FRIEDMAN Runt 50 Combo 50-Watt Tube Amp Instruction Manual

: June 9, 2024
: FRIEDMAN

Table of Contents

FRIEDMAN Runt 50 Combo 50-Watt Tube Amp Instruction
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Features
INSTRUCTIONS
RUNT-20 FRONT PANEL
FRIEDMAN 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

FRIEDMAN Runt 50 Combo 50-Watt Tube Amp Instruction

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Congratulations on purchasing this incredible new guitar amplifier designed by Dave Friedman, one of the most well known amp modders and designers in the LA Music scene for the past 20 years.

Dave Friedman has been designing and building guitar rigs for the stars since the early nineties. After many years of modding amplifiers and consulting for other well known amplifier companies, Dave has finally brought his talent to a new line of production amps under his name, Friedman Amplification.
Dave’s first production amplifier, the BE-100, is criticality acclaimed and one of the most in demand British high gain meets vintage amps on the market today.
The new Runt line features 20-watt and 50-watt amplifiers offered as both a head and combo. Dave’s Runts deliver every ounce of juicy tone at a price point working musicians can afford.
The Runt-20 offers two channels – a simple, yet pristine clean that is controlled with a single responsive knob and bright switch. The classic
“Friedman” tone is captured in the dirty channel which offers a volume, gain, three band EQ and a gain boost switch. A global presence rounds off your tone shaping tools.
The Runt-50, ironically, the “big” runt, offers two channels – an American voiced clean with Volume, Bass, Treble and bright switch and an overdrive channel with volume, gain, three band EQ and a gain boost switch. Like the Runt-20, a presence control lets you shape the critical high frequencies.

SPEAKER EMALUTED DIRECT INTERFACE:
On the back panel you will find an XLR output that delivers an authentic MICed cab response. This output accurately reproduces the tone of a classic MIC and vintage speaker. This is the first time Friedman has ever offered this feature!

Features

Runt-20 Features:

20-Watt all tube amplifier
Two channels
2 x EL-84 power tubes
3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
Clean channel with Volume and Bright switch
Lead channel with Volume, Gain, three-band EQ and a boost switch.
XLR Cab Simulated output with Ground Lift, Axis and Level switches.
- You can record without having your speaker connected (Run-20 only)
Ultra transparent series FX loop
8 and 16 ohm impedance selector
Single button footswitch
5-Year Limited warranty

Runt-50 Features:

50-Watt all tube amplifier
Two channels
2 x EL-34 power tubes
4 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
Clean channel with Volume, Bass, Treble and Bright switch
Lead channel with Volume, Gain, three-band EQ and a boost switch
XLR Cab Simulated output with Ground Lift, Axis and Level switches
Ultra transparent series FX loop
4, 8 and 16 ohm impedance selector
Single button footswitch
5-Year Limited warranty

If you have any questions or require help don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected]

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!

Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before this product is operated.
Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings – All warnings on the amplifier and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
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.
Heat – Amplifier should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other amplifier (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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.
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.
Non-use Periods – The power cord of the amplifier should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
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.
Attachments – do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

RUNT-20 FRONT PANEL

FRIEDMAN-Runt-50-Combo-50-Watt-Tube-Amp-
Instruction-FIG-3

POWER SWITCH: Turn this ON to power the Runt-20.
PRESENCE CONTROL : Shapes the high-frequency response of the power amp (global control). This pot will have a scratchy sound. This is normal.

DIRTY CHANNEL:

MASTER CONTROL: Volume for the dirty channel.
BASS CONTROL: This adds or subtracts bass or bottom end. As the amp gets louder you may want to back this off a bit. Start at 7-10 for bedroom volumes.
TREBLE CONTROL : This adds or subtracts treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
MIDDLE CONTROL: Adds or subtracts midrange. Start at 5 or 6, lower settings will scoop the mids, higher levels will allow your audience to actually hear the guitar in the mix.
GAIN CONTROL: Adds or subtracts gain. This knob is responsive and shapes the entire channel.
CHANNEL SWITCH: When your footswitch is not plugged in, you can use this switch to change your channels. BOOST SWITCH: Adds gain to the dirty channel.

CLEAN CHANNEL:

CLEAN VOLUME : The volume control for the clean channel.
BRIGHT SWITCH : This is a 3-position bright switch for Channel 1 ONLY. Feel free to experiment with this to get
“your” tone.
INPUT: Just like it says. This is the Runt’s Guitar Input Jack. This is where you insert your guitar cable if you want to hear this Runt bark.

RUNT-20 BACK PANEL

FOOT-SWITCH JACK: Insert footswitch cable here.
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. BALANCED OUTPUT: XLR output used to send your Runt tone straight to the mixing board.
GND SWITCH: Lift ground to prevent ground loops. Start with placing in LIFT position.
AXIS SWITCH: Simulates MIC placement on the center of the speaker or the edge/surround.
LEVEL SWITCH: A level pad for the XLR output.
SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug your speaker cabs in here. If using only one cabinet, connect to “USE FIRST” jack. The Runt-20 has a built in dummy load in case you want to use the XLR output without having a speaker connected.
IMPEDANCE SELECTOR SWITCH : Set to correct speaker load impedance that is connected to your amp.
HT FUSE: Only replace with designated fuse value, appropriate to the voltage in your country. If this blows, don’t freak out too much. It’s most likely a bad power tube. We recommend you carry a few spare fuses and a spare set of tubes when gigging. If the fuse continues to blow after swapping out the tubes email us for support at [email protected] and we’ll help you sort it out…
MAIN FUSE: This fuse is in the compartment found below the AC receptacle. Replace with a 3 Amp slo blow fuse for 120V or 1.5 Amp slo blow for 230V.
This most likely is 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 (make sure the mains voltage is correct).

RUNT-50 FRONT PANEL

POWER SWITCH: Turn this ON to power the Runt-50.
PRESENCE CONTROL: Shapes the high-frequency response of the power amp (global control). This pot will have a scratchy sound. This is normal.

DIRTY CHANNEL:

MASTER CONTROL : Volume for the dirty channel.
TREBLE CONTROL: This adds or subtracts treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
BASS CONTROL: This adds or subtracts bass or bottom end. As the amp gets louder you may want to back this off a bit. Start at 7-10 for bedroom volumes.
MIDDLE CONTROL: Adds or subtracts midrange. Start at 5 or 6, lower settings will scoop the mids, higher levels will allow your audience to actually hear the guitar in the mix.
GAIN CONTROL : Adds or subtracts gain. This knob is responsive and shapes the entire channel.
BOOST SWITCH: Adds gain to the dirty channel.

CLEAN CHANNEL:

BASS CONTROL: This adds or subtracts bass or bottom end. As the amp gets louder you may want to back this off a bit. Start at 4-5 for bedroom volumes.
TREBLE CONTROL : This adds or subtracts treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
CLEAN VOLUME: The volume control for the clean channel.
BRIGHT SWITCH: This is a 3-position bright switch for Clean Channel only. Feel free to experiment with this to get “your” tone.
CHANNEL SWITCH : When your footswitch is not plugged in, you can use this switch to change your channels. INPUT: Just like it says. This is the Runt’s Guitar Input Jack. This is where you insert your guitar cable if you want to hear this Runt bark

RUNT-50 REAR PANEL

FOOT-SWITCH JACK: Insert footswitch cable here.
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. BALANCED OUTPUT: XLR output used to send your Runt tone straight to the mixing board.
GND SWITCH : Lift ground to prevent ground loops. Start with placing in LIFT position.
AXIS SWITCH: Simulates MIC placement on the center of the speaker or the edge/surround.
LEVEL SWITCH : A level pad for the XLR output.
SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug your speaker cabs in here. If using only one cabinet, connect to “USE FIRST” jack. The Runt-20 has a built in dummy load in case you want to use the XLR output without having a speaker connected.
IMPEDANCE SELECTOR SWITCH : Set to correct speaker load impedance that is connected to your amp.
HT FUSE: Only replace with designated fuse value, appropriate to the voltage in your country. If this blows, don’t set of tubes when gigging. If the fuse continues to blow after swapping out the tubes email us for support at [email protected] and we’ll help you sort it out…
MAIN FUSE: This fuse is in the compartment found below the AC receptacle. Replace with a 3 Amp slo blow fuse for 120V or 1.5 Amp slo blow for 230V. This most likely is 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 (make sure the mains voltage is correct).

FRIEDMAN 5-YEAR LIMITED 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 your 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 5-YEAR 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, over-powering, 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 [email protected]. In most cases we can help you diagnose the problem via email. 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 [email protected]
Thank you again for choosing Friedman and we look forward to a long relationship!
www.FriedmanAmplification.com