Bad Cat Amplifiers has officially pulled the curtain back on the Hot Cat 50 Mod Shop, a comprehensive evolution of the legendary high-gain amplifier that has defined the brand for over a quarter of a century. Announced ahead of the NAMM Show, this redesigned 50-watt powerhouse promises to be the most versatile entry in the Bad Cat catalog to date.
The Hot Cat 50 Mod Shop isn’t just a cosmetic refresh; it is a “rewired and re-voiced” beast. By combining a redesigned power section with a highly flexible tone stack, Bad Cat has created an amplifier that bridges the gap between boutique “glassy” cleans and modern, aggressive high-gain saturation.
One Amp, Four Distinct Personalities
The heart of the Hot Cat 50 Mod Shop lies in its two-channel, dual-mode architecture. Powered by four 12AX7 preamp tubes and two EL34 power tubes, the amp offers four specific “voices” accessible via the included two-button footswitch:
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Clean Low: Delivering the iconic, wide-open American “glassy” clean.
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Clean High: Channeling the spirit of a cranked British AC or pushed JTM circuit.
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Gain Low: Nailing the touch-sensitive crunch of 1980s classic rock.
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Gain High: A “fire-breathing” modern high-gain mode with exceptional note separation.
Boutique Tone Meets Modern Utility
While the tone is vintage-inspired, the features are strictly modern. Bad Cat has equipped the Mod Shop version with a buffered effects loop, ensuring your pedalboard maintains its signal integrity. Additionally, the amp features a studio-quality internal reverb and a dedicated line-out, making it equally at home on a stadium stage or in a quiet tracking room.
“The Hot Cat 50 is bigger, bolder, and more flexible than anything else in its class,” says the Californian team. “We’ve expanded the tone stack and rebuilt the presence circuit for purr-fect musicality.”
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Output Power | 50 Watts |
| Tube Complement | 2 x EL34 (Power), 4 x 12AX7 (Preamp) |
| Channels | 2 (Clean & Overdrive) with Lo/Hi Modes |
| Speaker | Celestion Bad Cat Custom |
| Cabinet | Baltic Birch construction |
| Weight | 47 lbs |
| Origin | Designed & Built in Costa Mesa, California |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes the “Mod Shop” version different from previous Hot Cat models?
The Mod Shop version features a redesigned 50-watt power amp, a more flexible EQ (tone stack), and a rebuilt presence circuit. It offers more “bloom” and harmonic richness than previous iterations, with a focus on increased versatility across its four distinct voices.
Is the Hot Cat 50 suitable for metal?
Yes. On the Gain High setting, the amp adds an extra tube gain stage, providing the tight, punchy, and aggressive saturation required for modern hard rock and metal while maintaining Bad Cat’s signature clarity.
Does it take pedals well?
Absolutely. The Hot Cat 50 includes a high-quality buffered FX loop, which is specifically designed to keep your time-based effects (like delay and reverb) transparent and clear, even when using the amp’s high-gain channel.
Can I use this for recording without a mic?
The amp features a dedicated Line Out, allowing you to send your signal directly to an interface or a Front of House (FOH) mixer, though you will still need a speaker load connected unless a load box specifies otherwise.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
The Bad Cat Hot Cat 50 Mod Shop represents the pinnacle of 25 years of amplifier engineering. By successfully blending the “boutique chime” of the West Coast with the “mid-forward growl” of British rock, Bad Cat has delivered a professional-grade tool that eliminates the need for multiple heads. Whether you are chasing Paisley-style country cleans or JCM-style arena roar, the Hot Cat 50 is ready to deliver.
Price & Availability
Available at Andertons as a head priced £2199 or a combo priced at £2399
Available at Thomann as a head priced €2299 or a combo priced at €2399
More Information
#Bad Cat. #Hot Cat 50 Mod Shop
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