Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $191

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash your inner rockstar with the Blackstar HT-1 1 Watt Guitar Amp, a compact powerhouse that delivers a full spectrum of rich tones. Designed for both beginners and seasoned musicians, this pint-sized amp is ideal for home practice or intimate jam sessions. Its Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) technology is a game-changer, enabling you to seamlessly blend between British and American tonal characteristics, offering an expansive range of sounds from sparkling cleans to gritty overdrives.

The HT-1's dual-channel setup provides versatility at your fingertips, letting you switch effortlessly between clean and overdrive channels with a simple toggle. Its innovative push-pull amp design, paired with ECC83 and ECC82 vacuum power tubes, ensures that even at a low wattage, you’ll experience tones with depth and character that defy its small size. The single EQ knob simplifies tone shaping, perfect for guitarists who want a no-fuss experience without sacrificing sound quality.

Whether you're in the studio or just playing in your bedroom, the Blackstar HT-1 is a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best things come in small packages.

Key Features:

  • 1-watt all-tube combo amp
  • Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) technology
  • Dual channel: Clean and Overdrive
  • ECC83 (12AX7) Preamp Tube, ECC82 (12AU7) Power Tube
  • 8" speaker for full-bodied sound
  • Streamlined single EQ knob for easy tone adjustments
  • Perfect for home practice and small venues

Product specs

Brand Blackstar
Model HT-1 1W 1x8 Guitar Combo
Year 2010s
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) 1
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 1x8"

FAQs

Is the Blackstar HT-1 a tube amplifier?

Yes, the Blackstar HT-1 is a tube amplifier, designed to deliver authentic valve tone at a low wattage suitable for home use.

How many channels does the Blackstar HT-1 have?

The Blackstar HT-1 features two channels, allowing you to switch between clean and overdriven tones.

Does the Blackstar HT-1 have built-in effects?

Yes, the Blackstar HT-1 includes built-in digital reverb, providing added depth and ambiance to your sound.

Is the Blackstar HT-1 loud enough for live performances?

The Blackstar HT-1 is best suited for practice and home use, as its 1-watt output is not typically loud enough for live performances with a drummer.

Can the Blackstar HT-1 achieve overdriven tones at low volumes?

Yes, the Blackstar HT-1 is designed to produce overdriven tones at low volumes, making it ideal for home practice without disturbing others.

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Phillip McKnight

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WILL IT CHUG? - Blackstar HT1

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Video thumbnail for Gus G demos the Blackstar HT1 by Guitar World

Gus G demos the Blackstar HT1

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Blackstar ISF on HT-1 amp! Infinite Shape Feature HT1

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Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-1 1 Watt Tube Amp Review by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Blackstar HT-1 1 Watt Tube Amp Review

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The Trogly's Guitar Show

Reviews

PROS

  • Perfect for bedroom practice with manageable volume levels

  • Superior overdrive and distortion even at low volume

  • Warm sound reminiscent of classic Marshall amps

  • Versatile with excellent tone-shaping ISF knob

  • Speaker emulation feature is great for recording

  • Solid build quality, described as "like a little tank"

  • Accommodates various cabinet configurations, maintaining warmth

  • Excellent value for home play with natural breakup

CONS

  • Limited clean headroom before gain kicks in

  • Drive channel may sound cheap for lead playing

  • Lacks the range of a modeling amp

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar HT-1 1 Watt Guitar Amp.

Features and functionality

  • The HT-1 has a directional 8" speaker, requiring precise positioning for optimal sound.

    Source
  • Gain knob adds grit quickly due to non-defeatable clipping diodes, affecting volume control.

    Source
  • The HT20 offers a wattage reduction feature, allowing users to switch down to 2 watts for quieter practice settings, effectively combining the benefits of lower and higher wattage amps.

    Source
  • The HT-1 with reverb provides a more versatile sound experience, but lacks a footswitch for easy clean-to-overdrive transition, which can be inconvenient for live use.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Swapping the stock Sovtek tube for a Mullard slightly improves sound but retains excessive gain.

    Source
  • Replacing the internal speaker with a Celestion 8" or using a larger external speaker enhances tone.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Fender Blues Jr., Vox AC10/15, and Orange Crush 35/60 recommended for indie and alternative tones over HT-1.

    Source
  • Owners suggest considering the HT20 for better value, as it offers more headroom and a master volume control, making it versatile for both practice and performance.

    Source
  • Users who upgraded to Vox AC4C1-12 preferred its 12-inch speaker and tonal character, despite it being larger and louder than the HT-1.

    Source
  • Despite upgrading the HT-1 with a Celestion speaker and new tubes, some users still favored the tonal qualities of the Vox AC4C1-12, indicating a preference for its sonic character.

    Source

User experience

  • Users note HT-1 design may not suit bright pickups like non-traditional P90s in Jazzmasters.

    Source
  • Users with firsthand experience report that connecting the HT-1 to a larger cabinet can significantly increase perceived loudness, although actual power output remains unchanged.

    Source
  • Owners find the HT-1's midrange perfect for small apartments with thin walls, offering tube warmth without excessive volume, ideal for urban living.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The HT-1 struggles with keeping up with a drummer, even in a bedroom setting, unless paired with a larger cabinet like a 4x12 for improved dispersion.

    Source
  • The HT-1's simulated cab headphone out creates an immersive experience, making it feel like playing through a larger amp stack, ideal for late-night practice.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
al_wntr

Amazing little tool

1 watt full tube amp. The clean tones are great, thanks to the ISF. Crunches are alright. I wouldn't use it for leads, as the drive channel sounds cheap. But it's a great deal to play at home

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Chapman uses Blackstar HT-1 1 Watt Guitar Amp

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "The Ultimate Practice Amp Shootout - Blackstar HT1 (PART THREE)," Rob Chapman demonstrates the Blackstar HT-1 1 Watt Guitar Amp, showcasing its features and capabilities.

See how Lee Anderton uses Blackstar HT-1 1 Watt Guitar Amp

Lee Anderton

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Lee uses this amp in this video at 2:40

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 HT-1 1 Watt Guitar Amp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
Fender Telecaster Thinline Deluxe
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1

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