Friedman

Dave Friedman is the man behind the signature tones of rock icons Eddie Van Halen, Steve Stevens and Jerry Cantrell. Dave has been building, modding and repairing amplifiers for many of the world’s biggest stars for the past 25 years. Friedman’s innovative designs and meticulous construction have made him legendary in the world of professional touring musicians while earning him a loyal clientele from all over the world. One of Friedman’s mainstays has been modifying amps to each player’s specific tonal palette, and to consult with other established amplifier companies to improve their own designs.

Dave Friedman’s extensive knowledge and pursuit of tonal superiority inspired him to develop his own series of production amplifiers under the name Friedman Amplification. In the past, having Friedman build or modify your amp required a certain level of notoriety, but now his sonic wizardry is available to everyday players.

Each Friedman amplifier is built in the U.S.A. to Dave’s exacting standards using hand selected components. After a rigorous burn in process, Dave inspects, tubes, plays and signs the chassis of every amplifier before shipping.

ROOTS IN DETROIT
David Friedman was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. On a recent trip home, the Friedman crew shot some footage, we’d like to share with you. Detroit is a city with a rich history, not exclusively, but especially, when it comes to music. So it’s no surprise that while growing up there David Friedman was inspired by Detroit’s heady music scene and it’s legacy. Detroit has been the seat for so many iconic musicians that represent a wealth of genres, from the soul and R&B artists that gave it the nickname Motown, to blues, punk, hip hop, pop, rock and it’s even been cited as the birthplace of (believe it or not) electronic dance music. In fact, it’s impossible to talk about American music history without prominently featuring Detroit. In recent decades Detroit has fallen into decay and disrepair. But the heart and soul of Detroit are it’s people, who are unwavering in the task of rebuilding it, and who are certain that it can return to the greatness for which it was once known. This video includes shots of downtown Detroit, including the community-based art installation the Heidelberg project and, Motor City Guitar in Waterford, MI, which is owned by Dave’s childhood best friend. Beyond the images of deteriorating and forgotten places, you can see the gleam of hope, nowhere does it shine brighter than in Detroit. After all it’s the place whose motto, written in 1805, is: “Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus”.