Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (45)
$1,549.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (38)
$1,549.99
Amazon
4.7 (13)
$1,549.99 New
$1,317.49 Used (Like New)
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$1,549.99
zZounds
4.5 (5)
$1,549.99

Average Price: $1,550

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EVH 5150III 50-watt Tube Head with EL34 Tubes". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the sonic excellence of the EVH 5150III 50-watt Tube Head with EL34 Tubes, a powerhouse that effortlessly bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern aggression. This compact yet ferocious amp head is your ticket to that coveted Eddie Van Halen tone, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that can go from sparkling clean to devastatingly heavy with a simple twist. Designed for the player who demands versatility without sacrificing tone, the 5150III with EL34 tubes delivers a throaty growl and punchy lows, thanks to its British-influenced tone.

Featuring three fully independent channels, this amp head allows for meticulous tone shaping. Whether you're crafting pristine cleans, seeking that classic rock crunch, or pushing towards a high-gain soundscape, the 5150III stands ready. The inclusion of a global presence control and a resonance switch further refines your sound, ensuring your guitar cuts through any mix with clarity and definition.

Not just a stage beast, the 5150III is equally at home in the studio, offering an effects loop, preamp out, and MIDI in for seamless integration with your existing gear. A built-in headphone jack allows for silent practice sessions, making this amp as versatile as it is powerful. Wrapped in EVH's signature black and gold, it's an amp that looks as good as it sounds, ready to be the centerpiece of your rig whether on stage or in the studio.

Key Features:

  • EL34 power tubes for rich, British-influenced tone and punchy lows
  • Three fully independent channels with dedicated volume and gain controls
  • Global presence control and resonance switch for tone shaping
  • Effects loop, preamp out, and MIDI in for flexible rig integration
  • Headphone jack for silent practice
  • Iconic black-on-gold motif for standout stage presence

Product specs

Type Tube
Number of Channels 3
Output Power 50W
Preamp Tubes 7 x 12AX7
Power Tubes 2 x EL34
EQ 3-band EQ, Resonance
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 2 x 1/4" (speaker), 1 x 1/4" (preamp)
Headphones 1 x 1/4"
Effects Loop Yes
MIDI I/O In
Footswitch I/O 1 x 1/4" (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 power cable
Height 8.6"
Width 20"
Depth 12"
Weight 35 lbs.

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the EVH 5150III 50-watt Tube Head with EL34 Tubes?

The EVH 5150III delivers a wide range of tones, from tight, aggressive metal sounds to warm, articulate cleans. The EL34 tubes contribute to a classic British-style crunch, making it versatile for rock and metal genres.

Is the EVH 5150III 50W Tube Head suitable for live performances?

Yes, the 50-watt output provides ample volume for live performances, and its three channels offer flexibility for switching between clean, crunch, and high-gain tones on stage.

Does the EVH 5150III 50-watt Tube Head have an effects loop?

Yes, it includes an effects loop, allowing you to integrate your time-based effects like reverb and delay seamlessly into your signal chain.

Can the EVH 5150III 50W Tube Head be controlled via MIDI?

Yes, it features MIDI input, enabling you to control channel switching and other functions with a compatible MIDI controller for enhanced performance flexibility.

What type of footswitch is included with the EVH 5150III 50-watt Tube Head?

The amp comes with a 4-button footswitch, allowing you to easily switch channels and effects during play, enhancing live performance convenience.

EVH Gear

EVH Gear

EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Demo

Video thumbnail for EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Demo by EVH Gear

EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Demo

EVH Gear

EVH Gear

Video thumbnail for EVH 5150 III 50W 6L6 vs EL34 Comparison! (Which One Sounds BETTER?) by Sonic Drive Studio

EVH 5150 III 50W 6L6 vs EL34 Comparison! (Which One Sounds BETTER?)

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

Video thumbnail for The Best EVH 5150III??  EL34 50W Demo Play Through by GearZombie

The Best EVH 5150III?? EL34 50W Demo Play Through

GearZombie

GearZombie

Video thumbnail for EVH 5150III EL34 50W Demo by GearZombie

EVH 5150III EL34 50W Demo

GearZombie

GearZombie

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound diversity, suitable for various musical styles

  • Responsive EQ, offering crystal-clear clean tones and robust high gains

  • Blue channel excels in mid-gain tones, providing clarity without muddiness

  • Red channel delivers high gain without undesirable noise or crackles

  • Compatible with effects loops and pedals, enhancing versatility

  • Works well with different cabinets, allowing sound customization

  • Articulate note distinction, even in complex chords

  • Supports MIDI channel changing for seamless live performance integration

  • High volume capacity, yet capable of quieter operation for practice

  • Unique, mid-oriented tone sets it apart from other models

CONS

  • Requires a noise gate to manage feedback and noise, especially on high-gain settings

  • Effects loop can introduce additional noise, necessitating careful setup

  • Initial setup and sound dialing might take time, especially for live performances

  • Some design choices, like the placement of the on/off switch, could be improved

  • Lacks built-in reverb, which might be a drawback for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EVH 5150III 50-watt Tube Head with EL34 Tubes.

Features and functionality

  • The 50W head combines channels 1 and 2 with a shared EQ, whereas the 100W has separate EQs and presence controls for each channel.

    Source
  • The 50W version includes a resonance control on the back, unlike the 100W model.

    Source
  • EL34 tubes offer a dirtier, midrangey tone compared to the darker, cleaner sound of 6L6 tubes, affecting overall amp character.

    Source
  • The amp integrates seamlessly with Line 6 POD GO using the 4-cable method, enhancing effects delivery.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 50W tube amp is sufficient for rehearsals with a heavy-hitting drummer, providing enough volume without needing to mic the amp.

    Source
  • EL34s may benefit bands playing heavy, chuggy riffs by adding midrange punch, suitable for genres like thrash metal.

    Source
  • The amp's blue channel excels with a warm tone, suitable for those who push tube amps.

    Source

Comparisons

  • EL34 tubes in fixed bias class AB1 operation produce about 30% more power than 6L6 tubes, driving stiffer speakers more effectively.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • ML Sound Lab provides a free simulation of the 5153, enabling users to test its sound with an audio interface before purchasing.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Factory bias may be cold; users recommend adjusting to 24.5 mA for a warmer tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praise the blue channel for its warm, crisp tone, contrary to common criticisms.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: EVH 5150 III 50-Watt EL34 Head | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The EVH 5150 III 50-watt EL34 head nails the balance between power and portability, delivering a stunning range of tones for both studio and smaller venue performances. While it may lack some features of its 100-watt sibling, its aggressive distortion and versatile channel options make it a worthy contender for guitarists seeking classic and modern sounds. However, the shared EQ controls for channels one and two can be limiting for those who prefer more individual adjustments. Overall, it’s a fantastic value for players looking to capture the essence of Eddie Van Halen’s tone without the bulk.

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