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Average Price: $2,040
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$300
$801+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Blackstar St. James 100 100-watt Tube Amplifier Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Blackstar St. James 100 100-watt Tube Amplifier Head is a masterclass in blending classic tube amp warmth with modern ingenuity. Designed for the discerning guitarist who craves versatility and power, this amp head boasts an innovative power section that houses both 6L6 and EL34 tubes. This dual-tube setup offers an array of tonal possibilities, allowing you to switch between 100-watt and 50-watt modes, effectively bridging the gap between American and British amp sounds.
Beyond its impressive power capabilities, the St. James 100 features four footswitchable channels—Clean, Crunch, OD1, and OD2—that deliver a spectrum of tones from pristine cleans to searing overdrive. Each channel pair comes equipped with a dedicated 3-band EQ, Presence, and Reverb controls, as well as channel-specific Boost and Tight switches. For those who record or perform live, the CabRig-powered XLR output provides a direct-to-desk solution that emulates a mic’d cabinet sound with stunning accuracy.
Moreover, the amp’s Cut switch offers three settings to tailor your high frequencies, ensuring your sound is always just right, whether you’re chasing bright, articulate tones or warm, vintage vibes. Lightweight but robust, the St. James 100 is perfect for both stage and studio, making it a truly adaptable choice for any guitarist looking to elevate their sound.
Key Features:
- 100-watt and 50-watt modes with 6L6 and EL34 tubes
- Four footswitchable channels: Clean, Crunch, OD1, and OD2
- Dedicated 3-band EQ, Presence, and Reverb for each channel pair
- CabRig-powered XLR output for direct recording
- Three-position Cut switch for tuning high frequencies
- MIDI, USB-C audio output, and comprehensive connectivity options
- Lightweight design ideal for gigging musicians
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Output Power | 100W (EL34/6L6 half power switch, 5%-100% power control) |
| Preamp Tubes | 3 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x 6L6, 2 x EL34 |
| Reverb | Yes |
| Effects | Overdrive |
| EQ | 2 x 3-band EQ, 2 x presence, 3-way cut switch |
| Amp Modeling | 3 x Cab Rig cabinet models |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 3 x 1/4" (8/16 ohms), 1 x XLR (cab rig out), 1 x 1/4" (line out/headphones) |
| Effects Loop | Series/Parallel FX Loop with Level switch |
| MIDI I/O | 2 x 5-pin DIN (In, Thru) |
| USB | 1 x USB-C |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (2-way), 1 x XLR (6-way) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, Blackstar FS-23 footswitch |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Bias Type | Adjustable Fixed |
| Software | Cab Rig |
| Construction Material | Black Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 9.48" |
| Width | 19.48" |
| Depth | 8.97" |
| Weight | 22.04 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Blackstar St. James 100 amplifier?
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The Blackstar St. James 100 offers a versatile tonal range with its four channels, providing everything from clean tones to high-gain overdrive. The combination of EL34 and 6L6 power tubes allows for a wide variety of sonic textures, suitable for multiple genres.
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Is the Blackstar St. James 100 suitable for gigging with a drummer?
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Yes, the Blackstar St. James 100 is well-suited for live performances. With 100 watts of power and the ability to switch between EL34 and 6L6 tubes, it provides ample volume and headroom to compete with a full band, including a drummer.
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Does the Blackstar St. James 100 take pedals well?
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Yes, the Blackstar St. James 100 is designed to integrate seamlessly with effects pedals. It features a series/parallel FX loop with a level switch, allowing you to incorporate your pedals into your setup effectively.
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Can the Blackstar St. James 100 be used for home recording?
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Absolutely, the Blackstar St. James 100 is equipped with a USB-C output and Cab Rig software, making it ideal for home recording. You can capture direct amp tones without needing a microphone, perfect for studio use.
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What kind of power control does the Blackstar St. James 100 offer?
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The Blackstar St. James 100 features a power control that ranges from 5% to 100%, allowing you to adjust the output for various settings, from bedroom practice to full-stage performance.
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How does the Blackstar St. James 100 handle different cabinet configurations?
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The amplifier provides multiple output options, including 8/16 ohm outputs and an XLR Cab Rig out, allowing you to connect to a wide range of speaker cabinets or directly to a PA system.
Videos
John Browne
UNREAL | BLACKSTAR ST JAMES 100
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar St. James 100 100-watt Tube Amplifier Head.
User experience
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Owners report an afternote artifact noise in bass notes after several gigs, with Blackstar service unable to provide a detailed repair explanation.
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One user had the St. James serviced for three months, only for the noise issue to return, leading to a lack of confidence in gigging with it.
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Some users have seen the SMPS fail on relatively new units, causing second thoughts about the amp's reliability.
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Features and functionality
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Concerns about the power supply replacing the main transformer, which is seen as a potential failure point, detracting from the amp's innovative design.
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The CabSim doesn't accurately model the custom Celestion Zephyr speakers, lacking a specific setting in the Blackstar CabSim app for them.
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The St. James EL34's speaker is considered harsh for clean and crunch tones, but more suitable for higher gain applications.
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Comparisons
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The St. James is noted for not cutting through a mix as well as other amps, such as the EVH 5150III 50S or DSL40CR, despite its individual sound quality.
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Owners consider the St. James less reliable compared to alternatives like the Studio 10 EL34, citing frequent SMPS failures.
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For heavier rock tones, the 6L6 version is preferred over the EL34, which is better suited for cleaner, edge-of-breakup sounds.
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Setup and maintenance
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There's no easy way to adjust the line-out signal without the editor, complicating sound checks due to the absence of a dedicated knob.
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Build quality
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The switched-mode power supply (SMPS) is prone to failure, with multiple reports of it dying even under correct adapter use.
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Use cases and applications
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Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
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