Blackstar Amplification introduces the next iteration of the Jared James Nichols Signature Amp, the JJN 50 and JJN 212 VOC. Building on the decades-long relationship with Jared James Nichols, the much-revered blues rock powerhouse, the JJN 50 amplifier and JJN 212 VOC speaker enclosure are designed to capture and deliver all of Nichols blues-powered tones. Road-tested across stages in the U.K. and Europe, this amplifier packs a wallop, all in a lightweight package. In fact, this is the lightest 50-watt valve amp in the world.
The JJN 50 amplifier is based on Blackstar’s St. James 50 EL34 and takes it one giant step further by opening the top end and allowing a wide array of frequencies in to suit Nichols’ renowned playing style. It starts with our proprietary CabRig IR-based speaker simulator technology. The JJN 50 comes pre-loaded with 3 custom CabRig patches specifically developed with Nichols to create his most used tones: the ‘JJN Classic Muscle’, the ‘JJN Modern Grit’, and the ‘JJN Nashville Basement’. CabRig is better than earlier IR-based technology as it simulates a speaker cabinet and room with no latency reproducing the sound of a mic’d up guitar cab with incredible detail. Over 250 mic and cab combinations can be saved into one of three onboard slots. Each cab has a choice of room type, mic type and axis, and master EQ. For deeper options, connect to the free Architect software. The JJN 50 also includes a low-to-mid gain pedal platform with a Blues Power boost circuit kicking the amp into overdrive to release Nichols’ signature sound. The amp features built-in reactive load, and a power reduction switch with 50-Watt, SAG and 2-Watt options. Connectivity options include low latency USB for recording and an XLR D.I. for live settings.
The JJN 212 VOC enclosure features Nichols’ speakers of choice, the Celestion G12T-75 in the top position, and the exclusive Celestion Zephyr lightweight speaker on the bottom. Blackstar worked closely with Celestion to create a speaker based on the Vintage 30 that packs a sonic punch at a fraction of a traditional speaker weight. Speaking of lightweight, the JJN 50 & JJN 212 VOC is constructed out of Candlenut plywood. Known for its strength, lightness, and sound, it perfectly suits this signature amp. The amp is then wrapped in Nichols iconic British Racing Green livery and is adorned with our classic St. James illuminated Blackstar logo. Each Jared James Nichols Signature Amp comes with a hand-signed certificate of authenticity and a collectible postcard.
As Nichols himself says, “…Packing all the power, tone, versatility, and inspiration I could ever ask for, this one can truly do it all. I proudly worked closely with the engineers on every single facet of this amp; we put our heart and soul into it. I am absolutely blown away by the final product and I think you will be, too.” High praise coming from one of the modern-day greats. Blackstar continues to work tirelessly with artists to create amplifiers worthy of gracing the world stages night after night.
STJ50ELHJJN (head) $1,399.99
STJ212VOCJJN (Cabinet) $899.99
For more information, please visit blackstaramps.com.
Blackstar St. James JJN 212 VOC Jared James Nichols Signature Vertical 145-watt 2 x 12-inch Cabinet - Racing Green Tolex
Epiphone "Blues Power" Les Paul Custom
The Jared James Nichols “Blues Power” Les Paul Custom is the third signature model from the blues-rock powerhouse and Gibson Brand Ambassador who hails from Les Paul’s hometown of Waukesha, Wisconsin. The Jared James Nichols “Blues Power” Les Paul Custom pairs with the brushed nickel hardware, including Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners and a wraparound Lightning Bar bridge for rock-solid tuning stability. A single Seymour Duncan Jared James Nichols Signature JJN P90 Silencer in the bridge position ensures righteous tone and hum-free performance, and the included EpiLite soft guitar case helps keep this standout guitar safe and secure.
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Seymour Duncan JJN P90 Silencer
Jared James Nichols burst onto the scene as a throwback to the P90 playing power trio titans of the 70s. To deliver his signature sound, he needed a P90 that was voiced with limitless range that could cover everything from sparkling cleans to barking dirty tones. In his own words, he needed something “delicate and strong, like a grizzly bear and a paper airplane landing.”
After years on the road playing different venues coast to coast and abroad, he’s encountered a variety of unique hum inducing sources. Having a pickup that could retain the quintessential tone and appearance of the classic P90 pickup without hum was a must. The JJN P90 Silencer was custom voiced specifically to Jared’s unique tone without the hum. The pickups are drop-in replacements for any standard P90 route.
“Simply put, the Seymour Duncan Jared James Nichols P90 Silencer is my dream pickup.”
Learn more here.