Hamstead Soundworks expands Artist Series with Artist 20 MKII guitar amps

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New single-channel EL84 heads and combos tweak successful formula

When we looked at Brit guitar amp co Hamstead Soundworks' original Artist 20+RT, we praised its attention to detail and "almost hi-fi clarity", and now, the company has upgraded its Artist line with the launch of Artist 20 MKII heads and combos.

Like the original, the Artist 20 MKII amps are single-channel and EL84-powered, with a switchable output from 12 to 20 watts.

The new MKII format adds a clean gain switch to lower the preamp gain and provide increased headroom; a bright switch for extra top-end; plus a three-way voice level switch, offering three levels of boost: 2dB, 3.5dB and 5dB.

Two models are on offer: the Artist 20 MKII and the Artist 20+RT MKII, which includes the company's signature reverb and tremolo circuits, with respective depth, tone and speed controls. Both are available as heads or combos.

The Artist 20 MKII amps are available now - prices below…

Artist 20 MKII Head RRP: £1,499
Artist 20 MKII Combo RRP: £1,699
Artist 20+RT MKII Head RRP: £1,699
Artist 20+RT MKII Combo RRP: £1,899

Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.