Topic: Blackstar amps
Anyone have any insight into these amps ?... looking at club 40 venue . : 
- DaveWammbarro
- BONAMETAL
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Re: Blackstar amps
Would really like to try the Artisan 100 watter...that seems v.cool.
- dknight16
- BONAMETAL
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Re: Blackstar amps
I just bought the HT-5R, but have not had a chance to do much with it yet. I'm hoping it lives up to my expectations.
Gibson 60th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Reissue, Gibson LP Standard Faded CSB, Gibson Gary Moore LP Standard, Epi Joe Bonamassa GT LP, Epi Zakk Wylde LP, Dean Michael Schenker Flying V, Jackson Randy Rhoads V, ESP/LTD George Lynch Kamikaze, EVH Striped Series R/B/W, Fender/Squire John 5 Telecaster, Fender Joe Strummer Relic Telecaster
Re: Blackstar amps
Ive tried all of the
Amps: Marshall JCM 800, Marshall 1987 X Plexi, Vox AC-30, Ceriaton ODS HRM, Fender Bassman
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul's(Standard, Classic, and Studio)Es 125 T, Fender Strats, Telies, Wasburn Idol Pro
FX's: BOSS TU-2, Ibanez TS-808, TS-9, Dunlap 535Q Cry Baby, Fulltone OCD, Full drive 2, Supa Trem, Rat, Whirlwind Phaser, MXR Micro Chorus, Digatech Whammy, Line 6 DL4, Holly grail 2,Wampler Ego,Pinical
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul's(Standard, Classic, and Studio)Es 125 T, Fender Strats, Telies, Wasburn Idol Pro
FX's: BOSS TU-2, Ibanez TS-808, TS-9, Dunlap 535Q Cry Baby, Fulltone OCD, Full drive 2, Supa Trem, Rat, Whirlwind Phaser, MXR Micro Chorus, Digatech Whammy, Line 6 DL4, Holly grail 2,Wampler Ego,Pinical
Re: Blackstar amps
I currently use the HT Studio 20 watt head, as part of my dual amp rig. Very warm modded Marshall-esque
tone. Not quite as grindy as a dsl or tsl. I don't dare say it sounds like a Jubilee..But Very thick and creamy
Very warm and alive. When mixed with my Ceriatone overtone special even my hack playing is elevated to
a new level. Don't let the 20 watt rating bother you I play in a blues rock trio, and have no problem being heard
over the drums. May lack a bit of clean headroom, but does the med to hi gain thing really well. Everyone owes
it to themselves to give the Blackstar line a listen.
Guitars..'07 Custom shop 58 flametop, '11 JB studio goldtop, Nash custom aged 63 strat, Breedlove custom shop quilted Jumbo.
Amps etc: Fuchs, Blackjack 21 Head, Retro Channel RR1 Retro wreck head, Marshall 2601 Cabs loaded with eminence
Lady Luck 75 watt 12's. J.B sig Wah, J.B. FET driver, Keeley modded TS9, Boss DD3, CE2, Tu2
Pickboy 1.50 pix, EB power slinkys.
Amps etc: Fuchs, Blackjack 21 Head, Retro Channel RR1 Retro wreck head, Marshall 2601 Cabs loaded with eminence
Lady Luck 75 watt 12's. J.B sig Wah, J.B. FET driver, Keeley modded TS9, Boss DD3, CE2, Tu2
Pickboy 1.50 pix, EB power slinkys.
- JBFan1
- Titanium
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Re: Blackstar amps
I've tried them out at a local guitar shop...I've considered getting the 5 watt or 20 watt for taking to small gigs and jam sessions....I think they're pretty rocking amps and are very versatile..
my guitar playing. http://www.youtube.com/user/09ncowan?feature=mhee
- wharris
- BONAMETAL
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Re: Blackstar amps
Aren't the Blackstars designed and built by some former Marshall people?
Re: Blackstar amps
Yes, The Blackstar company was started by former Marshall Employees who left to do
their own thing.
Guitars..'07 Custom shop 58 flametop, '11 JB studio goldtop, Nash custom aged 63 strat, Breedlove custom shop quilted Jumbo.
Amps etc: Fuchs, Blackjack 21 Head, Retro Channel RR1 Retro wreck head, Marshall 2601 Cabs loaded with eminence
Lady Luck 75 watt 12's. J.B sig Wah, J.B. FET driver, Keeley modded TS9, Boss DD3, CE2, Tu2
Pickboy 1.50 pix, EB power slinkys.
Amps etc: Fuchs, Blackjack 21 Head, Retro Channel RR1 Retro wreck head, Marshall 2601 Cabs loaded with eminence
Lady Luck 75 watt 12's. J.B sig Wah, J.B. FET driver, Keeley modded TS9, Boss DD3, CE2, Tu2
Pickboy 1.50 pix, EB power slinkys.
9 2011-08-19 07:55:16 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2011-08-19 07:56:16)
- NPB_EST.1979
- BONAMETAL
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Re: Blackstar amps
I've played my brothers 40watt blackstar.
It has a LOT of tones in it, and the reverb is really good.
There's also a knob that can change it's tone from american to british (not just with dirt, but also with clean... overall sound)
I prefered the american side of the spectrum, as the cranked british sound sounded almost solid state with how much it could be saturated. But don't get me wrong, it has PLENTY tubey of balls.
I think the amps are very valuable, and could bring in some major competition. I still didn't like it enough to ditch my Rivera knucklehead and go get one.
- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping.
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping.
Re: Blackstar amps
schrom81 wrote:
Ive tried all of the
What I mean to say is Ive tried all the venue series. Good amps
They have a killer distortion and the direct out speaker cab sim is killer.
But it lacks in the clean area. They should have put more control and a gain knob in that channel.
The 100 watter is the best has the best tone probably due to the head room.
Amps: Marshall JCM 800, Marshall 1987 X Plexi, Vox AC-30, Ceriaton ODS HRM, Fender Bassman
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul's(Standard, Classic, and Studio)Es 125 T, Fender Strats, Telies, Wasburn Idol Pro
FX's: BOSS TU-2, Ibanez TS-808, TS-9, Dunlap 535Q Cry Baby, Fulltone OCD, Full drive 2, Supa Trem, Rat, Whirlwind Phaser, MXR Micro Chorus, Digatech Whammy, Line 6 DL4, Holly grail 2,Wampler Ego,Pinical
Guitars: Gibson Les Paul's(Standard, Classic, and Studio)Es 125 T, Fender Strats, Telies, Wasburn Idol Pro
FX's: BOSS TU-2, Ibanez TS-808, TS-9, Dunlap 535Q Cry Baby, Fulltone OCD, Full drive 2, Supa Trem, Rat, Whirlwind Phaser, MXR Micro Chorus, Digatech Whammy, Line 6 DL4, Holly grail 2,Wampler Ego,Pinical
- sted
- Platinum
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Re: Blackstar amps
I don't like them to be honest mate, our other guitar player got the 60w HT 2x12 and it really struggled to cut through a band mix, he ditched it for a JVM. I had the HT5 for a short while, it broke after a week but even after that it just sounded like a distortion pedal to me (Which they basically are anyway!) so I just got rid of it in the end. I like the look of the Artisans though, would be prepared to give them a go.
- Chrisuk
- Platinum
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Re: Blackstar amps
I tried out the Artisan 15 which was very nice.
Re: Blackstar amps
dthomas22 wrote:
Anyone have any insight into these amps ?... looking at club 40 venue . :
I have been playing the Artisan series of amps from Blackstar for the last 3 years. Started with the Artisan 15 Combo, then it's big brother the 30 combo and for the last 2 years have had the Artisan 30 Head with their 212 cab which is loaded with Celestion V30's. I have recently added a second 212 cab.
I can honestly say that in 35 years of playing it is the best amp I've ever owned. I've had Marshall, Fender, Boogie etc and this just blows them all away. It is fitted with 4 x EL84's and is completely handwired. Beautiful to look at, superbly built and, most important of all, monster tone. I would heavily recommend you try one. I play a LP R9 through it and it roars like a lion. I also retro-fitted a 1963 NOS Mullard ECC83 pre-amp tube to mine and it's just gorgeous
See my set up at http://toon.smugmug.com/Music/My-music- … 7493_cCuiG
Whilst you're at it - have a peek at my pictures of Joe too at http://toon.smugmug.com/Music/Bonamassa/12389998_kogLA
As has already been said here - the company was formed by ex-Marshall folks and you can tell! They really know how to build amps. British designed but manufactured in Korea so that keeps the price reasonable. For the build quality of the Artisan I would normally expect it to be at least double the price if it was US or European made.
Happy auditioning.
BTW - they work best LOUD
I AM NOT YOUNG ENOUGH TO KNOW EVERYTHING
Re: Blackstar amps
Thanks everyone for all the insight I should have it in about a week and will post with review . Thanks again !!!!!
LP59 wrote:
dthomas22 wrote:Anyone have any insight into these amps ?... looking at club 40 venue . :
I have been playing the Artisan series of amps from Blackstar for the last 3 years. Started with the Artisan 15 Combo, then it's big brother the 30 combo and for the last 2 years have had the Artisan 30 Head with their 212 cab which is loaded with Celestion V30's. I have recently added a second 212 cab.
I can honestly say that in 35 years of playing it is the best amp I've ever owned. I've had Marshall, Fender, Boogie etc and this just blows them all away. It is fitted with 4 x EL84's and is completely handwired. Beautiful to look at, superbly built and, most important of all, monster tone. I would heavily recommend you try one. I play a LP R9 through it and it roars like a lion. I also retro-fitted a 1963 NOS Mullard ECC83 pre-amp tube to mine and it's just gorgeous
See my set up at http://toon.smugmug.com/Music/My-music- … 7493_cCuiG
Whilst you're at it - have a peek at my pictures of Joe too at http://toon.smugmug.com/Music/Bonamassa/12389998_kogLA
As has already been said here - the company was formed by ex-Marshall folks and you can tell! They really know how to build amps. British designed but manufactured in Korea so that keeps the price reasonable. For the build quality of the Artisan I would normally expect it to be at least double the price if it was US or European made.
Happy auditioning.
BTW - they work best LOUD