Divided By 13 JRT 9/15

The Divided By 13 JRT 9/15 is a boutique guitar amplifier known for its versatility and rich tonal palette, capturing the essence of classic American and British amplifier designs.

History of the Divided By 13 JRT 9/15

• Introduction (2004): Designed by Fred Taccone, the JRT 9/15 was introduced in 2004 as part of the Divided By 13 lineup. It was created to combine the best characteristics of vintage low-wattage amplifiers, offering players a unique blend of tonal options in a compact format.
• Design Features: The JRT 9/15 features a dual-voiced preamp powered by two 5879 pentode tubes, with each channel offering independent volume controls. Players can switch between two sets of power tubes: 6V6s for warm, rich tones reminiscent of 1950s American amps and EL84s for bright, chimey sounds typical of 1960s British designs. This flexibility allows musicians to tailor their sound to various genres.
• Tonal Characteristics: The amp includes a six-position tone control and a high-cut control to manage harsh frequencies. Its ability to operate at either 9 watts (with 6V6 tubes) or 15 watts (with EL84 tubes) makes it suitable for both studio and live settings, providing enough power for small venues while maintaining tonal richness at lower volumes.
• Legacy: Since its introduction, the JRT 9/15 has gained a loyal following among guitarists seeking high-quality sound in a portable package. Its unique design and tonal capabilities have made it a go-to choice for many professionals in various musical styles.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Use the 6V6 mode with Volume set around 4-5 for warm, clean sounds.
  • Adjust Tone to around noon for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz, country, or rock styles.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Switch to EL84 mode and increase Volume to 7-8 for natural tube breakup.
  • Set Treble higher (6-7) for brightness while keeping Bass around 4-5.
  • Great for blues-rock or classic rock tones.
• Dual Channel Use:
  • Blend both channels by adjusting their independent volume controls to achieve a fuller sound with complex harmonics.
  • Experiment with different combinations of settings to find unique tonal characteristics.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.

Notable Players

• The Edge (U2): The Edge has been known to use the JRT 9/15 in his rig, appreciating its ability to deliver both clean and overdriven tones that complement his signature sound.
• Chris Cornell: The late Soundgarden frontman frequently utilized the JRT 9/15 during performances, often pairing it with cabinets for added depth.
• Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys): Auerbach has incorporated the JRT into his setup, taking advantage of its vintage-inspired tones that suit his blues-rock style.
• Other Artists: Many session musicians and indie rock players have embraced the JRT 9/15 for its versatility and ability to produce high-quality sound across genres.

Summary

The Divided By 13 JRT 9/15 stands out as an exceptional amplifier that combines classic design elements with modern technology, making it a favorite among discerning guitarists seeking versatile tones in a compact form factor. Its legacy continues to grow as more musicians discover its unique capabilities.