Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,308
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet the Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head, a powerhouse in a compact package. Designed with the rockers at heart, this 50-watt EL-34 powered amplifier is versatile enough to handle a range of genres. Its bubbly, sparkling clean sounds are a rarity in this category, and when you crave some crunch, it delivers a tight, aggressive wall of rock.
Inspired by the other side of Mesa that brought us the iconic Dual Rectifier, the Triple Crown TC-50 Head offers a unique set of circuits in Mesa's line. Its three channels are enriched with an all-tube reverb, providing a beautiful 3D halo and offering the flexibility to choose where to apply it for optimal results.
The Triple Crown TC-50 Head is not all about sound but also convenience. With the Bias Switch, you can swap the default EL-34s for the rounder sounding 6L6, or even the warmer, rounder 6V6s for a more vintage voice and creamier top-end harmonic content. Its MIDI connectivity and store toggle switch allow for one-touch writing to any of the 256 MIDI program numbers.
Key Features:
- 50-watt EL-34 powered amplifier, capable of delivering sparkling clean sounds and a tight, aggressive rock crunch
- Features an all-tube reverb for a beautiful 3D halo
- Bias Switch allows for swapping of EL-34s for 6L6 or 6V6s
- MIDI connectivity for true connectivity and easy access to professional features
- Store toggle switch for one-touch writing to any of 256 MIDI program numbers.
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 3 |
| Total Power | 50W Class A/B |
| Preamp Tubes | 6 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AT7 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x EL34 |
| Reverb | Tube, Spring Reverb |
| EQ | 3-band EQ per channel |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (speaker out), 1 x XLR (DI out), 1 x 1/4" (headphones), 1 x 1/4" (line out) |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| MIDI I/O | In, Out/Thru |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 6-pin DIN (channel, reverb, FX loop, solo) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, 6-button footswitch |
| Construction Material | Black Taurus, Black Carbon Vinyl Faceplate |
| Power Source | Fixed AC cable |
| Height | 9.6" |
| Width | 22.75" |
| Depth | 10.3" |
| Weight | 35 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head?
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The Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head offers a versatile tonal range with its three channels, delivering everything from sparkling cleans to aggressive high-gain distortion. Its EL34 power tubes provide a classic British-style crunch, while the 3-band EQ per channel allows for precise tone shaping.
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Is the Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head suitable for gigging with a drummer?
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Yes, with 50 watts of power, the Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head is loud enough for live performances, including playing with a drummer. Its robust output and dynamic headroom make it ideal for various venues.
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Does the Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head include a footswitch?
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Yes, the Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head comes with a 6-button footswitch, allowing you to easily switch channels, engage the reverb, effects loop, and solo functions during performances.
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Can the Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head be used for direct recording?
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Yes, the TC-50 Head features an XLR DI output, allowing you to connect directly to recording equipment or a PA system for direct recording or live sound applications.
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What types of tubes are used in the Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head?
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The TC-50 Head utilizes 6 x 12AX7 and 1 x 12AT7 preamp tubes, along with 2 x EL34 power tubes, providing a rich, dynamic tube-driven sound.
Videos
Riffs, Beards & Gear
Mesa Boogie Triple Crown - Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Extremely versatile with three distinct, fully independent channels
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Exceptional build quality and reliability
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Delivers from crystal-clear cleans to scorching overdrive tones
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Intuitively easy to use with a straightforward front panel layout
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Excellent tube saturation thanks to its EL34 tubes
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Features a CabClone for direct recording, enhancing its utility
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Reverb can be adjusted per channel, offering great clarity and decay
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Master volume control allows for home practice without disturbing neighbors
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Takes pedals well, both through the front and the EFX loop
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Made in the USA, providing a sense of quality and supporting domestic manufacturing
CONS
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Lack of a built-in 5-band EQ might limit tonal shaping for some users
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High complexity might not suit beginners or those preferring simpler setups
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Reverb adjustments are on the back, which could be inconvenient for some
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Does not include a speaker cable, requiring an additional purchase
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head.
Mods and upgrades
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EVM12L speakers, specifically the Black Shadow or Silver Back, are recommended for enhanced bass response and warmth, particularly with EL34 tubes.
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Switching to 6L6 tubes is considered by owners for altering the amp's tonal characteristics, though specific tonal changes are yet to be widely documented.
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Switching from EL34 to 6v6 tubes can provide a significant volume reduction, making it suitable for ~25w usage at lower volume levels.
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Value and pricing
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The TC-50 is praised for its value, particularly when purchased used, with the added benefit of a transferable 5-year warranty enhancing its appeal.
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User experience
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Many owners appreciate the clean channel for its warmth and bubbly character, often exceeding expectations for an amp known for its gain capabilities.
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Owners find the TC-50 head easier to transport than the combo, given its lighter weight when separated from the cab, despite needing two trips.
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Use cases and applications
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The TC-50 excels in providing a wide range of tones, from tight modern metal to British crunch and Fender-like cleans.
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Owners suggest setting the Hi channel's gain between 9:00 and 11:00 and stacking with an overdrive for optimal sound with HH guitars.
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The TC-50's output knob allows for excellent tone control even at bedroom volume levels, maintaining the channel's master volume tone quality.
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A 2x12 Mesa Recto cab is recommended for a fuller sound than the 1x12 combo option, appealing to those seeking robust output.
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Comparisons
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Compared to the Dual Rectifier, the TC-50 is more mid-focused and refined, making it ideal for tight metal genres like djent and prog.
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The drive mode on the TC-50 is compared to Joe Bonamassa's edge-of-breakup sound, especially with subtle tremolo effects for added depth.
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Different speaker setups, such as pairing a clean channel with a 4x10 cab, can dramatically alter the amp's sound, providing a broader tonal palette.
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Features and functionality
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Built-in Cab Clone is a useful feature for DI recording, although it often requires EQ adjustments to achieve optimal sound quality.
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Independent channel reverbs and a master volume with MIDI capability allow for diverse tonal options and seamless integration with digital setups.
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The TC-50's drive mode may not clip easily and is intended for a fuller clean sound rather than as a substitute for channel 2's high-gain settings.
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The head offers flexibility with cab choices, allowing for open, closed, or hybrid configurations, affecting bass response and overall tonal character.
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Using a MIDI controller can expand the TC-50's capabilities, allowing for seamless integration with pedalboards and programmable footswitchable presets.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In an Instagram post, Jared Dines showcases his guitar rig for Rest, Repose, featuring the Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head.
He mentions that he currenlty (as of janurary 2018) owns 2 versions of this amp at 8:55 in this video.
According to his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie® website, guitarist Andy Williams uses the Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head.
According to the 2019 Premier Guitar interview, Douglas uses the Mesa Boogie TC-50 guitar head.
In an Instagram post made by Leda on February 23rd of 2017, he is shown to use two different Mesa Boogie amp heads - a Mark V 3-channel head and a TC-50 amp head.
Machiya is listed on the MESA/Boogie® website as an artist who uses the Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head.
In the description of the YouTube video titled "Recording the 6th ...And Oceans album. Guitar clips," it is confirmed that Timo Kontio is using a Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head. It being a head is mentioned on his artist page on the official MESA/Boogie website.
Album Usage
The Mesa/Boogie Triple Crown TC-50 Head has been featured on the following albums:
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 Triple Crown TC-50 Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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