Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $717

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier. This musical marvel is not just an amplifier, it's an artist's canvas that lets you paint your tone with precision and flair. With switchable clean and drive channels, the Artist 30 provides a spectrum of tonal options. The real game-changer is Blackstar's innovative 'ISF' control, which allows you to seamlessly blend between tight American-style tone and the more compressed British crunch. Coupled with 30 watts of 6L6-driven power, this amp is both versatile and powerful. But where this amp truly shines is its compatibility with pedals. Its intentionally lower gain structure ensures your pedal's tone comes through untouched, making this amplifier a pedal enthusiast's dream.

Key Features:

  • 30 watts of 6L6-driven power
  • Switchable clean and drive channels
  • Innovative 'ISF' control
  • Onboard reverb and series FX loop
  • Voiced for optimal pedal performance
  • Dual Celestion speakers

Product specs

Brand Blackstar
Model Artist 30 2-Channel 30-Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo
Finish Black, Blonde
Year 2016 - 2025
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 30
Power Tube Type 6L6
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 2x12"

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier best suited for?

The Blackstar Artist 30 is versatile and well-suited for genres requiring classic tube tones such as rock, blues, and jazz. Its 6L6 power tubes provide a warm, dynamic sound that can handle both clean and overdriven tones effectively.

Does the Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier have built-in effects?

Yes, the Blackstar Artist 30 features built-in digital reverb, allowing for added depth and space in your sound without needing external effects pedals.

Is the Blackstar Artist 30 suitable for gigging with a band?

With its 30-watt output and 2x12" speaker configuration, the Blackstar Artist 30 is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, providing ample volume to cut through a mix when playing with a full band.

How many channels does the Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier have?

The Blackstar Artist 30 features two channels, offering a range of tonal options from clean to overdriven sounds, allowing for flexible performance setups.

What type of power tubes does the Blackstar Artist 30 use?

The Blackstar Artist 30 uses 6L6 power tubes, known for their robust, full-bodied sound, making it ideal for players seeking a classic American amplifier tone.

Reverb

Reverb

Blackstar Artist 30 2x12 Amplifier w/ Jared James Nichols | Reverb Demo

Video thumbnail for Blackstar Artist 30 2x12 Amplifier w/ Jared James Nichols | Reverb Demo by Reverb

Blackstar Artist 30 2x12 Amplifier w/ Jared James Nichols | Reverb Demo

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Blackstar Artist 30 - 30 Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo | N Stuff Music by N Stuff Music

Blackstar Artist 30 - 30 Watt 2x12" Guitar Combo | N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Blackstar Artist 30 Demos by Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Artist 30 Demos

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

Reviews

PROS

  • Great tone and versatility with ISF feature

  • Two distinct channels enhance sound dynamics

  • Exceptionally loud with 30 watts and plenty of headroom

  • Touch-sensitive gain control offers nuanced playability

  • Dual 12" speakers and open back for a bigger sound

  • Compatible with pedals, maintaining true guitar sound

  • Sparkling clean channel, perfect for pure tones

  • Lightweight compared to similar 2x12 tube amps

  • Simple, responsive controls suitable for live performances

  • Offers good value against higher-priced competitors

CONS

  • Limited flexibility with first-generation single channel

  • Controls located on the top rear, inconvenient for some setups

  • Stock speakers may not suit all preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier.

Features and functionality

  • The ISF knob offers extensive midrange control, setting it apart from typical Fender or Vox tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The amp's natural tone is highly regarded, even leading some users to simplify their pedalboards significantly.

    Source
  • The Artist 30's channel 2 is favored for both clean and overdriven tones, while channel 1 is less utilized by some users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike Fender or Vox amps, the cleans from the Blackstar Artist 30 don't "sparkle" or "chime" but have a unique, hard-to-categorize sound.

    Source
  • A user notes the Blackstar Artist 30 holds its own against a 100-watt Marshall JMP head with a 4x12 cab, even preferring its sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Blackstar's Artist series, typically known for high gain, offers a distinct low gain alternative, often overlooked due to its brand reputation.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for players seeking unique clean tones that differ from traditional brands, especially when purchasing during sales events like Black Friday.

    Source
  • The amp excels as a pedal platform, enhancing the character of effects like fuzz and reverb, making it ideal for effects-heavy genres like shoegaze and post-punk.

    Source

User experience

  • Potential buyers may hesitate at full price but view it as a strong contender when discounted, indicating high perceived value during sales.

    Source
  • The amp is praised for its ability to pair well with various guitars, including Jazzmasters, Teles, and deluxe Strats, providing a versatile tonal foundation.

    Source
  • After three months, one owner finds the Blackstar Artist 30 significantly enhances pedalboard sound, especially with a Blackarts Pharaoh fuzz pedal.

    Source
  • While the amp's built-in overdrive is considered light, owners recommend pairing it with an overdrive pedal for more intense distortion needs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's important to keep spare fuses on hand, as some users have experienced occasional fuse blowouts.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Despite contemplating a speaker swap, owners often decide against it due to satisfaction with the current sound quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Blackstar Artist 30 & Artist 15 review

guitar.com

The Blackstar Artist 30 and Artist 15 amps deliver an affordable taste of boutique quality, borrowing from the brand's high-end Artisan series. These amps boast robust construction and versatile tones, with a pleasingly British voice on channel 1 and a more refined, Fender-esque sound on channel 2. The Artist 30 impresses with its solid power and rich overdrive, while the Artist 15 offers a softer, more compact version suitable for quieter settings. Despite some quirks, like limited channel switching and subtle reverb differences, these amps excel as pedal platforms. Overall, a solid choice for tone chasers on a budget.

positive

Blackstar Artist 30 2x12 combo review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Blackstar Artist 30 2x12 Combo amplifier delivers impressive tone and a punchy response, making it a standout for band players needing power and clarity. Its fixed-bias output stage and dual speakers provide an 'in your face' sound, while its clean and flexible channel configurations cater to a range of styles. The amp is praised for its surprisingly low noise levels and versatile digital reverb. Although it shines with the glorious Channel 2, reliance on pedals for overdrive might not suit all players. Overall, it offers vintage-inspired tones with modern reliability at a competitive price.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Albert Hammond Jr uses Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier

Albert Hammond Jr

Singer, Guitarist

The Strokes

...
Verified via Photo

Albert Hammond, Jr. is currently showcasing its flexibility with his band The Strokes and has this to say about it:

"The Blackstar Artist 30 gives me amazing tube tone and the sonic options I need. From the studio to the stage it always delivers. It manages to do everything an amp should do!"

See how Chris Buck uses Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier

Chris Buck

Guitarist

Cardinal Black

...
Verified via Guitar World

"And then it’s into a Blackstar Artist 30—with more pedals than we have time to even begin to mention."

See how Jared James Nichols uses Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier

Jared James Nichols

Guitarist

...
See how Gaz Coombes uses Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier

Gaz Coombes

Singer, Guitarist

Supergrass

...
Verified via Blackstaramps

He is listed as an official artist on the Blackstar website with a quote about using the Artisan 30. Further clarified by this: http://www.uberproaudio.com/who-plays-what/753-supergrass-gaz-coombes-guitar-rig-gear-and-equipment?showall=1 which shows it is the combo that he uses.

See how Waddy Wachtel uses Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier

Waddy Wachtel

Guitarist, Composer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Uses Channel One Vol-9 Tone-7 For Channel 2 Its Gain-6 Bass-6 Middle-4 Treble-4

See how Lee Gaze uses Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier

Lee Gaze

Guitarist

Lostprophets

...
Verified via Blackstaramps

"After years of struggling trying to find the perfect clean tone, the Artisan 30 came along and changed everything. It's that good."

See how Mike Lewis uses Blackstar Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier

Mike Lewis

Guitarist, Bassist

Lostprophets

...
Verified via Guitar World

"I used an Orange Thunderbird head for my main distortion sound, and then a Blackstar Artisan 30 for all of my clean stuff, and I used it for a semi-distortion sound as well."

R

Rosie Bones

Singer

BONES UK

...
Verified via Facebook

Rosie Bones can be seen using the Blackstar Artist 30 Combo Guitar Amplifier in multiple video clips featured on Facebook.

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 Artist 30 Guitar Amplifier, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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fede_kempff

fede_kempff

Gear IQ 1704

sunny_climate

sunny_climate

Gear IQ 661

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