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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar Artisan 15 handwired combo.
The Artisan 15 is the result of countless hours of painstaking Research and
Development by our world class design team. Based in Northampton (UK), the
Blackstar team are all experienced musicians themselves and the sole aim of the
development process is to provide guitarists with products which are the ultimate
tools for self expression.
Realising the skills and expertise of over thirty years of valve guitar amplifier design
experience, the Artisan 15 represents a new level in handwired design, tone and
build quality.
All Blackstar products are subject to extensive laboratory and road testing to ensure
they are truly uncompromising in terms of reliability, quality and above all TONE!
If you like what you hear and want to find out more about the Blackstar range of
products please visit our website at www.blackstaramps.com.
Thanks!
The Blackstar Team
Features
The Artisan 15 draws on the influence of the two most revered low wattage guitar
combos in guitar amplifier history. In keeping with its classic design, this amplifier
is deceptively simple in operation and yet highly flexible in functionality and tone.
The Artisan Series of handwired amplifiers represents the absolute highest standard
of craftsmanship and boutique tone. With the emphasis on simplicity and sonic
purity, every feature has been refined to provide the artist with the widest range of
reference vintage tones. This is achieved by the design of electronic circuitry that
works in harmony with the finest components and materials available.
The Artisan 15 is built to last a lifetime and effortlessly combines vintage style and
rugged, road tested reliability. The point-to-point tag board construction, welded
steel chassis and finger-jointed birch-ply cabinet are complemented by beautiful
vintage red Tolex and etched aluminium panels.
Technical Information
Power Amplifier
The Artisan 15 power amplifier uses two EL84 power pentode valves in Class A and
operates in two modes, namely pentode (15W) or triode (5W), depending on the
setting of the Power Amplifier Mode control.
In pentode mode the power amplifier has a dynamic response which is rich in
bell like harmonics and has a beautiful ringing top end. The triode mode allows
the generation of the critical power amplifier harmonic distortion at a much lower
volume but is darker and more mellow sounding with a rounder top end. In either
mode the Artisan 15 is an exceptional home or studio amplifier.
The power amplifier is further enhanced by using a cathode coupled phase splitter to
provide outstanding balance in the power amplifier drive and hence superb dynamic
response. Further to this the EL84s used are graded in terms of quiescent operating
point and transconductance giving excellent hum performance and dynamic feel.
In keeping with the vintage sonic signature of the Artisan 15, the use of an EZ81
valve rectifier adds compression to the power amplifier response and is critical in
generating its feel and responsiveness.
With an amplifier that is built to last, reliability of the electronics circuitry is essential
and therefore all the other power amplifier and power supply components are also
over-specified for the best possible reliability.
Preamplifier
Channel 1 – The ECC83 Channel
Hi/Lo inputs provide perfect matching either directly to the guitar (high sensitivity) or
for connection to higher output effects pedals (low sensitivity).
This channel has an exquisite British vintage feel. Its gain is derived from an
ECC83 dual triode valve and Channel 1’s sonic signature relies on the ECC83’s
characteristics in terms of gain, compression and distortion.
The Tone control is passive and its response deliberately relies on the setting of the
Channel 1 Volume control to allow the most versatile sonic palette.
Channel 2 – The EF86 Channel
Hi/Lo inputs provide perfect matching either directly to the guitar (high sensitivity) or
for connection to higher output effects pedals (low sensitivity).
This channel is based on the EF86 preamplifier pentode valve. Originally, this valve
was most commonly used in high-end audio applications due to its high gain, low
noise characteristics. However, in very early American guitar amplifier designs a
pentode was used in the preamplifier circuit. The use of a pentode in these early
designs provided unique gain and compression characteristics which make these
amplifiers so revered for studio use today.
In keeping with the reference American designs, the extra gain of the EF86 of the
Artisan 15 allows the power amplifier to be driven harder for more compression and
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