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Fender Blues Junior IV vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Blackstar HT-1R MkIII is cheaper at $449.99. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Fender Blues Junior IV or Blackstar HT-1R MkIII?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Blackstar HT-1R MkIII is the cheaper at $449.99.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Fender Blues Junior IV Blackstar HT-1R MkIII
US price $789.99 $449.99
BrandFenderBlackstar
Released
Amplifier type tube tube
Power watts 15 1
Speaker config 1x12 1x8
Channels 1 2
Form factor combo combo
Onboard effects No Yes
Effects loop No No
Direct out No Yes
Headphone out No Yes
Weight (lb) 31.5

Sources — Fender Blues Junior IV: irvineartandmusic.com (verified 2026-07-11). Blackstar HT-1R MkIII: blackstaramps.com (verified 2026-07-11).

What's the difference between the Fender Blues Junior IV and Blackstar HT-1R MkIII?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 10). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Power watts: Fender Blues Junior IV 15 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII 1
  • Speaker config: Fender Blues Junior IV 1x12 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII 1x8
  • Channels: Fender Blues Junior IV 1 vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII 2
  • Onboard effects: Fender Blues Junior IV false vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII true
  • Direct out: Fender Blues Junior IV false vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII true
  • Headphone out: Fender Blues Junior IV false vs Blackstar HT-1R MkIII true

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