When Edward Van Halen launched his 5150 head with Peavey in 1992, it rapidly grew well-known for its huge acquire, tight compression, and skill to chug. Co-designed by engineer James Brown, the 5150 has advanced.

The 5150 Iconic Sequence, now made by Fender, is a throwback to its authentic sound however provides options for versatility and affordability. A 6L6-powered monster with a multi-stage hybrid preamp, it makes use of two ECC83S tubes and a pair of customized EVH 12″ Celestions. Its two channels convey extra voicings; Channel One is clear till you push its Overdrive button. Channel Two is of course soiled and hosts a Burn button. Every has a management for Acquire, whereas they share a three-band EQ and Increase engaged by the included footswitch. Different options embody a noise gate, adjustable Increase, Reverb, Resonance, and Presence. The rear panel has a speaker-emulating XLR Line Out, Energy Mute swap, results Loop, preamp output, and a Energy Degree swap that runs output at 60 or 15 watts. The Increase provides 10db, Burn provides thicker distortion, and the digital reverb provides a pleasant sheen.

Utilizing a superstrat and Les Paul, the Iconic proved tight, highly effective, and articulate whereas yielding top-end sizzle. The juxtaposition of saturation and compression produces a dark-but-focused sound and vintage-style sag very similar to the unique 5150. It does the Gary Moore/Soldano factor splendidly and provides guitarists the precise instruments for Van Halen’s repertoire.

The unique block-logo 5150 was a killer one-trick pony. The Iconic combo does a number of methods. Whereas the soiled channel has acquired accolades for its unbelievable lead tones, the clear channel makes it an amazing platform for time-based results. Clear tones run clean to edgy by including acquire by way of the Overdrive button.

The a Iconic 5150 is flexible and brings an inherent early-’90s Van Halen sound. Nonetheless, it’s straightforward to seek out your personal voice. Followers come for the chug, so these seeking to play clean jazz or that bar mitzvah gig will most likely look elsewhere.

This text initially appeared in VG’s August 2023 difficulty. All copyrights are by the creator and Classic Guitar journal. Unauthorized replication or use is strictly prohibited.