The Jose-100 is Friedman's tribute to Jose Arredondo (1923 to 1994), whose modifications to classic British amps Friedman credits with starting the high-gain era. Dave Friedman developed it with Arredondo's daughter, Marisol Arredondo, as a new Friedman design built around the "Jose mod". It is a 100-watt head with four EL34s and four 12AX7s.
The input stage is internally jumped, with separate volumes for Channel 1 (Lead spec) and Channel 2 (Normal spec) feeding one Gain control and a Bass, Middle and Treble EQ. A three-way Gain Style switch moves between three Jose-style gain structures, and Plexi and Fat switches sit alongside it. There are two styles of master volume (M.V.C.) and two switchable global Presence controls, which Friedman uses to move the amp between vintage and modern voices. A bypassable effects loop brings modern pedals and processors into the chain.
The Jose-20 Head on this run is the same idea at 20 watts on two EL84s, in a 22.5 lb box. The Jose-100 has the full 100-watt EL34 power section, at 29 inches wide and 47 lbs. Next to the BE-100 Deluxe, which runs the same power tubes across three switchable channels, the Jose-100 is built around one jumpered input and its Gain Style switch.
SPECIFICATIONS
AMPLIFIER
Country of Origin: United States
Type: 100-Watt All-Tube Head
Design: Inspired by the amplifier mods of Jose Arredondo
Transformers: Custom, USA-Made Transformers
TUBES
Power Tubes: 4 X EL34
Preamp Tubes: 4 X 12AX7
CONTROLS
Gain: Gain control
Channel 1: Volume (Lead spec channel)
Channel 2: Volume (Normal spec channel)
Channel Jumpering: Internal
Master Volume: 2 styles of M.V.C. controls
Switches: Plexi, Fat and Gain style switches
EQ: Bass, Middle, Treble
Presence: 2 different switchable Global Presence controls
CONNECTIONS
Effects Loop: Bypassable transparent Effects Loop
Speaker Outputs: 4, 8, And 16-Ohm Impedance Jacks
DIMENSIONS
Dimensions: 29” x 8.5” x 11.5”
Weight: 47 lbs.
