Friedman SS100 vs BE100 ('16 model w S switch)

[jguitarslim]

Thinking bout stepping back into one of these 100w heads. Owned SS in past which I loved, but latest BE has caught my eye particularly due to gain structure switch which gives option to sound more open, less compressed. I mostly lean towards vintage tones though like playing more modern stuff from time to time.

Interested in opinions of those who have played both. Do these amps overlap more now that BE has S switch, etc? Can the new BE pull off more classic stuff like AC/DC? Any other thoughts...

 

[BadCat]

The perfect amp collection for me would be in no particular order:
Marshall astoria custom, Bogner Helios, Friedman BE, Bogner XTC and Fender Vibroverb 1963.
Would the BE do what you ask for? Hell yes, BE does that and much more. Love the clean, the dirt and everything in between. This is a no brainer. If you do not need a shitload of gain the Dirtey Shirley would be another option but that would only be 40 Watt.

 

[jguitarslim]

The perfect amp collection for me would be in no particular order:
Marshall astoria custom, Bogner Helios, Friedman BE, Bogner XTC and Fender Vibroverb 1963.
Would the BE do would you ask for? Hell yes, BE does that and much more. Love the clean, the dirt and everything in between. This is a no brainer. If you do not need a shitload of gain the Dirtey Shirley would be another option but that would only be 40 Watt.

Thanks...currently own a Helios...killer amp!
Previously had a DS & DSM. Also great classic rock amps.

 

[WizardSouth-JP]

I have the latest BE-100 with the S switch, and there's plenty of gain on tap for playing heavy stuff. Dial the gain down and it excels at the old school AC/DC Stuff as well.

 

[RockyStar]

I think the Steve Stevens amp is the secret sauce to the friedman line. It is my favorite amp in many ways from the friedman line. I hate to say it but if you are not needing modern all the time and delve into vintage and want versatility then Grab a Suhr PT 100. IMO it is a great amp and can do far more than the BE-100 and is built better with more options. Having all the amps I am discussing I could probably do away with the BE and SS and cover most of the same ground in the Suhr. I love all three though.

 

[LanierP]

I had the SS when it first came out. Loved it, but sometimes found myself wishing for a hint more gain. What I was really blown away with was the clean channel on the SS. Stunning IMHO for an EL 34 amp of this type. Then came the 2016 BE with all its bells and whistles. The vids of it were super cool. I also saw some people in the Friedman section here talking about a SS clean mod for their BE's. I got in touch with Dave and ordered a 2016 BE with a SS clean channel on it. He ever end dressed it up with black and silver headshell and black chassis. It's fantastic and gives me the best of both worlds.

 

[Deanmachine]

Had both amps last year SS had the cleans but I liked the feel and the crunch of the Be-100 better
I eventually sold both and got a Jmp-Gower Rockmonster that just kills .

 

[JerEvil]

I had the SS when it first came out. Loved it, but sometimes found myself wishing for a hint more gain. What I was really blown away with was the clean channel on the SS. Stunning IMHO for an EL 34 amp of this type. Then came the 2016 BE with all its bells and whistles. The vids of it were super cool. I also saw some people in the Friedman section here talking about a SS clean mod for their BE's. I got in touch with Dave and ordered a 2016 BE with a SS clean channel on it. He ever end dressed it up with black and silver headshell and black chassis. It's fantastic and gives me the best of both worlds.

See this sounds like a plan for the ol' Evil one!