Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$2,149.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (11)
$2,149.99
Amazon
5.0 (4)
$1,934.99 Used
Reverb
5.0 (11)
$2,149.99 New
$951.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (37)
$2,149.99
zZounds
5.0 (15)
$2,149.99
Gear4Music
£1,499.00

Average Price: $1,948

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EVH 5150III 100W Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Product Description:

Meet the EVH 5150III 100W Head, an amplifier that's more than just an instrument - it's a force to be reckoned with. This three-channel tube guitar amp head, birthed from a close collaboration with the legendary Edward Van Halen, is a powerhouse of versatility and durability. It's a sonic canvas that offers a gamut of tonal possibilities, from the most crystalline cleans to thunderous crunches and face-melting overdrive.

The 5150III is not just about power; it's about control. Its three independent channels - a sparkling clean channel, a classic rock-inspired crunch channel, and a high-gain lead channel - offer a spectrum of sounds that cater to the most diverse musical styles. Dial in shimmering tones or bluesy crunch at the turn of a knob, and when it's time to let loose, switch to the lead channel for a high-gain onslaught that's second to none.

Built with a rugged steel chassis and premium components, the EVH 5150III is robust and road-ready. It's an all-tube design with 8x12AX7 preamp tubes and 4x6L6 power tubes, delivering 100 watts of pure, unadulterated power. The EVH 5150III isn’t just about sound; it's about longevity, reliability, and the promise of top-notch performance for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Professional all-tube amplifier with 100 watts of power
  • Three independent channels: clean, crunch, and lead
  • Presence and resonance controls for further sound shaping
  • Footswitchable boost on the lead channel
  • Features 8 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 4 x 6L6 power tubes
  • Durable steel chassis with EVH-approved ivory vinyl covering
  • Per-channel Gain, Low, Mid, High, Volume, and Presence controls
  • Includes a 4-button footswitch for easy channel switching and effects loop control
  • Effects loop for integrating external processors
  • Preamp Out jack for easy setup with other gear
  • Stage-ready aesthetics with a black control panel and textured vinyl wrap

Product specs

Type Tube
Number of Channels 3
Total Power 100W
Preamp Tubes 8 x 12AX7
Power Tubes 4 x 6L6
EQ 3-band with Presence
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 2 x 1/4" (speakers), 1 x 1/4" (preamp)
Effects Loop Yes
Footswitch I/O 1 x 7-pin DIN (channels/effects)
Footswitch Included Yes, 4-button footswitch
Bias Type Adjustable Fixed
Construction Material Birch Plywood with Black Textured Vinyl
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable
Height 10.25"
Width 29.75"
Depth 11.5"
Weight 55 lbs.

FAQs

What are the main tonal characteristics of the EVH 5150III 100W Head?

The EVH 5150III is known for its high-gain, aggressive tone, ideal for rock and metal. Its three channels offer a range from clean to crunch to full-on distortion, with a tight low end and clear highs.

Is the EVH 5150III 100W Head suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 100 watts of power and robust construction, the EVH 5150III is well-suited for live performances, providing ample volume and tonal versatility for various stage settings.

Does the EVH 5150III 100W Head include a footswitch?

Yes, the EVH 5150III comes with a 4-button footswitch, allowing you to easily switch between channels and activate effects during performances.

How does the effects loop on the EVH 5150III 100W Head work?

The EVH 5150III features a built-in effects loop, enabling you to connect external effects processors, which can be particularly useful for integrating time-based effects like delay and reverb into your signal chain.

What type of tubes does the EVH 5150III 100W Head use?

The EVH 5150III uses 8 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 4 x 6L6 power tubes, contributing to its distinctive high-gain sound and dynamic response.

Can the EVH 5150III 100W Head be used for home practice?

While primarily designed for live and studio use, the EVH 5150III can be used at home, but its 100W power may be excessive for small spaces. Consider using a power attenuator for more manageable volume levels in a home setting.

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Monsters of High Gain '13 - EVH 5150 III

Video thumbnail for Monsters of High Gain '13 - EVH 5150 III by Premier Guitar

Monsters of High Gain '13 - EVH 5150 III

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for EVH 5150 100W Demo by Rob Chapman

EVH 5150 100W Demo

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for How Loud Is A - EVH 5150 III 100w by Rob Chapman

How Loud Is A - EVH 5150 III 100w

Rob Chapman

Rob Chapman

Video thumbnail for EVH 5150 IIIS EL34 100-watt Tube Head Review by Sweetwater

EVH 5150 IIIS EL34 100-watt Tube Head Review

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for EVH 5150-III Amplifier and Cabinet Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

EVH 5150-III Amplifier and Cabinet Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for The Amp That Started The EVH Hype!! | EVH 5150III 100 Watt 6L6 by Kyle Bull

The Amp That Started The EVH Hype!! | EVH 5150III 100 Watt 6L6

Kyle Bull

Kyle Bull

Video thumbnail for EVH 5150 III Guitar Amplifier Head (100w) - EVH Eddie Van Halen 5150 III by American Musical Supply

EVH 5150 III Guitar Amplifier Head (100w) - EVH Eddie Van Halen 5150 III

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for New Gear Day Episode 2: EVH 5150 III 100w Head by Totally Rad Guitars

New Gear Day Episode 2: EVH 5150 III 100w Head

Totally Rad Guitars

Totally Rad Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Three discrete channels offer versatile sound options from clean to heavy overdrive.

  • Footswitch allows seamless channel switching and effects loop control.

  • Exceptional sustain on high gain channel, perfect for lead tones.

  • Articulates guitar quality; highlights nuances in wood and pickups.

  • Powerful enough for large venues, yet can be dialed down for room practice.

  • Excellent build quality; durable with aesthetic touches like the EVH striping.

  • Clean channel rivals traditional Fender clean tones.

  • Great for rock and metal genres, offers classic and modern tones.

  • Independent EQ for each channel allows precise tone shaping.

  • Highly praised for sound quality, surpassing many other high-end amps.

CONS

  • Large and heavy, challenging for portability.

  • Power and standby switches awkwardly located at the back.

  • Clean channel can break up early at lower gain settings.

  • High volume necessary to achieve best sound, not ideal for small spaces.

  • Struggles with extreme metal tones without additional equipment.

  • Effects pedals can be overshadowed by the amp's strong sustain.

  • Price may be steep for some, despite the value offered.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EVH 5150III 100W Head.

Comparisons

  • Some users find the 50W version more articulate and crisp compared to the 100W, which is particularly noticeable at lower volumes used in recording.

    Source
  • A user compared the 50W EVH 5150III favorably over a Peavey Invective, stating a preference for the EVH's tonal qualities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 50W head is recommended for studio use, especially if not driving large cabinets; it delivers sufficient power for most recording needs.

    Source
  • The 50W version is praised for its efficiency, seldom needing the power section set beyond noon even at band volumes, making it ideal for loud environments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Cranking the resonance knob on the 50W version can enhance low-end response when needed.

    Source
  • The EVH 5150III 50W head is noted for having a gain that kicks in hotter earlier on the dial, especially around 6/7, making it suitable for aggressive styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners often suggest saving the extra $700 by opting for the 50W version unless planning to play live where the 100W's low-end boost would be beneficial.

    Source
  • For those considering long-term investment, it's suggested that the additional cost of the 100W model equates to only about $0.90 per day over three years, offering a perspective on the price difference.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The 100W version requires more maintenance due to having twice as many power tubes, which might be a consideration for long-term ownership.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the portability of the 50W model, which weighs only 30 lbs, making it easier to transport compared to the heavier 100W version.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EVH 5150 III Head review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The EVH 5150III 100W Head excels at delivering Eddie Van Halen's iconic tones, making it a dream for fans. Its independent presence controls and rich sound are commendable. However, it's pricey and lacks a global master volume, with a clean tone that leaves room for improvement. This amp isn't for those seeking pristine clean tones, but for those chasing the legendary "brown sound," it's a solid choice. Overall, it's a niche product that may not justify the price for non-EVH enthusiasts, but its tonal authenticity is undeniable.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
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elcid_elumba

All-new EVH® 5150III amplifier from Eddie Van Halen’s brand, EVH

Introducing the all-new EVH® 5150III amplifier from Eddie Van Halen’s brand, EVH. EVH 5150III heads and cabinets deliver the holy grail of tone - a truly clean channel, a super-heavy crunch channel and an off-the-scale overdrive channel you simply won’t believe. You get the incredible tones Eddie Van Halen has chased his whole life, as Eddie himself has defined and designed each of the 5150III amplifier’s three channels. Available in black or ivory, with an unmistakable look and sound that’s pure EVH.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gary Holt uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Gary Holt

Guitarist

Slayer

...
Verified via YouTube

First shown in rig rundown 2015 with exodus the cabs he is using currently are unknown he wants to keep it secret but now uses these instead of his normal engl heads

See how Jake E. Lee uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Jake E. Lee

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Guitar World

In his first show in 20 years, as detailed in the Guitar World article "Bent Out of Shape," Jake E. Lee used an EVH 5150III 100W Head amplifier.

See how Dan Donegan uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Dan Donegan

Singer, Guitarist

Disturbed

...
Verified via YouTube

at 0:59, the picture shows dan with this amp

See how El Hefe uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

El Hefe

Guitarist, Trumpeter

NOFX

...
Verified via YouTube

"Although now i am using a EVH 3 head. Now the reason for that is because the Mark 3 is old(it's vintage) and things break down." He says at 2:05 in the video.

See how Jeff Waters uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Jeff Waters

Guitarist

Annihilator

...
Verified via Evhgear

That middle channel – Channel 2 – and the clean channel, that’s it. I don’t even use the gritty third channel. I just go back and forth between the two [laughs]. It’s just such a good sound. I had an experience a few years ago when we were touring with Judas Priest a few times in Europe. I remember an album they did called Painkiller in 1991, and we toured for about three months with them. I had the opportunity to go onstage and play K.K. Downing’s amps. I asked him at one point if I could try his guitar through the rig thinking it would sound just like Painkiller. It actually sounded just like me.

With the EVH amps, people say, “We know you’re a big Eddie fan. You’re just trying to get his sound.” I’m like, “A lot of it is in the amp, and a lot of it is in the playing.” When I plugged into that 5150 III, It sounded like me, but better. That’s how I look at it.

For me, it’s really simple. Despite all the effects and pedals that you can use, this just sounds great when you plug it in. I can’t wait to use this thing on stage.

EVH interview, 2012.

See how Alex Wade uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Alex Wade

Guitarist

Whitechapel

...
Verified via Guitar

According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Wade uses the 100-watt version of EVH 5150III amp head.

See how Olly Steele uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Olly Steele

Guitarist

Monuments

...
Verified via Evhgear

Official site for EVH, in which they listed him in their artists

See how Oli Herbert uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Oli Herbert

Guitarist

All That Remains

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"ATR’s guitar duo sends their effected signals into EVH 5150III heads driving Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabs."

See how Jeff Hickey uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Jeff Hickey

Guitarist

Norma Jean

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Jeff is seen using the EVH 5150

See how Micke Svanberg uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Micke Svanberg

Guitarist, Composer

Dark Funeral

...
Verified via Photo

Uses EVH 5150 amplifier

See how Mike Martin uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Mike Martin

Guitarist

All That Remains

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar, Martin uses EVH 5150III 100W head.

See how Svend Karlsson uses EVH 5150III 100W Head

Svend Karlsson

Guitarist

Baest

...
Verified via Photo

Svend Karlsson confirms the use of the EVH 5150III 100W Head in a photo he shared on Instagram, showcasing his rig.

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 EVH 5150III 100W Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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