Blackheart Engineering BH5H with Bitmo Triple Bypass mod

The Blackheart BH5H is a single ended 5 watt amp head. It has a front panel mounted toggle to select between Triode or Pentode mode (5 watts or 3 watts).

In stock trim this amp has all the controls/features that I want/need. I've had and played through several amps over a long period of time and I prefer single channel amps with a good tone stack/EQ.

So, this one fits the bill with front panel mounted power switch, Triode/Pentode switch (3 watt or 5 watt), Treble, Mid, Bass and Input jack.

On the rear panel there are plenty of speaker taps/jacks of different impedance (4, 8 or 16 ohm) to meet my needs. Along with an IEC power receptacle and fuse.

Single 12AX7 preamp and EL84 power tube. Both Chinese. I rolled several tubes through the amp and settled on a 12AT7. These amps have plenty of gain. IMO, perhaps a bit too much, and the lower gain 12AT7 helped to smooth out the tones, particularly in the upper mids/highs. I actually like the stock EL84.

I used the amp live and it performed very well within the content of the house mix and on it's own.

Still, I was curious about the Bitmo Triple Bypass mod kit. I e-mailed Bruce Hutcheon several times before purchasing his kit on eBay. They are also available here: http://thetubestore.com/bmtripby.html

Bruce quickly answered my questions and was quite helpful. He also provided support after I bought the kit.

The mod kit was easy to install, with good quality components and clear instructions.

It helped give this amp more versatility. The 3-way mini toggle switch can be mounted on the front or rear panel. I mounted mine on the front, just under the Input jack for easy access.

I bought this amp new and it sounded "good" out of the box. The exception was the highs were a bit harsh sounding. I tried rolling various tubes through it and found a 12AT7 sounded much better than the stock 12AX7 to my ears. These amps have plenty of gain! A little too much, IMO. So the lower gain 12AT7 helped to smooth things out.

The amp's circuit is well designed and shielded, so it is dead quiet.

I've run my LP, singl coil Strat and H-S-H "S" type guitar through it fine. My #1 guitar is an Anderson Hollow Drop Top in H-S-H configuration. It sounds and plays wonderful through this amp.

I generally run my amps somewhat clean, with some slight breakup when pushed hard. I use various carefully selected effects pedals to achieve boost/overdrive/distortion to taste. This amp takes all of my pedals very well.

In my current musical situation, I run my amp direct to FOH using a H&K Red Box Pro of the speaker tap, and a Weber Speaker Silencer load box. I monitor via IEM's. I'm big into keeping stage volume to an absolute minimum, and this does the trick very well.

The amp sounds scary good. I was using a Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr 210 combo. I have since brought it home. It will get used for outdoor and other events when our IEM system isn't available. I'm not saying this amp is on par with my Dr. Z, but it's close enough to get the job done.

With the Triple Bypass mod installed, I can run the amp clean. Flip the switch one direction and get more usable gain and crank-factor. Or flip it the other way and get a tight, but brighter "top boost" thing going.

In my opinion, the three switch positions sound "Marshall-y," "Fender-y" or "Vox-y." Making use of the EQ and the Pentode/Triode switch gives quite a variety of sounds/tones.

I don't play metal, so I'm not sure if the amp would be suited for this on it's own (?). But, adding a distortion pedal in front should get it into that territory with ease.

Even though I'll probably use the amp mostly set on the "Fender-y" clean setting, it's nice to know I have the other options. It's great that I could carry this small head in one hand and probably be able to run it without pedals if needed.

I can't quite give this stock or modded amp a 10, but a very enthusiastic 9.

I've not had the amp for an extended length of time.

But, now that I've pulled the chassis, I have to say that these are very well designed and built amps! It's really incredible what you can get for the price. The circuit is well laid out on the PCB. The PCB is heavy duty with heavy traces and double sided solder pads. All components look to be of good quality, the transformers seem quite sufficient and everything is built on a heavy duty chassis. This looks to be a very "road worthy" amp.

I also like the fact that the amp was designed with the mindset that folks are going to mod them. For example, there is already a solder pad marked "TR." Yes, this is so you can add a Tube Rectifier if you prefer over the stock rectifier circuit.

Cosmetically the amp looks great also. Though I did remove the logo (two screws). It isn't ugly, but just not my taste. I've put it away for safe keeping.

I've had no need to personally contact them, but know of folks that have. They were impressed with the customer support.

I've been playing live, in the studio or for my own enjoyment for over 30 years. I've had and have gear from both ends of the spectrum. Inexpensive gear to high end boutique.

It's amazing to me that an amp as well thought out, designed and built could cost so little. I'm not particularly "brand loyal," so if something works well for me I use. If it doesn't, I don't have it around for long.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one of these. I've given thought to using a second one in a two amp setup. I've done this in the past, but carrying around all the gear gets real old, real fast. But with this "lunchbox" style amp with it's size and weight, I'm reconsidering.

I personally wouldn't add anything else to this amp. Some folks mention they would like have a Standby switch. I don't see it as a necessity. And I certainly wouldn't trade the Triode/Pentode switch for one.