Crate VC-50

$361.66 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (2)

1 Review

0 wishlisted

3 saved

Page last updated Jun 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 4, 2026.

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Price

$361.66 1 available Used

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Average Price: $362

Standard/Professional

$300

$701+

Price Tier

In the Combo Guitar Amplifiers category, Crate VC-50 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Crate VC-50 Combo Guitar Amplifier is a powerful and versatile option for musicians who demand both reliability and rich sound from their gear. This amplifier is renowned for its dual-channel tube circuitry, providing warm, full-bodied tones that can handle anything from blues to rock. With a robust 50-watt output, it is ideal for both studio sessions and live performances. The VC-50 is equipped with a custom-designed speaker that ensures clarity and presence across a wide frequency range, making your guitar's voice heard with precision.

This combo amp offers an intuitive control layout, allowing you to easily dial in the perfect sound. The built-in reverb adds depth and space, while the footswitchable channels provide seamless transitions between clean and overdrive tones. The VC-50's rugged construction promises durability, ensuring it stands up to the rigors of regular use. With its thoughtful features and classic tube sound, the Crate VC-50 is a solid choice for guitarists looking to elevate their playing experience.

Key Features:

Dual-channel tube circuitry for versatile sound options
50-watt output for powerful performance
Custom-designed speaker for clear, rich tones
Intuitive control layout for easy sound customization
Built-in reverb for added depth
Footswitchable channels for seamless tone transitions
Durable construction for long-lasting reliability

Product specs

Brand	Crate
Model	Vintage Club 50 Model VC5112B 50-Watt 1x12" Tube Guitar Combo
Finish	Black
Year	1990s
Categories	Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects	Built-In Effects
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Tube
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	50
Power Tube Type	EL84
Reverb	Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration	1x12"

FAQs

What type of music is the Crate VC-50 best suited for?: The Crate VC-50, with its EL84 power tubes and spring reverb, is well-suited for genres that benefit from warm, vintage tones such as blues, classic rock, and jazz.
Does the Crate VC-50 have built-in effects?: Yes, the Crate VC-50 includes built-in effects, which enhance its versatility for various playing styles and soundscapes.
Is the Crate VC-50 loud enough for live performances?: With 50 watts of tube power, the Crate VC-50 is powerful enough for small to medium-sized venues, making it suitable for live performances with a full band.
How many channels does the Crate VC-50 have?: The Crate VC-50 features two channels, allowing for a range of tones from clean to overdriven, ideal for dynamic playing.
What kind of speaker configuration does the Crate VC-50 have?: The Crate VC-50 is equipped with a 1x12" speaker configuration, providing a balanced sound suitable for various music styles.
Does the Crate VC-50 take pedals well?: Yes, the Crate VC-50 is known for handling pedals effectively, making it a great choice for guitarists who rely on external effects for their sound.

Videos

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Johan Segeborn

This WILL change your mind on CRATE Amps!!

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crate VC-50.

Comparisons

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Described as having an AC30-like sound, the VC-50 is favored for its tone by those who have also owned V30s or other Crate models.
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Owners link the VC-50's tone to the Melvins' sound, suggesting its versatility for replicating styles beyond just Nirvana.
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Some users find the VC-50 heavier than a Fender Twin Reverb, affecting portability despite its appealing price point.
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Some compare the Crate VC-50's tone favorably to the more popular Peavey amps, noting its capability for cranked Marshall-esque tones.
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Use cases and applications

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The VC-50 is mentioned as a potential platform for pedal use, similar to setups used by Kurt Cobain in the studio.
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Some users find the amp's tone satisfying even at lower volumes, challenging the notion that tube amps must be played loudly to sound good.
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Considered an excellent first tube amp for gigging, providing ample volume without a high cost.
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User experience

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Neighbors reportedly enjoy the sound of the VC-50, indicating its pleasant tonal qualities even in shared living spaces.
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Owners praise the amp's clean tones, particularly when paired with overdrive or boost pedals, ideal for blues and rock styles.
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The VC-50 has a fanbase, with dedicated Facebook groups discussing its use and mod potential.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's recommended to replace brittle solder joints and power capacitors, particularly in older units that run hot, to maintain reliability.
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Cutting out issues often traced to oxidized effects jacks, easily fixed with cleaning products like Peavey Funk Out.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners have modified their VC-50s by replacing V1 with a 12AT7 tube to gain more usable clean range in channel A.
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Users suggest using an EQ pedal to cut 400Hz and reduce high end for improved sound quality.
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Build quality

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Owners often replace input or effects jacks due to aging cheap Chinese components, highlighting a common maintenance issue.
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Value and pricing

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The VC-50 is frequently found under $400, with some users reporting thrift store finds as low as $150, making it a budget-friendly option.
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Features and functionality

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The VC-50 is designed by Obeid Khan, known for crafting amps with a mid-range sound between a Marshall and a Fender.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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gregwarro

almost 9 years ago

Crate that sounds great!

With 4 12ax7's and 4 el84's this thing is nice and loud. Not so great as a practice amp. I picked it up off of craigslist and while it shows some wear it still sounds like a champ. I had to move it out to the shop because my wife would no longer let me play it in the house.

True Spring reverb great sound. Can't go wrong. Eventually I would like to try some other speakers in it but for now it sounds good so I am not too worried about it.