Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 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

Average Price: $1,446

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

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

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Description

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head is your gateway to the legendary British-inspired tone with a modern twist. This powerhouse amplifier head doesn’t just promise versatility; it delivers it with authority. Designed to cater to the nuanced demands of contemporary guitarists, this amp head offers a dynamic range from pristine cleans to searing, saturated leads. The EL34 tubes are the heart of the 5150III, known for their warmth and distinct tonal character, making this amp head a must-have for those seeking that iconic crunch.

A marvel of engineering and design, the 5150III is as visually striking as it is sonically impressive. It sports a robust build that ensures durability for both studio and stage performance. The intuitive control layout provides ease of use, allowing you to dial in your desired sound with precision. Whether you're looking to cut through the mix with a bright, clean tone or unleash a thick wall of sound, the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head has got you covered.

Key Features:

  • 50 watts of power for ample headroom and projection
  • Equipped with EL34 tubes for rich, warm tones
  • Three channels for versatile sound shaping: Clean, Crunch, and Lead
  • Presence and Resonance controls for fine-tuning your tone
  • Compact design perfect for gigs and studio use
  • Iconic EVH styling for a classic look

Product specs

Brand EVH
Model 5150 III EL34 3-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2017 - 2025
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 3 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head?

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head is known for its high-gain intensity, delivering snarling leads and robust rhythms. It features a warm and articulate tone with the EL34 power tubes, offering a classic rock and metal sound profile.

How many channels does the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head have?

This amplifier head comes with three channels, allowing for a wide range of tonal options from clean to heavily distorted sounds, making it versatile for various playing styles.

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

Yes, with its 50-watt power output and three-channel configuration, the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head is suitable for live performances, providing ample volume and tonal flexibility for gigging musicians.

Does the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head have built-in reverb?

No, the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head does not include built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure, high-gain tones through its three channels.

What type of power tubes does the EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head use?

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head uses EL34 power tubes, known for their warm and dynamic sound, contributing to the amp's classic rock and metal tonal characteristics.

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

  • Excellent versatility with three distinct channels for clean, crunch, and high-gain tones

  • Compact and lightweight, ideal for gigging and easy transport

  • MIDI capability for seamless integration with modern setups

  • EL34 tubes provide a distinct, warm British sound compared to the 6L6's American tone

  • Powerful 50W output suitable for practice and live performances

  • Effects loop and pedal-friendly design enhance tonal flexibility

  • Adjustable ohm settings for compatibility with various speaker cabinets

  • Durable build quality, likened to being built like a tank

  • Great value for the features and tonal quality offered

CONS

  • Blue channel can sound dark and muddy without additional pedals

  • Shared EQ for channels 1 and 2 limits tonal flexibility

  • High-gain settings on red channel may require tube swaps for better control

  • Power and standby switches inconveniently located on the back

  • Not as quiet on overdrive channels; a noise gate may be necessary

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The amp is compatible with MIDI, allowing channel and FX loop control via MIDI controllers, which many users don't fully utilize.

    Source
  • The 100w model offers separate EQ and presence controls for each channel, unlike the 50w which shares EQ for channels 1 and 2.

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

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users report the sensitive volume knobs at low volumes, with some using a JHS Little Black Amp Box in the FX loop for better volume control.

    Source
  • The amp's PCB is not wave soldered or SMD, making it more repair-friendly for technicians with standard soldering tools.

    Source
  • Checking amps for issues is advised, as some units exhibit problems like unexpected breakup on the green channel or insufficient power output.

    Source

Build quality

  • The power switches are inconveniently located on the back, which might be a minor annoyance for some users.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners confirm it performs well for high-gain styles, like Pantera, but also accommodates rock 'n' roll tones, such as Ozzy.

    Source
  • Owners highlight distinct volume differences when switching channels, with newer models offering separate volume controls for green, blue, and red channels.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The EL34 version produces a woolier vintage tone on the blue channel, contrasting with the Stealth's more saturated gain, making it favorable for classic rock over metal.

    Source
  • The 100w head features a different blue channel voicing than the 50w, affecting tonal characteristics beyond just headroom.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users modify the EL34's blue channel by cutting a leg on capacitor C137 to mimic the Stealth's tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • EL34 provides a preferable low end for 7/8 string guitars, aligning better with extended range instruments.

    Source
  • A 50w tube amp is deemed sufficient for un-mic'd rehearsals with a loud drummer, highlighting its practicality for band settings.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some buyers chose the EL34 over the Stealth due to price drops, noting both versions sound great with their unique tonal qualities.

    Source

Other

  • The 50w model's design aims to reduce costs for power amp tube replacements compared to the 100w version.

    Source

Critic Reviews

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

guitarworld.com

The EVH 5150 III 50W EL34 Head delivers a remarkable array of tones in a compact form, making it a practical choice for musicians who need versatility without the bulk. While it may lack some features of its 100W counterpart, such as individual presence controls, it compensates with aggressive distortion and a sweet spot for power tube saturation that suits smaller venues. Clean tones are crisp, and the midrange punch on channel two is pure Van Halen. However, some may find the shared EQ controls limiting. Overall, this amp is a killer deal for those seeking high-quality sound without the overwhelming volume.

positive

EVH 5150 III 50W EL34 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head delivers boutique tones in a rugged package, making it a worthy choice for rock and metal players. Its three channels offer impressive versatility, from sparkling cleans to aggressive leads, all while maintaining dynamics at lower volumes. The build quality is top-notch, featuring a solid chassis and MIDI compatibility for enhanced performance. However, the price tag may deter budget-conscious musicians, as it doesn't come cheap. If you can overlook the cost, this amp is a powerhouse that embodies Van Halen's legacy with modern reliability.

positive

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

evhgear.com

The EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head is a powerhouse that delivers authentic vintage Van Halen tones with a modern touch. With separate gain and volume controls for each channel and a dedicated EQ for the lead channel, it offers versatility and ease of use for rock and metal players. While it may come with a higher price tag, the exceptional build quality and sound make it a worthy investment. However, potential buyers should be aware that its compact size might not cater to those seeking extensive features. Overall, this amp earns its accolades as a top-notch choice for serious musicians.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
james_r_powell_iii

Great amp

Love the MIDI, concentric pots, 3 channels, foot controller works great. Forgot it once, my MIDI controller worked great. Love all the channels, the 3rd channel has too much gain, I barely have it turned up, more than enough. I do now use an ISP Decimator Micro G. I use it at the input and fx loop.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alessandro Cortini uses EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head

Alessandro Cortini

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

can be seen in this post from May 12, 2021

See how Pat McCrory uses EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head

Pat McCrory

Guitarist

Turnstile

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Pat McCrory Teaches How To Palm Mute | Technique of the Week | Fender," the EVH 5150III 100W EL34 Head is visible in the background, confirming its use by guitarist Pat McCrory. This video is provided by Fender.

See how Ash Gray uses EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head

Ash Gray

Guitarist, Bassist

Brutality Will Prevail

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Ash Gray, his EVH 5150III 50W EL34 Head is visible during a gear session with Chris.

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 50W EL34 Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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G

gral94

Gear IQ 220

gab_cantin

gab_cantin

Gear IQ 131

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