Late to the Friedman party, what do I need next?

[Rock Bodom]

Finally picked up the Brown Eye, resisted it forever because I just didn't "need" another amp (I'm more of a guitar hoarder). But something snapped when I watched that recent Akira Takasaki demo, instant GAS like the addict who has been clean for a couple of years goes off the wagon hard.

Spent the weekend with it, yeah it's freakin awesome. And got me back thinkin' about checking out a few more options. If I like this one, where do I go next? Already thinking about the Suhr SL-68 possibly.

A little background, I'm covered on the actual Marshall front as well, so just exploring other flavors of EL-34 hot-rodded goodness that would fit my 80's hard rock playing style. I have absolutely no functional purpose for this quest, I'm not trying to find a sound I'm missing or anything like that. Got a modeler already too, so just looking for old school tubeness.

However, I don't gig a lot these days, so good at "moderately" low volumes works for me best (I live in the country and can open them up a little, but still would not like to go deaf trying to get a decent tone).

Any suggestions greatly appreciated! I get tons of ideas obviously reading lots of posts here but would love some feedback.

 

[Starman22]

Soldano SLO-100

 

[Rock Bodom]

Soldano SLO-100

Not an EL-34 amp. But one of the greatest amps ever made. And in my opinion A MUST own for any serious gear hound that knows great tone.

Totally agree with you guys, it's a killer amp, used to have one (was living in a condo and stopped playing out so I sadly let it go). It's on my list to grab again at some point.

Liking the Wizard tones, added to the list, thanks!

 

[RedB4Black]

I have a Wizard MTL and a Modern Classic 2 to go with my BE100. I love the BE100, but I've hardly touched it since I got my Wizards.

 

[4406cuda]

Bogner Shiva

 

[RockyStar]

You are making a mistake if you don't look into the Landry amps.

 

[Chester Nimitz]

Cupholder included.

 

[fusedbrain]

Wizard, or maybe a Fortin modded Jcm800.

 

[jlb32]

Seems many love the Bogner Helios also.

 

[Rock Bodom]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input! The Wizard stuff does look cool, getting drawn to both the Vintage and Modern Classic models. My prior experiences with Bogner have been good too, appreciate those suggestions and will definitely look into Landry and everything mentioned.

 

[Anonymous]

|
|
|
|
|
<-----------

Steve

 

[napalmdeath]

If dropping gobs of cash on the Friedman left me looking for more, I'd be unloading it.

 

[Rock Bodom]

If dropping gobs of cash on the Friedman left me looking for more, I'd be unloading it.

Yeah, it's a good point and I really am totally digging the Friedman...just kind of new territory for me and want to do a little exploring. I flip a lot of gear so I don't tend to pay a ton out of pocket these days which helps.

Steve, the Cherry Bomb was on the short list for sure, I definitely like what I've heard big time

 

[Anonymous]

Steve, the Cherry Bomb was on the short list for sure, I definitely like what I've heard big time

Steve

 

[napalmdeath]

Personally, for a Marshall-flavored amp in the Plexi neighborhood, I find David Bray's mods/builds tonally superior for less money than the Friedman. To the dismay of many, I don't get the hype. Or, personally, as suggested previous, I'd look into an SLO.

 

[Jdguitar]

Try a Morris amp. Then let me know if I should get one.

 

[Racerxrated]

If you have the Marshall thing covered, I'd look into a 2C+, SLO or a Wizard. Even though I would dial all to sound like a Marshall. Lol

 

[Racerxrated]

Personally, for a Marshall-flavored amp in the Plexi neighborhood, I find David Bray's mods/builds tonally superior for less money than the Friedman. To the dismay of many, I don't get the hype. Or, personally, as suggested previous, I'd look into an SLO.

I dunno about that. I played and heard the Bray amps at the AMP show and there were SHRILL as fuck. Friedman puts out a professional level product that too many Pros are all using right now. I don't see Phil X, Dave Weiner, Jerry Cantrell, Chris Shiflett, Dave Grohl, Bill Keliher , or any other serious high profile cats playing Bray's. Correct me if I'm wrong but there is NO hype. its actual TONE.
YMMV.

Hagar and his lead player use Bray amps. He's got a few more guys on his website. Its all a matter of taste. I've played most of the Friedman stuff and they are nice...but too dark/compressed for me. Bray amps are more of a true modded Marshall. Cool amps also. Let's face it...when your spending this kind of coin there's not a bad choice. If I'm gonna spend 4K it'll be on a Wizard...not a Friedman. Just my taste in tone. But I doubt I'd ever buy a new boutique amp anyway.

 

[Rock Bodom]

Hagar and his lead player use Bray amps.

Are you talking about Vic Johnson? I didn't know it was Bray he's been using but I actually don't think his tone is that great. Watching him with the Circle recently, I actually remember thinking his tone didn't quite fit the material, too modern, not Marshall smooth.

So confused

 

[napalmdeath]

Personally, for a Marshall-flavored amp in the Plexi neighborhood, I find David Bray's mods/builds tonally superior for less money than the Friedman. To the dismay of many, I don't get the hype. Or, personally, as suggested previous, I'd look into an SLO.

I dunno about that. I played and heard the Bray amps at the AMP show and there were SHRILL as fuck. Friedman puts out a professional level product that too many Pros are all using right now. I don't see Phil X, Dave Weiner, Jerry Cantrell, Chris Shiflett, Dave Grohl, Bill Keliher , or any other serious high profile cats playing Bray's. Correct me if I'm wrong but there is NO hype. its actual TONE.
YMMV.

It's hype, and good marketing. Yes, Friedman has had more exposure to the "stars", but I certainly wouldn't say his list of "cats" playing his amps makes it a better. And, MOST of those endorsements you list, all have amps built to THEIR tastes, don't forget. Those names sell more amps, sure, as well as create more buzz and hype. Don't get sand in your pink taco every time somebody finds RT's beloved Friedman overrated.