Blackheart - the ultra-affordable all tube amp

tele savalas

They have a "Little Giant", switchable between pentode and triode for either 5 or 3 watts from a single EL84 tube. You can get the head for $150 and replace the output transformer with a Hammond 125ESE for an additional $40, and the results are supposedly remarkable. I'm thinking of trying it myself.

See:

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=365934

http://www.zzounds.com/cat--Blackheart--4104

http://www.angela.com/catalog/transformers/Hammond_Transformers.html
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Harmony_man · Curses! Foiled Again Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Posts: 615

They're made by crate. A local music store has one, but I didn't try it out. Maybe now I will.
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Timme_v · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:09 am Post subject:

I've heard that b-52 make good cheap tube amps.. Very Mesa sounding apparently.
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SAguitar · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 6:28 am Post subject:

These itty-bitty tube amps are a lot of fun. I'm sure enjoying my little Epi Valve Jr.! I modded it a bunch, but now it's just about the only amp I play through at home. Very satisfying! Cool

I haven't heard the Blackheart yet, but I imagine it would be much along the same lines as my Junior. Cool

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teleman77 · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 4:58 am Post subject:

I'll have to check one out. The rigs I have at home are all stage amps and, I need a good practice amp.
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vertigo · Posted: Fri Mar 21, 2008 8:52 am Post subject:

Lonewolf · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:24 am Post subject:

I have been looking at this amp. The only thing that keeps me from ordering one is I don't have any room for more gear.
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gpower · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:52 am Post subject:

Sounds like a fun little amp at a decent price, even with the trans mod.
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teleman77 · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 2:58 pm Post subject:

Lonewolf · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 10:36 pm Post subject:

Your right. But I am still gonna wait until I thin the herd a little.
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gpower · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:40 am Post subject:

I listened to a bunch of demos on youtube, very impressive little beast for the money. If the OT mod makes it that much better for $40 then it's an absolute bargain.
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Littlefloor · Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:05 pm Post subject:

Sounds impressive for its dimension Cool

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