Bad Cat Hot Cat 50 Mark Sampson Mod Shop 50w Tube Head Overview

The Hot Cat 50 is the latest evolution of Bad Cat’s high-gain flagship platform, built for players who demand serious range and authority from a single amp. This Mark Sampson Mod Shop 50-watt head features a redesigned power section, expanded EQ flexibility, two seamless channels, and switchable Lo and Hi gain modes for wide tonal contrast.

From glassy, American-style cleans to punchy classic rock crunch and fully saturated high-gain tones, the Hot Cat 50 is built to cover real ground. Designed and built in Costa Mesa, CA, it’s equipped with studio-quality reverb, a buffered effects loop, direct line out, and a two-button footswitch—making it a true centerpiece for a modern professional rig.

Highlights

• 50 watts with 2x EL34 power section for punch and headroom
• Two channels (Clean and OD) with independent Gain and Volume
• Switchable Lo and Hi gain modes for expanded tonal range
• Custom-wound Bad Cat transformers and Baltic birch construction
• Built in Costa Mesa, CA with studio-ready features

Specifications

Body

• Cabinet: Baltic Birch
• Configuration: Head
• Cover: Included

Hardware

• Power Tubes: 2 x EL34
• Preamp Tubes: 4 x 12AX7
• Speaker Outputs: 4, 8, and 16 ohm
• Footswitch: Two-Button (Channel and Mode) Included

Electronics

• Power: 50 Watts
• Channels: 2 (Clean and Overdrive)
• Modes: Lo and Hi (Per Channel)
• EQ: Shared TMB (Treble, Middle, Bass)
• Controls:
• Independent Gain and Volume per Channel
• Global Master Volume
• Global Presence
• Reverb: Studio Quality
• Effects Loop: Buffered
• Line Out: Yes

Miscellaneous

• Dimensions: 20.75" W x 10.25" D x 10.5" H
  
• Country of Origin: USA (Costa Mesa, CA)
• Warranty: 5-Year Limited Warranty

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

At Tone Shop Guitars, we pride ourselves on offering a curated selection of instruments backed by knowledgeable staff and exceptional customer service. Whether you're shopping online or visiting us in person, our goal is to help you find the right guitar and deliver a top-tier experience every step of the way.