FRIEDMAN SS-100 V2 Steve Stevens Signature Model Amplifier Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- FRIEDMAN
Table of Contents
FRIEDMAN SS-100 V2 Steve Stevens Signature Model Amplifier Instruction
Manual
SS-100 V2
Congratulations on purchasing this incredible new guitar amplifier designed by one of the most wellknown amp modders and designers in the LA Music scene for the past 20 years, Dave Friedman.
Dave Friedman’s first signature amplifier, the SS- 100 was created in 2011 to the exacting tonal demands of guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Stevens. After nearly a decade together, Steve and Dave agreed it was time for an update.
Together, they re-voiced the dirty channels to be more percussive and more dynamic while retaining the high gain plexi-like tones the original was known for. The clean channel, known for high headroom and sparkling cleans, was un- touched (perfection doesn’t need alteration!).
The hand-crafted in the USA, SS-100v2, features a fully redesigned, blacked out Baltic Birch head shell, built to withstand the rigors of the road.
On the front panel you’ll find three channels: a clean with an independent tone stack, a dirty channel and boosted channel sharing a tone stack allowing you to dial in plethora of voicings. Channel switching and boosts are accessed via the front panel or the footswitch jack on the rear panel. That’s also where you will find the ultratransparent effects loop.
By far, the highlight of this amplifier is its sound. From the gorgeous shimmering cleans to the high gain monster tone that put Steve Stevens on the map, the Friedman SS-100v2 stands in an elite class all its own.
- 100-Watt all tube head
- Three channels
- Hand-wired in the USA
- 4 x EL-34 power tubes
- 5 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
- Master volume and gain controls per channel
- Shared EQ consisting of bass, middle, treble and fat switch (SS, SS+ channel)
- Clean channel featuring volume, treble, middle, bass and 3-way bright switch
- Global Thump, Presence and System Volume
- Ultra transparent series FX loop
- 16, 8, and 4 ohm Impedance selector switch
- Custom USA made transformers
- 2 button footswitch with LED’s included
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Dimensions: 8.75″ (D) x 29.25″ (W) x 12.25″ (H)
- Weight: 43 lbs.
PLUGGING IN
We recommend starting the amp with the Bass on 7-8, the mids at around 6 or 7
and the treble at 5. Set the gain around 8 and then bring the master 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.
While the SS100v2 was primarily designed as a high gain amp, the SS100v2 will surprise and impress you with all the different tones available. If you want a more classic rock sound from the 60s and 70s, lower the gain and bring up the master. For a more modern sound, set the gain from 7 to 10.
We know you will love your new Steve Stevens V2 Signature Amp. If you have any questions or need 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.
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Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before this product is operated.
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Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
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Heed Warnings – All warnings on the amplifier and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
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Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
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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.
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Heat – Amplifier should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other amplifier (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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Non-use Periods – The power cord of the amplifier should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
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Object and Liquid Entry
– Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings. -
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 -
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. -
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.
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Attachments – do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
FRONT PANEL
SYSTEM VOLUME CONTROL: This overall system VOLUME.
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.
PRESENCE CONTROL: This adds or takes away upper mids and highs.
Note: This pot will sound scratchy when adjusted – this is normal.
MASTER CONTROL 2: This is the SS+ VOLUME.
MASTER CONTROL 1: This is the SS 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 SS+ channel. Adjust to
taste. Don’t be afraid.
GAIN CONTROL 1: This adds gain/distortion for the SS channel. Adjust to
taste. Don’t be afraid.
BASS CONTROL: Adjusts the bass of the clean channel. Start at 5 and
adjust to taste.
MIDDLE CONTROL: Adjusts the midrange of the clean channel. Start at 5 and
adjust to taste.
TREBLE CONTROL: Adjusts the treble on the clean channel. Start at 5 and
adjust to taste.
CLEAN VOLUME: Adjusts the clean channel’s volume.
CHANNEL SELECTOR SWITCH: Switches between clean, SS, and SS+ 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.
REAR PANEL
DIRT FAT: Dirty Channel’s fat switch.
FOOTSWITCH JACK: This is where you plug in the footswitch.
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.
IMPEDANCE SELECTOR: Select between 16, 8 or 4 Ohm to match your speaker
set-up.
SPEAKER OUT JACKS (2): Plug speaker cabinets here. Set Impedance selector
to appropriate position.
STANDBY SWITCH: This will put your amp into PLAY mode.
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 fuse 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, have 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.
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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.
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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.
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Please contact Friedman Customer Service Department for the Authorized Friedman Service Center nearest you.
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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.
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The Return Authorization Number must appear in large print directly below the shipping address.
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Always include a brief description of the defect, along with your correct return address and telephone number.
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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.
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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, 5300 Harbor Street, Commerce, CA 90040. 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 [email protected].
Thank you again for choosing Friedman and we look forward to a long relationship!
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