Mesa/Boogie .50 Caliber

God, this thing is great. Some people complain that they wish it had independant controls for each channel. It's extremely versatile. I bought this from a great guy in NY. It had new tubes (some of which were GT'S). THIS THING HAS 9 TUBES. Oh, and I love that pretty orange color they glow. Here are the controls- from left to right are: input, footswitch, volume, master, lead master, treble, bass, middle, reverb, presence, standby, and power. It's very versatile and many tones can be coaxed from those pretty little tubes.

This thing can roar! I highly recommend. I got tones from surf, to beautiful clean, all the way to......METALLICA and everything in between. It does not distort really at all on the clean channel at higher volumes. Try palm muting in the lead channel. Each note is different. I highly recommend the cab I am using in conjunction with the head. It's a closed back peavey with a 1X12 Sheffield. I didn't get any break up. Oh, yeah all my guitars are equipped with humbuckers. I play a Gibson SG, a Takamine acoustic, and an Epi Les Paul. Hint: Try a N.H. It'll sustain for like a minute- literally.

I would gig this without backup. This amp came with a sturdy 1X12- not the peavey. The 1X12 was trashed during shipping. The head arrived unfazed. No problems. I expect this to last although I can't really say much else about the durability.

Haven't needed it. They are in the process of sending me a catalog and manual because i bought the amp used.

I would buy it again because it rocks but I am starting a collection of guitar equipment so i want to get a variety. Saving for the dual rectum-fryer. I would recommend this amp to anyone who asks.

This amp is quite versatile and has two channels with foot switching. The tone controls are shared between the channels, and the EQ can be In, Out, or just applied to the lead channel. I don't have a problem with this setup, and am not searching for greater control complexity. I purchased this amp used and it came with the optional Thiel cabinet, I do not personally care much for it's sound without the extension cabinet as the combo alone lacks low end.

This amp is based on 4xEL-84 (6BQ5) and 5x12AX7 running in Class A mode. The sound is excellent on both channels, and the tone controls and EQ are very interactive. You can push the lead channel into any level of distortion desired, from the deeply overdriven and completely saturated to the Fender just breaking up level. The clean channel remains very clean and can get a Fender-ish shimmer quality. I had to do some minor work on this amp when I got it, and also changed out the tubes immediately. I'm very glad I did. I use this amp with a Strat equipped with Van Zants and a 335 with humbuckers and it performs superbly with both.

I expect to have little problem with this amp. I carefully checked it upon receipt and fixed a loose wire and replaced the tubes. It is PC board based, but the layout was roomy and logical, with a nice thick board and looked servicable if needed. I will gig it without backup.

Mesa was a pleasure to deal with on the phone, answered my questions, sent a manual, etc. Haven't needed repairs, bought used without a warranty.

I would buy it again. It saves my vintage Fenders from the pain of trying to keep up with a Marshall half-stack and a drummer. I love the looks of it in a cream tolex with cane grills. I like the portability of it, about 50 pounds per arm, which is not an unreasonable load.

I play gruge/alternative and this amp rocks. Super distortion, lots of gain(like any Mesa). It also has great clean tones. Features:50 watts, 4-6BQ5s, 4-12AX7s, 1-MESA SPAX7. (from left to right)input, footswitch, volume(gain), master volume, lead master, high, low, mid, reverb, presence, 5 band graphis EQ, EQ stitch, standby, power. You ca foot switch between lead and rhythm, (clean and distortion) It has reverb and effects loop. It would be nice if it had a separate gain control for the lead channel(however it works great with out it.
This amp is LOUD, I run a Peavey 4x12, and the .50 caliber is louder than a 65 watt Studio Pro I was previously using in conjuction with the cab.

Great for any style, awsome clean and cruchy lead with the gain on 1-2. Chrunchy-raunchy rhythm screaming lead with the gain on 4+. The EQ is very versitle( I just love the graphic EQ, which can be on, off or on Lead Turn the gain to 10, and the master to 1-2, and I can get feedback at bedroom levels!! Go from Dylan-Silverchair-Nirvana-Sound Garden-Metallica!! Sounds great with a Strat(single coil PU's), but even better with with my Ibanez Talman (TC620, soap bar humbuckers) Grea! amp!!

his thing was built in 1985 and out does any amp I have ever played!! I had to resolder a wire(reverb return,) after shipping via US Postal Service, from Denver, CO, to Seattle, WA.

MESA is the best amplifier company. PERIOD!!!!! I e-mailed them, and recieved a .50 Caliber manual bumper sticker, and catalog within one week! The guys are awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!! Marshall just ignors customer questions, MESA gets back to you the next day!

The Mesa .50 Caliber 6BQ5 is a great amp. Loud and versitile. I got it for $375( including insured shipping)plus an extra set of Mesa power tubes, and an extra sovtek 12AX7wxt. It was in great condition, has awsome reverb, and you can dial up just about any tone you want! I'm only 15, but the only other amp I'll ever buy is another MESA/BOOGIE. You can't get any better than this. I'll snatch up evey one I can find for a price like that!!