Friedman

collapse expand iconDescription

The Runt-20 is a versatile 20-watt head that delivers Friedman's legendary tone from a compact two-channel amp. The Runt-20 power section is driven by two EL84s, and the preamp features three 12AX7s. The "simple" clean channel features a volume knob and three position bright switch that delivers singing cleans to slightly broken up tone. The heart and soul of the Runt-20 is the overdrive channel which will take you from classic rock to all out assault. Use the Boost switch and Gain knob to dial in the perfect amount of overdrive. A global presence Control shapes the high frequency response of the Runt-20.

The Runt-20 delivers the tight bottom end and midrange that is typically only found in much higher wattage amps. Dave achieved this utilizing custom transformers and the cleanest signal path possible. The Runt-20 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-20, 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 has ever made with has an internal load and XLR cab simulated 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 Runt-20 also allows you to play "silently," meaning you can plug and play the amp without having a speaker cabinet connected. 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, buffered, series effects loop takes time-based effects pedals and rack units equally well. The head cabinet features beautiful black tolex, Baltic Birch construction and is 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.
Open Box Friedman Runt-20 20W Tube Guitar Head Level 1
Open Box Friedman Runt-20 20W Tube Guitar Head Level 1
Open Box Friedman Runt-20 20W Tube Guitar Head Level 1

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Power: 20W (tube)
  • Tubes: three 12AX7 (preamp); two EL84 (power amp)
  • Two footswitchable channels
  • Single input
  • Impedance: 8, 16 ohms
  • Controls: 3-band EQ, gain, boost, bright, presence, master
  • Series FX loop
  • Outputs: two 1/4 in., one cab-simulated XLR with ground, level, center/edge axis switch
  • Silent-play feature allows play without a speaker cab connected
  • Dimensions: 18 in. x 8.25 in. x 8.75 in.
  • Weight. 22 lbs.

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.6

5 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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  1. Home Studio3
  2. Amateur Recording1
  3. Outdoor Events / Games1
  4. Performances1
  5. Professional Recording1
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  1. Experienced3
Pros
  1. Easy To Use3
  2. Excellent Sound3
  3. Good Power Output3
  4. Portable3
  5. Warm / Comfy3
  • Friedman Runt 20 presence knob...

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    bySteve

    fromLos Angeles

    Just wanted to reply to the comment regarding the scratchy presence knob. If you read the Runt 20 manual the presence knob is supposed to be scratchy. Nothing wrong with amp. Great amp!!!!!!

  • Nice rock n roll amp

    5

    submitted5 years ago

    byFerdz

    fromNew Jersey

    Very nice sounding rock n roll amp! Just needs higher gain settings, overall very good! High quality amp!

  • Great time with 20 watts

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted6 years ago

    byTOM

    fromUndisclosed

    Great little amp with great tone. We it had reverb!

  • The sound I've been looking for, for years.

    4

    submitted6 years ago

    byGhostpuncher

    fromCalifornia

    I play modern progressive metal styles, but I prefer an older sound. I have used Peavey Ultra, Hughes and Kettner GM40, Marshall DSL, Bugera 333, EVH iii50, Mesa Mark V35, and various small combos. I have one particular combo with a classic crunch tone that, when boosted with an OD ,sounds really good. I wanted that tone but bigger and more alive. I have not yet found it in the heads I've owned. I tested this Friedman Runt20 with an Orange PPC212 and an overdrive pedal, Like I own, to test out. This thing is super simple, 2 channels sharing an EQ. That does not seem to be a problem for me. This thing has a great voice, so switching from crunch to clean is very satisfying. After bringing it home I looped a reverb pedal, and added an overdrive (secrets). What an amazing tone. Low volume practice is easy. The volume knob is super tight and doesn't jump in volume like a few amps I've got. You can really dial in a low volume. BUT this thing does get very loud very fast, and it doesn't lose flavor when it does.The EVH is chewy and soft. This Friedman has serious response and bite. I imagine it's like a Marshall with more mid and tighter low end. Like a Marshall went to the gym and got cut. It's not a metal amp. It's a serious rock amp, but when boosted, it most certainly is a metal amp. It's bare bones, clean, crunch, boost switch, 3way bright switch for clean, no reverb, no standby (hence 4 out of five stars). Super solid super tight controls, hard rock sound with huge metal potential, nice warm, bright cleans, takes pedals and overdrive very well.I cannot get over how this thing respnds to my playing style and the tones I've been getting. I got this over the Victory Kraken and the ENGL ironball. I can totally appreciate and hear the reason for the price tag. This is the sound Ive been looking for. It's my new favorite amp.

  • A 20 Watt head that will rock your socks off!

    4

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byEric

    fromundisclosed

    I purchased this amp in July, and used it for a gig in my town's park the day it arrived. I did a sound check and wow was it loud for a 20 watt head. I mostly play the amp at home, and it really does have a full sound a low volumes. Just boost the bass a bit at those lower volumes and it maintains it's fat sound. At practice and gigging volumes it's even better. It nails the tones I go for (think Green Day's American Idiot album and their current live tone, and Rise Against's live tone). It dirty channel cleans up extremely well, but it's also nice to have it's own dedicated clean channel. Don't be put off by the fact that the clean is just a volume knob and bright switch (plus the global presence control). It's a really nice clean channel that's quite versatile and takes pedals rather well. The XLR output doesn't sounds as nice as the amp does through the cab, but it's still a decent sound. If you want to use it for silent playing or recording with a sound pretty much as good as using a cab, look into getting some type of loadbox+cab sim like a TwoNotes Torpedo Live. I still use the XLR output often, but I prefer using a cab. I took off a star for that as well as the amp coming with a scratchy presence knob. I talked to Guitar Center about this within the return policy and they said I could return it and get a new one or stick with it since I didn't get pro coverage. I decided to stick with it because I love the sound of the amp and it's not a huge deal, but minorly frustrating. Overall. This amp is amazing, and I think I'm going to be sticking with Friedman for a long time.

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Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byDavid

    fromNew Waterford Ohio

    Does my Friedman Runt 20 come with a footswitch for channel switching, boost, etc. ? Thanks!!!

    Does my Friedman Runt 20 come with a footswitch for channel switching, boost, etc. ? Thanks!!!

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Footswitch not included