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Average Price: $1,573
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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Description
The Blackstar Series One 104EL34 is a dynamic guitar amplifier head that marries versatility with pure tube-driven power. Ideal for guitarists who crave a wide array of tonal possibilities, this amp head is a true powerhouse. From pristine cleans to aggressively crunchy overdrives, the Series One 104EL34 allows you to sculpt your sound with precision. It features two clean channel modes—bright and warm—each providing distinct Class A and Class AB sounds. Meanwhile, the overdrive channels offer options for crunch and super crunch tones, ensuring that your top-end remains articulate even at high gain levels.
A standout feature is Blackstar’s Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), which enables you to seamlessly transition between American and British tonal characteristics, giving you the flexibility to refine your sound to perfection. Whether it's tight and aggressive or woody and warm, the choice is yours. For the tech-savvy musician, the Series One 104EL34 includes powerful MIDI capabilities, supporting up to 128 program changes to create an intricate web of sound combinations.
Additionally, the Dynamic Power Reduction (DPR) feature lets you adjust the output from 100 watts down to 10 watts without sacrificing tone, making it perfect for both stage performances and home practice. This amp is a versatile workhorse that invites you to explore new sonic landscapes.
Key Features:
- 100-watt head with Dynamic Power Reduction
- 4 channels and 6 footswitchable modes
- Valve configuration: 3 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82, 4 x EL34
- Clean channel with Plexi and Class A modes
- Overdrive channel with crunch and super crunch modes
- ISF tone control for tonal flexibility
- MIDI switching capability with 128 program changes
- Speaker-emulated output for direct recording
- Series effects loop for seamless integration of effects
Product specs
| Brand | Blackstar |
| Model | Series One 104EL34 100W Guitar Head with EL34 Tubes |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2011 - 2025 |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Tube |
| Impedance | 4 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 4 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 1 Input |
| Output Power (Watts) | 100 |
| Power Tube Type | EL34 |
| Powered | Unpowered |
| Reverb | None |
FAQs
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What type of tubes does the Blackstar Series One 104EL34 use?
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The Blackstar Series One 104EL34 uses EL34 power tubes, which are known for their warm and dynamic sound, making them ideal for rock and metal genres.
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How many channels does the Blackstar Series One 104EL34 have?
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The Blackstar Series One 104EL34 features four channels, offering a wide range of tonal options from clean to high-gain distortion.
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Is the Blackstar Series One 104EL34 suitable for gigging with a full band?
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Yes, with 100 watts of power, the Blackstar Series One 104EL34 is more than capable of handling live performances with a full band.
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Does the Blackstar Series One 104EL34 include built-in reverb?
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No, the Blackstar Series One 104EL34 does not include built-in reverb, allowing you to pair it with your preferred reverb pedal or effects unit.
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What is the impedance of the Blackstar Series One 104EL34?
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The Blackstar Series One 104EL34 has an impedance of 4 ohms, making it compatible with a variety of speaker cabinets.
Videos
Rob Chapman
Blackstar Series One S1-104EL34 100w Head - WORLD EXCLUSIVE
Blackstar Series One S1-104EL34 100w Head - WORLD EXCLUSIVE
Rob Chapman
Blackstar Series One S1-104EL34 100w Head
Andertons Music Co
![Video thumbnail for [Exclusive!] Unboxing Blackstar Series One 104EL34 with Edrie Hashim! by CKMusicOnline](https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZGN1juePRp8/mqdefault.jpg)
[Exclusive!] Unboxing Blackstar Series One 104EL34 with Edrie Hashim!
CKMusicOnline
Blackstar Series One 104EL34 1972 Marshall 4x12 w/Green backs
Chris Lester
Reviews
PROS
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Four channels offer a wide range of tonal versatility
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Excellent Fender-like clean tones and SRV-style crunch
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OD1 channel excels in rock to alternative genres
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OD2 channel provides high-gain, compressed sounds
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Super-crunch boosts crunch channel to OD1-like tones
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Instant channel switching with no sound drop
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ISF, resonance, and presence controls offer extensive tone shaping
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Comparable to Marshall with more channels and tonal options
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Can emulate blackface-Twin cleans and Plexi overdrive
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Works well with external cabinets for enhanced sound
CONS
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Combined EQ/ISF may require careful adjustments for shared settings
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar Series One 104EL34.
Features and functionality
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The Series One amps offer MIDI control and a unique DPR feature that acts like headroom/compression on a knob, unlike the HT MKII's fixed power settings.
Source -
HT MKII amps provide modern features like USB recording and a newer direct out sound, appealing for those needing direct integration with digital setups.
Source
Comparisons
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The Series One is likened to a modern JCM 800 for rock/metal, while the HT MKII is compared to the more affordable DSL series.
Source
Value and pricing
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Series One amps are discontinued, often found on the used market at lower prices due to their poor resale value.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
108
Spectacular.
One of the most versatile amp's i've ever used. Absolutely stunning tone with silky cleans and nasty (in a good way) crunches. Paired with my orange 2x12 it makes for a combination that could (with a little work on the tone and some great pedals) make for the perfect tone.
Artist usage
Add artist
Back in 2008 when Blackstar was still in its infancy Blackstar sent Adrian Smith a HT-5 mini stack. Adrian then went on to use this and a Series One 100 head to record some of the guitars tracks on the album The Final Frontier. When it came to recording Iron Maiden follow up album The Book of Souls in 2014, upon request, Blackstar sent Adrian a Series One 1046L6 and a 104EL34 to the Guillaume Tell Studio in Paris, France. As well as using both of these amps to record some of the guitar tracks on the new album, Adrian wanted to get the sound he got in his home studios. When asked by Kevin Shirley the producer what he used Adrian replied, ‘The Blackstar HT-5’. So on a weekend trip home to UK Adrian brought back his trusty HT-5. Adrian used the powerfully fitting tone of the HT-5 to help record the rest of the album.
When asked about her live setup for the Alice Cooper tour, Strauss said "I'll be using Blackstar Series One EL34 heads. I picked those because they have a really classic sound."
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From the Blackstar Instagram:
" I love the Series One 104EL34! Changing the tone smoothly from British to American, gives me so many options in the studio. It's a game changer! " Sascha Gerstner – Helloween
Album Usage
The Blackstar Series One 104EL34 has been featured on the following albums:
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 Series One 104EL34, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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