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Average Price: $937

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

Designed for guitarists who crave versatility and power, the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head is a professional-grade amplifier head that delivers exceptional tonal flexibility. With its programmable analog technology, this amp head allows musicians to seamlessly switch between an array of sounds, from clean and crisp to heavy and distorted, without compromising sound quality.

The Coreblade is equipped with four independent channels, each offering a distinct sonic character. This feature ensures that whether you're crafting the perfect blues tone or dialing up the gain for a metal riff, the Coreblade has you covered. Its integrated MIDI interface allows for effortless control and customization, making it a perfect companion for both studio sessions and live performances.

For those who value consistency and quality, the Coreblade's TSC (Tube Safety Control) ensures optimal tube performance, automatically adjusting bias to maintain peak efficiency and extend the life of your tubes. Furthermore, the amp's built-in effects loop and noise gate provide additional layers of sound shaping, elevating your playing experience.

Key Features:

  • 100 watts of power with four independent channels
  • Programmable analog technology for versatile sound customization
  • MIDI interface for seamless control and integration
  • TSC (Tube Safety Control) for enhanced tube performance and longevity
  • Built-in effects loop and noise gate for superior sound shaping
  • Ideal for both studio recording and live performances

Product specs

Brand Hughes & Kettner
Model Core Blade 4-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black
Year 2010 - 2017
Made In Germany
Categories Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 2 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 4 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 100
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb Digital Reverb

FAQs

What are the core tonal characteristics of the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head?

The Hughes & Kettner Coreblade is known for its versatile tonal range, offering everything from sparkling cleans to high-gain distortion. Its four channels allow for a wide variety of sounds suitable for different music genres, making it a flexible choice for guitarists.

Does the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head take pedals well?

Yes, the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade is designed to integrate well with external effects pedals, thanks to its robust effects loop. This allows guitarists to expand their sound palette with additional effects.

What built-in effects are included in the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head?

The Coreblade features built-in digital effects, including modulation, delay, and reverb, providing a range of sonic options without needing external pedals.

Is the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head suitable for live performances?

With 100 watts of power and four channels, the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade is more than capable of handling live performances, delivering ample volume and tonal flexibility for various venues.

What type of power tubes does the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head use?

The Coreblade uses EL34 power tubes, known for their warm, dynamic sound and ability to produce rich overdrive, making it a popular choice for rock and metal genres.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head.

Features and functionality

  • The Hughes & Kettner Coreblade offers MIDI-accessible knobs, allowing for extensive programmable settings across its channels, enhancing live performance flexibility.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some owners highlight the Coreblade's ability to handle various musical styles, from clean tones to high-gain metal, making it a versatile choice for diverse setlists.

    Source

User experience

  • Users appreciate the Coreblade's foot-switchable options, making it easy to switch between clean and distorted tones seamlessly during live performances.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's noted that the Coreblade's complex circuitry may require professional servicing for repairs, akin to working with computer-like systems inside.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Coreblade is frequently likened to amps like the Mesa Boogie Mark series and ENGL, praised for its multi-channel versatility and robust sound quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While not the cheapest option, the Coreblade is favored for its comprehensive feature set, often compared to more expensive high-gain amps on the market.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hughes & Kettner Coreblade review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head is a formidable contender in the realm of metal amps, boasting a plethora of features akin to a Swiss Army knife. Its robust construction and versatile sound options make it a pro-level choice for serious metalheads. However, it requires a learning curve to master, and its tonal inspiration doesn't quite match some other H&K offerings. Despite these minor drawbacks, for those seeking a powerful, all-in-one solution with valve amp authenticity and extensive programmability, the Coreblade stands as a compelling choice. Plug in if you dare!

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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blackened_b_astaroth

High Gain Monster

When you have absolutely no intension of using a pedalboard, this amp IS your pedalboard

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alex Lifeson uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Alex Lifeson

Guitarist

Rush

...
Verified via YouTube

At 9:28 in this "Rig Rundown" with Premier Guitar, Rush's Alex Lifeson's tech Scott Appleton shows us a Hughes & Kettner Coreblade which he says "“has its own built in effects, so this is kind of what Alex likes to call the third man on stage amp or the icing on the cake amp."

See how Jeff Waters uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Jeff Waters

Guitarist

Annihilator

...
Verified via BLABBERMOUTH.NET

As an enthusiastic Coreblade user, Jeff not only loves its atomic punch and brutal tone, but also is most excited about this all-tube-amp's full programmability and USB interface. In his clinics, Jeff demonstrates Coreblade's outstanding qualities and how to make good use of all its clever features in practice. It should go without saying that this, of course, also includes a very nice display of Jeff's phenomenal guitar work.

See how Syu uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Syu

Guitarist

Galneryus

...
Verified via YouTube

"I use the Core Blade by Hughes & Kettner. I still mess around with the sounds, I don't have a setting that I use every time, but when I play live I just try to get a generally strong sound." - 2:42

In the 2010 gear rundown of Syu's rig, he has mentioned that, in conjunction with the Boss GT-10, he used the Core Blade series amplifier by Hughes & Kettner. The rig rundown was taken from a Young Guitar Lesson DVD, where Syu demonstrated how to play intricate guitar parts from Galneryus' album "Resurrection."

See how Tony MacAlpine uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Tony MacAlpine

Guitarist

The G3 Jam

...
Verified via Tony MacAlpine

See his Gear diagram on his official page.

See how Isao Fujita uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Isao Fujita

Guitarist

BABYMETAL

...
Verified via Twitter

In this photo, ISAO shows his Hughes & Kettner Coreblade Half Stack. This amp was used in BABYMETAL shows where ISAO participated

See how Lars Johansson uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Lars Johansson

Guitarist

Candlemass

...
Verified via Hughes & Kettner

In Hughes & Kettner official website, they state that Lars has been endorsing Hughes & Kettner since 2005 and is well known for his fluid and aggressive yet sensitive style with a magic mix of classical and bluesy playing.

He plays Hughes & Kettner Switchblade & Coreblade heads and matching 4x12 cabs, and recently also added the GrandMeister 36 to his amp arsenal.

See how Toki uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Toki

Guitarist

ALDIOUS

...
Verified via Photo

Toki uses the pink Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head. This is confirmed by an Instagram post from the artist, where Toki states, "6年ぶりにHughes&KettnerのCOREBLADEを使いました🎸🔥 このアンプ改めて、マジで音が最高。刻みもソロも気持ち良すぎたな。" (Source: Instagram, aldioustoki).

M

Mauro Paganelli

Guitarist, Composer

Ravenscry

...
Verified via YouTube

Mauro Paganelli uses the Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head, as featured in the Ravenscry video "Nobody," where both Mauro and Paul showcase their endorsement of this amplifier.

See how Paul Raimondi uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Paul Raimondi

Guitarist, Composer

Ravenscry

...
Verified via YouTube

This is an amp head by Hughes & Kettner, a brand endorsed by Mauro and Paul of Ravenscry.

See how Chris Laney uses Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head

Chris Laney

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Pretty Maids

...
Verified via Prettymaids

From Pretty Maids' website, Chris Laney's gear:

Keyboard/Setup: Roland FA-06 Roland A-800 Pro Apple Mainstage 3 on MacBook Apogee Quartet

Guitars: Gibson Flying V

Amps & Cabs: Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister 36 Type-O Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister Deluxe 40 Hughes & Kettner Coreblade Hughes & Kettner MC412 Cab

FX: TC Electronics PolyTune

Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46 & 11-54

Album Usage

The Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head 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 Hughes & Kettner Coreblade 100W Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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