Blackheart Engineering BH5H Head

This is not a feature laden amp. You're not paying for reverb, tremolo, channel switching and all that, but I miss that stuff sometimes and have to add pedals (more on that later). The features it does have are useful, well thought out and welcomed.

The 4, 8, and 16 ohm outs allow you to use any cabinet you can get your hands on. The 5w/3w switch is a fantastic addition. The EQ is mildly responsive and could probably be improved.

I'll give it a 7 here. If I gave a movie a 7 rating for something, I wouldn't want my money back.

This amp seems to shine with a variety of guitars. I've played an American Strat w/ Dimarzio humbucking strat pups, a Les Paul '68 Historic and a custom Jem through it and have been relatively happy with all.

As others have stated, this thing by no means stacks up against a lot of other amps. My Deville 4x10, JCM2000 and Triple Rectifier leave this little guy in the dust but there's just something about it I can't put my finger on. Being able to play it just past the point of breaking up at listenable volumes makes me feel like I'm really in control of the amp. My old Japanese DS-1 and Visual Sound J&H do a great job of pushing it into blissful power amp distortion. I have a Devi Ever Hyperion that sounds unbelievable through the BH5H.

At that point, time based effects really suffer, but they will with any amp on the edge of catching fire.

Oh and for what it's worth, I used it in rehearsal with a relatively loud rock band and it held it's own. I did find myself wishing I'd gotten the Handsome Devil from time to time though. That's not this amps intended purpose, but it was a lot fun anyway.

This amp surprised me from the get go. WAAAAAY worth the $150 I paid for it.

Again, as others have stated, the input jack seems a little weak. I'm going to replace it or beef up the solder joints. Other than that, it seems to be well made. The knobs and switches feel substantial, durable... the tolex (if that's even what's covering it) looks awesome and is much better than that of said Deville 4x10.

I think it would be my backup at a gig. If the Deville died on me, I'd use it's speakers with the BH5H via a cable extender and a speaker cable.

The BH5H is such a fun little amp. It's not the greatest sounding, flashiest looking amp out there. It's not gonna get you any praise on TGP or bring Dumble back from the dead so he can applaud your amazing guitar sound. It will provide kick ass old school rock tones by itself and will react in a very accepting manner to whatever little metal boxes you put in front of it.

I'm glad I bought it and will buy other Blackheart eng. products in the future.

Bought this baby last year, mainly use it at home but I have used it on stage at least a dozen times through a 1x12 cab in conjunction
with either a blackface Bandmaster or blackface Bassman (both modded)
through a 4x10 cab, and together they sound great! I tried the Little
Giant by itself at one gig and it just couldn't keep up, we play too
damn loud for a 5-watt amp to hold it's own. I bought this with no
intention of modding it, but now I have the itch...maybe a Bitmo mod,
the Mercury mods are a little spendy for an amp that cost me a hundred
bucks used.

Well, this thing is definately not a Marshall, Vox or Fender, don't
even go there. My blackface amps walk all over this amp live, but I
really like the sound of this amp anyway. With humbuckers on the 3-watt setting, it's smoooooooooooth and round, full and sexy! Sounds
verrrry good. I bought this amp when I was getting a little bit of
studio work last year, but haven't recorded with it yet. This would
definitely be a good amp in a studio environment, and it works just
fine at home on 3 watts at home, just gotta keep it down a bit. Overall, I am pretty impressed by the sound, especially in 3 watt
mode. I've had the great pleasure of owning a handful of great Fender
amps, had a Marshall, and a Classic 50, and even though this amp isn't
comparable to any of these amps, it's still a very decent sounding amp. Again-it's not a Vibroverb or a JTM-45, it is what it is. I did replace the stock tubes with an old RCA EL84 and a fairly old Peavey
12AX7 that I had around and that made quite a difference..now if I could just get Mercury Magnetics transformers in it cheaply lol

I played a lot last year, and as I said, I brought the Blackheart
out at least a dozen times in the last year. With the exception of
picking up an evangelical broadcast ("Jesus knows what's in your heart, don't you know!!!!") during a gig due to a bad cable, the amp
performed wonderfully. The input jack is a bit suspect, but has held
together well. All in all, I will continue to use this amp live, at home and will hopefully get a chance to use it in the studio.

I love the fact that there are an abundance of low-wattage amps on the market now that don't cost more than my car (are you listening,
Carr?) and are of reasonable quality. It began with the Valve Junior, and now it seems everyone has a 1 to 15 watt amp in their lineup. Hats off to Epiphone for kicking the boutique market square in the nuts.
Tiny Terror next? Maybe an Egnator? Who knows? Heard the little 20 watt Egnator last night, loved it, by the way. Man, I wouldn't dream
of setting up a 100-watt full stack in a tiny club, those days are gone! I get told to turn down if I'm playing through a Bassman, even with a Blues Junior! I can't imaging trying to pull over a 100 watt
Marshall or Boogie, I'd be run out with torches and pitchforks. Nope, small amps, I'm learning in my "old" age, are the funnest!

Pretty basic. Single channel. 3 tones and volume pot. no effect loop.
3W/5W switch is nice.
outputs for 4, 8 and 16ohm is nice.
small size/portability is a plus.
Again, less features than many amps, so I rate it a 6, but this amp really isn't about infinite features.

I primarily play a Yamaha with HSS pickup setup, usually in the 2 and 4 positions. Run into 2x12 or 4x10 cabs. I like the amp by itself for both clean and bluesy sounds. It does a great SRV Little Wing Type sound. For distortion you'll want to run a pedal in the input. I use a Fulltone OCD pedal for more gainy stuff. The amp still adds a real nice character to what's going on even with pedal in front.

Rate a 9 here because I don't like to give 10s but really like how this little amp sounds - and at lower volume levels. The big amps just have too much power sometimes - and its nice to be able to put this little fella on 3Watts at a volume of 5 in the living room and get a real good vibe going.

the 5W setting seems to have a little more edge/bite when jamming, but I usually play 3W at home because of volume. The 5W is usually a tad loud for the house.

I've had no problems, but I'm not rough on it.

no opinion. the manual on the website is helpful

giving a 9 here. I really like this amp. If it was lost or stolen I'd get another. I'm probably going to get the bigger 15W version too because I like this one so much. For this price it's really a no-brainer in my book.

By the way I've used this thing practicing with a band using drums/bass/keys and the amp does it's thing and keeps up. 5W is pretty loud and might work fine for your practicing and small venues depending on the kind of music you play.

Other pre/poweramps I have now include Marshall Vintage Modern 50W head (loud) and a Rocktron Voodu Valve into a Roctron Velocity amp. Also have a Mesa Boogie 50/50 poweramp (way too loud unless you're in a big room). I mostly use the little Blackheart when practicing as it seems to be the right power for home practice and volume level and has a real nice vibe.

I am from Belgium, so please excuse my english.
Features are discussed below, for me the amp has every i need. The only thing i am missing is a gain poti.

Wonderful. This is one of the best sounding amps i have ever owned. With a lot o mojo and very dynamic.
Ideal for small clubs or just playing at home.
I use it with a Celestion G30 speaker.

Bad.
The quality of the input jack is terrible, very shaky.
I have this amp for 6 month, and it was already times broken. There were always loose contacts inside. The repair always lasted more than 4 weeks.
American engineering and chinese manufacturing seems not to be a good partnership. I have a Hugh&Kettner Cream machine (made in germany) and it works since nearly 20 years without any problem.

Very funny homepage , but service in europe is very poor

I am playing guitar for more than 30 years. I own a Cort MGM (veeery good guitar), a Mexico strat and a Framus Diablo (best guitar i ever had).
The amps sounds very sweet, but if they do not increase the quality, i would not buy it again.
It??s annoying to have an amp that works only 2 weeks and then needs service

I am updating a Review of 11/14/08. I received my 3rd Head, returned 2x prior amps for a poping when using 5w-3w switch .BlackHeart Customer Service finally mentioned that turning power off when switching 3-5w or 5w-3 will eliminate this problem.Makes sense as the amp has no standby switch. Wish the Manual Had better specific info.!

Good both the seller and BH.

Hope this amp proves to be a good reliable , affordable option to Boutique amps.

My wife bought it for me as a birthday present this summer. It's got volume, bass, mid, treble and 3w/5w switch. Well built, with the price in mind very well built. I changed the stock tubes and put in TAD tubes. This made the amp sound much better, more 3D.

I use this amp live for club gigs in the 3 watt mode. I play in a blues rock band and we play Rory Gallagher type of music. It's loud enough for nearly every gig, as we usually mike the amps. The volume is around 2-3 o'clock, so the power tube starts to distort a bit.
The box I use, is equipped with a single celestion G12H Heritage speaker (55 Hertz Bass version). I use a TS808 for soloing and play an original Fender Strat from 57 (a player with new frets and refinishing) and a Danelectro Hodad for slide. The features suit my needs perfect, as does the sound. With the Celestion the tone is very big and doesn't fart in the bass. I tried the amp with two Jensen P10R but dind't like the sound - a C12 N didn't fit my needs either.
The Amp has got the rythm sound, I was always looking for. And with the TS808 to push it for solos, the amp begins to sing.
So it's not very versatile, but it does what I want and it does it british. Perfect amp for my playing style.

I got it for a few months and had it with me on tour. It's my main amp and I didn't have any problems with it. I have an old Fender Blackface Bandmaster Top as backup with me, but didn't need it up to now - and don't even miss it's tone. I think the BH5H is reliable, but time will tell - so I can't rate this category. I'll tell you in 5 years.

Didn't have to deal with them - but they have a funny homepage.

This little amp fits my needs very well and sounds awesome. But it isn't versatile, so you have to know, what you want. If you do so, enjoy this amp's sound and play your guitar.

2008 Single channel,vol.,Bass,Treble,Middle/5-3watt switch and on-off switch. A good Basic plug and play amp.

Sound quality is good and would benefit from NOS or better new tubes.I play mainly Blues and Blues Rock and it works well.Fairly quiet . Good clean and disrorted sounds with surprising headroom on 3 watt setting.

I just sent back for exchange my 2nd Little Giant Head to Musicians Friend. The Pentode /Triode or 5w-3w switch has been Defective on Both Heads I've Bought from Them! Hope the 3rd times a Charm.

5 yr. Trans.from BlackHeart w/MF 45 day return policy. Sent both amps back for exchanges.

We'll add more if I finally get one that isn't defective. Some times price equals quality!

I got the head and cab about a week ago. I think the features have been covered as many times as J.Lo has been around the block. So I am not going into that too much. I personally think the 3 watt 5 watt switch may be the best feature on the amp. For what I am using this amp for you can't go wrong. I live in a APT and this thing while loud, yes it can be very loud. It is perfect for a good tube tone at a level the cops won't come pounding on the door.

Tone and mojo are what this amp has. If your looking to play some Slipknot or Slayer, please for the love of God do not buy this amp, those bands have no tone, just massive distortion and with that much distortion you loose all the coolness unique sound..

On to the sound quality. I mainly use the 3 watt setting and get it right below the point of breakup. picking dynamics are key. I can dig in and get a bit of break up or pick light and get a great clean sound. I am in love with the cleans of this amp. I keep hearing people say this amp is a mini Marshall.. Hmm I have to disagree. And will add if you want a Mashall sound buy a Marshall, you'll be happier, Never and I mean never compromise what you want as far as sound. This amp has it's own sound and it own mojo. the cleans are clear crisp and can be chimey.

I do not use many pedals. I am more of a plug and play. I run a and tremelo and a echo pedal. the rest of my sound is all guitar and amp. So having a good sound is very important.

This is a Rock N Roll amp I will not deny, but the Rock N Roll of an age long since gone. I nail Chuck Berry on this amp. You get get The Who and maybe some Zepplin. But that is where it stops.


MY buddy who just happens to be the number 3 rated guitarist in the country, U.S.A., loves this amp also.

So far this thing seems to be built like a tank. It's not too heavy nor too light. seems perfect for it's size.

I would depend on this amp to jam with friends without a backup. as far as live gigging goes. I have to be honest. If you use this amp to gig with 1 of 2 things is going on. your a teenager or you really know what this amp is made for. You would prob need to mic it to fill out a club. But as long as your drummer isn't king kong I think you'd be good to go.

I have sent them emails in looking where to buy. there very friendly and helpful.

If this amp was lost or stolen I would get again. ths is perfect for getting a good tube tone at you home without going def.

For the price of this amp you can't go wrong. But buy a amp is like buying a car or a guitar. you have to try a bunch out to see what fits your needs. And this fits my needs.

I would recomend this amp to anyone who play country, rockabilly and things along that line. BTW I use this with a Gretsch 6120.

I would say if you want that scooped metal sound this amp is not for you. YOu might be better off with a Peavey Valve King or a Marshall.

Made in 2007, one of the first batches. Only one channel, so you need effects boxes.

Blackheart BH5H Little Giant 5W 120V Tube Guitar Amp Head Specifications:
5W Single-Ended, Class A
4-, 8-, and 16-ohm Speaker Outs
Solid State Rectifier
Volume with 3-Band EQ
Pentode (5W)/Triode (3W) Switch
DC Power to filaments for super quiet operation
11-ply (18mm) thick
12"L x 17"W x 11"H
20 lbs.

Blackheart BH5H Little Giant 5W 120V Tube Guitar Amp Head Features:
16-gauge steel chassis
1/2" corner radiuses
Meticulous tolex work to insure years of reliable performance

With a super strat with Seymour Duncan JB and Floyd rose, is is very quiet when not being played, and very loud when set to maximum volume. It really sounds good, and sounds the best at maximum volume. A Marschall or a Laney still sounds much better, but the cost is that the volume must be punishing to get that sweet sound.

So far so good.

No clue. Never had any problems or questions.

Value wise, this is a great deal. Only a used Marshall at a yard sale would be cheaper and better.

The Little Giant is a Class A tube amp which allows you to switch from 5 watts to 3 watts. Basic controls including volume and 3 band eq (bass, middle, treble). The only thing I would add would be an independent gain channel. Other than that the features are great. I am a hobbyist (now) and it suits my needs well. it is plenty loud to gig with if needed but can be tamed for bedroom use.

By itself the Little Giant has decent sound. With the tone control and the 5 watt/3 watt switching capability you can really tweak this little sucker. Here's the deal. When i bought it I was not expecting it to give a great sound by itself. My intention was to use the amp as a platform to add pedals to. In fact, I've got my Digitech RP500 hooked up to this thing going into a THD cabinet, which by the way I bought with a THD bivalve head. I returned the THD bivalve because for $1,000.00 I did not think it was that great. By itself the THD has a little more headroom than the Little Giant but add the RP500 to it and this thing is fantastic. Very quiet and allows the RP500 to do what it was meant to do. Unless you just absolutely need 15 watts of class A or more than the little giant is the way to go. The only problem with the little giant is that you have to crank up the volume in order to get any gain (used by itself). Even at the 3 watt mode it is way too loud for home use (especially if you have a wife and kids). In fact, when you crank it in the 3 watt mode you really don't get any gain. But in the 5 watt mode you get moderate gain. Add a clean boost to it and you have classic rock bliss. My suggestion is either get a quality pedal to go in front of this thing like I did and hook up an attenuator. I added a the Weber Micro attenuator and with the separate tone control it has it works great. You can crank the volume and really drive those tubes if you want or you can tone it back done and just turn on your foot pedal.

Too soon to tell

Haven't had to use them yet. I hope I don't have to.

I've been playing off and on for 25 years. I don't have time to gig or even get together with friends to jam any more so it's just me and my guitars for now. I have been trying like everyone else to find the perfect tone. Honestly, I don't think anyone will truly ever find the perfect tone. Look at all the professional musicians from Slash to Steve Vai, etc... who change out equipment or stay with one thing because they endorse it. However, in my opinion my combination of the Little Giant my THD cabinet and the Digitech Rp 500 I have come pretty close. I haven't been this satisfied with my achieved tone in a while. Trust me, I've bought and sold so much over the past couple of years, it aint funny. I finally think I'm done. I just don't see why I would have to spend more money than this when I don't see a big difference in sound. Class A is Class A. You can swap out tubes if you want and swap out cabs but you will basically get the same thing, a baseline to add to which is exactly what I did. Give it a shot for $200.00 and see for yourself.

2008 Blackheart BH5H head. 5 watt Pentode 3 watt Triode.
Controls are as follows from the left side of the head: On/Off switch, 5 watt/3 watt switch, Bass,Middle,Treble,Volume.
It's all easy enough and allows you to shape your tone depending on what kind of cabinet and speaker configurations you will be using.
I did not purchase the matching cabinet yet (I soon will) so I have only played it through my pre-cbs Showman cabinet with 2 JBL D-130's and a late 70's Mitchell 100 watt 212 Sand Amp. (Watch for my review of that shortly).
The Mitchell cabinet was recently loaded with new Celestion V-30's and all I can say is "WOW" !!!!
The head sounded okay through the Showman but through the Mitchell it was smile,giggle,laugh and euphoria!
Now the only down-side for me is why they put the controls in reverse. Every amp I have ever owned is-Volume-Treble-Middle-Bass and this thing is just the opposite.
I've been playing for 40 years and am set in my ways and a creature of habit so when I am not thinking about it I go to turn up the volume and am cranking the bass instead. No big deal though. That is what volume pedals are for.
But because of this I can only rate it an 8 for features.

When I first got it I did what all tube-tone junkies do. Plugged it into a cabinet and let the tubes burn in for a good half hour or so, turned it off,let it cool awhile and came back to it with guitar in hand.(first guitar through it was a 1976 Les Paul Deluxe).
I first tried it through the Showman cab and like I said above it was O.K. but sounded flabby and grainy and it had quite a bit of hum to it.
Next was through the Sand Amp and it was a little better but not much so it was on to what men do best,take it apart and see what it is all about inside.
Just to let you know that I do read the reviews posted on this site, I remembered what several have said about untwisting the wiring and rerouting them where they were not all touching together.
Thanks to all of you who give us this positive input and just don't use Harmony Central to brag about their equipment.
Now the next thing for me was to try a different 12AX7 in place of whatever brand of Chinese tube they shoved in there so I went through my box of tubes and found a brand new Mesa Boogie (the one that has the black rubber "condom" around it.
I do have many NOS tubes,new and slightly used JJ's,Svetlana's,Sovtek's,E.H.'s etc. (Oops,there I go bragging about my tube collection but at least it's not about my guitars!)
Anyway I tried the amp with the Mesa (I didn't chage the EL84 since I did not have one)and that was when the euphoria set in.
I set it at 5 watts and with the volume at 9 o'clock started playing. I gradually turned up the volume until it was dimed and all I could do was laugh. One of you referred to this as a Mini Plexi and how right you are! I couldn't put the guitar down until my son came in and screamed "TURN IT DOWN" I could hear you three blocks away. It really is louder than you can imagine.
So as for volume,tone and build I give this a ten plus.

As I said I took it apart the day I got it and outside of the Chinese tubes and the bundled up wires it is an incredibly well built amp.Good heavy printed circuit board and decent components.
Don't expect it to be like a Dr.Z because you will not get point to point wiring and a Mercury Magnetics tranny for $189.00 but it will last as long as it lasts. (5 year warranty).

I have not had contact with them in over 7 years but when I did they were always very helpful.

Outside of the backwards controls,tubes, and the cheesy wire hold down for the EL84 (which I did order a spring type hold down along with some good quality EL84's from Mojo Musical Supply) I find no ticks or fleas on this puppy.
If it were lost or stolen I would not hesitate to get another and I really plan to Get another shortly to turn it into a PTP with the Bitmo mods and a Mercury tranny just to hear what that will do!

Simple as tube amps come.
5watts, 1 preamp and 1 power tube. Volume, bass, middle and treble controls. Dial up the volume for a creamy distortion and season to taste. It could have been fine without the 3 band eq, like the valve jr., but i love the fact that it has it.

Out of the box the sound quality is okay, it's lacking a bit in headroom and makes a bit of hum if you run it past 5 or so. I was a bit disappointed at first but after changing out the tubes and rerouting and twisting the wiring, I was blown away. Just by rerouting and twisting the wires I was able to reduce the hum from an annoying buzz to a quiet whisper and after new tubes... wow. The amp also takes pedals very well which is a good thing, considering that you won't be able to get any distortion from this unless you get pretty high in volume, which will be plenty loud. Don't forget that 50 watts is only twice as loud as a 5 watt amp, not 10 times as loud.

I opened it up to reroute the wires and, i must say, this thing is built pretty well for a 150 dollar head. I'm sure I can lug it around with me without too much problems, but tube amps are tube amps, I wouldn't throw it down the stairs either.

haven't had to deal with it yet.

For a tiny price tag of 150 dollars for the head and little under 300 for the stack or the combo, this really can't be beat. The only real competition in it's price range may be the Epi valve jr. but I found that I could squeeze a wee bit more headroom out of the blackheart, which is really what I needed.

Brand new BH5H. Single channel single ended Class A 5 watts tube amp head.

Plexi in a 5 watt box... 'nuff said... Sounds amazing for vintage tone freaks. Also, 5 tube watts is f'ing loud, so if you're looking for the ultimate crunch at night and want to keep it quiet, it won't happen... On 10 ( which is necessary for the amp to distort in a creamy, bluesy kinda tone ), people will hear you from 5 blocks away... Get a distortion box for this purpose and plug it in, in the 3 watt mode, volume on 2. It will work fine... The amp takes pedals incredibly well.

Built very well. Should stand up to road abuse...

Wrote an email, got an answer fast. Super cool people as well...

Love it, and I've ordered the 1 watt AND the 15 watt heads. I'm a marshall man, and it sounds so close to a plexi it's scary. I'm a convert. For recording purposes, it's killer, for live sound, as long as you like a slightly dirty clean, and mostly need overdrive and distortion sounds, it's more than enough...

basic is good

I like this amp with a jj power tube and a sovtec 12ax7lps over stock. now this amp is great with more headroom and better distortion at break-up.

i'm sorry, if your input jack or something equally simple craps out on any electronic device breaks, stop crying!!! open it up and connect the two wires. it's not worth going through all customer service bull-****, and remember, if it exists it will break.

haven't had problems with it

Can't beat it for the price. Actually i like it better than some more expensive amps. gear played: esp ec-400, esp m150, peavey predator with fender noiseless electroncs, peavey bandit 112, blackheart 5w head w/ 2 1x12 custom made cabs with texas heat speakers.

1 channel. 5 watts. 1 ax7 1 El84. 4, 8 and 16 ohms. bass mid treble.
switch for 3 or 5 watts.

Who doesn't want loopreturn and double mastervolumes?

I use both humbucker and singlecoil guitars on clean sounds. When I wanna go higain I prefer humbuckers. I play in a coverband and in two other bands. It covers just about anything from Beatles to Black Sabbath. I played it through v-30 celestion 1*12 and 2*12 and some old vintage 4* 12 box also celestion.

This amp is cheap. To begin with I played it at home and was really content with the clean and the halfdistorted sounds. When you crank it all the way up it is really terrible! The top is sharp as a razorblade and the bottom is loose and boomy in a bad way. After I changed the preamptube to an ecc 81, 12at7 (an old one 30 years, no name on it I took it from an 70ies amp.) it changed dramatically and the dist became bareable. But the clean folks, mummelimumma! An old sweet vintagesound smooth and sweet. And high! The volume on the clean
went up dramatically! Up to eleven it stays clean then it goes dirtier and finally nasty allmost crappy and digital. with Blackstar Ht dual in front at volume 11 or twelve o'clock it performs very well and with a booster I think you can get through in a band. I tried it with one of my "hobbybands" where the drummer doesn't hit the **** out of the drums and it worked quite well. The bassknob must be set to a minimum though or the sound will break like tor himself was riding his wagon.
If you want a good distorted marshall- like sound you will be dissapointed. Then you better try Tiny Terror!

Built like a tank!

I've been playing for thirty years. My first amp was a Carlsbro 100 twin chanel. My god that was loud! The best amp I ever played. I always compare with this one. I also got a 50-top evolution. It has this good british crunch and higain sound. The tiny terror is one of the best sounding amps if you are after the good old tubeoverdrive but it lacks good clean.

If you have some money over, spend it on a blackheart. It is worth the money. Swap the preamptube and you'll get a really nice sparkling clean, lean machine!

Amp Head with two valves... one pre amp.... one power amp ...vol... bass.. mid.. treble ..switchable 3 and 5 watt output....very basic.....but very good....simplicity....

I love this litttle critter...i play it through a 1975 marshall 4x12 cabinet and it sounds terrific a little bit thin till you get to 3 or 4 on the vol pot and then pure valve tone!!!!
and at practice levels and as you turn her up she gets better and better !!!....

so far so good .....seems well built as far as i can see.

so far so good

I was looking for a little valve head that i could use at home and play at my club ..... with a good tone that would overdrive without breaking the windows.... and i've found it ...and it looks pretty cool too ...well worth every penny ......i've only had it for a week .....but can't recommend it highly enough...if that's what you're looking for you'll have a great time!!

features are standard bass,treble,mid and volume. not much bass but at high volumes it comes through.

this amp is very basic but if you chain a couple of overdrive pedals this thing will sound beastly.I have several different overdrive
pedals and i use them in any configuration and the amp turns into a beast.i thought about doing a mod on the amp but the cost and trouble
changed my mind.if you use the amp this way you can play all the rock and blues you want and sound gigantic,fat thick i will punch you
in the face tone.

Really straight forward, volume, bass, mid, treble. Input jack, 5 speaker outputs, 3/5 watt switch, and on/off. Single channel, so basically, it is what an amp is supposed to be, before all those idiots jumped in and added stuff.

I use it with Strats, a Snarling Dogs wah and a Univibe, and into an Avatar 2x12 cabinet with Electro Harmonix speakers. I play buttoned down 60's rock with a little bit of modern jam band influence. This amp really has a great tone, amp responds perfectly to pick attack and changes with my guitar's volume and tone knobs. It's very clean in both wattages up until 5 or so, and then it slowly becomes more ragged and overdriven. I leave everything on 10 and have at it.

Well, I've had it for 46 days....how do I know it's 46 days? Because Musician's Friend covers it for 45, and today the input jack went out. The amp has not been moved, and in fact I have left the cable plugged into it since day one, and it has not been touched, pulled or otherwise messed with; yet, the input jack is loose and cuts in and out when forcefully strumming. I guess the idea of "affordable boutique" is a pipe dream, because here was the perfect tone, destroyed by ***** Chinese craftsmanship. Of course I can't use it now, so on to the next section.....

Musician's Friend's customer support isn't worth a damn. Anytime I have called with a question about a product, all they can do is recite the description from the website. I'm dreading how this amp will be handled, as they have been useless for anything else I've ever had to deal with them about.

I've been playing for 12 years, and I bought this as a replacement for a Silverface Pro Reverb that was just too loud. I chose this over an Epi Valve Junior for the tonestack, and at first, it was perfect. This amp was definitley the ticket for a small, class A amp until it farted out. If it had been stolen, I would have replaced it. Since it broke, I'm not so sure.

Single-channel, straight-forward tube amp, with 3-band tone adjustments and master gain, switchable between 3W and 5W. Kinda cheesy styling, but kinda cool, too; chicken-head knobs. Sounds great, lots of volume, and a nice full sound for a 5W amp. I'll be using this as a practice amp, and maybe for easy transportation to jam sessions.

I'm playing this with Strats (one with texas specials, and one with text mex pups) and a Tele (stock US pups). Music styles all over the map, but typically cleaner, and not many effects or distortion. Nice warm, clean sound from this amp. Basically gives what I put into, but loud and warm. Breaks up gently and warmly. What more could you ask for from an amp?

I have not had it long enough to know whether or not it will last...

Never dealt with the company before... Most companies have dreadful customer service, so it's not like I'd expect much...

I've been playing for 30 year, and have owned, and own, lots of amps, although mostly solid state. I also have a Fender '59 Bassman reissue, and I must say I'm really enjoying this Blackheart amp, and a much lower price... So far, I'd probably buy another if this were lost or stolen...

this is a 5-watt tube head with no real "features" other than it's sound. It has more power than one might expect and responds VERY differently to preamp tubes of different gain levels making it posible for just about anyone to find a tone they like. It is very light and pretty well built. I am a full-time musician who plays the role of a musical whore and will do whatever I am asked to do. I would say my playing is based more on contemporary jazz studies and displays elements of Scott Henderson, Robben Ford, Pat Metheny, Joe Pass and Mike Stern (this is cool as long as I am not doing a country gig). With a change of the preamp tube I can get gigable levels with good clean sound to cover my jazz-based style

As the amp showed up it had a very early breakup (at about 3) and was very similar in tone to classic Aerosmith or AC/DC. It did this well but wasn't really right for me. I then experimented with the tube selection. First I put a 5751(about 70% the gain of a AX7) and got better headroom but didn't really like the tone, then an AU7(about 20% of an AX7) and it sounded like my beloved Fender Princeton but had no output volume to speak of, then I put an AY7(about 60% of an AX7) and became very happy. It now has a very musical breakup when floored but has enough headroom that I can run a old ART MR-1 reverb in the input and not create a wash. It loves drive pedals but don't give it cheap ones cause it will let you know. Using my BH-5, a 1x12 3/4back Mesa cab (with V30), the MR-1, Keeley Bluesdriver, Hermedia Zendrive and my Washburn X-50 with a PAF joe in neck and Air Norton in Bridge I have been playing a steady house gig with tunes ranging from Duke Ellington to Aerosmith and other than my volume knob have needed to adjust nothing. Havent had to mike it either. With the AY7 I can use all of the amps juice without making it strickly a rocker. The closest things in this things class are usually over $1,000 and while they aren't worse they aren't really any better. This thing kicks ***

Brought my Princeton the first couple of times I used it but now just keep a spare fuse and some tubes. Really haven't had it long enough to say but seems well built.

I have been doing this (playing professionally) for a long time (30 years) and have owned alot of stuff. I really love my Princeton Reverb and it will not easily be replaced but I needed a new toy and am very happy with this thing. It is soooooo much more than just a toy and is pretty damn loud. Obviously it isn't as loud as a twin or something like that but how often can you turn a twin up past 3 or 4. This thing maxes out at the twins 3 or 4. Plenty for most aplications.

As far as I know this is the only commercial 5W SE tube amp with a full TMB tone stack, pentode/triode switch, and 4/8/16 ohm output jacks with parallel jacks for 4 & 8 ohms.

Its a very easy amp to modify - assuming you know what you are doing around high voltages.

For some very low-cost tweaking ideas see my report at http://www.guitarnuts.com/amps/bh5h/index.php

Out of the box the sound quality is giggable if you get good tubes, but don't be surprised if you get bad tubes. I've got two of these and two more on the way. The preamp tube in the first amp was microphonic but usable - the preamp tube in the second amp was so microphonic the amp was unusable even though it is a head. Put simply - order decent tubes when you order the amp, it's well worth it.

Both amps were noisy enough to be annoying but that was easily fixed by twisting and rerouting the AC primary wiring. That alone reduced hum by 400 percent.

Beyond that the sound is surprisingly good - and that's the reason I rate sound quality high. Junk the chinese tubes and neaten up the wiring and this is really a killer amp for blues through rock. You'll need pedals to get into metal territory but the amp is very pedal friendly. I don't think the amp would be too useful for "old" country and clean jazz because it just doesn't have enough clean head room - though it has more than most amps in its category.

Haven't had these long enough to say for certain but I think once you junk the Chinese tubes the rest of the amp appears to be very good. It is made in China but doesn't "feature" the "sandbox" construction of some Chinese amps.

I design and build tube amps as a hobby and my impression of this amp is that there is a good chance it will still be working in five years - I can't say that about some Chinese amps!

Haven't had any contact with them.

I've been playing about twelve years. I design, build, tweak, fold, spindle, and mutilate tube amps for fun.

Very basic, Class A amp. All the basic features a player could want. 3 band EQ, Volume, On-Off switch, 3/5 watt switch. Multiple output jacks on the back panel for running into various single or multiple speaker cabs. If you want clean, turn it down. If you want grit, turn it up. Very basic circuitry...12AX7 pre-amp, EL84 power.

This is not an amp with a lot of bells and whistles. That being said, I believe that is the precise reason why many people are going to like this amp. I run the head through the matching Blackheart 112 cab (which is also an incredible bargain). The 5 watt setting is somewhat brighter. Very prominent, but not overbearing top end. The 3 watt setting is a little more subdued, but really growls when the volume is pushed. I use this amp with some stomp boxes for practicing and recording, but I'm quite sure many players will find this little amp more than adequate for lower volume gigs/rehearsals.

Don't know...only time will tell.

From what I hear, they are quite good, but I haven't needed them yet.

For my needs, it's just about perfect. Makes all of my guitars and effects come alive (even at lower volumes). My main guitars are a Strat, Tele, Les Paul and a Flying V. Throw any stomp box in front of it and this amp eats them right up. I use a Dyna Comp, Bad Monkey, Duncan Pickup Booster, Jekyll & Hyde OD/Dist, Boss GE-7 EQ, Boss CE-5 Super Chorus, and a Boss Noise Supressor. I have a feeling that a lot of Epiphone Valve Junior owners are going to dig the Blackheart amps. According to their website, Blackheart will be introducing 15 watt and 100 watt heads and combos. If they're as good as the B5H5, I'll be owning quite a few Blackheart products.

It's a class A, single channel, single ended tube amp. 5/3 watt pentode, triode swithch, and a 3 band tone stack. It is awesome!!! I got it about 3 weeks ago from Musicians Friend, after a 3 week backorder. What a great little amp!!! I gave it an 8 for features because of the lack of a standby, but what do you want for the money you have to pay???

I mostly play my Les Paul. If you keep the volume under half way, you get a great clean sound. Very bell-like sound to it. Keep turning it up, and that's when the fun starts. It gets very loud, for the size of it. It just gets better the more you turn it up. It's a great classic rock sound. I changed the tubes right away. I put in a Tungsol 12AX7 in the pre-amp, and a Mullard EL-84 power tube, and just doing that made a huge improvement on it. It really likes pedals too. I got mine with the matching cabinet, but just for fun I hooked it up to an old Silvertone Twin 12 Cabinet that I have with the old Jensens in it, and it sounded HUGE!!! For anyone looking for a great little amp for not much money, this is definately the one for you!!!

I haven't had any problems with it so far.....

Havent had to deal with them yet, so I don't know....Cool websight tho...

I have been playing for about 12 years now, and I have had, and still do have, lots of different amps. But, I really like this little guy. It's fun to play, and looks pretty cool too!! Can't wait until the other Blackheart amps become available. I want to get those too....

This gets a high rating becasue of the three band eq ... most others in its class have either a single volume know, or a volume and a tone. The eq feature really lets you tailor the sound.

This starts at a 7 out of the box .... I test drove it through a single 12" eminence Legend alnico, with both of my Strats ('82 Dan Smith; '96 MIM) and my '77 LP Standard. Nice tone, both straight and through a Line 6 Verbzilla reverb pedal. BUT ...

Change out the tubes, folks! That's one of things that tube amps are for, for those of you joining Tubeland for the first time. My background has included, over the years, a blackface Fender Vibro-Champ, the Dan Armstrong-designed Fender 30, and a vintage Marshall 50 halfstack, so I know my tubes. First, lose the stock Chinese-made tubes which it comes with, and install vintage tubes in both the preamp and power stages. Then, play with it. I'm running an RCA blackplate 5751 and a vintage Tung-Sol el84 right now, and the improvement is HUGE. Lots more headroom, much sweeter distortion, mroe responsive to the pick, etc. ...

There is no Holy Grail tubeset ... just your amp, your guitar, your style and your ears. It's like flavors of ice cream. That said, vintage tubes made in the US (RCA, GE, Tung-Sol, etc.) or even better, Europe (Amperex, Mullard, Telefunken) will kick the hind end of any tubes from China, Russia, or elsewhere in Eastern Europe. Build a collection, adn experiment. It's worth it. With this amp in particular, it's the difference between "Nice amp! Nice value!" and weeping with joy.

Talk to me in 10 years. Decent tube amps should get there, with respectful treatment and occasional retubing, no problem.

No experience to date.

$149, shipped. Need I say more? I can't wait to record with this thing ...

The Blackheart 3/5 watt amp head for 150$ gives you more than your moneys worth. Yet with 1 channel, no reverb, in my opinion is a winner. Not for metal players. The 5 watts is very loud. I believe with a band playing smaller venues if used with a multi-effects unit and boosting its master volume would actually be enough; or mike it
(there's no line out) Perfect for blues & country.

The sound quality is very,very good. I don't know how with 1 preamp tube, but the tone, its responsiveness, EQ pot responsiveness, is very,very good. It compresses itself for lots of sustain. A little buzz when I remove my fingers from the guitar strings, 98% quiet when touching strings or metal on guitar. (probably my house wiring)
To overdrive it you will be quite loud to reach that point if "bedroom" playing, even in the 3 watt setting. It sounds excellent with an Eminence "Lady Luck" 16 ohm speaker, great with vintage Jensens 8 ohms. I'm very satisfied with the performance of this amp head.

The blackheart amp head is made very solid! It is 21 pounds and so far so good; haven't had it very long.

I believe this amp head will be such a "hit" they will up the price before too long. I hope they don't cheapen it down with smaller transformers etc; The way it is now is awesome. Just be sure you want to invest in only 5 watts.

Actually a lot of features for a little amp like this. Bass, Mids, Treble & Volume. One Input. It also has a switch to change from 5 watts to 3. I like the options on the outputs for cabinets. Simple controls and easy layout. A standby switch would've been nice though.

Here's the thing. This is a $150 head. You can buy it together with a 12" closed back cabinet for $250 total. That's cheap. However, the sound is anything but cheap. It's very warm and responsive. It also breaks up really nice when you get the volume past halfway. I like to crank it to really overdrive the tubes and then back of the volume of my guitar to clean it up. It's very responsive to my guitar's volume. It has great harmonics and feeds back really nicely. But it's quiet too. No discernable hiss at all. I may try changing the tubes to sweeten up the sound a little, but honestly this thing sounds great. Probably one of the best buys I've ever made.

Only had it a week. But it seems pretty solid. We'll see.

Hven't had to deal with them yet.

Been playing for 18 years. Right now I'm playing a '72 Tele Deluxe and an Ephiphone Dot, another great buy. I usually play through a '78 Twin with a number of effects, Morley Bad Horsie Wah, MXR Phase 100, Durham Mucho Boosto, Fulltone Distortion Pro, Digitech Whammy, Fulltone Choralflange, EB Volume & Line 6 DL-4. I've got a lot of great gear and I just wanted a low watt practice amp. I got a whole lot more. You definitely get bang for your buck on this one. Where else are you going to to real overdriven tube sound for this price? Plus you have a lot of options for upgrades on this amp. Just buy it and you'll really like it. If this were stolen I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

I think the features have been covered fairly well already in previous reviews so I won't rehash them. But really, this amp isn't about features, it's about tone.

When I bought this amp, I just had some money kicking around and thought that it would be nice to have a tube amp to leave at home to practice with so that I can leave my Rivera KR100 at my band's practice space. I really wasn't expecting a whole lot out of it because of how cheap it was but I have been very pleasantly surprised. It's just got a really great tube tone. They did a fine job of engineering this amp. You have to crank it all of the way up to get overdrive out of it and it really tops out at about a classic crunch amount of gain. To do hard rock or metal you need an OD pedal in front of it. I'm actually running a Genesis 3 into it and it sounds surprisingly good. Just a warning, other reviews have stated that you can crank this think up and it's not that loud, that's not what I've found in my experience. In order to get even a bluesy style overdrive, you have to crank it to at least 5 and once you're up that loud, you're way beyond bedroom volumes. This thing is definitely loud enough to gig with.

Seems to be built solid. I have no opinion as of yet.

No experience yet but I like their website.

This is a very nice amp and I am very glad that I bought it. I keep getting tempted to say that it's a very nice amp "for the money", but that is a little misleading because while that statement is true, it's really just a nice amp period. You just need to remember that this amp doesn't have a lot of gain on tap but it does have a very good core tone which is the most important thing. You can always add OD pedals to achieve the amount of gain that you like. This is the same reason why I love my Rivera KR100, it just has a great core tone. The only thing I wish this had is an effects loop but oh well. I'm definitely going to be watching this amp line and checking out their new releases, especially the 100 watt they've got coming out that you can switch to lower wattages. If that thing sounds as good as this amp with more gain and an effects loop, it could definitely be my dream amp. But I guess we'll have to see.

Made in 2007
I play mostly Rock and Metal, and with its 12AX7 and EL84 tubes, it's got a great Marshall tone.
Only has one channel, but there's a boost footswitch mod available on my website which was designed by Pyotr Belov, the guy who actually designed the amp http://blackheart.rowbinet.co.uk
Great amp for home rehearsal and very small gigs... or mic it through the PA for larger gigs.

I use mostly humbuckers in various guitars, les pauls, SG and Ibanez RG's... It suits my playing style (rock and metal).

As a stand alone amp it rocks... for my style I needed an OD pedal in front of it, but on its own it gives a creat crunch tone!

Clean tones are available, but as there's no master volume, you don't have enough clean headroom to gig with, unless you mic it... but clean is not what this amps about!

My use for this amp was to amplify my Line6 POD X3 Live. for this, I did not want the blackheart to add any more distortion, and I did not want the blackheart speaker in the BH112 cab I got, to colour my PODs sperker simulations... All I wanted the blackheart to do was to add a little real tube tone which I find helps finish off the great tones I get from my POD X3L in a live situation. http://blackheart.rowbinet.co.uk is where you can find out about the simple mods I did, which can be carried out in only a couple of hours. Here's my video demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebjKIG5-YO8

I gave the score of 9 for tone, as it needed a boost/OD pedal to sound good for my style... But for what it does, it does well. but with my mods and a POD it would be a 10... but of course I can't judge the amp on that for this review.

Blackheart had modifications in mind when they designed this amp. that said, it's really well built inside and out and I doubt many people will ever have an issue... I'd gig with it without a backup, for very small pub gigs.

but I've contacted tech support and they replied quickly and gave me a copy of the schematic for the amp, which is handy for after the amp's warranty has run out, as any amp tech could then service it.

Also after asking a couple of questions, Pyotr Belov (the amp designer) started emailing me with info about modding the amp! great service above and beyond what other companies would give.

Been playing on and off for 11 years, had a few tube amps in my time, and this one is great. good value, definately would replace it is it got stolen... seems a better buy than Epiphone Valve Juniors which are the same price with less features.

Has a single 12ax7 tube, and a single el84 tube, Volume, Bass, Treble, And Mid controlls, single input, a 5w to 3w switch, and 4 speaker inputs in the back, two 4 ohm, one 8 ohm, and one 16 ohm.

This amp sounded suprizingly good. I have allways liked using small amps, but hate crate amps...so i was a little scared, but i plugged into it thinking "what the hell?" and was blown away! even with the cheap chinese made tubes, it sound awesome, but i quickly replaced those with a single fender el84 groove tube, and a jj electronics ecc 803s tube. after doing this, the amp really came alive, I play mostly classic rock, and new age rock, and this amp does it very well. I use a electro harmonix metal muff pedal in front of it, and it sounds awesome. I paid $280 for the head and the matching single 12 cab, and i think it was probably one of the best gear purchases i have made. I use a carvin 100b all tube head for gigging, and this little monster for studio work, and i tell ya, its well worth it.

Well, i've had it for about a week, and so far so good, its been banged around a lil, just from moving it around, and so far so good!

Havnt had to call them, but i do like how they encourage you to mess around with, and mod the amp, so thats cool.

I have played thru many amps, one of my favorites being a 69 fender twin reverb, and also my carvin 100b, and this little guy could hang in there with them, not gonna say that it sounds as good as them, but its right up there. In my opinion, one of the best purchases i have made.

Front -> On/Off, Pentode/Triode, bass, middle, treble and volume. Just right for tone shaping. The only thing missing is a standby switch.

Back -> 2 * 4 Ohm, 2 * 8 Ohn & 1 * 16 Ohm jacks. This is a great feature! The jacks are wired in parallel, so it is a little confusing, but if you have two 16 ohm cabs they plug into the 8 ohm jacks or if you have two 8 ohm cabs they plug into the 4 ohm jacks. No messing with splitters or Ys! Changing cabinets and speaker combinations takes all of 10 seconds.

Pentode - The Little Giant sounds very good. The clean sweet spot is at about 4 or 5 and the crunch comes on as you turn up the volume.

Triode - Sounds muffled and needs to be turned up past about 7 to get bloom and harmonics.

I am still running the OEM tubes, but I bought the BH5 as a platform for EL84/6BQ5 tubes where one of a pair rattles or is micro. I have dozens of pairs for a Vox AC15CC1 and Dr Z Maz Jr that have been set aside because one of the pair rattles.

The Little Giant has nice rich full tone that is comparable to much more expensive amplifiers and it produces the tone a lower volume than either the Maz Jr or AC15.

I have been playing it through an Avatar Vintage 112 open back with a Celestion 12H30 70th Anniversary. Great bottom end, nice sparkle/chime, spacious room filling sound and a an agressive blues rock growl when turned up.

The BH5 is designed as a hot rodders platform. I first heard of the amplifier when I saw a P2P upgrade kit on the Mojo web site. Additionally, I have had very good expieriences changing to Mercury Magnetics transformers in a a Fender Champ 12 and Fender Pro Junior. When I bought the BH5, I figure another ~$100 for a MM output transformer and maybe the Mojo P2P kit (its all wired except the controls). After playing through the BH5, I am happy with the stock amplifier for lower volume playing at home. The only thing I will change is putting in a couple of NOS tubes.

Considering the price, the sound quality is a bargain.

No issues. Even with a screw up. I turned on the BH5 and when it was ready to go realized the cover was on the cabinet. While taking off the cover, I inadvertantly pulled out the jack. The BH5 had no load for about 20-30 seconds before I realized what was going on and hit power off. It does not seem to have affected the amp.

I have not tried to contact Blackheart Engineering. Their web site is very irreverant and entertaining with some good sound clips. No user manual in the box. I had to go to the web site to get a PDF of the user manual and verify how to use the output jacks. Good thing I looked, plugging two 8 ohm cabinets into the two 8 ohm jacks would have been a mistake.

I was always intrigued by the Epiphone Valve Junior, but dissuaded by the lack of tone controls and component based Mercury Magnetics upgrade kit. Soldering on circuit boards is not my cup of tea. When I saw the Mojo P2P assembled upgrade kit and a description of the BH5, I did a little research. I found a review describing the design process where the amplifier was orginally built and optimized as a P2P. Once the design was complete, it was migrated to a printed circuit board using high quality components and robust PCB traces. It was design specifically to facilitate tweakers and hot rodders and supposedly the designer is involved in setting up the production process. This all made sense to me and sounds like a very well executed plan.

I was hooked. For $150, I had to have one. Apparently, a lot of other people had to have one also because I ordered one in late November. The original shipping projection was early December, then it moved to early January. In the most serendipitous of events, it arrived Christmas Eve. There is a Santa Claus!

I am very happy with my BH5. It is off the scale when it comes to the bang for your buck.

The Blackheart Little Giant BH5H is a 5 watt, single-ended, class A amp sporting a 12AX7 preamp tube and an EL84 tube power tube. It comes in both head and 1x12 combo versions. The amp has a full 3-band tone stack, a Pentode/Triode switch and PLENTY of gain (maybe too much - see below). The output transformer is beefy enough. I even like the stock Chinese EL84 tube.

Out of the box - 7. After a few mods - 9.

The amp was designed by Pyotr Belov, the same guy who designed the Epiphone Valve Junior so I know many people will want to know how they compare. I think the Blackheart sounds a bit better out of the box.

A lot of people (without yet hearing the amp) have conjectured that the full tone stack probably sucks too much gain. I am here to testify that it does not! In fact, I think there is a bit too much level going into the 2nd stage of the preamp tube and the amp sounds better with a lower gain preamp tube like a 12AT7. I have tried several different new and NOS EL84 tubes but I actually like the stock Chinese tube. It is loose and greasy when overdriven. Even with a 12AT7, there is still plenty of guts to overdrive the power tube.

The only other negative is that the treble is a bit ???hard??? sounding (but not ice picky). The high end can easily be sweetened by changing the treble cap to a lower value silver mica. Like most subtractive filters, the tone stack imparts a subtle ???phase shift signature???. This is not necessarily bad but even set relatively flat, you know it is there.

I like the Triode/Pentode switch. In the Triode 3 watt mode, the amp has less gain, more compression and is a bit more ???tweed???. I would not trade this function for a standby switch.

I haven???t tried the matching Blackheart Eminence speakers. I am told there are two different ones - one Britished voiced for a closed back cab, and one American voiced for the open back combo. I did try several other speakers including some of my current favorites ??? 12??? ceramic Weber Blue Dog, and an EVM12L Classic reissue (great speaker!)

Seems very well built with a sturdy cab, circuit board and output transformer.

I have exchanged emails with various support people and even had a nice phone call with Pyotr Belov. They supplied me with schematics and layout diagrams. They seem very supportive of the modding community.

The circuit board is a great platform for modding with decent components, wide spacing and robust traces. It has more, firmer bass. The output transformer is about twice the size of the EVJ. If you intend on modding, you will probably not need to replace the OT.

I have modded both of the EVJ and Blackheart amps in the direction that I think they naturally want to go. The EVJ tends toward Vox, while the Little Giant leans more toward Marshall. The EVJ is mahogany and the Little Giant is Swamp Ash.

What a great value! Can't wait to try the combo and other Blackheart amps to follow.

I won't rehash the features, but I'll note that I boughtthe Blackheart to replace an Epiphone Blues junior that has nice crucnh, but was kind of limited base don the lack of any tone controls. The full bass/middle/treble controls plus the 3/5 watt swicth make this amp very versatile.

Great sound, particularly for $149! I use mine with a Strat as well as a couple of humbucker equipped guitars. I love the clean, brilliant tones you can get at moderate volume with the 3 watt setting, and cranked, it has the real tube mojo. Very flexible, and enough volume for any small setting, especially with an efficient 12" speaker.

Well... the first unit I bought died very quickly. I sent it back to Musician's Friend, and received a replacement that I'm burning in as I type. Seems pretty good so far. I suspect the other one may have had a shorted transformer winding.

Been playing off and on for 30+ years. I love this little amp for its style, sound, and versatility. I think if it was stolen I'd replace it, even if I had to sell my old Fender Champ!

I own two Epiphone Valve Junior heads (version 2 & 3) and decided to have Santa deliver me one of these new heads from Crate. My main reason was the addition of tone knobs and the 5/3 switch (no standby switch--bummer). This amp fits well in my collection of small-wattage amps/heads.

I play blues-rock and she works great. Like I mentioned above, the thing has a tone that makes her a great companion to the Epiphone Valve Junior.

So far so good.

I have not had to go this route yet.....

A few minor goofs on the white piping (uneven) is all that I can rag on this amp. I play music that wishes to be in the same veign as SRV, Page, Rhoads, etc....All guitarists should own a small head like this or the Epiphone or both (so reasonable on $ and EASY to mod). I use a Marshall 4X12 140-watt cab with Celestions in a 900 square foot apartment and she sounds like heaven. I plan on buying the Epiphone 1X12 cabinet as well as the Blackheart 1X12 cab sometime next year. This will give me two small half-stacks for my home studio.

The features are limited, but very well done. It's switchable between 3 and 5 watts; has bass, middle, and treble tone controls (along with a single volume); and, it has FIVE speaker outputs (2x4ohm, 2x8ohm, and 1x16ohm) making it compatible with just about any speaker cab.

This thing sounds great! I bought it on a whim, fully prepared to be disappointed given that it cost only $150. I like lower-powered amps and I own some nice ones, including the THD UniValve, Soldano Astroverb, Dr.Z Carmen Ghia, and Gibson GA-5. Now, I'm not saying the Blackheart is as good as these amps, but I have to tell you, tone-wise, it's right up there. The overdrive is very smooth and musical, perfect for blues and classic rock. Even when fully cranked, it cleans up nicely, while retaining overall volume, simply by turning down the guitar. IMO, it would be loud enough to gig with at smaller venues. I've experimented with different 1x12 and 2x12 cabs, and various guitars and effects, and so far, it's handled everything equally well.

It's hard to believe you can buy something like this for only $150 (geez, a lot of my pedals cost more than that), so you gotta wonder?! However, the Blackheart looks and feels well constructed. The transformers are hefty, the tube sockets are chassis mounted, the jacks and pots feel secure. I'm not crazy about the overstated logo and piping (kind of garish IMO), but it certainly does not have a "cheap" appearance.

I've been playing 30+ years and own all kinds of amps and guitars. At this price, you can't afford not to buy a Blackheart. Suffice it to say, I'm blown away by this little amp -- it's really cool, sounds great, and is just loads of fun to play!

This is a small tube amp with great features. made in 2007 5watt and 3watt, 3 band EQ, a choice of 16 ohm, 8ohm, or 4ohm output. 1 channel and one volume control.

I have been playing 30 yrs classic rock and blues and this is the best sounding amp i have ever played. I been trying to find that overdrive tube tone at bedroom volumes and this amp does it. At the 5watt it can get very loud but at the 3 watt you can get that tube sound at suitable bedroom volume. I also use a blackstone mosefet overdrive pedal and the combo real makes the best sound I ever had.

it look very well made but have not had it long enough to tell

never have used it

If lost I would go buy another one ASAP.

Looks good in the ad Custumer service is HORRIBLE

Looks like it sounds good in the ads customer service is HORRIBLE

Would never look for any kind of service from theese clowns.

The customer service is TERRIBLE HORIBLE BAD. I Tried Emailing to find out where I could buy one and got no reply, so I called and got put on hold way too long and like a dummy I called back and was transferred to a lady who said she was with Blackheart. I asked her where I could purchase one or two of these cool looking little half stacks? and I was told buy her that they don't have records of what dealers they where sent because they just come from china and to go back to the web page and put my zip code in the dealer locator. I did and I called everyone in my area plus a couple others and 100% of the dealers did not even know they where Dealers.Music& Arts in Mclean Va and Rocketeria in Md did offer to try and order one for Me Imagine that a bit of Customer service at Two Dealers yea to them. There Dealer locator also includes no Dealer phone numbers or links to there web site. When somebody get's these amps I hope they are great $250.00 throw away amps cause I doubt you will get any help from these people.

Single ended 12AX7/EL84 Class 'A' 5w pentode/3w triode switchable tube amp head, manufactured in 2007. Similar in size and cabinet design to the Epi Valve Jr., but with the addition of low/mid/high tone controls, and the switch for selecting 5w or 3w mode. Rear apron outputs include dual 4 ohm, dual 8 ohm, and single 16 ohm 1/4" jacks. The rating compares it to other amps in its class.

The head is driving a single 12" Eminence Wizard (103db sensitivity) in a closed-back cabinet. Guitars include single coils, P90's, and humbuckers. The inclusion of the tone stack greatly increases the amp's usability with an entire spectrum of guitar and pickup types, with plenty of high end reserve to compensate for muddy humbuckers. The amp breaks up evenly and predictably as volume is increased. The resulting distortion is warm and smooth, and easily controlled by pick attack and guitar volume changes. It reacts magnificently to my Digitech Bad Monkey pedal, especially when the pedal is used at minimum gain with an increased output level, effectively acting as a clean boost, pushing the amp into singing sustain territory.
If there is any weakness, bass output is somewhat less than expected. To be fair in this regard, though, the Wizard is far from a bass-heavy speaker, and the cabinet it is housed in is of minimal size. The bass output may come alive with a larger cabinet.

Everything about the build of this little amp seems top-notch. All controls and jacks are 'pro' quality and feel. There is every reason to think it will fare well. The rating is speculative.

Marketed by Crate/Loud Technologies. No experience with them.

This does not generate monster sound levels... and that is not its intended purpose. It is designed to create the tone that only a tube can create... at a volume that is usable in a home or recording environment. It does that VERY well, indeed. Having said that, 5 "tube watts" is loud enough to use the amp by itself in an intimate, "less-than-full-out" rehearsal or small gig situation, and I look forward to having a chance to mic the cabinet in a 'live' situation, as the QUALITY of the tone is outstanding, and should mic up very well. There are many low-wattage amps out there, but probably none that combine the sound, features, and quality of the Blackheart... and provide them at the Blackheart's street price.