Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $998
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Sovtek MIG-50". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Sovtek MIG-50, a no-nonsense powerhouse of an amp that embodies raw power and rich tone. This dual-channel giant, born in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's fall, has been making its mark on stages and studios worldwide, peeling the paint off the walls with its unbridled energy. Its unadorned design is a testament to its workhorse nature, focusing on delivering nothing but pure, fat tone.
Key Features:
- Dual-channel design
- Emphasizes raw power and rich tone
- Ideal for both stage and studio use
- Born out of post-Soviet Union era
- Known for its solid, workhorse nature
Product specs
| Brand | Sovtek |
| Model | Mig 50 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1990s |
| Made In | Russia |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 4 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 50 |
| Power Tube Type | 5881 |
| Reverb | None |
FAQs
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What type of tubes does the Sovtek MIG-50 use?
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The Sovtek MIG-50 amplifier head uses two Sovtek 5881WXT power tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes, providing a classic tube-driven sound.
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How many channels does the Sovtek MIG-50 have?
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The Sovtek MIG-50 features two channels: a normal channel and a bright channel, each with dedicated input and volume controls for versatile tonal options.
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Is the Sovtek MIG-50 suitable for gigging?
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With its 50-watt output, the Sovtek MIG-50 is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, offering robust sound projection and clarity.
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Does the Sovtek MIG-50 have built-in reverb?
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No, the Sovtek MIG-50 does not include built-in reverb, focusing on delivering pure tube-driven tones without additional effects.
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What speaker impedance options are available on the Sovtek MIG-50?
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The Sovtek MIG-50 supports speaker output options of 4, 8, or 16 ohms, allowing for flexible cabinet compatibility.
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Can the Sovtek MIG-50 handle both bright and clean tones?
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Yes, the Sovtek MIG-50's two channels, normal and bright, allow it to deliver a range of tones from clean to bright, making it versatile for different music styles.
Videos
JHS Pedals
Electro-Harmonix VS Sovtek Amp Shootout
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sovtek MIG-50.
Mods and upgrades
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Removing or switching the bright cap on channel 2's volume is a straightforward mod that can be done without removing the board.
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Installing a Type 3 post phase inverter master volume and a mini switch for channel jumping can enhance the amp’s usability for home settings.
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A master volume mod can help manage the MIG-50's high volume, making it more suitable for smaller spaces.
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Carling 2GK51-73 switches are suitable replacements for the original switches, which are known to be fragile.
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Use cases and applications
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Users find the amp excels when used with a Marshall Power Break, allowing for power amp distortion while maintaining a clean tone.
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The MIG-50 can achieve early breakup with humbuckers at the 9 o'clock position on channel 2, providing versatility in sound shaping.
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The amp excels in genres like stoner rock, scuzz blues, thrash metal, hardcore, grindcore, and death metal, providing versatility across heavy music styles.
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User experience
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Owners report that the MIG-50 Midget, particularly in oak wood combos with V30s, retains resale value and owner satisfaction over decades.
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Owners report the MIG-50 as extremely loud, making it challenging for home use without modifications for volume control.
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Owners report that the amp handles pedals and additional gain exceptionally well, enhancing its versatility for different music styles.
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Comparisons
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The MIG-50 is often compared to a Marshall JMP 2204 for its tonal characteristics.
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Some users find the Bassman more reliable over time, with vintage units requiring less frequent maintenance than newer MIG-50s.
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Users suggest pairing the amp with speakers like Celestion G12K-100s or Vintage 30s for improved tonal quality over stock Celestion Seventy 80s.
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Build quality
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The amp often features EL34 power tubes, contributing to its strong bass and powerful output.
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The MIG-50 Midget's pots and jacks are CTS and not PCB mounted, contributing to its robust construction.
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Original input jacks are prone to chipping; replacing them with Switchcraft jacks is recommended for durability.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
121
Lots of power for a little guy
My pesonal head has been re-cased in a lighter/flame treated wood casing, but it packs all of the power this amp has to offer. Small but fierce.
Artist usage
Add artist
Like you can see on this photo, Pat played a amp head Sovtek MIG 50 during the first Foo Fighters show (02/19/1995), and (maybe) shows after, before switch to his Mesa/Boogie Studio Preamp, if I'm not mistaken (that you can see on the live at Brixton Academy).
Discussed in this November 16, 2018 That Pedal Show episode. It is mentioned here and in previous episodes that Steinhardt had to sell his amp during an overseas move. Josh Scott of JHS Pedals generously gave Steinhardt one of his own; it features intermittently on the show.
En esta entrevista hecha por Ariel Pozzo (minuto 12:44) podemos ver este cabezal que adquirió en los 90s.
In this GuitarGeek rig diagram, made by Adam Cooper, Matt's rig includes a Sovtek MIG 50 Watt guitar head.
I’m using two amps now: a Sovtek Mig 50 head with a single 12? EV speaker cab, and a Gibson Lab Series L-7 solidstate amp that sounds really good. In terms of guitars it’s a pair of Fenders – a Strat and Tele – a Gibson Tal Farlow reissue, Les Paul, and an Epiphone Riveria. The new Epiphones have been really good road guitars.
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 Sovtek MIG-50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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