Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.0 (13)
$649.99
Amazon
3.5 (16)
$687.19
Reverb
5.0 (23)
$523.46 New
$279.18 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (6)
$649.99
zZounds
5.0 (6)
$649.99
Thomann
4.9 (32)
$545.00

Average Price: $569

Standard/Professional

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Blackstar HT20R MKII 1x12" 20-watt Tube Combo Amp with Reverb". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Meet the Blackstar HT20R MKII 1x12" 20-watt Tube Combo Amp with Reverb, a portable powerhouse that delivers a robust tone in a compact design. This combo amp provides the perfect blend of American and British tones, all thanks to the patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF). This unique feature allows you to explore a rich spectrum of tones by adjusting the EQ curves of the amplifier's Bass, Middle, and Treble controls.

The HT20R MKII is a full tube amp that utilizes an EL84 power amp design, offering unparalleled dynamics, response, and versatility. Coupled with a 12AX7 preamp tube, it provides a dynamic touch-sensitive response and a harmonic overdrive. The upgraded preamp is designed to enhance clarity and definition across the entire frequency range.

The HT20R MKII also comes with a footswitchable overdrive and digital reverb, allowing you to switch tones on the fly. The reverb adds an ambient texture to your playing, giving you the versatility to go from subtle warmth to cavernous depths.

Key Features:

  • Patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) control for a wide range of tones
  • 12AX7 preamp tube and two EL84 power amp tubes
  • Footswitchable overdrive and digital reverb
  • 20-watt all-tube design
  • 12" Blackstar-designed speaker
  • 2 footswitchable channels with voicing switches
  • USB Audio Out and XLR D.I. Out for professional recording
  • Power reduction switch down to 2 watts for bedroom practice
  • Effects loop with Loop Level switch for easy integration of effects
  • Includes a 2-way footswitch for channel switching

Product specs

Brand Blackstar
Model HT-20R MKII 2-Channel 20-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo with Reverb
Finish Black, Candy Apple Red, Surf Green, Trafalgar Blue
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In China
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) 20
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 1x12"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Blackstar HT20R MKII suitable for?

The Blackstar HT20R MKII is versatile, offering a broad range of tones from clean to high-gain, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, metal, and jazz. Its two-channel design allows for easy switching between clean and overdriven sounds.

Does the Blackstar HT20R MKII take pedals well?

Yes, the Blackstar HT20R MKII is known for its excellent pedal compatibility, allowing guitarists to use their favorite effects to shape their sound further.

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Blackstar HT20R MKII?

The Blackstar HT20R MKII delivers a warm, dynamic tone with a rich midrange and sparkling highs, thanks to its EL84 power tubes. Its ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control also lets you dial in British or American tonal characteristics.

Is the Blackstar HT20R MKII loud enough for gigging?

With its 20-watt output and a 1x12" speaker, the Blackstar HT20R MKII is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs and can hold its own against a drummer in live settings.

What type of reverb does the Blackstar HT20R MKII have?

The Blackstar HT20R MKII features a built-in digital reverb, providing a range of ambient effects from subtle to lush, enhancing your overall sound without needing external reverb pedals.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Blackstar HT-20R MkII - In-Depth Demo

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-20R MkII - In-Depth Demo by N Stuff Music

Blackstar HT-20R MkII - In-Depth Demo

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Blackstar HT20R MKII 20-watt 1x12" Tube Combo Amp with Reverb NO TALKING by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Blackstar HT20R MKII 20-watt 1x12" Tube Combo Amp with Reverb NO TALKING

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-20R MkII Combo Valve Guitar Amplifier Review by PMTVUK

Blackstar HT-20R MkII Combo Valve Guitar Amplifier Review

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Reviews

PROS

  • Incredible tone versatility, from warm cleans to high gain

  • Compact and relatively lightweight for easy transport

  • Effective at both bedroom and gig volumes with power reduction feature

  • Excellent pedal platform, including effects loop integration

  • Durable and reliable for live performances

  • Capable of producing both boutique and classic rock tones

  • Offers a range of voicings and gain levels for diverse musical styles

  • Includes footswitch for drive setting changes

  • Harmonically rich sounds thanks to EL84 power tubes

  • High-quality build and components, including Celestion speakers

CONS

  • Some units may experience reliability issues

  • Minor tube rattle audible at high volumes

  • Clean channel may break up when trying to match overdrive volume

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar HT20R MKII 1x12" 20-watt Tube Combo Amp with Reverb.

Features and functionality

  • The Blackstar HT20R MKII's ISF knob and EQ offer a wide tonal range, providing good clean and gain sounds suitable for various styles.

    Source
  • The 0.5W setting allows for practice without excessive volume, while the overdrive can still be cranked for a satisfying sound.

    Source
  • The HT20R MKII's master volume control is effective at managing volume levels for home use, particularly in the 2W setting.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the Vox AC15, the HT20R MKII is perceived as bass-heavy, making it more suitable for home use than band settings.

    Source
  • Described as warm and aggressive, the Blackstar HT20R MKII delivers a sound reminiscent of Rose Tattoo or AC/DC, contrasting with nu-metal tones.

    Source
  • The HT20R is noted to perform better when paired with V30 speakers, compared to the stock speaker in the MK1 combo.

    Source

User experience

  • Users note that the 2W setting is sufficient for home practice without overwhelming volume, contrary to initial skepticism about wattage options.

    Source
  • Owners find the 20W HT20R Studio head with the HTV112 cab offers adequate volume and responsive playability, often eliminating the need for additional pedals.

    Source
  • Some owners have experienced faulty attenuators on the HT5R, leading to inconsistent volume control.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight that the 20W setting sounds better when turned down compared to using 2W with a higher master volume.

    Source
  • A user successfully plays Gibson and Telecaster guitars through the amp, highlighting its compatibility with different guitar types for rock tones.

    Source
  • The 2W setting on the HT20R is suitable for home use while still providing sufficient power for band practice if clean tones aren't essential.

    Source

Build quality

  • The design employs significant SMD integration and solid-state components, enhancing versatility but complicating repairs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The HT5R model has reported issues with design reliability, lacking replacement boards, making long-term maintenance challenging.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Blackstar HT-20R MkII

guitar.com

The Blackstar HT20R MKII delivers a versatile sound palette perfect for small gigs and home practice. Its footswitchable voicings, two power settings, and practical connectivity options make it a standout. However, it lacks a presence control, which could limit high-frequency shaping for some users. Still, with its solid build and rich tones, this amp is hard to beat for the price.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

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

More Blackstar Combo Guitar Amplifiers

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    pietraz5
    pietraz5

    Gear IQ 72