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Introduction to the 20-watt EL84 powered, single-channel amp inspired by classic rock tones.
Guidance on initial setup and sound adjustment for the Little Sister amp.
Key principles for safe and effective use of the amplifier, including reading instructions and heeding warnings.
Critical safety advice regarding electrical hazards, moisture, heat, and proper usage.
Conditions under which the amplifier requires professional servicing.
Guidelines for ventilation, attachments, accessories, lightning protection, and replacement parts.
Instructions on using the correct rating and type of fuse for the amplifier.
Instructions for turning the amplifier on and waiting for the indicator lamp.
Explanation of Bass, Middle, and Treble controls for shaping the amplifier's sound.
Guidance on using the Gain and Master Volume controls for distortion and overall loudness.
Description of the S-Switch, B-Switch, and the Guitar Input jack.
Instructions for using the Send and Return jacks for connecting external effects.
Information on connecting speaker cabinets to the 4, 8, and 16 ohm outputs.
Location and replacement of the main fuse, and connection of the power cord.
Details of the warranty coverage for amplifiers and tubes, and exclusions.
Steps for returning a product for warranty service, including obtaining an authorization number.
Friedman's options for repair or replacement and shipping responsibilities.
Information on incidental/consequential damages and specific legal rights granted by the warranty.
Contact information for support and instructions for completing the warranty registration card.
Introduction to the 20-watt EL84 powered, single-channel amp inspired by classic rock tones.
Guidance on initial setup and sound adjustment for the Little Sister amp.
Key principles for safe and effective use of the amplifier, including reading instructions and heeding warnings.
Critical safety advice regarding electrical hazards, moisture, heat, and proper usage.
Conditions under which the amplifier requires professional servicing.
Guidelines for ventilation, attachments, accessories, lightning protection, and replacement parts.
Instructions on using the correct rating and type of fuse for the amplifier.
Instructions for turning the amplifier on and waiting for the indicator lamp.
Explanation of Bass, Middle, and Treble controls for shaping the amplifier's sound.
Guidance on using the Gain and Master Volume controls for distortion and overall loudness.
Description of the S-Switch, B-Switch, and the Guitar Input jack.
Instructions for using the Send and Return jacks for connecting external effects.
Information on connecting speaker cabinets to the 4, 8, and 16 ohm outputs.
Location and replacement of the main fuse, and connection of the power cord.
Details of the warranty coverage for amplifiers and tubes, and exclusions.
Steps for returning a product for warranty service, including obtaining an authorization number.
Friedman's options for repair or replacement and shipping responsibilities.
Information on incidental/consequential damages and specific legal rights granted by the warranty.
Contact information for support and instructions for completing the warranty registration card.
The Friedman Little Sister is a 20-watt, EL84-powered, single-channel guitar amplifier, available as a head or a 1x12" combo. Designed by Dave Friedman, a renowned amp modder and designer in the LA music scene, the Little Sister is inspired by the vintage classic rock tones of British tube amps from the 1960s and 1970s. It builds upon the success of its 40-watt predecessor, the Twin Sister, delivering Friedman's signature British tone in a more compact package.
The Little Sister amplifier is engineered to provide a wide range of tones, from sparkling cleans to a glorious vintage crunch. Its single channel is highly versatile, allowing musicians to achieve various musical styles, including blues, rock, and country, simply by adjusting the gain and master controls, along with the S-Switch (gain structure) and B-Switch (Bright/Tight). The amplifier is designed to be highly responsive to guitar volume control, cleaning up remarkably well even at higher gain settings. This makes it an ideal choice for players who appreciate dynamic control over their sound directly from their instrument. The amp is also built to integrate seamlessly with external effects, featuring an ultra-transparent series effects loop that handles time-based pedals and rack units without compromising the amplifier's core tone. It is particularly well-suited for use with boosts, ODs, phasers, flangers, tremolos, and wahs.
The front panel of the Little Sister offers intuitive controls for shaping your sound. The POWER SWITCH turns the amplifier on, and it is recommended to wait approximately one minute before taking the amp out of STANDBY to maximize tube life. An indicator lamp confirms when the amp is on. The BASS CONTROL adjusts the low-end frequencies; it can be backed off as the amp gets louder to maintain clarity. The MIDDLE CONTROL adds or subtracts midrange frequencies; lower settings scoop the mids, while higher levels help the guitar cut through the mix. The TREBLE CONTROL adjusts the high-end frequencies. All EQ controls are designed to be set to taste, with a recommended starting point of 5 or 6.
The MASTER CONTROL functions as the master volume, increasing the overall loudness of the amplifier as it is turned up. The GAIN CONTROL adds gain and distortion, allowing for a wide spectrum of overdrive from subtle grit to full vintage crunch. The S-Switch is a 3-way gain structure switch, offering different voicings for the amplifier's gain stages, further enhancing its versatility. The B-Switch provides Bright/Tight options, allowing players to fine-tune the amp's response and character. The INPUT jack is where you connect your guitar or the output of your pedalboard.
On the rear panel, the Little Sister features a SEND jack for plugging into the input of your effects pedals and a RETURN jack for plugging in the output of your effects. High-quality shielded guitar cables are recommended for these connections. The amplifier provides multiple speaker output options: two 4 OHM SPEAKER OUT JACKS for connecting one 4-ohm cabinet or two 8-ohm cabinets, two 8 OHM SPEAKER OUT JACKS for one 8-ohm cabinet or two 16-ohm cabinets, and one 16 OHM SPEAKER OUT JACK for a single 16-ohm speaker cab. The MAINS INPUT is where the supplied IEC power cord is connected.
The Little Sister is constructed with handcrafted, tongue-and-groove Baltic Birch cabinetry, ensuring durability and solid construction. The combo version houses a 16-ohm, 12" Celestion Creamback G12M-65 speaker, chosen for its ability to deliver the expected bass, mid-response, and signature sound of a Friedman amplifier.
For safety and longevity, it is crucial to follow the provided instructions. The amplifier should not be exposed to water or moisture and should not be operated near any water source. It should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing amplifiers. The product should only be operated from the power source indicated on its rating label, and the power cord should be routed to prevent damage. Cleaning should be done with a slightly damp cloth, avoiding water inside the amplifier. During non-use periods or before lightning storms, the power cord should be unplugged from the outlet.
The MAIN FUSE is located in a compartment below the AC receptacle on the back panel. It is essential to replace it with the appropriate fuse type and rating as marked. A blown fuse often indicates a bad tube. Consistent fuse blowing, even with new tubes, suggests a serious problem that requires professional diagnosis.
Friedman offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser against defects in material and workmanship for the amplifier itself. Tubes are warranted for 90 days from the original purchase date. Any unauthorized modifications or repairs will void the warranty. Due to extremely high voltages within the amplifier, users are explicitly warned not to attempt repairs or remove the chassis themselves; all servicing must be performed by Friedman or an authorized service center. For warranty claims or technical support, customers are advised to contact Friedman Amplification via email. If a product needs to be returned for service, a Return Authorization Number must be obtained, and the product should be shipped in its original packaging, freight pre-paid and insured, with a brief description of the defect and return information.
General| Footswitch Included | Yes |
|---|---|
| Type | Tube |
| Power | 20W |
| Channels | 2 |
| Tubes | 3x 12AX7, 2x EL84 |
| Speaker Output | 8 Ohms |
| EQ | Bass, Middle, Treble |
| Controls | Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, Master |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| Footswitchable | Yes |
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