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Blackstar HT-1R 1 Watt Tube Amp

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$165.17 to $329.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (22)

7 Reviews

Find out who is using Blackstar HT-1R 1 Watt

3 community setups

2 wishlisted

43 saved

Page last updated Jul 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 7, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

3.9 (88)

View Deal

5.0 (20)

$165.17 7 available Used

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Average Price: $247

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

Price Tier

In the Combo Guitar Amplifiers category, Blackstar HT-1R 1 Watt Tube Amp is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your musical genius with the Blackstar HT-1R 1 Watt Tube Amp, a compact powerhouse designed for the modern guitarist. This tiny titan delivers a spectrum of tones, from pristine cleans to gritty overdrives, all powered by a single watt of pure tube magic. Perfect for bedroom practice sessions, recording projects, and intimate gigs, the HT-1R offers unparalleled versatility with its Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), allowing you to sculpt your sound across the sonic landscape. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first tube amp or a seasoned pro needing a reliable practice companion, the Blackstar HT-1R strikes the perfect balance between performance and portability.

Key Features:

1 Watt of tube power for authentic sound at manageable volumes
Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) to explore between USA and UK tones
8" speaker for full-range guitar tones
Overdrive channel switch for easy transition from clean to aggressive sounds
Onboard reverb adds dimension to your playing
Speaker-emulated output for direct recording without a microphone
MP3/aux input for jamming along with your favorite tracks

Product specs

Brand	Blackstar
Model	HT-1R 1-Watt 1x8" Guitar Combo with Reverb
Finish	Black, Blonde
Year	2010s
Categories	Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects	Built-In Effects
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Tube
Number of Channels	1 Channel, 2 Channels
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	1
Power Tube Type	None
Reverb	Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration	1x8"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Blackstar HT-1R 1 Watt Tube Amp suitable for?: The Blackstar HT-1R is versatile and well-suited for rock, blues, and classic metal, thanks to its tube-driven tone and ISF control, which allows you to shape your sound from British to American voicings.
Does the Blackstar HT-1R 1 Watt Tube Amp have built-in reverb?: Yes, the Blackstar HT-1R features a digital reverb, providing ambient effects to enhance your sound without the need for external pedals.
Is the Blackstar HT-1R loud enough for home practice?: The Blackstar HT-1R's 1-watt output is perfect for home practice, delivering a full tube tone at manageable volumes that won't disturb your neighbors.
Can the Blackstar HT-1R handle pedals well?: Yes, the Blackstar HT-1R takes pedals well, allowing you to expand your tonal palette with overdrives, delays, and other effects for more creative possibilities.
What is the ISF feature on the Blackstar HT-1R?: The ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) on the Blackstar HT-1R allows you to alter the amp's tonal characteristics, ranging from classic American to British amp tones, offering greater flexibility in sound shaping.

Videos

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Ola Englund

WILL IT CHUG? - Blackstar HT1

Ola Englund

HT-1R MkII | Little amp, big sound! | Blackstar

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar HT 1 - The Original 1 Watt Tube Amp

Toby's Guitar Gear Demos 🎵

Blackstar HT-1R Amplifier Review - A Cool Tube Amplifier With Great Reverb

PMTVUK

Blackstar HT1R Guitar Amplifier Review

Beau Monde Guitars

Blackstar HT1-R amp review. My first valve amp and wow 🤩! The hype on these is real. Amp #18

The Novice Noise Maker

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional for silent performance with inspiring headphone amp sound
Lightweight, suitable for small jams
Offers a wide array of tones, versatile
Easy to dial in tones, user-friendly
Compatible with pedals, enhancing functionality
Features an emulated output for direct recording
Includes a reverb that adds dimensionality to sound
ISF EQ allows for tonal versatility, from US to UK sounds
Can get fairly loud for its 1-watt capacity, suitable for home use
Supports speaker upgrades for improved sound quality

CONS

Not a true all-tube amp, is a hybrid, affecting tonal authenticity
ISF knob functionality is unclear and can result in muddy tones
USB output for recording is glitchy and unreliable
Lacks an effects loop, limiting external effects integration without additional gear
May be considered weak for anything beyond very small rooms or solo practice

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

0 0

The HT-1R lacks individual Bass/Mid/Treble controls, relying on an ISF control, which limits tonal adjustments.
Source
0 0

The amp's 8" speaker is very directional, affecting how the sound is perceived depending on listener position.
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0 0

The HT-20 includes a master volume control, providing better control over output levels compared to the HT-1R.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Swapping the Sovtek tube for a Mullard can slightly reduce the amp's inherent grit, though clipping diodes still impact overall gain.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The combination of a Jazzmaster with 1M pots and the HT-1R may result in overly bright tones, especially at lower volumes.
Source
0 0

The HT-1R can potentially keep up with a soft-handed drummer in a small, enclosed room, particularly if connected to a larger cabinet like a 4x12.
Source
0 0

The HT-1R with a 4x12 cabinet might be viable for use with a drummer in a bedroom, though this setup's effectiveness varies by drummer's playing style.
Source

User experience

0 0

Volume increase tends to exacerbate harshness in tone, suggesting potential issues with bright capacitors in low-volume settings.
Source
0 0

Some users report the HT-1R's sound can be significantly louder when paired with a larger cabinet, although the actual power output remains the same.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

A Vox AC10/15 or Fender Blues Jr., used with pedals, may better suit players seeking cleaner or more versatile tones.
Source
0 0

Owners recommend upgrading to the HT-20 for better headroom and flexibility, with its switchable wattage offering more versatility for both practice and performance.
Source

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 22 Ratings

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1 star

bobrentonmusic

112

about 7 years ago

Excellent piece of equipment

I use this live for smaller gigs and in studio sessions as i can get a very wide range of tones out of it!

ant_g

over 9 years ago

Great bang for buck valve amp.

Doesn't have to be played really loud in order to break up. ISF EQ is great. At 9 oclock gives a reasonable fender tone. Reverb is digital and quite good. Can't work out if a reverb pedal would be better. Already posted a question on this under the Best reverb pedal article

alexa1999

121

over 7 years ago

Great little magic box!

Probably one of the best bedroom tube amp. It can get fairly loud for home use. I will probably get a small cab to have a broader sound. More versatile than it seems at first glance, it can make my strat sing!

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Guitarist Rapper Composer

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Rock Pop Hip Hop

brad9052

224

almost 10 years ago

Great tone but only for small room

really just should be for demo purposes only...fantastic sound and tone but so weak at just 1 watt if you crank up anywhere but a very small room, and even then, it just doesn't fill it up.