Union Jack / Rola Amplifier

Boutique hand-wired tube amplifiers built in Seattle, WA by Derek Springer. Originally branded Union Jack Amplification (founded 2009), rebranded to Rola Amplifiers after losing the trademark. Known as the Pearl Jam amp — Mike McCready used the Union Jack HG 50w as his main amp from 2013 to 2022, then switched to the Rola Lead Custom. The HG 50w delivers fifty watts of EL34 power through a hand-wired circuit that emphasizes harmonic richness and touch sensitivity, responding dynamically to pick attack and guitar volume adjustments. The Rola Lead Custom continues this design philosophy with refined voicing and expanded tonal range. McCready's adoption of these amps across Pearl Jam's studio and live work, as well as Mad Season sessions, brought visibility to the Pacific Northwest boutique amp scene. Also used by Rick Beato, Tony Reed (Mos Generator), Ryan Waters (Heart), and Dave Dederer (Presidents of the USA). Each amp is hand-wired and built to order in Seattle.