NAMM News: Blackstar HT-Venue series

This past weekend was the annual winter NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). Held at the Anaheim Convention Centre in California, USA, NAMM is what musicians the world over can’t wait for by to find out what tasty new gear is announced by their favourite manufacturers.

I’ve well and truly become a proponent of Blackstar since getting my HT-5 head back in August. I am amazed at what Blackstar have pieced together into such a cheap, low-power amp. The HT-5 is a little powerhouse that punches well above it’s weight.

You can imagine my excitement when I caught wind of the new Blackstar HT-Venue series of amps. I had always thought that if Blackstar could package the HT-5 tone and price sensibility into a slightly larger amp it would be a phenomenal thing. My dreams have come true, and then some!

From the original HT-5 5watt wonder, through to the 100watt HT-Stage head, Blackstar have created HT tone for every need. I’m personally GASing over the HT-20 Studio head. If I find that my HT-5 isn’t quite cutting it for jams and gigs I’ll definitely be looking to get one. I hope to write a review on the HT-20 Studio, and compare it to the original HT-5.

Blackstar have also produced a range of HT-Venue cabinets. There are 1×12, 2×12, and 4×12 cabinets available, all fitted with Celestion Seventy 80 speakers.

Blackstar have put together some great demo videos showcasing how awesome these amps sound. I cannot wait to try them out.

HT-20 Studio combo

HT-40 Club combo

HT-60 Stage combo

HT-100 Stage head