I really want a Blackstar Artisan...should I?

not_the_dj

GAS strikes!

I'd need to hold off till early next year, but I'm pining for an Artisan. 

I'm a head/cab guy rather than a combo, so I'm thinking about the 30H.

I'd run them into a 2x12 (I've got one with Creambacks and one with Greenbacks). 

So should I?

GavRichList

It's a phenomenal amp, so yes.

meltedbuzzbox

ahhh I was about to tag you to this post. 

GavRichList

I've had both the A30 and the A30H (use the combo now). I can safely say that it's the only amp I've ever played that made me defer from my relentless fender bias. It's beautiful. Furthermore, sounds great on record.

meltedbuzzbox

you take that back! :-P

Fiftyshadesofjay

Great amps, combo and head are exactly the same apart from form factor. The head is a good bet if you have a cab as the combo weighs a ton!

GavRichList

Yeah, I was going to mention that I herniate every time I have to move the combo.

Cabicular

The head is heavy too! I have both

I may sell the head when it comes time so give me a shout (I use the combo more as although it is heaver it takes up slightly less room in the car)

gearaddict

Is there much difference between the 15 and the 30? A bit louder I guess but more options / features? Or the same basic tones?

not_the_dj

gearaddict said:

Is there much difference between the 15 and the 30? A bit louder I guess but more options / features? Or the same basic tones?

From the specs I've been reading today the 30 does have more tonal options with the 5 way bass shape shift knob.

GavRichList

The 30 sounded significantly better to me, and I played them side by side for quite some time.

57Deluxe

kill two birds - and save on Gym membership!

maw4neu

I've had the 30 watt Artisan combo and the 15 watt Artisan combo and I genuinely preferred the smaller of the two . . . The Artisan 30 weighs a ton and it's only got one handle . . . Both great amps though, amazing build quality, amazing tone . .

siraxeman

Are they not quite different amps apart from the obvious? The 30 has a preamp gain as welll....the demos on youtube suggest night n day apart?

Cabicular

The 30 has more than one sound
They both have a "Blackstar" sound though

Cabicular

The 15 is VERY toppy btw so if you don't like bright amps you may struggle

daveyh

I had a 15 head, very nice amp but not suited to how I work. A 30w is on my very short GAS list.

EricTheWeary

It doesn't seem an obvious choice for your rock covers band I would say.

thomasross20

Just read the 30W weighs 35kg - OUCH! My TVP 260 is 24kg and weighs a tonne!

GavRichList

It's not even so much the weight alone, more the weight and only one handle.

RaymondLin

thomasross20;390390" said:

Just read the 30W weighs 35kg - OUCH! My TVP 260 is 24kg and weighs a tonne!

This is where Head and cab FTW.