52 Amplifier Heads, week 19—Dr.J Pedal Lover

I’ve written recently in a few articles how I like to get a lot of my tone from the pedals on my pedalboard. It’s not the perfect way to get the perfect tone, but I’ve never claimed to be perfect. I do like to experiment a lot with gear though. So I remind myself of that fact this week as I investigate another potential tube amplifier to begin my tube amplifier journey with.

I need an amplifier that has been created for someone like me—a guitar pedal lover. I don’t want to have to think too hard about it either. If only someone could create an amplifier with a name that let me know it was the right amplifier for me. Oh wait, Dr. J may have done that with their Pedal Lover amplifier head.

Awesome. Job done.

Because I’m a simple man, the name of this amp works for me. Also, the features appeal to me. They’re also simple.

• Treble, Middle and Bass controls
• Master volume and Gain controls
• 3.5 watts switchable to 1 watt
• 8 ohm speaker output

So easy! Now if you’re anything like me, you’re six feet tall, handsome and wondering what tubes are in this amplifier head. Sadly, just like me, you’re six feet tall, handsome and without a clue. I have no idea what tubes are in this amplifier head. I can’t locate that information anywhere at all. Of course if someone wants to send me an amplifier head to look at and play I’ll gladly update this article to let everybody know what the full specs are for this cool looking amplifier.

Alternatively, someone could just comment below to let me know the tube specs, but where’s the fun in that?!

This amplifier is black and white, so I love it. The wattage is absolutely bedroom friendly (unless your partner is sleeping) and the video samples from Cranbourne Music and Bates Music seem to indicate that the clean tones are decent enough for my skill set. At $500 AUD including a Celestion Vintage 30 speaker cabinet, this is a bargain too difficult for me to ignore.

Here’s a small and free piece of information for you as well. Dr. J is a brand owned by JOYO who make the pedals currently claiming about half of the real estate on my pedalboard. If this amplifier is built as well as their cheap and sturdy pedals, then I’d be impressed.

Disclaimer: I’ve not played through this head. I have not experienced the sound or tone of this head other than through video. That doesn’t matter. It looks awesome, it’s obviously played by winners and I want one.