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You need a Blackstar HT-1

Tele52

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May 25, 2009
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1,693
These little amps are a blast. Only 1 watt, it is a bedroom amp. It really sounds great plugged into a bigger cab. Loaded with features, good reverb, loads of different crunches. It's just a fun little thing.
 

58Lover

Active member
Joined
Oct 27, 2001
Messages
4,133
I went with an HT-5 after hearing a friend's newest acquisition. I needed a little more power for studio/ jam use. That amp (and my newly redone Silvertone 1483) brought me back to enjoying playing again. I have also tried the HT-1 and I agree... they make one nice bedroom amp!
 
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sonar

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Joined
Jan 10, 2003
Messages
3,589
I'm with you Tele52!

Low volume crunch with the LP is an easy go-to and the reason I bought it.

Another setting I've been digging lately is cranking the volume full and setting the gain just to the point of break-up with a Tele. I don't know if it's supposed to, but chicken picking sounds really good on that setting. The Tele's bite isn't harsh and the HT's clean, to my ears, sounds compressed without using a pedal.

It's just a really fun amp.
 

57Lefty

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Jun 7, 2005
Messages
1,037
Not sure I'm gonna keep mine. It's a fun amp but its too bassy. Really wish it had a regular tone knob . Probably because its a closed back. And when I plug it into my 2x12 which is also a closed back, it sounds huge but still has too much bottom for my taste. Have not heard anybody doing any tube swaps on these yet but that may be a fix. Mine is the HT1R. I first played one in the store that was an HT1 and don't remember it having a lot of bottom.
 

Tele52

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May 25, 2009
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1,693
Not sure I'm gonna keep mine. It's a fun amp but its too bassy. Really wish it had a regular tone knob . Probably because its a closed back. And when I plug it into my 2x12 which is also a closed back, it sounds huge but still has too much bottom for my taste. Have not heard anybody doing any tube swaps on these yet but that may be a fix. Mine is the HT1R. I first played one in the store that was an HT1 and don't remember it having a lot of bottom.
I did read somewhere someone did tube upgrades and was very pleased. It is what it is. A little 1watt import amp. But I've had a lot of the 5 watters. I have a Mojo Tone 5F1 Champ. But the little HT-1 fills a crunch void for me. I have the R as well.
http://thetubestore.com/sba-blackstar-ht1.html
 

sonar

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Jan 10, 2003
Messages
3,589
I did read somewhere someone did tube upgrades and was very pleased.[/url]

I had a Mullard ECC82 in my stash that I threw in the HT to check out. It softened the attack a little bit without losing any grunt and gave the amp a more open feel (which I prefer) yet the amp is still a little bass heavy. I've all but run out of strong NOS/NIB 12AX7's (most are in my old Fender's) and ended up putting a NOS 12AX7 (forget brand?) in the HT that has seen better days. That swap isn't working out so well and I'll probably put the stock pre back in the amp. I've heard the Tung Sol 12AX7 sounds better in the HT1R compared to the stock Sovtek.

I agree the amp is a little bass heavy, but it's a nice change of pace compared to my other amps that tend to be bright.
 

Tele52

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May 25, 2009
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I had a Mullard ECC82 in my stash that I threw in the HT to check out. It softened the attack a little bit without losing any grunt and gave the amp a more open feel (which I prefer) yet the amp is still a little bass heavy. I've all but run out of strong NOS/NIB 12AX7's (most are in my old Fender's) and ended up putting a NOS 12AX7 (forget brand?) in the HT that has seen better days. That swap isn't working out so well and I'll probably put the stock pre back in the amp. I've heard the Tung Sol 12AX7 sounds better in the HT1R compared to the stock Sovtek.

I agree the amp is a little bass heavy, but it's a nice change of pace compared to my other amps that tend to be bright.

I have a new Tung Sol 12AX7, I think I'll try it. So, any ECC82 can be used? Aren't they Pre Amp tubes? I'm new at this, so please excuse my ignorance.
 

sonar

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Jan 10, 2003
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I have a new Tung Sol 12AX7, I think I'll try it. So, any ECC82 can be used? Aren't they Pre Amp tubes? I'm new at this, so please excuse my ignorance.

A 12AU7/ECC82 is a twin triode that can be used in a Class A/B power section. IIRC the AX87 Firefly amp project used a 12AU7 as the power tube. A NOS Mullard ECC82 sounds great in the HT1-R, which luckily I already had. Now knowing the results I've had with my Blackstar I wouldn't hesitate buying a NOS if prices for old Mullard ECC82's stay reasonable.

Let me know about the Tung Sol, as I'll probably pick one up if you have a good review.
 

Tele52

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May 25, 2009
Messages
1,693
A 12AU7/ECC82 is a twin triode that can be used in a Class A/B power section. IIRC the AX87 Firefly amp project used a 12AU7 as the power tube. A NOS Mullard ECC82 sounds great in the HT1-R, which luckily I already had. Now knowing the results I've had with my Blackstar I wouldn't hesitate buying a NOS if prices for old Mullard ECC82's stay reasonable.

Let me know about the Tung Sol, as I'll probably pick one up if you have a good review.
I will, I'm going to look for a Mullard.
 

Tele52

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Joined
May 25, 2009
Messages
1,693
I had a Mullard ECC82 in my stash that I threw in the HT to check out. It softened the attack a little bit without losing any grunt and gave the amp a more open feel (which I prefer) yet the amp is still a little bass heavy. I've all but run out of strong NOS/NIB 12AX7's (most are in my old Fender's) and ended up putting a NOS 12AX7 (forget brand?) in the HT that has seen better days. That swap isn't working out so well and I'll probably put the stock pre back in the amp. I've heard the Tung Sol 12AX7 sounds better in the HT1R compared to the stock Sovtek.

I agree the amp is a little bass heavy, but it's a nice change of pace compared to my other amps that tend to be bright.
How did you get the back off? they act like they don't want you in there.
 

Nihon Jim

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Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
511
Don't forget the Blackheart Killer Ant.

IMG_1884.jpg


Yea, I know...but the Blackheart logo comes off easily.

It just doesn't get any better than one knob controlling 1 watt of total sonic destruction.

Of course as a result I don't get to speak with the police nearly as much as when I cranked the bigger amps. I kinda' miss that...

Anyway, this thing rocks hard! :headbange
 

Tele52

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May 25, 2009
Messages
1,693
I tried a NOS Mullard 12au7, and a NOS brimar 12ax7. Didn't like it. Sounded better stock. I put the TAD 12au7 back in. And a new Tungsol 12AX7 in. Sounds good. I'm not sure if it's much,if any better. I guess, leave em alone, they work great. My stock preamp was a Sovtek. So they used good stuff.
 
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