Friedman VX-30 Single Channel 30-Watt All-Tube Head In Black

The Friedman VX-30 Head is a 30-watt, all-valve, single-channel amplifier that bottles sixty years of classic British EL84 chime into a compact, gig-ready head. Inspired by a rare 1963 copper-panel amp with a Top Boost circuit, it delivers everything from crystalline cleans and edge-of-breakup sparkle to harmonically rich overdrive, with the touch sensitivity and dynamic feel that make this style of amp so addictive.

Part of Dave Friedman’s Vintage-Series, the VX-30 Head takes the iconic early 60s British recipe and refines it for modern players. Handcrafted in Los Angeles with premium components, custom transformers and a genuine 5AR4 valve rectifier, it captures the magic of the originals while adding flexible channel blending, a usable master volume and practical features that make it just as at home on stage as it is in the studio.

Vintage British Chime, Refined

At the heart of the VX-30 Head is a quad of EL84 power valves, delivering the unmistakable chime, shimmer and harmonic complexity associated with classic British combos. From sparkling cleans to rich, singing overdrive, the amp responds to every nuance of your playing, rewarding a light touch with clarity and blooming into musical grit when you dig in.

Two Voices, Blendable Tones

The VX-30 Head features two distinct voices that can be used individually or blended together. The Brilliant channel offers the familiar Top Boost-style sparkle with independent Treble, Bass and Volume controls, while the Normal channel provides three switchable voicings for everything from articulate treble-focused tones to fuller, bass-rich sounds. Because both channels are kept in phase, you can blend them just like jumping inputs on a vintage head, unlocking textures that simply were not available on the original designs.

Purely Responsive Feel

Cathode biasing, zero negative feedback and a genuine 5AR4 valve rectifier give the VX-30 Head an incredibly organic, touch-sensitive feel. There is no standby switch; the rectifier’s natural warm-up brings the amp to life gradually and authentically. Roll back your guitar’s volume for glassy cleans, push it for gritty drive and enjoy the natural sag and compression that make this style of amp so expressive.

Modern Control, Classic Soul

While the VX-30 Head is steeped in vintage character, it offers modern practicality. A Cut control lets you fine-tune the power amp’s high frequencies, and the Master Volume Control allows you to push the EL84s into their sweet spot at more manageable levels. Multiple speaker outputs make it easy to pair with a variety of cabinets, including the matching VX-212 cab loaded with Celestion Alnico Blue speakers (available separately).

• Authentic 30-Watt EL84 Power Section - A quad of EL84 power valves delivers the classic British chime and harmonic richness associated with early 60s amps, giving you everything from sparkling cleans to singing overdrive with a familiar, record-ready character.
• Blendable Brilliant and Normal Channels - Use the Brilliant and Normal channels independently or blend them together in phase for unique textures. Dial in pristine chime, warm body or a mix of both, expanding your tonal palette far beyond the original vintage circuits.
• Touch-Sensitive Valve Rectified Feel - The 5AR4 valve rectifier, cathode-biased output stage and zero negative feedback create a highly responsive playing experience. The amp sags, compresses and cleans up with your picking dynamics and guitar volume, putting pure tone at your fingertips.
• Practical Controls and Connectivity - With a Cut control, Master Volume Control and multiple speaker outputs, the VX-30 Head is easy to integrate into any rig. Shape your top end, manage overall volume and connect to 8 or 16 ohm cabinets, including the matching VX-212 extension cab (sold separately).

General

• Model: Friedman VX-30 Head
• Series: Vintage-Series
• Type: All-valve guitar amplifier head
• Power: 30 watts
• Colour: Black

Valves

• Power Valves: 4 x EL84
• Preamp Valves: 3 x ECC83
• Rectifier: 5AR4 valve rectifier

Channels and Controls

• Channels: Single-channel design with two blendable voices (Brilliant and Normal)
• Brilliant Channel Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass
• Normal Channel Controls: Volume, three-position Voice switch (Treble, Normal, Bass)
• Global Controls: Cut, M.V.C. (Master Volume Control)
• Inputs: High and Low sensitivity inputs
• Channel Operation: Channels can be used independently or blended in phase

Construction

• Bias: Cathode-biased power section
• Feedback: Zero negative feedback
• Transformers: Custom-made transformers
• Build: Handcrafted in Los Angeles, California

Speaker Outputs

• Speaker Outputs: 3 total
• 1 x 16 ohm output
• Paired outputs for 1 x 8 ohm or 2 x 16 ohm cabinets
• Matching Cabinet: VX-212 extension cab with dual Celestion Alnico Blue speakers (sold separately)

Dimensions and Weight

• Width: 24 in
• Depth: 8.5 in
• Height: 9.5 in
• Weight: 37 lb

Additional Information

• Available Finishes: Black or Vintage Ivory
• Limited 5-year warranty
• UPC (VX-30 Head Ivory): 763815135038
• UPC (VX-30 Head Black): 763815135045