The Blackstar CV30 is a Blackstar amplifier, currently around $1161.39. Close alternatives include the Friedman Dirty Shirley and the Blackstar Artist 30. It pairs well with the Marshall Guv'nor and the Dophix Michelangelo Overdrive Plus.
Blackstar CV30
Blackstar · amplifier
The Blackstar CV30 is a 30-watt signature combo amplifier designed in collaboration with guitarist Carmen Vandenberg of Bones UK and Jeff Beck collaborator. It runs two ECC83 preamp tubes and two 6L6 power tubes, housed in a 1x12 cabinet loaded with a Celestion V-Type speaker. Two channels each carry two voices: the Clean channel switches between American and British voicings while the Overdrive channel offers Classic and Modern gain characters. Blackstar patented ISF tone control, digital reverb, and an effects loop complete the feature set. The 6L6 power section delivers American-style dynamics with British Class A-style chime and shimmer.
- american
- british
- classic rock
- clean
- crunch
- warmth
- modern
- blues
Good for
- Live
- Studio
- Worship
Price updated Aug 27, 2026
Genres the Blackstar CV30 is commonly used in
- Classic Rock
- Blues
- Rock
- Alternative Rock
- Blues Rock
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Country
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag.
Pedals that stack with the Blackstar CV30
Marshall Guv'nor
Marshall
23% matchMarshall Guv'nor's mid-forward fills in what this transparent tone doesn't make on its own
Dophix Michelangelo Overdrive Plus
Dophix
22% matchInto a transparent tone, Dophix Michelangelo Overdrive Plus brings the mid-forward it's missing
Analog Man King of Tone
Analog Man
22% matchInto the CV30's classic-rock British clean, the King of Tone's transparent boost pushes real crunch.
Universal Audio Flow Tremolo
Universal Audio
15% matchBlackstar CV30 leans into Marshall-style amps, precisely the platform Universal Audio Flow Tremolo wants
Seymour Duncan Vise Grip Compressor
Seymour Duncan
15% matchSeymour Duncan Vise Grip Compressor's own voicing points at Marshall-style amps, and Blackstar CV30 delivers it
Universal Audio Golden Reverberator
Universal Audio
12% matchUniversal Audio Golden Reverberator is voiced for Marshall-style amps — Blackstar CV30 gives it exactly that — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Wampler Catacombs
Wampler
12% matchBlackstar CV30 leans into Marshall-style amps, precisely the platform Wampler Catacombs wants — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Keeley KO-Als Distortion
Keeley
tonal matchKeeley KO-Als Distortion's own voicing points at Marshall-style amps, and Blackstar CV30 delivers it
Cheaper alternatives
Blackstar CV10 Carmen Vandenberg Signature 10-Watt 1x12"
Blackstar
61% similarityShared character: two_channels, wide_range, crunch
Blackstar HT Stage 60 MKII
Blackstar
97% similaritysimilar tone character
Blackstar TV-10
Blackstar
97% similaritysimilar tone character
Blackstar HT Club 40 MKII
Blackstar
96% similaritysimilar tone character
Boutique & premium upgrades
Similar charactersee all similar tone character →
Friedman Dirty Shirley
Friedman
64% similarityShared character: crunch, classic_rock, warm
Blackstar Artist 30
Blackstar
97% similaritysimilar tone character
Blackstar St. James 50 EL34H Fawn
Blackstar
97% similaritysimilar tone character
Traynor YGL1
Traynor
96% similaritysimilar tone character
Victory VC35
Victory
96% similaritysimilar tone character
Traynor YCV50B
Traynor
96% similaritysimilar tone character
See all alternatives to the Blackstar CV30 (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Blackstar CV30?+
The closest matches in character are the Friedman Dirty Shirley, the Blackstar Artist 30, the Blackstar St. James 50 EL34H Fawn. Budget picks: Blackstar CV10 Carmen Vandenberg Signature 10-Watt 1x12", Blackstar HT Stage 60 MKII, Blackstar TV-10. Boutique upgrades: Blackstar ST. James 100 Head, Bad Cat Pre-Sale! Hot Cat Head, Framus Ruby Riot.
What pairs well with the Blackstar CV30?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: Marshall Guv'nor, Dophix Michelangelo Overdrive Plus, Analog Man King of Tone — Marshall Guv'nor's mid-forward fills in what this transparent tone doesn't make on its own.
How much does the Blackstar CV30 cost?+
Around $1161.39 (live listing price, updated Aug 27, 2026).