Peavey 5150

Older 5150 model 120watt 2 channel lead and rhythm, Great lead and rythem. Lack of separate equalization for both channels is WEAK! Rhythm channel is very clean!! Lead channel has excessive noise(hiss and frying egg sound at real high volumes.) Lead noise is not a problem, if you've got the crowd Loud enough!

I have a 90' Les Paul Standard, a Fender Strat, Fender Squire, and a Jackson JS1. I play alot of heavy rock, ie: Tool, Deftones, Godsmack, Etc. With the Les Paul and the 5150 I get some of the best sounding crunch I've ever heard out of any amplifier. LOUD AND BRUTAL!!!

Very Dependable. Currently has a bad tube (cause I use and abuse it!!) but otherwise they can take what ever you throw at them.. Literally!!!

Haven't needed to use peavey Customer Support.

I have been playing for about 4 years and this is my first amplifier set up. I didn't just jump in and purchase what everybody else is buy. Everybody says "buy the marshall", "buy the Marshall!!" Well I tested the Marshall's and they didn't match up too what I can get out of the 5150. I personally think that you need to buy whatever is right for your particular sound requirements. I use the 5150 with a Marshall JCM 900 Lead 1960 4X12 half stack(currently looking for the bottom half). If it were stolen I would replace it for sure!! Have tested comparable Marshall heads, and there IS NO comparison!!! Would like to find some new tubes to replace my old ones and wish it had a quieter lead channel when your not playing.

I BOUGHT THIS AMP IN 1992, AND PLAYED IT EXCLUSIVLY UNTIL 1998. SINCE
THEN I BOUGHT A MESA TRIPLE REC, AND A MARSHALL TSL 100. THE 5150 HEAD
IS 120 WATTS ALL TUBE 4 6L6, AND 5 12AX7, 2 CHANNELS, ONE EFFECTS LOOP
,AND NO REVERB[WISH IT DID].ASIDE FROM NO REVERB THE ONLY OTHER THINGS
I WISH IT HAD WAS AN EXTRA CHANNEL FOR "USABLE" CLEAN SOUNDS, AND A EQ
FOR EACH CHANNEL INSTEAD OF JUST ONE. NOW THAT I HAVE SAID EVERY THING
I DON'T LIKE(WHICH IS'NT MUCH), HERES WHAT I DO LIKE. READY? EVERYTHING ELSE! IT HAS GREAT TONE, PLENTY OF DISTORTION AND THE FUCKING THING IS BULLET PROOF.I MEAN FALL OFF THE BACK OF A TRUCK TOUGH. THE SAME GOES FOR THE 5150 CABINETS HEAVY DUTY. THE ONLY THING
THAT IS'NT IS THE PEICE OF SHIT FOOT SWITCH. BIG DEAL.A GREAT AMP BUT
ONLY FOR ROCK & ROLL.BUT THAT'S ALL I PLAY.

I HAVE A GIBSON 62 REISSUE SG WITH EMG 81 PICKUPS, I ALSO HAVE THREE OTHER SGS AND TWO LES PAULS, GIBSON ALL THE WAY! THE AMP SOUNDS GOOD
AND HEAVY WITH PAINT PEELING DISTORTION.THERE IS NO CLEAN CHANNEL , CHANNEL ONE IS CALLED RYTHEM, YOU CAN GET SOMEWHAT CLEAN SOUND,BUT NOTHING NASHVILLE CLEAN. ONCE AGAIN BIG DEAL.

ONE SMALL PROBLEM IN 9 YEARS. A REAL MANS AMP.

DON'T KNOW. NEVER HAD TO CALL THEM

THIS IS PROBABLY MY FAVORITE AMP I OWN IF I HAD TO CHOOSE. IT'S DEFINITLY THE HEAVIEST SOUNDING. I REALLY DON'T CARE FOR VAN HALEN,
I WISH THEY WOULD HAVE CALLED IT SOMETHING ELSE.WELL AT LEAST IT SOUNDS NOTHING LIKE VAN HALEN. AC/DC IS KING.

as far as built in features go, im not really the one to ask. i am a pedal effect kind of guy. i can say this: 2 channels (plus added bright and crunch on clean channel), presence and resonance dials, low mid high knobs, and gain knobs. wish it had a headphone jack just to save myself from buying a practice amp. and nice casters. may as well be made out of 100% steel.

im using a revamped charvel with 2 single coils and a humbucker(emg's), sounds good on any amp. except this one. a few people have stated that the 5150 is great for heavy metal/death/grind style music. i happen to play in this vein, (more melodic though) and the 5150 sucks for it. i want an amp that can give me low end boom and still rage the highs. the peavey cant do that. the high knob is the only one that really responds, and presence and resonance do very little until you get to about 8 on the dial. the gain on the distorted channel is very hissy and loose feeling. while it can play very loud, the distortion seems to break up. i initially thought it was my battery but after a few replacements i realized it was just the way the head sounded. as far as the clean channel goes, it sounds very flat and dead, no matter how you try to set the eq. i dont know why they put in the bright and crunch on the clean channel. it's pretty much a novelty switch i guess. the only nice thing about this amp is that you can get artificial harmonics with ease and they sound pretty cool. when a friend of mine was asked if he could get a cool sound out of this amp his answer summed it up best...drop it off a building.

i owned it for a year, never gigged with it. it seems to be pretty sturdy (has to be with those casters)

never got a manual, never directly dealt with peavey

been playing for 6 years, first amp i bought. major dissappointment as far as the head goes. the cab is ok, id keep it. pricewise i got what i paid for. i shoulda gone for the mesa triple rectifier. spendy but well worth it in my opinion. not much more than the 5150 really. basicly if you are wanting to play on an amp with good distortion and clean channels, get something else. ie mesa dual/triple rectifier, jcm 2000

The only thing that made me (finally) sell my 5150 head was lack
of versatility (I'm the guy who wants EVERYTHING in one box..).
The 5150 has 120W of power, 2 channels w. independent Pre and Post gain controls,FX loop, 3 tone controls (The Mid control is btw. useless), Resonance and Presence. The BEST thing about this amp is the Resonance pot, it really delivers HUGE bottom end chunk with ANY cabinet, unlike for example, the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier heads, which require a VERY-GOOD-CABINET (read: Non-Vintage speakers) to produce decent "kick". The worst things are the FX loop and the (lack of) tone control (Yes, the pots are there, but you can't really hear what the Mid pot does, IF it does anything.) Also, the amp is really LOUD, (when the sound is best, even DEAFENINGLY LOUD). Anyway, it's
too loud for home practise.

The clean sounds from this amp are powerless and sterile, flat-sounding. BUT it's the distortion that counts...read on.

I play metal/hardcore/death/grind and my (blood-red)Ibanez S540 QSTR is equipped w.Seymour Duncan Custom/Hot Stack/Jazz pickups. The amp
suits this kind of music PERFECTLY. The distortion sound is very
gritty, nasty, brutal,enough low-end chunk, more than enough blistering ears-high end. It is quite noisy on high gain settings, though, especially when the FX loop is used. The hiss is
very annoying when trying to play at practise volumes.

It's easy to say this amp has one, probably the best low-end rumble/hardcore/metal distortion sound on earth.

BUT..there is only this ONE (although, the best I've heard) sound,
and the Tone pots affect the sound way too little. Especially the
midrange pot seems to do absolutely nothing. The high end pot works
for cutting the sometimes-too-shrill sound, but nothing else.
sound very little.

No problems whatsoever. Good physical construction.

I wish they'd make amps like this with as much (or even more) preamp gain, less post amp volume (10-30W would be fine), more tonal control, headphone jack and decent, parallel FX loop (with a mix pot) , and possibly a good spring reverb. An in combo version with two 12" non-vintage elements for kicking some real butt.

I've been playing for 5 years.

I bought this amp used from someone I know that bought it new in February of 1999. It has two channels, clean and drive. There is a crunch switch for getting some overdrive and a bright switch on the clean channel. It has one three band equalizer (low, mid, high). It has a footswitchable effects loop. It's a tube amp. One thing I wish it had was for the crunch to be footswitchable like on the 5150 II. I play modern rock such as Silverchair, metal like Metallica, and classic rock like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Deep Purple. It sounds good with every style, but it best suits rock music.

Well I use an Ibanez RG470, a Washburn BT-2 Maverick, and a Silvertone strat. For effects I use a Zoom 505 and a Big Muff. I use a Peavey 412MS cab with it. I am also using it with a Yamaha tele right now while my Ibanez is being fixed (fried pickup). It sounds good with all the guitars, but not really with the Silvertone. It's probably the guitar. I'm in a band and we play covers such as Metallica and Nirvana and Lynyrd Skynyrd, but we also play originals, both heavy and light. It sounds good with everything, but some reverb would be nice. It tends to be noisy with single coil pickups at low and high volumes. The clean is beautiful, the cruch is awesome, and the distortion is pure rock. The clean channel breaks up a little at high volumes. The distortion is brutal as hell. The amp tends to feed back when using distortion and standing near it, but all amps do that.

I depend on this amp heavily and have already used it for two gigs and a bunch of practices. It hasn't broken down yet, but I know a tube will eventually go bad.

I haven't dealt with Peavey yet, and I don't think I'll ever have to, except for the fact that I might eventually want to get the covers for the amp and cab. I don't think it has a warranty because I bought it used. I know I can find a lot of places that would be able to fix this amp.

I've been playing for three years and this is my first half stack. I own a couple other amps, a Fender M-80 Chorus which I use for recording/backup, a Rogue bass amp, and a Silvertone practice amp. I used to own a Fender Princeton 112+ and that was my first real amp and served its purpose of gigging with but I had to move up. If it were stolen or lost I would buy it again for the price I payed. I love everything about it. I hate that it doesn't have reverb. I compared it to a lot of amps, Line 6 Flextone, Fender, other Peaveys, Hiwatt, Mesa Boogie, Marshall, etc. This is a really good amp for the money.

Well lets see, its got high and low gain inputs along with a 3-band eq, resonance and presence, pre gain for each channel(clean or HIGH MOFO gain)and a master volume for each. The 5150II has an eq for each channel and separate resonance and presence controls for each channel thats why i give it a 7.

I use my GIBSON les paul, and Jackson Soloist and Fender Strat (mex, shut up its awesome). The tone, to me is best with a humbucker (no shit thats what it was meant for). Strats singles are a little trebly but i can deal with it. I play anything from Metallica, SRV, to some slower stuff. This amp is meant for higher gain material, however (despite what dumbasses may say)with the clean pregain on about 4 a good clean tone can be achieved. I only use the high gain input and when I use the DRIVE channel i put the pregain on about 6 or 7, because when playing at high volumes any higher will create feedback. Despite the pregain on 7 an awesome crunch can be achieved. The clean channel will NOT distort if you keep the pre-gain down, but most "KIDS" don't know what anything below 10 is. NOW, the distortion, can we say KIKS SOME MAJOR ASS!!!! I've played many amps, and for the price this one delivers THE best distortion, its really really fat and a bottom end can be achieved. Mesa's Dual and Triple recto's are comprable, however I did not want to be homeless and have a sweet amp. So I went with the 5150!!!! A 9 is given because just a slight improvement on the clean channel would make it a 10... and did I say this amp screams with 120w of pure tube tone. And for those who care I use a 4x12 MS peavey cab. (Yes, cabs do make a differance).

I've had my amp for 6 months now, I've never had a single problem with it, I've found this amp to be the most reliable amp I've played. Its never ever broken down, and I hope it doesn't! I gig with it on average 2 days a week and its kept up very nicely. I also use it at home.

Never Dealt with them...

I've been playing for 6 years and I'm a very serious player, and when it comes to tone, I love this amp, it absolutely screams. I own a Crate GFX-212 and I'm buying a JCM-800 this weekend (I always wanted one). I would definately buy it again if lost or stolen. I love the tone, hate the heaviness of the bitch. The only thing that compared to it was the Mesa, and I didn't want to sell the house for that. Thats it for now, waffles are great, go buy yer 5150 today!

2 Channels, shared tone controls. All tube, HIGH GAIN.

Hard to find tone balance between clean and distorted sounds. Resonance control is nice-pumps bottom end. Distortion is overkill, with gain on 4, it still compresses the sound. Good for some types of music.

Had a preamp tube keep going out, (sounds good without the first tube)Problem was found to be a bad batch of 12ax7's.

Emailed Peavey for help, a tech emailed back right away. Very helpful and customer oriented.

I used this for about 3 months, the other guys in the band kept saying to go back to my old "british" amp, I thought it sounded great until a preamp tube died, and I had to pull out my backup amp out. After I fixed it I sold it. My ears adjusted to the tone, but, it just didn't have the sound I like.

this amp kicks ass,period.tons of bottom end,clean and punchy.i'm useing a boss gt-3,morley distortion/wah/vol. and play a gibson v
with seymour jb and 59 pick-ups.i don't use the clean channel at all.
my amp is a first issue w/ evh on the front.this amp is better then a
marshall as far as i'm concerned and i'm planning to get another 1/2
stack to run in stereo w/the gt-3.it does'nt need reverb to impress me.NOW.if can only get dave and eddie back together!!! rock on......!

see above.....

see above....

i've had the amp since 92 and have had no problems at all...

this is my first amp that really impressed me,even more then fender..

The 5150 has GOOD not GREAT features. 120 watt. Effects loop, remote switch for 2 channel switching (lead and rhythm)and effects switch which cuts or gives power to all your effects that you have in the loop. 2 inputs, high gain and normal gain. I wish it had reverb.

I use a modified fender strat, seymour duncan pickups. I play a lot of hard rock music (deftones, korn, limp bizkit). The distortion sounds great when you have the power amp cranked to the max. I really have to say tho, the clean sound sucks! The sound is VERY muddy. Not distorted at high volumes.. I have had it cranked to around 9.5 and the clean channel is not distorted. You can get a variety of sounds out of the amp. Both channels have pre-gain (the higher you have the pre gain, the more distortion) and post-gain (just volume). Changing between channels with the footswitch sucks. there is a gap with no sound after you hit the switch and the foot switch is plastic. i was kinda dissapointed about that

I have had the 5150 for a long time and it is still in great condition. it has taken a lot of beating thru the years and still works. i never had the need for a backup. footswitch is a little scratched up and is not in very good condition anymore.. but its plastic so its peaveys problem for putting such a crappy foot switch with a good amp. i give it a 10 for reliability

never had to deal with customer support.

Good amp. it suits me for my needs. if it was stolen i'd probably go with a marshall amp. just because i like the distortion marshall puts out better.

Mines a EVH model probably made in 92 or 93.I play rock as well as some blues.I wish the head had reverb installed.Also I play it every weekend in my band with no trouble at all.I wish peavey would make a rack mounted version of it. It sure would make loading it saftly every week alot easier. Its got pleanty of power if you cant hear it on stage you may need to invest in some Q-tips!

I have a satch model Ibanez with duncan distortion pickups installed as my main ax.This amp sounds great when properly set up to your ax.I have read other reveiws were some think its a one sound amp,very untrue I have had this amp for a long time and am always tweeking it for different sound needs. It sounds absolutly superb.The 5150 can seem a little untamable at times but its worth your time to really get to know her well.Soon you will hear other amps and realize ED uses these for a reason. I have even used it for some country playing and it did not disopoint. The problem some people have whith it is playing somthing heavey as hell and then thinking its a one knob turn to go to a good dirty sound.I put some groove tubes in it as soon as I bought because the tubes in it were still the original and now my ear thinks we won the musical lottery!

Never had a problem with it at all! Take care of it and it will take care of you! You are not going to be needing a backup unless you transport it in a dumptruck!

I havent had to deal with this at all!

Ive been playing for around 10 years.All I use for fx is reverb and delay as well as my bad horsey wah.If it were stoled I would absolutly buy another.I have played through about everything eles I like the sound of a duel Recto,and Im sure it would be ok also.But you would still have no chance of getting me to switch.

My 5150 head was bought used with an estimated build date of 1996. Distortion channel is flowing and abundant, however the clean channel is uninspired at best. Shit at worst.

Distortion sounds great live, when cranked to engage the power amp. And there's lots of it. Clean, as above stated, is shit. In the studio, even the distortion is mushy and too much.

A tube amp design/repair specialist that I know has told me many repairmen won't touch this amp because of the PC board-based construction.

Eddie don't use this in the studio. Only live to push product. I love the guy, but he's just moving product. Before you buy this amp, check out Soldano SLO (which is what Eddie really uses). It's a much better amp for distortion and especially clean, much more versatile, much better built. Even the cheaper HR50 is a good choice. Fender makes the Prosonic: a better amp than the 5150 with better sound all around and Class A, Class AB and Class AB Solid State Rectifier switching. Good for similar uses and a much better choice. I will never buy a 5150II, but I already own the Fender and plan to buy the Soldano when I get the cash. I have a good ear and have played for 25 years and after listening to everything that was out there (I do mean everything) I'll tell you the Soldano is the best there is.

Mine was made in 1996. The 5150 has a great saturated lead channel, with a decent "clean" channel. There is only one equalization channel, something that was improved with the 5150 II. A cruch setting for the clean channel provided a good ammount of reverb a nd sustatin.

I play a custom Ibanez S-Series guitar, with EV-1 pickups in it. The amp has always sounded incredible. It's not a mesa dual recti, but it's about as close to a preformance sound as you will get. If you like EVH, and like a lot of power behind you, this amp is for you. If you are learning and not polished, this amp is not very forgiving. The distortion is amazing, and the clean channel could use some work, but it's worth the money.

Man, after reading this list, I feel liek I was jipped. I've replaced the tubes so many times it's starting to annoy me. It seems like they go every 2 months. I would always bring a backup, tube amps are delicate. This one packs a great punch, but seems to have a soft chin.

Peavey has helped me out a lot over the phone, but don't go to them without a waranty card. With one, you get 5 years. Without, only 2. I've had this amp forever, and I love the sound, but if it dies again, I'll buy the 5150 II model. If I win the lottery, its mesa boogie Dual recti all the way.

I've been playing for 5 years now. I have played this amp with an Ibanez, a fender, an ESP, and a Jackson. If you love metal, then buy this amp. Or the newer model. Besides a little noise, this amp is great for the sound. PLan on spending an additional 50 bucks every 6 months for new tubes. And don't back your van over it after a gig, it probably won't take that kind of hit. But a small honda, and you're still good. I just wish I had waited another 2 months and bought the 5150 II.

This is one of the newer 5150 models...effects loop-two channels-etc.
I wish that the two channels had seperate EQ levels...and the clean channel is adequate at BEST.

I play an Ibanez RG570 with a seymour duncan 'custom custom'pick-up in the bridge position and a stock pick-up in the neck position.This is a ROCK amp...it was made for late 70's type rock...It doesnt have the same distortion used by pop metal and death metal bands of the 80's. This amp has a vintage 'real' distortion sound....It gets one or two different 'ROCK' sounds....variety is NOT an option.

very releable...used this head for many gigs...no problems...lots of power...little feedback..

ok...the clean channel needs work...but with the right effects it can sound ok for live work..NOT studio though...on the other hand...the lead channel has a wonderful 'natural' disortion....This is not a contemporary or JAZZ amp by any means...this is a ROCK amp.

Pretty standard for heads as far as I know. Two channels, "clean" and "other" i guess we'll call them. Personally I like solo heads that have a 3rd channel, but because the "clean" channel can be made crunchy also I didn't miss it so much. I think that's a cool feature for a 2 channel amp. Also, there is only one EQ which didn't bother ME but I could see how that might be a drawback. I don't think there was any chorus or reverb or delay, none of which I use regularly at all. Pretty much a straight up Rock head.

I have a PRS Custom 22 (KILLER, PRS RULES!) so I could probably play through a walkman and have it sound great.
This amp sounds really good for a rock amp and can handle pop. It'd decently versitile. At the gig I used it for we got as heavy as "What If" by Creed (I don't know what people are talking about, there is NO shortage of good distortion coming from this amp - maybe they should check their axe!) and as crisp clean as "Higher" by Creed (is there a trend forming here? O). I also used the crunchy sound for "What I Didn't Know" by Athenaeum and switched to the second channel for the solo. At any rate, if you have the right guitar and speaker cab (I have a marshall 1960 4X12 fyi) this thing will handle a good deal. I didn't try it for the blues or jazz but I'd be a little skeptacle. In my opinion it's a rock amp and for Rock and Pop and some deviants off those two check this amp out. It's a pretty rippen sound for the money. On the distorted channel there is a constant whisper that I didn't even notice live and won't affect your sound or be loud enough to be heard live but in the studio (do people actually use these things in the studio?!?) that may be a hinderance. overall, I think i may buy one for a backup because it sounds great. Like someone said before, it's NOT a marshall and it's NOT a boogie. If you want a marshall or a boogie, get a marshall or a boogie. but If you want a great sounding amp that sounds almost as good and as good as i would imagine you would need for less money, try this one out! It's a great ROCK amp.

This thing is a tank. It's not mine, and it looks like it's been through WWII. The guy who loaned it to me said every summer about a 1000 people gather at a friends house for a battle of the band type things, and he just pulls out all of his Marshall cabs and every single band uses the head all day long and it does the trick.

I borrowed it from Michael Mutzabaugh at Wray's Music House, in Lemoyne, PA. I didn't have to deal with Peavey, but I'll say Wray's is the bomb! I ordered a mesa/boogie 50-50 poweramp and since it wasn't in in time for my New Year's gig he said "You can borrow mine". !!! Talk about customer service!! I've dealt with them a little before and will continue to in the past. If you're in Central PA stop in. It's a huge store with great stuff at great prices and the guys who work there are great too (everything is just so, so...great!).

I don't play strictly rock, and I'm going to Boston next year so I MAY get into the Jazz scene a little. But if you're a rocker and want a solid amp TRY THIS ONE OUT! Like i said before, i may try and pick one up for a backup because it's sounds really good and won't break down! And as with any of these reviews, DON'T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! Tone comes from a LOT of places as rediculous as how hard you push down the strings on the fretboard and what type of pick you use, along with the speaker cab, type of batteries in your stompboxes and what the climate is in your area. So use this as a reference and try this amp out!

Two channels, tube amp, etc.. all the features are listed in the other reviews.

It's definitely loud enough, but it's distortion is not near heavy enough! It's alright at about a volume of one, but after that it just flattens out. Not versatile at all.

I'm using a custom B.C. Rich Ironbird and an EMG-81 pickup. I mostly play black metal, but other forms of extreme metal as well.

The distortion sucks! I mean ok, sure, it beats a Fender or Crate, but you're much better off with a Marshall or Mesa Boogie.

It sounds horrible at high volumes! Not that you would ever need to exceed a volume of 2 though...

I've never had to deal with Peavey, and haven't had the amp long enough to really comment on it's dependability.

I definitely wouldn't buy it again, and think I'm going to look into a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier instead. Definitely try it out before you buy it! It sounded good what from what I had heard, and it gets rave reviews form all sorts of metalheads, but make sure you actually tweak around with it before purchasing! Big mistake! But oh well...I'm sure this amp fits a lot of people's styles if you're just into a loud type of heavy metal, but if you're wanting to get more extreme (death or black metal) try out a Marshall JCM 800 or Mesa Boogie Dual (Triple?) Rectifier.

This is going to be stripped down review, so here it goes! My amp was the first production run so i think it was '92...could be wrong. Versatility? Hey, it is what it is...you want something with a gazillion different sounds, then get a Triaxis or something...don't by this thing thinking it's going to do what a piece like that can do only to find out it doesn't, then bash it. It is what it is, a ball's out amp! But, with a little patience this thing will do alot more than peopLE give it credit for...like i said, patience.

As far as flat out distortion, i've played "ONE" amp that even remotely rivals the sheer gain of the 5150; that's a Dual Rectifier and frankly, it's not real close. There's a ton of great amps on the market, VHT, Soldano, Boogie, Bogner...i've played them all but none have come close to what i hear in the 5150. Basically my system consists of a Quadraverb+ (delay's), Quadraverb II (chorus,etc) and some footpedals...Boss DC-2,Boss GE-7,Boss Auto-wah,BBE stinger (clean channel only),MXR Phase 90, and a Budda Wah. Everything is switched using a Digital Music GCX system...the only thing in front of my amp is the Buddah. Essentially, i use the Lead channel of the head for everything...for solo boost that's where i use the GE-7. I've run a ton of different effects through the loop and have had "NO" problems, the only problem i've had was with a Boss SE70...no problems with Quads! Guitars? Older ESP Horizons all with Duncan JB pickups. Enough, i've played tons of gigs with this amp, ton's of sessions and i've never left without the soundman or an engineer who hasn't complimented me on my sound. And one point i had a 12 space rack with two preamps...a Triaxis and an original Hafler Triple Giant, Boogie power amp, stereo junk out the wazoo...a friend of mine whoe hated Peavey brought over a 5150 to try out...blew my butt in the dust. Next day i bought the amp and ditched the refrigerator...that was 7 years ago.

Retube it when it needs, thats about it. I've played countless gigs without a backup (always have a backup if you can when dealing with amps) and it's never broken down. Heck, it's been so good to me that i've bought bad power and preamp tubes and that's never even hurt it...just replace the tubes.

I've personally never neede them but their rep is no the greateast.

Here's the key, with anything you may get a lemon! You've got to shop smart...if you bought one and it sounded bad, try another! If that doesn't work, then the amp isn't for you...it certainly doesn't mean it sucks! One thing with this amp is that you've got to tweak it, don't sit down and crank everything to 10 and expect to sound like your favorite little band...take your time and tweak it. For me this has been one of the best amps i've ever owned, based on my experience i recommend in to anybody who wants a great "rock" amp. Yeah, i'm buying the 5150 II!

Well, Its all tube.. Two channels, one is high gain and the other is a clean sound that can get crunchy. Both channels share same eq which kinda blows but ohwell. Its 120 watts and is pretty damn loud

I use it with my band.. Were punkrock and play alot of local shows.I use it with my lespaul and two 5150 cabs. Sounds great. My fav amp out there. I run bass peged, resonanse pegged. Mids at zero. Treble at 7. I run the master on both channels at 5 which fills up the biggest shows. The gain Is 6 on both channels. I dont use the clean channel as clean, just as a lighter crunch. The amp is great.

I never had any probs.

dunno!

kicks ass. best gain anywhere. If you play punk/core...buy this damn amp

Everyone knows the basics by now. It's just like the wolfgang guitars, simple as can be, but quality. Pretty much all you can do is switch channels and turn the effects loop on and off(which is kinda neat). I wich there was another Eq...it's not needed as much as some amps I've played, but would still be nice. I was more pleased than in the past with the clean channel. It's actually better than I remember it. Strangly enough, I use it with a Peavey 4x12 for home recording. But it will also serve its purpose for gigs. Note: I'm ranking it on the # of features, not the quality of them.

Using with an Ibanez RG770 w/ Dimarzio Breed and Air Norton pickups. Also using a Peavey wolfgang special...I know, I'm a peavey and EVH freak. I also have a Peavey Cirrus bass and used to have a peavey bass head....they make good stuff. I used to have a Marshall valvestate, but I decided I wanted some real distortion and tube tone. This is beautiful. It suits my "style" rather nicely. I usually play Steve Vai stuff(I wish), and general 80's cock rock shredding stuff. Randy Rhodes is a big inspiration too. The clean channel isn't really clean, so I won't answer that. If you don't have enough distortion with this amp, than you don't play music....you make noises. Everything sounds grand.

I've never had a peavey product give me grief....ever. I would certainly gig without a backup.

never dealt with them.

I got a super deal on this amp....it was used and priced at $420....but I got it from this joint that I practically work it. It was in near mint condition too...tubes are still good and everything. Did I mention it needs two EQ's.....5150 II came a little late.

I picked the Signature Head (newer production model) over the block EVH lettering because the blocks are a bitch to find. Working in a music I thought I would have had enough time to futz with this head and get a "feel" for the tone. It still never settled but I bought it anyway.

This guitar head is the ultimate death metal head- but as far as versatility goes, I am better of using a card board box. I use Carvin DC200's with active pickups (which normally sound insane) and it was too muddy through the Peavy (even with the pre-gain on 5). It had to much bottom end and when I EQ'd it to sound half way decent, the clean tone channel sounded like ass. What I had to due was pick up a Stereo BBE sonic Maximer and LOOP BOTH CHANNELS (!) so the bbe process was doubled. This helped clean up the sound but still didn't help me when I needed the versatility. The thing that pissed me off the most is that everytime I changed the volume even slightly, the tone I had vanished. The amp sound fine on ten but you never realy get a chance to place that loud and NOT fatigue your speakers. Speaking of speaker a friend of mine with the same problem told me that he use a 2 15 BASS cabinet to allow the low end to pass through...holy shit- what a pain in the ass.

When I got the head it was retubed with sovtecs which made it sound better than it should've...how shitty could it have been before.

Peavy is a great company...but if eEVH's name wasn't on it I don't think they'd care about the head

Bands like machine head, and Carcass seem to have the correct 5150 tone, not EVH. I sold mine for 500 and got a triaxis...Boogie? THATS TONE!

I think the amp was made this year (1999). You know all the features by now... two channels, five 12ax7's, 4 6l6's, effects loop, bla, bla, bla. I play progressive rock music. Many people start to think Dream Theater or Queensryche, but it's not always necessarily rock. I play instruments other than guitar, as well. I use all the features on this amp, which isn't too difficult because there are very limited few. It's a good, bare-bones head without a lot of bells & whistles. I'll give it a relatively high score, however, because I don't require a whole lot from the amp, other than tone.

I am using a Peavey EVH Wolfgang, an American Standard Strat (w/ SD AlnicoII Pro pickups) and a stock Deluxe Strat Plus (the older one with the lace sensors, which I don't like). The amp suits my style very well. I sound the same regardless what equipment I use, but I really like this amp. I play progressive hard rock and can get sound from this which don't interfere with my bandmates and allow me to be heard seperately. I am also using a 5150 straight cabinet, which works well with the head.

The general tone is pretty midrangey and the EQ controls don't really make a huge difference with the amp. I use a more midrange-oriented sound, however. There is a lot of bass response when using the 5150 head & cabinet together, so you have to be careful.

This amp is pretty noisy with the stock tubes... lots of hiss. You have no idea how much better it sounds with different tubes. The gain was pretty fuzzy until I replaced all the pre-amp tubes with Russian 12ax7's. The sound is a little brighter, the gain compresses a little earlier and not as fuzzy when compared to the OEM Chinese tubes. Everything on this amp is so much better with different pre-amp tubes. Just take my word for it. I guarantee all of the people here trashing this amp used the OEM tubes. Even the effects loop was quieter.

Speaking of the effects loop, it is very particular about what effects you put in it. The effects-out is -10dbv. My HushIICX didn't even get a strong enough signal from the loop to open the gate. I couldn't use my old Quadraverb Plus (from 1989) with it since the signal from the amp was too low. It prefers either pedals or effects units with some sort of pre-amp. You can get a signal booster from some companies which will boost the output signal and lower the impedance to use troublesome effects units, though I just went back to using my old Boss stomp boxes. They sound great through the effects loop!

The clean tone isn't so great, but it is clean. Lave the pre-gain at 1 and leave off the crunch and bright on the rhythm channel. Also, I use a Boss GE-7 EQ through my effects loop, but I only use it for the clean channel.

The gain is incredibly driving. It's very crunchy, but also a bit fuzzy with the stock 12ax7's. As soon as I replaced them, I got the sound I wanted. This amp sounds the same at low volumes as it does when you start to turn it up a bit. It's very consistent, unlike a lot of amps I've ever played, even solid state.

Bottom line? Anyone who says this amp sound like Van Halen and only Van Halen either didn't spend much time tweaking it or is a lousy guitar player with no identity. It still sounds like I'm the one playing. I don't care for the EVH sound, but I love this amp and the Wolfgang guitars.

I haven't needed service from Peavey, but they've been very courteous and informative with phone questions I've had. I think they've been instructed to smooch you a little if you but EVH stuff, too.

They were very courteous and informative when I had questions about the effects loop. That is all the help I've needed from them.

I've been playing for almost 13 years. I was working on either a full rack or a Mesa-Boogies Dual Rectifier when this came along in half-stack format for $550. It was only a month old! My best friend worked at the music store from which it was originally sold and verified it for me. That was a steal. If something happened to it, I'd get a 5150II head since those should be out relatively soon. Peavey says they're shipping now. I'd say I wished it had a different EQ for the clean channel (the 5150II does), however it doesn't do a whole lot for the gain channel. I can't see it being any more effective for the clean channel. Regardless, I have my Boss EQ in the effects loop.

We all know most features on this amp. Two channels (rhythm/lead) with a crunch and bright switches on the rhythm channel. 120 watts with 5 12AX7's. There are high and a normal gain inputs. The 3-band shared EQ is passive, while the presence and resonance controls are active. This amp is very veratile considering the little amount of features. The clean channel is good, even though other reviewers think it isn't that great. Of course the lead channel is where this beast truly shines. This amp is great because you don't have to crank it to get that perfect sound! It's quiet enough where I can play in my tiny room (with a good sound), but loud enough to rock a frickin' stadium. It can be a tad noisy, not uncontrollable though. A great amp for both lead and clean applications.

This amp is great! I play a Gibson Les Paul standard with schaller locking tuners, and a Screamin' Demon pickup in the bridge; a fender strat with a WD double-locking tremolo, a hot rails pickup (sounds awesome), and Texas Specials for the rhythm and mid pickups. Both sound phenominal! I plug straight into the high gain input, except when I hook up a Bad Horsie and a chorus pedal. I run a Boss DD-3 delay through the effects loop and it sounds perfect. It makes up for the missing reverb. The clean is perfect for what I use it for. It stays clean till very high volume settings. I play mainly 80's rock (Poison, Dokken, Metallica, Guns n' Roses, Ozzy, etc.) I also love to play the new heavy shit (Godsmack, Staind, etc.)This amp can handle any sound I demand. Buy the 5150 cabinet! This cabinet and head were designed FOR each other, therfore, they sound the best together. The distortion is by far the best I have ever heard!! Not as heavy as a Mesa Mark IV, but more sustain and gain. Screaming sustain, heavy thump--This amp can hold a single note for eternity. It can easily be drawn into smooth feedback that will go on forever. My settings for EQ are: Gian-10, Low-9, Mid-4, High-8, Presence-7, and Resonance-7. When I crank the amp around 4-5 for post gain, I like to turn the highs down to about 6-7. The controls are simple, but can dial in any array of sounds imaginable. I replaced the preamp tubes after about a week, not because they were bad, but because all amps come with shitty tubes. I replaced the Sovteks with Groove Tubes GTECC83's Gold (the best tube ever)! This amp sounds PHENOMINAL!! Replacing the tubes only enhances the tone. More gain, better sustain, better clean, quieter. If you do purchase this amp, PLEASE change your preamp tubes right away, it has made a world of difference because I spent the extra 50 bucks.

I have only owned this amp for about two months, but I play it for about 3 hours everyday, and have even played it outside when it was about 40 degrees. It hasn't let me down in any possible way. I would gig without a backup anyday, but I would always carry some spare tubes. It's not too heavy or clumsy so it's pretty easy to haul around. It has always produced the sound I need for any application.

I haven't had to deal with the company and probably never will. I have to admit I was never a huge fan of Peavey amps. The classics and solid-states never did it for me. I tried the Ultra Plus head and that just proved to me that Peavey sucked even more than I thought...Then I played the 5150. I have never heard such a sweet sound from and amp. Anyway, the warranty is 5 years if the extended warranty card is sent in. Although I highly doubt I'll need the warranty.

What can I say, American made, high gain, awesome price. I have been playing guitar for about 6 years, I own three guitars, a 5150, a Fender Ultimate Chorus (great amp), and a tiny Crate practice amp. I had a Fender Roc Pro 700, which was a crappy, crappy amp. I have tons of Boss pedals, but I only use the Chorus Ensemble and the delay (DD-3). I have a Bad Horsie which kicks my ass, I love it. I would buy a 5150 again in a second if mine were stolen. I love the tone!! Tone is everything in the music business, and this amp has TONE. The shared EQ doesn't bother me at all, although I wish there was some reverb. I have played Marshalls, Fenders, Mesas, Crates, Ampegs, Soldanos, you name it. This amp rocks them all. This amp also costs hundred less than many top amps that don't even compare in sound. If you want the best sound at the best price, get a 5150.

I've been using the Peavy 5150 head, with two 2x12 cabinets (built by
Tube Works) since it first arrived on the market. I did not like the
plastic foot switch, so I bought a good metal channel switcher. Plastic doesn't cut it for the long term.
I do wish the 5150 had separate EQ's for each channel, but got around
this ommission by programming what I wanted to hear into my Digitech Studio 400 effects processor. Works nice in the FX loop.

I have two guitars: A custom-built Phantom (strat style body) with three Dimarzio Fast Track 1 pickups, and an 1986 Charvel (strat style)
with two Dimarzio X2N pickups. (Monster output).
This amp/guitar combination is very quiet, at all settings, and gives me endless sustain on the high gain channel.
On the clean channel, I do prefer just a slight amount of "edge" to the sound and the 5150 delivers it. I set the channel volume at 4 and
adjust the master volume and resonance control.
My distortion level, on the hot channel, is excellent! I am quite pleased with the 5150 head.

I have used my 5150 amp for numerous gigs in the past three years and I do carry a rack preamp for a backup (Chameleon) but I have never had a problem with it. Still using the same set of tubes it came with and it still sounds good. Never needed to call Peavy for service.

I did email Peavy, but that was just to compliment them for providing me with such a nice amp. It was a bad time then, as Hartley Peavy's
wife had just passed away.
I did get a prompt reply to my email.
Only thing I had to replace was the plastic vent screen on top of the amp. Peavy sent me a new one, no charge.
Very good service.

I am 57 years old. I've been playing gigs since I was 19 years old.
If I lost my 5150 I would buy another in a heartbeat. I love it.
I've used Marshall, Ampeg, Fender, still like the 5150 best of all.
For what it's worth to you, the reader, I recommend the 5150 amp to
you. If you like to rock out, get it!

We all know the features. It is a high gain 2 channel amp designed by Van Halen and manufactured by Peavey. I have the 4X12 cab which makes ALL of my amps sound incredable!

Brutal, wide range of distortion sounds. The amp can bring in tremendous thump with the "Resonance" knob or tons of sizzle with the presence control. Unlike many amps, the dirty channels EQ does a superb job of shaping the tone of this beast. I estimate Van Halen uses 60-70% of the distortion this amp has to offer cause when I plugged into this amp, I was floored by the amount and **quality** of the high gain sound. Now to the clean channel. It is strictly average in tone and character. Fender (or Marshall for that matter) does not need to worry about this amp. Functional is best used to describe the tone of this chean channel. I find this funny because of this amps tube compliment. The crunch option on the clean channel gives you some inbetween sounds similiar to a hard working 50's Fender or JTM Marshall. The character to this crunch it also average. There is a 3-d "swirl" quality that is missing from this amps clean/crunch channel that the great amps certainly DO have. Not bad, but not great either. Again, the hi-gain sound is probably one of the best in the business! I give Hi-gain a 10 and the clean a 5 and the crunch a 5.5

I play the amp with a 5150 Kramer Baretta replica, Std Wolfgang and a few super Les Pauls. Each guitars character comes across through this amp. I also play 2 Plexi Marshalls (one original and one reissue). The Marshalls (especially with sylevtlana gold tops) kick major ass in their own right.

I had a noisy amp untill I put Mesa preamp tubes in the amp. It has NEVER broke on me yet and best yet...This thing loves cheap garbage tubes from China.

Great cheap used amp with super hi gain sound. Get one with the cab if you can. The cab will make any amp come alive.

This amp is almost perfect feature-wise, but I think the FX loop
sucks really hard (because you can't adjust the loop signal level)
and it doesn't work with rack effects. Also, a spring reverb would be
a VERY nice addition to this amp.

I am using this amp with a Jackson JDR-94 fitted w. Seymour Duncan
pickups, and the amp produces the best Metal distortion I've ever
heard. There really isn't very much variety in the sounds, so I wouldn't even dream of using this amp to play anything else than
all-out shredding metal-hardcore-punk applications. But for that purpose it's perfect, soundwise. Can't undrestand those whiners
about "crappy" sound. Get a life, buy yourself a real guitar, not a bloody stratocaster (a piece of $#it for a guitar in my opinion).

No problems.

No experience

I only wish this thing had a decent, adjustable fx loop. For me, this
is the amp to die for (and would-be-thieves end six feet under).
Compared to any Marshall this thing is a winner!

This amp has all the features tha you need. I've played everything from prog rock to jazz on this thing, and have been very happy.

Ok, I have a custome shop Ibanez and a gibson LP. This amp as distortion to spare!!!!! I play with the pre gain on about "4" and it's STILL almost too much! I've had to do some tweeking to get a clean sound, but I'm very pleased with both channels. I've owned a Boogie, and I'd much rather have this head.

I've beat the hell out of mine on the road, and it still sounds great. I gig w/out a back up.... because I can't afford one!

The CS at Peavey has been great.

This is an excelent amp! If you want a really good HIGH GAIN amp, but don't want to get a degree in rocket science (like you need w/ a boogie) then you really should check this amp out!

2 channel tube amp. One Eq for all. Switch to make clean(rhythem) channel crunch. Amps got balls. Footswitch is click button type. Has a slow action from channel to channel. Effects loop, preamp out.

I play an ESP custom neck-thru with some EMG pickups-81 and S. I wired the PUs to run off of 18 volts vs 9-two batteries. Lead channel has lots of gain, but its very high end distortion. Not like a Boogie crunch, more modern. Sounds very much like EVH's tone, obviously. Clean is hard to get good tone. Kinda bad clean. Overall a good tone.

No backup needed. I've used it for over a year, and haven't noticed any lose of tube power. Its a Peavey, so service is no problem.

Peavey-nuff said

Overall a good head. Dual EQ would be nice. The tone is good, but not like a Rectifier. But it is 300 bucks cheaper. Power to spare! But you have to cut the presence down a lot.

I bought mine used a few months ago. I have no idea what year it is, or how much hell it's been through. Everyone else has reviewed the features of this amp, so I'll skip them (if you need more, go to www.peavey.com for it). The amplifier is by no means overloaded with features, but what it has makes sense.

I use a Peavey Wolfgang Standard (what else are you going to use on a 5150...a Taylor acoustic?), a Fender American Strat, and a frankenstein Kramer American Baretta I built myself, and the amp can be pretty versatile. Getting some Metallica crunch can be a tweaking ordeal in itself, but this amp pours out the blues tones readily. Getting a true clean sound is pretty much not an option, even with the Crunch switch off and the pregain turned all the way down. To get some volume in the clean channel, you need to have the pregain turned up a bit, which adds some crunch. What are you supposed to do, eh?

Crank this thing through a 5150 cab, though, and stand back...WAY back! This thing will rock the neighbors if you let it. The thing that amazes me about this amp is that you can turn the volume all the way up to 10, and it stays crystal clear (at least mine does). As a matter of fact, the louder you turn it up, the clearer it gets. This thing definitely does sing. It almost makes up for the lack of a true clean channel, but not quite.

I'm not sure if this amp is rock-solid or not, because I don't know who did what to it before I bought it. I am replacing the tubes in it next week, so I may add to my review later. I'm replacing the worn Chinese tubes in it with some heavy duty Sovtek tubes, so we'll see what I get. I think it will be pretty solid and reliable, and if it's anything like their 5150 cabinet it should be a rock.

Haven't had to deal with them, but I've heard good things about them.

I have been playing for some time now, and the recent addition of the Peavey Wolfgang has made me relearn the guitar. I simply love this guitar, and if anything happens to my amber-flamed Wolfie I will probably have to kill someone. I bought the amp after playing a friend's 5150 and being impressed with it's WHUMP, if you know what I mean. This amp is the proverbial elephant gun (as my bass player describes it), and was made to blow you away. I think the amp should have separate EQ's for each channel, and the first channel should have a footswitch option for the Crunch, but that's just nitpicking. The 5150 Mark II's take care of all of this, but I can't afford one right now. I'll just have to keep cranking mine and pushing buttons on the face of the head to get my sounds.

This is not a very versatile amplifier, not as versatile as a Boogie or Marshall or a Johnson or Line6, but it will serve you well and get you heard over the drummer and bassist. If you spend some time with this amp, you will begin to appreciate what Peavey has done with it. I never,EVER thought I would own a Peavey amplifier or guitar, but I now proudly own both. I am a big Eddie fan, but that's not the reason why I bought the guitar and amp. They sound great together, and they kick A LOT of ass to boot!

I bought a half stack used in'95. Not sure what model it is.It has Eddie's signature on the back, which is the older ones, I believe. I use it at regular club gigs, and regular practice seesions It has tons of power, and simple features which to me is great. You can plug in and play straight through, or use effects for more domination. I like its simplicity, toughness, and monster gain. I don't think it was meant to be played extremely clean. If you want clean, buy small gear. It could use seperate EQ's, which the new ones will have. It's not for everyone, but if you want to curdle someone's sperm cont, and wilt nearby plant life. This is the rig.

I play heavy low tuned sludge-metal. I have piles of guitars, but I'm currently mainly using an '83 Dean baby V with a DiMarrzio super distortion, BC Rich Bich with DiMarrzio PAF Pro, Jackson Dinky Rev. with a PAF pro. These are my pickups of choice. I originally played straight through the amp, then I started using a Boss DS-1 pedal, which to me the amp sounds like anyway, Then went to a DOD FX86b- death metal. The pedal is noisy, when the volume is turned down on the guitar, but I'm not trying to play jazz, So I don't care. I love my sound. I have always been pleased with the amp. Then I heard a Mesa. I was very impressed. But I decided to keep my 5150, because it had never let me down. I added a slant cabinet, both 5150's w/ Sheffields, and made a full stack. With my pedal, and the sheer power of the amp, I believe it blows away our lead guitarist Mesa. No offense to anyone, I just found a thick sound that works for me. I don't really play clean so I never really worry about it. Bt I still think this amp was meant to crush, not coddle. I hooked a BBE 462 to it and I was devastated! I have one ordered, and I'm waiting for it now. The amp's distortion is great. But I wanted more so I use the pedal to get more.

This thing has been drgged across hell and back. And it has never once failed me. I don't care what anyone says, Peavy makes some of the toughest, best sounding reliable amps on the market, Period! I never use a back-up, but I am planning on getting another 5150 head. So if I do eed it, it's there. I've used it since'95 with no problem. It sat for a year in my nasty rehearsal space, uncovered, while I recovered from an accident. And has been going since.

I've never dealt with Peavy. I have no manuals or warranty papers. There is a dealer near me. And they are very good. I believe they would back their product, though.

Overall, I think ths amp rules! I've played through Mesa's, Ampeg's, and Marshall, and I wouldn't trade it any of them. I will buy another one when I can. I am originally a drummer that played guitar a little, because I love it. I've been playing constant now since'97. I own P.A., drums, guitar, basses, I am always getting gear of some sort, and trying to create new sounds. I guess that's part of it. Once I think it sounds great, I find something else to improve on it, Isn't that the American way.

I'm going to cut to the chase and let the world know that it isn't a bad amp for the price. It's actually a good amp but flawed. I've had mine for about four or five years now and just recently took it out of my studio to get live and unadulterated. I needed a change.
I'm playing hard funky blues/Jazz and the number one problem with this amp is that you can only get a marginally clean sound with the pre gain all the way down and the post maxed out. But when you play live you need some volume which means that the more you turn it up the dirtier it gets. But at stage volume the clean is'nt horrible it just ain't great. Sure, it's a rock amp but it would be nice to add some cleanliness!
I hear people talking about how muddy it gets. Well yes it does get muddy if you eq it wrong! The problem I have is that it only has one eq. I eq it for that luscious thick overdriven distortion that is the big selling point of this amp, then when I switch over to the clean I get mud. And vice versa! So that means you have to find a happy medium between the two channels. You compromise your tone on each one because the best setting for each will not sound good for both. It's a pain but you can find a happy medium. The way I have it now the lead channel sounds really good and the clean is a bit muddy but passable. The 5150 II should solve this problem with it's separate eq's and cleaner clean channel. We'll see. But it's cheaper than a Soldano or a Boogie what can I say! I'm having a lot of fun with mine. I did two gigs in two days with it last night and the night before and got lots of compliments.

Everyone already knows the features (or you can read about them on the Peavey website). I will have to say that I'm not particularly happy with the effects loop. I run either my Alesis Quadraverb or Nanoverb through the effects loop and it produces a loud hum. It's not the units either. I have read that the effects loop was designed for use with stompboxes and it wouldn't hum as loud with them, although I haven't tried that yet.

I use a Gibson LP Studio and a Fender "Roadhouse" stratocaster with thsi amp. This amp delivers a huge sound and extreme "oomph" with my LP. That's exactly what I was after. You can also get a more "classic" rock sound by adjusting the pre gain on either channel. It's somewhat versatile for rock/blues musicians. It wouldn't do too well for country, jazz, etc.......... The clean channel is acceptable despite what other reviewers say. You just turn the pre gain down more on the clean channel and it works fine. It has a "compressed" sound, which I like for a clean channel. Bottom Line: The distortion is brutal as hell (which is good IMO) and the clean channel is acceptable. Fender clean? NO. But very usable.

I bought a half stack used and it has some road marks. I would imagine that this thing could hold up under rough use, but I haven't tested it myself. It is very solid and heavy.

Only dealt with the company on their interactive forum. They responded to my questions right away. Never called them though.

I have been playing guitar for almost 13 years and have played through many different amps. I really like the 5150 half stack. It is a good choice for those interested in a very ballsy sound. I've seen all the bad review here for this amp and I have to say that I don't understand their complaints. It did take me a few weeks to get used to, as it's kinda grainy at low volumes. I added digital reverb to the amp and it smoothed out the sound bunches. I'm now in love with the pure tube tone this amp has.

Clean channel w/ crunch button. Dirty channel...and I mean dirty. Hi and Lo gain inputs. Standard eq and a presence and resonance adjustment. Fottswitchable channeland effects loop.

I use two very differant guitars with this amp, and the love/hate relationship of previous reviews are accurate. The dirty channel kicks out a bone crushing tube overdrive that can stun children and small animals. With my custom Jackson with a Dimarzio Steve's Special in the bridge position, the sound is beyond reproach. Devastating lows, shrieking highs, harmonics jump right off the neck and a pick attack that hits you right in the chest. The story is differant for my Strat. This guitar is stock with the exception of the bridge p/u. I routed the guitar for a Dimarzio Tonezone...A good pickup and a good sounding ax through a Marshall or Soldano Hot Rod. But it sounds bass heavy (read mushy) thru the 5150. Too bad. I'm neither here nor there on the clean channel. It sounds best with a single coil and a 31 band eq giving it the help that it needs. The crunch feature bangs the gain up significantly...not quite seathing distortion. Useful for chording and 70's sound, but not real pleasant on the ears. So, with the right guitar and careful application of EQ, it sounds great. Plug straight in with a cheap guitar and the sound is not quite up to my expectations. Aftermarket tubes help too.

A very solid piece of gear. Mine survived a house fire, beating by children and lots of transport

Never had to get help with this top

I've been playing for almost 20 years and have gone through many amps. I'll keep this one for its kick ass overdrive and nothing else. I strongly recommend retubing and playing through a full stack. This keeps the amp working hard where it sounds best and you won't accidently blow up the single cab. This amp is VERY loud. The 5150 cabs are phenominal and are highly recommended for both their great sound and looks. Definately test drive this amp with your own guitar before plunking down several C notes for it.

the same as every other amp ever mede

i owned this amp when it first came out, from the time i plugged i t in i didnt like it. i tried to like it, i really did. Eddie was my hero but this amp just sounded like shit to me. years later i saw one 4 sale for $250. it was mint.. so i thought ild give it another try. as soon as i plugged in i remembered why i sold it muddy, undefined not warm or brown in my opionon. it does sound original i imagine you could get an intresting sound out of it..... but to use it as your main(only) amp,...???

worked while i owned it.

dito

didnt like this amp. currently own a 1964 bassman that im very happy with. it responds to your playing where as the 5150 seems to react more like a transister amp no dynamics whatsoever. sounds pretty good when eddie plays though.

Well if you are like me and were/are looking for a high gain amp then this is the way to go. I will give the amp the credit that is pretty much made for gain...but it sounds like shit even when you tweak it out. There is no clean channel. Its all really muddy.
Iam not sure when it was made.

Alright. Iam very picky about my distortion,because it has to versitile. with this amp-you can only get 1 sound. That sound would be garbage. I cant belive Peavy and Eddie Van Halen spent so much on such a piece of crap. Its all muddy when you get the voluumes past like 3. And if your in a band-which why the hell else would you need a cab/head-then you have to turn up-loud. With this 5150 you cant do that cause its muddy as helkl.
I play metal and I was very disapointed. If your gonna be in a metal band. Punk band. ANY BAND i would go for a mesa boogie. You pay more...but buy the best,which is mesa. Absolutly Crushing Distortion and awesome clean-which the 5150 has none of.

I wouldnt gig it casue it sounds so bad. I would be playing a Triple rectifier.

Didnt need to find out casue i took the piece back in a week and a half.

Man iam young. So i cant afford really expensive shit. At the point i bought it-it was good sounding-on LOW volumes. But iam in a metal band and this piece wasnt worth it. So at this point i took it back-took some of my stock out and am in the process of getting a Mesa Boogie Triple REctifier. Its was worth it.

I cannot say I was impressed in this category.. Both channels sharing the same eq??? Come on!!!! This amp is just a one trick pony!! Seems more to me like a One channel amp with two volumes.. That's pretty much what it sounds like...Oh yeah...Did I mention it sounds like crap?? More on that later.... Anyways, Two channels that sound the same... Shit for gain, and one hell of a lot of power... Too bad all that power is so useless....

This is one thing that I can't stand!!!! I'm glad I ditched this amp when I did.. What a Garbage dump!!! The clean channel gets all mushy and distorted at about 6!!!! And when you hit the "Lead" channel, you lose all definition whatsoever!!!! The eq controls don't do anything for the sound at all!!! They might as well just be painted on!! Ya know those little solid state amps with the push-button presets?? Well, that's exactly what this amp is!!! (Sounds like) It has ONE sound-it sucks by the way-the only controls that do anything to shape the sound whatsoever is the gain and volume controls!! But whatever you do, it still sounds like one thing..... MUSH!!!! I got rid of it after 2 months of stressful tinkering, tube changing, and basic resentment towards Peavey and everyone who works there for having the guts to put out such a shitty sounding useless amplifier!! I swear that EVH just uses the 5150 shell, with Mesa/Boogie guts inside or something!!! There's no way in hell that anyone could get a decent sound out of it without major mods to it!!

That's one thing that hasn't f**ked up on me! Good thing too, or else it would've "fallen" off a bridge!!

Don't even start!!! Peavey employees are BRAINDEAD!!!!!

I'll say one thing.... DO NOT BUY THIS AMP!!!!! I feel sorry for whoever bought it... After I traded it for my Crate Blue Voodoo 120, it was gone from the music store after two weeks!!!! Poor bastard, it'll be back soon!

made in 97. varsatile my butt, this thing sucked. it HAD two channels clean and crap. you can hook it up 8 or 16 ohms I think, I cant remember. It had PLENTY of power. Probaby the loudest amp I had ever heard in my life.

I used this amp with a les paul studio. classic 57 pickups. I hated this amp. It sounded like van halen...that was it. No way to make it sound differrent. Turn down the mids? You sound like van halen with less mids. Turn down the distortion? van halen with less distortion. Turn down the highs? well you get the idea. The reason I bought it was the sheer volume of it! this thing was louder than any plexi I had ever heard. I guess I should have kept it just to use as a power amp. But the clean channel wasnt as clean as it should be. And I was getting another amp anyways. How "brutal" was the distortion? The distortion sucked. I guess if you really want a peavey buy an ultra head. Those are pretty cool.

Worked great for the month I owned it. But I probably only played it for about 20 hours during that time trying to get it to sound good. Oh well. Bye bye you piece of crap. I wont miss you.

Never dealt with them.

Ive got lots of gear. If you want the list email me. Its gone now, I could care less if someone steals it. I'll feel worse for the poor slob who buys that horrible sounding piece of crap. Im really not slagging Peavey, just THIS amp. Peavey makes other good sounding syuff now. It's really amazing actually. For years and years they made total garbage and nowadays theyre turning out these high end amps and guitrs and drums and everything else! Who would have thought?

Standard 5150 that has all the features that everyone else has already stated. 2 channel, with crunch button in clean channel. All tube, 120W, effects loop, etc. etc. No reverb though. I don't use reverb any way, but someone who does will want to stay away from this amp.

I use a Les Paul with standard Gibson Humbuckers, a Fender Strat with Tex-Mex trio pickups and a Peavey Tele with standard Tele pickups (one lipstick). This amp sounds amazing with all three, giving distinct sounds with each. You don't realize how valuable having different guitars are until you have an amp like this, then the guitar really plays a difference in the tone. My band plays what I guess you can can call hard/modern/alternative rock. I'm not sure what we really fit into- sorta like Failure if you know who they are. Anyway, this amp suits me perfectly, the distortion puts my pedals to shame. For distortion I have a TubeWork 310 Shred which I like very much, but can't hang with this amp. I also have an old DOD pedal that has distortion and compression that can't hang with the lead channel. This amp is truely amazing.

I haven't had it long enough to know, but it seems dependable. I'd use it without a backup.

Haven't dealt with them, but the service center by me is kickass.

I've been playing for too long... heh... guitar is an expensive hobby, I got a cabinet with it, so that is why the price is up there, luckily I got a great payment play so it's not kicking my ass too bad. Great amp, I usually don't like Peavey gear, but this one is just badass.

Everyone before me has pretty much covered the features of this amp. It's a 1996 model that I bought in late 97. It has enough features to keep it from being too complex ;) , and the 5150 II will fix most all of the lackings of this model (footswitchable crunch, deticated eq's). No reverb sucks, but I get it from my rack anyway.

This is where I wanted to throw in my $.02. First off, I play both a Peavey Wolfgang and a custom Yamaha Pacifica with two Duncan JB humbuckers in it. I use a rack, but I'm not considering it in this review. When I bought the amp (and its cab), I noticed a queer quality to the distortion, kind of a buzz or "ghost note". This seems to be a sticking point with some people. My trick.. I replaced the preamp tubes with Groove Tube 12ax7a's, and the power tubes with Mesa Boogie "Yellow" 6L6's. This made a HUGE tone difference, and renewed my love for this amp. It has a much smoother distortion. I later discovered that E.V.H. retubes his 5150's as well. Everyone should try this before they write off the 5150. It's a great amp with mediocre tubes (at least in 1996). It only gets a 9 because it is somewhat limited in the sounds it can produce, and I have yet to hear a 10, and I've played A LOT of amps.

This amp has been my gigging amp since I bought it. I've never had it fail. It's built like a tank, and I wouldn't hesitate to gig w/o a backup.

I've dealt with Peavey about my Wolfgang, and they were very helpful and responsive. Haven't had a problem with the head yet.

I've been playing for about 7 years. I have previously owned a 1971 Fender Bassman, which didn't fit hard rock very well, and a Marshall VS100, which was good for what it was, but nothing compared to the 5150. I've played through many Marshall's, a Mesa Dual Rectifer (cool amp), a Matchless, a couple of Randalls, and a Hughes & Kettner Attax 100. The 5150 just seems to suit me best, although the Rectifier was very nice, just not affordable. The 5150 is one hell of an amp for the money. Like I said, changing the tubes changed the animal :)

I hate the sound of this amp even if EVH happens to be my idol. There's just too much dirt in the distortion. Too much gain too. Sounds like a solid state amp to me. Probably good for Pantera or death metal but thats it. It did have a huge bottom end butt the tone is all dirty and not very versatile. Don't even try playing blues with this amp cuz it won't be any fun. I used the amp with a Ibanez Universe guitar and I got a tone close to VH's Right Here, Right Now. Clean sound? what clean sound?! there's hardly any clean if there is. i did not enjoy playing this amp at all and don't understand why so many people love this amp so much. I've tried other high gain amps like Boogies and marshalls and they had smooth tube high gain sounds unlike this one.

This anp would not be of any value to me at all because I hate the sound. I don't even like the distortion which is what is known for. I used to fool myself forcing myself into thinking that this amp actually had tone because Eddie is my idol. But now that i judge amps objectively with my own ears, I think this amp would be totally useless to me.

I got the amp new in 96' I also got the 5150 slant cabinet. It's a foot-switchable two channel 120 watt tube amp with an effects loop that is also activated from the footswitch which is a really cool idea! It has two input jacks, one for high gain and one for normal. I never use the high gain input because the amp has so much crunch to begin with. My only gripe is I wish the amp had a seperate EQ for each channel. I play hard rock/alternative music and the amp is versatile enough but when playing at low volumes it sounds very compressed. This isn't really a problem playing live but at home it can be a pain especially when you are trying get a particular sound for an upcoming gig and the neighbors get upset because your vibrating the walls of their house!

I play a Les Paul and a Strat and this amp delivers 100%. The amp is extremely versitile, for hard rock/alternative it covers the spectrum very well. This amp has enough distortion for two amps. EVH really pegged the meter with this one! The clean channel is good, with the "crunch" button deppressed it can get a really fat rhythm sound. This amp also has incredible bottom end! It is huge! With the gain turned up there can be some electronic hum but by and large it is pretty quiet under most situations.

Since I've had it the only problem was a blown fuse and that's it. It is solid and dependable.

Never dealt with them!

If you want an amp that can be used for heavy metal to pop this is the one! Since I have been playing (18 years), I have owned a few Marshalls and Fenders and this amp sounds better than any of the ones I ever owned! If you have any doubts about this amp listen to the sounds EVH gets from it on his latest stuff. This is destined to become a classic amp and rightfully so. I compared it to a Mesa Boogie and couldn't justify the price gap. It has great distortion and a huge bottom end balanced with good midrange and highs the only downside is a shared EQ for both channels. If it was stolen I would replace it in a heart beat.

As everyone already knows, the 5150 is a 120 watt all tube head, with clean and lead channel that are foot switchable. It is an easy amp to use, and produces incredible gain. The only reason for the 9 is because there are not seperate EQ. for the two channels.

When it comes to sound, you will find no other amp with as much gain as the 5150. I use a Jackson Dinky Reverse with Seymore Duncan pickups, into a BBE 362, and straight into the head. With this setup, along with my Marshall 1960A cab, the gain is amazing. The amp is so CRUNCHY, I can get any sound from Korn, Deftones, Pantera, and Limp Biskit. If you like to play metal, and want an amp that has more crunch than you will ever need, get the 5150.

Although I bought the amp used, I don't think I will ever have to worry about it breaking down on me. This amp is built like a freakin' tank.

Never had to deal with them, and probably never will.

I have been playing the guitar for two years now, and out of all of the amps that I have played through, nothing comes close to the 5150. For an amp that sales for less than 700 new, but comes with over the top gain and crunch, nothing beats the 5150.

2 CHANNEL TUBE AMP, CLEAN, LEAD. SWITCHABLE BRIGHT AND CRUNCH ON CLEAN CHANNEL. SWITHCABLE FX LOOP. SEPARATE GAIN AND MASTERS ON EACH CHANNEL. POWER AMP PRESENCE AND RESONANCE CONTROLS. HI + LO INPUTS. FOOT SWITHC FOR CHANNEL SWITCH AND FX LOOP SWITCH.

I USE A STRAT WITH A DIMARZIO SUPER DISTORION, LES PAUL WITH SUPER DISTORTION, STOCK PV VENDENBERG WITH KAHLER DIPSTICK. I PLAY MOSTLY PROGRESSIVE ROCK, METAL, AND ROCK AND ROLL. THIS AMP WAS COOL FOR STICHING BETWEEN A CLEANER SOUND AND OVER THE TOP LEAD SOUND. PLENTY OF GAIN FOR ANYONE. I DID LIKE THE FACT THAT I COULD SET TWO BASICALLY IDENTICAL GRIND SOUNDS WITH THE CRUNCH SWITCH ON THE CLEAN CHANNEL. IT GAVE ME ONE SOUND, TWO VOLUMES. THIS AMP WAS GOOD FOR THAT AND THAT ONLY. I FOUND THIS AMP A ONE TRICK PONY WITH TWO VOLUMES. THE ONE SOUND IT DOES MAKE WELL IS REAL SPONGY AND NOT VERY PRECISE. CLEAN SETTINGS ARE GOOD ENOUGH. DISTORTION IS BORDERING ON UNDEFINED MUSH WITH GOBS OF SMEARED OVERTONES. MY PROBLEM WITH THIS AMP AND THE REASON I SOLD IT WAS IT DOES NOT HAVE A PRECISE ATTACK ON THE NOTES. I TRIED 2X12 W/ CELESTIONS AND EV'S, 4X12 WITH CELSTIONS AND JBL, AND THE AMP COULD NOT PRODUCE A SPEEDY ATTACK. I SOLD THIS AMP IN FAVOR OF A MESA/BOOGIE STUDIO PREAMP WITH A MARSHALL 50/50 TUBE POWER AMP. THE NEW RIG GIVES MY THE SAME DISTORTION CAPABILITY AS THE 5150, A CLEANER CLEAN, A GRAPHIC EQ, RVB, AND STEREO OPERATION. DONT GET ME WRONG, THE 5150 SOUND GOOD FOR WHAT IT DOES, IT JUST SOUNDS TO DAMN MUDDY, NOT BROWN, TO ME.

I HAD IT FOR 8 MONTHS. 15-20 GIGS WITH IT. NEVER A PROBLEM EXCEPT 2 MICROPHONIC PREAMP TUBES I HAD REPLACED. PV MAKES PRETTY REALIBALE STUFF AND THIS AMP WAS NO EXCEPTION

NEVER DEALT WITH THEM

I HAVE BEEN PLAYING 15 YEARS AND OWNED VARIOUS FENDER, MARSHALL, PEAVEY, CRATE, AND NOW MESA/BOOGIE EQUIPMENT. I ALWAYS EMPLOY A DIGITECH DSP128+ AND CHANDLER ECHO UNIT IN THE EFFECTS LOOP OF EVERY AMP I HAVE PLAYED. ALSO, I ALWAYS HAVE AN IBANEZ TS-9 TUBE SCREAMER IN THE FRONT JUST IN CASE I DECIDE I NEED A LITTLE MORE. BECAUSE MY RIG IS CONSISTENT EXCEPT FOR THE AMPS, I REALLY AM IN THE POSITON TO EVALUATE THE AMPS I PLAY. IF THE 5150 I HAD HAD BEEN STOLEN WHEN I OWNED IT, I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT AGAIN. WHAT I DID LOVE WAS THE SUSTAIN AND CHANNEL SWITCHING, PERIOD. I HATED THE LACK OF PRECISION IN BOTH THE CLEAN AND DISTORTED SOUNDS. THE RESONANCE KNOB DID DIAL IN SOME CRAZY LOW END BUT OVERALL, IT MADE AN ALREADY MUDDY SOUND COMPLETELY UNINTELLIGABLE. MY NEW RIG GIVES ME BOOGIE PRECISION IN BOTH CLEAN AND DIRTY CHANNELS AND THE MARSHALL POWER SECTION IS OOZING MACHISMO.

I got this amp one month old so its basically brand new. I got this amp and sold my Peavey Bandit because I wanted to get that tone only tubes can produce. I play metal rhythm and I'm into bands like Limp Bizkit, Coal Chamber, System of a Down, Pantera, Korn, and the likes, and this amp gets me the sounds I'm after. I'm not much of a Halen fan but this amp is a killer high gain amp. I only wish it had a separate EQ for each channel, cause it sucks when I have the low at 10 and the mid at 5 for lead, then switch to clean and want the low less. Oh well, thats why this amp is so cost effective, they left out an extra EQ and added killer tone at the same cost. So I'd have to say I'd rather have better tone then an extra EQ for the money. Other then that, there is an Effects loop and and the other neccessities of any good amp. I hook the amp up to a Mesa 212 Recto cab and this combo is very hard to beat for the money. The Mesa cab, in my opinion, with its Celestion 90s, has a tighter and deeper bass response then the 5150 cab, and the Recto 212 sounds just about identical to the 412 so thats a plus. At 120watts thats plenty of power for just about anyone. I'm basically a hobbiest but I take tone seriously so that's why I got this instead of sticking with a cheap practice type amp. I mean even though I play mostly at home, I want it to sound like I'm playing out. All in all, this amp is about the best sounding amp for the money, and you get well more then what you pay for, the only downfall is the single EQ.

I play an Ibanez, with a Seymour Duncan Screamin Demon at the brige and this amp compliments that setup very well. I can get all the sounds I want with this amp. I use mainly the lead channel for sweet metal distortion, but by backing down on the pregain you can get some great rock and grunge tones. I like to set the pregain at about 5 for a good thick chunky metal tone thats great for palm mutting rhythm riffs. At higher pregain settings there is some hiss from the amp, but thats about how all tube amps sound, and depending on the pickup I suppose it could be worse. I don't mind it too much since it's not noticeable while playing. This amp sounds great, I love to play anything thats really heavy and basically has a really sweet groove that gets your head going. I love the bottom end rumble the amp gets with this cab. The walls start to shake at anything about 1! I barely play anythin above 2-3 cause I'd get evicted if I did. This amp sounds better and better the louder it gets. With more volume the tone gets thicker and just rocks. This amp can sound however you want, whether its like I prefer for hard metal Pantera style, or if you prefer a deep brown sounding grunge Pumpkins tone. I like to set the gain about half way, and it sounds exactly like Angus's tone from classic AD/CD songs like Back in Black. If you want a killer amp with terriffic tone for anything from metal, to grunge, and everything in between check this amp out. Oh yea, is sounds pretty good clean too, although it tends to get a bit distorted at high volumes, but I barely every play clean.

I havent had it too long, maybe a month, but I havent had any trouble at all. This is my second Peavey and I never had a problem with the Bandit, which itself was a great amp for under 400. So I havent dealt with changing tubes yet, but since I have had it the tone has been very consistent.

Who knows, never had a problem.

I really dont think there is a better amp for the money. My next amp will me a Mesa Rectifier, probably the Dual since the Triple is like 2 grand. But for around 700 buck new this amp is a great value, and anyone looking to step up from a smaller amp should seriously check it out.

I bought mine when they first came out. The shop called me after they closed to be the first to demo it and it was all I expected and more! Gobs of brown caramel-like distortions! You can play anything on this thing from blues to punk to country to rock to the obvious VAN HALEN! The best wasy to get the most out of the tone of this amp is to run your effects through the loop in the back. This way, your tone isn't altered much. If you have a Sonic Maximizer, use that too! I have used this head for over six years and hundreds of gigs and it always sounded great! I got compliments from soundmen and my fellow guitarists at many shows! This amp simply sounds great out of the box! Solid state or digital distortion does not even come close to the tone and feel this amp produces! You can get gobs of feedback from this thing that is totally controllable if you want it to be! I'd recommend this to anyone as their first major amp purchase and their last!

I play rock and alternative styles on a buch of different axes, all with humbuckers. I own two Ibanez Roadstars(modded), Kramer Focus 1000, Kramer Baretta, Custom made Les Paul, Washburn M1000, Jackson PS-1, and all sound awesome through this amp clean and distorted! The amp is noisy in the distortion mode so you should use some kind of noise reduction in the effects loop. A small price to pay for tone! The clean and distortion channels are great! Both are very easy on the ears and not harsh at all!

This amp has not let me down yet! With tube amps you must be careful! Never store it in the cold-don't use it as a beer holder-don't drop it-store it in a cushiones case! My bandmates would never touch it because they knew if anything happened to it there would be hell to pay! Baby it and it will last a lifetime!

I haven't had to call the company for anything other than to complain about the price of the Wolfgang guitar! Cheaper than the Ernie Ball my foot!

I own the following:2 IBANEZ ROADSTARS MODIFIED 1 KRAMER BARETTA 1 KRAMER FOCUS 1000 MODIFIED 1 WASHBURN M1000 MODIFIED 1 CUSTOM LES PAUL COPY MODIDIED 1JACKSON PS-4 MODIFIED. All guitars contain DiMarzio Pickups. effects DIGITECH 256-XL&RP-12,ZOOM 1202, BBE SONIC MAX, ROCKTRON SPEAKER SIMULATOR, ALESIS3630 COMPRESSOR,ROCKTRON HUSH,IBANEZ PUE5,MXR PHASER,BOSS METALZONE, DOD WAHWAH, ROCKMAN ACOUSTIC PEDAL,BOSS FLANGER BF-2,PEAVEY TRANSTUBE BANDIT 112,I have run almost all this stuff through this amp with great results! I even got close to the man's tone!

The fact that it has as many features is good, but it would be better if they actually worked! i HAVE HAD THIS AMP FOR THREE WEEKS AND IT BLOWS!!! IT SWITCHES CHANNELS BY ITSELF, IT SHUTS OFF VERY OFTEN, AND I CAN'T EXPLAIN WHY, BUT IT MAKES THIS HIGH PITCHED WHINING WHENEVER I TURN IT UP PAST THREE!

This amp is the biggest piece of s**t in the universe! I can't stand it! On the clean channel, it makes loud thumping sounds and cuts in and out, and on the drive channel, it whines and squeals like a rat having it's legs cut off! That's a bad thing when your signal is drowned out by what seems to be feedback. whatever is wrong with this thing, I can't figure it out.

The amp works quite often but it works wrong! Iv'e had it into the shop atleast 12 times in the past few weeks and it seems to get worse all the time, two days after I got it, the tubes went harmonic or something and the amp made this awful screeching sound! I had to kick it very hard to make it stop!

Peavy is hopeless when it comes to this category, and I could personally kick the teeth out of evey operator I have spoken to! It has been at least a week since I last talked to them and they've left me hanging! My half assed repairs were covered under warranty though.

This amp sucks more dick than richard simmons at a Marilyn Manson Concert! I would advise anybody to stay away from this amplifier and get a good one. My friend had a 5150 that gave him the exact same problems, last time I heard from him, he took an axe to it. Anyway, the tone is crappy, the reverb sucks, and i'm about to trade it in for a Crate Blue Voodoo 120, I've heard nothing but great reviews about it, I'll rate it when i get it!

Wow. Two channels of distortion, Lead and Rhythm (with a "Crunch" option for Rhythm), pre gain and post gain on both channels, bass mid treble eq, prescence and resonance, hi and low sensativity inputs, pre amp out, effects loop. Lacks a built in reverb. Each feature is not quite as rich in depth as I'd like it to be, but it is certainly more than adequate.

I'm playing a modifer Fender Strat with Seymour Duncan pick ups. Jesus, this amp's designers must have been on drugs! The distortions are wild! I love it! I am able to get metal, rock, punk, blues, you name it out of this amp all on it's own. The only reason I'm keeping my Digitech RP-12 is for the basic echo, wah, and reverb. I am never going back to solid state distortion.

It looks sturdy and at almost 50 lbs (!) I think it would survive a lot. Tubes are commonly available. Just remember, they will wear out so go ahead and play till you drop. Just remember to check on those tubes!

I bought the head used w/o any docs (like anyone needs them). However, they are available for download at www.peavey.com and their online tech center looks pretty good. I don't think I'll need to be contacting them anytime soon though. ;-D

I traded in a lot of gear toward a Red Bear MKE 120 initially but did a straight exchange when I saw this amp. With $325 of credit, I only ended up paying $161 (taxes) for it. This head is awesome in its capability and quality. Peavey did it right the first time with this one. I would look to find a used one though, especially if you're on a tight budget. They are visciously expensive when they're new.

this is the second 5150 head Ive bought. The first was in the spring of 1992 when they were first availible in my area . I wont go into features here; you can read about them in someone elses review. Lets just say that for what it does, it has plenty

ive owned and played many amps and in the last month alone Ive bought and returned a Marshall DSL 2000 and SLX 2100 back to the store I bought them from. I was lookijng for a "different " sound since i also have a 5150 combo. The combo sounds great but Peavey must have been brain dead when they decided to produce them with out side handles and castors; its so heavy its ridiculous! but that might account for some of its huge tone. I sold my original head 3 years ago to get the combo, and since then Ive been looking for a new head to have when I want to go the head/cab route. I cant understand how a company like Marshal;l has been in business for such a long time. Thier products are built like homemade 3rd grade science projects and fall apart when you look at them. The 5150 head is built like a freaking tank and as far as sound is concerned; if youve palyed thru or owned a 5150, youre probably like me...ruined for life! I cant play thru anything else, any other amp that Ive played( havent played them all yet but getting close) sounds like a toy compared to the 5150. its the ultimate high gain amp.

Peavey products are known for thier long shelf life and Im sure Ill have this head for a long time.

like I said, Im ruined for life..in a good way, because Im fortunate enough to own the combo and now, once again, the head. I guess I didnt realize that i had the ultimate sound until I tried to find it somewhere else. Now I know, and Im as happy as David Lee Roth in a high school girls locker room. i just wish Edward would stop coming out with new signature gear. I just got a Wolfgang special( to go along with my black Wolfie) and when this 515011 comes out im gonna be like "Ok, its American Express, card number3452.......". im going broke Ed, but lovin every minute of it

This is an update on my earlier submission. Only two channels...clean isnt totally clean but doenst break up if turned up all the way. Lead is crazy!!! I love Social Distortion and wanted a natural distortion sound from the clean channel (cant get it in Lead) and have the clean preamp at 2.5 and hit the crunch switch..turn the volume up to about 4 or 5 and stand back...great great natural distortion. Same guitar as before (PRS CE-22 with Dragons). If you want less volume take out two tubes and lower the impedence (i turned it down to 4 and i have a 16 ohm cab...worked fine, got the info from a guitarist at the store i frequent.)

All styles, suits them all...good clean (little breakup), good natural distortion (hmmmm i love it) and great distortion channel. I can get all the sounds i want, from Punk, to rock, to metal. Its not that noisy...it does hum some, but well, its gonna happen with Tubes, but very nice...just play and you wont notice.

Nothing broken. Tubes and everything still going strong.

havent talked to them since i got the literature. but they were helpful then...

about 7 years...maybe a little longer. i wouldnt buy it again if it was stolen...id wait for the 5150-2!!! seperate EQs!!!!

I'm just updating my previous review.. see below.

Turns out the 5150 i had had a few faulty parts that had been replaced by the joker that had it before me- I just tried a new 5150 with new tubes and all original parts- it turns out it is an alright amp.. it doesn't beat a SLO-100 or anything, but it ain't bad.

no comment.

I am just updating my own.. so, sorry peavey, I wouldn't recommend you STAY AWAY as I said before.. it ain't bad.. it ain't the best, but it does NOT have that buzzy tone I said it had- only MINE did.. well, the one i played was still plenty noisy, I'll tell you that!

I really don't have very much to add to the previous reviews, just wanted say that this is the best amp I have ever played - no matter how I try to look at it.
I have never really cared much about reverb so the lack of it is no problem. In general, I was stunned to find out that I don't need *any* effects with this motherfucker - it sounds huge without any additional garbage. The clean channel isn't very clean, that is true, but I don't like the clean sound to be *clean*, you have to be able to control that with your playing and that is exactly what 5150 does.

I'm currently playing my amp with Epiphone Les Paul copy (pickups replaced with Duncan's '59s). My other amp is a '72 Super Lead and with this guitar I've never been able to get the best possible sound out of it without making my ears bleed. To get that REALLY ballsy sound out of it, you have to turn it so incredibly loud that it's virtually impossible to use in a live situation. It also lacks the sustain and those singing leads that sound magnificent with the Peavey. A noisy amp? Give me a break... just because the amp has 120 watts doesn't mean that it's LOUD. I mean, I'm usually playing with both pre and post gain turned to about 4 and that is quite enough. And at those levels the "noise" it makes is little more than a whisper. If yours is noisy, I recommend checking the guitar first.

I haven't played it live yet, as a matter of fact I have owned it only about a month now so I can't say much about its reliability. It *feels* reliable....I don't now. *Ed* has said several times that it is so I guess it must be.......? :)

I just ordered some catalogues and they arrived incredibly fast. That is my only experience with them. Nothing to say about that, really.

Anything I wish it had? Well, when you really think about it, it doesn't make coffee or cook the eggs in the morning. Also a cool feature would be if it could make your penis to grow longer.
Seriously.....it's the best. Period.

Two channels (Clean & Lead) and a push button for Cruch. Shared EQ, Resonance and Presence for poweramp. One effects loop and...darn...no reverb. Further more it's 120W all tube power...very loud! My head was also modified for use of an extra pedal, so it's now in fact a three channel amp.

I was looking for tube sound and I'm glad I found it. Every day I find more interesting settings. Lead is awesome and singing, Crunch is more brighter. I play it with a Yamaha RGX312 and all the pick-ups (SC's and HB) sound very different. The clean channel stays pretty clean if you keep the Pre-gain at 2-3, but also dials in a nice blues sound if turned further. For the hum, I noticed that it reduces if you stand away from the amp. Right now I'm building a spring reverb -> I hope it's worth the trouble. My cabinet (4x12) is an old Simms-Watts (just 200 Dutch guilders). I still hope that one day I'll have enough money for an orignal Peavey and enough room to turn it really loud (now just 2-3 on the Masters). I have also pulled out two tubes and adjusted the impendance, but it doesn't seem more quiet.

It's a '92 model and as far as I know, there has been no trouble. (but I myself owned for about three months now) Maybe the trouble still has to come. (I don't hope so, I'm trying to join a band, soon)

What's the trouble with Peavey? I mailed them a few times and every time I got an answer the next day! Also asked for a schematic and recieved it a week later! (that's from Meridian, Missisipi to Noordwijk, The Netherlands)

To bad for the reverb, but maybe that's fixed in a few weeks. I don't know if I'd buy it again, but I hope I won't have to! (very poor student) Now that I have the schematic, I'm gone turn it to anything I'd like to! Maybe if I'm in a band I'll really appreciate it's value and start loving it like nothing else!