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Average Price: $833

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$300

$801+

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Description

The Laney GH50R is an amplifier head that brings classic British tone to the modern stage. This 50-watt powerhouse is part of Laney's esteemed GH series, known for delivering authentic valve-driven sounds. Designed for guitarists in pursuit of both vintage warmth and contemporary clarity, the GH50R is equipped with two distinct channels, allowing seamless transition from pristine cleans to aggressive overdrives.

At its core, the GH50R houses a pair of EL34 valves, offering robust output with dynamic response. The inclusion of a versatile footswitchable boost function gives players the ability to push their solos to the forefront. Additionally, the global reverb feature adds depth and ambiance to your sound, making it perfect for live performances and studio recording alike.

The GH50R also boasts an intuitive EQ section, providing precise control over bass, mid, and treble frequencies to tailor your tone to perfection. For those who appreciate modern convenience, the amp includes an effects loop for integrating external effects pedals, as well as a speaker-emulated output for direct recording or PA connections. Built to last, the GH50R combines rugged construction with a sleek, professional aesthetic.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt output powered by EL34 valves
  • Two channels for clean and overdrive tones
  • Footswitchable boost function for enhanced solos
  • Global reverb for added depth
  • Comprehensive EQ section: bass, mid, treble
  • Effects loop for external effects integration
  • Speaker-emulated output for direct recording or PA use

Product specs

Brand Laney
Model GH50R 2-Channel 50-Watt Tube Guitar Head
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb Digital Reverb

FAQs

What is the tonal character of the Laney GH50R amplifier head?

The Laney GH50R is known for its versatile tone, offering a wide range of sounds from clean, crisp tones to rich, saturated overdrive. It's particularly favored for its ability to handle both classic rock and modern metal genres.

Is the Laney GH50R suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Laney GH50R is a 50-watt amplifier head, making it powerful enough for live performances, especially when paired with the appropriate cabinet. Its robust output and tonal flexibility make it a strong choice for gigging musicians.

Does the Laney GH50R take pedals well?

The Laney GH50R is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, handling effects pedals effectively through its effects loop. This makes it a great choice for guitarists who rely on external effects to shape their sound.

What type of tubes are used in the Laney GH50R?

The Laney GH50R uses EL34 tubes, which are known for their ability to produce warm, harmonically rich tones. This contributes to the amp's dynamic response and distinctive sound.

Does the Laney GH50R have a built-in reverb?

Yes, the Laney GH50R features a built-in digital reverb, allowing players to add depth and ambiance to their sound without needing an additional reverb pedal.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Guitar Paradiso - Laney GH50R amps

Video thumbnail for Guitar Paradiso - Laney GH50R amps by Andertons Music Co

Guitar Paradiso - Laney GH50R amps

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Laney GH50R head Amp | Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Laney GH50R head Amp | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Laney GH50R Demo by Laney Amplification

Laney GH50R Demo

Laney Amplification

Laney Amplification

Video thumbnail for Laney GH50R by Konstantin Andriejew

Laney GH50R

Konstantin Andriejew

Konstantin Andriejew

Video thumbnail for Laney GH50R head amp, wzmacniacz, głowa - sound demo, brzmienie | recenzja, test by Muzyk FCM

Laney GH50R head amp, wzmacniacz, głowa - sound demo, brzmienie | recenzja, test

Muzyk FCM

Muzyk FCM

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Laney GH50R.

Features and functionality

  • The GH50R has a push-pull mid knob, enhancing its versatility for different tonal needs.

    Source
  • The amp's reverb addition addresses dryness, providing a fuller sound experience.

    Source
  • The GH50L is characterized as a single-channel amp, focusing on delivering a specific high-gain sound rather than tonal flexibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Described as a "JCM-800 on crack," it offers a unique twist on classic tones, favored by artists like John Browne and Mikael Akerfeldt.

    Source
  • Paul Gilbert's signature pedal, the Home Brew Electronics Detox EQ, was designed to enhance the amp's clean tones.

    Source
  • The GH50L is noted for capturing "Heaven & Hell" era tones, while the LH50R is better suited for earlier Black Sabbath sounds due to its different gain structure.

    Source
  • The Lionheart series is highlighted as a better platform for early Iommi fuzz tones, offering more tonal flexibility compared to the GH50L's focused gain profile.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Popular for stoner, doom, and sludge genres, it excels in minor key heavy riffage while also accommodating indie styles.

    Source
  • The GH50L is particularly recommended for players seeking a JCM800-inspired sound with enhanced gain, fitting for those who favor heavier, more saturated guitar tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to check the heater filament pins for voltage (pins 2 and 7 in an EL34 tube) if experiencing sound issues.

    Source
  • Checking the HT fuse is suggested as a troubleshooting step if the amp isn't producing sound.

    Source

User experience

  • It's crucial to handle internal components carefully, as filter capacitors can retain lethal voltages even when the amp is off.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The Frost Giant Architect of Reality AOR 100 preamp is suggested for achieving a powerful Laney grind, especially when paired with a treble booster and power amp.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Laney GH50R head

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Laney GH50R head is a modern amp with a classic touch, offering exceptional tonal control through its unique power tube output feature. It delivers a dynamic range from clean to fully saturated tones, all while maintaining the depth and warmth that guitarists crave. The build quality is robust, and the aesthetic is striking, making it stage-ready. While its versatility is a highlight, the amp can get very loud, which might be a concern for some. Overall, it's a great value for those seeking comprehensive control over their sound palette.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Serg Dimitrijevic uses Laney GH50R

Serg Dimitrijevic

Guitarist

Good Charlotte

...
Verified via Laney

Listed on Serg's official Laney page.

See how Christophe Godin uses Laney GH50R

Christophe Godin

The Prize

...
Verified via Laney

Listed on Christophe's official Laney page.

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 GH50R, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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