Whats this new Friedman amp??

[Inflames]

Seems like this?

 

[mentoneman]

 

[drunkenguitarist]

Damn, those aggressive tones do sound tasty.

Mighty tempted to buy one from SW.

 

[Jon BCN]

I'm a huge Friedman fan, but I don't see the appeal of the 20 watters.

First, they're ridiculously expensive for a 20 watt amp, second their el84 power sections means they will never sound and feel right at the highest volumes, so therefore they are very constricted volume wise to the point that they're never usable for practice in a heavy music band. Also, they are obviously smaller amps, so they will always sound smaller than the 100 watts amps, making them, ironically, worse for bedroom playing than their big brothers.

Also, the way the power section is designed it will eat those el84 like crazy, so depending on the use, you might have to change the tubes after just a few months, which already adds to the high price of the amp.

Of course, 1800 bucks is less than 4500, so it can serve as an "entry level" product into the Friedman line up, but in my opinion it's not worth it. A few bucks more can get you a Friedman Runt 50.

 

[LP Freak]

Seems like this?

Damn, can’t deny that sounds killer

 

[CarlF]

Another 20 watt EL 84 fail. Viet Cong Marshalls even use EL 34's. Why do they insist on EL 84's?
My JEL 20 sucked so hard, I let the Garbage Man have it. POS of the highest order....tonewise that is.
Also, anything featuring that slob Nick Bowcak is an instant pass. Fat bastard. Talks like he has a pair of socks in his mouth.

 

[legend71]

I'm a huge Friedman fan, but I don't see the appeal of the 20 watters.

First, they're ridiculously expensive for a 20 watt amp, second their el84 power sections means they will never sound and feel right at the highest volumes, so therefore they are very constricted volume wise to the point that they're never usable for practice in a heavy music band. Also, they are obviously smaller amps, so they will always sound smaller than the 100 watts amps, making them, ironically, worse for bedroom playing than their big brothers.

Also, the way the power section is designed it will eat those el84 like crazy, so depending on the use, you might have to change the tubes after just a few months, which already adds to the high price of the amp.

Of course, 1800 bucks is less than 4500, so it can serve as an "entry level" product into the Friedman line up, but in my opinion it's not worth it. A few bucks more can get you a Friedman Runt 50.

I agree with you

 

[Findthetone1]

I guess I'm an outlier here as Dave's small amps are the only EL84 amps I've never hated. If I recall, the reason he uses them, is that big bottles in low wattage amps is just starving the tube and not utilizing it correctly. I'm no expert on that so the far more knowledgeable here may weigh in.

 

[ners]

Meh, alright I guess. Not for me, but the 20w market is probably what keeps them in business.

 

[griff10672]

if it's running EL84's ....... I'd pass

 

[technomancer]

Called it. Master volumes / attenuators do their jobs and I have the 100w so no interest in this, but I know a lot of people were asking for it.

 

[Tone Junkie]

Should have been a 50 watt. 20’s suck. Unless you’re an apartment dweller. With 50 or 100 you can turn it down but the volume is there if you need it. 1800. Hard pass.

 

[inyarak74]

Another 20 watt EL 84 fail. Viet Cong Marshalls even use EL 34's. Why do they insist on EL 84's?
My JEL 20 sucked so hard, I let the Garbage Man have it. POS of the highest order....tonewise that is.
Also, anything featuring that slob Nick Bowcak is an instant pass. Fat bastard. Talks like he has a pair of socks in his mouth.

He is a tad annoying

 

[motorboy1]

20 watt pass….min 50 watts with a good mv is all you need.

 

[CarlF]

One thing I noticed about Friedman, and believe me I’ve owned many Friedman pedals and hear guys getting great sounds with his amplifiers.
But most guys naturally want a 50 W version of the José amp, I would be into that as well.
I guess these 20 W amps are big sellers for them. So, it is what it is.

 

[SgtThump]

I'm a huge Friedman fan, but I don't see the appeal of the 20 watters.

First, they're ridiculously expensive for a 20 watt amp, second their el84 power sections means they will never sound and feel right at the highest volumes, so therefore they are very constricted volume wise to the point that they're never usable for practice in a heavy music band. Also, they are obviously smaller amps, so they will always sound smaller than the 100 watts amps, making them, ironically, worse for bedroom playing than their big brothers.

Also, the way the power section is designed it will eat those el84 like crazy, so depending on the use, you might have to change the tubes after just a few months, which already adds to the high price of the amp.

Of course, 1800 bucks is less than 4500, so it can serve as an "entry level" product into the Friedman line up, but in my opinion it's not worth it. A few bucks more can get you a Friedman Runt 50.

I completely disagree with every point. I own and have gigged with a JJ Jr for years and it sounds killer and has plenty of volume for any situation I find myself in (rehearsals and gigs.)

They are also priced right for MADE IN USA amps.

I've replaced the EL84s as a preventive measure, but it sure didn't eat the tubes like crazy. I also don't even notice they are EL84s. I mean, what is the "EL84" sound that I should hate?

I know we all have different preferences, but I just don't agree with anyone in this thread hating on the 20-watters. Then again, I've ONLY owned the JJ Jr in that line.

 

[RaceU4her]

sounds pretty good with the diodes on

 

[The~Kid]

I read somewhere else that it is a Vox variant. I think I read it on The Gear Page.

Bad Cat came out with a new Mod Shop Cub this is probably what you were referring to.

 

[BABMusic]

Jose 20 is coming
https://www.thomann.fr/friedman_jose_20_series_tribute_head.htm

Holy shit, it's finally real. I wonder what was the other amp in the video that had the on and standby?

 

[griff10672]

Bad Cat came out with a new Mod Shop Cub this is probably what you were referring to.

Nah ..... Dave has mentioned a Vox style amp on the Tone Talk podcast a few times .... going to fall into " The classic " series I think he's calling it