Following the success of the original Friedman JOSE 100, Dave Friedman has introduced the JOSE 20 Series. Available as both a compact head and a 1x12 combo, the JOSE 20 Series delivers the unmistakable voice, feel, and touch response of its 100-watt counterpart - now in a smaller watt format ideal for play at home, in the studio or on stage.
Developed by Dave Friedman in close collaboration with Jose Arredondo’s daughter, Marisol Arredondo, the JOSE 20 Series faithfully translates one of the most influential amplifier voices in rock history into a modern production amplifier. Rather than simply recreating Jose Arredondo’s amplifier modifications, Dave set out to capture the essence of Jose’s work - its feel, dynamics, harmonic complexity, and voice and faithfully translate it into the JOSE 20 Series.
Handcrafted in Los Angeles using premium components and custom-made transformers, every JOSE 20 is built to Dave Friedman’s uncompromising standards.
Jose Arredondo’s groundbreaking amplifier modifications helped define the sound of high-gain rock. His hot-rodded British amplifiers delivered greater sustain, richer harmonics, tighter low end, and a more responsive feel than players had ever experienced. They weren’t production amplifiers - they were individually modified instruments that became the secret weapon of countless professional guitarists and inspired generations of players, builders, and tone chasers.
The JOSE 20 Series distills that voice into a compact 20-watt platform. Internally bridged Volume I and Volume II recreate the classic channel-jumping technique players once achieved with patch cables, blending bright attack with warm body to create the rich harmonic foundation at the heart of the Jose sound.
The Plexi/Gain switch introduces a true additional gain stage, seamlessly moving from classic Plexi response into the aggressive saturation that defined Jose’s most celebrated modifications. The Fat switch adds body, low-end authority, and increased punch while preserving the articulation and clarity that make the amp exceptionally responsive.
The unique three-position Gain Style switch further expands the JOSE 20’s tonal palette by repositioning the master volume within the circuit while introducing diode clipping for additional bite and sustain. Rather than simply adding more gain, each position reshapes the amplifier’s response, delivering everything from articulate hot-rodded Plexi crunch to crushing rhythm tones and fluid, harmonically rich lead sounds.
A transparent series effects loop and System Master Volume allow players to experience authentic Jose dynamics at virtually any playing level.
Available as either a 20-watt head or a 1x12 combo loaded with a Celestion G12M-65 Creamback, selected by Dave Friedman for its warm midrange, smooth top end, and dynamic response.
Key features include:
- Available as a 20-watt all-tube head or 1x12 combo
- 2 x EL84 Power Tubes4 x 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
- Combo loaded with a Celestion G12M-65 Creamback speaker
- Developed by Dave Friedman in collaboration with Marisol Arredondo
- Inspired by the legendary amplifier modifications of Jose Arredondo
- Internally bridged Volume I & II recreate classic channel jumping
- Plexi/Gain switch introduces a true additional gain stage
- Fat switch adds body, punch, and low-end authority
- Three-position Gain Style switch revoices the circuit for three distinct Jose-inspired gain structures
- System Master VolumeTransparent series effects loop
- Custom made transformers
- Handcrafted in Los Angeles, California, with Limited 5-Year Warranty
- Head Dimensions: 8.5" (D) x 18" (W) x 8.25" (H)
- Head Weight: 22.5 lbs.
- Combo Dimensions: 11.5" (D) x 18.75" (W) x 16.75" (H)
Friedman’s JOSE 20 amp head carries a $1799.99 street price and the 1x12 combo is street priced at $2099.99. For more information visit friedmanamplification.com.
JOSE 20 Head and Combo
August 27, 2026 - Following the success of the original Friedman JOSE 100, Dave Friedman has introduced the JOSE 20 Series. Available as both a compact head and a 1x12 combo, the JOSE 20 Series delivers the unmistakable voice, feel, and touch response of its 100-watt counterpart - now in a smaller watt format ideal for play at home, in the studio or on stage.
