'50s-style tweed tones, '60s blackface overdrive and saturated '70s and '80s arena-rock sounds are all covered in this new amp from Mesa/Boogie.
The Fillmore 50 is a compact and powerful 1x12 combo amp that pays homage to the big-tweed Fenders that were played in the renowned bi-coastal concert halls of the late 1950s and early '60s. It features a versatile sound basis, two (identical) channels, three overdrive modes, a full/half-power switch and a tube spring reverb.
Using both channels in clean mode, this amp taps the most authentically tweed-like tones, especially when set for 11 o'clock or higher. The lower gain clean voice, with its sparkling treble and buttery midrange scoop, flatters single coils, but creates real magic with PAF-style humbuckers.
Drive and Hi-mode settings offer more expressive overdrives, with classic MESA gain tones derived from a fivefold 12AX7 configuration. Creamy soft clipping leads of blues and rock up to juicy tugging SRV sounds make the Fillmore 50 an ideal base for pedalboards.
The Fillmore 50 is a powerful amp, with plenty of punch for small and large gigs alike. It cuts well with a drummer and bass player, takes pedals excellently, and produces some of the best reverb Boogie has ever done.
