Big, open and unapologetically responsive, the Bad Cat Mod Shop Hot Cat 50 guitar combo amp delivers classic EL34 authority with modern flexibility built in. This 50W combo pairs two independent channels with four distinct voicings, giving players everything from wide, glassy cleans to tight, high-gain British drive without relying on pedals. A musical shared EQ, global master volume and redesigned presence circuit keep the feel intact at any level, while onboard reverb and a buffered effects loop make the amp easy to integrate into real-world rigs. Housed in an open-back Baltic birch cabinet and loaded with a Celestion Bad Cat custom speaker, the Hot Cat 50 projects with width, clarity and touch sensitivity that responds directly to how you play.
Two Channels With Four Purpose-Built Voices
The Hot Cat 50 is built around two fully independent channels, clean and overdrive, each offering two distinct voicing modes. Clean Low delivers broad, glassy American-style cleans with plenty of headroom, while Clean High introduces a more forward, harmonically rich breakup inspired by cranked AC and pushed JTM tones. On the drive channel, Gain Low covers classic British crunch with strong note definition, while Gain High adds an additional gain stage for a tighter, more aggressive response suited to modern rock and high-gain styles. Each mode feels thoughtfully tuned and musically connected, making transitions intuitive rather than abrupt.
Musical EQ and Presence Control
A shared treble, middle and bass EQ is paired with a redesigned presence circuit that shapes the top end without harshness. Rather than exaggerating highs, the presence control adds clarity and cut while preserving the amp’s core character. A global master volume allows you to manage stage or studio levels without sacrificing feel, whether you’re running pristine cleans or pushing into saturation. The amp responds well to small adjustments, encouraging players to dial in tones quickly instead of constantly chasing them.
Reverb and FX Loop Designed for Real-World Rigs
The onboard reverb adds depth and dimension without overwhelming the dry signal, working equally well for subtle ambience or more expansive textures. A buffered effects loop integrates cleanly with time-based and modulation pedals, maintaining signal integrity and feel. Together, these features make the Hot Cat 50 easy to incorporate into both pedal-heavy setups and more straightforward, amp-driven rigs.
Open-Back Cabinet With Custom Bad Cat Speaker
Housed in a Baltic birch open-back cabinet and loaded with a Celestion Bad Cat custom speaker, the Hot Cat 50 projects with width, clarity and a sense of movement in the room. The open-back design enhances dispersion and interaction with the space, while the cabinet remains solid, resonant and road-ready. Handbuilt in Costa Mesa, California, the amp reflects Bad Cat’s focus on durability, consistency and premium construction.
A 50W Combo Amp That Purrs With Authority and Personality
The Bad Cat Mod Shop Hot Cat 50 open-back combo amp is built for guitarists who want a powerful, flexible EL34 guitar amp that still feels organic and responsive. Its four clearly defined voices, musical EQ and open-back character allow it to cover a wide range of styles without feeling generic or overdesigned. For players seeking a 50W guitar combo amp with depth, control and unmistakable personality, the Hot Cat 50 delivers a confident, deliberate experience.