Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $352

Standard/Professional

$299

$800+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty is a powerhouse of versatility in the world of guitar power amplifiers. Perfectly bridging the gap between raw power and nuanced tone control, this amp is a favorite among professional musicians who demand reliability on stage and in the studio. Known for its dual-channel configuration, the Fifty/Fifty offers 50 watts per channel, delivering a robust presence that can handle both intimate gigs and larger venues with ease. Its all-tube design ensures warm, dynamic sound reproduction with the kind of character that tube amplifiers are cherished for.

This amplifier is equipped with a user-friendly interface, featuring individual presence controls for each channel, allowing for precise tonal shaping. The Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty also includes fan cooling to maintain optimal operating temperatures, ensuring that your performance remains uninterrupted. Its rack-mountable design makes it a convenient choice for those with existing setups looking to expand their sonic possibilities without adding clutter.

Whether you're a seasoned guitarist looking to elevate your sound or a studio engineer seeking a reliable power solution, the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty offers a compelling blend of power, tone, and durability.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel configuration with 50 watts per channel
  • All-tube design for warm, dynamic sound
  • Individual presence controls for precise tonal shaping
  • Fan-cooled for optimal performance and reliability
  • Rack-mountable for easy integration into existing setups

Product specs

Brand Mesa Boogie
Model Fifty/Fifty 2-Channel 50-Watt Power Amplifer
Finish Black
Year 1986 - 2010
Made In United States
Categories Power Amplifiers
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 2

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty power amplifier use?

The Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty power amplifier uses 6L6 tubes, which are known for their robust, warm sound and are commonly used in guitar amplifiers for their reliability and tonal qualities.

Is the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty is a 50-watt power amplifier with two channels, making it suitable for live performances where robust and dynamic sound is required.

How does the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty handle different speaker cabinets?

The Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty is designed to work well with a variety of speaker cabinets, offering flexibility with its dual-channel output, allowing users to match it with different cabinet configurations for optimal sound.

Can the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty be used for both guitar and bass amplification?

While primarily designed for guitar amplification, the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty can also be used for bass, though it may not deliver the low-end response typically desired for bass amplification compared to dedicated bass amps.

What makes the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty unique compared to other power amplifiers?

The Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty is unique for its all-tube design, dual-channel configuration, and the ability to deliver a warm, dynamic tone that is highly sought after by guitarists for both live and studio settings.

Artificial Insolence

Artificial Insolence

GUITARS 'N STUFF: Mesa 50/50 vs. Synergy 50/50 | Power Amp Shootout

Video thumbnail for GUITARS 'N STUFF: Mesa 50/50 vs. Synergy 50/50 | Power Amp Shootout by Artificial Insolence

GUITARS 'N STUFF: Mesa 50/50 vs. Synergy 50/50 | Power Amp Shootout

Artificial Insolence

Artificial Insolence

Video thumbnail for Power Amp Insanity by Michael Toren

Power Amp Insanity

Michael Toren

Michael Toren

Reviews

PROS

  • Legendary status with a wide range of genre versatility

  • Pairs excellently with Mesa Boogie TriAxis and other preamps

  • Maintains natural tone with minimal coloring

  • Reliable performance, both live and in the studio

  • Powerful output without needing high gain for quality tone

  • Exceptional sustain compared to competitors

  • Smooth, dark tone ideal for late 80's/early 90's music

  • Effective with various instruments beyond guitar

CONS

  • Aesthetics may not appeal to all

  • Noticeable fan noise

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Valve guide keys can break during shipping; check carefully to avoid fuse blowouts.

    Source
  • Older units, like those from 1992, can have functioning original caps despite age.

    Source
  • When using the Fifty/Fifty in mono, ensure the level on the unused channel is set to 0 and presence is maximized for optimal performance.

    Source
  • Owners suggest using Tungsol 6L6GC tubes for optimal performance after repairs.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Treble on Mark series amps adds gain; rhythm channel volume affects lead channel gain.

    Source
  • In stereo mode, connect the 8 ohm power amp output to the 16 ohm cabinet input; Mesa amps handle impedance mismatches well.

    Source
  • The Fifty/Fifty can operate in a wet/dry configuration if effects are not connected to both returns.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 2:90 power amp is favored over the Fifty/Fifty by some users for its sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Fifty/Fifty is described as "loud as hell" and may require volume control in apartment settings.

    Source
  • Owners recommend alternating between the A and B sides of the power amp to ensure even tube wear over time.

    Source
  • Pairs well with a Mesa Quad Preamp for versatile sound options, including stereo setups with 2x12 cabinets.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report regret after selling their Fifty/Fifty due to its unique sound and build.

    Source
  • Users find Mesa Boogie's customer support somewhat inconsistent, advising to clarify settings over the phone due to potential inaccuracies in written responses.

    Source
  • Users highlight the combination of the Mesa Fifty/Fifty with a Triaxis or Quad Preamp as a dream rig for rich, aggressive tones.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
karl321

Excellent (except the fan noise)

I'm a huge fan of bands that were famous in the late 80's and early 90's like Nirvana, Van Halen, Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, etc. This power amp along with the Mesa Boogie studio preamp and my chorus pedal and modded boss ds-1 nails the tone for all of them. That's something I can't say for any Marshall, Fender of Vox brand amplifier that I've tried so far.

I run it through the cabinet of my Fender Twin Reverb because I don't have a proper cabinet, and the main difference between the two amp sections is that the Mesa Boogie is much darker and smoother than the Twin. The bright lead channel on the Boogie is very similar to the dark channel on the Twin (with a boss ds-1 added), but the Boogie is still slightly darker, even then. The Twin has a sharp attack on notes, which gives it the illusion of having almost no sustain, whereas the Mesa Boogie sustains for a very long time.

Plugging my Fender Rhodes straight into this, even without a preamp, with a chorus pedal gives a heavenly tone with the Twin cab.

Basically, I feel like this would be the perfect guitar amp if they gave some consideration to the aesthetics and if it wasn't for the fan noise.

dalik_simecka

Universal power amp

this power amp from Mesa Boogie is simply amazing with the TriAxis preamp I'll keep this stuff for a long time just because it's a legendary weapon for any genre :)))

Roles:
From Gear Setup
jake_jakerson

Very nice sound, has a harding hitting, punchy tone, dark too

Great amp, has nice bass, and has bery punchy middle. Very nice amp

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Max Cavalera uses Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty

Max Cavalera

Singer, Guitarist

Sepultura

...
Verified via Angelfire

Max Cavalera of Soulfly has used the Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty guitar power amplifier, as detailed on Angelfire.

See how Johan Reinholdz uses Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty

Johan Reinholdz

Guitarist, Composer

Dark Tranquillity

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube interview with The Tone Mob, Johan Reinholdz stated at the 23:03 mark that he uses a Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty power amplifier for live performances with the band Andromeda.

See how Rivers of Nihil uses Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty

Rivers of Nihil

Composer

...
Verified via Facebook

At 56:20 he explains that the two guitarists use this.

L

Lance Arny

Guitarist

Flaw

...
Verified via Photo

Used by Lance Arny around 2002 according to this GuitarGeek diagram.

See how Jake Schneider uses Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty

Jake Schneider

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Jake Schneider showcases his Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty amplifier connected to a Hughes and Kettner 4x10 cabinet in an Instagram post.

See how Subform uses Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty

Subform

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Subform utilizes a Mesa/Boogie Fifty/Fifty power amplifier, noted for its reliability over 25+ years without issues, as evidenced in the user-uploaded photo.

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 Fifty/Fifty, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
dalik_simecka

dalik_simecka

Gear IQ 155

More Mesa/Boogie Guitar Power Amplifiers

Similar