Hamstead Soundworks has added two new models to its Artist Series of guitar amplifiers – an upgraded 20 watt Artist 20+ RT and the brand-new 60 watt Artist 60+RT, both available as separate heads or in a 1×12” combo format.
The MK3 Artist 20+RT is a single channel, class A/B guitar amplifier, based on the company’s original 20 watt model launched in 2014 .
It features a number of refinements, whilst maintaining the core character of the original amp. Central to this is Hamstead’s brand-new Output Power selection, offering selectable 20, 7, or 2 watt outputs, without compromising tone.
Powered by a duet of EL84 valves, and a trio of tone generating ECC83 preamp valves, the MK3 Artist 20+RT delivers shimmering cleans and warm, natural, harmonically rich overdriven tones.
The Artist 60+RT is a single channel, class A/B guitar amplifier that blends the original, unique Hamstead Artist preamp stage with a new fixed bias, twin EL34 output stage. This new design takes the sonic concept of the Artist 20+RT MK3 to the next level within power, dynamic range, versatility and clean headroom, whilst retaining all the essential characteristics that the Artist Series amplifiers is renowned for.
It also features Hamstead’s Output Power selection, offering selectable 60, 20, or 7 watt outputs. From the sheer volume and presence of 60 watts, with huge amounts of clean headroom on tap, to the more easily driven 20 watt mode (similar to the Artist 20+RT MK3), to the seven-watt mode that delivers real low-power output valve sag.
Both share the same brushed stainless steel control panels with black ‘easy read’ chicken head control knobs. Available in the classic Hamstead cream covering, or optional black.
Essential controls are kept to a minimum with Gain, Bass, Treble and Master Volume, plus Depth/Tone and Depth/Speed rotaries for Hamstead’s own Signature Reverb & Tremolo circuits. Both switchable via the front panel, or via the included 4-way Quad footswitch – now fitted with OptoKick footswitches by The GigRig for silent and reliable switching.
The Artist 20+RT has an RRP of £1,799 for the head; £1,999 for the combo 1×12” Celestion G12H Anniversary, while the Artist 60+RT is £1,999 for the head and £2,199 for the combo 1×12” Celestion G12M-65 Creamback
A 4-Way Quad Footswitch Included operates reverb and tremolo and ‘Voice’ adding presence and mid-range solo boost.
