Friedman JEL-20 User manual

JEL-20
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Jake E. Lee ranks high on the shortlist of influential gunslinger guitarists that emerged as the heroes of a new
generation in the early ‘80s. Best known for the burning guitar work and innovative songwriting, Lee contributed
to two of Ozzy Osbourne's most revered albums, 1983’s Bark at the Moon and 1986’s Ultimate Sin.
With Ozzy, his post-Ozzy band, Badlands and most recently, with his own group, Red Dragon Cartel, Lee’s playing
embraced the athleticism of the ‘80s while remaining firmly rooted in the hard rock fundamentals of the ‘70s.
Jake’s tonal choices provide the evolutionary glue between the sonics of those two great eras.
Following the massively successful release of the limited edition JEL-100 signature head, Jake E Lee and Dave
Friedman have again combined their legendary ears and talents to create the new JEL-20, a signature amplifier
that offers Lee’s ultimate tones in a compact 20-watt package. The JEL-20 is a two channel, EL-84 powered all-
tube fire breather. In Lee’s own words, “this amp puts the two specific tones I use to create my sound in one
head: The sweetness and warmth of a classic Plexi and the more aggressive slant of the master volume amps of
the ‘80s -- all tweaked to my taste. Dave has an innate understanding of where I’m coming from as a player and
we’re alike in the way we hear tones. Dave doesn’t hear things as a technician, he hears things like a musician, and
that made him really easy to work with. I grew up in the ‘70s and those muscular, articulate rock tones were the
tones I always sought, but I made a name for myself in the ‘80s when you needed a little more aggression and a
little more scream. I’ve always tried to retain a little of that ‘70s heart and I still do, and that’s what this amp does -
- though it’s got plenty more on tap if you need it!”
The JEL-20 features an internal load and cab-simulated XLR output. Comparing this analog circuit to some of the
most intricate computer-based IRs, Dave achieved a direct output you can proudly send to front of house or use in
the studio. The JEL-20 also allows you to play "silently," meaning you can safely play the amp WITHOUT having a
speaker cabinet connected. The XLR output includes a ground-lift, level, and center/edge of speaker cone
simulation switches.
The JEL-20 was specifically designed to take pedals well especially boosts, ODs, phasers, flangers, tremolos, and
wahs. The ultra-transparent buffered, series effects loop takes time-based effects pedals and rack units equally
well. This is the exact same FX loop Friedman uses on all its amplifiers including the legendary BE-100. The head
cabinet features beautiful red tolex, white piping and solid Baltic Birch construction.
SPECIFICATIONS
• 20-Watt all-tube head
• Two channels
• Assembled in the USA
• Custom made transformers
• 2 x EL84 power tubes
• 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
• JEL channel - Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble
• Push-Pull Hi/Lo Gain switch (JEL Channel only)
• Plexi channel - Gain, Volume, Shared EQ and Bright Switch
• Global Presence Control
• Ultra-transparent series effects loop
• XLR Cab Simulated output with Ground Lift, Axis and Level switches. You can record without having your
speaker connected.
• Sat Switch primarily designed to add gain, compression & saturation
• Single button foot switch for channel selections
• 8 and 16 ohm Impedance selector switch
• Limited 5 Year Warranty
• Dimensions: 8. 5" (D) x 18" (W) x 8.25" (H)
• Weight: 22 lbs

We know you will love your new JEL-20. If you have any questions or 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.
POWER SWITCH: Turn this ON to power up your new JEL-20.
SAT SWITCH: Primarily designed to add gain, compression & saturation. It is normal for the
volume level to drop with this switch engaged. Compensate with the amps’ master volume.
(Works on both channels)
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 Plexi Channel.
MASTER-2 CONTROL: This the JEL Drive channel VOLUME.
MASTER-1 CONTROL: This the JEL Plexi channel VOLUME.
TREBLE CONTROL: This adds or takes away treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
MIDDLE CONTROL: Adds or takes away midrange. Start at 4 or 5, 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 takes away 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-2 CONTROL: This adds gain/distortion for the JEL Drive channel. Adjust to taste. Don’t be
afraid.
PULL GAIN SWITCH: A lower gain 800-esque sound to a higher gain boosted tone on the JEL drive
channel.
GAIN-1 CONTROL: This adds gain/distortion for the JEL Plexi channel.
INPUT: Just like it says, this is the 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 OUT: XLR output used to send your JEL-20 tone straight to the mixing board. For
silent recording ability, have no speaker cable plugged in to the USE FIRST speaker jack.
SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug speaker cabinets here. Set Impedance selector to appropriate
position.
IMPEDANCE SELECTOR: Select between 16 or 8 Ohm to match your speaker set-up.
PRESENCE CONTROL: Adjusts the upper mids and highs in the power amp section. This is global
on all channels. Start at about 4-5 and adjust to taste. **Note: THIS POT WILL BE SCRATCHY—
THIS IS NORMAL
HT FUSE: Only replace with Type indicated on rear panel. If this fuse blows, it’s most likely a
bad power tube.
MAINS INPUT: Plug the supplied IEC power cord here.
MAIN FUSE: This fuse is in the compartment found below the AC receptacle. Replace only with
type indicated on rear panel. This is also 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.

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. Retain Instructions – 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.
6. Heat – Amplifier should be situated away from
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers.
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.
11. Object and Liquid Entry
– Care should be taken so that objects do not fall
and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure
through openings.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.

15. 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.
16. 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.
FRIEDMAN LIMITED 5-YEAR 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 5-year
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, over-
powering, 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. 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.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Our dedicated and friendly
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!
www.FriedmanAmplification.com