Mongillo19
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If you aren't going to be able to crank the amp, my next purchase if I were you would be a Surh RL (non IR). They aren't that expensive and I think would sound much better than the two notes
NAD: Friedman JJ Junior Head
- Thread starter Jarick
- Start date
Jarick
Rock Star
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Yeah that's one I have my eye on as I know the impedance curve should be more accurate. I got this Torpedo used for like $100 and it's been pretty handy. It also has an attenuator which is neat, and not a lot of inexpensive reactive loads have attenuators as well.
I have to say the JJ into the Axe sounds KILLER. With stereo detune and delay/reverb, it's just amazing.
Mongillo19
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Yup, running effects with fractal is awesome.
The Suhr curve is a G12M I believe? I think that would fit nicely with something like a Friedman.
Glad you are liking it so far! Honeymoon period is a thing but it's always a joy to have a nice tube amp around
Conrats on the JJ! I hadn’t realized they were discontinued: that’s the one Friedman small amp I was considering due to EL34’s (Runt etc. have EL84’s).
I was thinking of trying a few different small amps apart from my own Orange Terrors and 1x12 cab, starting with an Engl Fireball 25 (6L6’s) – and have to say that now you have pointed it out and I’m listening for it, I prefer my Marshall Greenback 1x12 – even for the Terrors. I always had a few good pedals in front and in the Loop of the Terrors for the toanz.
Availability in Oz is an issue – I can drool over pics and specs of Friedman, Mesa, Mezzabarba – even Marshall! – amps but don’t trust shipping, especially international.
I upsized to a 50w head (Engl is available), so that Greenback is spoken for and I “need” another – or a 4x12.
I was thinking of trying a few different small amps apart from my own Orange Terrors and 1x12 cab, starting with an Engl Fireball 25 (6L6’s) – and have to say that now you have pointed it out and I’m listening for it, I prefer my Marshall Greenback 1x12 – even for the Terrors. I always had a few good pedals in front and in the Loop of the Terrors for the toanz.
Availability in Oz is an issue – I can drool over pics and specs of Friedman, Mesa, Mezzabarba – even Marshall! – amps but don’t trust shipping, especially international.
I upsized to a 50w head (Engl is available), so that Greenback is spoken for and I “need” another – or a 4x12.
mbugbee
Groupie
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- 38
The JJ Jr is EL84 too
Me and my old eyes! I was sure it was a 3 not an 8! Then I put on stronger glasses...
Ok, congrats on the JJ and I'll look - more closely - elsewhere. Sorry!
mbugbee
Groupie
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To be fair they are pretty impressive for el84. I think Dave says they drive them pretty hard.
Congrats—super fun amp! I’m not sure if Dave is still doing mods on these anymore, but he added concentric pots to the master and gain on mine a while back. Nice option if you want to use the BE and JBE modes more like channels with a shared EQ. That being said, I found myself on JBE most of the time!
I’m sure that rips with the Axe bringing in the fx!
I’m sure that rips with the Axe bringing in the fx!
Jarick
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Yeah it sounds huge compared to the Rocker 15 which is also an EL84 amp. The Orange has more mids and I have to turn the bass all the way up to balance, but the JJ is super fat sounding.
greatmutah
Roadie
- Messages
- 425
I played one of these at Motor City Guitar not too long ago. Super cool amp. I’d love to have one. Probably just run the FX loop send into my Metropoulos if I needed the fuller bigger power amp.
Southpaw-DD
Roadie
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- 112
I've almost purchased the JJ Jr two or three different times. AiC is one of my favorite bands, too.
Jarick
Rock Star
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It's been 20 years since I cranked up a tube amp but it would be interesting to see a shootout for pure volume vs a 50 or 100 watter. This sucker is just plain loud, and it's not all midrange like a typical EL84 is.
Super quick test of the Friedman JJ Junior into Captor vs IR-X (power amp sim on but no IR) vs Axe FX 3:
JJ Junior has the most presence and punch. Everything sounds like it's in the right spot. There is a little too much high end across the board which I think is due to the "impedance curve" of the Captor. I think a Suhr Reactive Load is a good next purchase here for more accurate response. But it's generally quite nice.
IR-X sounds off. Even with the treble cranked it's too dark sounding. Woofy without the tight switch, but better with it engaged. Maybe I can play around with this more but my experience has been hit or miss with this.
Fractal needs a lot of work. The regular HBE channels are all too dark compared to the real amp and often kind of muddy in the lows. C45 is better overall but lows and highs still seem out of control. I think if I get a Suhr RL then I can work on dialing this in.
And that's honestly why I bit the bullet with the amp...I've always struggled to get a good reference of an amp sound to dial in the modeler. Now I have a reference and that should help me quite a bit I think.
Super quick test of the Friedman JJ Junior into Captor vs IR-X (power amp sim on but no IR) vs Axe FX 3:
JJ Junior has the most presence and punch. Everything sounds like it's in the right spot. There is a little too much high end across the board which I think is due to the "impedance curve" of the Captor. I think a Suhr Reactive Load is a good next purchase here for more accurate response. But it's generally quite nice.
IR-X sounds off. Even with the treble cranked it's too dark sounding. Woofy without the tight switch, but better with it engaged. Maybe I can play around with this more but my experience has been hit or miss with this.
Fractal needs a lot of work. The regular HBE channels are all too dark compared to the real amp and often kind of muddy in the lows. C45 is better overall but lows and highs still seem out of control. I think if I get a Suhr RL then I can work on dialing this in.
And that's honestly why I bit the bullet with the amp...I've always struggled to get a good reference of an amp sound to dial in the modeler. Now I have a reference and that should help me quite a bit I think.
Mongillo19
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mbugbee
Groupie
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I think I’m fighting this as well even with a Suhr RL
