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Blackstar Artisan A15 combo £799

The eagerly awaited Artisan series doesn't disappoint...

UK design, Korean manufacture, top-drawer performance

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Sounds

Given the spec and build quality, tonal expectations are high and we aren't disappointed: tested with a standard Fender Strat and a PRS McCarty, the A15 delivers sweet cleans from Channel 2 at lower levels, translating into intricate nuances of harmonic distortion as you push the volume.

Channel 1 offers a more aggressive tonality, with upper mid-range emphasis and punch, especially with a good humbucker supplying the juice. Linking both channels changes things dramatically - all of a sudden the volume controls become tone controls too, as you mix each channel's level to suit.

Used in single-ended Class A mode, the sound warms up and overdrives much easier at lower volume, with a softer and more rounded quality when pushed hard. Happily, noise is practically non-existent.

Best suited to vintage blues, rock, country or pop sounds, there's a lot of tonal flexibility from the A15, and the quality of that tone is simply outstanding. However, you need to run it quite loud to get it, so those looking to drive the amp at home would be best advised to think about utilising either an attenuator or quality overdrive pedal.

Verdict

If you are looking for a high-quality, low-powered valve combo that's up there with the very finest American boutique amps, don't hesitate to audition the A15.

MusicRadar rating:

4.5 of 5 stars

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MusicRadar rating

4.5 of 5

Pros

Great tone and response from this beautifully made combo ensures Blackstar’s credibility as one of the world’s top new amp brands. It really does sound as good as it looks.

Cons

The amp's a weighty beast. A pair of carry handles would be nice.

Verdict

If you are looking for a high-quality, low-powered valve combo that's up there with the very finest American boutique amps, don't hesitate to audition the A15.
Review Policy

All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.

Where to buy

Specification

Artisan A15 combo

Price:
£799
Country of Origin:
UK
Device Type:
All valve, two-channel combo.
Additional Features:
Ouput Switchable, between 15W push-pull and 5W single-ended. 1 x EF86, 3 x ECC83/12AX7 preamp, 2 x EL84 power amp, 1 x EZ81 rectifier valves.
Available Controls:
2 x Tone, 2 x Volume
Cabinet Material:
18mm Ply
Description:
Device has two, non-switching but linkable with dual high- and low-sensitivity inputs
Options:
The 2 x 12 A30 combo costs £1,199; the A100 head costs £1,099 with 4 x 12 cabs set to retail at £499

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