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Description
Unleash the power of pure tube-driven tone with the Laney GH50L, a remarkable guitar amplifier head that has been a favorite among rock and metal enthusiasts for its robust sound and versatile performance. This single-channel powerhouse boasts a 50-watt output, driven by a quartet of 12AX7 preamp tubes and a pair of EL34 power tubes, ensuring that every note you play is delivered with clarity and exceptional dynamic range. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the GH50L offers the flexibility to shape your sound with its highly responsive controls.
The GH50L is not just about volume; it's about delivering your sound with precision. It features a three-band EQ, gain, and master volume controls, giving you the ability to sculpt a wide variety of tones, from clean and crisp to crunchy and overdriven. The inclusion of a bright switch and a global presence control further enhances your ability to fine-tune your sound, providing greater presence and definition in your mix. Ideal for guitarists who demand both quality and versatility, the Laney GH50L stands out as a reliable choice for professional and amateur musicians alike.
Key Features:
- 50-watt all-tube head
- 4 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
- 2 x EL34 power tubes
- Single-channel design
- Three-band EQ (Bass, Middle, Treble)
- Gain and master volume controls
- Bright switch for enhanced clarity
- Global presence control
- FX loop for seamless integration of effects
Product specs
| Brand | Laney |
| Model | GH50L Single Channel 50-Watt Tube Guitar Amp Head |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2000s |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 50 |
| Power Tube Type | EL34 |
| Reverb | None |
FAQs
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What genres is the Laney GH50L best suited for?
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The Laney GH50L is well-suited for rock and metal genres due to its high-gain capabilities and dynamic response, which allow for powerful distortion and sustain.
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Does the Laney GH50L take pedals well?
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Yes, the Laney GH50L is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, making it a great choice for guitarists who use a variety of effects pedals to shape their tone.
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Is the Laney GH50L loud enough for live performances?
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With 50 watts of power, the Laney GH50L is more than capable of handling live performances, providing sufficient volume and headroom for gigging musicians.
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What is the core tonal characteristic of the Laney GH50L?
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The Laney GH50L is known for its classic British tone, offering a rich, warm sound with a strong midrange presence, ideal for cutting through a band mix.
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What types of power tubes does the Laney GH50L use?
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The Laney GH50L uses EL34 power tubes, which contribute to its characteristic British tone, providing a warm, dynamic sound with a pronounced midrange.
Videos
Philip Joyce
Philip Joyce - Laney GH50L play through
Philip Joyce - Laney GH50L play through
Philip Joyce
Amp Playthrough #1-Laney GH50L
JesterMasque (Vincent)
Laney GH50L - Playthrough
ThePhilipp01
Laney GH50L - A Paul Gilbert Fans Best Wish
Robin Flink
Laney GH50L Demo (Captor X)
Dirty Demos
Laney GH50L Playthrough Demo
Paul Lensvelt
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile tone, good for heavy rock to clean sounds
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Works well with various guitar pickups and tuning
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Excellent pedal platform, especially with its transparent fx loop
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Switchable between EL34 and 6L6 tubes without biasing
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Compatible with multiple speaker configurations
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High-quality build, comparable to vintage amps
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Features like switchable gain stage and depth switch add tonal versatility
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Can achieve bedroom levels without losing tone
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Durable with a quiet toroidal power transformer
CONS
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EQ shaping is limited, but the amp is well-voiced out of the box
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High gain settings can lead to feedback issues
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Effects loop is a tube/IC hybrid, which may not suit everyone
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Low gain input has a different sound due to extreme bias of the first tube stage
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Laney GH50L.
Comparisons
Features and functionality
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The GH50L may produce a fizzy sound with maxed gain due to its upper mid bump and additional gain stage.
Source -
The amp's first channel can achieve tones from clean to the level of an unboosted JCM800, with a distinct voicing.
Source -
The interaction between the gain and drive controls allows for nuanced high-gain tones, avoiding mushiness by keeping the gain low and adjusting the drive.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Described as a darker sounding, hot-rodded JCM 800, making it suitable for early Black Sabbath tones when paired with the right overdrive.
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Without a pedal, the GH50L can produce classic 70's and 80's metal tones and even early AC/DC sound when set to slight breakup.
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The GH50L can achieve a near Siamese Dream tone, especially when paired with a clean boost and specific modulation settings to simulate double tracking.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings
41007
another 800 copy from laney
These amps are JCM800s with an extra switchable gain stage and a shitty tube/IC hybrid effects loop. They also include a soldano inspired depth switch that can help get added chunk for those that find the 800 to be low on bass even with the bass dimed. They feature a very durable and quiet toroidal power transformer, something rarely seen in guitar amps. The only other difference between this and an 800 is that the low gain input doe NOT bypass a tube stage, but instead is padded down. This puts both inputs in phase, a good idea, but it gives the second input a totally different sound due to the extreme bias of the first tube stage in an 800. Still, this amp is a superb 800 on a budget and served me well as a backup. They don't appear to be built as well as an 80s JCM, but they're plenty robust. I never had either of mine go down, not once. This amp also features switchable bias between EL34 and 6L6 giving it another voice if you want.
Versatile clean amp used with a pedalboard
When I found this Laney I was looking for a 50-watt single channel head that would give a decent clean sound as a platform for my pedalboard and was not disappointed. The onboard gain and drive settings are fantastic but I only use it on the clean setting.
41007
these amps are 98% JCM800 2204 and 2203 DNA inside, basically lifted the circuit.... the low gain input is handled a little differently and they added a hybrid FX loop and extra gain stage on a switch, but ignore those elements and you have 2204 there. Worked for the pumpkins' pedal boards.
41007
it's a marshall 2204 with a few little tweaks... the VH100R is not
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Facebook post by Vesa Ranta (Sentenced's drummer) you can clearly see Miika's Laney amp used throughout the life of Sentenced. It is a Laney GH50L that has tape beneeth the controls with the settings Miika used... No better amp info than this! Now only to find out what kind of Marshall cab and speakers he was using!
23'24" mark in the video to hear him talk about the laney GH50L
Cristian Aroca Araya uses the Laney GH50L guitar amplifier head in the song "Tierra," as seen in the YouTube video by Cristian Aroca Trío.
Album Usage
The Laney GH50L has been featured on the following albums:
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 Laney GH50L, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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