Friedman Introduces VX-30 Series Amps

Friedman Amplification has introduced the VX Series, part of Dave Friedman’s Vintage Series. It’s inspired by the British EL84 amplifiers of the early 1960s and includes three products: the VX-30 30-watt all-tube head, the VX-30 2x12 combo, and the matching VX-212 extension cabinet.

The VX-30 runs on four EL84 power tubes. It’s based on a rare 1963 copper-panel amplifier fitted with a Top Boost circuit.

Two Blendable Channels

Handcrafted in Los Angeles, the VX-30 Head and Combo each have two independent channels. The Brilliant channel has Treble, Bass, and Volume controls and covers clean through edge-of-breakup tones. The Normal channel has a Volume control and a three-position Voice switch that recreates the three factory voicings of the vintage originals. Treble gives open cleans, Bass adds low end and body, and Normal is warmer.

The original amps didn’t run their channels in phase. The VX-30 does, so the channels can be blended, similar to jumping the inputs on a Plexi. Players can also use each channel on its own. Friedman suggests running a treble booster into the Normal channel and blending in the Brilliant channel for added definition.

A Cut control shapes the power amp’s high-frequency response. The M.V.C. (Master Volume Control) lets players push the cathode-biased EL84 output stage at lower volumes.

Response and Reliability

The VX-30 uses cathode bias, a 5AR4 tube rectifier, and zero negative feedback, so it cleans up as the guitar’s volume is rolled back. There’s no standby switch because the 5AR4 rectifier warms up gradually, which gives the amp a natural soft start. Friedman says the amp also includes modern protection features and conservatively rated components.

Combo and Cabinet

The VX-30 Combo is loaded with two Celestion Alnico Blue speakers. The open-back VX-212 cabinet is designed to pair with the VX-30 Head. It’s built from tongue-and-groove Baltic birch, has two Celestion Alnico Blue 12" speakers, and is wired with oversized 12-gauge speaker wire.

All three products are available in Black or Vintage Ivory, are handcrafted in the USA, and are backed by Friedman’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

VX-30 Head and Combo Features Include:

• 30-watt all-tube design
• 4 x EL84 power tubes
• 3 x ECC83 preamp tubes
• 5AR4 tube rectifier
• Cathode-biased power section with zero negative feedback
• Two independent channels operating in phase for blending
• Brilliant channel: Volume, Treble, and Bass
• Normal channel: Volume and three-position Voice switch (Treble, Normal, Bass)
• High and Low sensitivity inputs
• Cut control for power-amp high-frequency shaping
• M.V.C. (Master Volume Control)
• Three speaker outputs: 1 x 16 Ω, plus paired outputs for 1 x 8 Ω or 2 x 16 Ω cabinets
• Custom-made transformers
• Combo: 2 x Celestion Alnico Blue speakers
• Head dimensions: 8.5" (D) x 24" (W) x 9.5" (H)
• VX-212 Extension Cabinet Features Include:
• Open-back 2x12 design
• Tongue-and-groove Baltic birch construction
• 2 x Celestion Alnico Blue 12" speakers
• Oversized 12-gauge speaker wire
• Nominal impedance: 16 Ω

The Friedman VX-30 combo is available for a street price of $3,599.99. The VX-30 head carries a street price of $2,799.99. The VX-212 extension cabinet is priced at $1,499.99. For more information, visit https://friedmanamplification.com/.