Celebrating a Decade of Pioneering Tone

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CELEBRATING A DECADE OF PIONEERING TONE

FEATURING The Blackstar Story Tech Insights Inside The Amps New Products The Future Of Tone Artist Features

GIT424.black_cover.indd 1 7/11/17 9:44 AM Celebrating 10 years of the sound in your head with...

Gus G. Richie Sambora Neal Schon Joe Don Rooney Firewind “From studios to stadiums, these Journey Rascal Flatts “Welcome to the church of are the amps I use.” “The Blackstar Series One 100 is “Clarity can be a rarity when it distortion.” (Artisan 100 & Series One one of the best sounding amps that comes to finding a great amp, (Series One Blackfire 200 user 1046L6 user since 2013) I’ve played through. It produces but the first Blackstar I plugged since 2010) a powerful punchy-smooth-warm into I heard clarity like no other.” and precise sound.” (Series One 200 user since 2013) STAR QUALITIES (Series One 100 user since 2012) It’s often said that the world of guitar is slow to embrace change. The 10 years of success and innovation that Blackstar has enjoyed, however, put the lie to that idea. I remember visiting Blackstar’s factory a few years ago and being shown a prototype of an ID:Core amplifier and wondering how on earth they’d gotten such a huge, room-filling sound out of such a small box. When they then told me that the amp was going to sell for the price of an effects pedal, it gave me an acute attack of what I now recognise as the Blackstar ‘Wow’ effect . To put such bold, innovative tech into a package that Bob Mould Huey Morgan James Dean Bradﬁeld Albert Hammond Jr. “I picked up my cable, plugged Fun Lovin’ Criminals Manic Street Preachers The Strokes even beginners could afford is so typical of the Blackstar into the Artisan 100 and thought, “This is how I roll.” “I love this amp!” “The Blackstar Artist 30 gives way of doing things. this is the best amp I’ve ever (HT Stage 100 user since 2014) (Artisan 30 user since 2009) me amazing tube tone and the played.” sonic options I need. The company always seems to have a fresh perspective on (Artisan 100 user since 2012) (Artist 30 user since 2015) design and yet, at the same time, such a strong feel for the classic tones that excite all guitarists. From hand-wired Artisan combos to the bleeding-edge ID:Core BEAM amps that form a music hub for your home, the one thing that always seems to come as standard in a Blackstar amp is great sound. That all this has grown from the hard work of a team of mates, all dedicated to a dream of doing things differently, is all the more impressive. It’s hard to strike out on your own: it takes guts and perseverance and talent to make it work. A decade on they’re a true British success story and still as hungry Uli Jon Roth Sammy Hagar Steve Cradock Ihsahn as ever to explore the frontiers of sound. I’m sure you’ll Scorpions, Sky Avalon, Chickenfoot, Warboritas Paul Weller, Ocean Colour Scene Emperor agree that’s well worth celebrating. Electric Sun “The Blackstar sound is “The Artisan 30 has great tone! “All the clarity and punch “I love the Blackstar Artisan inspiring.” I’ve got three of the little f***ers I expect from a valve head. 100! It has a fantastic overall (Series One 100 user since 2013) in line!” Blackstar’s designers obviously response, is extremely well built (Artisan 30 user since 2007) have the modern guitar player and totally reliable.” in mind.” (Artisan 100 & Series One 200 (Series One 200 user since 2010) user since 2011) Jamie Dickson Editor, Guitarist magazine ...and all the other Blackstar players around the world. 3

GIT424.black_artist.indd 2 18/07/2017 11:48 GIT424.black_intro.indd 3 10/07/2017 10:42 Celebrating 10 years of the sound in your head with...

GIT424.black_artist.indd 2 18/07/2017 11:48 GIT424.black_intro.indd 3 10/07/2017 10:42 The lightbulb moment might fire the starting pistol for a new product, but it’s just the first phase of a long developmental journey. Blackstar’s dedicated investment in forensic levels of R&D ensures that the technology in its amps continues to push forward in finding the right voice for you, the player

ike all the best British The four men had the vision and together on the patio. We met the printer ake a walk through the innovation meetings, and it’s not just components. Then we do a massive ventures, it began in the pub. engineering chops – but precious little in the South Mimms services to collect workshops at Blackstar people from R&D. We’ve got a talented amount of testing.” L Around the table sat Bruce else. With the gleaming workshops of the catalogues, literally en route to the T and you can feel innovation young team and it’s all about having as When you casually plug into a Keir, Ian Robinson, Paul Hayhoe and their former employer a fading memory, ferry. Then we drove over to Germany in in the air. In an industry that still many ideas as you can. Because from Blackstar, you’re hearing the result of Richard Frost. It was 2004, and the the nascent firm took its first steps in a Transit van full of prototypes.” subscribes to dusty rulebooks and those, sometimes a gem comes out.” countless obsessive hours of tweaking, four bandmates and amp specialists Ian’s garden shed in Northampton: a “We got a lot of interest,” says Richard, received wisdom, this is one builder “It’s never someone saying, ‘I’m the fine-tuning and cross-referencing with had all left senior positions at the grass-roots setup that proved a better “and it was clear straight away that what sworn to challenge tradition. “We’ve guru, you’ve got to suck it up,’” stresses the world’s greatest historic amps. “I’m auspicious Marshall brand, each man ideas factory than any million-dollar we were doing was hitting the spot.” never stood still,” says Ian Robinson. Paul Hayhoe. “We’re very inclusive, and confident nobody goes into the detail nagged by a belief that amplification facility. “We had no money or heating,” From there, Blackstar kept rising. As “Every time we design a new product, there’s no bad idea, whether it comes we do, especially on the sonic side,” says could go further. “We had a choice,” smiles Ian. “But in that shed era, we the MI press rained accolades, A-listers whether that’s a £2,000 valve amp or from the guys who joined us out of Ian. “The most important piece of kit recalls Ian. “To stay together or go designed 20 products. Our patented ditched their existing rigs and public a £59 practice amp, we’re willing to school or more mature guys like our we’ve got is the A/B box – we don’t rely our separate ways. But we knew we innovations like ISF and DPR came from demand snowballed, it was obvious they do the research to take it to the next mechanical draftsman Andy Poynter. on ‘sonic memory’. When we get new could improve things. That was the that time. A lot of blue-sky thinking.” were going to need a bigger shed. New level. We’re never comfortable with a We also speak to musicians, dealers and engineers, who’ve maybe been in the driving force.” By 2007, they were ready to break offices were leased. Groundbreaking ‘me, too’ product. To tell you the truth, distributors around the world, and we’re industry a long time, they’re surprised, cover. A name was chosen and a logo products were launched. Talented team it costs more, it takes longer, it’s more always asking them, ‘Is there anything and I think they find it a challenge to “We were sat in the pub one night,” adds inked. “We spent a lot of late nights members were recruited, including of a pain sometimes. But that’s just you’d like Blackstar to be doing?’” work to a different standard.” Paul, “and we asked ourselves what we with a whiteboard,” recalls Paul, “going current head of marketing Joel the way we do it.” “Our R&D process is very It’s an exhaustive – and at times wanted this new company to be. It had through tanks, motorbikes, cars, Richardson and much-missed head of incremental,” says Laurent. “The exhausting – approach. But all that to be something different. Something meteorological phenomena, cool words, sales Keith Dudley. “We’ve become the At Blackstar, R&D isn’t so much a research stage makes sure we have all work is vindicated by a range of forward- that appealed around the world and mashing them up. We wanted a logo that number two amp brand in the USA, and department as a culture that pervades the technology. The second phase puts thinking amps that let modern players gave people the tools they needed.” any band – from country to extreme really established in the UK,” says Joel. every aspect of the operation. As such, all that technology into a prototype, find their voice. “If you go online,” says “We knew we were leaving a well- metal – would feel comfortable with.” “You can feel the growth.” the next game-changing brainwave every aspect of which we make Paul, “you get people saying, ‘This is how known brand,” picks up Bruce. “But we Then came the ultimate trial-by-fire. Much has changed in a decade, could come from anywhere, be that the here in the UK: chassis, electronics, amp-building has to be.’ Well, I’m an old were also somewhat limited: people The Musikmesse: the Frankfurt trade but Blackstar has stayed true to that four co-founders, head of R&D Laurent PCB, cabinet – everything. Then we punk-rocker and, for me, it was all about expect Marshall to do Marshall things. show where fledgling brands either fly founding pub philosophy. “Our tagline Veignal or trainee service engineer Tyler engage with the manufacturer, take breaking the rules, doing it yourself We set out to make the most flexible or die. “It was so last-minute,” says Paul. is The Sound In Your Head,” notes Joel. Silsby. “Innovation is our number-one that research prototype and discuss and being creative. The point of playing amps we could design.” “Richard and Ian were putting units “That’s what every guitarist wants.” criteria,” says Laurent. “We have regular everything from tests to choosing guitar is to express yourself.”

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GIT424.black_01.indd 4 12/07/2017 16:01 GIT424.black_01.indd 5 12/07/2017 16:01 The lightbulb moment might fire the starting pistol for a new product, but it’s just the first phase of a long developmental journey. Blackstar’s dedicated investment in forensic levels of R&D ensures that the technology in its amps continues to push forward in finding the right voice for you, the player

Blackstar’s founding team of four has grown tenfold since its inception a decade ago. And yet through changing times and myriad product developments, Blackstar remains committed to fulﬁlling its RISING STAR company motto, ‘The Sound In Your Head’ THE IDEAS FACTORY In just 10 years, Blackstar has shot fromshed-based newcomer to the Blackstar’s trailblazing amps are the result of bright ideas and hours of most dynamic amp-builder on the scene. Here’s how they shook things up obsessive development, as the R&D team goes from brainwave to backline ike all the best British The four men had the vision and together on the patio. We met the printer ake a walk through the innovation meetings, and it’s not just components. Then we do a massive ventures, it began in the pub. engineering chops – but precious little in the South Mimms services to collect workshops at Blackstar people from R&D. We’ve got a talented amount of testing.” L Around the table sat Bruce else. With the gleaming workshops of the catalogues, literally en route to the T and you can feel innovation young team and it’s all about having as When you casually plug into a Keir, Ian Robinson, Paul Hayhoe and their former employer a fading memory, ferry. Then we drove over to Germany in in the air. In an industry that still many ideas as you can. Because from Blackstar, you’re hearing the result of Richard Frost. It was 2004, and the the nascent firm took its first steps in a Transit van full of prototypes.” subscribes to dusty rulebooks and those, sometimes a gem comes out.” countless obsessive hours of tweaking, four bandmates and amp specialists Ian’s garden shed in Northampton: a “We got a lot of interest,” says Richard, received wisdom, this is one builder “It’s never someone saying, ‘I’m the fine-tuning and cross-referencing with had all left senior positions at the grass-roots setup that proved a better “and it was clear straight away that what sworn to challenge tradition. “We’ve guru, you’ve got to suck it up,’” stresses the world’s greatest historic amps. “I’m auspicious Marshall brand, each man ideas factory than any million-dollar we were doing was hitting the spot.” never stood still,” says Ian Robinson. Paul Hayhoe. “We’re very inclusive, and confident nobody goes into the detail nagged by a belief that amplification facility. “We had no money or heating,” From there, Blackstar kept rising. As “Every time we design a new product, there’s no bad idea, whether it comes we do, especially on the sonic side,” says could go further. “We had a choice,” smiles Ian. “But in that shed era, we the MI press rained accolades, A-listers whether that’s a £2,000 valve amp or from the guys who joined us out of Ian. “The most important piece of kit recalls Ian. “To stay together or go designed 20 products. Our patented ditched their existing rigs and public a £59 practice amp, we’re willing to school or more mature guys like our we’ve got is the A/B box – we don’t rely our separate ways. But we knew we innovations like ISF and DPR came from demand snowballed, it was obvious they do the research to take it to the next mechanical draftsman Andy Poynter. on ‘sonic memory’. When we get new could improve things. That was the that time. A lot of blue-sky thinking.” were going to need a bigger shed. New level. We’re never comfortable with a We also speak to musicians, dealers and engineers, who’ve maybe been in the driving force.” By 2007, they were ready to break offices were leased. Groundbreaking ‘me, too’ product. To tell you the truth, distributors around the world, and we’re industry a long time, they’re surprised, cover. A name was chosen and a logo products were launched. Talented team it costs more, it takes longer, it’s more always asking them, ‘Is there anything and I think they find it a challenge to “We were sat in the pub one night,” adds inked. “We spent a lot of late nights members were recruited, including of a pain sometimes. But that’s just you’d like Blackstar to be doing?’” work to a different standard.” Paul, “and we asked ourselves what we with a whiteboard,” recalls Paul, “going current head of marketing Joel the way we do it.” “Our R&D process is very It’s an exhaustive – and at times wanted this new company to be. It had through tanks, motorbikes, cars, Richardson and much-missed head of incremental,” says Laurent. “The exhausting – approach. But all that to be something different. Something meteorological phenomena, cool words, sales Keith Dudley. “We’ve become the At Blackstar, R&D isn’t so much a research stage makes sure we have all work is vindicated by a range of forward- that appealed around the world and mashing them up. We wanted a logo that number two amp brand in the USA, and department as a culture that pervades the technology. The second phase puts thinking amps that let modern players gave people the tools they needed.” any band – from country to extreme really established in the UK,” says Joel. every aspect of the operation. As such, all that technology into a prototype, find their voice. “If you go online,” says “We knew we were leaving a well- metal – would feel comfortable with.” “You can feel the growth.” the next game-changing brainwave every aspect of which we make Paul, “you get people saying, ‘This is how known brand,” picks up Bruce. “But we Then came the ultimate trial-by-fire. Much has changed in a decade, could come from anywhere, be that the here in the UK: chassis, electronics, amp-building has to be.’ Well, I’m an old were also somewhat limited: people The Musikmesse: the Frankfurt trade but Blackstar has stayed true to that four co-founders, head of R&D Laurent PCB, cabinet – everything. Then we punk-rocker and, for me, it was all about expect Marshall to do Marshall things. show where fledgling brands either fly founding pub philosophy. “Our tagline Veignal or trainee service engineer Tyler engage with the manufacturer, take breaking the rules, doing it yourself We set out to make the most flexible or die. “It was so last-minute,” says Paul. is The Sound In Your Head,” notes Joel. Silsby. “Innovation is our number-one that research prototype and discuss and being creative. The point of playing amps we could design.” “Richard and Ian were putting units “That’s what every guitarist wants.” criteria,” says Laurent. “We have regular everything from tests to choosing guitar is to express yourself.”

4 5

GIT424.black_01.indd 4 12/07/2017 16:01 GIT424.black_01.indd 5 12/07/2017 16:01 All Blackstar amps and components must pass rigorous tests – including being put through the company’s ‘endurance room’ – before they reach the ﬁnal design stages and can then go into production ready to market

A passion for music runs strong in the veins of all company employees, so from boardroom (head of marketing, Joel Richardson, above with directors Ian, top, and Paul) to stage, you can guarantee that FOR MUSICIANS. players’ needs are at the forefront of development BY MUSICIANS With every Blackstar team member obsessed by guitars,passion flows HEAVY DUTY into the products. Meet the engineers wielding pliers and plectrums In a world of fragile boutique valve amps, Blackstar products have a reputation for bulletproof reliability. Here’s how tone got tough n some companies, it might their products. “You start out as a music when we signed up Gus G., who was with raise eyebrows that the listener,” considers the Italian, “then you Ozzy at the time. He was playing the O2 I finance director collects start playing an instrument. Then you Arena, and he had a wall of 12 Blackstar ive music is a war zone. This competitors. The components cost us passes the test. If something is going to guitars, rides a Harley to work and study electronics. Like everyone here, stacks. A pinch-yourself moment: we’ve world of rowdy fans, dubious more, because they’re more reliable, fail, we want to know what it will be and follows The Stranglers across the it starts as a love for music, then you got one of the best guitar players in L venue wiring and van rides because we’re de-rating them.” how it will go. I can remember Richard country. But then, as Alex Mathews wonder what you can do to contribute.” the world, and he’s playing with a wall down potholed roads is a recipe to kill It’s no secret that Blackstar amps Frost dropping Series One valve amps reminds us, the folk at Blackstar live “Out of the 40 people here,” says Joel of Blackstars. Then there was James a valve amp. Unless it’s a Blackstar. have some of the toughest construction from over his head, just to see what and breathe their profession: “This Richardson, “we’ve got around 35 that Hetfield on the Death Magnetic tour. We The tone might steal the headlines, around, with road-friendly features would break. Of course, the valves would is a unique firm. The proportion of play an instrument. That absolutely brought down a Series One, he loved it – but just as much knowledge and including plated-through double-sided go. But then you’d put new valves back the team who play guitar here is very feeds into the work we’re doing at and that became his warm-up amp.” perspiration goes into ensuring these PCBs, seam-welded steel chassis and in and it would continue to work. So by high. Even those who don’t play have Blackstar. It helps you understand what Just as music tastes at Blackstar amps take the live circuit on the chin. finger-jointed birch ply cabinets. If the time the product gets to market, a passion for music. It’s an important it’s all about. It’s in our vision and our HQ are dizzyingly eclectic, so the artist “I don’t think there’s any reason why a there’s a chink in the armour, meanwhile, we’re very confident that it’s going to factor for the culture of the business.” values. It’s a theme that runs across the roster runs the gamut, from Nashville’s Blackstar couldn’t last you a lifetime,” the testing process will root it out. “We be reliable. And it gives us a bit of fun, company. You have to be a musician. You most respected country players to nods Ian Robinson. “As long as you do hours and hours of testing,” says throwing stuff around.” Likewise, Blackstar’s Northampton HQ need to understand a player’s needs.” the cream of Brit-rock. “James Dean don’t drop it in a swimming pool.” Laurent Veignal. “We’ll stress to the point This obsessive testing is certainly is not your typical corporate stronghold. It’s true: the Blackstar team are able to Bradfield has been with us for a number of destruction, electronically as well. reassuring for customers (as is Stroll through the office and you’ll find anticipate the wishlist of players at every of years,” says Joel. “Steve Cradock is It’s no accident that a Blackstar amp We’ll look at the worst-case scenario, the aftersales service department guitars leaning against desks, music level, from the novice fretting his first another one from that generation of stays bulletproof for its whole lifespan. like someone playing a Mexican festival managed by Phil Gowers). But posters and gig ticket stubs framed chord in a bedroom to the megastar on indie and Britpop players. Gaz Coombes All the classic valves might be present with a big heavy-metal sound for three perhaps the ultimate testament to on the walls, records blaring, staff the arena stage. “You’ve got everything was another. All those guys have stayed and correct – from the ECC83 to the days non-stop.” Blackstar reliability is that these amps discussing the hottest new guitarists from a £50 amp to a £1.5k hand-wired with us. It’s not just established artists EL34 – but that only tells half the story. “The testing starts before an amp have survived international touring – not to mention their own musical amp,” explains marketing and artist we work with, it’s also the hard-working “When we design these amps,” says Ian, is even committed to a full design,” duties with metal’s most notorious aspirations. From service engineer liaison assistant James Evans. “As a up and coming bands, too, from all “we design out areas we know can add confirms Ian. “We have an endurance hellraiser. “In 10 years,” points out Paul Mat Day (a virtuoso blues player) to young guitarist when I joined Blackstar, genres of music. Importantly, though, unreliability. Going deeper, we de-rate room where we’ll do reliability and Hayhoe, “we’ve never had a Series One design engineer Marco Comunità (a that was really important.” it’s the guys that we had at the start that all the power-dissipating components accelerated lifetime testing. Plus, we’re transformer fail. And they’ve been on stompbox obsessive from Rome), this “One of the most memorable have stuck with us. Blackstar just gives much more aggressively than our not just interested in whether an amp the road with Ozzy Osbourne…” is a team whose passion bleeds into moments for me,” reflects Joel, “was them exactly what they want.”

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GIT424.black_01.indd 6 12/07/2017 16:01 GIT424.black_01.indd 7 12/07/2017 16:01 All Blackstar amps and components must pass rigorous tests – including being put through the company’s ‘endurance room’ – before they reach the ﬁnal design stages and can then go into production ready to market

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GIT424.black_01.indd 6 12/07/2017 16:01 GIT424.black_01.indd 7 12/07/2017 16:01 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The four mavericks who shook up the amp world to create Blackstar: Ian Robinson, managing director; Paul Hayhoe, sales and marketing director; Richard Frost, special projects director; and Bruce Keir, technical director

When did you realise that Blackstar was really taking off? Richard: “I think the HT-5 will go down as one of the pivotal product releases. Obviously, the Artisan and Series One were great, but from the point of view CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The humble shed in Ian Robinson’s Northampton back garden where of people being aware of Blackstar, it all began; three game-changing patents from the HT-5 went absolutely vertical. We Blackstar – Inﬁnite Shape Feature (ISF), Dynamic couldn’t make them quick enough. And Power Reduction (DPR) and True Valve Power (TVP) BACK IN BLACK then obviously, after that, something BRIGHT SPARKS In 2007, Bruce Keir, Ian Robinson, Paul Hayhoe like the HT Venue, which was a success In an industry where others tread water, Blackstar made quantum leaps straight out of the gate.” and Richard Frost risked it all with a new breed and pushed amp design forward with three patented brainwaves Do you think you’ve stayed true to of amp company. They reflect on the ride so far your original mission? Bruce: “Yes, I do. That tagline – ‘The ewind to 2004 and explains Ian. “We had 10 different reduction, you get a nasty, crackly Sound In Your Head’ – I think we have Blackstar’s original HQ, a versions of the tone stack, letting you breakup. DPR does it dynamically, so met that.” R Northampton garden shed, it voice the amp anywhere – but with one when you’re playing guitar really quietly, hen Blackstar set out in Richard Frost (special projects hardly looked like the epicentre of an dial and the same response between there’s no power reduction, but when 2007, how did you want to director): “People always like new How does it feel now to reach that amplifier revolution. And yet, from bass, middle and treble as you’d feel you hit the guitar, it’s applied. The other W be different? things – but the proof of the pudding is decade milestone? this makeshift base, Bruce Keir and with a normal tone stack. We realised: big step forward is that DPR retains the Bruce Keir (technical director): “So if your product is actually really good Richard: “Most of the time, the time Ian Robinson dreamt up the technical ‘This should be a standard feature.’ damping characteristic between the much guitar amp design is recycled, and and different. That’s the biggest thing goes so quickly that you struggle to keep quantum leaps that would fire the “ISF was a lightbulb moment,” he power amp and the loudspeaker. It still working in the shed was a very exciting that we’ve proved – that people like a a good view on how long it’s been. When imagination of countless players adds. “From Leo Fender putting a mid on gives you the same feel. So again, it was time, because we knew that we wanted good product.” you think back to the shed, it feels like across every genre. in the 50s to when we launched the first overcoming a practical limitation of the to raise the bar. We always wanted to it was only a couple of years ago. Then ISF product, there had been no step existing methods. know, ‘Well, why does it sound like that, What have been your favourite you look at the dates and realise it was “We had the luxury of Bruce’s massive forward in terms of the tone stack.” “TVP was something we thought and how can we make it sound better?’” moments from the past decade? 10 years. There aren’t many companies brain and three years of research,” Even failure can spark an innovation. about in the shed era, too,” adds Ian. Ian Robinson (managing director): Paul: “There’s a whole load. That first that have managed to take it to the recalls Paul Hayhoe. “There were no After an early attempt to create a power “Wouldn’t it be great to have a solid- “For us, it was all about helping people prototype unit, when all the pictures same level.” sacred cows. A lot of things haven’t soak device hit a wall, the team took it as state amp that replicated the responses, get the sound in their heads. That was and logos I’d drawn became a physical Ian: “When you run a business, you changed in amplification for 60 years. the jump-off for DPR, which solved the very accurately, of the different valve always the driving force for us.” product – that was amazing.” don’t necessarily see the overall growth So we’d go, ‘Okay, that’s the way it’s age-old dilemma of reducing valve amp types? You need about two-and-a-half Bruce: “I suppose you could say that or achievement. But I try to remind done – but is that the best?’ If it isn’t, volume without killing tone. “There are times the power in a solid-state design Now 10 years on, why do you think getting Blackstar established in the myself and the other guys that we we’ll do whatever the better solution is.” power attenuators and half-power to capture the same dynamic response. Blackstar has been so successful? first place was a pivotal moment for should be proud. We’ve established Pop the bonnet of a Blackstar and switches,” explains Bruce, “but they But the clever bit of TVP is that you don’t Paul Hayhoe (sales and marketing us all. And the first trade show we did a global, market-leading brand, and you’ll find patented tech offering real- never retain the transparency of the need the same headroom at all director): “The comment we get most at Frankfurt. We’d spent so much time stayed completely true to our principles world benefits, from the Infinite Shape amp. You reduce the power, but it frequencies. We managed to implement from people is that they love the sound developing the technical ideas and – in 10 years. I think Blackstar has made Feature (ISF), Dynamic Power doesn’t sound like the amp is quieter. It this Shangri-La of a solid-state power and reliability. They’ll tell us things like, the first products. So to walk into the a big impact on the music scene and the Reduction (DPR) or True Valve Power sounds like a completely different amp.” amp that sounds, feels and responds ‘I can take it everywhere,’ ‘It makes my Frankfurt Messe and see the stand and music that people are playing. That’s (TVP). “ISF came about because we “Other people have reduced the the same as a valve amp. With us, it’s guitar sound the best’ and ‘It’s the sound logo there, it felt like, ‘Right, this is a big something we should all definitely be wanted to get a big-name artist by giving voltages,” picks up Ian, “but when you never science for the sake of it; it’s I’ve been trying to get.’” point now.’” proud of.” them the ability to choose any sound,” play an amp that’s got static power always about solving a problem.”

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GIT424.black_01.indd 8 12/07/2017 16:01 GIT424.black_01.indd 9 12/07/2017 16:01 CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT The four mavericks who shook up the amp world to create Blackstar: Ian Robinson, managing director; Paul Hayhoe, sales and marketing director; Richard Frost, special projects director; and Bruce Keir, technical director

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GIT424.black_01.indd 8 12/07/2017 16:01 GIT424.black_01.indd 9 12/07/2017 16:01 PRODUCT PROFILE ARTISAN Kick-starting the brand in 2007, Blackstar’s award-winning hand-wired amp series raised the bar to heights where other builders fear to tread

he history books will tell you back when radio transmitters and that the Artisan debuted everything else was all point-to-point T in 2007, planting the flag valve. He won’t accept second-best.” for the fledgling Blackstar brand, The vintage red Tolex, engraved sweeping up accolades and storming ‘running wheat’ design and welded steel pro stages. “A great moment for me,” chassis make the Artisan the smartest recalls Ian Robinson, “was when we (and toughest) stage furniture around, got the Guitarist ‘Gold’ award for the but it’s the powerful, responsive and Artisan 30. That was basically our first astonishingly pure tone that separates amp that was ever reviewed – and we this amp series from the chasing pack. got the absolute highest accolade “Clarity,” says Ian. “That’s what it’s from Nick Guppy, who was a journalist all about. When you’re playing with we all respected. We thought we must overdrive, you might have a lot of notes, be onto something good; it justified but you can hear every last one. All that our decision to go our own way.” muddiness you get with other makes – that doesn’t exist with the Artisan.” It’s true: few valve amps have made such While the Artisan’s crystalline voicings a seismic impact in the post-millennium. are built on the foundation of ECC83/ Yet in reality, the roots of the Artisan can EF86 preamp and EL84 power valves be traced back through the decades, to in the combos and EL34s in the 100- an electronics-obsessed teenager living watt head, it’s ultimately the intensive in northern England. “When I was young, hours spent cross-referencing – and some engineers came to refurbish improving on – history’s greatest point- the radio transmitters,” remembers to-point hand-wired amp tones that Bruce Keir, “and left behind a big pile has elevated this series to its hallowed of redundant equipment. I was keen to status. “Those reference amps don’t see what I could do with it, in terms of always meet your expectations in terms understanding how it worked. My older of sound,” says Paul. “So the whole point brother kept pestering me to design a of the Artisan was that we refined the guitar amp, so this big mound of surplus tone. When you plug in, it sounds like electronics – that’s how I set out. what you think a great hand-wired amp “The Artisan harks back to my interest should sound like. It’s a professional in electronics in the first place,” he adds. choice, but a different flavour.” “It’s an important series for us, because In fact, with features including channel it’s a hand-wired amp. Obviously, blending, switchable triode/pentode the production time and the cost of modes and the 100 model’s Voice producing it is relatively high compared control that tailors the preamp and to a PCB design. But again, it is the power amp to take a player anywhere equipment I cut my teeth on.” between 50s US tone and late 60s Examine the Artisans today and you’ll British crunch, the Artisan represents The hand-wired Artisan series was a labour of love for see that backstory represented in the a kaleidoscope of sonic flavours. No technical director, Bruce Keir, referencing the radio thrilling collision of forensic old-school wonder it’s pricked up some of the most transmitters of his youth that initially ﬁred his interest construction and innovative modern discerning ears in the business, drawing in electronics. The immaculately wired tagboards within touches. “The way Bruce designed the users as diverse as Billy Gibbons, James (pictured above) are testament to their old-school inﬂuence Artisan, in terms of the tagboard, the Dean Bradfield, Richard Hawley and Uli layout,” says Paul Hayhoe, “they don’t Jon Roth. “At last,” Pat Travers famously look like other hand-wired amps. They’re exclaimed after trying an Artisan 100, meticulously designed and so neat; in a soundbite that nailed the appeal. that’s because of Bruce’s experiences, “I can hear my $8,000 guitar…”

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GIT424.black_02.indd 10 10/07/2017 10:43 GIT424.black_02.indd 11 10/07/2017 10:44 PRODUCT PROFILE ARTISAN Kick-starting the brand in 2007, Blackstar’s award-winning hand-wired amp series raised the bar to heights where other builders fear to tread

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GIT424.black_02.indd 10 10/07/2017 10:43 GIT424.black_02.indd 11 10/07/2017 10:44 PRODUCT PROFILE S ERIES ONE Two patents. No limits. Back in 2007, theSeries One launched the Blackstar brand into orbit, and it’s still the pros’ choice today

here comes a time when mighty gain but came with thin raw every promising amp-builder tone. None excelled on both fronts. T must deliver on its potential. “So the aim with the Series One was And with the Series One, Blackstar to build the world’s best-sounding and turned from plucky underdog to most flexible traditional valve amp,” heavyweight contender. Launched says Ian Robinson. “Our approach was alongside the Artisan in 2007, this that it would have the optimum clean was an amp that realised Blackstar’s and overdrive sounds we could design. towering ambitions and threw down We spent a lot of time on each sound, a gauntlet. “It had to be the flagship,” down in the shed, with every reference remembers Paul Hayhoe. “It had to you can imagine, making each sound showcase the Blackstar philosophy. the best it could be. Quite often, you It had to tell people, ‘This is what have a circuit and the whole thing is we’re all about.’” designed homogeneously. This isn’t. We designed the Series One almost like Perhaps above all, what the Series four separate amps.” One represented on its launch was Even with up to four-channel selection innovation, on a scale that hadn’t been via MIDI or footswitch, the team took seen in the staid valve amp sector since pains to ensure the Series One had a the golden age of the 50s. At a time clear identity. “How do you go between when the typical valve head forced its each of the channels and not feel users to accept a single prescribed tone, like you’ve got four different amps?” the Series One’s unprecedented dual- considers Ian. “As a guitarist, you don’t patent design allowed flexible operation want to feel like you’re always plugging and limitless tweaking. “It was a very into a totally different amp. So that was The Blackstar team set a stratospheric target for the Series special amp for us,” says Bruce Keir, the challenge – to have no compromise One: “The aim was to build the world’s best-sounding and most ﬂexible traditional valve amp,” says Ian Robinson. “because it brought in the ISF and DPR. and also make the amp sit together as And boy did they deliver, with pros as diverse as (L-R Those features are both there to aid the a product.” below) country player Joe Don Rooney, metaller Gus G. guitarist. It’s all about the ‘sound in your 10 years down the line, the Series and Journey legend Neal Schon plugging in on stage head’, not necessarily the sound in our One’s enduring success in head and heads. Quite rightly, we all have different combo formats confirms that Blackstar expectations and desires in terms of nailed the brief. In 2017, following a what happens when you plug into a starburst of awards including the guitar amp.” coveted Guitarist ‘Choice’ and ‘Gold’ “Effectively, the ISF enabled you to Awards, and Total Guitar’s ‘Best Buy’ voice the Series One anywhere, from award, this tough, toneful, versatile a Fender or a Boogie tone stack right amp range is one of the brightest through to a Marshall and beyond,” constellations in the Blackstar explains Paul. “But the key thing is that firmament and a go-to choice for it’s infinite, so it’s anywhere in-between. ambitious musicians and A-list stars. So you actually get your own sound. “We achieved it,” reflects Ian. “An amp The DPR meant the Series One was a that integrates all those features and valve amp that you could use at different still has that holistic feel. One that’s so volume levels, yet it still had the sound good at cleans that you have some of and response of your amp – which had the top Nashville players using it. And been the Holy Grail since forever.” it’s so good at overdrives that you’ve Before the Series One was born, got Gus G. and Silenoz [Dimmu Borgir] valve amps came with a compromise. using it. And it’s so good at crunch Some on the market offered a classy that you’ve got guys like James Dean clean channel but came with a puny Bradfield using it. It’s a phenomenal overdrive. Others out there delivered achievement, really…”

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GIT424.black_02.indd 12 10/07/2017 10:44 GIT424.black_02.indd 13 10/07/2017 10:44 PRODUCT PROFILE S ERIES ONE Two patents. No limits. Back in 2007, theSeries One launched the Blackstar brand into orbit, and it’s still the pros’ choice today

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GIT424.black_02.indd 12 10/07/2017 10:44 GIT424.black_02.indd 13 10/07/2017 10:44 Seven years on from the launch PRODUCT PROFILE of the HT Venue, this year’s MkII raises with the bar even further, with greater ﬂexibility, more tonal choice, and a lighter weight to present a truly versatile modern H T VENUE MKII workhorse for stage and studio

How do you top the all-conquering valve series that blew the roof off the live circuit? With the new and improvedHT Venue MkII

ight now, somewhere in MkII’s improvements start to reveal the world, it’s a safe bet themselves. “The clean channel sounds R that someone is gigging – the whole topology – is so much an original Blackstar HT Venue. improved,” explains Paul. “We really Launched in 2010, this valve road spent a lot of time tweaking things, warrior announced itself as the A/B-ing with the old HT Venues and ultimate working musician’s amp, other historic reference amps. Each demanding a place in your van by time we thought we were done, we’d being sweet-sounding enough to listen again – then tweak it one more tame the crowd in any venue and time. It’s just about getting closer to – tough enough to ride shotgun all dare I say it – perfection.” night in the hold. “There are two modes on the clean channel,” adds Ian, “so you’ve got the A less innovative amp-builder might sound of two £2,000 amps, just with have been content to rest on its laurels that one button. We’ve increased the and watch the sales rack up, but as flexibility of the overdrive significantly, this year’s launch of the HT Venue MkII too: you’ve got two modes on each reminds us, that’s not the Blackstar way. overdrive channel, so that’s effectively “We didn’t want to break HT Venue,” four overdrives. We’ve also integrated a reflects Joel Richardson. “For a lot of version of our HT Metal sounds into the people, that line was their introduction MkII, so you’ve got the pristine cleans to Blackstar. This new series is and amazing crunches we’ve always everything that people have been asking been renowned for – but the high-gain for. It’s giving them what they wanted. metal stuff as well. Plus, with MkII, we’ve But more – and better.” been listening to thousand-pound rack Sequels can be on thin ice. But the systems to get absolutely the best HT Venue MkII runs with the core DNA studio-quality reverb. Every single part of the Guitarist ‘Choice’ Award-winning of it has been improved.” original – the valve power, the ISF, the The modern working musician rugged construction – while raising pinballs between stage, studio and the spec with a fistful of developments home production, and the Blackstar inspired by listening to the musician team were keen to address each on the street. “It maintains all the great scenario you might encounter. “The things about the HT Venue, but it’s a MkII has push-button power reduction,” floor-up redesign,” says Ian Robinson. explains Paul Hayhoe. “For gigging, “We’ve paid attention to what people they’re more compact and lightweight, liked about the original, and decided and another key thing that everyone’s where we can improve it. We’re seven been asking for is to make all the modes years on now. We’ve learnt so much.” footswitchable, so that gives you a lot The MkII was a true group effort, more flexibility live. The other addition is with Blackstar’s fluid departmental a four-channel USB Out with reamping structure meaning that development – because everyone loves recording involved everyone from senior design at home.” engineer Paul Stevens (responsible for If it ain’t broke, as they say, don’t fix it. schematics and PCB) to digital product Granted, drilling into the all-conquering team leader Dan Wright (who worked on HT Venue series might have been a tweaking voicings). “The MkII had to be risk, but the MkII is the proof that, in a team thing,” explains Paul, “because Blackstar’s hands, even a benchmark there’s just so much going on.” can move forward. “We’re a 21st century And how. From the moment that company,” says Paul Stevens, “and this the cable hits the input jack, the is a 21st century amp.”

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GIT424.black_02.indd 14 10/07/2017 10:44 GIT424.black_02.indd 15 10/07/2017 10:44 Seven years on from the launch PRODUCT PROFILE of the HT Venue, this year’s MkII raises with the bar even further, with greater ﬂexibility, more tonal choice, and a lighter weight to present a truly versatile modern H T VENUE MKII workhorse for stage and studio

How do you top the all-conquering valve series that blew the roof off the live circuit? With the new and improvedHT Venue MkII

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GIT424.black_02.indd 14 10/07/2017 10:44 GIT424.black_02.indd 15 10/07/2017 10:44 PRODUCT PROFILE PRODUCT PROFILE D I G I TAL PROD UCTS BLACKS TAR C ATALOGUE Blackstar might have debuted as a valve specialist, butdigital was always It began with high-end valve amps, but Blackstar has grown to address part of the vision. Here’s how the ID:Series silenced thedoubters the needs of every player – whoever you are, whatever you play

nalogue. Digital. While less financial necessity. The ID:Series – and an ID:Series prototype to America and n amp for everyone, In 2017, the Blackstar product range through a mini amp. “Mini amps were open-minded amp-builders its stripped-back sibling, ID:Core – can showing it to one of the big retail chains. regardless of budget, ability runs the gamut. The Artisan, Series seen as toys, just a novelty. We looked at A and musicians draw take much of the credit for smashing And he asked me, ‘Well, how did you get A or musical taste. It might One and Artist represent the finest in the power amps, looked at the speakers. battlelines between these two that perception. “When I came onboard, all those valves in there…?’” sound like a utopian fantasy – or a modern valve amplification. The HT Basically, inside the Fly, there’s a really schools of tech, Blackstar has essentially as part of the team to start For Blackstar, digital isn’t a sector flat-out denial of market economics family spans from the gain-heavy HT well-designed little linear speaker. It’s a always recognised that each sector the digital world for Blackstar,” recalls to dabble in, but a vital strand of the – but over the past decade, the Metal series to the studio-friendly HT-1 totally different approach.” has unique merits and drawbacks. digital product team leader Dan Wright, company’s ongoing work. A given team Blackstar product catalogue has and 5 range. The ID:Series rewrites the “The Fly is a three-watt mini amp,” “There are certain things you can only “the public had a very different attitude member might work on the Artisan by advanced into every sector and digital rulebook, the ID:Core slashes the adds Joel Richardson, “but it’s a great- do with valves,” says Bruce Keir, “and towards digital. Then we brought out the day and the ID:Core by night. An amp price-point, levelling an industry price, while the ID:Core BEAM debuts sounding little amp. Paul Draper, who other things that you have to do with ID:Series. The perception has shifted.” might feature valves, DSP – or a fusion that has historically been built on Bluetooth tech that means your amp was the guitar player in Mansun and a signal processing.” Out of leftfield, the ID:Series touched of both. “As far as we’re concerned,” elitism. Back in 20 07, the firm made doubles as a home entertainment great producer, has recorded with a Fly. down in 2012 to a flurry of media awards explains Dan, “we do things because early headlines for its flagship valve system. “ID:Core was revolutionary for The Quireboys recorded a whole album As such, while Blackstar’s earliest and public acclaim. At last, a digital amp they sound best, not because ‘that’s amps, picked out by professionals us,” says Dan Wright, “because it showed with one. Richard Hawley also recorded 2007 amps were powered by valves, series that delivered at a professional how it was done in 1960s’. We approach at the highest level. Ye t every bit as us that we could do something at a price with a Fly, and he goes out and does secret plans were afoot under cover of level. True Valve Power (TVP) let players it from an engineering point of view. central to the Blackstar range are the point that gave players the feeling of small live dates with it, too. Crazy stuff. darkness. “Back then, in the daytime, choose between six power valve We’re not precious in terms of historical products that arm working bands and standing in front of a huge wall of stacks And then, with the Fly Bass – there just Bruce would be in the shed, working responses. ISF, onboard digital effects stuff. It’s whatever is the best solution aspirant players. in your bedroom.” wasn’t anything like that for bass players on our valve amps, the Series One and and six Voice options unlocked every to deliver the best sound. It’s whatever With its ISF tone-shaping and on the market.” Artisan,” remembers Paul Hayhoe. “But tone in the book. Plus, when a guitarist gives people what they want to use.” “Right from the start, we wanted a tape delay, the LT-Echo redefines It’s all evidence of Blackstar’s in the evening, he’d go home and work dreamt up a bespoke tone, it could be And as Ian Robinson reminds us, the full catalogue of products,” says Paul expectations for a practice amp. The commitment to providing the backline on the digital algorithms that eventually shot through a USB port for recording or ID:Series is just the start. “When you Hayhoe.“We didn’t want to be a niche HT pedal range puts valve tone under for every player, whether they’re playing got developed into the ID:Series. It was sharing. But the real line in the sand was design a valve amp, you’re somewhat high-end brand. So we started at the your boots (while the LT stompers keep a stadium, pub or bedsit. “It’s essential the culmination of his life’s work, really.” the tone. “Bruce has always said there’s restricted by the laws of physics,” he top, cut our teeth with what is perceived it under your budget). Meanwhile, for for us to make great amps for the There was a time when the pub bore no reason a digital amp can’t sound points out. “The exciting thing about as the top of the line – valve amps. But musicians on the move, there’s the average musician,” says Paul. “We’ve all would insist that valves were intrinsically as good as valve,” says Paul, “as long digital products is that those physical then we came down through the price- Fly range, its concept born when Ian been in bands, we’ve all had that dream, ‘better’ than digital, and that solid- as you have the understanding of how laws can be changed. So if you ask if points to provide an affordable amp Robinson wondered why AC/DC’s Back and it’s a passion you never shake off. state combos were strictly for teenage the valve amp works, then apply that there’s gas in the tank for digital stuff – for everyone that will deliver the best in In Black rocked on a quality digital radio, We do as much as we can to support players forced to compromise by to the digital world. I remember taking the potential is huge.” tone, features and innovation.” when the same riff sounded terrible and inspire those players.”

Blackstar spearheaded the digital ampliﬁcation revolution with the Blackstar’s innovative catalogue of products includes the ID:Series family of amps, harnessing technology to go beyond the Fly 3, which is more than just a mini amp; it’s also able to act restrictions of valves for a future of professional, customisable tone as a portable speaker system for quality sounds on the move

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GIT424.black_03.indd 16 7/10/17 10:44 AM GIT424.black_03.indd 17 7/10/17 10:44 AM PRODUCT PROFILE PRODUCT PROFILE D I G I TAL PROD UCTS BLACKS TAR C ATALOGUE Blackstar might have debuted as a valve specialist, butdigital was always It began with high-end valve amps, but Blackstar has grown to address part of the vision. Here’s how the ID:Series silenced thedoubters the needs of every player – whoever you are, whatever you play

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GIT424.black_03.indd 16 7/10/17 10:44 AM GIT424.black_03.indd 17 7/10/17 10:44 AM Celebrating 10 years of the sound in your head with... THE P ROFESSIONALS BLACKS TAR ARTIS T S From big-star household names to the next big thing on the scene, Blackstar’s artist roster reaches across every genre to deliver pro tone

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Mercury-nominated Richard Hawley, Polecats and Morissey guitarist Boz Boorer, and blues rocker Jared James Nichols are just a selection of the top-class artists making Blackstar their go-to name for ampliﬁcation

James Williamson Tommy Henriksen Nicke Borg Gaz Coombes Iggy & the Stooges Alice Cooper Backyard Babies Supergrass “From the first time I fired up “I hit an ‘A’ chord and the Series “I need to be able to go from “The Artisan 30 has all the the Blackstar Artisan 30H... One 104EL34 screamed ‘F*CK 0-100 in seconds. That’s why I vintage tones in one box.” Wow, wow, wow... it sounded YOU!’ I knew I was in love!!” drive a Chrysler 300C and play a (Artisan 30 user since 2008) fantastic!” (Series One 104EL34 user Blackstar Series One 100.” (Artisan 30H user since 2009) since 2011) (Series One 100 user since 2009)

ake a look at the Blackstar tried the Artisan 30. By the time the “Our amps are used by players from artist roster and you’ll find band went on stage, it was incorporated every genre,” Joel reminds us. “We have T some of the most influential into Darran Smith’s rig. “That’s pretty country players like Luke Bryan and Joe guitarists in the world using Blackstar much the way it went,” smiles Joel. “I also Don Rooney using the Series One 200, amps from every genre, plus a host of travelled to Sheffield to meet Pat Travers the same amp played by Silenoz from up and coming players. Someone has to demo the amps. He loved the Artisan Dimmu Borgir and Gus G. from Firewind. to be responsible for supporting them 100 so much he used it that night and It shows the versatility designed into a and spotting the next big thing – is still uses it 10 years on. Steve Cradock Blackstar amp.” this the best job in the world? tried a prototype Artisan 30 and that’s Today, artist support is handled by been the base of his sound ever since. James Evans in the Northampton HQ Joel Richardson, Blackstar’s head of “We were all so proud when James and Will Jakeway in an office at the John marketing, spent the first 18 months Hetfield put a Series One in the Metallica Henry rehearsal studios in London. “We after the brand’s launch driving up and live room,” Joel adds, “and just as thrilled have so many artists,” says Will, “that it’s down the motorway with a car full of when Billy F. Gibbons started using convenient to have a base in London. Richard Hawley Leslie West Alex Robertshaw Pat Travers Artisan hand-wired amps and valve an Artisan 15. He tried one in a Guitar Here we can introduce Blackstar to new “When I first plugged my Mountain Everything Everything The Pat Travers Band HT Pedals to a long list of artists he Center, and after jamming for two hours players and support our existing artists, guitar into the Artisan 30 I was “Open the throttle up and go “The Artisan 30 is the best amp “The Artisan 100 is the best knew. “After all the years of undercover he called me asking for three amps!” sometimes at very short notice….” immediately smitten. When into overdrive.” I’ve used.” amp I have ever plugged research in the garden shed and “It’s important to remember that we So what’s next? “We’re continually you play quiet it responds and (Series One 100 user since 2011) (Artisan 30 user since 2014) a guitar into.” planning around Ian’s kitchen table, we don’t pay people to use our amps,” adds looking for new artists to use Blackstar,” when you dig in it follows you. (Artisan 100 user since 2007) were finally getting the products in front Paul Hayhoe. “They use them because a says Joel. “Whether you play rock or I love it.” (Artisan 30 user since 2012) of artists. The response was amazing.” Blackstar gives them the sound they’re punk, country or jazz, you’ve just been Funeral For a Friend were met on tour looking for and is absolutely bulletproof signed or you’re playing Wembley – we during a soundcheck in Cambridge and in terms of reliability.” want you to try a Blackstar!” ...and all the other Blackstar players around the world. 18

GIT424.black_03.indd 18 7/10/17 10:44 AM GIT424.black_artist2.indd 19 18/07/2017 11:43 Celebrating 10 years of the sound in your head with... THE P ROFESSIONALS BLACKS TAR ARTIS T S From big-star household names to the next big thing on the scene, Blackstar’s artist roster reaches across every genre to deliver pro tone

Silenoz Boz Boorer Billy Lunn Mike Spreitzer Dimmu Borgir Morrissey The Subways DevilDriver “The Series One 200 is the very “It’s nice to see the reliability “This is how we make buildings “The Blackstar Series One definition of guitar sound and and class of British engineering fall down.” 1046L6 is a BEAST of an amp! will break new ground – mark and design is alive and living (Artisan 30 user since 2008) Versatile and reliable... through my words!” under the banner of Blackstar and throughout.” (Series One 200 user since 2007) Amplification.” (Series One 1046L6 user (Artisan 30 user since 2009) since 2012) ake a look at the Blackstar tried the Artisan 30. By the time the “Our amps are used by players from artist roster and you’ll find band went on stage, it was incorporated every genre,” Joel reminds us. “We have T some of the most influential into Darran Smith’s rig. “That’s pretty country players like Luke Bryan and Joe guitarists in the world using Blackstar much the way it went,” smiles Joel. “I also Don Rooney using the Series One 200, amps from every genre, plus a host of travelled to Sheffield to meet Pat Travers the same amp played by Silenoz from up and coming players. Someone has to demo the amps. He loved the Artisan Dimmu Borgir and Gus G. from Firewind. to be responsible for supporting them 100 so much he used it that night and It shows the versatility designed into a and spotting the next big thing – is still uses it 10 years on. Steve Cradock Blackstar amp.” this the best job in the world? tried a prototype Artisan 30 and that’s Today, artist support is handled by been the base of his sound ever since. James Evans in the Northampton HQ Joel Richardson, Blackstar’s head of “We were all so proud when James and Will Jakeway in an office at the John marketing, spent the first 18 months Hetfield put a Series One in the Metallica Henry rehearsal studios in London. “We after the brand’s launch driving up and live room,” Joel adds, “and just as thrilled have so many artists,” says Will, “that it’s down the motorway with a car full of when Billy F. Gibbons started using convenient to have a base in London. Richard Hawley Leslie West Alex Robertshaw Pat Travers Artisan hand-wired amps and valve an Artisan 15. He tried one in a Guitar Here we can introduce Blackstar to new “When I first plugged my Mountain Everything Everything The Pat Travers Band HT Pedals to a long list of artists he Center, and after jamming for two hours players and support our existing artists, guitar into the Artisan 30 I was “Open the throttle up and go “The Artisan 30 is the best amp “The Artisan 100 is the best knew. “After all the years of undercover he called me asking for three amps!” sometimes at very short notice….” immediately smitten. When into overdrive.” I’ve used.” amp I have ever plugged research in the garden shed and “It’s important to remember that we So what’s next? “We’re continually you play quiet it responds and (Series One 100 user since 2011) (Artisan 30 user since 2014) a guitar into.” planning around Ian’s kitchen table, we don’t pay people to use our amps,” adds looking for new artists to use Blackstar,” when you dig in it follows you. (Artisan 100 user since 2007) were finally getting the products in front Paul Hayhoe. “They use them because a says Joel. “Whether you play rock or I love it.” (Artisan 30 user since 2012) of artists. The response was amazing.” Blackstar gives them the sound they’re punk, country or jazz, you’ve just been Funeral For a Friend were met on tour looking for and is absolutely bulletproof signed or you’re playing Wembley – we during a soundcheck in Cambridge and in terms of reliability.” want you to try a Blackstar!” ...and all the other Blackstar players around the world. 18

GIT424.black_03.indd 18 7/10/17 10:44 AM GIT424.black_artist2.indd 19 18/07/2017 11:43 “I was knocked out by the tone of the Artisan 30. It’s a testament to Blackstar that 10 years on mine are still going strong.” Steve Cradock - Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller

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