies Friedman’s commitment to capturing Lee’s ultimate sound in various formats, confirming that his tonal choices serve as the “evolutionary glue” between the sonics of those two great rock decades.