FRIEDMAN Amplification Smallbox Instruction Manual

: June 3, 2024
: FRIEDMAN

Table of Contents

Features
PLUGGING IN
INSTRUCTIONS
FRIEDMAN LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

FRIEDMAN Amplification Smallbox

Amplification Smallbox

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

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 on the most in demand British high gain meets vintage amps on the market today. The SmallBox is a 50 Watt Amp that features 2 channels with Separate Gain and Volume controls each. The amp has a shared EQ and FX Loop. The 2 channels are footswitchable. And of course we include the Footswitch.

The First channel is voiced like the Classic Plexi amps of British fame. It cleans up very nicely with the guitar volume. With the guitar volume you can go from clean-ish to crunch to that famous Plexi like growl. The second channel has that famous Friedman higher gain distortion and crunch that we all love. This is a lot of amp in a 50watt package.

The SmallBox takes pedals very well and loves boosts, OD’s, phasers, flangers, tremolos, wahs, etc. The SmallBox also has ultra transparent Series FX loop that takes time based FX pedals and rack units equally well.

Features

50-Watt all tube head
Two channels
Hand-wired in the USA
2 x EL-34 power tubes
3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
Master volume and gain controls for both clean and dirty channels
Clean channel ranges from pristine clean to semi crunch Plexi tones
Lead channel- a slightly different voicing on the famous Friedman Brown Eye sound. Slightly more vintage sounding, with more pronounced midrange than the BE 100
3 position bright switch on the clean channel
Ultra transparent series line level FX loop
4, 8, and 16 ohm impedance selector
Custom USA made transformers
Single button footswitch
Limited Lifetime warranty

PLUGGING IN

Channel 1 will give you the characteristics of the old “Plexi” British amps. It can create so many different tones from clean to dirty and everything in between. There is no “wrong” setting try the EQ settings suggested for Ch 2 but play with the Gain and Master controls. Eg: start with a lower gain and turn the Master up, then turn the Gain up and Master down. There is no wrong setting. For Channel 2 we recommend starting with the Bass on 8, the mids at around 6 or 7 and the treble at 5. Set the gain around 8 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 is the Friedman sound. This amp cleans up remarkably well with the guitar’s volume control even with the amp on higher gain settings.
We know you will love your new SmallBox. If you have any questions or require 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!

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 14. 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.

Amplification Smallbox Instructions

POWER SWITCH: Turn this ON to power the SmallBox. Leave amp in STANDBY MODE for about 1 minute.
STANDBY SWITCH: Leave this in Standby mode for about 1 minute for maximum tube life, switch to play mode when you are ready to use the amp. Place back in Standby mode when you are between sets or when you need to yell at the drummer or singer. Bass players can’t understand you anyway so don’t bother.
POWER LAMP: This lights up when the amp is powered.
PRESENCE CONTROL: Adjusts the upper mids and highs in the power amp section. Global on all channels. Start at about 4-5 and adjust to taste. Note: This pot will sound scratchy when adjusted – this is normal.
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 7-10 for bedroom volumes.
MIDDLE CONTROL: Adds or takes away 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.
TREBLE CONTROL: This adds or takes away treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
VOLUME 1CONTROL: This is the SmallBox’s MASTER VOLUME for channel 1. The more you turn it up the louder it gets.
VOLUME 2 CONTROL: This is the SmallBox’s MASTER VOLUME for channel 2. The more you turn it up the louder it gets just like the VOLUME 1 CONTROL.
GAIN 1 CONTROL: This adds gain/distortion for Channel 1. Adjust to taste. Don’t be afraid.
GAIN 2 CONTROL: This adds gain/distortion for Channel 2. Adjust to taste. Like we said before, “Don’t be afraid.”
CHANNEL SWITCH: When your footswitch is not plugged in, you can use this switch to change your channels.
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 SmallBox’s Guitar Input Jack. This is where you insert your guitar cable if you want to hear the darn thing.
FOOT SWITCH JACK: This is where you plug in the supplied footswitch. You can switch between channels 1 and 2.

Amplification Smallbox Instructions

RETURN JACK: This is where you plug the OUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded guitar cable.
SEND JACK: This is where you plug the INPUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded guitar cable.
SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug your speaker cabs in here. Make sure your amp ALWAYS has a speaker load attached or severe damage will occur.
IMPEDANCE SELECTOR SWITCH: Set to correct speaker load impedance that is connected to your amp.
LINE OUT JACK: This is an output to send a line level signal. Eg: to feed another amp or FX unit, etc. This is not speaker compensated so it is great to use as a direct source and to add speaker iR’s for recording, etc.
THUMP: Thump adds or removes low-end rumble.
HT FUSE: This 1 Amp (for 115v) or .5 Amp (for 230v) fuse, is incorporated into the circuit board internally. Should replacement become necessary, please have this serviced by an authorized technician.
MAINS FUSE: This fuse is in the compartment found below the AC receptacle. Replace with 3 amp
Slo-Blo (North American Voltage) or 1.5 amp Slo-Blo (Euro Voltage). This is located in the IEC Housing (where the power cord attaches).
MAINS INPUT: Plug the supplied IEC power cord here and into a 115v wall outlet to power the beast.

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 your self!!! 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 chassservice your amplifier by yourself!!!Please read 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. 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!