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Average Price: $700

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Description

Whether you're rocking the stage or crafting your next big hit in the studio, the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 Combo Amp is your versatile companion for every musical journey. This powerhouse of an amp offers Duo-Class technology, letting you switch seamlessly between 50-watt Class A/B and 5-watt Class A configurations. This unique feature ensures you get both the dynamic range needed for a booming live performance and the subtlety required for intimate recording sessions.

With two fully independent channels and four distinct style modes – Clean, Blues, Crunch, and Burn – the Express 5:50 caters to every guitarist's tonal preferences. The Contour Control adds another layer of customization, allowing you to tailor your sound with precision. Dial it just right, and you can go from crystal-clear cleans to a heavy, aggressive crunch, reminiscent of Mesa's signature Recto sound.

Beyond its tonal versatility, the Express 5:50 is built for the modern musician's needs. It houses an all-tube effects loop, a long-spring reverb, and a comprehensive control layout, with each channel boasting its own Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Reverb, Master, and Contour controls. Plus, with its robust construction and a pair of 12" C90 speakers, this amp delivers both durability and a full-bodied sound that can fill any room.

Key Features:

  • Duo-Class power switching (50-watt Class A/B to 5-watt Class A)
  • 2 x 12" C90 speakers
  • All-tube design: 5 x 12AX7A and 2 x 6L6 tubes
  • Two fully independent channels with four style modes
  • Contour Control for each channel
  • All-tube long-spring reverb and effects loop
  • 3-button footswitch for channel, reverb, and contour control
  • Slipcover included for added protection

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Express 5:50 2-Channel 50-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Various
Year 2007 - 2012
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What tones can I expect from the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 for different music genres?

The Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 offers versatile tones suitable for rock, blues, and jazz. Its 2-channel design with independent controls allows for a wide range of sounds, from clean and warm to rich overdrive, making it adaptable to various playing styles.

Is the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 loud enough for live performances?

Yes, with 50 watts of power and a 2x12 speaker configuration, the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 is powerful enough for most live performance settings, providing ample volume and headroom.

Does the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 take pedals well?

The Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, making it a great choice for players who use a variety of effects to shape their sound.

What is the weight of the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12?

The Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 combo amplifier weighs approximately 54 lbs, making it relatively portable for its size and power.

What type of reverb does the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 feature?

The Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 features a built-in spring reverb, providing a classic, lush reverb sound that enhances your overall tone.

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 Getting great sounds from Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 by akatajis

Getting great sounds from Mesa Boogie Express 5:50

akatajis

akatajis

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 2x12.

Value and pricing

  • These amps typically sell between $500 and $800, with condition and cosmetic features like custom tolex impacting the price.

    Source
  • Another buyer recently purchased a red/black tolex version with a wicker front for $750, which was perceived as more aesthetically pleasing than standard models.

    Source

User experience

  • One user switched from a Mesa 5:25 due to unresolved volume issues despite manufacturer repair attempts, indicating potential reliability concerns.

    Source
  • Some users find the EQ challenging to dial in, with adjustments affecting both EQ and gain.

    Source
  • Some users experience a volume dip and undesirable compression on the crunch channel, prompting them to increase gain on the clean channel instead.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Express series reportedly uses heavy-duty transformers, contributing to its significant weight.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Channel switching can be problematic; check for lag when changing modes during demos.

    Source
  • Circuit complexity makes repairs difficult; out-of-warranty repairs may be better handled by the manufacturer.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Express V1 lacks a 5-band EQ, affecting its tonal versatility compared to the V2/+ version.

    Source
  • The clean channel is favored for its versatility as a pedal platform, even over models like the Jazz Chorus and Twin.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Express is described as a versatile amp suitable for cover bands but not ideal for signature or high-gain sounds.

    Source
  • A low wattage mode combined with a small 10” Princeton cab offers excellent performance, ideal for downsizing without sacrificing tone.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Mesa Express 5:50 is praised for outlasting many vintage and boutique amps, with one user noting it replaced their Twin for improved performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest pairing the amp with an extension cabinet, such as a 2x12 with Black Shadow speakers, to enhance its power and tonal richness.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
phrankenstrat

Bulletproof

This is probably one of the best amps I've ever owned. They include Marshall, Vox, Laney, Peavey, Orange, Randall and several others I've probably forgotten over the years. This little amp is a beast. The cleans are pristine and the dirt channels are heavenly. My only complaint with it is the weight. But hey, that sound!!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ernest Fardiyan Sjarif uses Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12

Ernest Fardiyan Sjarif

Guitarist

Cokelat

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Gear Talks Eps.3 with Cokelat Part.2" by The Golden Legacy on YouTube, Ernest Fardiyan Sjarif is shown using the Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 2x12 amplifier.

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