Friedman BE100 - EVH 5150 III 50 watt

[SkyhighRocks]

I know about the main differences in these 2 amps. How are they different tonally besides more gain on the EVH? I currently have the EVH but have been wanting the Friedman for a number of years now and am close to taking the plunge. From everything I've read and heard, it's the amp that has THE tone in my head. However, I've never heard one up close, in person. Consider this as me doing some final research on the amp and trying to decide if it's now or never to buy it. Thanks!

 

[BYTOR]

Just make sure you get the latest 2016 model. Dave has tweaked it to near perfection now....

 

[Racerxrated]

I've played a 2015 and found it too dark/compressed for me. That said, the 2016 version sounds like it's way more open and can be dialed in bright and cutting, it at least more so than the previous versions. The tone in my head is Marshall, but on steroids. Wizards seem to have that..but that Akira Takasaki vid with the BE is right there as well. I'd get the 2016 version if I were you, if you live on the blue of the 5153.

 

[SkyhighRocks]

The 2016 is what I'm eyeing. Waiting on a sweetwater 36-48 month promo.

 

[hatrick00]

I have owned the 2014 BE, EVH 50, and 2016 BE among many other amps. 2016 BE is far, far superior.

 

[memberzonly]

I've owned several of both.

For $750, the EVH is an ok amp.

You get what you pay for. 'Nuff said.

 

[SkyhighRocks]

pretty much all answers I thought I would receive...thanks guys. I'm probably 75% sure I want to buy.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

I've owned several of both.

For $750, the EVH is an ok amp.

You get what you pay for. 'Nuff said.

That's a bit of a lukewarm review of the evh head. I like it a lot better than "ok"
But yeah, Friedman's amps are tantalizing!

 

[SkyhighRocks]

I've owned several of both.

For $750, the EVH is an ok amp.

You get what you pay for. 'Nuff said.

That's a bit of a lukewarm review of the evh head. I like it a lot better than "ok"
But yeah, Friedman's amps are tantalizing!

I agree...the EVH is a GREAT amp but it's not quite what I'm looking for on the whole.

 

[Chester Nimitz]

Try it before you buy it ...

 

[SkyhighRocks]

Try it before you buy it ...

Woiuld love to but nobody near me has one. Sweetwater has 45 day return so that's a plus.

 

[El Mariachi]

Try it before you buy it ...

Definitely agree with this.
Right of return policy is a great way to go . Just in case.

 

[jharpersj]

Matt's Music near you usually stocks them for you to try

Try it before you buy it ...

Woiuld love to but nobody near me has one. Sweetwater has 45 day return so that's a plus.

 

[SkyhighRocks]

Matt's Music near you usually stocks them for you to try

Try it before you buy it ...

Woiuld love to but nobody near me has one. Sweetwater has 45 day return so that's a plus.

Forgot about them! Thanks for that...not sure when I'd be able to get up that way...

 

[evhfan]

Call Matt's Music in Mass...maybe they have one in, they usually do, doesn't seem TOO far from you...

 

[SkyhighRocks]

Tried them. They don't have any in stock. I'll just deal with the sweetwater return policy

 

[supersonic]

I've owned 5153 100W and an early Friedman Marsha. The 5153 always had a compression that I couldn't dial out. The Marsha had a thick mid thing going on which was snappier than the 5153 but somehow annoyingly too thick. I much prefer the Marsha. Before buying I'd urge you to try a Bogner ATMA, same ballpark as the BE but more tones at hand, you'd be surprised how huge these little monsters sound. > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vzD-ZiFrjQ

 

[GtarLover]

The 2016 BE100 has some options that make the amp more versatile.
Not that it wasn't KILLER before, yet with a very transparent loop, voicing switches, and NOW the added structure switch too, there are quite a few tonal variations. I really am digging my BE100.

I am pretty sure I would also be happy with the EVH for the price. I haven't ever had one.
If you have the $$, the BE100 is awesome and is currently being used by many "big names" for a reason.

Have fun!!

 

[sgill72]

Also consider the Friedman Small Box. The plexi first channel is pure bliss...with the bigger BE second channel. Unless ultra clean is a need.

 

[SkyhighRocks]

Also consider the Friedman Small Box. The plexi first channel is pure bliss...with the bigger BE second channel. Unless ultra clean is a need.

Yes, I need the clean and I can hear some differences in tone on a few videos...nothing major but I hear it.