Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$1,399.99
Guitar Center
$1,399.99 $1,249.00 $150.99 · All time low
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$1,399.99
zZounds
$1,399.99
B&H
$1,399.99

Average Price: $1,370

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Blackstar St. James JJN 50". 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

Unleash your inner guitar hero with the Blackstar St. James JJN 50, a finely crafted amplifier head designed in collaboration with blues-rock virtuoso Jared James Nichols. This 50-watt powerhouse is perfect for larger stages, where its EL34-driven power section delivers iconic "Blues Power" tones with ease. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the JJN 50 adapts to your needs with its versatile power reduction feature, allowing you to switch seamlessly between 50 watts, 2 watts, and a 'Sag' setting for that classic, vintage compression sound.

The St. James JJN 50 is armed with a bevy of advanced features, including a built-in reactive load, which lets you drive the tubes without the need for a connected speaker—a perfect solution for recording or practice without sacrificing rich tube dynamics. Furthermore, its CabRig IR-based speaker simulation offers three custom patches, giving you the flexibility to achieve mic'd up tones directly from the amp without latency.

Crafted for portability, the JJN 50's lightweight Candlenut plywood cabinet is dressed in a striking British Racing Green livery. This unique aesthetic is complemented by a hand-signed certificate of authenticity from Jared James Nichols, making it not just an amplifier, but a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

  • Custom-voiced for Jared James Nichols’ signature tones
  • 50W, 2W, and ‘Sag’ settings for flexible power and performance
  • Built-in reactive load for studio or home use without a speaker
  • Lightweight Candlenut plywood cabinet with British Racing Green finish
  • USB audio and XLR D.I. connectivity with CabRig IR-based speaker simulation
  • Includes a hand-signed certificate of authenticity from Jared James Nichols

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 Blues Power 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 Racing Green Tolex
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable
Height 8.74"
Width 15.82"
Depth 8.42"
Weight 13.2 lbs.

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Blackstar St. James JJN 50 for blues and rock music?

The Blackstar St. James JJN 50 features a Blues Power Boost and 3-band EQ, allowing you to achieve rich, dynamic tones ideal for blues and rock genres. Its tube-driven design with ECC83 and EL34 tubes delivers classic warmth and punch.

Is the Blackstar St. James JJN 50 suitable for gigging with a drummer?

Yes, the Blackstar St. James JJN 50 offers 50 watts of tube power, making it suitable for live performances with a drummer. It also includes a 2-watt setting for smaller venues or practice sessions.

What are the connectivity options for the Blackstar St. James JJN 50?

The amp head provides multiple outputs, including 2 x 1/4" (16 ohm), 1 x 1/4" (8 ohm), 1 x 1/4" (cab rig out/phones), and 1 x XLR (cab rig out). It also features a USB connection for computer interfacing.

Does the Blackstar St. James JJN 50 come with a footswitch?

Yes, the Blackstar St. James JJN 50 includes a 2-button footswitch for channel and voicing control, enhancing its versatility during performances.

How does the Blackstar St. James JJN 50 handle effects pedals?

The Blackstar St. James JJN 50 includes an effects loop, allowing you to integrate your favorite pedals seamlessly into your signal chain, maintaining clarity and tone integrity.

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

The Making of the JJN 50 | Blackstar Amplification

Video thumbnail for The Making of the JJN 50 | Blackstar Amplification by Blackstar Amplification

The Making of the JJN 50 | Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

Video thumbnail for Introducing the JJN 50 Plugin | Blackstar Amplification by Blackstar Amplification

Introducing the JJN 50 Plugin | Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar St. James JJN 50.

Comparisons

  • The JJN is more gain-oriented than the St. James EL34, matching its channel 2 with boost at 1:30 on the gain dial, and surpassing it when maxed out.

    Source
  • The clean channel has a more Vox-like tone compared to the gain channel, which doesn't align with typical Marshall sounds.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The EQ is designed to work well across all channels, minimizing the need for adjustments when switching channels.

    Source
  • The gain channel is versatile, achieving tones close to hair metal territory with maxed gain and the built-in boost engaged.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The JJN excels in blues and medium rock, covering tones from Hendrix to SRV without pedals, and classic rock with minimal overdrive.

    Source

User experience

  • An Origin Effects Halcyon Gold can cause flabbiness when the amp's gain is maxed; reducing gain to 1 o'clock resolves this issue.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a Vertex Steel String pedal enhances the clean channel's performance, making it a staple in some setups.

    Source
  • An Xotic SP compressor is recommended to add high-end sparkle to the clean channel when the gain channel settings are preferred.

    Source

Build quality

  • Blackstar amps are generally reliable, but the company restricts access to schematics, allowing only authorized service centers to perform certain repairs.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Blackstar and Jared James Nichols Announce Signature Amp - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Blackstar St. James JJN 50, developed with Jared James Nichols, delivers powerful blues-rock tones in a remarkably lightweight package. Its innovative features, such as CabRig IR speaker simulation and versatile EQ options, make it a standout for both studio and live settings. However, while it excels in sound quality and user-friendly design, some may find its price point steep for a signature model. Overall, the amp is a compelling choice for guitarists seeking versatility and authentic tone.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Blackstar Guitar Amplifier Heads

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    hashimoto
    hashimoto

    Gear IQ 14679