Friedman BE-50 deluxe User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Congratulations on purchasing this incredible
new guitar amplifier designed by one of the
most well-known amp modders and designers
in the LA Music scene for the past 20 years,
Dave Friedman.
Dave Friedman has been designing and
building guitar rigs for the stars since the early
nineties. After many years of modding
amplifiers and consulting for other well-
known amplifier companies, Dave has finally
brought his talent to a new line of production
amps under his name, Friedman
Amplification.
Dave’s first production amplifier, the BE-100,
is criticality acclaimed and one of the most
in-demand British high gain, meets vintage
amps on the market today.
The BE-50 Deluxe is a 50-watt EL34 powered
multi-channel fire breather that is also
capable of producing many styles of music
from blues to classic rock and heavy rock to
metal by just adjusting the gain and master
controls on the BE channel. Switching to the
HBE boosts the BE channel giving even more
gain and saturation. Of course, we can’t
forget the rich cleans found within the 1nd
channel on the BE-50 Deluxe.
A lot of people don’t believe an EL-34 50-watt
amp can sound great even at bedroom
volume levels. We beg to differ!
Dave completely designed the Master volume
to sound fantastic at any level.
You will notice instantly, the tight bottom end
and rich harmonically detailed chords and
single notes. This amp cleans up remarkably
well with the guitar’s volume control, even
with the amp on higher gain settings.
The BE-50 Deluxe takes pedals very well and
loves boosts, OD’s, phasers, flangers,
tremolos, wahs, etc. The BE-50 also has an
ultra transparent tube Series FX loop that
takes time based FX pedals and rack units
equally well.
•Incredibly versatile multi-channel amp
•50-Watt EL34 Power Tubes
•Four 12AX7 Preamp Tubes
•Dirty Channels have Vol, Gain, Treble,
Middle, Bass (HBE and BE share the
eq)
•Clean Channel has Vol, Treble, middle,
Bass and 3 position Bright Switch
•Global Presence, Response and Thump
controls
•Series Effects Loop with Return Level
on rear
•Custom Transformers and Capacitors
•BE-50 Deluxe Voicing Switches include:
Fat, Sat, Gain structure and voice
•Half power switch to 25 watts
PLUGGING IN
We recommend starting the amp on the BE
channel with the Bass on 10, the Mids at
around 5, the Treble at 5 and the Presence at
5. Set the Gain around 8 and then bring the
master up to taste. After plugging in, you will
notice instantly, the tight bottom end and rich
harmonically detailed chords and single notes,
that’s the Friedman sound. This amp cleans
up remarkably well with the guitar’s volume
control even with the amp on higher gain
settings. For even more gain switch to HBE
mode. Switch to the Clean channel and set
the Treble and Bass at 5 and turn the Volume
up to taste and experiment with the Bright
Switch.
We know you will love your new BE-50
Deluxe. If you have any questions or help
don’t hesitate to email us at
[email protected].

INSTRUCTIONS
Please keep this instruction manual for future
reference and for the duration of owning this
Friedman Amplifier. Please carefully read and
understand the instructions inside this user’s
manual before attempting to operate your
new amp. This instruction manual includes
essential safety information regarding the use
and maintenance of the amplifier. Take
special care to heed all warning symbols and
signs inside this manual and those printed on
the amplifier itself.
WARNING!
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO
NOT EXPOSE THE AMPLIFIER TO WATER OR
MOISTURE. DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY
WATER SOURCE
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The lightning flash with an arrow triangular
symbol is intended to alert the user to the
presence of non-insulated “dangerous
voltage” within the products enclosure, and
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock
WHAT’S THE MEANING OF THIS?
The exclamation point triangular symbol is
intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the user manual
accompanying this amplifier!
1. Read Instructions – All the safety and
operating instructions should be read before
this product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and
operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the
amplifier and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use
instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture – The amplifier should
not be used near water – for example, a
bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub,
wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and
the like.
6. Heat – Amplifier should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other amplifier (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
7. Power Sources – This product should be
operated only from the type of power source
indicated on the rating label.
If you are not sure of the type of power supply
to your home, consult your product dealer or
local power company.
8. Grounding or Polarization
– This product may be equipped with a
polarized alternation-current line plug (a plug
having one blade wider than the other). This
plug will fit into the power outlet only one
way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable
to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try
reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail
to fit, contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.
9. Power-Cord Protection
– Power-supply cords should be routed so
that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to the cord
in correspondence of plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the amplifier.
10. Cleaning – The amplifier should be
cleaned only as recommended by the
manufacturer. Clean by wiping with a cloth
slightly damp with water. Avoid getting water
inside the amplifier.
11. Non-use Periods – The power cord of the
amplifier should be unplugged from the outlet
when left unused for a long period of time.
12. Object and Liquid Entry
– Care should be taken so that objects do not
fall and liquids are not spilled into the
enclosure through openings.
13. Damage Requiring Service

– The amplifier should be serviced by qualified
service personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has
been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been
spilled into the amplifier; or
C. The amplifier has been exposed to rain; or
D. The amplifier does not appear to operate
normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance; or
E. The amplifier has been dropped, or the
enclosure damaged.
F. The amplifier needs tube replacement or
biasing
14. Servicing – The user should not attempt
any service to the amplifier beyond that
described in the operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.
15. Ventilation – Slots and openings in the
cabinet are provided for ventilation and to
ensure reliable operation of the product and
to protect it from overheating, and these
openings must not be blocked or covered.
16. Attachments – do not use attachments
not recommended by the product
manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
17. Accessories – Do not place this product on
an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table. The product may fall, causing serious
injury to a child or adult, and serious damage
to the product. Use only with a cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the
manufacturer, or sold with the product.
18. Lightning – For added protection for this
product before a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods
of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This
will prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power line surges.
19. Replacement Parts – When replacement
parts are required, be sure the service
technician has used replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer or have the
same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock, or other hazards.
20. Safety Check – Upon completion of any
service or repairs to this product, ask the
service technician to perform safety checks to
determine that the product is in proper
operating condition.
21. FUSES – Always use the correct rating and
type of fuse as indicated on the rear panel.
Note the proper rating fuse is determined by
the AC line voltage in the country this unit is
being operated.
CAUTIO

STANDBY SWITCH: This will put your amp into PLAY mode.
POWER INDICATOR LAMP: This is a gentle reminder that your amp is powered up.
THUMP CONTROL: Adjusts the low-end response in the power section. This is global on all channels.
Start at about 4-5 and adjust to taste.
RESPONSE CONTROL: Adjusts the overall negative feedback of the power section. This is global on all
channels. Up is brighter and punchier, down is darker, smooth and softer. Start at about 2-3 and adjust
to taste.
PRESENCE CONTROL: Adjusts the upper mids and highs in the power amp section. This is global on all
channels. Start at about 4-5 and adjust to taste.
Note: THIS POT WILL BE SCRATCHY—THIS IS NORMAL
MASTER CONTROL 2: This HBE VOLUME.
MASTER CONTROL 1: This is the BE VOLUME.
TREBLE CONTROL: This adds or takes away treble. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
MIDDLE CONTROL: Adds or takes away midrange. Start at 4 or 5, lower settings will scoop the mids,
higher levels will allow your audience to actually hear the guitar in the mix.
BASS CONTROL: This adds or takes away bass or bottom end. As the amp gets louder you may want to
back this off a bit. Start at 7-10 for bedroom volumes.
GAIN CONTROL 2: This adds gain/distortion for the HBE channel. Adjust to taste. Don’t be afraid
GAIN CONTROL 1: This adds gain/distortion for the BE channel. Adjust to taste. Don’t be afraid.
CLEAN VOLUME: Adjusts the clean channel’s volume.
TREBLE CONTROL: Adjusts the treble on the clean channel. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
MIDDLE CONTROL: Adds or takes away midrange. Start at 5 or 6 and adjust to taste.
BASS CONTROL: Adjusts the bass on the clean channel. Start at 5 and adjust to taste.
VOICE SWITCH: This tailors the top end response of the amplifier. 3-way switch, center is brightest.
FAT SWITCH: Like it says, makes the BE100 sound fatter. Great for single coil pickup.
CHANNEL SELECTOR SWITCH: Switches between Clean, BE and HBE channels when Footswitch is not
connected.
BRIGHT SWITCH: 3 position switch that varies the overall brightness of the Clean Channel ONLY.
INPUT: Just like it says. This is the BE100’s Guitar Input Jack.

GAIN STRUCTURE: Gain structure switch provides three choices of overall gain of the BE-100.
SAT SWITCH: Primarily designed to add gain, compression and saturation. This is a heavier tone. It is
normal for the volume level to drop with this switch engaged. Compensate with the amp’s Master
volumes.
FOOTSWITCH JACK: This is where you plug in the footswitch.
EFFECTS LOOP SWITCH: This engages the series FX LOOP.
SEND JACK: This is where you plug the INPUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded guitar cable.
RETURN JACK: This is where you plug the OUT of your Effect(s). Use a high quality shielded guitar cable.
RETURN LEVEL: When the FX LOOP is engaged, this controls the overall volume of your amp. Set at 8 to
start.
SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug speaker cabinets here. Set Impedance selector to appropriate position.
POWER: This switches between 50 and 25 watts.
MAINS INPUT: Plug the supplied IEC power cord here and into a 115v wall outlet to power the beast.
MAIN FUSE: This fuse is in the compartment found below the AC receptacle. Replace only with type
indicated on rear panel. This is also most likely the result of a bad tube. Constant blowing of this fuse
(even when using new tubes) is an indication that something could be seriously wrong with your amp.
STOP and call us so we may help you diagnose.
POWER SWITCH: Turn this ON for about one minute before taking the amp out of Standby for maximum
tube life. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS A SPEAKER LOAD CONNECTED TO YOUR AMP BEFORE TURNING
On.
HT FUSE: Only replace with Type indicated on rear panel. If this blows, it’s most likely a bad power tube.

FRIEDMAN LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Thank you for choosing Friedman. Friedman
manufactures some of the world’s most reliable
hand-wired, all-tube amplifiers and speaker
cabinets. Friedman takes great pride in an
extremely thorough testing procedure, which is
implemented on each product prior to shipment.
In the unlikely event that you have a problem
with your amplifier, please refer to warranty
below. Friedman stands behind our products like
no other and we’re here to help you!
AMPLIFIERS: Friedman offers a limited lifetime
warranty to the original purchaser that a Friedman
amplifier will be free from defects in material and
workmanship. A dated sales receipt will establish
coverage under this warranty, PLEASE KEEP YOUR
PROOF OF PURCHASE TO USE YOUR WARRANTY.
This warranty does not cover service or parts to
repair damage caused by accident, neglect, abuse,
normal wear, disaster, misuse, abuse, over-
powering, negligence, inadequate packing or
shipping procedures and service, repair or any
modifications to the product which have not been
authorized or approved by Friedman in writing.
ANY MODIFICATION TO THE AMPLIFIER WILL
VOID YOUR WARRANTY. If this product is
defective in materials or workmanship as
warranted above, your sole remedy shall be repair
or replacement by Friedman as provided below.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt to repair, modify or
service your amplifier by yourself!!! Please read
the instruction manual for all safety notifications,
warnings and instructions. Friedman, like all tube
amplifiers, has extremely high voltages that can
cause serious injury or death. Do not remove the
chassis from the amplifier. All repair and service
work must be performed by Friedman or an
authorized service center of Friedman. ANY
UNAUTHORIZED REPAIRS WILL VOID YOUR
WARRANTY.
TUBES: Friedman warrants the original purchaser.
that the specific tubes used in Friedman will be
free from defects in material and workmanship for
a period of 90 days from the original date of
purchase. A dated sales receipt will establish
coverage under this warranty. This tube warranty
will automatically terminate 90 days after the
original retail sales date. This tube warranty is in
lieu of all other expressed warranties. If tubes fail
within the 90-day warranty period your sole
remedy shall be replacement of tubes as provided
below.
RETURN PROCEDURES: In the unlikely event that a
defect occurs please email us at
[email protected]. In most cases we can
help you diagnose the problem. If a product must
be sent to us, please follow the procedure
outlined below.
•Defective products must be shipped,
together with proof of purchase, freight
pre-paid and insured to the Authorized
Friedman Service Center or directly to
Friedman.
•If a product must be returned to Friedman
for warranty replacement/repair, a Return
Authorization Number must be obtained
from our Customer Service Department
prior to shipping the product.
•Please contact Friedman Customer Service
Department for the Authorized Friedman
Service Center nearest you.
•Products must be shipped in their original
packaging or its equivalent; in any case,
the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be
borne by the purchaser.
•The Return Authorization Number must
appear in large print directly below the
shipping address.
•Always include a brief description of the
defect, along with your correct return
address and telephone number.
•When calling to inquire about a returned
product, always refer to the Return
Authorization Number.

If Friedman determines that the unit was
defective in materials or workmanship at any time
during the warranty period, Friedman has the
option of repairing or replacing the product at no
additional charge, except as set forth below.
•All replaced parts become a property of
Friedman. Products replaced or repaired
under this warranty will be returned via
ground shipping within the United States
or Canada - freight prepaid.
•Friedman is not responsible for costs
associated with expedited shipping, either
to Friedman or the return of the product to
the customer.
All warranty repairs outside the United States and
Canada must be directed to the dealer or
distributor from which you purchased the
product.
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE: In no
event will Friedman be liable for any incidental or
consequential damages arising out of the use or
inability to use of any Friedman product, even if a
Friedman dealer has been advised of the
possibility of such damages, or any other claim by
any other party. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of consequential damages,
so the above limitation and exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights and you may also have other rights, which
may vary from state to state.
FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Please complete and
send in the completed warranty registration card
to: Friedman Amplification, care of Boutique
Amps Distribution, 3383 Gage Ave., Huntington
Park, CA 90255. Please send within (10) ten days
of the date of purchase so that we may contact
you directly in the event a safety notification
issued in accordance with the 1972 Consumer
Product Safety Act.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Our dedicated and friendly
staff is ready to help you with any warranty or
product questions you may have. Please email us
at [e-mail].
Thank you again for choosing Friedman and we
look forward to a long relationship!
www.FriedmanAmplification.com