Pricing and availability
Average Price: $359
Standard/Professional
$300
$701+
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Description
Step into the world of classic rock tones with the Crate Vintage Club 50, a staple in the realm of combo guitar amplifiers. Designed for guitarists who crave that timeless tube-driven sound, this amplifier is a harmonious blend of vintage feel and modern functionality. With a power output of 50 watts, it delivers ample volume for both small gigs and studio sessions, ensuring your sound is heard loud and clear.
Equipped with three 12AX7 preamp tubes and two EL84 power tubes, the Crate Vintage Club 50 offers a rich, dynamic sound palette. Its dual-channel design provides versatility, allowing you to switch between clean and overdriven tones seamlessly. Whether you're dialing in shimmering cleans or gritty overdrive, this amp handles it all with ease. The built-in reverb adds an extra layer of depth to your playing, making it perfect for those who appreciate a touch of ambiance.
The Celestion 12-inch speaker housed within the robust enclosure ensures that every note is projected with clarity and warmth. Its intuitive control panel offers a range of tone-shaping options, from a responsive 3-band EQ to a master volume control, giving you the power to craft your signature sound effortlessly.
Key Features:
- 50-watt power output
- Three 12AX7 preamp tubes and two EL84 power tubes
- Dual-channel design for clean and overdrive tones
- Built-in reverb for added depth
- Celestion 12-inch speaker for clear, warm sound
- Responsive 3-band EQ and master volume control
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
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Crate Vintage Club 50?
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The Crate Vintage Club 50 is known for its warm, vintage tube tone with a pronounced midrange. It offers a classic rock sound with ample clean headroom and rich overdrive, making it versatile for various genres.
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Is the Crate Vintage Club 50 loud enough for live performances?
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Yes, with its 50-watt output and 1x12" speaker configuration, the Crate Vintage Club 50 is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, providing sufficient volume to cut through a band mix.
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Does the Crate Vintage Club 50 work well with guitar pedals?
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The Crate Vintage Club 50 takes pedals well, particularly overdrive and modulation effects, thanks to its tube-driven circuitry and simple signal path.
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What type of reverb does the Crate Vintage Club 50 feature?
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The Crate Vintage Club 50 is equipped with a spring reverb, providing a classic, natural reverb sound that complements its vintage tonal characteristics.
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How does the channel configuration of the Crate Vintage Club 50 enhance its versatility?
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The Crate Vintage Club 50 features two channels, allowing guitarists to switch between clean and overdriven tones, making it suitable for a range of playing styles and genres.
Videos
Johan Segeborn
This WILL change your mind on CRATE Amps!!
This WILL change your mind on CRATE Amps!!
Johan Segeborn
Crate vintage club 50!This is the 3 x 10 speaker configuration. Great amps.
6String Lounge
Crate Vintage Club 50 All-Tube Combo Amp
Brook Hoover
Crate Vintage Club 50 2 12 Combo
Brook Hoover
Crate Vintage Club 50 Demo
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Crate Vintage Club 50 Combo Service and Demo
Vintage Guitar Amp Repairs & Online Guitar Teacher
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crate Vintage Club 50.
Features and functionality
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The amp's 50W circuit provides a clean sound but breaks up quickly at high volumes, making it suitable for medium output humbuckers and high output single coils.
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Known for its distinct mojo, this amp can produce cranked Marshall-like tones, especially with reduced high end via EQ pedal.
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User experience
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Despite some negative experiences, owners who invest time and money into repairs find the amp rewarding when fully operational, making it worth the effort.
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Some owners have customized their VC50 by swapping V1 for a 12AT7 tube to achieve more usable clean range in the volume control on channel A.
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The 3x10 model is notably heavy, even more so than a Twin Reverb, which may be a consideration for gigging musicians.
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The amp's sentimental value is noted by many, with some experiencing a desire to keep it despite owning higher-end gear.
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Setup and maintenance
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The bias resistor in these amps may drift, requiring replacement for proper function and reliability in cathode-biased setups.
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V3 position issues may stem from a cathode follower section exceeding heater-cathode voltage; requires professional inspection for potential coupling capacitor failures.
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Common issue with sound cutting out often traced back to cold solder joints or oxidized jacks, misdiagnosed as a transformer problem.
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Build quality
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The tube sockets are mounted on the PCB, complicating repairs and making them more challenging for DIY enthusiasts.
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Some owners report issues with the effects jack oxidizing, leading to sound cutting out, easily remedied with contact cleaner.
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Designed by Obeid Khan, but cheaper components were used to meet price points, affecting long-term reliability.
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Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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The Crate Vintage Club 50 is frequently compared to the AC30 for its tonal qualities, offering a unique mix between the Blues Deville and AC30.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In the FAQ section of Jeff Buckley's official website, his manager states Buckley and his band used a Crate Vintage Club 50.
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 Crate Vintage Club 50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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