FRIEDMAN JJ-100 JERRY CANTRELL – 2 Channel – 100 Watt Head Instruction Manual

: June 9, 2024
: FRIEDMAN

Table of Contents

KEY FEATURES
PLUGGING IN
INSTRUCTIONS
FRIEDMAN LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

FRIEDMAN JJ-100 JERRY CANTRELL – 2 Channel – 100 Watt Head 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 well known amplifier companies, Dave has finally brought his talent to a new line of production amps under his name, Friedman Amplification.

The signature JJ-100 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 Friedman of his own. Months of seemingly endless tweaking, refining and playing has resulted in Jerry’s dream amp. The JJ amp Jerry relies on every day is identical in every respect to the JJ-100 amplifier you have purchased.

A lot of people don’t believe an EL-34 100 watt amp can sound great even at bedroom volume levels. We beg to differ! Dave completely designed the Master volume to sound fantastic at any level.

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

KEY FEATURES

Hand Wired the USA
100-Watt all tube head
Two channels
4 x EL-34 power tubes
4 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, treble, middle, bass and 3-way bright switch
JBE voice switch for a higher gain more saturated sound
Line out with level control
Ultra transparent series FX Loop
4, 8 and 16 ohm Impedance Selector Switch
Custom USA made transformers
Limited Lifetime 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 5 and use the global master as you overall volume. 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 rear panel. Switching to the Clean channel, start with the Treble, Mid and Bass controls set to 5, turn the Volume up and experiment with the Bright Switch to taste all this channel has to offer.

We know you will love your new JJ. If you have any questions or need help don’t hesitate to email us at friedmanamps@gmail.com.

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!

Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before this product is operated.
Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings – All warnings on the amplifier and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
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.
Heat – Amplifier should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other amplifier (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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.
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.
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.
. 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.
Non-use Periods – The power cord of the amplifier should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
Object and Liquid Entry
- Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
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
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.
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.
Attachments – do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

POWER SWITCH

POWER SWITCH: Turn this ON for about one minute before taking the amp out of Standby for maximum tube life. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS A SPEAKER LOAD CONNECTED TO YOUR AMP BEFORE TURNING ON.

STANDBY SWITCH: Wait about a minute before placing this switch in the ON position. This will put your amp into PLAY mode.

MASTER VOLUME CONTROL: This is the overall volume of the amplifier.

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.

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.

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.

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

MASTER: This is the dirty channels VOLUME. The more you turn it up, the louder it gets. If using the FX loop, this becomes the amp’s SEND level and should be set at around 5 for optimum loop performance. You then use the global master volume on the front of the amp for your overall volume.

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

CLEAN VOLUME: Adjusts the clean channel’s volume.

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

TREBLE CONTROL: Adjusts the treble on the clean channel. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.

MIDDLE CONTROL: Adjusts the midrange of the clean channel. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.

BASS CONTROL: Adjusts the bass on the clean channel. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
CHANNEL SELECTOR SWITCH: Switches between Clean and Dirty channels when Footswitch is not connected.

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

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.

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.

LINE OUT LEVEL CONTROL: This controls the overall level of the line out.

LINE OUT JACK: Connect a high quality ¼” guitar cable to send signal to external devices such as additional power amps, FX, etc. This is not speaker emulated. SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug speaker cabinets here. Set Impedance selector to appropriate position.

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 is the main fuse located in the mains input jack. Replace only with type indicated on rear panel. If this fuse fails, it is most likely 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 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 anextremely thorough testing procedure, which is implemented on each product prior to shipment. In the unlikely event that you have a problem with you 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 FrieadmanAmps@gmail.com. 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 send in the completed warranty registration card to: Friedman Amplification, care of Boutique Amps Distribution, 5300 Harbor Street Commerce, CA 90040. 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.