Synergy Modules | Friedman DS Preamp

The Synergy FRIEDMAN DS Preamp Module offers guitarists access to the acclaimed tones of Dave Friedman's Dirty Shirley amplifier. Dave Friedman has a long-standing reputation in the music industry, having provided amplifier modifications, repairs, and custom builds for prominent musicians for over two decades. His expertise has led to the development of his own line of high-quality guitar amplifiers, instruments, and effects, favoured by a significant number of artists. Friedman amplifiers are recognised for their distinct sonic characteristics, ranging from the powerful overdrive of the BE-100 to the adaptable nature of the Buxom Beauty and the high-gain aggression of the Bill Kelliher Butterslax.

The Dirty Shirley amplifier, a key model in the Friedman range, is known for its ability to deliver classic rock tones reminiscent of late 1960s British amplifiers, combined with the focused and articulate high-gain sounds that are a hallmark of Friedman's designs. This single-channel valve amplifier is noted for its responsiveness to a player's touch and its capacity to produce cleaner tones with a lighter pick attack or by reducing the guitar's volume. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent foundation for incorporating various effects pedals. While particularly adept at classic rock crunch tones, the Dirty Shirley can also be used for cleaner sounds and possesses enough gain to handle older styles of metal music. The Friedman Dirty Shirley is often cited as an example of achieving significant sonic impact with a relatively straightforward design.

The Synergy FRIEDMAN DS Preamp Module is designed for players seeking classic rock tones with rich harmonic content. Unlike preamps that aim to simulate amplifier tones, the DS module has been specifically engineered by Dave Friedman to accurately replicate the sound and feel of his Dirty Shirley amplifiers. Notably, the DS module features two channels powered by 12AX7 valves, providing even greater versatility than the original Dirty Shirley amplifier head. Users can set one channel for a slightly overdriven sound and the other for a more pronounced lead tone, effectively providing two distinct Dirty Shirley voices in one module. Installing the Synergy FRIEDMAN DS Preamp allows guitarists to explore Dave Friedman's interpretation of the quintessential vintage guitar sound.

The Synergy DS preamp module features two independent channels, each equipped with controls for gain and volume, as well as a shared three-band EQ for tonal shaping.

A significant feature of the Friedman DS module is a three-position cathode select switch. This switch enables users to adjust the input valve bass response to align with the original circuitry of the selected module. This adjustment influences the overall feel and tightness of the sound. Different amplifier designers employ specific combinations of components in their input valve circuits. This switch provides access to three popular combinations, allowing users to experiment and find their preferred setting. The Friedman DS module is shipped with the switch set to Dave Friedman's preferred configuration, which is position 2 (2.7K resistor and .68uf capacitor).