I agree, the Friedman is suited for more laid back stuff. I just find it somewhat interesting when used to play hard rock or metal (thrash, NWOBHM). It just doesn’t have the tightness, clarity and bite that the 2203 has.lol yeah don't know what it is, although might be right on with your dark and smooth quality along with a decent delay, if I'm playing to jam tracks I'll just roll through scenes till I find the right model for my mood and let it rip.
Also, I for hard rock I will always take that Cinderella Marshall tone over any Friedman, huge and juicy. And hey, even Reb Beach agrees