Friedman BE100: School Me and Version Differences

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Junk Yard Dog

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I have had various modded Marshall's over the years, and currently own a Splawn Pro Stock B+ and Eggie Seminar modded by BFG (killer amp).

Just getting the itch to try one of the Friedmans. I sent the Bogner Helios packing, as I felt the Splawn did what I wanted at half the cost. I tried a Smallbox at GC, but didn't crank it enough. I felt it didn't have the mid "cut" I need in a two guitar band (competing with a 5153).

I've seen there's several versions of the BE100 and am wondering what are the differences, besides the switching options. Do the earlier versions sound different or better?

Ultimately, I'm curious if it has some of that kerrang in a live situation, or if it is a bit on the darker side compared to a real Marshall or Splawn, regardless of how good it sounds. I'm trying to go play one to see how it compares to my Splawn.

Any info and experiences are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
Good thread! I am curious as well. I swear there was a thread not long ago where an owner said it didn't have what he needed in a band situation...like it was a bit dark? The JJ seems to have more presence in clips i've heard. But I'd like to know as well.

:rock:
 
There's no way a be100 would be too dark...it's just not. I have a splawn as well.....it's for sale lol.....It's(be100)a very articulate amp....I wouldn't describe is as dark.....more like not harsh in a bad way.
 
it does have an eq section that works, however, and you can get bottom (as opposed to some Marshall superleads)...i guess one might maybe associate that fullness with 'dark'...though i dont
 
V1 has a 'simple clean' channel (no tone controls) & 2 inputs (BE & HBE). V2 switched to a dedicated clean channel with tone controls & 1 input with footswitchable channels between BE & HBE. I believe there have been minor tweaks with the voicings but regardless of the version you're going to get the best rock amp on earth.
 
Cool, thanks guys. I like the clips I've heard and will play a BE100 this weekend. I'm hoping it has the raw cut that I found the Smallbox to lack compared to my Splawn.
 
I have both a BE100 and Splawn Quick Rod. The first day I got my BE100 I was thinking that same thing... "This sounds so good but I hope it cuts cause its so smooth sounding". Well it cuts better than my Spalwn in a band mix... WAY better and solos and rhythms sound so much better. The BE100 is in no way a dark amp, it has punch and authority with great cleans and the best effects loop I've heard. Like stated about it has a really good EQ. My Splawn hasnt been played since I've AB'd both amps last year when I got the Friedman.
The older version and newer one sound the same to me when I played an older 2 input one at GC Nashville.
 
UDTBUDS":2z02ohkh said:
Sounds like a Marshall with Balls ...
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Oh it sounds much better than just a Marshall with balls. No way I'd pay $3000 for anything more than a glorious sounding tight and rich crunch and good clean sounding amp. If I'd never played one I would have thought the same thing.
 
Adambomb":10lnivtr said:
I have both a BE100 and Splawn Quick Rod. The first day I got my BE100 I was thinking that same thing... "This sounds so good but I hope it cuts cause its so smooth sounding". Well it cuts better than my Spalwn in a band mix... WAY better and solos and rhythms sound so much better. The BE100 is in no way a dark amp, it has punch and authority with great cleans and the best effects loop I've heard. Like stated about it has a really good EQ. My Splawn hasnt been played since I've AB'd both amps last year when I got the Friedman.
The older version and newer one sound the same to me when I played an older 2 input one at GC Nashville.
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Good to hear. Do you have the Quickrod? How would you describe the difference? ...I need Marshall balls and authority, but want that raw roar without the harshness. I love my Pro Stock, and it's half the price, but if the BE100 is just better all around, I'll give it some consideration. I need to A/B them myself, but hearing others' experiences helps.
 
Smallbox and BE and VERY similar had them both for a time (still have older BE)...not sure you are gonna dig the BE as it does not have anymore cut and high mids than the smallbox you thought lacked this imho. More watts, more options, and more tones though.

edit; I would also say the BE is more polished and slightly less raw than the Smallbox, although neither were very raw in a Marshall sort of way. :lol: :LOL:
 
sjk":cnmzgcd2 said:
Smallbox and BE and VERY similar had them both for a time (still have older BE)...not sure you are gonna dig the BE as it does not have anymore cut and high mids than the smallbox you thought lacked this imho. More watts, more options, and more tones though.

edit; I would also say the BE is more polished and slightly less raw than the Smallbox, although neither were very raw in a Marshall sort of way. :lol: :LOL:
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sort of agree with this - if anything, i could see someone thinking the SB cuts more than the BE
 
Junk Yard Dog":378b4v87 said:
Adambomb":378b4v87 said:
I have both a BE100 and Splawn Quick Rod. The first day I got my BE100 I was thinking that same thing... "This sounds so good but I hope it cuts cause its so smooth sounding". Well it cuts better than my Spalwn in a band mix... WAY better and solos and rhythms sound so much better. The BE100 is in no way a dark amp, it has punch and authority with great cleans and the best effects loop I've heard. Like stated about it has a really good EQ. My Splawn hasnt been played since I've AB'd both amps last year when I got the Friedman.
The older version and newer one sound the same to me when I played an older 2 input one at GC Nashville.
Click to expand...

Good to hear. Do you have the Quickrod? How would you describe the difference? ...I need Marshall balls and authority, but want that raw roar without the harshness. I love my Pro Stock, and it's half the price, but if the BE100 is just better all around, I'll give it some consideration. I need to A/B them myself, but hearing others' experiences helps.
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The QR just doesn't have the depth, demintional and richness of the BE. When AB'n the amps it's a no brainer. Yea like posted I have both. The QR is a little more 80's hair metal with highs that are a little shrill sometimes and mids that aren't as harmonic or rich, but sounds decent in band mix. The BE sound 10 times better in a mix I think, cuts really well. It's one thing to have an amp that cuts but if the tone isn't pleasnt to you, you won't be as inspired. Biased right and with good tubes, and a Friedman cab the BE is just the best I've heard in a band mix. Very musical.

As far as the tone your wanting, even with words describing it is hard to give an opinion on what you'd like more. The Dirty Shirley and BE100's are my favorite tone of the M style amps. I'll say I haven't really heard anyone disappointed in a Friedman amp much, they are just a world of difference than my Quick Rod IMHO.
 
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