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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Blackstar Artisan 100 handwired head.
The Artisan 100 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 100 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 100 is a truly unique and versatile amplifier. The classic EL34 / 100W
design of this amplifier is deceptively simple in operation and yet highly flexible in
functionality and tone.
The traditional control layout is hugely enhanced by the addition of the unique
Voice control. By altering both preamplifier and power amplifier characteristics,
the 4-position Voice control will take the player on a journey through the evolution
of classic guitar amplifier tone, from the earliest American designs through to the
British amplifier invasion of the late ’60s.
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 circuits that
work in harmony with the finest components and materials available.
The Artisan 100 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 front panel.
Technical Information
Power Amplifier
The Artisan 100 power amplifier uses four EL34 power pentode valves in Class
AB bias. The EL34s used are graded in terms of quiescent operating point and
transconductance giving excellent hum performance and dynamic feel.
The Voice control is unique in the way it alters the power amplifier damping and gain
in conjunction with the preamplifier tone response, giving an unparalleled degree of
flexibility.
In keeping with classic 100W designs the power supply rectification is based on
silicon diodes, giving increased reliability at this higher power rating. This form of
rectification yields a punchy and extremely dynamic response.
With an amplifier that is built to last, reliability of the electronics circuitry is essential
and therefore all the other power amplifier components are also over-specified for
the best possible reliability.
Preamplifier
Channel 1
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 reflects classic American 100W designs. A more subtle treble emphasis
keeps the shimmering brightness without the crunchiness of Channel 2.
Channel 2
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 a classic ’60s British 100 Watt head. The preamplifier
voicing has been carefully tuned to be bright, but not harsh. This is similar to
amplifiers of this era with their Normal and Bright Channels blended.
Equalisation
The tone controls (Bass, Middle, Treble and Presence) are based on a classic
American/British passive tone control network and are shared by both channels.
The beauty of this type of network is its interactive operation which yields a very
musical response.
Voice Control
The four way Voice control is unique in its operation. Rather than operating only as
a preamplifier tone control shift, it also controls the power amplifier damping and
gain. In this way it allows the amplifier to chart the evolution of 100W guitar amplifier
design.
The Voice control greatly increases the overall flexibility of the amplifier. Each of the
Voice positions reflects the sonic signature of a different classic 100W design. In
this way the Artisan 100 could be considered to be four highly refined amplifiers in
one box.
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