Blackstar Artisan A30 combo £1199
Blackstar finally launches its eagerly awaited Artisan amp. Were we first in the queue? You betcha…
Nick Guppy, Tue 29 Jan 2008, 2:09 pm UTC
Manufacturer's description
There is something undoubtedly magical in the sonic qualities of the 30W EL84 power stage driving a pair of classic British speakers. The ARTISAN 30 takes this tone and carefully distils it, taking it to a new level of tonal purity. One channel is built around an EF86 with a 5-way Bass Shape switch and the other an ECC83 with the addition of a Voice control for extra tonal flexibility. The Master Volume delivers the pure, natural crunch that you would expect from an amp of this quality.
User comments (1)
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Tone chasing is an expensive hobby, however my chase is over. Having just acquired an Artisan 30 by Blackstar, Im astounded by the superior tone and build quality.
First impressions, a mid sized 2 x 12 cabinet finished in burgundy tolex with gold piping to the speaker grille. A clean and simple layout on the control deck, overall, really nice and quite a boutique pose to the amp, which I like.. Around the back is a half exposed display showing the 2 Celestion 30watt vintage speakers.
Powered up, I was instantly suprised by the difference the push pull effect on the tubes made allowing you to go from single ended 10watts, to 30watts max at the flick of a switch. Blackstar have added a great feature allowing 5 switchable Bass variations, amazingly pre determining whats seems to be the exact levels?? Clever stuff..
Playing at 10 watts I was amazed at what this could kick out, I mainly played Jazzy and light Blues licks with the amp serving up a really warm clean and strict sound I never got from the Super Reverb or Bugera. I played the Doozy mostly but when I cranked it up and took it to 30watts, my god.. 30 watt combos aren't capable of this surely? A stadium of roar with ultra thick tone without loss graced my house, sorry neighbours. I sat for over 3 hours changing between the Strat and the Doozy playing everything and anything regardless cos it was terrific.
I can't believe I have found such an amazing amp at such a great price, this is the kind of amp you will always keep. An ideal all rounder for studio, small clubs or larger P.A'd venues. Stop tone chasing now, go try one out, you will bring one home!
This is clearly a players amp, a no nonsense layout, the tone of tones and above all, confidence.
www.blackstaramps.co.uk
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MusicRadar rating
Pros
It really does sound as good as it looks.
Cons
The amp is weighty and only has one carry handle.
Verdict
Based on this superb example, Blackstar is going to be a very hot name in guitar amplification.
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User rating
Specification Show
Artisan A30 combo
- Price:
- £1199
- Country of Origin:
- UK
- Device Type:
- All valve, two-channel combo with valve rectification.
- Additional Features:
- Device output is Switchable, between 30W push-pull and 10W single-ended. 1 x EF86, 3 x ECC83/12AX7 preamp, 4 x EL84 power amp, 1 x GZ34 rectifier valves. Two Celestion V30 12-inch loudspeakers. Switchable output power from 30 to 10 watts, switchable output impedance
- Available Controls:
- Bass, Gain, Mid, Tone, Treble, Voicing, Volume
- Cabinet Material:
- 18mm Ply
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ultimateguitars
28 weeks ago.
User rating 5 of 5