Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $12,995

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash the raw power of your guitar with the Mesa/Boogie Caliber .50 Head, a revered choice among musicians who crave both versatility and punch. This 50-watt powerhouse is designed to deliver the coveted tones that have defined rock, blues, and jazz for decades. Equipped with a pair of 6L6 power tubes and a flexible EQ section, the Caliber .50 Head offers a wide range of sounds that can be tailored to suit any style. This classic amp head provides both clean and overdrive channels, allowing you to switch seamlessly from smooth, crystalline cleans to gritty, high-gain leads.

The Caliber .50's compact size belies its powerful output, making it an ideal choice for both studio settings and live performances. With its intuitive control layout, dialing in your perfect sound has never been easier. Innovative channel switching technology ensures that you can transition effortlessly between tones without compromising on clarity or impact.

Whether you're looking to add some vintage warmth to your sound or need a reliable amp head for gigging, the Mesa/Boogie Caliber .50 Head is a trusted companion for musicians of all levels. Its robust construction ensures durability, while its expressive tonal capabilities make it a versatile addition to any rig.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt power output with 6L6 power tubes
  • Two channels for clean and overdrive tones
  • Flexible EQ section for tailoring sound
  • Compact design suitable for both studio and live use
  • Intuitive control layout for easy sound shaping
  • Durable construction for reliability on the road
Roman Rotten’s Tone

Roman Rotten’s Tone

Mesa Boogie 50 Caliber - The most versatile and underrated amp ever? Clean, Crunch and Metal review

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie 50 Caliber - The most versatile and underrated amp ever? Clean, Crunch and Metal review by Roman Rotten’s Tone

Mesa Boogie 50 Caliber - The most versatile and underrated amp ever? Clean, Crunch and Metal review

Roman Rotten’s Tone

Roman Rotten’s Tone

Video thumbnail for Mesa/Boogie Caliber 50 test by Dalström

Mesa/Boogie Caliber 50 test

Dalström

Dalström

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers a vintage sound distinct from newer models

  • Offers a definitive 'Mark III' voice, unique in its range

  • Crunch channel provides exceptional tone quality

  • Versatile for both rock and roll and more vintage styles

  • Under-rated amplifier with superior clean and crunch tones

CONS

  • Requires time to dial in preferred tones

  • Shared EQ controls limit tonal flexibility between channels

  • Noise gate necessary at high gain settings

  • Effects loop may need modifications for optimal pedal integration

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • The amp is noted for its loudness, with owners often playing until ears ring, suggesting potential need for an attenuator.

    Source
  • It's noted that the amp's distortion might lack detail and dimension but excels in punch and cut, ideal for live band settings.

    Source
  • First-time Mesa users may find the .50 Caliber challenging to dial in, suggesting a learning curve with its controls, especially the treble.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 50 Caliber + performs better through larger cabinets, enhancing its overall sound quality compared to smaller combos.

    Source
  • The amp's distortion is described as tight and punchy, suitable for rock/prog/metal but may need pedals for heavy "chugga chugga" tones.

    Source
  • The .50 Caliber loves the Big Muff pedal with low sustain and high volume settings, enhancing its tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The amp shines with master volume cranked, and high gain low master tones are passable at bedroom levels but not optimal.

    Source
  • Owners recommend using a loop pedal to adjust settings, making it easier to find the amp's sweet spots for optimal tone.

    Source
  • The .50 Caliber is suitable for hard rock and old-school metal, but may require careful handling of the treble control for optimal sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The amp's clean channel pairs well with stompboxes, offering a versatile foundation for personal tone shaping.

    Source
  • The 50 Caliber + has a single gain control with a second master level, offering limited flexibility for channel switching from clean to distorted tones.

    Source
  • The onboard reverb is highly praised, and the amp takes pedals very well, especially Plumes OD with classic Tube Screamer settings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest using a custom footswitch as original Mesa footswitches can be finicky, with eBay often having suitable options.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The DC-5, a two-channel version of the Caliber Series, is recommended for those requiring more tonal flexibility compared to the 50 Caliber +.

    Source
  • The .50 Caliber has a unique tonal character distinct from the Mark IIC+ or Mark IV, which are better for high-gain tones.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A price of $1200 for a .50 Caliber in mint condition is considered too high by some users, with $500-$600 being a more reasonable market value.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users note the amp chews through power tubes yearly and the first preamp tube similarly, suggesting regular upkeep costs.

    Source
  • Recapping with $30 in parts, including 400v Orange Drops and replacing old electrolytics, can enhance reliability of the amp.

    Source

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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 Mesa/Boogie Caliber .50 Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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martin_gotte

martin_gotte

Gear IQ 995

martin_gotte

martin_gotte

Gear IQ 995

thesonictitan

thesonictitan

Gear IQ 137

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