Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

Blackstar Amplification Announces Artist Series

Artist 30

There are two models available: the Artist 15, a 15-Watt, 1x12" combo and the Artist 30, a 30-Watt 2x12" combo.

Melville, NY (November 2, 2015) -- Innovative amplifier and pedal company Blackstar Amplification, known for defining ā€˜the Sound In Your Head’, has released the new Artist Series of boutique-style tube amplifiers. Artist Series amplifiers take the incredible tone, features and iconic styling of Blackstar’s award-winning Artisan handwired amps and add channel switching, their patented ISF tone shaping circuit, reverb and an effects loop to create the ultimate vintage-inspired amps for a wide range of classic clean and crunch tones.

In keeping with the simplicity and sonic purity of the Artisan heritage, there are two models available in the Artist series; the Artist 15, a 15 Watt, 1x12" combo and the Artist 30, a 30 Watt 2x12" combo. Powered with 6L6 tubes and outfitted with Celestion V-Type speakers, Artist amps deliver pristine and expressive Blackstar tone with less gain on Channel 2 making Artist the perfect amps to be used with stomp boxes.


Artist 15

ā€œBlackstar’s Artisan handwired amps can be found on the stages and in the studios and garages of talented artist around the world and our new Artist Series has already been embraced by the Grammy award winning, legendary guitarist Warren Haynes, for the incredible tone, warm cleans and responsiveness,ā€ said Loren Molinare, US Product Manager for Blackstar Amplification. ā€œBuilt to the absolute highest standards of quality and craftsmanship, Artist series offers the acclaimed tone and feel of Blackstar’s Artisan amplifiers at a much more attainable price point to attract the most discerning ears ready for the New Classic.ā€

The Artist series amps will be available early November 2015 at $799.99 for the Artist 15 and $1,099.99 for the Artist 30.

Specifications:

ARTIST 15 15W 2 Channels
1x12 Celestion V-Type
2 x 6L6 valves
2 x ECC83
Patented ISF

ARTIST 30 30W 2 Channels
2x12 Celestion V-Type
2 x 6L6 valves
2 x ECC83

Watch the company's video demo:

For more information:
Blackstar

A live editor and browser for customizing Tone Models and presets.

IK Multimedia is pleased to release the TONEX Editor, a free update for TONEX Pedal and TONEX ONE users, available today through the IK Product Manager. This standalone application organizes the hardware library and enables real-time edits to Tone Models and presets with a connected TONEX pedal.

Read MoreShow less

6V6 and EL84 power sections deliver a one-two punch in a super-versatile, top-quality, low-wattage combo.

Extremely dynamic. Sounds fantastic in both EL84 and 6V6 settings. Excellent build quality.

Heavy for a 9-to-15-watt combo. Expensive.

3,549

Divided by 13 CCC 9/15

dividedby13.com

5
5
4.5
4

The announcement in January 2024 that Two-Rock had acquired Divided by 13 Amplifiers (D13) was big news in the amp world. It was also good news for anyone who’d enjoyed rocking D13’s original, hand-made creations and hoped to see the brand live on. From the start of D13’s operations in the early ’90s, founder and main-man Fred Taccone did things a little differently. He eschewed existing designs, made his amps simple and tone-centric, and kept the company itself simple and small. And if that approach didn’t necessarily make him rich, it did earn him a stellar reputation for top-flight tube amps and boatloads of star endorsements.

Read MoreShow less

The luthier’s stash.

There is more to a guitar than just the details.

A guitar is not simply a collection of wood, wire, and metal—it is an act of faith. Faith that a slab of lumber can be coaxed to sing, and that magnets and copper wire can capture something as expansive as human emotion. While it’s comforting to think that tone can be calculated like a tax return, the truth is far messier. A guitar is a living argument between its components—an uneasy alliance of materials and craftsmanship. When it works, it’s glorious.

Read MoreShow less

MT 15 and Archon 50 Classic amplifiers offer fresh tones in release alongside a doubled-in-size Archon cabinet

Read MoreShow less