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.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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 Ryan Primack uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Ryan Primack

Guitarist

Poison the Well

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Ryan Primack uses a Bad Cat Lynx 50 amplifier as part of his setup, running it alongside a PRS Archon to cover both 6L6 and EL34 tonalities. According to a Premier Guitar rig rundown by Perry Bean, the Lynx feeds into a Friedman 4x12 cabinet that has been rebadged with the nickname "Donkey."

See how Steve Pedulla uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Steve Pedulla

Guitarist

Thursday

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Pedulla recently got hooked on the Bad Cat Lynx—a 50- watt, 2-channel head driven by EL34s—which he routes through a Bogner 4x12 cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s

See how Jeremy Popoff uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Jeremy Popoff

Guitarist

Lit

...
Verified via Badcatamps

Jeremy uses a Bad Cat Lynx 50 when he is playing for Lit according to the Bad Cat Amps website page for Lit, the Lynx Amp is seen to the right of Kevins other Bad Cat Amps on the artist page.

See how Lucia de la Garza uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Lucia de la Garza

Singer, Guitarist

The Linda Lindas

...
Verified via Getty Images

Lucia de la Garza is using Bad Cat Lynx Head Amplifier in the GettyImages photo. She is performing at the The 33rd Annual KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 2024 at The Kia Forum on December 14, 2024 in Inglewood, California. The Lynx Amp is used with a Bad Cat 4x12 speaker cab. The Linda Lindas are listed on the Bad Cat Amps artist roster here: https://badcatamps.com/linda-lindas/ where it confirms that they use the Lynx Amp and 412 speaker cab.

See how Bela Salazar uses Bad Cat Lynx 50

Bela Salazar

Singer, Guitarist

The Linda Lindas

...
Verified via Getty Images

Bela Salazar is using Bad Cat Lynx Head Amplifier in the Getty Images photo. The Linda Lindas were opening for the Rolling Stones at SoFi Stadium on July 13, 2024 in Inglewood, California. The Lynx Amp is used with a Bad Cat 4x12 speaker cab. The Linda Lindas are listed on the Bad Cat Amps artist roster here: https://badcatamps.com/linda-lindas/ where it confirms that they use the Lynx Amp and 412 speaker cab.

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.

More Bad Cat Guitar Amplifier Heads

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    hugo4711
    hugo4711

    Gear IQ 747