Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,278

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Blackstar Artisan 30H Guitar Amp Head is a meticulously crafted piece of musical equipment designed for those who demand superior tonal quality and versatility from their amplifier. This all-valve, handwired amp head is a testament to Blackstar's commitment to delivering professional-grade sound with vintage charm. The Artisan 30H is versatile, offering two channels with separate voicings, allowing guitarists to effortlessly switch between rich, classic tones and more modern, high-gain sounds. Each channel is equipped with its own volume and tone controls, providing players with extensive flexibility to sculpt their ideal sound.

Built for the discerning musician, the Artisan 30H boasts four EL84 power tubes and three ECC83 preamp tubes, delivering a robust 30 watts of power. It features a simple yet effective layout that emphasizes pure tone and dynamic response, ensuring every nuance of your playing is captured and projected with clarity. Its handwired construction not only enhances its tonal capabilities but also ensures durability and reliability during gigs or studio sessions.

Whether you're playing blues, rock, or jazz, the Artisan 30H provides a classic tonal palette that is both inspiring and intuitive to use. With its vintage-inspired aesthetics and modern engineering, this amp head is a perfect match for musicians who appreciate both style and substance.

Key Features:

  • Handwired all-valve design for authentic tone
  • Two channels with individual volume and tone controls
  • EL84 power tubes and ECC83 preamp tubes for dynamic sound
  • 30 watts of power, ideal for live performances and studio use
  • High-quality build with vintage-inspired aesthetics
  • Compatible with a variety of cabinets for flexible setups

Product specs

Brand Blackstar
Model Artisan 30H Handwired 30W Tube Guitar Head
Finish Burgundy
Year 2008 - 2025
Categories Guitar Heads
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 30
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb None

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Blackstar Artisan 30H?

The Blackstar Artisan 30H delivers a classic British tone with a rich, harmonic overdrive. It offers a versatile sound with a warm, vintage character, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, and classic rock.

Is the Blackstar Artisan 30H loud enough for live performances?

Yes, with 30 watts of tube power, the Blackstar Artisan 30H is capable of delivering ample volume for live performances, especially in medium-sized venues.

What type of power tubes does the Blackstar Artisan 30H use?

The Blackstar Artisan 30H uses EL84 power tubes, which contribute to its distinctive British sound and dynamic response.

Does the Blackstar Artisan 30H have built-in reverb?

No, the Blackstar Artisan 30H does not have built-in reverb. Users may need to use an external reverb pedal or unit for reverb effects.

How many channels does the Blackstar Artisan 30H have?

The Blackstar Artisan 30H features two channels, allowing for a range of tonal options from clean to overdriven sounds.

Chris Lester

Chris Lester

Blackstar Artisan 30H dirty

Video thumbnail for Blackstar Artisan 30H dirty by Chris Lester

Blackstar Artisan 30H dirty

Chris Lester

Chris Lester

Video thumbnail for Blackstar Artisan 30H by MGT

Blackstar Artisan 30H

MGT

MGT

Video thumbnail for Blackstar Artisan 30H Dirty Tone by Chris Lester

Blackstar Artisan 30H Dirty Tone

Chris Lester

Chris Lester

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar Artisan 30H Guitar Amp Head.

Features and functionality

  • The Blackstar Artisan 30H has a Vox-like sound with Fender chime, providing versatility reminiscent of classic amplifiers.

    Source
  • Notable for its nine-tube construction, adding to its robust tonal capabilities and dynamic range.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The sound is likened to a Bugera Plexi when channels are jumped, suggesting a strong alignment with the Marshall 1959 tone.

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  • The Blackstar Artisan 30H is believed to be based on the 1987x Marshall circuit, offering a tonal alternative to those seeking classic Marshall sounds.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report satisfaction using it with a powersoak attenuator, maintaining sound quality at lower volumes.

    Source
  • Praised for its headroom, indicating suitability for environments requiring clean, loud tones.

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  • The amp is noted for being heavy and dense, which could be a consideration for users needing to move it frequently.

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Value and pricing

  • The handwired Blackstar amps are considered underrated, suggesting they offer high quality that may be overlooked by many buyers.

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  • In the US market, Blackstar Artisan amps have low resale value, often sitting unsold in stores, making them excellent bargains for budget-conscious buyers.

    Source
  • A price of $850 AUD for the head and 2x12 cab is considered an incredible deal, far below typical market values.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Artisan series features a spotless turret board design, highlighting exceptional craftsmanship that outshines many mass-produced amps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When channel-blending, the amp excels in pushing into compression, a feature praised for creating a "magical" tone.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners have found the amp's bias to be too hot, recommending a lower bias setting to enhance dynamics.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how James Williamson uses Blackstar Artisan 30H Guitar Amp Head

James Williamson

Guitarist

The Stooges

...
Verified via YouTube

This video shows James discussing his Artisan 30H. On the official Blackstar website, Williamson is quoted as saying, "From the first time I fired up the Blackstar Artisan 30H... Wow, wow, wow... it sounded fantastic!"

See how Peter Koppes uses Blackstar Artisan 30H Guitar Amp Head

Peter Koppes

Guitarist

The Church

...
Verified via Photo

According to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, Peter uses a Backstair 30H amp head.

See how Billy Lunn uses Blackstar Artisan 30H Guitar Amp Head

Billy Lunn

Guitarist

The Subways

...
Verified via MI Pro

Billy explains he's using Blackstar equipment after his Vox AC50 broke.

See how Mark Prendergrast uses Blackstar Artisan 30H Guitar Amp Head

Mark Prendergrast

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Kodaline

...
Verified via Photo

Mark is shown next to the 30H amp head. According to Blackstar's official site, Mark is quoted saying "When it comes to finding an amp that sounds and more importantly feels right, it can be difficult, but Blackstar amps give you exactly what you need. Amazing tone, tons of headroom, and they're pretty ballsy too.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Blackstar Artisan 30H Guitar Amp Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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