Description
PRELOVED BLACKSTAR Artisan 15W Valve Combo
Preloved valve combo amplifier.
The Blackstar Artisan 15 comes from the top end of Blackstar's traditional valve amp range: a handwired, Class A 1x12 combo built around a deliberately simple circuit, two very different preamp voices and an EL84 power section.
Rather than piling on gain stages, digital features or multiple modes, the Artisan 15 is all about the interaction between the guitar, the valves and the speaker. You get an ECC83-based channel, an EF86 pentode channel, separate Hi and Lo inputs and the ability to blend the two channels together.
It's also switchable between 15-watt pentode mode and 5-watt triode mode, making it a genuinely useful boutique-style valve amp for recording, rehearsals, smaller stages and players who like getting their drive from the amp itself.
The Handwired Artisan Series
The Artisan Series was Blackstar's premium handwired range, designed around vintage-inspired circuits, high-grade components and a much more traditional approach to amplifier construction.
The Artisan 15 keeps the control layout refreshingly simple. Each channel has its own Volume and Tone controls, leaving the character of the two preamp valves and the EL84 output stage to do most of the work.
For players who like amps that respond directly to picking dynamics, guitar volume and pedals, that's a big part of the appeal. This isn't a feature-heavy modern modelling amp; it's a traditional valve combo built around feel, touch response and natural breakup.
Two Channels, Two Different Valve Voices
One of the most interesting things about the Artisan 15 is that its two channels aren't just different EQ settings.
The ECC83 channel gives you a familiar vintage valve response with plenty of clarity and a smooth transition into overdrive as the volume is pushed.
The EF86 channel has a different feel altogether. EF86 pentodes are known for their strong gain, harmonic detail and natural compression, giving this channel more push and a distinctively rich response when driven.
Each channel has both Hi and Lo inputs. The Hi input gives you more sensitivity and makes it easier to push the amp into breakup, while the Lo input provides additional clean headroom and works particularly well with hotter pickups or pedalboards.
Blend the Two Channels Together
The Artisan circuit also allows the two channels to be blended together by patching the inputs, letting you combine the character of the ECC83 and EF86 preamp stages.
That opens up considerably more tonal range than the straightforward control panel might suggest. You can balance the smoother response of one channel against the extra compression and harmonic character of the other, then use your guitar volume to control how hard the amp is working.
5-Watt and 15-Watt Valve Modes
The power section uses a pair of EL84 output valves and can be switched between two operating modes:
- 15W Pentode Mode – more output, punch, headroom and a lively, dynamic top end
- 5W Triode Mode – lower output with a softer, rounder response that lets you push the power stage harder at more manageable levels
Five watts through a proper valve combo is still capable of plenty of volume, but the lower-power setting makes the Artisan 15 much more practical for recording and situations where you want output-stage drive without running the full 15 watts.
Classic EL84 Power Amp Feel
At the heart of the amp is a 2 x EL84 Class A power stage, paired with an EZ81 rectifier. It's a combination aimed squarely at players who like touch sensitivity, compression and the harmonic movement you get from a traditional low-powered valve amp.
The Artisan 15 also uses a 12-inch Celestion speaker and provides an impedance selector and external speaker outputs on the rear panel.
Condition
This is a preloved amplifier. No detailed cosmetic condition notes are currently recorded against this example, so we've kept the description conservative rather than inventing marks or wear that may not be present.
If cosmetic condition is important to you, please contact us and we'll happily give you a closer rundown of the actual amp.
Key Features
- Blackstar Artisan 15 handwired valve combo
- Class A design
- 15W / 5W switchable output
- 15W pentode mode
- 5W triode mode
- Two independent channels
- ECC83 preamp channel
- EF86 pentode channel
- Hi and Lo inputs for each channel
- Separate Volume and Tone controls for each channel
- Channels can be blended together
- 2 x EL84 output valves
- 1 x EZ81 rectifier valve
- 1 x 12-inch Celestion speaker
- Rear impedance selector
- Parallel speaker outputs
- Approx. dimensions: 617.5 x 544.5 x 234.5mm
- Approx. weight: 23kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Blackstar Artisan 15 handwired?
Yes. The Artisan Series was Blackstar's premium handwired valve amplifier range, built around traditional circuits and a deliberately simple signal path.
Can the Artisan 15 be switched down in power?
Yes. It can run at 15 watts in pentode mode or 5 watts in triode mode. The lower-power setting changes both the output level and the feel of the power stage.
What valves are used in the Blackstar Artisan 15?
The Artisan 15 uses an ECC83 and EF86 in the preamp, 2 x EL84 output valves and an EZ81 rectifier.
Can you blend the two channels?
Yes. One of the coolest Artisan features is the ability to patch and blend the two channels, combining the characteristics of the ECC83 and EF86 stages.
Is 15 watts loud enough to gig with?
For many rehearsals and smaller gigs, absolutely. A 15-watt valve amp through a 12-inch speaker can be surprisingly loud, particularly when you're happy to let the amp move into natural breakup. Larger stages can also mic the amp through the PA.
Is the Artisan 15 a high-gain amp?
Not in the modern metal sense. The Artisan 15 is much more about vintage-style clean, edge-of-breakup, crunch and saturated valve overdrive. It also takes pedals very well if you want to push it further.
Is the Blackstar Artisan 15 still made?
The original Artisan 15 is no longer part of Blackstar's current mainstream range, which is one reason clean preloved examples are interesting to players looking for one of Blackstar's premium handwired designs.
This PRELOVED Blackstar Artisan 15W is a great option for players chasing a proper handwired valve combo with simple controls, two genuinely different preamp voices and classic EL84 power-stage response.
Visit us at Colemans Music in South Melbourne to check it out, or shop online Australia-wide. A place for players — new, used, traded, upgraded.
