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Average Price: $900

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$801+

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Description

Experience the versatile power of the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head, a dynamic amplifier that marries classic tube tone with modern flexibility. Designed for guitarists who demand precision and variety, this amp head is a tour de force of sonic possibilities. Duo-Class and Dyna-Watt technologies allow you to choose between 5, 25, or 50 watts per channel, providing tailored sound whether you’re performing in a cozy club or a large arena. Its all-tube architecture ensures rich, authentic tones, while the 5-band graphic EQ lets you shape your sound with meticulous detail.

The Express 5:50 isn't just about raw power; it's a tone sculptor's dream. With two fully independent channels and four style modes, you can switch from crystalline cleans to fiery overdrives effortlessly. The amp’s long-spring reverb adds a lush layer to your sound, customizable per channel for that perfect touch. A fully buffered effects loop, along with a 4-button footswitch, gives you seamless control over your performance dynamics. Crafted with care in Petaluma, California, this amplifier head embodies Mesa Boogie's legacy of quality and innovation, making it an essential tool for musicians who seek both reliability and creative freedom.

Key Features:

  • Custom-designed and handcrafted in Petaluma, California
  • All-tube design with 5 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 2 x 6L6 power tubes
  • 50-watt Class A/B, 25-watt Class A push-pull, and 5-watt single-ended Class A operation
  • Fixed bias for consistent performance
  • 2 fully independent channels with 4 style modes
  • 5-band graphic EQ or preset V-Curve contour controls
  • All-tube long-spring reverb with independent channel controls
  • Fully buffered effects loop
  • Includes 4-button footswitch and slipcover

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Express 5:50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Year 2007 - 2012
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Spring Reverb

FAQs

What are the key tonal characteristics of the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 amp head?

The Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 offers a versatile tonal palette with a focus on rich, clean tones and creamy overdrive. Its 6L6 power tubes provide a warm, full-bodied sound suitable for a variety of musical styles, from blues to rock.

Is the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 loud enough for live performances?

Yes, with its 50-watt output, the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 is powerful enough for most live performance settings, including gigs with a full band.

Does the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 work well with pedals?

The Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, allowing you to integrate effects seamlessly into your signal chain for enhanced tonal flexibility.

What built-in effects does the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 include?

This amp head features built-in spring reverb, adding depth and ambiance to your sound without needing external reverb pedals.

Can the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 be switched to lower wattage for practice?

Yes, the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 includes a power switch that allows you to reduce the output to 5 watts, making it ideal for practice sessions or smaller venues.

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 Demo

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 Demo by MESA/Boogie

Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 Demo

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Video thumbnail for An Easy One: Mesa Express 5:50 by Psionic Audio

An Easy One: Mesa Express 5:50

Psionic Audio

Psionic Audio

Video thumbnail for MESA BOOGIE EXPRESS 5:50 MKI DEEP TEST(PROBABLY THE MOST COMPLETE 5.50 VIDEOTEST IN INTERNET) by mr amp

MESA BOOGIE EXPRESS 5:50 MKI DEEP TEST(PROBABLY THE MOST COMPLETE 5.50 VIDEOTEST IN INTERNET)

mr amp

mr amp

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2-Channel 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head.

Comparisons

  • The Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 is likened to a "Fender Supersonic" for blues-rock, while the Mark V offers smoother, chunkier tones suitable for 80s rock/metal.

    Source
  • The Mesa Express 5:50 is described as a "jack of all trades" amp, offering versatility comparable to the Mark, Rectifier, and Lonestar lines at a more affordable price.

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  • The Express 5:50+ differs from the standard model by offering more wattage flexibility and EQ options, enhancing its adaptability for various playing environments.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the Clean and Crunch channels of the 5:50 effective for blues and classic rock, but lacking for 80s metal due to a brittle, fizzy top end.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A recommendation includes trying Celestion Creamback 65 speakers to address the amp's fizzy high end, suggesting a notable improvement in tone.

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User experience

  • The Mark V is praised for its tone-sculpting abilities, though adjustments can be complex due to its extensive control options.

    Source
  • Owners report the amp is significantly loud, even in 5-watt mode, which might be too much for smaller rooms.

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  • The burn channel is highly effective for hard rock rhythm when the amp is run at higher wattages, utilizing all the tubes.

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  • Owners appreciate the 5:50’s versatility, using it for a range of tones from clean to punky crunch, despite slight high-gain tightness issues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 5-watt setting is praised for practice, while the 50-watt setting provides substantial volume for larger spaces.

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  • The 5:50+ includes a graphic EQ slider and an additional 25-watt attenuation setting, offering more control compared to the standard 5:50 model.

    Source
  • The footswitch for the 5:50 is noted as decent, though it lacks the ability to switch between the amp's four voicings, only channel switching is possible.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It can take over a year of tinkering to fully dial in the burn channel, highlighting the amp's complexity and need for patience.

    Source

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