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Average Price: $1,394
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head with EL34 Tubes". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head with EL34 Tubes
The Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head is a musician's dream, designed for those seeking a versatile and portable amplifier. Its lightweight design, thanks to the robust candlenut plywood construction, makes it ideal for studio sessions or gigging. This head is a musical chameleon, with two channels that seamlessly transition from glassy cleans to vintage crunch and even gut-punching grind. The St. James is powered by EL34 tubes, renowned for their vintage-tinged voice that shines in classic rock and heavy metal settings.
This head doesn't stop at delivering superior sound. The St. James amps up the convenience with an in-built Cab Rig Output, providing three different cab sim options and balanced XLR or line out/phones output. This feature allows you to run your tone straight to an interface or mixer, and even to a computer via USB, eliminating the need for an extra cab. The power reduction switch with 50-watt, 2-watt, and Sag operation ensures you can achieve the right volume for any setting, from the stage to the bedroom.
Key Features:
- 2-channel all-tube head constructed from lightweight candlenut plywood for easy transportation
- EL34 tubes for a vintage-leaning voicing that's great for rock and heavy metal
- Two channels for versatile sound options, from clean to crunchy tones
- Built-in Cab Rig Output with cabinet simulation for studio-quality sound
- Power reduction switch with 50-watt, 2-watt, and Sag operation for adaptable volume levels
- USB with cabinet simulation for direct recording to a computer
- Includes a 2-way footswitch for easy channel switching
- Channel select and voicing switches on the front for easy toggling
- Comes with a footswitch for efficient swapping of channels
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Output Power | 50W (2W/sag settings) |
| Preamp Tubes | 2 x ECC83 |
| Power Tubes | 2 x EL34 |
| Reverb | Yes |
| Effects | Boost |
| EQ | 3-band EQ |
| Amp Modeling | Yes |
| Number of Models | 3 |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (16 ohm), 1 x 1/4" (8 ohm), 1 x 1/4" (cab rig out/phones), 1 x XLR (cab rig out) |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (channel, voicing) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, 2-button footswitch |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Bias Type | Adjustable Fixed |
| Construction Material | Candlenut Plywood with Fawn Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 8.74" |
| Width | 15.82" |
| Depth | 8.42" |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs. |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head with EL34 Tubes?
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The Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head delivers classic British tones with its EL34 power tubes, offering rich harmonics and a warm, full-bodied sound. It excels in both clean and overdriven settings, making it versatile for rock and blues genres.
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Is the Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head suitable for gigging?
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Yes, with 50 watts of power, the Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head is loud enough for live performances, while its lightweight construction makes it easy to transport. It also offers power reduction options for smaller venues or practice settings.
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Does the Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head include a footswitch?
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Yes, the Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head comes with a 2-button footswitch, allowing you to easily switch channels and voicings during performances.
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What connectivity options are available on the Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head?
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The amp features multiple outputs, including 16 ohm and 8 ohm speaker outputs, a cab rig out for headphones or direct recording, and USB for computer connectivity. It also includes an effects loop for integrating external effects.
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How does the Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head handle effects pedals?
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The Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head is designed to take pedals well, with an effects loop that allows for seamless integration of your favorite effects, ensuring minimal tone loss and maximum flexibility in your sound setup.
Videos
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Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional clean channel with unmatched headroom, ideal for pedals
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Overdrive channel offers versatile gain levels, enhanced with onboard boost
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Lightweight design for easy portability
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Integrated cab simulation with XLR out for direct recording or performance
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USB connectivity for direct computer interface
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Built-in attenuator for volume control from bedroom to stage levels
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High-quality construction and finish enhance its visual appeal
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Compatible with 6L6 tubes for greater tonal versatility
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Software integration for easy DI out to DAW
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Maintains clarity and richness of tone across volumes and settings
CONS
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High mid frequencies on live gigs can be harsh and difficult to manage
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Lack of a second tone control for the crunch channel limits sound shaping
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar St. James 50-watt Tube Head with EL34 Tubes.
User experience
Features and functionality
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The amp's power supply, replacing the traditional transformer, is cited as a potential failure point, leading to reliability concerns.
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The CabSim doesn't accurately model the custom Celestion Zephyr speakers, lacking a specific speaker choice in the Blackstar CabSim app, affecting simulation distortion points.
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There's no straightforward way to adjust the line-out signal without the editor software, complicating sound checks without a dedicated physical knob.
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The ISF feature, present in other Blackstar models, is absent in the St. James EL34, resulting in improved tone clarity according to one owner.
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Comparisons
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The St. James was noted to not cut through a mix as effectively as some alternatives, like the DSL40CR, despite its standalone sound quality.
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Owners find the St. James EL34 less dynamic than the Orange Rockerverb MK3, despite both being priced around £1000.
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Compared to the EVH 5150, the open-back St. James 6L6 combo sounds flubby on palm-muted metal riffs unless paired with an MXR Custom Badass OD pedal.
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Build quality
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The switched-mode power supply (SMPS) can introduce EMI noise if not carefully designed, potentially resulting in audio artifacts due to high-frequency switching aliasing.
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Software and compatibility
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Blackstar limits service information to Korg-authorized shops, increasing repair costs due to circuit reverse engineering for independent repairers.
Source
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