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EVH 5150 Iconic 40w 112 Combo Ivory

The EVH 5150 Iconic 40w 112 is a 40-watt all-tube guitar amplifier designed to deliver high-gain performance at an accessible price point. It features a custom 12-inch Celestion speaker and a valve complement consisting of two 6L6 power tubes and two ECC83S preamp tubes.

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Overview

The EVH 5150 Iconic 40w 112 Combo is a versatile valve amplifier engineered to capture the aggressive, saturated tones associated with the 5150 lineage. Housed in a striking Ivory finish, this 40-watt unit aims to provide professional-grade tube power without the premium cost often associated with high-gain stacks. The design focuses on delivering substantial volume and headroom, suitable for both rehearsal and live performance environments.

Technical Design and Architecture

The internal architecture of the Iconic 40w is built around a specific selection of JJ valves. The preamp utilizes two ECC83S tubes to generate its harmonic complexity and gain stages, while the power section is driven by a pair of 6L6 tubes. This configuration is paired with a custom-designed 12" Celestion speaker, which has been voiced specifically to handle the high-gain characteristics and low-end response of this particular amplifier circuit.

Control and Tone Shaping

The amplifier features two distinct channels, each equipped with independent Gain and Volume controls to allow for precise level matching between different playing styles.

  • Channel 1: Designed for crunch and lower-gain textures.
  • Channel 2: Focused on high-gain leads and aggressive rhythm tones.

In addition to standard EQ controls, the amp includes a footswitchable 10dB boost function. This feature is intended to provide additional volume and saturation, allowing the guitar to cut through a dense band mix during solos or lead passages.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the current market, the EVH 5150 Iconic competes with several other valve and digital solutions. Compared to the Fender Blues Junior IV, the Iconic offers significantly higher gain and wattage (40W vs 15W), making it more suitable for hard rock and metal. While products like the Synergy SYN-20IR offer modular flexibility or the Fender Mustang LTX50 provides digital modelling versatility, the 5150 Iconic prioritises the raw response and high-output headroom of a traditional 6L6-driven tube circuit.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the wattage of the EVH 5150 Iconic 112 Combo?
The amplifier delivers 40 watts of all-tube power. This provides sufficient headroom for rehearsals and small-to-medium-sized venue performances.
What type of tubes are used in the power section?
The power section uses two 6L6 valves. These are known for providing a punchy low end and clear highs, contributing to the amp's high-gain character.
What preamp tubes are included in this model?
The preamp section is equipped with two ECC83S tubes. These valves are responsible for the amp's gain stages and harmonic saturation.
Does the amp come with a specific speaker?
Yes, it features a custom-designed 12" Celestion speaker. This driver was specially voiced to handle the specific frequency response of the 5150 Iconic circuit.
How many channels does the 5150 Iconic 40w have?
It features two channels. One channel is dedicated to crunch tones, while the second channel is designed for high-gain performance.
Can I balance the volume between the two channels?
Yes, each channel has its own independent Gain and Volume dials. This allows the player to match levels perfectly when switching between crunch and lead settings.
Is there a boost function available?
The amp includes a footswitchable 10dB boost function. This is designed to help the guitar slice through the mix during solos.
What is the typical price range for this amplifier?
The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 749. This positions it as an affordable alternative to higher-priced professional valve amps.
What color is this specific model finished in?
This specific version of the EVH 5150 Iconic 40w 112 Combo comes in an Ivory finish. It features the classic EVH aesthetic styling.
How does this amp compare to the Fender Blues Junior IV?
The EVH 5150 Iconic offers 40 watts and a high-gain voicing, whereas the Blues Junior IV is a 15-watt amp focused on blues and classic rock tones. The EVH is better suited for aggressive modern styles.
Is this a tube amp or a solid-state amp?
This is an all-tube design. It uses JJ valves in both the preamp and power amp stages to produce its sound.
What genre of music is this amplifier best suited for?
Due to its high-gain 5150 voicing and 6L6 power section, it is best suited for hard rock and metal. However, its two-channel design allows for versatility in other genres needing crunch tones.