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Description

Unleash your sonic potential with the Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp, a legendary powerhouse for guitarists seeking versatility and precision. This 100-watt juggernaut features three meticulously crafted, independent channels that cater to every tonal whim—from crystalline cleans to blistering high-gain distortion. Designed for musicians who crave control, the Cobra's intuitive layout invites you to explore its dynamic range, perfecting your sound with meticulous precision.

Each channel presents a unique voice, effortlessly transitioning between styles to suit any genre or performance setting. The Framus Cobra's highly responsive EQ offers an expansive tonal palette, allowing you to sculpt your sound with unparalleled accuracy. Whether you're crafting delicate melodies or unleashing a wall of sound, this amp head delivers with authority and clarity. Built for the stage and studio alike, the Cobra's robust construction ensures it stands up to the rigors of performance without compromising on quality.

Join a community of musicians who trust the Framus Cobra for its reliability and its ability to inspire. With its impressive power and versatility, this amplifier head is not just an instrument—it's an invitation to push your creative boundaries and redefine your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • 100W power output
  • Three independent, switchable channels
  • Highly responsive EQ for precise tonal control
  • Robust construction for durability
  • Ideal for both stage and studio use

Product specs

Brand Framus
Model Cobra 3-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black, Blue
Year 2000s
Made In Germany
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 3 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp?

The Framus Cobra is known for its versatile tonal range, offering a tight, aggressive high-gain sound suitable for metal and rock, as well as clear, articulate clean tones. Its three channels allow for a wide array of tonal possibilities, making it suitable for various playing styles.

Is the Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 100-watt output, the Framus Cobra is powerful enough for live performances, even in larger venues. Its robust tube design ensures it can deliver a full, rich sound that cuts through in a band setting.

How does the Framus Cobra handle effects pedals?

The Framus Cobra is designed to take pedals well, especially in its effects loop, allowing for seamless integration of modulation, delay, and reverb effects without compromising tone quality.

What type of power tubes does the Framus Cobra use?

The Framus Cobra utilizes EL34 power tubes, which are known for their dynamic response and rich harmonic content, contributing to the amp's powerful and expressive sound.

How many channels does the Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp have?

The Framus Cobra features three independent channels, allowing for a wide range of tones from clean to high-gain, making it versatile for different musical genres and performance needs.

What are the impedance options available on the Framus Cobra?

The Framus Cobra offers multiple impedance options, including 4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms, providing flexibility for matching with various speaker cabinets.

Does the Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp include built-in reverb?

No, the Framus Cobra does not have built-in reverb, but its effects loop allows for easy integration of external reverb pedals or units.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

FRAMUS COBRA - Metal 10 Years Later

Video thumbnail for FRAMUS COBRA - Metal 10 Years Later by Ola Englund

FRAMUS COBRA - Metal 10 Years Later

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for FRAMUS COBRA TOP HEAD AMPLIFIER by chatreeo

FRAMUS COBRA TOP HEAD AMPLIFIER

chatreeo

chatreeo

Video thumbnail for Framus Cobra vs Dual rectifier METAL DEMO by Taylor Danley

Framus Cobra vs Dual rectifier METAL DEMO

Taylor Danley

Taylor Danley

Video thumbnail for METALCORE DREAM AMP! - Framus Cobra - Amplifier Demo by Tyrannosaurus Riffs

METALCORE DREAM AMP! - Framus Cobra - Amplifier Demo

Tyrannosaurus Riffs

Tyrannosaurus Riffs

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers bone-crushing aggression with unmatched brutality

  • Versatile channels mimic iconic amps like Diezel, Plexi, and Jazz Chorus

  • Offers extensive MIDI control with over 30 preamp/EQ settings

  • Takes pedals well and features a balanced FX loop

  • Exceptional sound quality when paired with G12 speakers

  • EQ features Baxandall-style tone stacks for nuanced sound shaping

  • Capable of handling diverse genres from jazz to metal

CONS

  • Chassis and construction quality deemed insufficiently robust for touring

  • Fragile; requires careful handling to avoid transformer damage

  • Demands precise EQ tweaking for optimal sound

  • Limited compatibility with effects; only supports studio-grade or balanced outboard gear

  • Requires specific speaker pairings for best performance

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp.

Features and functionality

  • The parallel line level effects loop is often disliked; the mix knob has a sweet spot at 12 o'clock for optimal use.

    Source
  • The amp lights up with red LEDs when powered on, adding a unique visual element.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Channel volume should be set past 3/4 for best sound; control the overall loudness with the master volume.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Works best with greenback speakers, such as G12M and Fane F25's; V30's often yield a nasal tone, especially with the lead channel.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • EHX 12AX7 tubes are preferred for the V1 position, as they provide the best sound according to users' experiences.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp excels at producing early 2000s heavy tones and is particularly suited for Killswitch-style music.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners face channel-switching issues, and replacements or repairs can be challenging due to the unavailability of parts.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cope_till

Great German-Built Valve Amp with shimmering Cleans to Britsh Crunch and an Overdrive that's considered the Holy Grail of Metal.

I've revised this review after this amp had been put head to head w/every boutique metal amp on the planet. It beats out Diezel, Driftwood, Mesa, etc and this is why no one is selling them. This is probably the most brutal amp ever made w/a nice punch to it. The chassis is not as tough as I think it should be. So a good shock mounted case is a must for touring. This Cobra responds to G12's best, however, it sounds killer w/a Mesa or Uber 4x12. ACHTUNG: YOU WILL BLOW this AMP/TRANSFORMER if it's not plugged into a Cabinet or Load Box for even 2 seconds. The FX Loop is TRS/Balanced. So only studio grade or balanced outboard effects can be used in the loop. It takes a bit of tweaking the EQ, but it is well worth it. Framus Cobra and Dragon Amps have been used by the likes of Killing Joke, Deftones, Napalm Death, Killswitch Engage and many more.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

12 o'clock is a good start w/the volumes turned down very LOW!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ola Englund uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube
See how Adam Dutkiewicz uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Adam Dutkiewicz

Guitarist, Drummer

Killswitch Engage

...
Verified via MusicRadar

What about amps?

"[Peavey] 5150, Framus Cobra and then Fender Vibrolux for clean tones. "

See how Jeff Ling uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Jeff Ling

Guitarist

Parkway Drive

...
Verified via YouTube

look inside the studio as Parkway Drive record their album "HORIZONS" with Adam D. 0:28, 0:49

See how JB Brubaker uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

JB Brubaker

Guitarist

August Burns Red

...
Verified via YouTube

August Burns Red Using two Framus Cobra live

See how John Browne uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

John Browne

Guitarist, Composer

Monuments

...
Verified via YouTube

In his YouTube video titled "Is the Framus Cobra still relevant in 2020?", John Browne discusses and demonstrates the Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp.

See how Nick Hipa uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Nick Hipa

Guitarist

As I Lay Dying

...
Verified via YouTube

As I Lay Dying "The Powerless Rise" Studio Clip

Nick Hipa, Phil Sgrosso and Jordan Mancino lay down the instrumental portions of "The Powerless Rise" with producer Adam D

See how Luke Kilpatrick uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Luke Kilpatrick

Guitarist

Parkway Drive

...
Verified via YouTube

look inside the studio as Parkway Drive record their album "HORIZONS" with Adam D. 0:28, 0:49

See how Brandon Ellis uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Brandon Ellis

Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via Facebook

You're hearing my VHT Deliverance 120 with the @highwindamplification Direwolf OD out front, TC G Major reverb in the loop, with my Framus Cobra and Marshall mf400 412 cabs in the room.

See how Zim Zum uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Zim Zum

Guitarist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via Zimzum

In this Q and A, Zim Zum says that he uses a combination of 2 framus cobra amps (1 clean and the other distorted)

See how Phil Sgrosso uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Phil Sgrosso

Guitarist

As I Lay Dying

...
Verified via YouTube

As I Lay Dying "The Powerless Rise" Studio Clip

Nick Hipa, Phil Sgrosso and Jordan Mancino lay down the instrumental portions of "The Powerless Rise" with producer Adam D

See how Glenn Fricker uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Glenn Fricker

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Glenn Fricker can be seen using a Mesa Boogie 1992 Dual Rectifier, a Peavey 5150 head and a Framus Cobra head.

See how Keith Merrow uses Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp

Keith Merrow

Guitarist

Conquering Dystopia

...
Verified via Photo

Added a Framus Cobra head with a Dragon V30 cab to the amp collection. Sounds insane with the Seymour Duncan 805 OD pedal in front.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Framus Cobra 100W Tube Guitar Head Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Framus Cobra 4x12 Cabinet
Framus Cobra 4x12 Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
2
Nitro
Nitro Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
Washburn Vindicator Flying V
Washburn Vindicator Flying V Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Washburn Custom V
Washburn Custom V Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Marshall 1960B 4x12 Straight Cab
Marshall 1960B 4x12 Straight Cab Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Tech 21 SansAmp GT2
Tech 21 SansAmp GT2 Distortion Effects Pedals
1
Marshall 1960B 4x12'' Cabinet
Marshall 1960B 4x12'' Cabinet Guitar Amplifier Cabinets
1
Death By Audio Fuzz War
Death By Audio Fuzz War Fuzz Effects Pedals
1
Parker Fly Electric Guitar
Parker Fly Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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