Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
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Average Price: $2,683
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head, the epitome of authentic British tone with an all-tube design that is a nod to vintage Plexi tones. This hand-wired amp head boasts 50 watts of power, delivered through EL34 power tubes and 12AX7 preamp tubes, giving it the rich harmonic complexity and touch sensitivity that only tubes can provide.
The Small Box offers two footswitchable channels; a clean British-voiced channel with a bright switch for sparkling cleans or crunchy rhythms, and a high-gain channel for searing leads and heavy distortion. The shared 3-band EQ and global presence control allow for versatile tone-shaping, and an ultra-transparent effects loop enables you to use your favorite time-based effects without affecting the pure tube tone.
Designed for both professional stage and studio use, the Small Box is hand-wired in the USA using only the highest quality components including custom transformers. This guarantees rich tone, touch sensitivity, and reliability that is sure to impress players and sound engineers alike.
Key Features:
- Hand-wired all-tube amp head delivering 50W of power
- Powered by EL34 power tubes and 12AX7 preamp tubes
- Two footswitchable channels that offer a range of tones from clean to heavy distortion
- Shared 3-band EQ and global presence control for versatile tone shaping
- Ultra-transparent effects loop for time-based effects
- Hand-wired in the USA using only the highest quality components including custom transformers
- Includes single button footswitch for easy channel switching
- Line out with level control for feeding a mixer or recorder
- Dual speaker outputs for up to 2 speaker cabs
Product specs
| Type | Tube, Handwired |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Total Power | 50W |
| Preamp Tubes | 3 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x EL34 |
| EQ | 3-band |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (speakers), 1 x 1/4" (line) |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (channel) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, 1-button footswitch |
| Bias Type | Adjustable Fixed |
| Construction Material | Baltic Birch with Black Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 10" |
| Width | 24" |
| Depth | 8.75" |
| Weight | 33.5 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Friedman Small Box 50W Amp Head?
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The Friedman Small Box 50W Amp Head is renowned for its British-inspired tone, offering a rich, dynamic sound with excellent clean headroom and a classic overdrive. It's versatile enough for rock, blues, and metal genres, providing both vintage and modern tones.
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Is the Friedman Small Box 50W suitable for gigging with a band?
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Yes, with 50 watts of tube power, the Friedman Small Box 50W is loud enough for live performances, even with a full band. Its robust construction and powerful output make it ideal for both small and medium-sized venues.
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Does the Friedman Small Box 50W Amp Head include an effects loop?
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Yes, the Friedman Small Box 50W Amp Head features an effects loop, allowing you to integrate your favorite effects pedals seamlessly into your signal chain for more tonal versatility.
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Can the Friedman Small Box 50W handle high-gain settings well?
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Absolutely, the Friedman Small Box 50W is designed to handle high-gain settings with ease, delivering articulate and punchy tones without losing clarity, making it suitable for heavier music styles.
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What type of power tubes does the Friedman Small Box 50W use?
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The Friedman Small Box 50W Amp Head uses two EL34 power tubes, which contribute to its classic British tone and dynamic response, offering a blend of warmth and aggression.
Videos
Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars
Friedman Small Box vs Dirty Shirley
Reviews
PROS
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Simple layout, easy to use
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Versatile plexi channel, great with pedals
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BE channel offers massive gain
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Clean tones easily achieved via guitar volume knob
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Stellar customer service directly from Dave Friedman
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Offers both classic Marshall cleans and high gain tones
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Transparent effects loop
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Responsive to pick attack and volume changes
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Works well with various speaker cabinets
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Quality construction and workmanship
CONS
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Lacks built-in reverb; external pedal needed for reverb effects
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Some reliability issues reported (amp not turning on)
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Audible "pop" when switching channels via footswitch
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Gain might be insufficient for some; booster needed for solos
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Volume knobs are super touchy at lower levels
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Bright switch not available on the BE channel
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head.
Comparisons
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The Friedman Small Box 50W's channel one emulates classic Plexi Marshall tones, while channel two offers the Friedman BE50's heavy gain suited for metal and hard rock.
Source -
Compared to the Marshall SV20, the Friedman Small Box 50W doesn't require extreme volume levels to achieve its best sound, offering more flexibility in various settings.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The Friedman Small Box 50W is highlighted as the best Marshall-style amp in a comparison with a Plexi and JCM800, making it ideal for classic rock/metal enthusiasts.
Source
User experience
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Owners appreciate the Small Box 50W for its versatility, covering both classic rock and heavier metal tones effectively.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
41029
a bold but believable statement
73
Indeed. Ironically, if I were to bring one amp on the road, it would be my Mark V.
Artist usage
Add artist
Lee uses a Smallbox 50 with Red Dragon Cartel. Dave Friedman is working on a 100 watt version for Lee as well.
"For all my stuff, I swear by my Orange Rockerverb 100," said Swan in an interview with PG in 2016. "It constantly just kills every other amp." And while that may still hold true for the guitarist, he has retired his beloved Rockerverb from the road. In its place now sits a Friedman Small Box 50W blaster.
"Along with the vintage Voxes, Sermon runs an angry Friedman Smallbox 50. "
-Premier Guitar; Rig Rundown with Imagine Dragons
Kjartan Kristiansen uses the Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head, as seen in a photo from Kongsberg Jazz shared by Instagram user dumduminsta. This amp is distinguishable from other Friedman models and has been part of Kristiansen's setup since the late 2000s.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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