This is probably the best sounding Plexi on the market for the price, especially given that you can find these used already for $. The was also smeared glue on one of the transformers, but otherwise it looked pretty clean internally. I returned it and bought a replacement that hasn't had any issues thus far.

Sound wise, it's incredible when turned up a bit. It's not the most authentic-to-vintage sound, as it does have that underlying Friedman-style character to the tone that's a little harmonically hyped and clearly evokes Van Halen rather than something like AC/DC. It still gets you pretty close though, if you are going for the older style tones such as that or even earlier Hendrix-ey sounds. And it's quite versatile sounding with the switchable bright caps, the internally jumpered channels, the low and high inputs, and the variac switch that gives you two distinct settings.

I believe this is the first Friedman production model to incorporate Dave's new and improved post-phase master volume. I'm not sure if it's a noticeable improvement over other conventional PPIMVs I've tried on 50w plexi replicas such as Dr. Dan's. The volume taper is a little jumpy as you get to speaking-level decibels, and the amp does not sound particularly great at those volumes. You need to get it up to at least a loud shout to hear the amp sounding more like it's intended to. And an attenuator goes a long way in getting better tone out of it at bedroom volumes.

The last thing I'll add is that, as you might expect, the amp really doesn't get into the typical Friedman levels of gain, so for that or simply more pronounced 80s-style articulation of palm muted picking, you'll need to pair it with something like a tube screamer. It can of course nail EVH sounds, but it does help to kick it up slightly further with an echoplex preamp and a phase 90, as Eddie did.

But don't let anything I've said deter you. It's a truly incredible sounding amp at rehearsal volumes. Probably my favorite Friedman I've owned or tried over the years.

I miss this amp….i returned it because of monetary reasons and I regret it. This amps touch sensitivity is unreal. Every note just snaps and explodes off the strings. Capable of very high gain tones….early EVH tones. The quintessential "brown sound".

Get one.

The amp I've been wanting for years. Lots of tones even very clean , amp really is versatile and gives you the real plexi sound!

Bought from Sweetwater back in May. I since sold it. Way too tight for being advertised as a vintage Plexi circuit. Note separation wasn't there. Marshall 1959HV is a better option.

I wasn't looking for an amp. I already have a variety of amps and styles and I thought the 1987x or my JCM 800, covered Plexi until I heard this on line. I have been chasing my Holy Grail for the past 50 years. I've had amps that were really good but fell short of great until I got this amp. I was unable to play it when I first got it, so when I finally plugged in, it was with anticipation. From the first chord, it sung. It is harmonically rich and the Bright switches provide a wide variety of sound. It is not a one trick pony either. I have a DrZ attenuator plugged into a 4x12 Marshall Cab and I can get anything from the Allman Brothers, Jeff Beck, Clapton, AC/DC to Van Halen. It also takes Pedals really well. Although, I think, it sounds best without pedals. The lack of an effects loop is barely noticeable because this amp is built for rock. Thank you Dave Friedman, whatever inspired you to build this amp is genius.

Friedman's are simply the best and the PLEX is absolutely perfect.

The master volume works incredibly well. With the two channels internally jumped, both having 3 way bright switches, I've never had a better British clean. It can be dark, sparkle, whatever you want.

Of course it can do rock 'n' roll. The Donnas, AC/DV, etc, but turn all the knobs to 10, all of them, but leave (bassy) Channel II volume at noon. Flip the bright switches on… slowly bring up the master and wow, metal tones, I had no idea. Add a boost to tight it up… if you want that.

The PLEX is quickly becoming my favourite amp. Will it dethrone the SmallBox? Maybe.

First off, I already own a Dirty Shirley 40 and a Smallbox 50. Both amps are fantastic. I only decided to buy the Plex because my dream tone was a '68 Marshall I once played at a store. They had a room where I was able to crank it to 10. It was the Holy Grail. The Plex can get very close to that sound. I was at first hesitant to buy the Plex since most of the YouTube videos were going for the VH tone. It is much more versatile than that. I play southern rock, blues, fusion, Etc. I can get all that I need from the Plex. Also, Dave Friedman provides excellent customer service. I'd like to add that my sales associate, Spencer, is fantastic. He has been my go to guy for many years. I highly recommend both the Plex and Spencer!

Greg is the man
Best I have ever talked too in customer service sales
Very knowledgeable follows up with me to see how I'm doing with my experience with the purchase
I trust in what he might recommend for my gear setup

This amp is THE TONE in your head. Whether you are going for Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, or something with a lot less gain... Dave Friedman nailed it with the PLEX. The master volume works very well and it is playable at bedroom levels without any type of attenuation. Tones are very easy to dial in and the Volume 2 bright switch really adds some versatility to the channel. There is no loop, but it takes pedals well through the front of the amp... If you know what a Plexi is and what it can and can't do you won't be disappointed.

For comparison, I own the Marshall studio vintage as well as a 76' 50watt plexi. I put the Plex on an amp switcher so I could really hear the differences. I Love the studio vintage. It was my favorite amp, but when you A/B it with the Plex it falls short. It sounds thin. It never did until the Plex. I put my studio vintage up for sale. Next I A/B it with my 76' plexi. The 76' is smoother, where the plex is much more articulate. The 76' is for sure a one trick pony and does it really well. The plex has several tricks and is so versatile for a plexi. The bright switches really let you sculpt the sound. I can pretty much mimic my jcm800 with it too. The variac is awesome. Juicy Van Halen tones right there. The master volume is CRAZY GOOD.
If you like Marshall, the plex does it all with a much better build quality. It's heavy. It's rugged. You need one.

This amp is the best. Cleans , Dirty . Its all there .

I own several fantastic tube amps. As a guy born in Detroit, and a fan of Tone Talk with Marc and Dave, Ive come to trust Daves ears.

This amp slays. Immediate attack and response on the strings / neck / etc. You get that instant gratification and you better not be afraid to embrace your sloppy playing.

Get that 68 plexi sound in something affordable that isnt going to require service.

Words won't do this amp any justice. This is my first amp that doesn't rely on the pre-amp for its distortion. I thought I'd give it a try because many of the greats used a plexi type amp or something equivalent. It is a different thing completely. Absolutely raw, filthy, beautiful chaos. I love it with single coil and humbuckers. It wouldn't be my first choice for clean sounds, although it cleans up well with the volume knob and is very dynamic. Anyways, as I said, words don't do it justice. Good job, Dave. This thing crushes.

I've been fortunate to have both Aaron & Derek as my sales tech… both guys are knowledgeable and so very helpful.
My local shop (Parkway Music / Tom & Matt) had the Friedman Vintage PLEX so I purchased it there rather than risk shipping disasters. This amp possesses some of my all time favorite tones from my teenage years. Given that the PLEX is internally jumped it's very easy to blend the two channels. The bright cap makes the normal channel extremely usable. I tend to run the normal & treble channels equal and the presence knob low. Absolutely brilliant!

Dave you did it, this is a true masterpiece. All of those great vintage tones but with a great control for volume and interaction. I played it for four hours in pure amazement. This amp is not a one trick pony, turn the knobs and interact with the tone. The size of the cab also makes this head more compact and easier to transport. The tone and options are incredible. The Friedman amps are the best 21st century amps that get us to tone we want with control on stage, in the studio or at home with happy neighbors.

Thank you so much Dave for this most awesome tone machine.