EVH 5150 Iconic 40W: The Gigging 5150
The EVH 5150 Iconic 40W is the middle child of the Iconic series and arguably the most practical for working musicians. Forty watts through EL34 power tubes in a 1×12 combo delivers the 5150 gain structure with the added midrange bite and aggression that EL34s bring. Two channels cover clean-to-crushing gain. For club stages and mid-size venues, the 40W Iconic hits the sweet spot between enough power to gig without PA support and enough saturation at reasonable volumes for recording.
Specifications
| Type | Tube combo |
| Wattage | 40W |
| Speaker | 1 x 12″ |
| Channels | 2 (Clean/Overdrive) |
| Power Tubes | EL34 |
EL34 Meets 5150: A Different Beast
The original 5150 used 6L6 power tubes — warm, thick, and scooped. The Iconic 40W’s EL34s add a distinct British edge: tighter mids, more aggressive attack, and a crunchier quality that makes the amp cut through a mix differently. The 5150 gain structure through EL34s is angrier and more in-your-face than the traditional 6L6 voice. For players who love the 5150’s gain but want more midrange presence, the 40W is the revelation.
40 Watts: The Goldilocks Power
Forty watts handles virtually any gigging situation while remaining manageable. Enough headroom for pristine cleans at stage volume. Enough power to fill a room without PA support. Close enough to the power tube saturation threshold that you get real tube feel without dangerous volume levels. For most gigging musicians, 40 watts is the power rating that never disappoints.
Self-Contained Combo
The 1×12 combo format makes the Iconic 40W a grab-and-go gigging solution. No separate head and cabinet to transport. One trip from the car, one power cable, and you’re ready to play. The built-in speaker is voiced to complement the 5150 gain structure, so you get a great tone immediately without matching heads to cabinets.
Who Should Buy the Iconic 40W
Gigging rock and metal guitarists who want a self-contained 5150 solution. Players who prefer EL34 aggression over 6L6 warmth. Club musicians who need reliable high-gain tone. Cover band players who need EVH-quality gain and decent cleans. Anyone who wants the 5150 experience in an all-in-one combo.
FAQ
Iconic 40W or 80W — which 5150?
The 40W with EL34s is more aggressive with more midrange cut — better for cutting through a band mix. The 80W with 6L6s is closer to the classic 5150 feel — warmer, thicker, more traditional. The 40W combo is more portable and practical; the 80W head has more authority on larger stages. For most players, the 40W is the better all-around choice.
Can I add an external cabinet to the 40W combo?
Yes — the external speaker output lets you run an additional cabinet alongside the internal speaker. Adding a 2×12 or 4×12 transforms the 40W combo’s stage presence, giving you more low-end projection while keeping the combo’s convenience. For larger gigs, running the combo plus an external cab is an excellent solution.
Are the clean tones any good?
Better than you’d expect from a 5150-family amp. At 40 watts, the clean channel has real headroom — warm, full, and usable for passages between heavy sections. They’re not Fender cleans, but they’re genuinely musical rather than an afterthought. The EL34 power section actually helps the cleans, adding a touch of British warmth and sparkle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What tubes does the EVH 5150 Iconic 40W use?
The Iconic 40W uses a pair of 6L6 power tubes, delivering that full, bold 5150 sound with the extended low end and tight response the series is known for. It’s the sweet spot between the 15-watt and 80-watt versions.
How does the 40W compare to the original 5150?
The Iconic 40W captures the essential 5150 character — tight low end, aggressive midrange, and singing lead tone — at a more practical wattage. It also includes modern features like improved noise gating and more usable clean tones.
Does the 5150 Iconic 40W have an effects loop?
Yes. The 5150 Iconic 40W includes a series effects loop for integrating time-based effects, plus a switchable boost function on the lead channel for extra gain when you need it.