What makes me like Ola? Well he plays guitar pretty good, he is polite and he has good manners. He’s a real gentleman, a role model. But what’s the most important? He reviews guitar gear and plays it. He doesn’t talk about that but actually plays it. I strongly believe, a gentle burp from time to time is much more better than talking for a half an hour about the amp and then playing three notes (like majority of people from RU-vid). Ola, you’re the man. Greets from Poland \m/
James I just wanted to add to the thanks for creating such an iconic amp/sound. I can still remember back when the first 5150s came out seeing them in the guitar mags and wondering what they were like. Me and my friends managed to find one in our local shop. It was amazing. We had never heard anything like it. Unlike now with youtube and such we had to seek it out and man was it worth it. I'll never forget it. Thanks again!
@@MegaWimberly thanks for the story and I’m glad you liked it! Translating Ed’s ideas into the amp was a hard job, and it’s cool that so many people with different styles enjoyed it 😀
I spoke with James Brown January 6 around 10pm eastern standard time. That was last night. He was told to stay within a certain price point, and using Celestion Greenback 25's would of pushed the Amp out of range. He had to come up with a more affordable speaker to satisfy Fender, and EVH GEAR . From what I was told Eddie told him before he passed that it had to be Affordable for beginners, and putting in Greenback 25's would of pushed the Amp out of the price point. I think he did a awesome job, and a lot of beginners can now pickup a EVH combo for there first Amp which I think is totally awesome. You can always swap out the speaker as long as you adjust the Ohms. or if you buy the 80 watt Head just buy a Mesa 4x12 or whatever Speakers you like. Yes this Amp sounds better with the Greenbacks in it , but what James came up with in that price point is outstanding. I think the man belongs in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because of the first Block Letter Peavey 5150 changed Metal forever..... If you read this Jim Thank you so much. I had the first year 5150, and it rocked my world even though I couldn't get the volume over 3 in my house.. lol.. Bill 🤘
@cool guy from 2007 I happened to be in a EVH Iconic Live stream last night, and James Brown was signed on. He answered all my questions, and went into detail about the Amp, and took extra time for me to answer all my questions. I thought that was pretty cool of him to do that. He's thinking about doing some more EVH stuff too. He couldn't go into detail but it got me excited.... As Eddie would say You got to just keep playing man keep playing. That's all you gotta do..R.I.P. EVH my hero....🤘
@@blgdinger3 He had to use a cheaper speaker with this amplifier to keep the price lower. This Amplifier was created for people that can't spend 2Grand on a Amp. Eddie , and Fender wanted younger kid's just learning guitar the chance to own a EVH amplifier Speakers have a lot to do with the sound of a Amp. I spoke with the creator of the amplifier, and that's what he told me. If you play thru a oversized thick Birch 4x12 like a Mesa Boogie with Celestion Greenback 25's it would sound a lot better. I think this Amp is awesome because so many younger kid's can get a EVH amp now. I might grab a combo, and swap out the speaker. Cabinets and Speakers Have a lot to do with the sound of a Amplifier. Do a little investigating on RU-vid and you can see what I mean... Have a good day and keep playing...🎸 \m/
Game over. Yes there are other options at this price point that may suit someone’s taste more, but the claim of this amp not being able to chug or being for only 80’s metal has just been proven totally wrong. It’s clearly a versatile amp and another great one among many. And it’s an awesome option for diehard EVH fans who can’t afford it’s big brother.
If you listen closely it's missing that hard chug for me. The low end kick in your face chug. Yeah it might suit the fancy of some, but ultimately I believe it's going to have people left being not 100% satisfied.
@@ericwilliams538 You're hearing an XLR mic converted digitally, going through RU-vid's audio compression. If you want the low end chugs, just increase the resonance or get some better speakers.
@@ericwilliams538 in a band setting that low end chug is gonna be EQed down or nobody is gonna hear you. I agree it doesn’t have that shaking shit off your bedroom shelves resonance when you practice but IMO evh is known for designing stuff that has a good searing mids and high end sound that sounds a little bit harsh on its own but with a bassist and drummer sounds amazing. If you want a more boomy and thumpy sound in this price range get the prs mt15. I have one and it’s basically the opposite of this lots of low mids with a subtle fizz and chugs so hard but leaves you turning the presence way up to get some needed brightness so it doesn’t sound muddy in a mix.
@@ericwilliams538 Yes, people who don't comprehend what makes guitars sound heavy. In other words, the vast majority of the internet guitar nerd community.
Just bought this amp used on reverb for under $800, even in this crazy economical downturn and super high inflation. I can't wait. I'm in my 3rd year of learning guitar.
Now this is how you demo an amp head! Soooo frustrating watching certain RU-vidrs post the same videos over and over again with 5 overdrive pedals in front of the amp without playing any notes above the 5th fret. Great job! 👍🤘👍🤘
@@mosj9876 The name 5150 was Eddie Van Halen's thing. Eddie joined Peavey and the now famous Peavey 5150 was the artist signature amp for him. Later Eddie left and took the 5150 name with him but Peavey continued to make the same amp under the name 6505 with no artist signature attached. Then Eddie teamed up with Fender and started the EVH line and stuck the famous 5150 name on those amps. Not the same design as the Peavey 5150/6505 but good amps too.
I think the drama around this amp is hilarious! Eddie sets out to bring an affordable version of his “iconic” amp to market and enlists the original designer. They come up with an amp that that does a great job at a price point that more younger people can access, which again was the point, and the gate keeping, never played live, but toured extensively in my bedroom/“home studio” crowd goes nuts! This amp is not the Mk4 5150. It’s not supposed to be and no one ever said it was. If this amp was a guitar some were expecting a Les Paul deluxe custom shop. When it was clearly billed as a Les Paul studio. And all it took was the OG guitar RU-vidr who’s actually played music for a living to point that out lol. But hey maybe if I turn my hat backwards, wear a shirt 2 sizes too small, don’t actually play through the amp and say “Bro” a lot the amp won’t chug. 😂😂😂
@Thrash Metal Studio Bugera be praised for making clones of those amplifiers and selling them for cheap. Now they cost more but getting a new 6505 clone head for 300€ was really something few years back.
Great points! Also they keep saying if you want an EVH, get the Stealth. The 50 watt Stealth is $700 dollars more and the 100 watt is triple the price of the Iconic. I've had mine now for 2 weeks and love it. I also got mine before they upped the price $100 dollars.
These iconics don't really sound anything like the EVH 5150 IIIs. They DO sound A LOT like the Peaveys, which I think was the point they were going for by bringing back in James Brown to design the amp, the same designer. The Peavey 6505/6505+ still is an incredibly popular amp, it takes up a lot of market share in the metal world, so EVH wanted to do their own, which they have absolutely every right to do and they have the rights to the 5150 branding. They could do a 5150/6505 style amp, make it cheaper so more younger players have access to this kind of tone in a gig-worthy amp, and sell the shit out of it, which they will. I wish they were able to do an all-tube pre amp though, I'm not a fan of only 2 pre-amp tubes, I think it gives the amp a sort of fizzy/scratchy characteristic that I've heard in every single demo. The amp still produces good tone, but underneath it is this sort of scratchiness, like a clipping speaker or a dirty cable. Once I heard it, I couldn't unhear it. The original Peaveys don't have that same characteristic. Totally different pre-amp design.
I think many people forget that the reason the 5150 amps had so much gain is because EVH used (originally) very low output pickups (pulled his Frankenstrat humbucker from an E-335, iirc). So for people like Satriani or Yngwie who also use very low output pickups (especially single-coils) that much gain is a crucial feature of the amplifier (Satch originally moved to the Peavey XXX for exactly that reason). Either way, it's a great sounding amplifier. A very "no frills" design that seems to accept a signal chain well. Sometimes, less is indeed more.
I like how bright it sounds on all of the demos that I've heard especially your room Mike. I have a 5150 head from 1992 and it doesn't quite get that crisp harsh brightness Marshalls have on tap. We only use a little bit of it but it has to be there.
It’s the “Plexi on steroids” kind of thing, but it retains the character of those Marshalls that Ed used early on. That squish, and that sizzle. That’s the real unedited sound in my opinion. But obviously with a fuck ton more gain.
Seems that all the negative comments are slowing down? Thank goodness, seems EVH has made some really great stuff. I’ve loved my amp and guitars, I have two for some reason, don’t know why, but maybe the Japan made guitars will get collectible. Another great video!
I've got a 5150 III and love it, and this definitely has something different going on. Not exactly my cup of tea. Not bad, but not my cup of tea. But I'm probably a rare breed in this comments section, because I'm not the type of guy who tends to boost a 5150 into a vintage 30 cab and play chuggy riffs. I'm somewhere between there, dad rock, and lots of alternative music. haha. I'll say, I actually didn't mind it in a mix at the beginning, again it wasn't bad, just not exactly my cup of tea. However, It definitely gives me early Dimebag Randall amp vibes, with those biting, square wave like mids. For people into that sound, I totally get the appeal of this amp. I'm curious however how different amps will sound with that cabinet, because if the cab is very comparable to the other EVH cabs and speakers, I'd totally love to own an EVH 4x12.
I own a 5150 III 50 watt and the 5150 iconic. At band rehearsals I always end up using the iconic, the other guitarist in my band has the original peavey 5150 and they sound great together. I’m loving my iconic. Now I’m considering selling the 5150 III 50 watt so I can buy a solar 8 string ;)
Yeah dood I have em both too ..sold my 50 ..but did upgrade to 100 stealth …that thing is a beast …much different then iconic ..best amp I’ve ever play love it ….and really loving the iconic it’s bad ass …but for 100 is king …they are all amazing amps
Great job Ola! Definitely can get a good in the room vibe. Sounds pretty good for a low budget tube amp. Sounded like a lightsaber when you put your guitar close to amp and then moved it away.
And I heard molten steel in the midst of the four chords, and I looked and behold: a Man with a red Solar axe. And his name, that sat there, was Ola. And hellish Chugs followed with him.
Yeah, what's up with wearing hats over the ears? And they're usually oversized hats, too. I can understand wearing a beanie over the ears to keep them warm, but hats do nothing of the sort.
I'm sold, I want one. I'm going to be 48 in April, I've been playing guitar since January '88 and I've NEVER played through a half stack....let alone a full stack. My goal by the time I'm 50 is to own a 100watt head-4x12 or even 2x12 cabinet
You made it sound great, would have loved to hear it through your Mesa oversized cab though! This amp is getting some complaints from certain people, but you dismissed that pretty effectively by making it sound very heavy. It still is not entirely my thing and I would personally go for Peavey's upcoming 6505II, but for the money this 5150 Iconic sounds pretty brutal. Well done!
@@mikew9788 not being a US citizen I’m quite impartial to American made sentiments. Let’s put it this way, I’ve had more luck with Chinese than with American electronics 😂.
@@TYLERtheMAGGOT1you’re not stating facts but an opinion. A fact is that Peavey 5150’s and 6505’s have been used on some of the most legendary metal albums, and are still being used… I prefer the sound of the 6505 over anything made by EVH, except maybe the 5150 III EL34.
0:34 Cable mess 0:41 CLAP No cable mess I need that magic fairy that flys in while I riff raff , and remove those cables! Nice video Ola, and nice AMP too! (y)
@@hierrogm I just got mine yesterday and it’s awesome. Very happy. I also think it’s great for the price and would love to hear about all these great amps that are less expensive.
Excellent demo🤘 sounds like it really checks all the boxes. It sounded great without a od pedal but when you combined the od pedal with the burn option something really special happened with the texture of the tone🤘 happy Friday!
This amp is exactly what I want. Grinds hard, has a wide tonal range, has its own unique features (I’ve been wanting a fuzz boost for a while) and for an affordable price I’m good on never getting a legit 5150, Glenn Fricker’s convinced me that gain is gain and a good mic is more important than immaculate gain
Glen Fricker is quick to give so much advice when he has literally never played on a single decent album in his entire life. (Maybe no albums) Ignore these youtube guitar idiots with their hard opinions when they've never done anything.
@@ScreamingMoon oh just you hush the fuck up, I like the work he does and I trust his opinion. You’re probably mad bc he said tonewood doesn’t matter, tubes don’t, etc etc. he does honest work and has a huge backlog to show for it, just bc he hasn’t managed to land a killswitch engage or whatever the fuck doesn’t make him any less of a quality producer or engineer.
@@ScreamingMoon his fat angry guy shtick is annoying, but he's right that you can get a decent high gain sound out of just about anything if you learn the ins and outs of whatever gear you have and how eq and mic placement work
I actually spoke with James Brown last night, and asked him why he didn't go with Celestion Greenback 25's. He said to me it would of pushed the Amp out of a price range that he was given. He said he messed around with cheaper speakers to get the best sound he could for the price. Basically his hands were tied because Fender, and EVH Gear were very strict about going over budget with this Amp, and the price range. Eddie told him before he passed that it had to be Affordable for beginners. We Spoke January 6 around 10pm eastern standard time online. Bill
I'm super curious about this too, with what we're hearing, what's influencing what and causing what sound wise: the head or the cab? I know it doesn't have the speakers the other EVH Cabs have.
@@prometherion3089 Bad or good is what your ears tell you when you listen to the clips in the video. I can only answer for my preference. To me, I like the 5150III head and cab a lot more, and I think for the iconic series, the cab we're hearing here is a big big part of the equation. But if you like it, with the style you play, etc., it's good! I just love the 5150III Cabs and speakers. They're actually my favorite speaker cabinet. They're like kinda in the ballpark of a greenback speaker, but to me, they sound incredible both with high gain, clean, and everything in between. I don't really know any other speaker that can do that so well.
The best demo tones of this amp I’ve heard yet. The green channel with OD engaged sounds good and the most open. The red channel to me seems very compressed and scooped. (A bit one paced) Definitely sounds better than initial demos, but I’m still not sure I’d look at this amp compared to other amps in this price bracket. 6505 and the upcoming 6505 II still seem to be the route to go, or the 5153 if trying to stay in the EVH family.
Sounding decent! I was really looking forward to Ola checking out this Iconic and its burning! But I think the 5150iii 50 or 100 watt EL34 versions sound is on another level
That pick bounce was heroic!! I think you should put tc electronics eye pedal in there and hit the burn button.. yes.. and please. I believe the walls and the earth would shake
Yeah , Ola awesome amp ,guitar and shirt, I could listen to this all day. Thanks for defining with the name burn the tone I always want. Lol that shirt is awesome as well a must have.
Very nice Demo. You put a little fun in every video you show us - your own humor makes a difference to all the other demos here, so this is always welcome! The question here is: When will it stop to chug? Answer: Never!
What a great sounding amp! I don’t think I’d buy this for myself but it’s a well priced option for many guitar players out there! Awesome video as always Señor!
Some really nice bite on this amp on all settings. Seems like there's a huge range of tone capabilities too. Sounds awesome with the TS9. Should've plugged in a phaser though.
They all say something good about it! Plus it's not a lot of money so...I ordered mine today, used, for $731. Now to find a cab. Thanks Ola, I like your schtuff a lot!
I got one last week thanks to this great review, I love it!! I am using plenty of different IRs and it sounds amazing. Tight and loads of gain!! The green channel is my favourite though. Thanks buddy!!
Look, if you can’t afford to get your hands on one of the big boy 5150, and the lbx head isn’t loud enough… here you go. Let’s not all get crazy slamming it or loving it. It’s a more budget friendly 5150. Don’t fall for the hate or love hype. Just enjoy it for what it is.
Yes it is...I have the Amptweaker Tight Metal pedal and actually spoke to James on the telephone several years ago about it..he is an awesome guy that takes the time out to speak to people and likes to hear what they have to say..awesome guy and everything he has his hands on sounds amazing !
@@rosskrause3926 I would of figured it was the same dude. I once bought an amptweaker bass metal tight jr. bass distortion pedal and it was such a killer sounding bass distortion pedal. It even sounds killer on guitar.
I'd love to hear Ola play this head through one of his Mesa cabs. I may still try to just save up the money for the 50W Stealth version of the 5150iii, but this amp is fantastic.
I couldn't find a Stealth anywhere online a few weeks ago so I went over to GC where they had a 15 watt Stealth. As I was buying it, they brought out the only Iconic they had, which just got there. I tried it and absolutely loved it. So for another 150 dollars I went from a 15 watt lunch box amp to a full blown 80 watt.
@@prometherion3089 Hell yeah, man. That's awesome to hear. I work at a Music Retailer myself, so I just have to keep an eye on when we're supposed to get shipments in. I'll score a 50w Stealth eventually. Might end up picking up an Iconic sometime down the road as a backup.
Love the sound of this thing, I just wanna put the logo on the inside of the grate and put some black foam behind it so it looks like the real thing lol
