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Average Price: $800

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$701+

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Description

Unleash your guitar's potential with the Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus 50-Watt 1x12" Combo Amp—a powerhouse of versatility and tone. Designed for musicians who crave both flexibility and reliability, this amp delivers stunning sound quality across a wide range of musical styles. With two independent channels and four distinct modes, it offers an impressive palette of sonic textures from pristine cleans to aggressive overdrive, catering to every guitarist’s taste.

One of the standout features of the Express 5:50 Plus is its switchable wattage capability, allowing you to choose between 5, 25, or 50 watts. This means you can easily switch from a full-throttle performance setting to a more intimate studio or practice session with just a flick of a switch. The fixed bias design ensures consistent performance, while the 1x12" speaker provides a rich, full-bodied sound that's perfect for both stage and studio.

Mesa/Boogie has a long-standing reputation for crafting amps that are not only durable but also visually appealing. The Express 5:50 Plus is no exception, offering a variety of custom coverings to suit your personal style. Whether you’re recording, performing, or simply jamming, this amp is sure to inspire your creativity and elevate your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Two independent channels with four modes
  • Switchable wattage: 5, 25, or 50 watts
  • Fixed bias for consistent performance
  • 1x12" speaker for a rich, full sound
  • Customizable coverings available

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Express 5:50 Plus 1x12" Combo Guitar Amp
Finish Various
Year 2012 - 2020
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 1x12"

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus amp?

The Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus is known for its versatile tonal range, offering clean, bluesy, and high-gain sounds. It features a 5-band EQ and contour control, allowing musicians to shape their sound for various genres from rock to jazz.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus suitable for gigging with a drummer?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus, with its 50-watt power output, is loud enough for live performances, even in a band setting with a drummer. Its 1x12" speaker configuration delivers ample volume and projection.

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

The Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus is designed to take pedals well, thanks to its high-quality tube circuitry and a built-in effects loop. This makes it a great choice for guitarists who rely on external effects for their sound.

What type of reverb does the Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus have?

The Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus features a spring reverb, providing a classic, lush reverb sound that enhances the amp's natural tone and adds depth to your playing.

How many channels does the Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus offer?

The Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus has two channels, allowing players to switch between clean and overdriven tones seamlessly, making it versatile for different playing styles and genres.

session

session

MESA BOOGIE Express 5:50+ 1x12 Combo

Video thumbnail for MESA BOOGIE Express 5:50+ 1x12 Combo by session

MESA BOOGIE Express 5:50+ 1x12 Combo

session

session

Video thumbnail for Demo of Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 Plus 1x12 Combo by MooreMusicGuitars

Demo of Mesa Boogie Express 5:50 Plus 1x12 Combo

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie Express 5:50+ Ch. 1 CLEAN – Jazz by MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie Express 5:50+ Ch. 1 CLEAN – Jazz

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie Express 5:50+ Ch. 1 CLEAN – Sparkling Tele by MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie Express 5:50+ Ch. 1 CLEAN – Sparkling Tele

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Video thumbnail for Mesa Boogie Express 5:50+ 1x12 Combo | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Mesa Boogie Express 5:50+ 1x12 Combo | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie Express 5:50+ Ch. 1 CRUNCH – Clipped by MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie Express 5:50+ Ch. 1 CRUNCH – Clipped

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Video thumbnail for MESA/Boogie Express 5:50+ Ch. 1 CLEAN – Country by MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie Express 5:50+ Ch. 1 CLEAN – Country

MESA/Boogie

MESA/Boogie

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers 5, 25, and 50-watt settings for versatile power options

  • Exceptional clean channel with ample headroom and tone shaping

  • Built like a tank, durable and sturdy

  • Swiss army knife versatility, covers multiple music genres

  • Outstanding sound quality at all power levels

  • Easy to use once you understand the EQ and channel settings

  • Great for gigging in small to mid-large venues

  • Impressive tone for blues and 70s style music

  • Provides excellent EQ options for sound customization

  • Highly regarded for its all-tube construction

CONS

  • Heavy for a 1x12 combo amp

  • Takes time to dial in due to numerous options

  • Some find the "Burn" setting weak and underwhelming

  • Channel configuration may not suit all preferences

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 Plus 50-Watt 1x12" Combo Amp.

Comparisons

  • Some users view the 5:50 as a superior alternative to a Twin, especially when downsizing from larger setups.

    Source
  • The clean channel is based on the Lonestar, offering similar but not identical clean tones, while the dirty channel surpasses the Lonestar in versatility.

    Source

User experience

  • Mesa's factory support is known for effective troubleshooting over the phone, though availability may vary post-Gibson acquisition.

    Source
  • The amp's sound quality is so satisfying that it can reduce reliance on an extensive pedal chain.

    Source
  • Owners find the amp excels with an extension cabinet, significantly enhancing its power and tonal richness.

    Source
  • Owners report that it can take over a year of tinkering to fully explore and dial in the burn channel, indicating a steep learning curve.

    Source
  • The amp is noted for being very loud, even in the 5-watt setting, which can make it challenging to use at bedroom volumes.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using a spare 12AX7 tube to swap into preamp positions can help identify faulty tubes, with V3 and V4 being primary suspects.

    Source
  • Mesa tubes aren't mandatory; tested alternatives can work safely, but checking the high voltage supply fuse is advised if there's no sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The FX send allows channel switching and EQ control, indicating a potential power stage issue if no sound is heard through the FX return.

    Source
  • The reverb is described as drippy and bright, making it ideal for live settings.

    Source
  • The clean channel can serve as an excellent pedal platform, favored by some over a Jazz Chorus and Twin for its versatility.

    Source
  • The presence control significantly affects the burn channel's tone, offering substantial tonal shaping.

    Source
  • The amp's burn channel excels in hard rock rhythm when played at higher wattage settings, as it relies on all tubes being hot for optimal performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A low wattage mode effectively pairs with smaller 10" cabs, offering flexibility for different playing environments.

    Source
  • The 5-watt mode is practical for practice, while the 50-watt mode provides ample volume for larger settings, making it a versatile choice for different environments.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using an MXR EQ pedal with slight boosts at 800 and 1.5 Hz enhances the amp's tone significantly.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mesa/Boogie Express Plus 5:50 combo review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus Combo Amp delivers exceptional versatility and sound quality, making it a standout choice for guitarists seeking a flexible all-in-one solution. With its re-engineered clean mode, multi-watt power switching, and comprehensive EQ controls, it offers a wide range of tones from sparkling cleans to high-gain grit. The amp's construction meets Mesa's high standards, ensuring durability for both stage and studio use. However, its complexity might be overwhelming for those who don't require such extensive features. Overall, this amp is a robust, feature-packed option for serious musicians.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

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roar_cornelius_albrechtsen

[deleted]

jimmarchi1

again, you can add new items.... also a review of the express?

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Chapman uses Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus 50-Watt 1x12" Combo Amp

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

Rob jams through a Mesa Boogie Express Plus in this #product-demo.

See how Richard Coleman uses Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus 50-Watt 1x12" Combo Amp

Richard Coleman

Guitarist, Composer

Fricción

...
Verified via YouTube

usado en 5 Watts, en combo con parlante de 12´

See how Ed Williams uses Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus 50-Watt 1x12" Combo Amp

Ed Williams

Guitarist

The Revivalists

...
Verified via MESA/Boogie®

According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Ed Williams uses the Mesa/Boogie Express 5:50 Plus 50-Watt 1x12" Combo Amp.

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 Express 5:50 Plus 50-Watt 1x12" Combo Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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