The Fillmore 50’s price tag may cause a sharp intake of breath for some, but we think it’s justified. Has Mesa just made your perfect amp? It’s not quite as loud as we were expecting for a 50-watter.

Mesa/Boogie has unveiled the Fillmore 50 guitar amp, which pays homage to the company’s earlier vintage-voiced, tweed-inspired designs. Promising a “wide, soft clip to saturated range” and Mesa’s ...