Laney GH50L

ok Well i dont own this amp just yet, but i will soon! i spent a good amount of time at my fav. guitar store playing with it. so i have used it. Anyways i like to play most kinds of modern music from vertical horizon to godsmack and this amp is great! OMG! It is a one channel all tube head that has footswitchable gain stages. it has effects loops and all that crap u'd expect. It is amazingly loud at the store i ad it on like 1.5 and it was shaking the whole place. this amp is great for just about anything but really stands out for metal and hard rock.

this is my amp!!! i have a gibson les paul and i ahve tried alot of amps before i played this amp i had my heart set on a dual rectifier but now the laney is #1. my les paul has standard pickups which cause a little noise but i like the way they sound so its worth it. this amp is perfect for sabbath, godsmack, cred, disturbed, etc. it has an unbelivably brutal distortion it sounds amazing. the amp was noisy but i was also playing it on full out gain and drive and everything and i was like 5 feet away so noise is natural. the amp has sounds that basically go from crisp clean, blues overdrive, marshall type crunch, to rectifier distortion, a nice variety. i didnt really get to turn it up loud enough to tell if the clean distorts at high volumes but i'm sure it does like most amps. fender twins still are the best at clean sounds. i was playing the head through the matching laney 4x12 cab and a/b switching with 2 2x12 george lynch cabs. the lynch cabs were amazing low-end wise but i mean theyre besically bass cabs but they didnt sound too good high end wise the 4x12 sounded just right. on the head there is a resonance switch that makes the bess response so heavy, punchy, and tight that it just blows you away. anyways this amp is amazing better sounding then a rectifier and much much cheaper.

cant tell yet but initially i could tell its built like a tank

Man I had gone from amp to amp and finally found it!Man the Laney rocks.I love all of the different ohmage settings on the back.I love the valve coupled effects loop .The amp was made in 1993.It has all youll ever need in 8 knobs and a resonance switch, screw marshall Laney rules.

I use a fender Venus with a dimarzio tone zone in the bridge and the stock fender single coil in the neck.It gets the most bone crushing distorsion turn off the drive switch and turn the gain on abut 6 and flip it on a single coil and it gets the ballsiest Stevie tones you could imagine.I am also the proud owner of an Epi les paul Slash limited edition.It and the laney together are a sonic duo.O.k. for volume hah .....I play with an exceptionally loud drummer and all I have to do is turn on the drive on abuot 8 the gain on 5and a half the treble on6 the mids on 1 and a the bass on 8 the presence on 4 and the resonance on and the volume on 2 and thats all I need.

NO PROBLEMS AT ALL!!!! VERY DEPEDABLE!!!

It didnt come with a manual or any thing.So I called laney and I got one in 2 days theyre pretty awesome to talk to and very helpful.

Fo 300 bucks this is the rockingest amp ive played!!!

This is an update to the review I sent in recently. Not much has changed although I ma trying to get another head to run as a clean channel (see other reviews for details this is a shit-hot idea).

Since my last review, I have switched to an Epiphone Les Paul with standard p/u's. Some might say a bit of a step-down from an Ibanez with EMG81s, but bear with me....... I play everything from Pantera to Santana to Stereos to Ronan Keating (how the fuck did that happen?) and the combination of an epi plus Laney does the business. My trick is to replace th evalves when you get one. First off get rid of the stock 12AX7s - they are crap - replace with Sovteks (either WPS' or LPS', go to watfordvalves.com for more info). Second, and most importantly, replace the stock Sovtek Power valves with Svetlana 6L6s. Believe me you will notice the difference. You can go from clean to VOX, Orange through to Boogie (forget Marshall, they've had their day)

No change, I have droped it twice since with no probs

Laney are re-building their website, and I haven't heard anything to date. But e-mail them with your requests, they are very helpful

I also own a Laney LC50 (re-valved as above). The best thing about these amp heads is the EFX split- because the GH50L has no Accutronics reverd, you can easlily patch in a reverb unit (I recommend the Zoom 505 and edit your own patches!!) I also use a Guyatone Phase Shifter and Marshall VibraTrem

Laney first brought these single channel amp heads out in 1993. I read an review of them at the time that said they were "designer amp sounds at a great price". I've tried a few Laney hybrids and tranny amps in between then, but they sounded like shite. I previously thought only Marshall had the market on rounded fat tones. How wrong can you be? This single channel amp has all the basics - 3 channel EQ, footswitchable distortion, standby to warm up the valves - but is has so many other little features that the likes of Marshall don't even think about 'til you get to the $1000 stakes, such as slave in ports, switchable effects loop (insert for patching out to modulation effects before distortion, or bypass for blending effect and signal). Laney cut out all the bull and go for options rather than fancy add ons.

Primarily, I use an Ibanez Destroyer (Explorer style)custom fitted with two EMG81s (just like Hetfield). When you switch to the Drive channel - Jesus! - no mater what your preference EQ-wise, the Laney blasts. Using a touch of Wah-Wah, you can get Slipknot style grindings. Every level of crunch is here. On clean, i set the Gain to 3.5, this gives a generous amount of bluesy tones - al a Stereophonics (if I want ultra clean - I use my Tranny Tube Fusion 200). I much prefer the limited options this amp gives i.e. I don't want three channels - I want to work with the crunch you can't avoid on this amp - it's so much more naturalr. Overall though, the distortion is a little noisy - I roll off the volume on my guitar when playing to counter this, as footswitching makes an uncomfortable "pop" when playing live.

I play all sorts, blues, Metal, indie, Britpop, more metal. To me the Laney can privide a world of different tones, but all you need to do to control them is learn the art of volume/tone control on your guitar - it makes all the difference.

THIS AMP IS AS HARD AND HEAVY AS THEY COME. IF THEY ANNOUNCE NUCLEAR ARMAGGEDDON, I WILL HIDE INSIDE THE FUCKER AND BE SAFE. Believe me, these guys know how to build amps to last. I 've used it several times live now, in some extremelt awkward settings - bumped it , knocked it , dropped it, and it never even got a scratch

The guys at Laney are very helpful. I've e-mailed several times and always got a concise and very informative response (even when talking about a Mesa/Boogie V-Twin!). Getting catalogues and owners manuals (the GH50L didn't have one) are sent promptly and free of charge.

On and off, I've been playing for ten years, but ony two in a propper band. I also own a Laney Tube Fusions hybrid amp, a Jackson Pro Dinky, Morley wah, Guyatone Phase Shifter, Marshall Vibratrem, Boss Delay, Rocktron EQ etc etc. I also own a V-Twin, and this amp beats fuck out of it (sorry Mesa!). Th only thin I wish it had was Reverb, but you can easily get round this by buying a cheap Reverb unit (like the Zoom 507) and patching it in through the EFX loop.

To summarise, Marshall have a good name, but they are still overpriced. A lot of people look to Orange and Vox (because of Oasis etc) but , honestly, Laney are always worth a look coz they have the right tone for everyone - you just need the patience to find it (it took me two months!!)

Although this has a switchable drive circuit, I still only see its use as a single channel amp, hence, 8 for features.

I disagree with many of the other reviewers here; I think there is incredible versatility in tone when combining the two gain options. For my main sound, however, I use only the gain pot as you can control the drive from the guitar volume efficiently. And with my two humbucker guitar I can get an excellent array of crunchy, blusey, metallic, cleanish sounds just by using the guitar controls. This as far I'm concerned is amazing. Marshall is I suppose the sound of rock, but this Laney rocks with more clarity!

Only owned it for a few weeks

I want to grow old with this amp, (I'm 20yrs), and I want to buy another incase the model is discontinued. Its so nice to have finally found the right amp. Try, buy, beg, bribe..etc..

I bought my head and cab at a time when all I was playing was only all-out hard rock. Since then, I've found it to be a little limited. The real trouble lies in balancing the channels to get a good sound out of both, as it REALLY kicks when you punch in the gain and there is a significant volume difference. That said, the (all tube) sound it makes is absolutely awesome. The effects loop is also useful. Since my playing has moved on a bit since then, it's probably not the amp that I'd choose now... it's simply not that versatile, and I have to say that when gigging it's a pain in the arse to have to drag it around (especially the head, which weighs a ton!), when the rest of the band use combos. If I were buying this amp again I think that I should have bought a 2x12" cab instead, as the whole thing is a little bit too much unless you regularly play bigger gigs; I like to go through the PA anyway, and a 4 x 12" tends to dominate everything if you don't do this, especially as this amp is LOUD, and you really have to crank it to get the very best sounds. At the moment I'm considering some of Laney's other 2 x 12" combos simply because they're more versatile.
In short; very limited basic features (1 channel + gain), but all very well made, with several sensible features such as an effects loop and a headphone output. Beware, though; you need space for this thing, and you must turn it up to make good use of it.


Price inc. 4x12 matching cab

I've used a Fender Jagstang for about three years now, and I still believe that the two work well together, at least for rock and pop applications. The clean sound can be a little weak, especially with the humbucker, but the single coil sounds stunning, and you can squeeze a good range of sounds. My amp at least is slightly noisy, certainly one of the noisiest I've heard, especially when the gain turned up. If you're considering this amp you're probably buying it for the distortion, which is easily the match of amps twice the price. If not, I'd still consider it, but make sure that you can live with some of the problems outlined above.

This amp is built like a tank... I've smacked it off walls, dropped it several times, it was even in the back of my friend's car when she smacked into an oncoming Volvo at 40 mph and, even though I had it checked, it's STILL ALIVE! The thing is amazing; the only thing I can see going wrong with it is that sooner or later the valves may end up going, but short of a missile strike there doesn't seem to be a lot that you can do to it in regular usage that will really hurt it... one point, though; keep drinks away from the top, as there's a big grill on the side for the heat to escape that sits right the valves. I've had several lucky escapes with drinks in the past.

Never had to contact Laney

This is the kind of amp that you really love or hate. If you don't need massive versatility and are looking for a simple to use, fantastic-sounding amp, consider one of these, especially as they're so cheap. They're also great for all the rockers and metallers out there. I love the distortion sound, but it's not easy owning one, especially if you're travelling a lot. The problem is, they weigh a ton, and as combo amps keep getting better and better, unless you're used to lugging heads and cabinets around, after the initial satisfaction of scaring the cat with it's apocalyptic everything-set-to-ten sound wears off you do realise just how damn unwieldy they really are. It isn't helped by the problems balancing the clean/gain sounds which can really annoy you if you're soundchecking in a rush. Also, unless you're a sadist, the 50w version is more than enough in most circumstances. I wish it had two channels, but it's still a very good and certainly individual amp for not a lot of money

This amp was made in 1998, it is a single channel, no reverb 50w head. It has Presence, resonance, 3 band EQ, gain and extra drive for more brutal distortion. It has a great FX loop, you can wire things in series or parallel, loop upto 5 other heads together which is very helpful as i will explain later. It uses 4 ECC83 and 2 EL34 (can accept 6L6, as it has an onboard bias switch). Channel switching option availible, but a little pointless (??) as i will explain later.
This thing is great if you want only one sound at a time...want more...buy more heads. you see, the problem is, being one channel, if you want to play both clean and distortion in one go without fooling with both EQ and volume controls, you have to accept i) the distortion will be like 2x the volume of the clean unless everything is on 10, and ii) the EQ settings for clean may not be the same for Dist and vice versa. This hurts its versatility a lot! however, if you can afford two heads, simply loop them together, and use an AB switch to go from one to the other. This is the only solution i can find. This also explains why the footswitch idea is pointless?
Now, this thing may only be rated at 50w, and on the clean side of things it shows, but hit that little drive switch and prepare for lift off! this thing is louder than my friends JCM 900 100w, (which sounds like SH*T compared to this thing, very thin and no tone IMHO) Primarily this head is used for both practice and jamming with friends, this is why i got the 50w head. And when i do play gigs, i always tend to go through the PA, so whats the point in 100w?, and i recommend that 50w is the more sensible version!!) I rate this at 7, because it does what i want it too, and when you got two of these things linked together, they fucking roool!

I play a modified Les Paul and also an Ibanez RG series, and have been self taught for the last couple of years. Im no hendrix, but i can flick out some groovy riffs, and maybe a couple of mediocre solo's, but i am content with that. The tone is FAAT, thick and smooth. The clean is nothing compared to a Fender clean, its on par with a DSL 2000 if you ask me. It distorts smoothly to a bluesy crunch, but its not really voiced for this, and you could do a lot better! More gain, and start working the tubes and out comes a fat rock tone, sounds great with HB pickups, and almost as good with single coils. Then finally, hit the drive, set the distortion levels and BOOM! Out comes a Fat, brutal distortion, thats not grainy or fuzzy, but in my opinion is equal in quality to that found on a Mesa Dual Rectifier. Mine has a tendancy to feedback when at full volume, but i have replaced the tubes with high grade TESLA tubes, that make this amp shine. If i were to compare this with another amp, it would be a dual recto, not as good, but damn awful close, and for the money, this thing wins anyday. The original tubes were a little noisy, but once replaced that problem almost disappeared, it is still just as noisy as any tube amp, but when you play at any volume you dont notice it. I tend to kick off the distortion between songs, as it is a bit hissy when gain is on 10. No problems for me though. As i said, this thing is primarily voiced for metal, hard rock, and a poor variation. dont expect to be able to plug this thing in and find Godly tones either, i spent weeks tweaking it to my taste. The lack of reverb can be a fucking pain in the arse, so i had to stick one in front, because it was a little "dry". The songs i play, require both clean and distortion. I always have two heads anyway, because im always weary of one breaking down (see below), so i hook them up, and use an AB switch, configure one for dist and one for clean. Works for me. I cant give it a 10, because to be honest i havent found a 10 yet. Im always seeking a better tone, and unfortunately for my wallet, im always seeking new gear! You want a good priced amp for rock or metal...this is it my friends.

I hear the last Laney series (AOR) had problems with transformers. I carry two of these things anyway, because of channel problems, but to be honest i would never trust a single amp on stage, especially a tube one. Never had any problems so far, and this thing is built like a brick sh*t house (dont mention the weight to a roady!) , good construction. And a fairly solid board...phew.

I only asked them for a manual, quick response, but it was only 3 pages long. thankfully they sent it free. But i have never had any experiance with them and dont know how clued up on products they are. But i will say this. Their web page sucks. No info what so ever! I can't give an opinion though.

Been playing a couple of years, i taught myself because i couldn't afford lessons. I have a couple of axe's, Les pauls and an Ibanez, should be getting a tele soon. I play metal, and some bad blues, but i mainly go for the chuggathon chord playing stuff. Stolen...yeah right.. i would like to see the poor bastard lift this thing of the cab! I Love it because i) i got a brilliant price ii) it sounds excellent, and iii) it shows that you can find a good amplifier for a reasonable price, SO WHY ARE MESA's SO MUCH? I dont like this amp for only a couple of reasons i) its too damn heavy ii) it only has one channel. I chose this one by accident. I was almost gonna buy a JCM 800 2210 head, but pulled out at the last moment when i found this. I would like to play it through a PV5150 cab, because i love the amount of bass this thing shoots out. Im currently using a Marshall 1960A with Celestion 75s, which works well, but the cab is too in-your-face for me, i prefer sheffields or Vintage 30's. No complaints though. Let me just say, if you want a Dual Recto and cant afford one, ahem, you can always rip off the laney logo and stick MESA on the front right?

Due to the lack of a proper clean to overdrive switching system it isn't the most versitile in a perfomance situation. However the added drive and effects loop (with adjustable level)are quite usefull. The resonance switch is a nice touch and the eq is simple yet delicate enough to dial up a range of tones. There's no reverb, which is a drawback but not a big deal.

Both my Les Paul and Tele sound great with it. The humbuckers sound really thick and the single coils retain their unique quality without sounding too thin. By adjusting the eq you can get a wide variety of tones at any volume. If you want clean or if you want that scooped thick distortion or nearly anything in between it's right here.I use alot of effects and generaly a pretty thick distorted tone and this amp remains clear through all the hell i send into it.

So far so good. It's has yet to break down or give me any trouble, but i have also yet to gig with it heavy.

I e-mailed them a few days ago and have not gotten a responce yet. This is seemingly out of character for this company so i'll with hold judgement.

This amp is pretty limited in features. If you were someone who wanted to change channels from clean to distorted you would have trouble. For the style of music I play (deathmetal) it is perfect. The all tube tone is great, and even at 50 watts, it has plenty of power for my sonic 4x12 cab.

Being a tube amp it is a bit noisy. I played many amps when i was shopping for a head and found no equal in the sound. I use no effects, just plug right into the head. I changed the pre-amp tubes with Mesa/Boogie 12AX7's and the power amp tubes to Svetlana El34's. This made a big difference in the sound. I now have to back off on the distortion to avoid too much noise. I am using a Gibson SG with one 500T pickup at the bridge. I liken the sound to a Riveria amp in tone.

I have owned this amp since it was new, and havn't had a problem in the last year and a half.

I emailed them for a new manual and got onewithin a week. I also emailed the company in England for some tube brand recommendatioins. The next day a tech there emailed me with info, he even knew the sound I was going for (thats hard to find when you are talking about tuning down to c and the death metal style tone).

I have been playing 5 years. I have no complaints about this amp. If it were lost or stolen I would get another. For death metal or a heavy music tone, this amp cant be beat.

The following controls are shared between all the channels - presence, bass, mid, treble, master volume, gain. There is an additional drive stage that can be turned on by a footswitch or by a switch on the head and is controlled by the drive control (0-10). Clean is achieved by turning off or lowering the gain and turning off the drive. Here's where it differs from most amps, the clean and distortion channels are footswitchable in a lot of amps but in this amp, the extra drive stage is what is switched on and off by the footswitch. Therefore, you can't footswitch between a clean sound and a distorted sound. If you need a clean sound you have to turn down the gain and raise the master volume. I think this hurts it's versatility. It has an effects loop with an adjustable level, line in and out, speaker jacks for 4, 8, and 16 ohm, and a bias switch to allow you to go from 6L6's to EL34's. The amp has 4 12AX7's and 2 6L6's. It's 50 watts but it's plenty loud.

I plan to play a wide range of music with it but at this time, I play mostly hardcore British punk and speedmetal (trying to learn other styles!). It is surprisingly quiet for a tube amp. The clean channel is leagues above the Marshall JCM800 (2204) head I used to own. It's not as good as a Fender clean but it has a nice full range of sound. The distortion in this amp is great. The extra drive control adds a lot of versatility. You can get classic 70's rock sounds from it, all the way to grunge, death metal distortion. No need for any distortion pedals here. I'm not sure it has as much punch as my JCM800 (it might though) but it definately has a lot more overdrive. Also, it is playable at low volumes. My JCM800 would not sound good unless you played it loud. By using the drive control, you can have lots of overdrive even at low volumes. Turn the drive control off and adjust the gain and you have the classic British sound. If you are looking at the Marshall DSL or JCM900's, take a serious look at this head. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

I haven't had it long enough to determine though. I know the old Laney AOR series had bad output transformer wiring, I hope Laney learned from that lesson. Truthfully, I wouldn't use any amp without a backup!

The day I brought it home, I emailed Laney for an owners manual. They replied the next day and are sending it to me in the mail. Very nice and quick response. So far, so good.

Overall, this is a very nice head. It has a wide range of sounds. The only (small) negative is the channel switching in my opinion. I feel like it's like owning a Marshall with a better clean, optional more overdrive, playable at low volumes and at a good price. I would definately buy it again especially at the price I paid.