Friedman Runt FAQ's

Here's a FAQ followup to my RUNT videos.
There's an art to doing FAQ vids that I have not figured out yet! haha. Sorry. They'll get better. There's a few playing examples in here, and a lot of talk about the RUNT COMBO amps.
01:15 Runt 20 Combo Lukather smooth lead tone
01:43 I got autocorrected from "micing" to "mining"
05:49 Runt 20 Combo & Runt 50 Combo low volume "in the room" sound.
Thanks to everyone who comments on the videos!
Geez, that guitar has a lot of strings on it.

[@andrewt248]

A very interesting factoid I heard Dave Friedman let slip in an interview- he said he voices the amps at a low volume, which, for me, explains why the amps (master volumes) sound so good turned down. They've been built for that. I was taught the same thing as it regards mixing audio as well. Cheers!

[@countervoid8628]

Thanks for the info and demos, Michael! I went with the 50 watt and love it \m/

[@kennymac3247]

Dude thanks so much for doing that demo. i searched everywhere trying to find this. The guitar face sold me for sure.. Kinda wish a clean sound was demo'd but hey LOLOLOL

[@darrenva9539]

Great vids on the Runt amps. As a result I now own a Runt 20 head. It is simply awesome and delivers everything you could think of from a valve amp. Quest for tone, ended!

[@chiricm]

Michael- Thanks for answering my Q and playing a great Luke solo to boot. Great vid as always. The Baby is down, about to go give this a whirl!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Lemme know if that works for you. I'm thinking that pickup in my EBMM are hotter than the ones you mentioned in your guitars. A simple clean boost might really help get you where you need to go too. ? Maybe.

[@chiricm]

It worked great with the McCarty. Pushing it with my full tone full drive 2 set to comp cut (clean boost). Sounds awesome. Also tried with my Schecter loaded with a hotter JB and Jazz combo - great as well. Also, I'm running through a Marshall 1960 2x12 with G12-T75s by necessity right now. I don't think the sizzly scooped sound of those speakers is doing the Runt any favors. I suspect I'll see a big improvement when I run this baby through some more suitable speakers. Thanks again.

[@craigsteyer]

I would love to hear these Friedmans in a live setting- always wonder if that lead sound would wash out in the mix? Nice vid BTW - good sense of humor !

[@KrusperCz]

just got runt 20 head, thanks for your videos, i couldn't decide between ds and runt, you helped me.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Matěj Bludský Cool! What did you decide?

[@KrusperCz]

Michael Nielsen i got the 20, the 50 in store had some issue, just tried the 20 at band practice and its so loud, that i had to turn it down so others can hear what they play :D totally satisfied

[@satchrules101]

Do the 20 runt is loud enough for live band even if the drummer hits super hard ?

[@ThePretelt]

awesome channel!!!!! good job bro!!

[@RenanBeltrao]

this channel deserves so so so so many more subs. Awesome video, AGAIN!

[@the92project]

Best kept secret in youtube, we are lucky Michael still responds to messages, one day this channel will hit a million subs and there will no time to answer the thousands of questions he will get a day :)

[@edwardprete]

That Luke tone is awesome.

[@daveklain4683]

Thanks for the knowledge I was on the fence on which amp to buy and you made it a no brainer I'm off to buy a 20 watt runt combo thanks peace

[@DamianS1893]

I'm definitely leaning toward buying a Runt 20

[@JackBlack66666]

I like the tone of most Friedman amps. I am an 80s guy and those Friedmans sound absolutely amazing! I am also a big fan of your Kemper Profiles. Any chance, that you will make a profile pack with all those Friedman amps in it?

[@mark1982arsenal]

Hi Michael, just got a Runt 20 Custom head, I was wondering can I plug straight from the XLR out straight to a pair of monitor speakers just to play without going through any interface? Also I'm in the market for a pair of monitor speakers for this purpose, any recommendations? I want to spend up to $500?I will be getting a Two Notes Torpedo Live I think in the future for some cab simulations. Thanks.

[@tomulator]

More Runt vids please!!!!

[@jvstrat1]

If you have the 20 watt and 50 watt heads through the same cab would you say they sound very close to each other tone wise?

[@yohaishelef3247]

Hi Michael - Great vid. Can you remember what mic did you use in order to capture the amps tone on this clip? I really liked how it sounds.

[@tomulator]

Runt 50 vs Smallbox 50...needs a video.

[@IronSweep]

Hi Michael! Ever thought about making kemper profiles with a runt 20/50? 😁 cheers man keep up the amazing work !

[@yourmomma6909]

When you re-tube the runt 20 watt do you have to rebias it or can you just stick replacement tubes in it

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Not sure if this has already been asked but what are the main differences between the RUNT 20 and the PT 20? From video demo's only i prefer the tone of the PT 20 by a decent margin?

[@antuni]

Love your videos Michael. Thanks for sharing. Thinking if getting a a Runt 20 as a practice amp. How does its dirty channel compare to the BE100? I know those are different amps but is it close to the BE? That clip on the Runt 20 on this video is badass. I think it sounds more angry than the 50

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Hi Anthony. Thanks for watching! The Runt has way less gain than the BE100. However, it still has plenty of gain for most rock, hard rock, and metal uses. You can boost it or throw a BE pedal in front for more gain in the Friedman style. In the practice amp world, the 20 is a beast!

[@antuni]

Michael Nielsen I observed that on other videos but when I heard your clip, its not that bad compared to the BE. I'm running an AxeFX preset of the BE and it lacks of balls and punch. Maybe the BE OD with a small tube amp will satisfy my BE GAS. I wanted to get a BE100 but I live in a small apartment and its useless to have it since I wont be able to crank it to get a nice tone. Hope you'll have a video of BE100 vs Runt or the BE-OD with Runt :)

[@JPRize111991]

Hi Mike, first of all, thank you for making these videos. I am trying to decide between the 50W and 20W versions and am wondering if through the same cab, at the same volume, the tone on the 50W is different. In your comparison it sounded a lot clearer to me. Maybe something about the bigger transformer or EL34 instead of 84? I know the feature sets are different, but I only really care about the core sound. What's your take? Thanks again!

[@bighairyprofiles4723]

Hi Jake. The amps sound similar to me. I think if you're more of a roots-y kinda player, maybe go with the 20. If you're more hard-rockin', go with the 50.

[@KelsterVonShredster]

Great video. Can you confirm that zero boosts/overdrives were not used in this video? Any post-edit DAW angel dust like compression? When I played the Runt 20 I don't recall getting this much gain, gonna have to go back and give it another try.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

no pedals. That 7 string has pretty hot pickups, so if you're not getting that much gain, maybe try a clean boost pedal. On this vid, there wasn't any extra stuff going on.

[@msatterthwaite1a]

Nice - thanks for the FAQ. What does the footswitch do? Change the channel or control one of the other things for which there is a switch on the faceplate?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

It's a simple 1 button channel switch. I think it would have been cool to have the boost on there too, but... nope. It changes the channel.

[@tomulator]

My Runt 50 head is Da Bomb!

[@MikeAndersonvinyloldies]

tomulator what cab do you use?

[@rashidimule]

hope you answer my question, I'm trying to buy my first amp for recording mostly, I'm more on clean tone, thank you

[@ClaburP]

Hello Michael! Great video, thanks. Which is the black mic that you are micing the Runt for the Lukather tone? Sounds terrific.

[@bighairyprofiles4723]

That's an AudioTechnica AT-4033 mic. Audio Technica mics are pretty good on guitars because their mics are typically pretty flat sounding. Some mics like Rode typically have a very bright top end, which can make it not-so-nice on guitars. But, that top end sounds great on vocals. The AT mics do a very neutral capture of the source.

[@tomulator]

Add the BE-100 in as well as the "benchmark" amp.

[@JB54379]

Hey Michael, do you think the Runt 50 head has enough gain to do modern metal without a boost, like more gainy Friedmans, or do you need a boost to get into that modern metal tone? Thank You.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I think you might need a touch of boost to get a full on modern metal tone. Just a touch to push it over the edge.

[@brianmckenzie1318]

Where is the FX loop located on the Runt 20 combo? I can't easily identify from the photos I've seen. Thanks!

[@bighairyprofiles4723]

both Runt 20 and 50 have loops. They actually aren't labeled "FX Loop", but there are 2 connections on the back, "Send" and "Return". That's your loop.

[@marrisonh]

What are the settings for the best clean settings with a les paul or humbucker guitar?

[@thearoom]

Is the runt loud enough for big stage.. not metal or anything just presents on big stage?? how does it compare volume wise to a fender deluxe reverb and a smokin loud fender Hot rod?? does it break up cranked. Im looking for loud and clean for pedal platform. Played one at a trade show and loved the bright tone, but didn't play with full band... thanks.

[@thearoom]

IM speaking of the 20 watt version..

[@larrytate1657]

Michael, if I'm getting just the runt head and playing it through a 4 x 12 cab the low end should still be there with the runt 20 in that situation too?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Yes. To a degree. The 20 and 50 sound very similar. The 50 is a little tighter with more oomph and headroom. Checkout this vid where they're running through the same cab. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nny0lmamociDpLc

[@stevenoliva7516]

Can anyone give some feedback on the runt 20 combo vs head. I have read them combo is boxy? Any truth to that?

[@rikshredder]

Have you noticed that the Runt 50's 2nd channel is really bright? I find myself with the treble and presence on 9 o'clock.

[@danielboudreau7806]

Rik D i have a runt 50 and I find it really bright. Had the runt 20 and loved it. Ordered some JJ 803s preamp tubes hopefully that will help

[@kylechx]

Just bought the Runt20 combo and love the thing to death. The simple clean is actually way better than i expected. I just having this lurking over my shoulder side that I could of got the DS Mini and it eats at me! Two channel is great and all but not a huge thing for me. But i like the cleans. But DS Mini with pedals... Dilemmas....

[@larrytate1657]

Can you pretty good high gain with the runt 20 alone without a boost pedal? I'm between that and the 50 and the PT 20. I like the runt 20s recording silent feature, wish they could've got that on the 50 too.

[@kylechx]

Larry Tate yea you can. It's got that JCM800 with singed ass hairs feel that is awesome cranked. Unfortunately I returned the runt. For my style of playing, it was too much gain. I exchanged it for the DS mini and, honestly, I agree with this video, one of the best amps ever made. I run it through a OS 1x12 and it's all the amp I'll ever need. And if I ever need that BE sound, I'll pick up the Friedman pedal as it hits the used market. Good luck man!

[@dinogiolitti6968]

Pink Taco, Dirty Shirley or Runt?

[@fubitz6496]

Im on the fence with the runt and the boogie 25:5 I have a few months as I save but damn this one sounds amazing. Just need convincing.

[@ToddtheExploder]

Fu Bitz Get the 20w runt, man! Convinced yet? Try it!

[@wollace3125]

I am in the exact same boat. What did you decide? How do you like the amp you chose between the two?

[@thesouthsideshovlerleonard13]

How bout a 20w combo for bedroom and then when I can go wide open can I run a exteral cab plus the combo speaker and do stereo?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

That would sound great, but wouldn’t technically be stereo. You can’t route a stereo delay and go L R. It would still be mono, but coming out of 2 speakers.

[@thesouthsideshovlerleonard13]

@@BigHairyGuitars thanks!!

[@MrAletube]

its in the hands and how you set it up,mr Lukatheresque,JFC...

[@dannyporterguitarist]

Really want to get a Runt 20 head but wish that the boost button was footswitchable. I’ve spoken to Dave himself and there is a mod to enable this but it’s at a cost which I feel this should have been in place from the start seeing as it is a very pricey amp already, so to add extra cost to have it modded puts me off a little.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I agree. That would have been an excellent stock feature

[@jakeandlori23]

What’s your favorite now the Runt or the JJ Jr? 🤔

[@BigHairyGuitars]

If you need the headroom and volume, the Runt 50. If 20 watts is not an issue, then the JJ Jr.

[@KM-ck9hl]

Did you use booster when you played runt 20 amp?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Nope. Those Petrucci pickups are pretty hot though

[@Filterbear]

i play AIC,Tool,Gojira and i really hesitate between the Runt 50,the Reev 7-40 and the Evh 5153. i have already a 5152 . Could you give me an advice?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I haven't played the Reev. The 5153 has more gain than the Runt, but I think the Runt has a better tone overall. Dunno. Let me know what you pick.

[@Filterbear]

+Michael Nielsen i m not searching the gain monster,just enough gain and musical tone to suit rock/metal. the Jerry Cantrell sound is one of my favorite on the last album

[@BigHairyGuitars]

The Runt definitely has that Friedman DNA. It has my vote. :)

[@Filterbear]

+Michael Nielsen the Archon 50 is on m'y short list too !

[@larrytate1657]

I'm in the exact same boat, looking at the same amps. Keep me posted on any new info you learn. I too have the exact same amps on my list including the 7 40 but I'm leaning more toward the tried and true Freidmam at this point.

[@dethstormpx4]

whats your signal path? definitly sounds enhanced.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

It's a Audio Technica large diaphragm condenser back about 6 inches. There's some of the room from the dialog mic.

[@dethstormpx4]

Michael Nielsen great reviews thank you.

[@Doty6String]

NICE DESK

[@KM-ck9hl]

toto. over you ♪beautiful high tone.

[@diazzsama]

Friedman Rant

[@AlanScottBand]

Is the boost footswitchable?

[@tiagomatias5878]

No. Just the channel.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

Anyone know why Friedman put the control panel in a way that if you're standing in front of the Runt 20 combo (like most players do) and want to dial in settings, you have to read them upside down? Seriously, who stands behind an amp to dial it in? You SHOULD be able to read the knobs from the front of the amp. Great sounding amp, but the asinine control panel design annoys the living hell out of me and makes me plug into my other amps instead. All my Runt 20 does now is collect dust, all because it's such an inconvenience to play.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Essentially it's so that they can use the same chassis for the heads and the combos. That's how the old Marshall combos used to be as well.

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

@@BigHairyGuitars Thanks BHG.

[@ErwinLiszkowicz]

Runt vs Powered Kemper?

[@BigHairyGuitars]

A friend of mine asked me the same thing. If you are in a studio and need infinite variety of tones, often...Kemper might be the way to go. If you are looking for rich tone, or want to play live and kick ass in front of people, then Runt. I personally don't LOVE the way modelers sound live. I LOVE the Kemper in the studio, and as a coloring box to fill in the blanks. The real version still sounds 1% more organic. Sometimes, that 1% doesn't matter, but often it makes all the difference. Sorry to ramble. hope this makes some sense

[@ErwinLiszkowicz]

One more question then... how does runt compare to jj100 and Butterslax. I am totally in love in both Mastodon and Alice in Chains and i love Bill Kelliher's and Jerry Cantrell's tone.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Oh man. I haven't had them side by side. The 100w big boys have way more gain...just... more everything.

[@ErwinLiszkowicz]

Eeeeh why there isn't any jj20 or butter2l0x or something like that :c 100 watt is too much for my needs... and too much for my wallet too xD Anyway thanks for your reply :D

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Hopefully one day!

[@fredmanteghian5913]

Dude, I can literally hear you pick!

[@BAJARACER43X]

Played a Runt 50 the other day, sorry it wasnt 1700 dollars worth of amp, liked my Mesa much better

[@YouSeeSorrows]

BAJARACER43X please elaborate. Which Mesa? I'm debating between a Mesa Triple Crown and Runt 50. I know the Mesa is more versatile and can easily accomplish metal sounds. Whereas the Runt excels in classic crunch tones. I'm a Mesa guy myself but the Runt has my interest.

[@BAJARACER43X]

I have a Dual Rectifier that has a VooDoo amps mod, The Friedman stuff is too expensive for what it does, there are many options for alot less money

[@YouSeeSorrows]

BAJARACER43X gotcha. I have a Dual Rectifier as well but I'm looking for something to fill the British crunch gap. I'm leaning Triple Crown because of its versatility (and the fact that it is capable of playing metal).

[@BAJARACER43X]

Look into the voodoo amps mod, they make it more Marshallesque while keeping mesa reliability, while your there undo thr parallel fx loop and make it series

[@poppacooter]

if friedman could find a way to lower their prices they would sell like crazy. i talk to other guitarist about these amps and they like the tone but they just can't afford the price.

[@DiscoD777]

20 sounds better. Guitarists add way too much bass.

[@the92project]

7 string guitars are ugly :(

[@BigHairyGuitars]

haha! Really. Usually I like the dimensions of 7 strings. Often I'll see a 7 and go, "Ooooo!" Then realize that it's 7. I'm gonna sell this 7 because it's too many strings for me. It's a mind jumble. I'm too old to add strings. ;)

[@the92project]

+Michael Nielsen none of my guitar heroes plays 7 so i guess its a generation thing

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I get ya.