Friedman JJ Junior User Manual

HEAD & 1x12 COMBO

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Congratulations on purchasing this incredible
new guitar amplifier designed by one of the
most well-known amp modders and designers
in the LA Music scene for the past 20 years,
Dave Friedman.

Dave Friedman has been designing and
building guitar rigs for the stars since the early
nineties. After many years of modding
amplifiers and consulting for other well­known amplifier companies, Dave finally
brought his talent to a new line of production
amps under his name, Friedman
Amplification.

The signature JJ-JR was designed with Alice In
Chains guitar player Jerry Cantrell. Jerry has
been relying on Friedman amps for years and
has now teamed up with Dave to create a
low-wattage Friedman of his own. Months of
seemingly endless tweaking, refining and
playing has resulted in Jerry's dream little
amp. The JJ amp Jerry relies on every day is
identical in tone to the JJ-JR amplifier you
have purchased.

A lot of people don’t believe an EL-84 20-watt
amp can sound just like the big one. We beg
to differ!

You will notice instantly, the tight bottom end
and rich harmonically detailed chords and
single notes. This amp cleans up remarkably
well with the guitar’s volume control, even
with the amp on higher gain settings.

The JJ JR takes pedals very well and loves
boosts, OD’s, phasers, flangers, tremolos,
wahs, etc. The JJ JR also has an ultra
transparent Series FX loop that takes time­based FX pedals and rack units equally well.

SPEAKER EMALUTED DIRECT INTERFACE:

On the back panel you will find an XLR output
that delivers an authentic MICed cab
response. This output accurately reproduces
the tone of a classic MIC and vintage speaker.

KEY FEATURES:

• Hand Wired the USA

• 20-Watt all tube head or 1x12 combo

• The JJ Junior combo comes loaded

with a 16-ohm, 12” Celestion G12M 65
Creamback speaker

• Two channels

• 2 x EL-84 power tubes

• 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes

• Master volume and gain controls

• Dirty Channel featuring full EQ

consisting of bass, middle, treble and
presence

• Clean channel featuring volume and
3-way bright switch

• JBE voice switch for a higher gain more
saturated sound

• Ultra transparent series FX Loop

• 8 and 16 ohm Impedance Selector

Switch

• Custom made transformers

• 5-Year Limited warranty

PLUGGING IN

We recommend starting the amp on the
normal dirty channel with the Bass on 10, the
Mids at around 6, the Treble at 5 and the
Presence at 5. Set the Gain around 8 and then
bring the master up to taste. After plugging
in, you will notice instantly, the tight bottom
end and rich harmonically detailed chords and
single notes, that’s the Friedman sound. This
amp cleans up remarkably well with the
guitar’s volume control even with the amp on
higher gain settings. For even more gain,
switch to the JBE mode using the switch on
the front panel. Switching to the Clean, turn
the Volume up and experiment with the
Bright Switch to find the tone you need.

We know you will love your new JJ JR.
If you have any questions or need help don’t
hesitate to email us at
[email protected].

INSTRUCTIONS

Please keep this instruction manual for future
reference and for the duration of owning this
Friedman Amplifier. Please carefully read and
understand the instructions inside this user’s
manual before attempting to operate your
new amp. This instruction manual includes
essential safety information regarding the use
and maintenance of the amplifier. Take
special care to heed all warning symbols and
signs inside this manual and those printed on
the amplifier itself.

WARNING!
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO
NOT EXPOSE THE AMPLIFIER TO WATER OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY
WATER SOURCE

WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The lightning flash with an arrow triangular
symbol is intended to alert the user to the

presence of non-insulated “dangerous
voltage” within the products enclosure, and
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock

WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The exclamation point triangular symbol is
intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the user manual
accompanying this amplifier!

1. Read Instructions – All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
this product is operated.

2. The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the
amplifier and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use
instructions should be followed.

5. Water and Moisture – The amplifier should
not be used near water – for example, a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub,
wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and
the like.

6. Heat – Amplifier should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other amplifiers that
produce heat.

7. Power Sources – This product should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the rating label.
If you are not sure of the type of power supply
to your home, consult your product dealer or
local power company.

8. Grounding or Polarization
– This product may be equipped with a
polarized alternation-current line plug (a plug
having one blade wider than the other). This
plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable
to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail
to fit, contact your electrician to replace your

obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.

9. Power-Cord Protection
– Power-supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to the cord
in correspondence of plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the amplifier.

10. Cleaning – The amplifier should be
cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer. Clean by wiping with a cloth
slightly damp with water. Avoid getting water
inside the amplifier.

11. Non-use Periods – The power cord of the
amplifier should be unplugged from the outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.

12. Object and Liquid Entry
– Care should be taken so that objects do not
fall, and liquids are not spilled into the
enclosure through openings.

13. Damage Requiring Service
– The amplifier should be serviced by qualified
service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has
been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been
spilled into the amplifier; or
C. The amplifier has been exposed to rain; or
D. The amplifier does not appear to operate
normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance; or
E. The amplifier has been dropped, or the
enclosure damaged.
F. The amplifier needs tube replacement or
biasing

14. Servicing – The user should not attempt
any service to the amplifier beyond that
described in the operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.

15. Ventilation – Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and to
ensure reliable operation of the product and

to protect it from overheating, and these
openings must not be blocked or covered.

16. Attachments – do not use attachments
not recommended by the product
manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

17. Accessories – Do not place this product on
an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table. The product may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult, and serious damage
to the product. Use only with a cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer, or sold with the product.

18. Lightning – For added protection for this
product before a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods
of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This
will prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power line surges.

19. Replacement Parts – When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have the
same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.

20. Safety Check – Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this product, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.

21. FUSES – Always use the correct rating and
type of fuse as indicated on the rear panel.
Note the proper rating fuse is determined by
the AC line voltage in the country this unit is
being operated.

CAUTIO

POWER SWITCH: This turns the amp on.

PRESENCE CONTROL: Adjusts the upper mids and highs in the power amp section. Global on all
channels. Start at about 4-5 and adjust to taste.

Note: This pot will sound scratchy when adjusted – this is normal.

MASTER: This is the dirty channels VOLUME. The more you turn it up, the louder it gets.

TREBLE CONTROL: This adds or reduces treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.

MIDDLE CONTROL: Adds or reduces midrange. Start at 5 or 6. Lower settings will scoop the mids,

higher levels will allow your audience to actually hear the guitar in the mix.

BASS CONTROL: This adds or reduces bass or bottom end. As the amp gets louder, you may want to
back this off a bit. Start at 7-10 for bedroom volumes.

GAIN CONTROL: This adds gain/distortion. Adjust to taste. Don’t be afraid.

JBE SWITCH: Primarily designed to add gain, compression and saturation. It is normal for the volume

level to drop with this switch engaged. Compensate with the amp’s Master volume.

CHANNEL SELECTOR SWITCH: Switches between Clean and Dirty channels when Footswitch is not
connected.

BRIGHT SWITCH: 3 position switch that varies the overall brightness of the Clean Channel ONLY.

CLEAN VOLUME: Adjusts the clean channel’s volume.

INPUT: Just like it says. This is the JJ’s guitar input jack.

FOOTSWITCH JACK: This is where you plug in the footswitch.

SEND JACK: This is where you plug the INPUT of your Effect(s). Use a high-quality shielded guitar cable.

RETURN JACK: This is where you plug the OUT of your Effect(s). Use a high-quality shielded guitar cable.

BALANCED OUTPUT: XLR output used to send your JJ JR tone straight to the mixing board. (No speaker

cab necessary if you want silent recording ability.)

GND SWITCH: Lift ground to prevent ground loops. Start with placing in LIFT position.

AXIS SWITCH: Simulates MIC placement on the center of the speaker or the edge/surround.

LEVEL SWITCH: A level pad for the XLR output

SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug speaker cabinets here. Set Impedance selector to appropriate position.
If using only one cabinet, connect to “USE FIRST” jack.
The JJ-JR has a built-in dummy load in case you want to use the XLR output without having a speaker
connected. If you would like to use this option, make sure there are no cables plugged into either
speaker jack.

IMPEDANCE SELECTOR SWITCH: Set to correct speaker load impedance that is connected to your amp.

MAINS INPUT: Plug the supplied IEC power cord here and into a wall outlet to power the beast. Only

plug into a wall outlet that matches the voltage of the amp.

MAIN FUSE: This fuse is in the compartment found below the AC receptacle. Replace with a 3 Amp slo
blow fuse for 120V or 1.5 Amp slo blow for 230V. This most likely is the result of a bad tube. Constant
blowing of this fuse (even when using new tubes) is an indication that something could be seriously
wrong with your amp. STOP and call us so we may help you diagnose.

HT FUSE: Only replace with Type indicated on rear panel. If this fuse blows, don’t freak out too much.

It’s most likely a bad power tube. We recommend you carry a few spare fuses and a spare set of tubes
when gigging.

FRIEDMAN LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Thank you for choosing Friedman. Friedman
manufactures some of the world’s most reliable
hand-wired, all-tube amplifiers and speaker
cabinets. Friedman takes great pride in an
extremely thorough testing procedure, which is
implemented on each product prior to shipment.
In the unlikely event that you have a problem
with your amplifier, please refer to warranty
below. Friedman stands behind our products like
no other and we’re here to help you!

AMPLIFIERS: Friedman offers a limited lifetime

warranty to the original purchaser that a Friedman
amplifier will be free from defects in material and
workmanship. A dated sales receipt will establish
coverage under this warranty, PLEASE KEEP YOUR
PROOF OF PURCHASE TO USE YOUR WARRANTY.
This warranty does not cover service or parts to
repair damage caused by accident, neglect, abuse,
normal wear, disaster, misuse, abuse, over­powering, negligence, inadequate packing or
shipping procedures and service, repair or any
modifications to the product which have not been
authorized or approved by Friedman in writing.

ANY MODIFICATION TO THE AMPLIFIER WILL
VOID YOUR WARRANTY. If this product is

defective in materials or workmanship as
warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair
or replacement by Friedman as provided below.

CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to repair, modify or
service your amplifier by yourself!!! Please read
the instruction manual for all safety notifications,
warnings and instructions. Friedman, like all tube

amplifiers, has extremely high voltages that can
cause serious injury or death. Do not remove the
chassis from the amplifier. All repair and service
work must be performed by Friedman or an
authorized service center of Friedman. ANY
UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS WILL VOID YOUR
WARRANTY.

TUBES: Friedman warrants the original purchaser
that the specific tubes used in Friedman will be
free from defects in material and workmanship for
a period of 90 days from the original date of
purchase. A dated sales receipt will establish
coverage under this warranty. This tube warranty
will automatically terminate 90 days after the
original retail sales date. This tube warranty is in
lieu of all other expressed warranties. If tubes fail
within the 90-day warranty period your sole
remedy shall be replacement of tubes as provided
below.

RETURN PROCEDURES: In the unlikely event that a
defect occurs please email us at
[email protected]. In most cases we
can help you diagnose the problem over the
phone. If a product must be sent to us, please
follow the procedure outlined below.

Defective products must be shipped,

•

together with proof of purchase, freight
pre-paid and insured to the Authorized
Friedman Service Center or directly to
Friedman.
If a product must be returned to Friedman

•

for warranty replacement/repair, a Return
Authorization Number must be obtained
from our Customer Service Department
prior to shipping the product.
Please contact Friedman Customer Service

•

Department for the Authorized Friedman
Service Center nearest you.
Products must be shipped in their original

•

packaging or its equivalent; in any case,
the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be
borne by the purchaser.
The Return Authorization Number must

•

appear in large print directly below the
shipping address.
Always include a brief description of the

•

defect, along with your correct return
address and telephone number.
When calling to inquire about a returned

•

product, always refer to the Return
Authorization Number.

If Friedman determines that the unit was
defective in materials or workmanship at any time
during the warranty period, Friedman has the
option of repairing or replacing the product at no
additional charge, except as set forth below.

All replaced parts become a property of

•

Friedman. Products replaced or repaired
under this warranty will be returned via
ground shipping within the United States
or Canada - freight prepaid.
Friedman is not responsible for costs

•

associated with expedited shipping, either
to Friedman or the return of the product to
the customer.

All warranty repairs outside the United States and
Canada must be directed to the dealer or
distributor from which you purchased the
product.

INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE: In no
event will Friedman be liable for any incidental or
consequential damages arising out of the use or
inability to use of any Friedman product, even if a
Friedman dealer has been advised of the
possibility of such damages, or any other claim by
any other party. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of consequential damages,
so the above limitation and exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights and you may also have other rights, which
may vary from state to state.

FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Please complete and

staff is ready to help you with any warranty or

product questions you may have. Please email us

at [email protected]

Thank you again for choosing Friedman and we

look forward to a long relationship!

send in the completed warranty registration card

to: Friedman Amplification, care of Boutique Amps

Distribution, 3383 Gage Ave., Huntington Park, CA

90255. Please send within (10) ten days of the

date of purchase so that we may contact you

directly in the event a safety notification issued in

accordance with the 1972 Consumer Product

Safety Act.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Our dedicated and friendly

www.FriedmanAmplification.com