5150III LBX 15-watt Tube Head Review

Amazing Tone Monster - do NOT overlook the LBX I

do NOT overlook the LBX I – this amazing tone monster. The OG of LBX' has both the blue & red channels and is amazingly loud, and I mean loud. The blue channel by itself is worth the price of admission – think modified Plexi or hot-rodded JCM 800. Then for leads, you have the red channel, tight articulate notes just pop out of this. LBX II & Stealth have their place too,… read more but this the vision EVH had for delivering amazing tone from a small platform. For less than $ this is the BIGGEST bang for the tonal buck you can find. Over 30 years I have owned every amp in the pursuit of tone – JCM 800, 900, DSL, TSL (60 & 100 watt), Mesa Tremo, Triple Recto & everything in between. All are brilliant amps, but are 3 to 5 times the cost. 1x12 Cabinet – do not overlook this thing, bought it because I just liked the setup & homage to EVH. Who knew it would push gobs of air & deliver amazing tones. Literally thought my 4x12 was behind me as I played with the band. Finally – Sweetwater brings the "sweet" and the Les Paul & many other goodies have come from these fine folks. Charlie Davis is my tone advisor & won't make a purchase without his guidance.

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Rock Box!

I bought this after trying a used 6505+ 112 that didn"t sound quite right and perhaps had an issue. I considered the 6505mh as well, and may still pick up a used one at some point. My previous high gain amp was a mk1 5150 that I used for about 18years and loved it. This amp is very reminiscent of the mk1, there"s a different mid character between them but their both 5150"s! … read more So far at lower volumes I can dial In a decent clean sound no problem. The blue channel is beautiful and has a more open sound as compared to the red channel. Plenty of gain from 70"s Marshall to 80"s Metal and beyond. The red channel is awesome more compressed and saturated, some people might say some fizz but that"s always been part of the character of 5150"s, a little sizzle! Controls and responsive and I"ve yet to really find a bad sound in it. It"s tight and heavy yet there"s clearity. Build quality is very nice and feels solid. Having no trouble getting the volume low for home use still sounds good. Resonance and presence controls really allow you to shape the sound and have always been the secret to the 5150 sound. So far feeling like the price is a good buy. I bought a sweetwater demo model, Thanks to Derek K. for getting be a small deal!

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Awesome

I have never wrote a review before, but I feel I have to. I called about a 5150 amp head and spoke with Chris Arnold about the Product. Best Salesperson ever. He was able to ship it to me quick as well. Great Experience. Thanks.

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ROCK&ROLL MACHINE !!!!!

This thing "RAWKS" , its definatly loud enough to gig at least through my 4x12 cab anyway , the description says it comes with jj branded tubes but mine has groove tubes , not sure which are better .different branded tubes def change the sound and tone,,,,you don't need any overdrive or boost pedels its got all the gain you could ever want or need although I wish it did have a clean… read more channel but I guess that's on version 2, at the end of the day this head screams and glad I got it , I demoed it in the store and walked out with it , it will be an instant classic for sure , from light semi clean blues to all out metal mayhem ,its got it all imo ...thank you sweetwater and the bossman adam crampton you guys rock

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No need for OD/distortion pedals anymore..

I've had this amp for a little over a month now and I am still in awe at how good it sounds. And at how loud it is even on the 3.75 watt setting! Seriously, playing at home thru the EVH 2x12 cab, I rarely take this any louder than 1. Yes, it is that loud. If you primarily play rock/metal, can live without a designated sparkling clean channel, and want an amp that does pretty much… read more one thing but does it well, you should definitely be checking this little fire breather out. Very happy with this purchase and huge props to Enej for hooking me up! \m/

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