Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,078

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Bad Cat Lynx 50". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Designed to cater to the needs of modern high-gain guitarists, the Bad Cat Lynx 50 is a powerhouse of tone and versatility. With its dual-channel design, this 50-watt tube guitar amp head seamlessly transitions from the gritty, crunchy cleans of Channel 1 to the massive, ultra-modern high-gain voice of Channel 2. Whether you're diving into '80s thrash or exploring new sonic territories, the Lynx offers a robust and articulate sound with tight, punchy low frequencies and high frequencies that cut through without harshness.

The Lynx is not just about raw power; it also provides precision and control. With independent gain and volume controls per channel, you can dial in your perfect sound easily. The amp's unique Lo/Hi gain switch, coupled with a patent-pending noise gate, ensures a clean, noise-free experience, allowing your playing to shine through with stunning clarity and articulation. The buffered active effects loop is perfect for integrating your favorite pedals without losing tonal integrity.

Designed and built in Costa Mesa, California, the Lynx is constructed with custom hand-wound Bad Cat transformers, ensuring durability and exceptional sound quality. With multiple speaker output options and a line out, this amp head is ready to adapt to your setup, whether on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt tube amp head with dual channels
  • Independent gain and volume per channel
  • Shared bass, mid, treble controls
  • Lo/Hi gain switch with two-button footswitch
  • Built-in adjustable noise gate and buffered FX loop
  • Custom hand-wound Bad Cat transformers
  • Speaker outputs: 4, 8, 16, 2x4, 2x8 ohms
  • Made in the USA with a 3-year manufacturer’s limited warranty

Product specs

Available since August 2024
Powerrate in W 50 W
Power Amplifier Tubes EL34
Channels 2
Reverb No
Footswitch Yes

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Bad Cat Lynx 50 use?

The Bad Cat Lynx 50 is equipped with EL34 power amplifier tubes, known for delivering a classic British tone with strong mids and a tight low end.

How many channels does the Bad Cat Lynx 50 have?

The Bad Cat Lynx 50 features two channels, allowing for versatile sound options from clean to overdriven tones.

Is the Bad Cat Lynx 50 suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 50-watt power rating, the Bad Cat Lynx 50 is capable of delivering enough volume for live performances, even in larger venues.

Does the Bad Cat Lynx 50 come with a reverb feature?

No, the Bad Cat Lynx 50 does not include a reverb feature, focusing instead on delivering pure tube tone.

Can I use a footswitch with the Bad Cat Lynx 50?

Yes, the Bad Cat Lynx 50 is compatible with a footswitch, which allows for easy channel switching during performances.

Incognito Guitars

Incognito Guitars

Bad Cat Lynx 50w Head - Demonstration and play-through

Video thumbnail for Bad Cat Lynx 50w Head - Demonstration and play-through by Incognito Guitars

Bad Cat Lynx 50w Head - Demonstration and play-through

Incognito Guitars

Incognito Guitars

Video thumbnail for BadCat Lynx 50 Part 2: Results & Sound Samples by Brad's Guitar Garage

BadCat Lynx 50 Part 2: Results & Sound Samples

Brad's Guitar Garage

Brad's Guitar Garage

Video thumbnail for Bad Cat Lynx 50 | Playthrough by Jason Shredz

Bad Cat Lynx 50 | Playthrough

Jason Shredz

Jason Shredz

Video thumbnail for Bad Cat Lynx 50W High Gain EL34 Tube Guitar Amp Head Thru Matching 2x12 Extension Cab by GuitarsToBePlayed

Bad Cat Lynx 50W High Gain EL34 Tube Guitar Amp Head Thru Matching 2x12 Extension Cab

GuitarsToBePlayed

GuitarsToBePlayed

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bad Cat Lynx 50.

Features and functionality

  • The amp's 7 gain stages are noted for creating exceptionally smooth saturation and clarity, even at low volumes.

    Source
  • The Lynx 50's noise gate is effective but requires higher settings, which can affect sustain on clean and low-gain tones, prompting some users to prefer external noise gates.

    Source
  • The blue light switch toggles between Ch1 and Ch2, while the purple light switch toggles between regular and high gain modes, both affecting noise levels.

    Source
  • Even without a guitar plugged in, the amp's channels can produce noise, which may indicate internal issues beyond user setup.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Fryette amps, the Lynx is more saturated but lacks the brute force of Fryette's power section, making it better suited for studio use.

    Source
  • Some users prefer EVH 5150, Diezel, and Revv amps for high-gain metal tones over the Lynx, noting better metal-focused performance at a lower price.

    Source
  • Owners compare the Lynx 50's features favorably to the SLO30, appreciating the built-in noise gate as a significant advantage despite shared control similarities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Lynx is praised for its versatility across genres, excelling in shoegaze, downtuned doom, and '90s metalcore with its clear high-gain tones.

    Source
  • The 2x12 cab, although larger than typical, is praised for its room-filling sound and portability, making it a preferred choice for gigging over a 4x12 cab.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the amp is incredibly inspiring for mathy, dissonant riffs, with a strong pedal compatibility enhancing its utility.

    Source
  • After several months, owners remain impressed with the Lynx 50 for recording, highlighting its superior sound quality despite initial noise gate concerns.

    Source
  • One owner experienced volume cuts and overheating within two months, suggesting potential long-term reliability concerns.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its price, it's considered a worthwhile investment when compared to high-end brands like Boogie, Soldano, and Matchless.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • High gain mode significantly increases noise; setting the noise gate knob to at least 10 o'clock is recommended to manage this.

    Source
  • Owners report that the amp may overheat, leading to volume loss; addressing grounding issues may help mitigate this problem.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
daniel_souvigny

Amazing high gain head, with a sparkly clean channel.

The high gain channel is capable of nearly anything, and the clean channel is classic Matchless tone.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billie Joe Armstrong uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

...
Verified via Photo

Billie Joe Armstrong frequently used the Bad Cat Lynx 50 amp head during Foxboro Hot Tubs shows. It is also likely that he employed this amplifier while recording "American Idiot," "21st Century Breakdown," and the "Uno, Dos, Tré!" trilogy. This information is supported by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Tosin Abasi uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Tosin Abasi

Guitarist

Animals as Leaders

...
Verified via Bad Cat Amps

According to an article on Bad Cat Amps' official website, guitarist Tosin Abasi used the Bad Cat Lynx 50 during the 2023 Dream Sonic tour.

See how Steven Wilson uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Steven Wilson

Singer, Guitarist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via YouTube

In this rig rundown, Wilson shows his Bad Cat Lynx 50 head. Around 20:40 he says of it, "What I like about the Bad Cat and what I use the most is the fact that the two channels, the clean channel and the dirty channel are simultaneously active."

See how Ola Englund uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

The amp can be seen on this video.

See how Keith Urban uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Keith Urban

Guitarist, Bassist

Artists of Then, Now & Forever

...
Verified via Photo

Keith Urban is list as a Bad Cat artist for using the Lynx 50.

See how Johnny Bond uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Johnny Bond

Guitarist

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via Photo

parableofarableI feel a wee shout out to @badcatamps is in order, I must say I'm digging these heads, fanx u guyzzz.

See how John Dyer Baizley uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

John Dyer Baizley

Singer, Guitarist

Baroness

...
Verified via YouTube

At 2:43 Baizley mentions he uses a 50W Bad Cat head

See how Ryan "Fluff" Bruce uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Ryan "Fluff" Bruce

Guitarist, Music Producer

Dragged Under

...
Verified via Photo

In this post fluff shows off his bad cat lynx amps

See how Chad Sterenberg uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Chad Sterenberg

Guitarist

La Dispute

...
Verified via YouTube

Sterenberg discusses his amps at 11:40 in the video. He says "And on the amp, for the most part, I just have the volume knob. I have volume, and presence." Sterenberg also says that in terms of amps, what he has is "nothing really special" and that he believes you can get that kind of sound out of most amps.

See how Chris Daughtry uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Chris Daughtry

Singer, Guitarist

Daughtry

...
Verified via Badcatamps

Chris uses a Bad Cat Lynx 50 according to the Bad Cat websites artist page for Daughtry.

See how Matt Thiessen uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Matt Thiessen

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Relient K

...
See how Thomas Wisniewski uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Thomas Wisniewski

Guitarist

MxPx

...
Verified via Photo

"weapon of choice this weekend at El Corazon"

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 Bad Cat Lynx 50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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