Mesa Boogie .50 Caliber Combo Amp main image

Mesa/Boogie Mesa Boogie .50 Caliber Combo Amp

$500.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (1)

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Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (10)

$500.00 10 available Used

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Average Price: $500

Standard/Professional

$300

$701+

Price Tier

In the Combo Guitar Amplifiers category, Mesa Boogie .50 Caliber Combo Amp is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

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Description

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Unleash your sonic potential with the Mesa Boogie .50 Caliber Combo Amp, a powerhouse packed into a compact frame. A hidden gem from the early '90s, this amp boasts a 50-watt engine that's perfect for both studio sessions and live performances. Though it may share the era with the famed Dual and Triple Rectifiers, the .50 Caliber holds its unique charm with a rich, dynamic range that caters to a variety of genres. Its combination of 2 x EL84 tubes and 6 x 12AX7 preamp tubes delivers a sound that's both warm and biting, making it a versatile companion for any guitarist looking to make their mark.

Key Features:

50 watts of power, perfect for both studio and live settings
Equipped with 2 x EL84 power tubes for a warm yet dynamic output
Features 6 x 12AX7 preamp tubes, ensuring rich harmonic tones
Designed as a combo amp, offering convenience and portability
Part of the Mesa Studio Caliber series, known for its reliability and quality sound

Reviews

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PROS

Versatile sound range, from metal to classic rock
Harmonically rich and thick tone across settings
Maintains solid tone at both loud and low volumes
Dual master volume controls for balanced channel output
Effective for silent practice or direct recording with DAW
Wide array of tones, from spanky funk to mean distortion
Can emulate Recto series tones with proper EQ and cab

CONS

Stock setup may have too much gain for some styles
Headphone output quality not up to par with rest of amp
Somewhat complex to operate for beginners
Combo version may release too much bass for metal without closed back cab

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa Boogie .50 Caliber Combo Amp.

Features and functionality

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The graphic EQ can be set to auto mode, applying only to the high gain channel, allowing for lead boosts with careful volume adjustments.
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The .50 Caliber’s effects loop is confirmed as serial, but some users report it behaving like a parallel loop, affecting pedal performance.
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The effects loop may cause pedals to clip; reducing the preamp gain to below 2 can help compatibility with noise gates and other pedals.
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Onboard reverb is praised for its sound quality, enhancing the amp's versatility for various styles.
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The treble control can significantly impact the amp's tone, so careful adjustment is needed for optimal sound.
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Setup and maintenance

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A cap job and checking for desoldered tube sockets are recommended maintenance steps due to the amp's age and heat exposure.
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Cleaning pots and EQ sliders by turning them multiple times can resolve noise and functional issues, especially on older models.
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Owners recommend cleaning tube sockets and jacks with contact cleaner and lubricant to prevent issues caused by oxidation and enhance reliability.
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Power tubes typically require annual replacement, and the first preamp tube shares a similar lifespan, indicating regular upkeep costs.
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The amp is notably loud for 50 watts, and using an attenuator may benefit regular practice to manage volume without sacrificing tone.
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Mods and upgrades

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Consider modifying the effects loop from parallel to series for better pedal integration, a common practice for older Mesa amps.
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Replacing underrated components like 400v orange drops and carbon comp resistors can boost reliability; $30 in parts can significantly improve the amp.
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Use cases and applications

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Known for its tight gain, this amp excels in metal genres but also delivers excellent clean tones, making it versatile for various musical styles.
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The .50 Caliber is suitable for hard rock and old school metal, especially when paired with an OD9 overdrive pedal.
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User experience

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Owners find the .50 Caliber Plus takes pedals exceptionally well, especially the Plumes OD with classic Tube Screamer settings and Big Muff with low sustain.
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