Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (10)
$3,999.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (5)
$3,999.99
Amazon
$3,999.99
Reverb
4.0 (21)
$2,099.00 11 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (3)
$3,999.99
zZounds
$3,999.99
Thomann
5.0 (4)
$4,599.00 $4,555.00 $44.00 · All time low

Average Price: $3,808

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your musical prowess with the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head, an all-tube marvel that embodies the quintessence of British-style amplifiers. This hand-wired beast is capable of delivering a robust low-end, a striking punch, and can handle the most demanding pedalboards with grace. Its distinct features and superior sound quality make it an essential addition to any guitarist's gear collection.

Key Features:

  • Power Section: Employs an EL34 power section and 12AX7 preamp for a potent and dynamic sound output.
  • Controls: Comes with master volume/gain, a three-band EQ, presence, and a three-way bright toggle on the Clean channel for versatile sound sculpting.
  • Channel Design: Features a three-channel design with SAT, FAT, C45, and Voice switches for a wide range of tonal possibilities.
  • Additional Features: Equipped with a line out with level control, an onboard effects loop, and supports 4/8/16 ohm operation modes.

Product specs

Brand Friedman
Model BE-100 Brown Eye 2-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black, Ivory
Year 2009 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects No Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What tonal characteristics can I expect from the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head?

The Friedman Brown Eye is renowned for its high-gain, British-inspired tones, reminiscent of classic rock and 1980s metal. It delivers a powerful, punchy sound with rich harmonics and excellent note definition, making it ideal for players seeking a versatile amp with a classic rock edge.

Does the Friedman BE-100 amp head handle pedals well?

Yes, the Friedman BE-100 is known for its excellent pedal compatibility. Its transparent effects loop and dynamic response make it a great platform for integrating overdrive, modulation, and time-based effects into your setup.

Is the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head suitable for gigging?

Absolutely, the Friedman BE-100 is designed for live performance with its 100-watt power output providing plenty of headroom for large venues. Its robust construction and versatile tone controls make it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.

What kind of power tubes does the Friedman BE-100 use?

The Friedman BE-100 uses EL34 power tubes, which contribute to its distinctive British-style tone, offering a blend of warmth and aggression suited for rock and metal genres.

Can the Friedman BE-100 be used for both clean and high-gain tones?

Yes, the Friedman BE-100 features two channels that allow for both sparkling clean tones and saturated high-gain sounds. Its flexible EQ and gain controls enable players to dial in a wide range of tonal options.

Mark Day Guitar

Mark Day Guitar

Friedman BE-100 with Phil X

Video thumbnail for Friedman BE-100 with Phil X by Mark Day Guitar

Friedman BE-100 with Phil X

Mark Day Guitar

Mark Day Guitar

Video thumbnail for Friedman BE100 Tube Amp Demo by Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Friedman BE100 Tube Amp Demo by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for GAK DEMO : Friedman BE-100 Brown Eye 100W Head & 4X12 Cab by GAK

GAK DEMO : Friedman BE-100 Brown Eye 100W Head & 4X12 Cab

GAK

GAK

Reviews

PROS

  • Outperforms classic Marshall amps in versatility and tone

  • Two great sounding channels with a boost option for varied music styles

  • Removes the need for several pedals, enhancing board simplicity

  • Articulate sound quality, no "mush", even at high gain levels

  • Cleans up nicely with guitar volume, offering dynamic playability

  • Transparent effects loop doesn't color the sound

  • Preferred by experienced musicians for live and studio use

  • Can mimic tones from classic rock to modern metal effectively

CONS

  • Some units may have reliability issues

  • Tone might be too dark or "blanketed" for some preferences

  • Negative reviews question its quality compared to alternatives

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head.

Features and functionality

  • The newer BE-100 models include switches for altering voicings and clipping structures, offering greater control over tone nuances like brightness and fullness.

    Source
  • A 50-watt switch is highlighted as essential for managing the amp's high volume levels, making it adaptable to different settings.

    Source
  • The Friedman is noted for being more straightforward to dial in compared to Mesa amps, which often require extensive tweaking to achieve desired tones.

    Source

User experience

  • The voicing switches are particularly beneficial for those recording multiple layers or using a single guitar for diverse musical parts.

    Source
  • Owners note that the Friedman amps don't experience the volume jump issue found in Mesa's higher gain channels, providing a more consistent output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Friedman Brown Eye is described as a 'Marshall on steroids', providing highs and mids with a British sound, contrasting with Mesa's American-style, mid-scooped tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Brown Eye excels in delivering tones from classic rock to metal, suitable for players seeking a Van Halen or beyond sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While the Friedman is more expensive, its straightforward usability and British sound make it appealing for those preferring a less complicated setup.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Friedman Brown Eye BE100 Amplifier – MusicPlayers.com

musicplayers.com

Friedman's Brown Eye BE100 is a high-gain beast, delivering monster tones for rock and metal that leave players grinning. Its boutique, hand-wired build ensures top-notch quality, capturing the modded Marshall sound revered by legends like Eddie Van Halen. While the tone is glorious, some usability issues exist, such as inconvenient toggle placement and the effects loop's volume control quirkiness. Despite these niggles, the amp's dynamic range and tone versatility make it a standout choice for serious musicians. At $3,699, it's a pricey investment, but one that delivers a uniquely compelling soundscape.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
mark_chatfield

Fantastic !

Incredibly articulate....no "mush". Gain for days, if you need it. Cleans up with the guitar volume control. Transparent fx loop. All good....nothing bad.......

michaelguy

Best plexi build I have seen

The best plexi build I have seen. I prefer my blades firebolt but I take this on the road.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Skaff uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Kevin Skaff

Guitarist

A Day to Remember

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we can see Skaff's Friedman Brown Eye guitar amp head.

See how Dan Hawkins uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Dan Hawkins

Guitarist

The Darkness

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:44 minute mark, Hawkins revealed he uses the Friedman to experiment on a bit, but also to get some boost during the solos.

See how Leda uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Leda

Guitarist, Bassist

BABYMETAL

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:46 in this video, Leda was seen using a Friedman BE100 head during his time in Undivide for live shows.

See how Will Putney uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Will Putney

Guitarist, Music Producer

Fit for an Autopsy

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Will Putney showcases his guitar amp collection, which includes the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head, highlighting his preference for amps with more headroom.

See how Amir Derakh uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Amir Derakh

Guitarist

Orgy

...
Verified via Facebook

Amir Derakh: "Friedman Amplification BE-100 killing it!"

See how Akira Takasaki uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Akira Takasaki

Guitarist

LOUDNESS

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Friedman Amplification, Akira Takasaki of Loudness is featured using the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head.

See how TIm Christensen uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

TIm Christensen

Singer, Guitarist

Dizzy Mizz Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

Tim Christensen uses the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head on his newer albums. In the "Sørens Sunday Session: Tim Christensen Special Part 2" video by Soundmade on YouTube, it is mentioned that Marty heard modded Marshalls and created the Friedman.

See how Eric Steckel uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Eric Steckel

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Eric Steckel is shown using the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head in a user-uploaded photo on Facebook.

See how John Shanks uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

John Shanks

Guitarist, Composer

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via Photo

Shanks tours with Friedman's take on a 50-watt Marshall plexi

See how Richard Henshall uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Richard Henshall

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Haken

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Henshall states that he recorded the majority of his guitar parts for Haken's album, Virus, through Adam “Nolly” Getgood's Friedman BE-100.

See how Dave Weiner uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Dave Weiner

Guitarist

Vai

...
Verified via Photo

In this source Facebook picture Dave Weiner posted a photograph in which a Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Amp is in.

See how Bruce Bouillet uses Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head

Bruce Bouillet

Guitarist

Racer X

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by SLNXAY titled "Bruce Bouillet Racer X Medley," Bruce Bouillet is seen using the Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head while performing signature Racer X parts.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Friedman Brown Eye 100W Tube Guitar Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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