Friedman BE-100

The Friedman BE-100 is a highly regarded guitar amplifier known for its exceptional tonal versatility and high-gain capabilities, making it a favorite among rock and metal musicians.

History of the Friedman BE-100

• Introduction (2012): The BE-100 was introduced by Friedman Amplification, founded by renowned amp designer Dave Friedman in 2008. The amp was designed as a modern interpretation of the classic 1968 Marshall "Plexi" Super Lead circuit, infused with elements of high-gain tones reminiscent of the 1980s sound popularized by artists like Eddie Van Halen.
• Design Features: The BE-100 is a 100-watt all-tube amplifier powered by four EL34 tubes and five 12AX7 preamp tubes. It features two primary channels: the BE (Brown Eye) channel for overdriven tones and the HBE (Hot Brown Eye) channel for additional gain and saturation. A third channel offers clean tones inspired by classic Plexi amps. The amp includes standard controls such as Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence, along with additional features like a three-way voicing switch and an ultra-transparent effects loop.
• Tonal Characteristics: Known for its rich harmonics and dynamic response, the BE-100 can produce everything from pristine cleans to thick, saturated overdrive. Its design allows for extensive tonal shaping, making it suitable for various genres from blues and classic rock to heavy metal.
• Legacy: Since its release, the BE-100 has gained critical acclaim and has become one of the most sought-after boutique amplifiers on the market. Its blend of vintage-inspired tones with modern features has made it a staple in both studio recordings and live performances.
• Continued Development: In 2021, Friedman released the BE-100 Deluxe, which expanded on the original design by adding more features and flexibility, including a revamped clean channel and additional gain structure options.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Use the Clean channel with Volume set around 5-6 for warm, clear sounds.
  • Adjust Treble to about 6-7 and Bass at 4-5 for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or classic rock styles.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Set Gain on the BE channel to 7-8 for rich tube saturation.
  • Use Treble around 6-8 to enhance brightness while keeping Mid at 4-5.
  • Excellent for hard rock or metal tones.
• High-Gain Tones:
  • Switch to the HBE channel and increase Gain to max for extreme saturation.
  • Adjust Master Volume to control overall output while maintaining tone integrity.
  • Perfect for modern rock or metal styles requiring aggressive sound.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.
  • Players often find that subtle changes in picking dynamics result in significant tonal shifts.

Notable Players

• Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains): Cantrell has been known to use the BE-100 extensively in his rig, appreciating its ability to deliver powerful tones suitable for his heavy sound.
• Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society): Wylde utilizes Friedman amplifiers, including the BE-100, for their rich overdrive characteristics that complement his aggressive playing style.
• Steve Stevens (Billy Idol): Stevens has adopted the BE-100 in his setup, valuing its versatility across different musical styles.
• Other Artists: Many session musicians and rock guitarists have embraced the BE-100 for its ability to produce high-quality sound across genres, further solidifying its status as a coveted amplifier among professionals.

Summary

The Friedman BE-100 remains an iconic amplifier celebrated for its unique design and exceptional tonal capabilities. Its legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking rich sounds from a reliable platform that blends classic influences with modern performance standards.