Friedman Phil X Signature User manual

Phil X Signature head
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Congratulations on purchasing this
incredible new guitar amplifier designed
by one of the most well known amp
modders and designers in the LA Music
scene for the past 20 years, Dave
Friedman.
Dave Friedman has been designing and
building guitar rigs for the stars since the
early nineties. After many years of
modding amplifiers and consulting for
other well-known amplifier companies,
Dave has finally brought his talent to a
new line of production amps under his
name, Friedman Amplification.
Dave’s collaboration with Phil X has lead
to the making of a simple yet versatile
Rock n’ Roll Machine.
The X is a 100-watt EL34 powered fire
breather that is also capable of producing
many styles of music from blues to classic
rock and heavy rock to metal by just
adjusting the gain and master controls.
Switching the Cut or voltage switch gives
you even more sounds on hand. Of
course we can’t forget 2nd master volume
for your volume boosting needs.
A lot of people don’t believe an EL-34 100
watt amp can sound great even at
bedroom volume levels. We beg to
differ!
Dave completely designed the Master
volume to sound fantastic at any level.
You will notice instantly, the tight bottom
end and rich harmonically detailed chords
and single notes. This amp cleans up
remarkably well with the guitar’s volume
control, even with the amp on higher
gain settings.
The X takes pedals very well and loves
boosts, OD’s, phasers, flangers, tremolos,
wahs, etc. The X also has an ultra
transparent Series FX loop that takes
time based FX pedals and rack units
equally well.
•Incredibly versatile single-channel
amp.
•100-Watt EL34 Power Tubes.
•3 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
•Dirty Channel has Vol, Gain,
Treble, Middle, Bass.
•Global Presence Control
•Series Effects Loop
•Custom Transformers
•Line Out with Level Control on rear
panel.
PLUGGING IN
We recommend starting the amp up with
the Bass on 10, the Mids at around 6 , the
Treble at 5 and the Presence at 5. Set
the Gain around 8 and then bring the
master up to taste. After plugging in,
you will notice instantly, the tight bottom
end and rich harmonically detailed chords
and single notes, that’s the Friedman
sound. This amp cleans up remarkably
well with the guitar’s volume control
even with the amp on higher gain
settings.
We know you will love your new BE100. If
you have any questions or help don’t
hesitate to email us at
[email protected]

INSTRUCTIONS
Please keep this instruction manual for
future reference and for the duration of
owning this Friedman Amplifier. Please
carefully read and understand the
instructions inside this user’s manual
before attempting to operate your new
amp. This instruction manual includes
essential safety information regarding the
use and maintenance of the amplifier.
Take special care to heed all warning
symbols and signs inside this manual and
those printed on the amplifier itself.
WARNING!
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO
NOT EXPOSE THE AMPLIFIER TO WATER OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY
WATER SOURCE
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The lightning flash with an arrow
triangular symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of non-insulated
“dangerous voltage” within the products
enclosure, and may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The exclamation point triangular symbol
is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the user manual accompanying this
amplifier!
1. Read Instructions – All the safety and
operating instructions should be read
before this product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and
operating instructions should be retained
for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the
amplifier and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and
use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture – The amplifier
should not be used near water – for
example, a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, laundry tub, wet basement, or near
a swimming pool, and the like.
6. Carts and Stands – The amplifier should
be used only with a cart or stand that is
recommended by the manufacturer.
An amplifier and cart combination should
be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may
cause the amplifier and cart combination
to overturn.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting
– The product should never be mounted
to a wall or ceiling.
8. Heat – Amplifier should be situated
away from heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other amplifier
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Power Sources – This product should be
operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the rating label.
If you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your
product dealer or local power company.
10. Grounding or Polarization
– This product may be equipped with a
polarized alternation-current line plug (a
plug having one blade wider than the
other). This plug will fit into the power
outlet only one way. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug fully into the outlet, try reversing
the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit,
contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.
11. Power-Cord Protection

– Power-supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed upon or
against them, paying particular attention
to the cord in correspondence of plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the amplifier.
12. Cleaning – The amplifier should be
cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer. Clean by wiping with a
cloth slightly damp with water. Avoid
getting water inside the amplifier.
14. Non-use Periods – The power cord of
the amplifier should be unplugged from
the outlet when left unused for a long
period of time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry
– Care should be taken so that objects do
not fall and liquids are not spilled into
the enclosure through openings.
16. Damage Requiring Service
– The amplifier should be serviced by
qualified service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has
been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been
spilled into the amplifier; or
C. The amplifier has been exposed to
rain; or
D. The amplifier does not appear to
operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance; or
E. The amplifier has been dropped, or the
enclosure damaged.
F. T h e a m p l i f i e r n e e d s t u b e r e p l a c e m e n t
or biasing
17. Servicing – The user should not
attempt any service to the amplifier
beyond that described in the operating
instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.
18. Ventilation – Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and
to ensure reliable operation of the
product and to protect it from
overheating, and these openings must not
be blocked or covered. The openings
should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other
similar surface. This product should not
be placed in a built- in installation such
as a bookcase or rack.
19. Attachments – do not use attachments
not recommended by the product
manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
20. Accessories – Do not place this
product on an unstable cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table. The product
may fall, causing serious injury to a child
or adult, and serious damage to the
product. Use only with a cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table recommended
by the manufacturer, or sold with the
product.
21. Lightning – For added protection for
this product before a lightning storm, or
when it is left unattended and unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the
wall outlet. This will prevent damage to
the product due to lightning and power
line surges.
22. Replacement Parts – When
replacement parts are required, be sure
the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or have the same
characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in
fire, electric shock, or other hazards.
23. Safety Check – Upon completion of
any service or repairs to this product, ask
the service technician to perform safety
checks to determine that the product is
in proper operating condition.
24. FUSES – Always use the correct rating
and type of fuse as indicated on the rear
panel. Note the proper rating fuse is
determined by the AC line voltage in the
country this unit is being operated.
25. AC SELECT SWITCH: This switch must
be set to match the AC line voltage in the
country this unit is being operated.
To change the setting, loosen (do not
remove) the two screws above and below
the slide switch. Temporarily move the
protective cover strip and slide the
actuator to match the voltage in your
country. Place the protective cover strip
back over the switch and tighten the two
screws.

CAUTIO
P (Power Switch): Turn this ON for about one minute before taking the amp out of Standby for
maximum tube life. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS A SPEAKER LOAD CONNECTED TO YOUR AMP
BEFORE TURNING ON.
S (Standby Switch): Wait about a minute before placing this switch in the ON position. This
will put your amp into PLAY mode.
POWER INDICATOR LAMP: This is a gentle reminder that your amp is powered up.
P (Presence Control): Adjusts the upper mids and highs in the power amp section. Start at
about 4-5 and adjust to taste.
Note: This pot will sound scratchy when adjusted – this is normal.
V-/V+ (Voltage Switch): This is a hi/low voltage switch. V + is for higher voltage, this is a
bigger and bolder sound. V- is a lower voltage, this is for a slightly softer and spongier sound.
B (Bass Control): This adds or takes away bass or bottom end. As the amp gets louder you
may want to back this off a bit. Start at 7-10 for bedroom volumes.
M (Middle Control): Adds or takes away midrange. Start at 5 or 6, lower settings will scoop
the mids, higher levels will allow your audience to actually hear the guitar in the mix.
T (Treble Control): This adds or takes away treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
V-1 (Volume 1 Control): This is the Phil X Signature Head’s VOLUME. The more you turn it up
the louder it gets.
V-11 (Volume 2 Control): Second master volume for a lead volume boost. This is foot
switchable.
G (Gain Control): This adds gain/distortion. Adjust to taste. Don’t be afraid.
C (Cut Switch): This is a three-way switch for cutting gain. With the switch in the middle you
will have the highest gain. With the switch in the right position you will have less gain. With
the switch in the left position you will have the least amount of gain.
I (Input Jack): Just like it says. This is the Phil X Signature Head’s Guitar Input Jack. !

!
FOOTSWITCH JACK: This is where you plug in the footswitch.
SEND JACK: This is where you plug the INPUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded
guitar cable.
RETURN JACK: This is where you plug the OUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded
guitar cable.
SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug speaker cabinets here. Set Impedance selector to appropriate
position.
LINE OUT LEVEL CONTROL: This controls the overall level of the line out.
LINE OUT JACK: Connect a high quality ¼” guitar cable to send signal to external devices
such as additional power amps, FX, etc. This is not speaker emulated.
MAINS INPUT: Plug the supplied IEC power cord here and into a 115v wall outlet to power the
beast.
MAIN FUSE: This is the main fuse. Replace only with type indicated on rear panel. This is
also most likely the result of a bad tube. Constant blowing of this fuse (even when using new
tubes) is an indication that something could be seriously wrong with your amp. STOP and call
us so we may help you diagnose.
HT FUSE: Only replace with Type indicated on rear panel. If this blows, don’t freak out too
much. It’s most likely a bad power tube. We recommend you carry a few spare fuses and a
spare set of tubes when gigging.

FRIEDMAN LIMITED LIFETIME
WARRANTY
Thank you for choosing Friedman.
Friedman manufactures some of the
world’s most reliable hand-wired, all-tube
amplifiers and speaker cabinets. Friedman
takes great pride in an extremely thorough
testing procedure, which is implemented
on each product prior to shipment. In the
unlikely event that you have a problem
with you amplifier, please refer to warranty
below. Friedman stands behind our
products like no other and we’re here to
help you!
AMPLIFIERS: Friedman offers a limited
lifetime warranty to the original purchaser
that a Friedman amplifier will be free from
defects in material and workmanship. A
dated sales receipt will establish coverage
under this warranty, PLEASE KEEP YOUR
PROOF OF PURCHASE TO USE YOUR
WARRANTY. This warranty does not cover
service or parts to repair damage caused by
accident, neglect, abuse, normal wear,
disaster, misuse, abuse, over-powering,
negligence, inadequate packing or shipping
procedures and service, repair or any
modifications to the product which have not
been authorized or approved by Friedman in
writing. ANY MODIFICATION TO THE
AMPLIFIER WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY. If
this product is defective in materials or
workmanship as warranted above, your sole
remedy shall be repair or replacement by
Friedman as provided below.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to repair,
modify or service your amplifier by
yourself!!! Please read the instruction
manual for all safety notifications, warnings
and instructions. Friedman, like all tube
amplifiers, has extremely high voltages that
can cause serious injury or death. Do not
remove the chassis from the amplifier. All
repair and service work must be performed
by Friedman or an authorized service center
of Friedman. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS
WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
TUBES: Friedman warrants the original
purchaser that the specific tubes used in
Friedman will be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of 90
days from the original date of purchase. A
dated sales receipt will establish coverage
under this warranty. This tube warranty will
automatically terminate 90 days after the
original retail sales date. This tube warranty
is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If
tubes fail within the 90 day warranty period
your sole remedy shall be replacement of
tubes as provided below.
RETURN PROCEDURES: In the unlikely event
that a defect occurs please call us at
818-505-0391. In most cases we can help you
diagnose the problem over the phone. If a
product must be sent to us, please follow the
procedure outlined below.
•Defective products must be shipped,
together with proof of purchase,
freight pre-paid and insured to the
Authorized Friedman Service Center or
directly to Friedman.
•If a product must be returned to
Friedman for warranty replacement/
repair, a Return Authorization Number
must be obtained from our Customer
Service Department prior to shipping
the product.

•Please contact Friedman Customer
Service Department for the Authorized
Friedman Service Center nearest you.
•Products must be shipped in their
original packaging or its equivalent; in
any case, the risk of loss or damage in
transit is to be borne by the purchaser.
•The Return Authorization Number must
appear in large print directly below
the shipping address.
•Always include a brief description of
the defect, along with your correct
return address and telephone number.
•When calling to inquire about a
returned product, always refer to the
Return Authorization Number.
If Friedman determines that the unit was
defective in materials or workmanship at any
time during the warranty period, Friedman
has the option of repairing or replacing the
product at no additional charge, except as
set forth below.
•All replaced parts become a property
of Friedman. Products replaced or
repaired under this warranty will be
returned via ground shipping within
the United States or Canada - freight
prepaid.
•Friedman is not responsible for costs
associated with expedited shipping,
either to Friedman or the return of the
product to the customer.
All warranty repairs outside the United States
and Canada must be directed to the dealer or
distributor from which you purchased the
product.
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE:
In no event will Friedman be liable for any
incidental or consequential damages arising
out of the use or inability to use of any
Friedman product, even if a Friedman dealer
has been advised of the possibility of such
damages, or any other claim by any other
party. Some states do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of consequential damages, so
the above limitation and exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific
legal rights and you may also have other
rights, which may vary from state to state.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Please complete
the warranty registration online at
www.FriedmanAmplification.com within (10)
ten days of the date of purchase so that we
may contact you directly in the event a
safety notification issued in accordance with
the 1972 Consumer Product Safety Act.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Our dedicated and
friendly staff is ready to help you with any
warranty or product questions you may have.
Email us at [email protected]
Thank you again for choosing Friedman and
we look forward to a long relationship!

www.FriedmanAmplification.com