5150iii 15W LBX

[Megaro]

Looks like it is almost here. This UK website gives some detailed info, a few pics, and has some brief soundclips of the new amp. I cannot tell if this is the EL84 amp that Eddie was saying sounds like his old amp but with more sustain.

http://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Ba ... -Head/1C6O

[plexified]

That looks like a screamer for sure. I would like to use a 2x12 with an old altec in the bottom and a 20 watt celestion on top in an angle closed back cab or a nice 2x12 or 2 x10 open back . Wide open that thing would surely scream . I would like a loop as well , hope it has one. I'm definitely interested.

[Santino]

It is not the el34 based head Ed has mentioned. That is still in the prototype stages and Ed had the original on tour with him. I say we'll see it at NAMM and probably go on sale spring or summer

[JiMB]

That looks like a screamer for sure. I would like to use a 2x12 with an old altec in the bottom and a 20 watt celestion on top in an angle closed back cab or a nice 2x12 or 2 x10 open back . Wide open that thing would surely scream . I would like a loop as well , hope it has one. I'm definitely interested.

Loop, yes, it says so in the full description under specifications.

[mightymike]

That would be cool in my semi. It would take up less of my bed than my 68.by

[Megaro]

Mine came in yesterday. My initial impression is that I am not feeling the love. I have only played it on two separate nights and for about an hour each time.

My rig was Charvel with EVH Frankenstein HB direct into amp direct into an EVH 4 x 12 cab. No effects. I went back and forth between my 50 watt 5150iii and the LBX. Used the same patch and power cords, guitar, etc. etc. The only difference is that I have had some playing time on my 5150iii 50 watt, and I retubed it with JJ tubes from Eurotubes. The LBX comes with Groove Tubes tubes. I will measure the plate voltage and bias on the LBX later this weekend. Maybe.

Just my impressions. I used the same settings on my 50 watt as I did on the LBX. The LBX was darker. It was not as articulate to my ear. And, when I engaged the 1/4 power switch on the LBX, the volume didn't really change that much, but it seemed to have a slower attack. I did throw an MXR Flanger in front of both amps for comparison. They sounded the same in that regard. I played at bedroom levels and then also more like at a gigging with a drummer volume. I just like the sound of the 50 watt better.

I do think the red channel might be better on the LBX. It was not as nasally and gain-y / grain-y as the 50 watter. But I am just not a red channel guy. The blue channel is where I spend about 95% of my time.

I may keep the LBX around long enough to try out some new tubes. That might make a difference. I don't know. But I am not seeing the justification for the LBX. I was hoping I could crank up the volume more on the LBX and get a more robust tone at lower volumes than the 50 watt. That just was not my experience.

[EJSLPlexi]

Just my impressions. I used the same settings on my 50 watt as I did on the LBX. The LBX was darker. It was not as articulate to my ear. .
.

This is strange because Every owner of the LBX and 50 watter say the exact opposite?
They all say the LBX is clearer,has more high end detail,less gain overall.
Maybe you should dial it in on its own merits and not compared to the 50 watt head?

[EJSLPlexi]

I am thinking of buying one for $450 on CL.
I own the 50 watt but like the power switching and less gain of the LBX.
the LBX may gel better with the celestion CB 65's also?

[dirtycooter]

EL84's sound 34'ish to a degree. Like 6v6 seems to correlate to 6L6's sorta in my book. But always loose their shit on the bottom for any kinda VH thang. No tightness there, its loses me in every 84 amp I have had my dong beaters on. They don't have the umph for cone control of the speaker. Or maybe its the trannies developed for these kinda amps.
I I feel it is a market grab. LUNCHBOX people! Thats the horseshit feedin a frenzy marketing shtick right now. Its just hot right now. Like the mini wah. Ed's got his fat wang in the lunchroom. Not bitin on this one, right from the git go
Lunchbox amps are some kinda B.S. novelty. It will die out, like........ a bar full of heifer's, vs the bar acrossed the street with the hot bartenders and hot chicks, it will flourish
Tone is generated from specific pieces of gear, and family makeup. Ingredients.
84's are not the thing. Would you use a 12ax7 in your power section and expect 6l6, el34, or 6ca7 tone?? Sorta the same to me. But I have heard some pretty bad ass tones from 84's. Just not what I would say is VH© though.
Not all wrapped up in this one myself. Interesting? Yes. But not as much as tryin to get VH out of a boogie amp.

[bman5150]

I tried the lunchbox out recently at a local guitar center. Did not like it at all. Agree with all of the comments Megaro said. Not special at all, but keep in mind I really don't like any of the EVH amp line. Maybe the next one that's supposed to sound more vintage will finally grab me.

I made the mistake of buying a Peavey 5150 combo without ever having played it. Also not my cup of tea. Pretty sure I am just not a fan of 6l6 amps. They all sound so compressed and sterile to me.