5150 differences?

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:47 pm

I'm looking at getting a 5150 and want to know what the general opinion is of the original series 5150 (the one with the block letter EVH) VS the second series (the one with Van Halen's signature on it).

scrotal_tug · Post by **scrotal_tug** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:15 pm

Absolutely nothing is different between the two other than what tubes the block letter ones were originally sent out with. I've heard this from many reliable techs who post on the Harmony Central boards, one in particular specialises in 5150s & modifications.. Hence, knows them inside out.

There are a few people that claim they sound different (usually with the conclusion that the block letter sound better) but I can guarantee that they donâ€™t. It is only down to the obvious variables (tube choice/guitar/pickups etc), as the build of both versions is identical.

Good luck finding one - They rule

hippy · Post by **hippy** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 4:40 pm

buy the 5150 and then get it modded.

Metallash · Post by **Metallash** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:08 am

if you manage to find a brand new one, then take it to get its bias sorted out, ive heard that peavey sends the amps out without properly setting the bias in the amp and people have said once they took it and got it sorted out the amp sounded alot better.

Splat88 · Post by **Splat88** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 11:48 pm

scrotal_tug wrote:Absolutely nothing is different between the two other than what tubes the block letter ones were originally sent out with. I've heard this from many reliable techs who post on the Harmony Central boards, one in particular specialises in 5150s & modifications.. Hence, knows them inside out.

There are a few people that claim they sound different (usually with the conclusion that the block letter sound better) but I can guarantee that they donâ€™t. It is only down to the obvious variables (tube choice/guitar/pickups etc), as the build of both versions is identical.

Good luck finding one - They rule

I beg to differ. I have a 5150 II, and I used to have a 5150 back in 1995. My good friend currently has a 5150. They do sound different. On the lead channel, the post EQ sound is nearly identical, but the pre gain EQ is drastically different. The original 5150 has a much fatter distortion. The 5150 II has a thinner, more razorblade like distortion. Its almost sounds like a permanantly engaged wah pedal that's nearly all the way open. I actually prefer the original 5150 a lot better. Trust me, the difference is not small.