Should I Sell My Smallbox and Get A Runt 50?

[SavageRiffer]

Man I love the Smallbox, but the Runt 50 is a bit more versatile and so good that I'm wondering if I should sell my Smallbox and get a Runt instead. I love both amps even though there's the slightest little X-factor in the Smallbox that I cannot put into words. The Runt has a great feel, a great sound, and great master volume. I don't care about the PCB debate, so at this point, I'm just wondering if there is some other advantages of the Smallbox that I should consider keeping it. I have to drive 40 miles to the nearest Guitar Center to play one, so I've only put enough time into it to know that I like it a lot, but haven't compared side-by-side with a Smallbox. What do you think?

 

[V2a]

I think you should bring your Smallbox to the Guitar Center for a side-by-side comparison and go from there.

 

[kalt]

No.

 

[keennay]

Having played both, I'd consider that a downgrade. Definitely do a side-by-side comparison.

 

[suhrimmetal]

Nope...get a Katana..lol .. but seriously Nope!

 

[Racerxrated]

Having played both, I'd consider that a downgrade. Definitely do a side-by-side comparison.

This, big time. Wasn't impressed at all. GC Roseville Mn had one, played it through a BE cab. The used JCM 800 next to it blew the doors off it. They had a BE100 in there also, that sounded killer. So it wasn't my ears. Lol.

If you really like your smallbox I'd pass on the Runt.

 

[SavageRiffer]

Nope...get a Katana..lol .. but seriously Nope!

I've had one for a couple of months already.

Having played both, I'd consider that a downgrade. Definitely do a side-by-side comparison.

This, big time. Wasn't impressed at all. GC Roseville Mn had one, played it through a BE cab. The used JCM 800 next to it blew the doors off it. They had a BE100 in there also, that sounded killer. So it wasn't my ears. Lol.

If you really like your smallbox I'd pass on the Runt.

Specifically, what did you not like? You guys are saying it's a downgrade, but what is it about the tone or features that you don't like? I think the Runt sounds amazing through a V30 1x12 cab.

 

[RockyStar]

Don't do it.

 

[Racerxrated]

Nope...get a Katana..lol .. but seriously Nope!

I've had one for a couple of months already.

Having played both, I'd consider that a downgrade. Definitely do a side-by-side comparison.

This, big time. Wasn't impressed at all. GC Roseville Mn had one, played it through a BE cab. The used JCM 800 next to it blew the doors off it. They had a BE100 in there also, that sounded killer. So it wasn't my ears. Lol.

If you really like your smallbox I'd pass on the Runt.

Specifically, what did you not like? You guys are saying it's a downgrade, but what is it about the tone or features that you don't like? I think the Runt sounds amazing through a V30 1x12 cab.

I like bright amps and the Runt was too dark, and compared to the vintage 800 and the BE the runt sounded sterile to me, not as organic/articulate if you will. I don't expect it to measure up to a BE but the 800 was a much better amp also. I had the presence maxed and treble maxed and it was barely bright enough..maybe it was a lemon? But that was my experience.

 

[mniel8195]

Try a different speaker or preamp tube in v1. Can really change things. I like the jj 12ax7 some days and the tung sol on others.

 

[sahlomonic]

I owned a Runt 50 for a couple months. Really, really good amp but I ended up selling it due to wife's med bills piling up. My main gripe was it just didn't quite have the gain I personally wanted on it, and always ran it with the gain dimed. Being PCB didn't bother me at all - the quality of components inside and the circuitry was stellar. I also didn't care for the emulated out, and I wish it was not included so it could bring the price down a little bit.


As far as going from a Smallbox to a Runt? I think it would be a downgrade IMO.

 

[SavageRiffer]

I know it's an obvious downgrade, but the Runt is a fantastic amp. After some research, it sounds like my initial thoughts were confirmed. The Smallbox has superior sound, and some better components like the transformer and FX loop. I guess what started to sway me was seeing a Friedman for $1700 at Guitar Center and the fact that it sounds really good. Actually, I think I'm liking the 20w more than the 50w, but that's beside the point. I'm not technical enough to really know about the components and circuitry, so I have to go on what I hear and feel in the amp. Side-by-side, I think I'd be able to tell the difference, but I still wanted to give it some consideration. My Smallbox is going nowhere.

 

[Browns Fan]

You should keep the Smallbox and add the runt to your stable. Sellers remorse bites hard!!!!

 

[romanianreaper]

You should keep the Smallbox and add the runt to your stable. Sellers remorse bites hard!!!!

Yeah, I agree. I can't tell you how many times over the years I traded something, etc. for that quick fix and then later was like "what the hell was I thinking?".

 

[Racerxrated]

You should keep the Smallbox and add the runt to your stable. Sellers remorse bites hard!!!!

Yeah, I agree. I can't tell you how many times over the years I traded something, etc. for that quick fix and then later was like "what the hell was I thinking?".

 

[born_hard]

I owned the Smallpox and now I play the PhilX head. All I can say is that the PhilX is way better, bigger and bolder than the Smallpox. The Smallpox is small in comparison and somehow not as tight and fast. So I would forget the runt, sell the Smallpox and get the real deal. As long as you can live with an Overdrive channel. If you need a cleaner channel than the BE head is your amp.

 

[SavageRiffer]

I owned the Smallpox and now I play the PhilX head. All I can say is that the PhilX is way better, bigger and bolder than the Smallpox. The Smallpox is small in comparison and somehow not as tight and fast. So I would forget the runt, sell the Smallpox and get the real deal. As long as you can live with an Overdrive channel. If you need a cleaner channel than the BE head is your amp.

No, I actually like the Smallbox a lot... Possibly even a bit more so than the BE100, except I'd prefer a BE100 just for the versatility. If I were to stick with a single channel amp, then I'd just go back to a Hiwatt or Fargen Olde 800. The PhilX sounds badass though.

 

[scottosan]

No one else on here is going to be playing it or paying for it so decide for yourself. Tone is too subjective.

 

[SavageRiffer]

No one else on here is going to be playing it or paying for it so decide for yourself. Tone is too subjective.

Asking questions is how we learn things. I wasn't inquiring in true earnest about swapping my Smallbox for a Runt.

 

[jlb32]

Never personally played one but I've heard the volume taper on the Runt's isn't that great. Not sure if that is true but I've seen a few owners post that it goes from either quiet to all out loud, really not a great taper compared to other Friedmans. Maybe something else to consider if you love the volume taper on your Smallbox.