ThorpyFX has teamed up with acclaimed boutique amp specialist Lazy J Amps to introduce The J overdrive pedal, promising to deliver the sought-after sound of the vintage-inspired Lazy J J-20 tube combo directly to guitarists’ pedalboards. This new amp-in-a-box offering targets players chasing the legendary, mid-forward roar of ’50s-era Fender Tweed amplifiers.
A True Collaboration for Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll Mojo
The J pedal is the result of a close partnership between Thorpy FX founder Adrian Thorpe and Lazy J’s Jesse Hoff. Their mission was clear: capture the core drive and tone of the celebrated J-20 amp, minus the reverb and tremolo, in a compact, two-channel format.
“Basically, what I wanted to achieve was the J-20 sound without the reverb and the trem,” Thorpe stated. “So we just wanted the drive, two channels, the drive section of the amp… We were trying to capture from the front end to the back end, so really what’s coming out of the speaker. I think we’ve nailed it.“
While acknowledging that no pedal can fully replicate the “visceral” feel of a real tube amp moving air, The J is designed to be an uncompromising sonic replica of the amp’s overdrive section.
Tweed Tone “On ‘Roids”: The Sound of Rock ‘n’ Roll
The sound replicated by The J is rooted in the glorious, midrange-heavy sound of mid-’50s amps like the Fender Tweed Deluxe. This era marked the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, where the electric guitar was foregrounded with a distinct, punchy sonic profile.
Lazy J founder Jesse Hoff explained that the original J-20 amp was born from his own modifications to a ’50s Deluxe, aiming for a louder live amp with more clean headroom without sacrificing the classic broken-up character. The J-20 became a cult hit, and The J pedal now brings that same spirit to the masses.
“What does it sound like? Tweed-era Fender ‘on ‘roids’,” says Hoff, referencing the powerful, aggressive nature of the tone.
Key Features and Controls
Following the success of their Scarlet Tunic (a Selmer Treble ‘N’ Bass emulator), The J is Thorpy FX’s second analog amp emulator. The pedal features:
- Dual Footswitches for Normal and Bright channels, each with independent volume controls.
- A Master Volume control.
- The innovative Supply dial, which emulates the voltage attenuation control found on the original J-20 tube amp.
- Response (a subtle presence control) and Tone (EQ) controls for fine-tuning your sound.
Price & Availability
Guitarists can now get this boutique vintage Tweed overdrive tone for their rig. The J is available now, priced at £329/$366.
Available at Andertons, priced £329
Available at Thomann, priced €399
More Information
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