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Friedman IR-J: Jake E. Lee Tube Preamp Tones

Friedman IR-J: A versatile pedal amp offering classic rock and high-gain tones, inspired by Jake E. Lee's iconic sound.

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Red and white Friedman IR-J Jake E. Lee preamp pedal with twelve knobs and three footswitches, in front of a white guitar

Guitarists seeking a versatile tool that can bridge the gap between the classic rock tones of the '70s and the high-gain sounds of the '80s should look no further than the Friedman IR-J.

Friedman IR-J

This new signature pedal amp from Friedman, created in collaboration with legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee, offers two distinct channels inspired by Lee's iconic' 70s-era Plexi-style amps and his more aggressive' 80s-era tones.

Key Features

  • Dual Channel Design: Delivering both classic rock and high-gain tones.
  • Custom IRs: Preloaded with Lee-curated OwnHammer IRs for authentic sound.
  • MIDI Connectivity: Seamless integration with other gear.
  • Effects Loop: Expand your tonal palette with external effects.
  • Tube Preamp: Ensures rich, responsive tone.
Friedman IR-J  Jake E. Lee
Jake E. Lee signature preamp

Classic Rock to High Gain

The IR-J's dual-channel design makes guitarists effortlessly switch between classic rock and high-gain sounds. The first channel offers a warm, vintage tone reminiscent of the iconic Plexi amplifiers that defined the sound of the '70s. The second channel delivers a more aggressive, modern sound perfect for heavier genres.

Custom Impulse Responses

One of the standout features of the IR-J is its inclusion of custom IRs curated by Jake E. Lee. These IRs capture the unique tonal characteristics of Lee's iconic amplifiers, providing guitarists with a truly authentic sound. The IR-J also features MIDI connectivity, making integrating with other gear in your rig easy.

The IR-J includes an effects loop for those who want to customize their sound further. This allows you to add external effects, such as pedals or rack units, to your signal chain, giving you even more flexibility and control over your tone.

Under the hood, the IR-J is powered by a tube preamp, which ensures a rich, responsive tone. The tube preamp adds warmth, character, and depth to your sound, making the IR-J feel like a full-fledged amplifier.

Friedman IR-J  Jake E. Lee Custom Impulse Responses
Custom Impulse Responses

Guitar Bomb Verdict

Friedman and Jake E. Lee have captured the essence of two decades of guitar tone in a single pedal amp. The IR-J is a must-have for guitarists who crave versatility and authenticity.

More Information

Jef Stone
Jef Stone
Founder and editor of GuitarBomb. Jef has been writing about guitars, effects pedals, and music gear for over ten years, covering everything from breaking gear news and leaks to hands-on reviews.