Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

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

What type of tubes does the Sovtek MIG-50 use?

The Sovtek MIG-50 amplifier head uses two Sovtek 5881WXT power tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes, providing a classic tube-driven sound.

How many channels does the Sovtek MIG-50 have?

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.

Is the Sovtek MIG-50 suitable for gigging?

With its 50-watt output, the Sovtek MIG-50 is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, offering robust sound projection and clarity.

Does the Sovtek MIG-50 have built-in reverb?

No, the Sovtek MIG-50 does not include built-in reverb, focusing on delivering pure tube-driven tones without additional effects.

What speaker impedance options are available on the Sovtek MIG-50?

The Sovtek MIG-50 supports speaker output options of 4, 8, or 16 ohms, allowing for flexible cabinet compatibility.

Can the Sovtek MIG-50 handle both bright and clean tones?

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.

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals

Electro-Harmonix VS Sovtek Amp Shootout

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix VS Sovtek Amp Shootout by JHS Pedals

Electro-Harmonix VS Sovtek Amp Shootout

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals

Video thumbnail for Dan Chooses A New Amp For His Wet-Dry Rig [JTM45 Vs Tweed Bassman Vs Sovtek MIG-50] by That Pedal Show

Dan Chooses A New Amp For His Wet-Dry Rig [JTM45 Vs Tweed Bassman Vs Sovtek MIG-50]

That Pedal Show

That Pedal Show

Video thumbnail for Electro-Harmonix MIG50 demo by Gordy Wilcher

Electro-Harmonix MIG50 demo

Gordy Wilcher

Gordy Wilcher

Video thumbnail for How to repair Bias Electro Harmonix MIG-50 Tube Guitar amplifier by D-lab Electronics

How to repair Bias Electro Harmonix MIG-50 Tube Guitar amplifier

D-lab Electronics

D-lab Electronics

Video thumbnail for Sovtek MIG-50 by williesguitars

Sovtek MIG-50

williesguitars

williesguitars

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

  • Removing or switching the bright cap on channel 2's volume is a straightforward mod that can be done without removing the board.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • A master volume mod can help manage the MIG-50's high volume, making it more suitable for smaller spaces.

    Source
  • Carling 2GK51-73 switches are suitable replacements for the original switches, which are known to be fragile.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users find the amp excels when used with a Marshall Power Break, allowing for power amp distortion while maintaining a clean tone.

    Source
  • The MIG-50 can achieve early breakup with humbuckers at the 9 o'clock position on channel 2, providing versatility in sound shaping.

    Source
  • The amp excels in genres like stoner rock, scuzz blues, thrash metal, hardcore, grindcore, and death metal, providing versatility across heavy music styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the MIG-50 Midget, particularly in oak wood combos with V30s, retains resale value and owner satisfaction over decades.

    Source
  • Owners report the MIG-50 as extremely loud, making it challenging for home use without modifications for volume control.

    Source
  • Owners report that the amp handles pedals and additional gain exceptionally well, enhancing its versatility for different music styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MIG-50 is often compared to a Marshall JMP 2204 for its tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Some users find the Bassman more reliable over time, with vintage units requiring less frequent maintenance than newer MIG-50s.

    Source
  • Users suggest pairing the amp with speakers like Celestion G12K-100s or Vintage 30s for improved tonal quality over stock Celestion Seventy 80s.

    Source

Build quality

  • The amp often features EL34 power tubes, contributing to its strong bass and powerful output.

    Source
  • The MIG-50 Midget's pots and jacks are CTS and not PCB mounted, contributing to its robust construction.

    Source
  • Original input jacks are prone to chipping; replacing them with Switchcraft jacks is recommended for durability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The MIG-50's first channel offers high headroom and a bass-heavy tone akin to a Fender Bassman, while the second channel is brighter with early breakup.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sovtek MIG-50 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Sovtek MIG-50 is a Cold War-era gem, combining Bassman and Plexi tones with unique Soviet flair. Its rugged military-grade components offer a massive, harmonic-rich sound perfect for rock and blues. While lacking a Master Volume control and featuring mediocre Russian pots, it's lauded for durability and distinctive tone, though early models had underpowered transformers. Now a rare find, its appreciation in value reflects its unique historical and sonic appeal.

positive
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
mattthompson

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.

fedem

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pat Smear uses Sovtek MIG-50

Pat Smear

Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

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).

See how Steve Albini uses Sovtek MIG-50

Steve Albini

Singer, Guitarist

Big Black

...
Verified via YouTube

One of the amps seen at 19:17 minutes into the video

See how jack stauber uses Sovtek MIG-50

jack stauber

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see this amp head on top of his Orange Cab.

See how Daniel Steinhardt uses Sovtek MIG-50

Daniel Steinhardt

Singer, Guitarist

Tin Spirits

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Richard Coleman uses Sovtek MIG-50

Richard Coleman

Guitarist, Composer

Los 7 Delfines

...
Verified via YouTube

En esta entrevista hecha por Ariel Pozzo (minuto 12:44) podemos ver este cabezal que adquirió en los 90s.

See how Matt Sweeney uses Sovtek MIG-50

Matt Sweeney

Guitarist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified

In this GuitarGeek rig diagram, made by Adam Cooper, Matt's rig includes a Sovtek MIG 50 Watt guitar head.

See how Duke Robillard uses Sovtek MIG-50

Duke Robillard

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

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.

See how Julio Breshnev uses Sovtek MIG-50

Julio Breshnev

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

The item can be seen in this Facebook post by Julio Breshnev

See how Kevin Whitley uses Sovtek MIG-50

Kevin Whitley

Singer, Guitarist

Cherubs

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen at 11:25, mentions the head being somewhat unreliable

See how Paul Moak uses Sovtek MIG-50

Paul Moak

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Heart

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

At 42:37, an Electro Harmonix/Sovtek MIG50 can be seen as a part of Paul Moak's amp collection.

D

Daniel Nygren

Guitarist

Gaupa

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "GAUPA - Moloken (Live at Monkey Moon Studios)" by Nuclear Blast Records, a Sovtek MIG-50 amp head can be seen behind guitarist Daniel Nygren.

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.

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Community setups

Show yours
thesonictitan

thesonictitan

Gear IQ 137

5 alternative and related items for Sovtek MIG-50, curated by the Equipboard community.

Electro-Harmonix MIG-50 50 Watt 2-Channel Tube Guitar Head

$680.00 - $799.00

newer similar sound

Current reissue of the MIG-50, sold by Electro-Harmonix.

Acorn Amplifiers Transistor MIGFET 50P

 

similar sound cheaper alternative mod

A transistor based clone of the MIG 50 preamp. V2 adds more gain.

Fender 'Narrow Panel Tweed' Bassman 5F6 (1958-1960)

$99.95 - $2,199.99

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound high-end alternative
Heather Brown Electronicals Volga Preamp

 

cheaper alternative

The Heather Brown Electronicals Volga is a preamp pedal inspired by the feel of the Sovtek MIG-50, recreating much of its circuitry with JFETs.

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