Let me preface this with the fact that I have only played two Friedmans in my life, my bandmates' "Marsha" built by Dave he found on Ebay about a year ago or so and a Runt 20 head in our Guitar Center. No stores in my area carry Friedman other than that Guitar Center with only the Runt series heads (the 50 was sold the day they got it so the 20 was all I had to check out). Point being, I don't have a lot of experience on these amps to compare to so take my comments for what they are, just my own opinion. So Thursday it showed up all its glory. Of course FedEx was at my shop earlier than ever before (8:30am) and I had to wait until after work to plug her in. Do you know how awful it is to have a brand new Friedman box sitting right next to your desk from 8:30 to 4:30?!?! Anywho, once I had it home and setup up, I played on it until about 10:30pm that night. My bandmate in my punk band came over (the one with the "Marsha") and was nice enough to spend about an hour and a half running through all the controls as I played. Comments out of both our mouths as we forge through, "the clarity is unbelievable!", "listen how 'throaty' that is!", "the girth and roundness is blowing my mind" and "can't find a bad tone no matter where we set the controls!" Every note and chord pops and comes through beautifully, cuts like a knife. Octaves sound exactly how they should and sustain for days. We couldn't believe how you can hear every string with each chord, palm mute and note played. Ringing out an E-minor chord then striking the high E and B strings open right after, it was if both sounds were fighting to be out front. There was complete clarity between the two different chords. Absolute craziness! Played multiple single note runs, especially ones on the G string that usually get killed in the mix due to frequency, had no problems coming through and singing out front. Amazing! The EQ knobs actually do what they are suppose to, each and every one of them, unlike other amps. Completely blown away by the difference in moving any of them just one number (say 5 to 6) and actually hearing a difference. Spectacular! This amp 150% takes the cake against all the other amps I have owned/do own (Marshall - JCM800s, 900s and 2000s, Mesa Boogie - Mark IV, EVH - 5153). This amp is exactly what I've been looking for, for so many years. I believe Friedman has made the end all, be all British voiced amp. Just like everyone has said before, they are a Marshall but have everything Marshall is lacking/missing and more. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. This is the most expensive amp I have ever bought so the price had me quite nervous and contemplating my decision. I sat for months wondering if it would be worth the money, sounded really as good as people commented/reviewed, etc. With just a few days under my belt, I am convinced once again in my life that you get what you pay for. This amp is by far leaps and bounds above all the rest trying to do the same type of tone/sound. Dave has created a superior product. I couldn't be more thankful and blessed to be able to own my own Friedman amp. I can't wait for upcoming tour dates, I want the world to hear! I will do more follow up regarding my JJ100 as rehearsals and shows come so this is just my first initial assessment. Thanks again to all you who post, comment, advise, review and debate! Keep on rockin'!
Clint
