Peavey 5150 Amplifier

The Peavey 5150 Amplifier was an all-tube guitar amplifier made by Peavey Electronics from 1991-present, that was made as a signature model for Edward Van Halen. The amp series was designed by a partnership of Peavey Engineers and Edward Van Halen. The 5150 was originally designed to achieve Van Halen's lead tones; however, due to the amp series' power, flexible equalizer, extreme hi-gain capabilities, and retention of articulate tonal definition at extremely high volumes, the amp series became the standard for modern hi-gain metal tone. Since Edward Van Halen and Peavey parted ways, in 2004 the name of the Peavey model was changed to 6505, with Van Halen taking the 5150 name for his company, EVH, to name his 5150III amplifier.

Models of the 5150

*5150 - The original version of the 5150 feature two channels, a rhythm and a lead channel. The amp features 5 12AX7 pre-amp tubes and 4 6L6GC power-amp tubes. The amp features an equalizer with low, mid and high, as well a resonance and presence control.. A special edition EVH block letter version was released for short period, though differences between the original are only cosmetic.

frame|right|Original 5150 head

*5150 II - Peavey first advertised as "the legend continues" with Edward Van Halen. The amp features an extra preamp tube making a total of 6 12AX7s in the preamp section while the power section featured 4 6L6GCs. The amp also feature separate equalizers, resonance and presence controls for each channel. The 5150 II takes the original 5150 and adds an improved clean channel with more headroom. Also the lead channel has bit less gain(still lots of gain) and is much tighter and slightly brighter than the original 5150's lead channel as guitarists started demanding more attack speed from their amps. While many users agree the amp is a perfected version of the original 5150, still some players still prefer the slightly looser low end tone on the original 5150. Also in contrast to the original 5150's fixed bias, the 5150II feature an adjustable bias as well as bias test points on the back panel. The name of this amp was changed in 2004 to "6505+" after Edward Van Halen and Peavey agreed to part ways, with Van Halen owning the legal rights the 5150 name.

*5150 212 "Combo" - A 60 Watt version of the 5150, with an attached 2 x 12" speaker cabinet. This version has only 2 power-amp tubes, and improved "clean" circuitry. Also the lead channel resemble the 5150II's lead channel more. The combo also features reverb controls on both channels.

References

*http://www.peavey.com/news/article.cfm/action/view/id/34/20042112.cfm
*http://www.peavey.com/
*http://www.peavey.com/search.cfm?term=5150&lang=
*http://www.fjamods.com/5150VS5150II.html