History of the 5150

[lewstherin006]

I recently got myself a 5150 combo, and got curious on what the differences were between the different 5150s. The information was scattered all over the internet and hidden behind dead links, so I put everything I found into one video. If I missed anything let me know.

Mod Note: Please post/type content of video instead of posting a direct YouTube link.

 

[Ethenmar]

The beast amp ever.

 

[Krucifixtion]

I remember when the 5150 Block Letter came out. I played one in a local music store and it sounded amazing. Especially considering my amp at the time was a 60 watt Crate SS 2x10. I couldn't afford a half stack. Some how later on I was able to get a Crate Blue Voodoo, but then right around the time the 5150 II's came out I ended up getting one. I believe it was 2000. So not sure if those came out in 99 or 2000. I kind of regret selling it at this point. Would love to own an original block letter or script 5150 again at some point.

 

[Deadpool_25]

Fun watch man. Good job.

The OG 5150 is an absolute beast. I wonder what modern tubes would emulate the original Sylvanias. Maybe I’ll hunt those down instead of impulse buying yet another amp.

The invective (what? Did you guys expect me NOT to comment??) was never fully made in the US I don’t think. The early ones were only “Assembled in the USA” so even then a significant number of parts were sourced outside the country. After supply chain and production problems (IIRC) caused major delays they moved production fully to China.

 

[Turgon]

very nice video. You just missed mentioning the 6505 Combo, but I guess it's no big deal since you mentioned the 5150 combo

 

[Mwoit]

Great video! Thanks for putting it together.

 

[MASS DEFECT]

I'm in that small group that prefers the 5150II vs the old block letter. The upper mid focus just cuts through better and you can live if you forgot your boost. It is easier to record too. I just wish these amps have a nice master volume control like the Invective.

 

[USMarine75]

5150 BL (Sylvania tubes) = 5150 Sig (with cheap Chinese tubes)
5150-I = 6505
5150-II = 6505+
212 5150 combo = 6505 combo (similar circuit as head, but 60w vs 120w)
112 5150 combo - Chinese not USA, same circuit

Some good info I discovered over the years:
http://www.wolfgangregistry.com/5150-info/peavey-6505-preview.html
http://www.fjamods.com/5150Models.shtml

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

I'm in that small group that prefers the 5150II vs the old block letter. The upper mid focus just cuts through better and you can live if you forgot your boost. It is easier to record too. I just wish these amps have a nice master volume control like the Invective.

A month before I sold my 5150II, I got a perfect mic'd-up tone with it. Regret selling it because of that, but I needed the monies. One day I might get another, or a 6505+.

IMO, the greatest rhythm sound I've heard was done with a blend of unboosted 5150II and boosted 5150.

 

[Andromalia]

I still never got how they came up with a death metal amp for EVH.

 

[USMarine75]

I still never got how they came up with a death metal amp for EVH.

lol

 

[HeHasTheJazzHands]

I still never got how they came up with a death metal amp for EVH.

EVH was secretly ready to join a brutal grindcore band, but FUCK did better than expected so Van Halen kept on trucking.

 

[USMarine75]

I still never got how they came up with a death metal amp for EVH.

 

[B.M.F.]

There’s an excellent, entertaining three hour interview on Dave Friedman’s ToneTalk YouTube channel with James Brown, now of Amptweaker, on all the “inside scoop” in how the 5150 was developed, how the 5150 became the 5150ii and more. A fascinating interview if you’re a 5150 freak.


It’s my favorite amp of all time aside from the Ampeg VH140c series (which happens to share a similar EQ curve.)
Eddie wanted a lot of gain on tap on purpose, to where 6 was like 10 on other amps. James Brown found the only way to satisfy Eddie was to add an extra preamp tube. The ‘91 block letter was unleashed to the world maxed out with power and gain - still remains one of the ungodliest loudest amps I ever played. That’s what made it such a killer amp for metal, one of the many reasons why Colin Richardson was so keen on showing it to Amott and Steer to record “Heartwork” with.
Great video you made man! I love that kind of stuff. I need a 5150ii in the future as well for the “best of both worlds”... see what I did there...

 

[NinjaRaf]

5150 BL (Sylvania tubes) = 5150 Sig (with cheap Chinese tubes)
5150-I = 6505
5150-II = 6505+
212 5150 combo = 6505 combo (similar circuit as head, but 60w vs 120w)
112 5150 combo - Chinese not USA, same circuit

Some good info I discovered over the years:
http://www.wolfgangregistry.com/5150-info/peavey-6505-preview.html
http://www.fjamods.com/5150Models.shtml

This isn't entirely accurate.

5150 BL = 5150 sig = 6505

The 212 combos do not have the same circuit as the head. The preamp is sort of in between the original and II/+ series. Its way tighter than either amp.

The 112 is a 6505+.