Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (24)
$2,899.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (7)
$2,899.99 $2,599.00 $300.99 · All time low
Reverb
5.0 (16)
$2,899.99 New
$1,600.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (6)
$2,899.99 $2,599.00 $300.99 · All time low
zZounds
$2,899.99
Thomann
5.0 (7)
$3,099.00 $3,069.00 $30.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,683

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Friedman Small Box 50W Amp Head?

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.

Is the Friedman Small Box 50W suitable for gigging with a band?

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.

Does the Friedman Small Box 50W Amp Head include an effects loop?

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.

Can the Friedman Small Box 50W handle high-gain settings well?

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.

What type of power tubes does the Friedman Small Box 50W use?

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.

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Friedman Small Box vs Dirty Shirley

Video thumbnail for Friedman Small Box vs Dirty Shirley by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Friedman Small Box vs Dirty Shirley

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Getting Deep with the Friedman Small Box - with Dave Weiner by Friedman Amplification

Getting Deep with the Friedman Small Box - with Dave Weiner

Friedman Amplification

Friedman Amplification

Video thumbnail for Product Spotlight - Friedman Smallbox 50 Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier Head & 2x12 Cab by Guitar Center

Product Spotlight - Friedman Smallbox 50 Watt Tube Guitar Amplifier Head & 2x12 Cab

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Friedman Small Box Tube Amp Demo by Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Friedman Small Box Tube Amp Demo by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Friedman Smallbox 50 Demo by Rick Hollis

Friedman Smallbox 50 Demo

Rick Hollis

Rick Hollis

Video thumbnail for The ULTIMATE Plexi Tone? | Friedman Small Box Overview by Peach Guitars

The ULTIMATE Plexi Tone? | Friedman Small Box Overview

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for FRIEDMAN SMALL BOX | And compared to a Marshall 1987X & JCM800 2203 by Euge Valovirta

FRIEDMAN SMALL BOX | And compared to a Marshall 1987X & JCM800 2203

Euge Valovirta

Euge Valovirta

Video thumbnail for Friedman Small Box vs Suhr PT100 | Best Modded Plexi Amp Shootout by R.J. Ronquillo

Friedman Small Box vs Suhr PT100 | Best Modded Plexi Amp Shootout

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for Friedman Small Box 50 Head - Sound Demo by SRGuitar

Friedman Small Box 50 Head - Sound Demo

SRGuitar

SRGuitar

Video thumbnail for FRIEDMAN Smallbox 50W - Still my favorite Amp! by Michael Lynn

FRIEDMAN Smallbox 50W - Still my favorite Amp!

Michael Lynn

Michael Lynn

Video thumbnail for Friedman Smallbox 50 (Part 02) - feat. Conrad Schrenk by Bibl Rocks - Guitars & Gear Show

Friedman Smallbox 50 (Part 02) - feat. Conrad Schrenk

Bibl Rocks - Guitars & Gear Show

Bibl Rocks - Guitars & Gear Show

Reviews

PROS

  • Simple layout, easy to use

  • Versatile plexi channel, great with pedals

  • BE channel offers massive gain

  • Clean tones easily achieved via guitar volume knob

  • Stellar customer service directly from Dave Friedman

  • Offers both classic Marshall cleans and high gain tones

  • Transparent effects loop

  • Responsive to pick attack and volume changes

  • Works well with various speaker cabinets

  • Quality construction and workmanship

CONS

  • Lacks built-in reverb; external pedal needed for reverb effects

  • Some reliability issues reported (amp not turning on)

  • Audible "pop" when switching channels via footswitch

  • Gain might be insufficient for some; booster needed for solos

  • Volume knobs are super touchy at lower levels

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Owners appreciate the Small Box 50W for its versatility, covering both classic rock and heavier metal tones effectively.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The amp features two channels, providing a classic Plexi Marshall sound and a high-gain Friedman BE50 sound, appealing to a wide range of rock and metal styles.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fuzzface80

My new favorite amp

Best Amp for classic rock, metal, and blues

jimmarchi1

a bold but believable statement

fuzzface80

Indeed. Ironically, if I were to bring one amp on the road, it would be my Mark V.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jason Richardson uses Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head

Jason Richardson

Guitarist

Chelsea Grin

...
Verified via Instagram

Jason used this amp for his solo album.

See how Jake E. Lee uses Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head

Jake E. Lee

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Rig-talk

Lee uses a Smallbox 50 with Red Dragon Cartel. Dave Friedman is working on a 100 watt version for Lee as well.

See how Will Swan uses Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head

Will Swan

Guitarist

Dance Gavin Dance

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

"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.

See how Wayne Sermon uses Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head

Wayne Sermon

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Imagine Dragons

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Along with the vintage Voxes, Sermon runs an angry Friedman Smallbox 50. "

-Premier Guitar; Rig Rundown with Imagine Dragons

See how Kjartan Kristiansen uses Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head

Kjartan Kristiansen

Guitarist, Composer

DumDum Boys

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Colt Capperrune uses Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head

Colt Capperrune

Audio Engineer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Epic HOME STUDIO Setup 2025 | Colt Capperrune (studio tour)" by Andrew Masters on YouTube, Colt Capperrune can be seen showcasing a Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head in his Atmos mixing room at the 46:46 mark.

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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peterglavanov

peterglavanov

Gear IQ 713

1 alternative for Friedman Small Box 50W 2-Channel Tube Guitar Amp Head, curated by the Equipboard community.

Friedman Smallbox Overdrive

$190.00 - $199.99

similar sound cheaper alternative

An overdrive pedal inspired by the sound of the Friedman Small Box amplifier.

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