Experience the legendary "hot-rodded" high-gain British sound of the iconic Friedman JOSE 100 in a compact and versatile 20-watt format. Developed by Dave Friedman in close collaboration with Marisol Arredondo (daughter of legendary amp modifier Jose Arredondo), the JOSE 20 series delivers the inimitable tone, harmonic richness, and touch sensitivity that shaped rock history—perfect for the studio, the stage, or home use.
Whether you choose the JOSE 20 head or the ready-to-play JOSE 20 1x12 combo, you get uncompromising tube tone, handcrafted in Los Angeles and designed for today's guitarists.
INTERNAL JUMPING
Volume I and II controls blend the "Bright" and "Normal" inputs to achieve a fuller, more complex tone, replicating the classic channel-jumping technique used on vintage amps.
PLEXI/DRIVE SWITCH
Adds a genuine extra gain stage for more saturation, punch, and flexibility in gain structures.
GAIN STYLE SWITCH (3-POSITION)
Alters the circuit response by repositioning the Master volume and introducing diode clipping for more bite and a more modern response.
THE LEGENDARY "JOSE" SOUND. MODERN PERFORMANCE.
Jose Arredondo’s revolutionary amplifier modifications helped define the high-gain rock sound. His hot-rodded British amps offered increased sustain, richer harmonics, tighter lows, and a responsiveness previously unknown to musicians of the era. These were not production-line amps, but individually modified instruments; they became the secret weapon of countless professional guitarists and inspired generations of players, builders, and tone enthusiasts.
CLASSIC CHANNEL JUMPING
The JOSE 20 series condenses this inimitable tone into a compact 20-watt format without sacrificing the character that made the original models legendary. The internal jumping of Volume I and Volume II controls recreates the classic channel-linking technique guitarists once achieved with patch cables, blending bright attack and warm body to create the rich harmonic foundation at the heart of the "Jose" sound. PLEXI/GAIN SWITCH
The Plexi/Gain switch adds a genuine extra gain stage, allowing for a seamless transition from a classic "Plexi" response to the aggressive saturation for which Jose’s modifications were famous. The "Fat" switch adds body, low-end authority, and more punch while preserving the articulation and clarity that give the amp exceptional responsiveness.
A GENUINE EXTRA GAIN STAGE
The three-position "Gain Style" switch further enriches the JOSE 20's sonic palette by changing the Master Volume's position in the circuit and introducing diode clipping for more bite and sustain. Far from just adding gain, each position reshapes the amp's response, offering a vast range of tones: from a supercharged, precise "Plexi" crunch to devastating rhythm tones and fluid, harmonically rich lead sounds—all while maintaining the unique Jose sonic identity.
AUTHENTIC "JOSE" DYNAMICS
Featuring a transparent series effects loop and a System Master Volume, the JOSE 20 series blends practicality with inspiration, allowing musicians to enjoy authentic "Jose" dynamics at any volume level. Whether for recording, rehearsals, the stage, or simply getting a great sound at home, the JOSE 20 series delivers the punch, feel, and harmonic richness that have inspired guitarists for decades.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
Available as a 20-watt head or a 1×12 combo equipped with a Celestion G12M-65 Creamback speaker, the JOSE 20 series gives musicians the freedom to choose the format best suited to their rig without ever sacrificing the unique "Jose" sonic experience. Selected by Dave Friedman for its warm mids, sweet highs, and dynamic response, the Celestion Creamback beautifully complements the amp's harmonic richness and expressiveness.
The JOSE 20 is more than just a high-gain amplifier. It is a faithful interpretation of one of the most influential sonic signatures in rock history, reimagined by Dave Friedman for today's musicians. SPECIFICATIONS
20-watt all-tube head
2 x EL84 power tubes
4 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
Designed by Dave Friedman in collaboration with Marisol Arredondo
Inspired by the legendary Jose Arredondo amp modifications
Internal jumping of Volumes I and II replicating classic "channel jumping"
Plexi/Gain switch adding a genuine extra gain stage
"Fat" switch providing body, punch, and low-end authority
Three-position Gain Style switch reconfiguring the circuit for three distinct Jose-inspired gain structures
System Master Volume
Transparent series effects loop
Custom-wound transformers
Handcrafted in Los Angeles, California
5-year limited warranty
Dimensions: 8.5″ (D) x 18″ (W) x 8.25″ (H)
Weight: 22.5 lbs