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Average Price: $715
Standard/Professional
$300
$801+
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Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "EVH 5150III 15W LBXII HEAD". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your sonic potential with the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII HEAD, a compact powerhouse that delivers the legendary Van Halen tone in a conveniently portable package. This amp head masterfully combines the iconic Green and Blue channels, allowing you to switch effortlessly from crystal-clear cleans to high-octane crunch with the push of a button.
The LBXII is equipped with four ECC83S (12AX7) preamp tubes and two EL84 power tubes, ensuring robust and dynamic sound quality. Its dual concentric gain and volume controls provide precision over each channel, while shared EQ presence and resonance controls allow for fine-tuning your sound.
Whether you're a bedroom musician or a stage performer, the LBXII's 1/4-power switch is a game-changer, dropping the output to 3.5 watts for quieter practice sessions or maintaining tonal integrity at a reduced volume in the studio. With a sleek black control panel and the signature EVH striped motif, this amp head not only sounds fierce but looks the part too.
Key Features:
- Power: 15W (tube) with 1/4-power switch to 3.5W
- Tubes: Four 12AX7 (preamp); two EL84 (power amp)
- Two channels: Clean (Green), Crunch (Blue)
- Controls: Dual Concentric Gain, 3-band EQ, Dual Concentric Volume, Presence, Resonance
- Included footswitch for channel switching
- Aluminum/steel chassis with iconic EVH styling
- Perfect for both studio and live performance settings
Product specs
| Brand | EVH |
| Model | 5150 III LBXII Compact 15-Watt Tube Guitar Head |
| Finish | Black Stripe |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Number of Inputs | 1 Input |
| Output Power (Watts) | 15 |
| Power Tube Type | EL84 |
| Reverb | None |
FAQs
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What type of tubes does the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head use?
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The EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head uses EL84 power tubes, which contribute to its powerful, responsive sound and classic tube amp warmth.
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How many channels does the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head have?
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The EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head features two channels, allowing you to switch between clean and overdriven tones for versatile sound shaping.
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Is the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head suitable for gigging?
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With its 15-watt output, the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head is suitable for small to medium-sized gigs, providing enough power to cut through in a band setting while maintaining tonal clarity.
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Does the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head include reverb?
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No, the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head does not include built-in reverb, allowing you to choose your preferred reverb effects via external pedals or processors.
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What are the impedance options for the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head?
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The EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head offers multiple impedance options, including 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms, providing flexibility to match with various speaker cabinets.
Videos
EVH Gear
Introducing the EVH 5150III LBXII
Reviews
PROS
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Resonance and presence controls for enhanced tone shaping.
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High-gain Blue channel perfect for metal and thrash enthusiasts.
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Green channel takes pedals well, offering versatile clean and overdrive tones.
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Surprisingly loud for a 15-watt amp, suitable for gigs.
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Engaging and dynamic tone encourages creative playing.
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Independent gain and volume control for each channel.
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Resonance control mitigates high-end frizziness of EL84 tubes.
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Eye-catching design and compact, portable form factor.
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Performs well with external cabinets, even driving a 4x12 setup.
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Suitable for a variety of musical styles, from clean tones to high-gain metal.
CONS
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Blue channel can lack clarity and articulation at lower gain settings.
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On/off and standby switches inconveniently placed on the back.
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Does not include a carry case, contrary to some expectations.
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Noticeable hiss on the Blue channel; may require a noise gate.
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EL84 tubes may not offer the same dynamics as full-sized tubes.
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No built-in reverb, requiring external effects for ambient tones.
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May require additional EQ to achieve desired tonal balance.
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EVH 5150III 15W LBXII HEAD.
Features and functionality
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The EVH 5150III LBXII Head can be switched from 15W to 1/4 power, offering flexibility for home use without sacrificing tone quality.
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A tube screamer pedal in front of the 5150III can enhance mid-range tones, making it more suitable for cutting through a hardcore band mix.
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The LBXII's blue channel, when boosted and cranked, offers a more open sound compared to the red channel, which is favored for heavier styles.
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User experience
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Some users report a significant volume difference between the blue and red channels, a known issue carried over from the larger 5150 heads.
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Some users find the amp too trebly and thin, with an overwhelming amount of gain that might not be necessary for all musical styles.
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Users with loud drummers find the 15W head sufficient, often being asked to turn down rather than up in live settings.
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Comparisons
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The EVH 5150III LBXII is noted for having excessive gain, which may not suit those seeking classic rock tones; alternatives like the Marshall DSL20 are suggested for these tones.
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The LBXII provides a distinct tonal experience compared to the Super Crush 100, complementing rather than replacing it in a collection.
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Use cases and applications
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The amp pairs well with a 2x12 cab using a combination of V30 and G12T-100 speakers, offering a sound that some owners find preferable to EVH's own 2x12 cab with G12H speakers.
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Running the EVH 5150III LBXII Head into a 4x12 cab is effective even at 1/4 power for high-gain genres like slam metal.
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The 15W LBXII may require PA support and good monitoring for louder gigs, especially in traditional venues relying solely on backline amplification.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
1200
HIsssssssssssssss. (UPDATE!)
So I played this amp out live at a real club gig and rehearsed with a loud drummer. Yes it can do both, it's a proper gigging amp, but like... Okay... thing has a hiss that will not go away on the Blue Channel, which is kind of the reason I bought this amp. I have a gate in the front AND the loop and no matter what guitar I use, this damn thing hisses like it's full of snakes. And almost nothing I have done or can do fixes that. And it's not just me apparently, other guitarists have mentioned the same thing about this specific amp, and yeah... It's common in high gain amps to do that, but to me it's a little egregious. I also naturally can't get this thing to sound right without an EQ in the loop, and even then the low end eventually doesn't hold up and I don't like the natural mid frequencies this thing gets. Before playing in a cover band, I'd use the preamp to this into my HX Stomp with an IR and go direct to FOH for worship gigs and this thing slaps in that regard. But direct into my cab, this thing is hard to work with. And I've checked everything with the amp, the cab and my pedals. Something is just off. I need a new amp moving forward and literally thinking of sticking with my HX Stomp pedal board and FRFR because I can get clearer and more versatile sounds.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Resonance knob set at 3 o'clock and Presence knobs set to 1 to 2 o'clock.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this picture of Jim's practice rig, he is using an EVH 15 watt amplifier head with a matching 2x12 EVH cabinet. Jim states that he is still with orange, however he needed a amp to use for practicing on tour. He states he was able to get hold of, and use the evh because evh is owned by fender who he is endorsed by
Haley’s preferred EVH amp is the 5150III® 15W LBXII Head, which he feels is the “perfect fit – lightweight for travel and crushing on the tones.” -EVH
In an article posted by EVH, Haley says that he prefers the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head.
Joe Haley says the head is
"perfect fit - Lightweight for travel and crushing on the tones"
Also the phot in the article depicts Haley holding the EVH 5150III 15W LBXII Head.
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 15W LBXII HEAD, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for EVH 5150III 15W LBXII HEAD, curated by the Equipboard community.
$599.00 - $899.99
It has similar tones to the 5150, but less refined. Has so many options on the back of the amp that it's hard not to justify buying it over the 5150 LBX series. They are similar in price and are aimed at a similar market.
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