Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 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)
Reverb
5.0 (30)
$1,519.99 New
$850.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (7)
$1,549.99
zZounds
4.5 (5)
$1,549.99
Thomann
4.9 (20)
$1,399.00
Gear4Music
£1,249.00

Average Price: $1,440

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EVH 5150III 50W EL34". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your inner rock god with the EVH 5150III 50W EL34, a powerhouse guitar amplifier head that blends iconic EL34 power tubes with modern versatility. Crafted for those who demand the ultimate in high-gain performance, this amp head delivers a wide array of tones, from crisp cleans to snarling leads. Its three distinct channels allow you to seamlessly shift from sparkling, compressed cleans to dark, saturated crunch and lead tones, embodying the essence of both vintage and contemporary sounds.

The EL34 tubes imbue the amp with a classic British character, providing greater sag and saturation for that sought-after "brown sound" that defined rock music's golden era. Despite its compact size, the 5150III 50W EL34 packs arena-level volume, making it perfect for both studio sessions and live gigs. The stylish black-on-gold design ensures it stands out visually as much as it does sonically.

Fine-tune your sound with a global presence control, shared 3-band EQ for channels 1 and 2, and an independent EQ for channel 3. Additional features like an effects loop, headphone jack, and MIDI-in connectivity ensure this amp head integrates smoothly into any setup. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 is your ticket to legendary tones and impeccable style.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt all-tube amplifier head with EL34 power tubes
  • Three channels: clean, crunch, and lead
  • Shared 3-band EQ for channels 1 and 2, independent EQ for channel 3
  • Global presence and resonance controls
  • Effects loop, headphone jack, and preamp out
  • MIDI-in for foot controller compatibility
  • Black-on-gold motif for a standout look

Product specs

Type Tube
Number of Channels 3
Total 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 are the tonal characteristics of the EVH 5150III 50W EL34?

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 offers a full spectrum of tones across its three channels: Clean, Crunch, and Lead. The EL34 tubes deliver a classic British tone with a warm body and distinctive growl, ideal for rock and metal genres.

Is the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 is well-suited for live performances, providing 50 watts of power and a robust sound that can cut through a mix, making it ideal for gigging musicians.

Does the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 include a footswitch?

Yes, the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 comes with a 4-button footswitch, allowing you to easily switch between channels and control effects during performances.

How does the effects loop function on the EVH 5150III 50W EL34?

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 includes an effects loop, which allows you to integrate external effects pedals between the preamp and power amp stages, providing greater flexibility in shaping your sound.

What kind of power tubes are used in the EVH 5150III 50W EL34?

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 uses two EL34 power tubes, known for their ability to produce a rich, harmonic tone with a strong midrange, suitable for a variety of rock and metal styles.

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 EL34 - Demo by Riffs, Beards & Gear

EVH 5150 III 50W EL34 - Demo

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Video thumbnail for EVH 5150 III 50W EL34 in-depth demo! (15 guitars) by Sonic Drive Studio

EVH 5150 III 50W EL34 in-depth demo! (15 guitars)

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

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

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound suitable for rock, metal, and more

  • Clear and perfect clean channel for intricate playing

  • Excellent crunch channel for classic rock tones

  • High gain channel delivers full, saturated tones without pedals

  • Common EQ for Channel 1 and 2 allows fine-tuning

  • High gain doesn't sacrifice clean tone quality

  • Sufficient gain and volume for any application

  • Detailed sound control, even at low volumes

CONS

  • High gain channel may cause feedback with high-output pickups

  • Some noise present, even on the clean channel

  • Might require additional volume pedal to manage feedback

  • Low end on rhythm high gain can be loose, may need a boost pedal

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EVH 5150III 50W EL34.

Mods and upgrades

  • Cutting the C137 ceramic disc capacitor modifies the EL34's blue channel to sound more like the Stealth version's blue channel.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners prefer the EL34 version for a "woolier" tone, especially beneficial for 7/8-string guitars due to its low-end response.

    Source
  • The power switches are located on the back of the amp, which some find inconvenient for quick access during setup or performance.

    Source
  • A 50W tube amp is considered sufficient for band practices, even with a loud drummer, due to its ample volume output.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Stealth version offers more gain on the blue channel, making it preferable for metal players.

    Source
  • Some users consider the Friedman Runt 50 as an alternative in the same price range, offering a different tonal palette.

    Source
  • Despite the wattage difference, the volume disparity between the 50W and 100W models is minimal, with the main distinction being in clean headroom capacity.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The EL34 version is favored by classic/hard rock players using 6-string guitars in standard tuning.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some issues reported with EL34 models include a green channel breaking up unexpectedly and power issues causing low volume output. Test before buying.

    Source
  • At low volumes, the volume knobs can be overly sensitive; using a JHS Little Black Amp Box in the FX loop helps manage this sensitivity.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The amp includes MIDI compatibility, allowing users to control footswitch functions like channel switching and FX loop toggling with a MIDI controller.

    Source
  • The 100W version offers separate EQ and presence controls for each channel, while the 50W model shares EQ for channels 1 and 2, with only channel 3 having its own.

    Source
  • The 50W model includes a resonance control located on the back, which is absent in the 100W version.

    Source

Build quality

  • The amp's PCB is not wave soldered or SMD, making it more repairable by techs, though it is a complex multi-board setup.

    Source

Critic Reviews

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

guitarworld.com

The EVH 5150 III 50-Watt EL34 head is a compelling choice for guitarists, offering 90% of its 100-watt sibling's performance at half the cost and weight. Its compact design and three-channel versatility make it ideal for both studio recording and smaller gigs, where lower volume levels are needed. The amp delivers British-flavored clean tones, classic Eddie Van Halen crunch, and modern metal saturation with impressive clarity and aggression. While it lacks some features of the 100-watt model, such as individual presence controls, it compensates with added features like a headphone output and MIDI input. Overall, it's a great value for those seeking EVH tones in a manageable package.

positive

EVH 5150 III 50W EL34 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 impresses with its superb build quality and rich feature set, delivering iconic EVH tones in a more compact and affordable format. With three versatile channels and powerful tone-shaping controls, it caters to both vintage and modern Van Halen sounds. The MIDI compatibility adds professional flexibility, although the price isn't for the faint-hearted. Overall, it's a solid choice for rock and metal aficionados seeking high-quality sound without unnecessary complexity.

positive

‘Total Guitar’ Reviews the NEW EL34 50-Watt Head – EVH® News

evhgear.com

Total Guitar lauds the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 for delivering ferocious tones and versatility, granting it a 5-star rating and a "Best Buy Award." The amp's compact design and pro-standard MIDI functionality cater to modern rock and metal enthusiasts, while its EL34 tubes capture authentic vintage Van Halen sounds. Despite its hefty price tag, the superior build quality and tone justify the investment, making it a must-have for tone chasers.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Phil Collen uses EVH 5150III 50W EL34

Phil Collen

Guitarist

Def Leppard

...
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See how Roman Ibramkhalilov uses EVH 5150III 50W EL34

Roman Ibramkhalilov

Guitarist

Jinjer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Gear Gods, Roman Ibramkhalilov is seen using the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 during a rig tour.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EVH 5150III 50W EL34, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1

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