FRIEDMAN Little Sister Guitar Amp Head Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- FRIEDMAN
Table of Contents
FRIEDMAN Little Sister Guitar Amp Head
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing this incredible new guitar amplifier designed by
one of the most well known amp modders and designers in the LA Music scene for
the past 20 years, Dave Friedman.
Friedman’s popular Twin Sister head/combo was designed for guitarists that
wanted a Vintage Classic Rock tone inspired by British tube amps from the 60’s
and 70’s. Please welcome the Little Sister! The Little Sister is a 20-watt,
EL84 powered, single channel head or 1×12” combo based on it’s 40-watt
predecessor, but still delivers the signature British tone Friedman has become
known for. The amp features one channel that can give you everything from
gorgeous sparkling cleans to a glorious vintage crunch. Extremely versatile,
the Little Sister can produce many styles of music from blues to rock and
country by just adjusting the gain and master, SS witch (gain structure) and B
Switch (Bright/Tight).
The handcrafted in the USA cabinetry feature tongue and groove Baltic Birch
construction, and the combo houses a 16 ohm, 12” Celestion Cream back G12M-65
speaker that deliver the bass, mid response and signature sound you would
expect from a Friedman amplifier.
The Little Sister features all the beautiful finishing and solid construction
that you would expect from a Friedman amplifier. Designed to take pedals and
loves boosts, OD’s, phasers, flangers, tremolos and wahs, while the ultra-
transparent series effects loop handles your time-based effects pedals and
rack units.
The Little Sister from Friedman Amplification, a real screamer and she fits in
your backseat!
FEATURES
- 20-watt cathode biased amp
- Incredibly versatile single channel all-tube head or 1×12” Combo·
- 2 x EL84 power tubes
- 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
- Master volume and gain controls·
- Full EQ consisting of Bass, Middle, Treble
- S-Switch (Gain Structure
- B-Switch (Bright/Tight)
- Ultra-transparent series FX loop
- 4, 8 and 16 ohm jacks
- Celestion 16 Ohm 12” G12M-65 Creamback speaker (Combo)
- Custom made transformers
- Assembled in Los Angeles, CA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Dimensions
- Head: 8.5″ (D) x 18″ (W) x 8.25 (H)
- Combo: 9.5” (D) x 24.25” (W) x 22” (H)
- Weight:
- Head: 22 lbs.
- Combo: 45 lbs.
PLUGGING IN
We recommend starting the amp with the Bass on 6, the mids at around 6 and the
treble at 5. Set the gain around 6 and then bring the master to taste. After
plugging in, you will notice instantly, the tight bottom end and rich
harmonically detailed chords and single notes, that’s the Friedman sound. This
amp cleans up remarkably well with the guitar’s volume control even with the
amp on higher gain settings.
The Little Sister was primarily designed as a Classic Rock style amp. The
Little Sister will surprise and impress you with all the different tones
available. If you want a classic rock sound from the 60s and 70s, the Little
Sister might just be your type of amp.
We know you will love your new Little Sister. If you have any questions or
need help don’t hesitate to email us at
friedmanamps@gmail.com.
INSTRUCTIONS
Please keep this instruction manual for future reference and for the duration of owning this Friedman Amplifier. Please carefully read and understand the instructions inside this user’s manual before attempting to operate your new amp. This instruction manual includes essential safety information regarding the use and maintenance of the amplifier. Take special care to heed all warning symbols and signs inside this manual and those printed on the amplifier itself.
WARNING!
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE AMPLIFIER TO WATER OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY WATER SOURCE
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The lightning flash with an arrow triangular symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of non-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the products
enclosure, and may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock.
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The exclamation point triangular symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the user manual accompanying this amplifier!
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Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before this product is operated.
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Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
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Heed Warnings – All warnings on the amplifier and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
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Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
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Water and Moisture – The amplifier should not be used near water – for example, a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like.
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Heat – Amplifier should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other amplifier (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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Power Sources – This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the rating label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.
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Grounding or Polarization
– This product may be equipped with a polarized alternation-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other). This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug. -
Power-Cord Protection
– Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the cord in correspondence of plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the amplifier. -
Cleaning – The amplifier should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean by wiping with a cloth slightly damp with water. Avoid getting water inside the amplifier.
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Non-use Periods – The power cord of the amplifier should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
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Object and Liquid Entry
– Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings. -
Damage Requiring Service
– The amplifier should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the amplifier; or
C. The amplifier has been exposed to rain; or
D. The amplifier does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The amplifier has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
F. The amplifier needs tube replacement or biasing -
Servicing – The user should not attempt any service to the amplifier beyond that described in the operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. -
Ventilation – Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating, and these openings must not be blocked or covered.
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Attachments – do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
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Accessories – Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product.
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Lightning – For added protection for this product before a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power line surges.
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Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
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Safety Check – Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
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FUSES – Always use the correct rating and type of fuse as indicated on the rear panel. Note the proper rating fuse is determined by the AC line voltage in the country this unit is being operated.
FRONT PANEL
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POWER SWITCH: Turn this ON to power the amplifier. Wait for about one minute before taking the amp OUT of STANDBY playing for maximum tube life. There is an indicator lamp to provide a gentle reminder to let you know your amp is ON.
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BASS CONTROL: This adds or takes away bass or bottom end. As the amp gets louder you may want to back this off a bit. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
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MIDDLE CONTROL: Adds or takes away midrange. Start at 5, lower settings will scoop the mids, higher levels will allow your audience to actually hear the guitar in the mix.
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TREBLE CONTROL: This adds or takes away treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
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MASTER CONTROL: This is the Little Sister’s
MASTER VOLUME. The more you turn it up the louder it gets. -
S-Switch: (3-Way Gain Structure)
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GAIN CONTROL: This adds gain/distortion. Adjust to taste. Don’t be afraid.
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B-Switch: (Bright/Tight)
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INPUT: Just like it says. This is the Little Sister’s Guitar Input Jack. Plug your guitar or the output of your pedal board here.
REAR PANEL
- SEND JACK: This is where you plug the INPUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded guitar cable.
- RETURN JACK: This is where you plug the OUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded guitar cable.
- 4 OHM SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug in ONE 4 OHM cabinet or TWO 8 OHM cabs here.
- 8 OHM SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug in ONE 8-ohm cab or TWO 16-ohm cabs here.
- 16 OHM SPEAKER OUT JACK: Plug in ONE 16-ohm speaker cab here.
- MAIN FUSE: This fuse is in the compartment found below the AC receptacle. Replace with the appropriate fuse as marked on the back panel. If this fuse blows, it is probably the result of a bad tube. Constant blowing of this fuse (even when using new tubes) is an indication that something could be seriously wrong with your amp. STOP and call us so we may help you diagnose.
- MAINS INPUT: Plug the supplied IEC power cord here.
FRIEDMAN LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Thank you for choosing Friedman. Friedman manufactures some of the world’s most reliable hand-wired, all-tube amplifiers and speaker cabinets. Friedman takes great pride in an extremely thorough testing procedure, which is implemented on each product prior to shipment. In the unlikely event that you have a problem with you amplifier, please refer to warranty below. Friedman stands behind our products like no other and we’re here to help you!
AMPLIFIERS: Friedman offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original
purchaser that a Friedman amplifier will be free from defects in material and
workmanship. A dated sales receipt will establish coverage under this
warranty, PLEASE KEEP YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE TO USE YOUR WARRANTY. This
warranty does not cover service or parts to repair damage caused by accident,
neglect, abuse, normal & wear, disaster, misuse, abuse, overpowering,
negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures and service, repair or
any modifications to the product which have not been authorized or approved by
Friedman in writing.
ANY MODIFICATION TO THE AMPLIFIER WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY. If this product is
defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above, your sole remedy
shall be repair or replacement by Friedman as provided below.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to repair, modify or service your amplifier by yourself!!! Please read the instruction manual for all safety notifications, warnings and instructions. Friedman, like all tube amplifiers, have extremely high voltages that can cause serious injury or death. Do not remove the chassis from the amplifier. All repair and service work must be performed by Friedman or an authorized service center of Friedman. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
TUBES: Friedman warrants the original purchaser that the specific tubes used in Friedman will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 90 days from the original date of purchase. A dated sales receipt will establish coverage under this warranty. This tube warranty will automatically terminate 90 days after the original retail sales date. This tube warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If tubes fail within the 90-day warranty period your sole remedy shall be replacement of tubes as provided below.
RETURN PROCEDURES: In the unlikely event that a defect occurs please email us at friedmanamps@gmail.com. In most cases we can help you diagnose the problem over the phone. If a product must be sent to us, please follow the procedure outlined below.
- Defective products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, freight pre-paid and insured to the Authorized Friedman Service Center or directly to Friedman.
- If a product must be returned to Friedman for warranty replacement/repair, a Return Authorization Number must be obtained from our Customer Service Department prior to shipping the product.
- Please contact Friedman Customer Service Department for the Authorized Friedman Service Center nearest you.
- Products must be shipped in their original packaging or its equivalent; in any case, the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by the purchaser.
- The Return Authorization Number must appear in large print directly below the shipping address.
- Always include a brief description of the defect, along with your correct return address and telephone number.
- When calling to inquire about a returned product, always refer to the Return Authorization Number.
If Friedman determines that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during the warranty period, Friedman has the option of repairing or replacing the product at no additional charge, except as set forth below.
- All replaced parts become a property of Friedman. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned via ground shipping within the United States or Canada – freight prepaid.
- Friedman is not responsible for costs associated with expedited shipping, either to Friedman or the return of the product to the customer.
All warranty repairs outside the United States and Canada must be directed to the dealer or distributor from which you purchased the product.
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE : In no event will Friedman be liable for any incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use of any Friedman product, even if a Friedman dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or any other claim by any other party. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Please complete and send in the completed warranty registration card to: Friedman Amplification, care of Boutique Amps Distribution, 5300 Harbor Street, Commerce, CA 90040. Please send within (10) ten days of the date of purchase so that we may contact you directly in the event a safety notification issued in accordance with the 1972 Consumer Product Safety Act.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Our dedicated and friendly staff is ready to help you with any warranty or
product questions you may have. Please email us at
friedmanamps@gmail.com.
Thank you again for choosing Friedman and we look forward to a long
relationship!
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