Friedman JEL 20 The Honeymoon Is Over

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I revisit the Friedman JEL 20 and see if I still like it after the honeymoon phase is over

[@robertaugustine5350]

I’ve had one for 6 months now. A ton of home usage and 2 gigs (one indoor, small club; one outdoor festival). Plenty loud, volume never went past 10 o’clock on either channel and the stage was vibrating. Best amp I’ve owned (out of 10+). We do classic rock and it nails Plexi and JCM800 only crisper.

[@anxiousnation3820]

I have been so into an amp during the first couple of weeks only to wake up and play it one day and go what did I ever see if this thing.

[@thebravesircheeto4322]

Thank you for all of the JEL 20 content - I got mine in December and I am extremely happy with it! I can echo that this guy is really loud for 20 watts - built in power soak and IR is really helpful as well.

[@jasonweinberg932]

The Friedman PLEX looks interesting, perhaps the ultimate Eddie in a box.

[@ThyFinalPain]

Only until the Next comes out. Haha.

[@christopher.k.guitar]

Jepp, can‘t wait for that one

[@robertscharlow]

That thing sounded AWESOME from the NAMM videos.

[@KillaFXZ]

Yep sounds great!🎉

[@joehibbs7015]

That was cool to see your pedal board as you jam Sir . The Phynx is just the best , one of my favorites. Amp sounded great. And I'm enjoying my Majesty . Excellent Guitar.

[@otherfish]

that solo bit from 7:15 was great - nice playing! I'm not a whammy fan but what you did was great use of it! thanks for posting - the jel sounds killer in the right hands for sure

[@sevum75]

Still in love with mine 😎👊🏾🫡

[@acbenitez3614]

Sweet cleans too. Haven't played through it but from what I hear would like to. Sounds strong through the 212 mesa, so through a 4x12 would move plenty of air. The pickups on the JP 7 string also give it a nice vibe I'm sure.

[@TheTerrorBeyond]

Holy shit... the first riff you played made me want one.

[@leftyzappa]

You need to listen to Van Halen then LOL Unchained - Fair Warning - Van Halen!

[@TheTerrorBeyond]

@@leftyzappa I have listened to Van Halen since the 70s.

[@leftyzappa]

Then you must know that first riff :P @@TheTerrorBeyond

[@TheTerrorBeyond]

@@leftyzappa I know it and have played it many times... I just pointed out that it was the first riff that sold me on it. Like saying "that's all I needed to hear."

[@joehibbs7015]

Thanks!

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

You're welcome and thank you!!

[@Harley-Man]

Yeah, it still ROCKS! I had to laugh at the title and the thumb nail! 🤣

[@jaredmestas]

Hell yeah. Reminds me of my Quickrod but a little different in the mids

[@CinemaPuree]

Glad to hear you still dig this one, it's still on my wish list! A 50 watt version might be even better! Although one of the things that attracts me to this amp is the small form factor... easier to lug around to rehearsal and gigs. If they could make a 50 watt version that was still fairly compact (like the new Revv G50), that would be something!

[@jrlee243]

With your riffs and how clean it sounds, it makes me want to buy one. I have a few small amps myself. That issue with the el84 head room is much worse on the invective, recto, and the g20. My 25-watt fireball doesn't really break up too bad. I bought a fryette power station with the 6L6 tubes, and of course, you can attenuate, but also turn up the power station and use that for your power amp and turn down the amp so it's really just using the preamp. I mostly use it for my synergy syn2, but it does a great job making small amps louder along with giving it more balls. Just a thought, that amp sounds so killer.

[@artytoney2057]

You scared me for a min Jarod I thought it was gonna be a bad review I've been planning on grabbing one lol sounds killer to me

[@Morakot76]

I have the 100 w version solid as a rock ..amazing sounding amp ..works also well with pedals

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Love to try one of these bad boy amps seems like the best Friedman amp for me.

[@garyt3hsna1l82]

I've been really eyballing these 20 and 30 watt heads lately, i love the smaller form factor and how well they sit with a vertical 2x12, i was leaning towards a snake skin soldano and hearing that they upsized to 6l6 for more head room over the el34s has me even more convinced in going for the snake.

[@gwhiz3708]

That amp sounds mean as hell! 👺

[@robjohnson5829]

Hey Jarrod, quick question for you on your setup. You’ve mentioned before you listen to your amps through in-ears. Do you also have the cab in the same room? Do you hear the sound through the cab at the same time as you hear it through the in-ears? Just wondering if that causes any phase issues since you’re hearing two sources at once.

[@brettshawver2983]

Yeah man - the honeymoon period hits me around the 30 day mark as well. If I keep something longer than six months, it usually stays in the stable. This amp sounds killer dude! I was excited about it rolling out, but the 84's definitely bummed me out. That's why I love MT15 man! No 84's! Excellent video as always man! Frickin playing like Godzilla brother! Keep doing the good stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🤘😁🤘

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Thank you very much. If they make a JEL50 watt, I'm gonna be all over that thing. I just hope that eventually, lunchbox amps move away from EL84 tubes

[@michaelrauls4943]

On man, if they come out with a 50watt im gonna be on that like white on rice. Maybe I'll hold off on the small box for 6 months or so to see if they do.

[@deadcenterarts29]

That thing sounds great. A di tonex capture through a full size power section would be great for live use.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Got ya covered there. I have a ToneX pack available on my website. Tonewars.com

[@deadcenterarts29]

@@TONEWARSgearshow Nice I'll check that out.

[@mhoff7722]

I've played my 20 watt JJ jr with a 4x12 cab in an AIC tribute band for two years and it has plenty of volume and girth for any live gig I have had. I plan on getting the JEL and running them side by side. This is the least EL84 acting EL84 amp I have played if that makes sense. I keep the master at 11 o'clock at the most and it doesn't start farting or squishing out. 🤘🤘🤘

[@kendallh5037]

I tend to go back and forth on loving and not liking alot of my gear. Sometimes I think an amp or pedal I have is my favorite tone in my arsenal but then the next day I don't like it so I take a break for awhile and use something else. Sometimes also my ears need a break too and I do other stuff for awhile. But yeah sometimes it's just time to move on from a piece of gear.

[@craiglizt8074]

For some reason I've never been able to gel with smaller amps from many builders (Mesa, Friedman, Revv, etc) and agree that EL84s have characteristics that I just can't stand, especially when pushed. At moderate levels though, this JEL sounds amazing! I really enjoy your content, despite our playing styles being polar opposite most times. Good playing is good playing!

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Thanks for commenting and for the kind words. I really appreciate it. I agree with your statement regarding the el84s. Most of the time, I can't stand them, but for some reason, they work really well with the amplifier. Rumor has it there's going to be a 50-watt version coming out in the near future. I'm looking forward to upgrading to that one if it happens

[@craiglizt8074]

@@TONEWARSgearshow that's going to have immense potential! I have the SS-100v2 Friedman, so I'm happy as hell already. But if I didn't, a 50 watt JEL would have my eye for sure.

[@StormLightArchitect]

I loved this Amp the few weeks I had. The problem was as you described, it farts out after 1 o'clock or so and will not keep up with a 5 piece band. I returned mine. Ive asked Friedman multiple times why they dont make a 50W version., its not much more expensive to manufacture and the form factor doesnt even have to change. As guitar players, 50W should be the standard with power setting switches and external bias points. otherwise buy a Synergy setup (which I own and love through 5153S loop). Rock on. P.S Im currently looking at a Splawn 50W. More options and I could probably get the same tones.

[@CinemaPuree]

I want to get one of these, but the volume would be a concern for me too. I love the smaller/lighter weight form-factor of these lower powered amps, but an amp does need to be loud enough to keep up with a 5 piece. I have a 50w Splawn Super Sport. It's a beast, plenty loud enough and has tons of punch. I also own a Friedman Runt 50, and I know the JEL and Runt are not the same tone-wise, but I would say that the Splawn definitely has a different flavor from the Friedman. The main difference I find is in the mids. The friedman has more of that upper mid cut, wheras the Splawn has more smooth mids. I know these descriptions are only worth so much but that's my take on it. Both amps are killer though. A 50 watt JEL would be super tempting! Just need to find more money! :D

[@benjamingirard1984]

@@CinemaPuree A 50w Splawn is probably the loudest 50w on planet earth hahaha It's one of the reasons why I love em.

[@markkinney5030]

It's a good sounding amp for sure! For EL84 its really powerful amp! Maybe if there put EL34 i bet it would even better?

[@justsomerandomguyman]

You should try to get ahold of the Pink Taco V2. It's supposed to be a lot brighter and more metal-friendly. People say it's more aggressive than the JEL-20.

[@a-iz4pg]

I thought that the BE was supposed to be the Metal one?

[@garycastronova7939]

​@@a-iz4pg I had a BE 100 DELUXE a few years ago. Not really a metal amp. Of all the Friedman line probably the JJ 100 is most capable but I wouldn't recommend a Friedman for modern metal. I preferred the Mesa Mark V 90 and 35 watt amps i had at the same time as the Friedman. Sold the Friedman not long after.

[@garycastronova7939]

Maybe with a pedal you can get some metal friendly tones out of the pink taco but I have never played or owned any Friedman that really does a more modern metal tone

[@justsomerandomguyman]

Well, most of us boost all amps. So, yeah, it does need a pedal. But with a pedal and active pickups, it can do it. Especially if downtuned or using a 7 or 8 string (lower notes require less gain).

[@christopherrodriguez1276]

Same here

[@Bognerman14]

Hey man, sorry to bug you! Curious your thoughts on Splawns over the Friedmans. I want a Marshall EL34 based amp and was looking at Friedman but now also Splawn!

[@robertscharlow]

Do what I do with mine - reactive load for the out (I just run that into a floor monitor dry with a 16 ohm Celestion) and what you really do is take the send from the JEL-20 into a higher wattage amp. I use an Egnater Tweaker 40, with 2 glorious 6L6 power tubes. LOUD, and zero EL84 fart. The amp 'sees' a load, which you can use or not, but you get the awesome preamp and EQ from the JEL into a better power section. Plus I also use a really nice Fosi SS power amp (with tube pre) for stereo, for a wet/dry/wet (dry) rig. On 5.5 it is BRUTAL loud. Most epic tone ever. Just use the JEL-20 volume controls as a master volume for everything.

[@MKRISING75]

That sounds like a killer rig🤟🏻

[@robertscharlow]

@@MKRISING75 It is. It makes me laugh it's so ridiculously amazing sounding, and, like I said... LOUD. 🤣

[@scotdvorak8861]

Although it does have the EL84s… I will definitely say it sounds way more open and far less congested than any other EL84 amp I’ve ever played or owned. The only other one I found to be as open, although way less gain, is the DrZ Maz Jr… the JEL20 shares some of the cool immediacy the Maz Jr has, as well. And yes… less forgiving, but rewards you for nailing it!! Love my JEL20!!!! Keeper for sure!

[@christopherrodriguez1276]

Where is the presence set too???I luv mine

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

12:00

[@MixaelLee2010]

Thanks for this review Jarrod! Love your stuff as always! I was thinking about getting one but am really concerned about the fact that it's only 20W. I've read the other comments, but do you think it could handle it through a 4x12? Thanks!

[@spacefx1340]

I dont know if its youtube or just to much gain, sounds completely out of control.

[@Bognerman14]

I'll be really curious if you get a BE-50 Deluxe to demo. Dave says it's his most flexible amp, capable of the widest variety of tones.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

I'd love to try one

[@Bognerman14]

@@TONEWARSgearshow Would you recommend a Splawn rather than Friedman as a cheaper Marshall based option? My tech says Splawns can be tough to play, as if they fight you.

[@Bognerman14]

@@TONEWARSgearshow Your comments and love of the Splawn Nitro and making me want the Nitro over a Friedman or Bogner XTC 50 which I have been looking at as well. I like bang for rhe buck and it's hard to beat Splawn. My tech said the Quick rod was hard to play and fought him but I think it may have been the tubes. I love the sound of your Nitro demos. I know the clean is ok, but I don't buy amps for the clean as I am not as finicky with clean as I don't use as much. My Bogner has the best clean I've used but I'm also not spending thousands for a Diezel Herbert just to have a great clean to go with my gain. I feel the Nitro is the best for my money. Thanks.

[@maximumguitarage]

Does the Van Halen and classic rock to 80s metal very very well .

[@Harley-Man]

I see the Ox box fired up are you running the JEL through that to reduce the volume?

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

I'm just running it into my Mesa cab

[@Harley-Man]

@@TONEWARSgearshow Thanks ✌

[@Bognerman14]

Hey man! Sorry to bother you with this! A while back you recommended the JEL20 as the Friedman to get! And that there could be a JEL50 on thr works. I can't wait. But I am curious how you think the Runt 50 compares to The JEL20, other than the fact that it's 50 watts compared to 20 watts. The Runt sounds great in your demos and the price is better than other Friedmans. I have to go back and watch your Runt demos again. Only thing is, I love the bigness and fullness, girth of a 100 watt head, so I rarely buy smaller wattage heads. Some builders claim their smaller wattage amps feel and sound like a Mather wattage head, like Bogner does about the 50 watt Ecstacy.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

No worries at all. Thanks for commenting. The Smallbox was a pretty cool amp. I prefer the JEL. I think the 50w version is gonna be great. Hopefully it comes out soon

[@lefooo]

And how about the 100w one ?

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

Those all sold out in a matter of minutes when they were released

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Check the 100 watt version and then review.

[@goodgriefitssimon]

You did not JEL with the amp.

[@pbosche]

Would you consider the “legendary tones” extra tube mod for this? Unnecessary? I know it’s all subjective. People seem to LOVE the Mr. Scary and other mods. If you’re unfamiliar, from best I can tell, is it’s an adapter to put two tubes into slot 2.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

I actually did a video recently where I put the Mr scary mod in my Badlander and it made it sound amazing. I don't think the JEL needs it but I think it could be done

[@pbosche]

@@TONEWARSgearshow great, glad it doesn’t need it!! They are available. Chasis has to come out, then install, then reassemble…but yes they all compatible with the JEL-20

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

@@pbosche that amp definitely has enough gain for me, and that's saying a lot LOL

[@pbosche]

@@TONEWARSgearshow noice!! Mine arrives Thursday. Sending back my IR-X and UA Lion. Keeping my Victory V4 Jack because…demo model for under $300! Anyway, your video sold me today 🤘🏼🤘🏼. Do you use any boosts or OD’s in front? I’m not a fan. I doubt I will, just curious about your findings post honeymoon phase :)

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

@@pbosche congratulations. I'm sure you're going to love it. I always boost my amps because of the style of music that I play. I can see why a lot of people would not use a boost with this amplifier though

[@guitarexpert2245]

The Marshall Studio amps all EL34's. It makes a difference.

[@tanshaomala]

Came here to say that, amazing amps.

[@Bognerman14]

You mentioned it is plenty loud but didn't you say the EL-84s break up too early? I would prefer a 50 watt EL-34 version.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

It's definitely loud as hell in my room here. Probably around 96 decibels. I wouldn't go much past that though. It really depends on how loud your drummer plays

[@Bognerman14]

@@TONEWARSgearshow I thought you mentioned that the 84s break up a bit which wasn't your favor. I'd prefer 6L6 or EL34 tubes as well. More headroom. Plus, higher wattage amps teen to have more muscle and grunt. I hope they release a 50 watt.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

@@Bognerman14 I'm with you on that. If they release a 50 watt, I will definitely be upgrading

[@Bognerman14]

​​@@TONEWARSgearshowA little over priced I would bet, like the others, but it's now the Friedman I will target. I am surprised the Cantrell amp wouldn't sound bigger, thicker and meaner. But, they must have done a great job on the JEL.

[@TheCyberMantis]

Yeah, I think a 50-watt el34 version of the JEL would be the sweet-spot. I don't like el84's either. Did you ever try a Boss SD-1 in front of the JEL? Marshall amps need that SD-1.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

I really hope they come out with that version I haven't tried that pedal with the amp but when I get a chance, I will definitely do that

[@TheCyberMantis]

@@TONEWARSgearshow The SD-1 is cheap. They are like $60. I'm sure Motor City Guitar would loan you one, if you don't want to buy it. I see you just did a demo for the JCM2000. Again, it needs the SD-1 in front of it. Don't ask me why it works, it just does. I learned about that trick from Euge Valovirta. He's the expert with Marshall amps.

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

@@TheCyberMantis Yes I've been thinking about picking up one of those just to keep around for situations like that. Honestly, I don't think it would make much of a difference but maybe I'll give it a try. I did use one on another Marshall amp a while back and thought it sounded okay but nothing really stood out to me

[@TheCyberMantis]

@@TONEWARSgearshow It may not work for you. You are not really a Marshall guy anyway. It seems to really wake-up those JCM 800's. The 800 is not really your favorite amp. So even with an SD-1 in front of it, not sure that is the tone you are looking for. You kinda measure everything against the EVH Stealth, which is your favorite. You also really like the JP-2C and the ENGL Savage. Those are very different amps compared to a JCM800.

[@DukeStarbuckle]

I'm sort of shocked that nobody seems to talk about the Carvin V3M. Amazing amp that actually seems to have some Dumble influence in the design. So glad I have mine...in snakeskin tolex.

[@ryanfraley7113]

That's everyone going through all this gear. Sometimes there's a guitar and amp that's great but it just doesn't fit what a particular player is going for. If Marshall wasn't run by idiots right now those would be the classic amps I go for but sadly Marshall is run by idiots right now. In a way Friedman is just making the amps that Marshall should be making. I'd love to find a JEL to play but the music stores in STL that I've seen don't really stock Friedman much sadly.

[@WardGuitarCabinets]

I actually bought my JEL-20 because of your initial video on it. I absolutely LOVE it

[@TONEWARSgearshow]

I love it too! Can't wait for the 50w

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

I kinda figured I wouldn’t like the JEL because after owning an Uberschall and now a Dual Rec, any kind of super open, Marshally, Van Haleny stuff to me is just too thin sounding. Don’t get me wrong, that stuff is SUPER fun to play, but for what I do, I need that girth, especially on leads. I don’t like those wiry sounding lead tones like so used to.

[@TrumpetsInMy4x12]

Red tolex is beautiful. But el84s and (as superficial as this might seem); that cheap looking JEL logo is a big bummer, imo. Could be great but I just don't do el84s at all.

[@jconner3891]

Can’t buy an amp with El84s. I did like my grand meister but that was it.

[@benjamingirard1984]

I know I can get some crap for saying this but whatever...to each their own, but personally, I don't understand this ''new'' wave of expensive 20w amps. In a 4-5 piece band, there are way more chances that the amp won't hang well with the other musicians. Look, for example, the Soldano Astro seems to sound great, but at 2k?? I don't know man...Why not make 50w with a half power switch the standard or something instead, so people can have both? Again, it's not about sound quality but effectiveness...I cannot see myself buying a 2k 20w amp to probably only be able to play it at home. It's a bit ludicrous, imho that is! Or maybe I'm just cheap...who knows hahaha

[@TheCyberMantis]

I agree. It's good for recording or practice, but it's too small to play with a band. Need at least 50-watts.

[@ChrisHariis]

Misleading.

[@NitroModelsAndComics]

I have had the same 50 watt JCM and Boogie Mark IV for decades. I have tried MANY other amps over the years. I have NO need for the latest BS. Its all hype driven by ads and players of all stripes about this or that tone. This or that response. Look at all the great players you enjoy. They have had a few amps perhaps over the years, but by and large they stick with what has worked for the. I mever get amp jealousy. It is childish rubbish.

[@leehenderson8132]

Friedman is over-rated, over-priced Chinese tubed crap.If you want a Marshal buy a Marshal. Or a Victory, or Orange or I don't see long life with these amps...sorry.

[@YouSoundButtHurt]

ok boomer