Sweat
Well-known member
Anyone tried these or have one? Everywhere I check seem to get great reviews, combo or head and cab just let me know what you think, price is so right.
Off Topic Black Heart Amps
- Thread starter Sweat
- Start date
TonyEVH5150
Well-known member
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roIqsFF3MZI&feature=related"]YouTube - You Vote : PROPER A/B test b/t BlackHeart and Epi Valve Jr.[/nomedia]
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjpnNoLRl2s&feature=related"]YouTube - YOU VOTE : Epiphone Valve Jr versus Crate Blackheart[/nomedia]
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kiw1WOMlK0I&feature=related"]YouTube - DEMO : Crate Blackheart Black Heart[/nomedia]
I'm pretty interested in these as well. My 50 watt combo is way more wattage than I need, and I've gotten used to using pedals if I need more gain. The more I hear about them the more I want one.
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjpnNoLRl2s&feature=related"]YouTube - YOU VOTE : Epiphone Valve Jr versus Crate Blackheart[/nomedia]
[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kiw1WOMlK0I&feature=related"]YouTube - DEMO : Crate Blackheart Black Heart[/nomedia]
I'm pretty interested in these as well. My 50 watt combo is way more wattage than I need, and I've gotten used to using pedals if I need more gain. The more I hear about them the more I want one.
I've got the Little Giant head and like it a lot. I also have a Valve Jr head and quit using it when I got the Blackheart. The Blackheart sounds much better to my ears so I use it around the house all the time. I've never gigged with it though. It can be pretty loud for 5 watts but don't expect clean loud.
marantz1300
Well-known member
Tried a combo in a shop.Nice amps .Good tone ,versatile ,well made.I wasn't looking for a amp,just plugged in to one while trying guitars.Nice amp,but I'll be keeping my boogies and hiwatt.
fbecir
Well-known member
It seems that a lot of brands (Fender, Epiphone, Blackheart, Peavey...) are manufacturing small tube amps in China.
We have also now a lot of big tube amps made in China (Bugera, Randall, ...).
Like with guitars, the situation will become tough for a lot of smaller manufacturers.
But if you want high quality, you will still have to pay. The Laney Lionheart (5W) seems to be the best you can find in the low wattage category and it's made in UK.
We have also now a lot of big tube amps made in China (Bugera, Randall, ...).
Like with guitars, the situation will become tough for a lot of smaller manufacturers.
But if you want high quality, you will still have to pay. The Laney Lionheart (5W) seems to be the best you can find in the low wattage category and it's made in UK.
Spudmurphy
Well-known member
I asked a friend of mine who builds amps from scratch, what small amp "floated his boat" - straight away he said Black Heart amps.
I "googled" 'em and couldn't bleeb how cheap they were - bedroom amp fans - this is for you!!
I "googled" 'em and couldn't bleeb how cheap they were - bedroom amp fans - this is for you!!
Johnny Guitar
Well-known member
I have the Blackheart Handsome Devil (7/15 W) on order. I'll let you guys know what I think when it gets here.
Nemesys
Active member
I played with one for a bit, and was underwhelmed. It sounded kind of boxy and lifeless to me, with a somewhat harsh overdrive. Actually, having played the Epiphone Valve JR as well, I doubt that I could tell the difference between the two in a blind test, they sound very similar to me. That said, it sounded pretty good for the money.
Take this with a grain of salt, though, as I'm generally not a fan of British-voiced amps, they're way too bright for me. Only your ears can tell you if an amp is right for you.
Take this with a grain of salt, though, as I'm generally not a fan of British-voiced amps, they're way too bright for me. Only your ears can tell you if an amp is right for you.
Spudmurphy
Well-known member
^ when you have an F50, everything else pales into insignificance !! 
TonyEVH5150
Well-known member
Where I have been impressed by amps like the Blackheart and the Epi Valve Jr is when I've taken that small amp and plugged it into a larger cabinet. One of these into a Marshall 212 or 412 just kills.
The Blackhearts are also easily modded. I've heard of extra gain stages, effects loops, etc.
The Blackhearts are also easily modded. I've heard of extra gain stages, effects loops, etc.
marantz1300
Well-known member
Pittman75
Well-known member
My buddy uses one of these plus a pro co rat distortion pedal, and a VT999 behringer distortion tube pedal.
He replaced the 12AX7 with a At7. Well worth it on the cleans, he says. He emails the guy who BUILDS the amps personally, and he handles all customer service stuff personally. The only downside: no FX loop.
He replaced the 12AX7 with a At7. Well worth it on the cleans, he says. He emails the guy who BUILDS the amps personally, and he handles all customer service stuff personally. The only downside: no FX loop.
Headstock
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2007
- Messages
- 1,869
I have one of the 3/5 watt heads. For me (bedroom hobbyist) I love the amp. Can't beat the price.
3 watts still loud in the house. Good amp to throw pedals in front of. Not a Metal amp on its own but it does break up nicely when cranked. No regrets here.
3 watts still loud in the house. Good amp to throw pedals in front of. Not a Metal amp on its own but it does break up nicely when cranked. No regrets here.
