Top-Rated
Friedman Runt-50 50W Tube Guitar Amp Head


Description
Utilizing custom transformers and the cleanest signal path possible, the Runt-50 delivers tight bottom end and articulate midrange. The Runt-50 is ideal for many styles of music from blues to classic rock and heavy metal by merely adjusting the gain and master controls.
Plugging into the Runt-50, you will instantly notice the harmonically rich detailed chords and resonating single note lines. This amp cleans up exceptionally well with the guitar’s volume knob, even with the amp on higher gain settings.
This is the first amp Dave Friedman ever made with a cab simulated XLR output. Comparing this analog circuit to some of the most intricate computer based IRs, Dave achieved a record output you can proudly send to front of house or use in the studio. The XLR output includes a ground lift, level and center / edge of speaker cone simulation switches.
This Runt was designed to take pedals well and loves boosts, ODs, phasers, flangers, tremolos and wahs. The ultra transparent series effects loop takes time-based effects pedals and rack units equally well. The head cabinet features beautiful black tolex, Baltic Birch construction and built to withstand the rigors of the road.
Friedman History:
Dave Friedman is the man behind the signature tones of rock icons Eddie Van Halen, Steve Stevens and Jerry Cantrell. Dave Friedman has been building, modding and repairing amplifiers for many of the world’s biggest stars for the past 25 years. Friedman’s innovative designs and meticulous construction have made him legendary in the world of professional touring musicians while earning him a loyal clientele from all over the world. One of Friedman’s mainstays has been modifying amps to each player’s specific tonal palette, and to consult with other established amplifier companies to improve their own designs.
Dave Friedman’s extensive knowledge and pursuit of tonal superiority inspired him to develop his own series of production amplifiers under the name Friedman Amplification. In the past, having Friedman build or modify your amp required a certain level of notoriety, but now his sonic wizardry is available to everyday players.



Features
- Power: 50W (tube)
- Tubes: four 12AX7 (preamp); two EL34 (power amp)
- Two channels
- Single input
- Impedance: 8, 16 ohms
- Controls: 2-band EQ, volume, 3-position bright switch (clean channel); 3-band EQ, gain, gain boost (overdrive channel); presence (universal)
- Buffered series FX loop
- Two 1/4 in. outputs
- Cab-simulated XLR output
- Dimensions: 22.5 in. x 9.25 in. x 8.75 in.
- Weight: 31 lbs.
Featured Articles
Reviews
4.5
8 Reviews
88%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend
Filters
Best Uses
- Performances4
- Professional Recording4
- Home Studio3
- Amateur Recording2
- Outdoor Events / Games2
Cons
- Maybe a wee bit more bottom end?1
Describe Yourself
- Experienced4
Pros
- Easy To Use4
- Excellent Sound4
- Good Power Output4
- Warm / Comfy4
- Portable1
Reviewed by 8 customers
This might just be my forever amp.
Verified Buyer
submitted9 months ago
byFastEddie
fromPittsburgh Pennsylvania
Submitted as part of a sweepstakes
This amp is the "holy grail". I've purchased and sold at least 5 new amps over the last 4 years. I started to get frustrated. So many amps out there today are all gain and don't let you dial in your tone. I recently played an outdoor venue around 1500 in the audience. It was plenty loud. This amp has it all. Sustain and warmth. In addition, the clean channel should not be overlooked. It is "chimney" and clear. The effects loop is also phenomenal.
TONE FOR DAYZ
submitted6 years ago
byRandy Rhythm
fromTampa,Fl
This amp sounds fantastic, I cycled through all the other amp brands and this amp is at the top, I am sorry I waited this long, I traded a Marshall JVM 410 and it was a great amp but this Friedman takes tone a step further in a smaller package, It can do it all, and the clean channel is incredible. I run this through a Marshall, 4-12 cabinet with Greenbacks its hard to beat, I will get a Friedman Cabinet later hopefully, you definitely should take a good listen to this if you are in the market for a new amp, anybody that says this amp doesn't sound good should take up harmonica.
SUPER SWEET!!
submitted6 years ago
bylumberg
fromdallas
This amp has the most warm and incredible clean channel. the effects loop is clean as all get out. gain could get a little dirtier for my taste but still delivers. you can dial in tones from tom petty to chains. this amp truly captures your guitars tone. the settings on my amp are pretty much a constant so when i switch from my Gibson to my telecaster my tones are adjusted from my instrument to get the sounds i want. so my tone basically comes from my guitar and isn't colored by the amp. its a beautiful thing.
Wow!!!
submitted7 years ago
byStevo
fromLos Angeles, CA
Wow!!!!! Simply unreal.
Great Amp!
submitted8 years ago
bySarge
fromNC
I use this in a two guitar setup playing everything from Van Halen to Priest to Metallica to Ozzy. This amp just rocks. Really reminds me of a JCM 800 2204. While it doesn't sound exactly like one ( I own one), it definitely has that vibe. Has the same upper mid range thing going on. Only with a lot more gain on tap and a slightly more modern gain structure. With the boost disengaged it will do that old school rock tone VERY well. Plenty of gain on tap, but does more then just high gain. Clean channel was a big surprise. Sounds fantastic. This amp sits in the mix so nicely with its smooth upper midrange. Dave did a great job voicing this amp. Nice tight low end that really gets pronounced at drummer level. Very tight, no flubbiness here.
JUST AWESOME!
submitted8 years ago
byAnthony
fromBeverly Hills, CA
Sounds awesome, looks awesome, much better clean channel than expected, weight and size is perfect, easy to use, sounds like someone got a dud on another review, too bad to hear that. oh yeah! sounds very good at apartment/tv volume with smooth volume taper. i've had 13 or so tube amps and almost none sound as good when played at home.
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