Friedman Smallbox compared to BE-50 Deluxe

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chasintonez

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Does anybody have the new BE-50 DLX that has also played a Smallbox or Wildwood Smallbox??

I am wondering if the BE-50 has the ability to do the plexi type of clean/grit like the Smallbox channel 1. And can the Smallbox get enough gain up in the 2nd channel/3rd channel WW version to have some fluidity for stuff like Satch.

I have played a BE-100 and a Dirty Shirley and those amps both felt nice and slippery under the fingers. Easy to play on. Is the Smallbox like that as well...being kind of slippery squishy under the fingers for playing. I.E. a bit of compression. Or does it feel a little stiffer?

I have not been able to play either as the BE is pretty new and it is rare to see a Smallbox around here to ever try out. And the Wildwood would be "site unheard" has it is their custom version of it.

Thanks
 
I have the WW SB, and I don’t think that the 3rd channel will get you into fluid Satch territory. It mainly provides a volume bump and a pinch of extra gain - but not that fluid, sustaining tone that you are looking for.
 
I have a smallbox with a sat switch and all of the new updates. Has plenty of gain but not uber metal gain. The smallbox clean is amazing and the BE channel rolls off like nothing i have ever played. If i had to buy new i would try the be 50. If i had to have a combo i would get the smallbox.
 
mniel8195":dna85qok said:
I have a smallbox with a sat switch and all of the new updates. Has plenty of gain but not uber metal gain. The smallbox clean is amazing and the BE channel rolls off like nothing i have ever played. If i had to buy new i would try the be 50. If i had to have a combo i would get the smallbox.
Click to expand...

Is the mod with the SAT switch a different variant than the Wildwood version? From what I have been reading the WW version has something similar to the SAT switch, but only in the added 3rd channel.

Your mod....Is the SAT switch selectable for both channels and also does it have a 3rd volume for solo boosts similar to the WW version?

Thanks for the reply!
 
The deluxe doesn't bypass a gain stage like the smallbox, so the smallbox would have the better plexi tones
 
Thanks Scottosan.

I can see with the design why the Smallbox does what it does in the plexi channel with the bypass.
 
those friedman amps sound amazing and so expensive tho. gotta save up!
 
I just modded my preamp to BE50 deluxe specs. The clean is outstanding. The HBE has more low end and thicker for single note runs
 
I have a Smallbox combo and I think its greatest attribute is the honesty authenticity and purity of its tones. I would choose it over a BE 50 Deluxe for my preferences. Besides that, its a combo that sounds gigantic. I'm pretty sure the HBE is a FET boost built into the amp. I would personally prefer to use a pedal such as a Suhr Kokoboost or a Friedman Buxom Betty Boost in front of the amp instead, it's more flexible I think, and besides, buying pedals is fun!
 
The beauty of both these amps is you have a choice. I love when Dave comes out with something new...doesn't mean I'll buy it, but I appreciate having the option.

The Smallbox probably does the vintage thing better and the BE50 does the modern thing better.

It's all player preference and what works best for you.

The Smallbox, for me, is the amp of choice. I cannot stop playing the plexi channel one. That channel along with the occasional boost is all I need. To have the BE channel two to hit for solos, set up with a slight volume and gain jump...is bliss.

I'm sure the BE50 can cover a lot of ground and that may beneficial to the player that needs that. I hope to see what it's all about at Namm.

Take a look at the music you play, prefer to play, and what works for you. You'll find the answers you're looking for.
 
The question you have to ask is do you want a clean channel or a plexi channel...
 
RACKSYSTEMS":xekrrwh1 said:
The question you have to ask is do you want a clean channel or a plexi channel...
Click to expand...

I get a great Plexi tone out of my clean channel on my BE 50 by adding a slight OD to it making it a four channel amp.
 
LPFreak...I think it comes down to what your application is.

Some need a head and cab, some need a combo, some what4 channels, other wants less.
 
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