5150 III mini - Is it living up to the hype??

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GuitarGuyLP

GuitarGuyLP

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I was really looking at picking one of them up when they came out. I went with a Randall RM50 instead, and now a year later I am finding that the RM50 setup doesn't seem to have the clarity that I am looking for. I am once again looking at the 5150 III mini.

So what are the thoughts here on the 5150 III mini now that the hype and honeymoons are over? How is the clarity with high gain?
 
Funny you went with the RM50. I have both the Randall RM100 and the RM50. But after I got the EVH 50w, there was no honeymoon, it clearly blows the Randall away. The Randall may be a little more versatile because of all the modules options (I have 5), but the EVH tone, especially the clean and the Red gain channels are just amazing. I still use my Randall amps but as far as my main tone goes, the EVH takes it. No hype, no honeymoon, it's just that much better. :rock:
A lot of guys here are getting great tones from the EVH. I really enjoy checking out how guys are getting everything from brutal metal to 80s metal classic rock. There are a lot of clarity on the gain if you set it up right. IMO back off the gain on the Red and run a boost out front is the way to go.
I recorded a few videos on my Youtube channel with the EVH, just in case you want to hear some EVH tones. Here's one I did just last week:
 
I am still digging my 50 watt. Mics up great and fits into a mix a little easier (IMHO) than the 100 watt. The 100 watt is a monster and sounds killer, too, but the added low mids can muddy up a recording a little easier/faster. the 50 watt has PLENTY of girth, but it's a little lighter in the low mids (but may have a little more low end IMO) so it sits a little nicer.
 
lettmusic":1b0ihmyl said:
Funny you went with the RM50. I have both the Randall RM100 and the RM50. But after I got the EVH 50w, there was no honeymoon, it clearly blows the Randall away. The Randall may be a little more versatile because of all the modules options (I have 5), but the EVH tone, especially the clean and the Red gain channels are just amazing. I still use my Randall amps but as far as my main tone goes, the EVH takes it. No hype, no honeymoon, it's just that much better. :rock:
A lot of guys here are getting great tones from the EVH. I really enjoy checking out how guys are getting everything from brutal metal to 80s metal classic rock. There are a lot of clarity on the gain if you set it up right. IMO back off the gain on the Red and run a boost out front is the way to go.
I recorded a few videos on my Youtube channel with the EVH, just in case you want to hear some EVH tones. Here's one I did just last week:
Click to expand...

I think I might have to do a for sale thread on my RM50 after reading this. I like the versatility of the RM50, and the tones out of the SG XTC are killer, but I think that it is difficult to get a fat sound that has clarity. I can get a fat sound with no note definition, or a too bright tone again lacking note definition. I have found that with all the modules I have had.
 
For the price it can't be beaten...
There are better amps for more though...
 
Can't really comment on the 50, as I own the 100. What I can tell you is that it is a great sounding platform. My 100 cuts through the mix when I need it to, and sits in all the right places when I need it to.



 
I loved the amp - I just couldn't get along with the volume drop on the clean channel. As the rhythm guitar player, I do most of the clean parts of the songs we play and would have needed to MIDI switch some outboard devices to fix that issue. I was looking for a relatively portable solution when I didn't want to haul the rack rig. Adding stuff to fix the volume drop would have defeated the purpose. I ultmately traded it off after a month...
 
They sound great. My only complaint is that I wish they wouldve used the same headshell as the 100 watter. Not a big fan of the mini amp thing
 
I had one since last March when they started to become more available. I loved it! I did have some issues with the amp though internally. It would buzz and pop even with a full tube change. I returned it to the retailer and went with a Kemper instead. They had to send it back to Fender and I guess someone else has it now.

Still...is a great amp! I'd love to get another one.

:)
 
It's a fucking killer head... the one issue I had with it was a slight lack of clean headroom... but that was only on my last tour where I had to play a few unmic'd gigs... it really is an awesome fucking head, period...
 
My gas levels are getting quite high, and I found a lightly used mini in black for $699 at a music store...Might have to pick it up.
 
GuitarGuyLP":y76i2n60 said:
lettmusic":y76i2n60 said:
Funny you went with the RM50. I have both the Randall RM100 and the RM50. But after I got the EVH 50w, there was no honeymoon, it clearly blows the Randall away. The Randall may be a little more versatile because of all the modules options (I have 5), but the EVH tone, especially the clean and the Red gain channels are just amazing. I still use my Randall amps but as far as my main tone goes, the EVH takes it. No hype, no honeymoon, it's just that much better. :rock:
A lot of guys here are getting great tones from the EVH. I really enjoy checking out how guys are getting everything from brutal metal to 80s metal classic rock. There are a lot of clarity on the gain if you set it up right. IMO back off the gain on the Red and run a boost out front is the way to go.
I recorded a few videos on my Youtube channel with the EVH, just in case you want to hear some EVH tones. Here's one I did just last week:
Click to expand...

I think I might have to do a for sale thread on my RM50 after reading this. I like the versatility of the RM50, and the tones out of the SG XTC are killer, but I think that it is difficult to get a fat sound that has clarity. I can get a fat sound with no note definition, or a too bright tone again lacking note definition. I have found that with all the modules I have had.
Click to expand...

I have a lynchbox. Yes they are versatile amps. Yes the modules are good. Yes the modded modules are better.. BUT they are not as good as a dedicated amp with it's own power section. I have a friedman brahma that i dig, the Judge is excellent too... BUT my 82' JCM800 beats them out. That's just the way it goes. I like the Judge a lot though now mind you, but i do find it a tad on the anemic side. I think it all comes down to how picky you are. Obviously you hear what a lot of people hear and this might be the reason why there are so many good deals to be had on the randall stuff. You can prob get 300$ for your SG XTC, 350$ for your RM50, that leaves you with a few more gear sales and you can get a mini.

EDIT: note that i am not an EVH amp owner but that blue channel does sound pretty bitchin.
 
Add $250 for my texas special, and that covers the used 5150 iii mini I found, and then some.
 
Big :thumbsup: for the EVH mini. I like it more than 100 watt.
Can't be beat for the price.
 
So the used one is missing the footswitch, and has no warranty. I am leaning towards buying new with a 30 day return policy so that I can decided between that and my RM50 in my house through my cab.
 
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