Blackstar Club 40 MKIII Review - The Ultimate Versatile Tube Combo Amplifier!

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  • Опубликовано: 4 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 109

  • @intheblues
    @intheblues  7 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for watching and for all the great comments so far! If you'd like to check this amp out you can by using these affiliate links! Thanks for your support.
    🛒 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/WqrPY3
    🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3Veme4q
    🛒 Sky Music - bit.ly/48Lz9hF

  • @marions.120
    @marions.120 7 месяцев назад +4

    I traveled with Marshall and hand wired Orange, kept blowing tubes and switched to a Blackstar Silverline. Never used a solid state amp before and It took a while, but I finally got it dialed in. So far so good!
    P.S. running it through a Marshall 4 X 12.

  • @pinkiewerewolf
    @pinkiewerewolf 7 месяцев назад +5

    Blackstar is just killing it these days!
    The St James, now this, great stuff.

  • @MrBostechman
    @MrBostechman 7 месяцев назад +1

    Had the MK1 20 watt and Mk2 40. Excellent amps. This series is by far the most versatile on the market. Takes pedals very well. There’s not much it can’t do. Perfect studio amp.

  • @DMSProduktions
    @DMSProduktions 7 месяцев назад +6

    We used to sell the prev versions of this in my shop. Seriously good amp for the $! LOUD, & great clean channel with a bit of reverb!
    Rockin'! \m/

  • @leoolivero963
    @leoolivero963 7 месяцев назад +1

    Great review.
    I have the St. James 6L6; awesome amp for the $. Now, my understanding is that this Club 40 MK3 amp is identical to the MK2 version, but with cosmetic upgrades. I test drove the MK2 a year ago and was immediately hooked. Been eyeing it out ever since... this new version definitely looks better. If I didn't already have the St. James and a DSL40CR, I'd be jumping on this MK3.

  • @LincolnCountyBand-st8yn
    @LincolnCountyBand-st8yn 7 месяцев назад +1

    Hi Shane, I have the mk2 Club 40 and it's brilliant so I am wondering whats different with the new mk3 because they look pretty much identical.

  • @Neridog
    @Neridog 7 месяцев назад +1

    Great video and great playing as always! I just got this amp myself and I love it. The clean sounds amazing and the voice options are great for mixing it up. The gain is crazy versatile. I myself barely put the gain past 9 o' clock and I get what I need. The features are amazing too. All that and it's LOUD. And price-wise it's pretty great too. 😎

  • @jmeakin4
    @jmeakin4 7 месяцев назад +4

    If 40W is too much for your needs (or 20W), keep in mind Blackstar's HT-5R MkII. Stellar tube tone at neighborly volume.

    • @nedim_guitar
      @nedim_guitar 7 месяцев назад +1

      I've had one. I found it very dull and boring. It's too small and you don't get the low end and you don't feel the air being pushed in the room. I just felt no inspiration or fun or anything when I was playing it. Loud is more good, as JHS says, but it doesn't have to be ridiculous. The Blackstar Artist 15 is really good, loud for a 15 W and packs a great punch!

    • @KM-302
      @KM-302 6 месяцев назад +1

      @@nedim_guitar Totally agree on the Artist 15

  • @PXR5-PXR5
    @PXR5-PXR5 7 месяцев назад +3

    Damm nice solo n tune Shane
    👍
    Amp sound really good.
    Thanx for the vid.

  • @DamianS1893
    @DamianS1893 5 месяцев назад

    Shane, You and Pete Thorn have the best reviews of this Combo Amp... Greatly appreciate your Channel. Cheers from Florida ✝️👍🤙✌️

  • @michaelfessenden8601
    @michaelfessenden8601 7 месяцев назад +2

    HT 1w and HT 5w are great for lower gains and like to see St. James.

  • @CZPavel-c1p
    @CZPavel-c1p 7 месяцев назад +1

    This combo looks and sounds very good, the brand is quality. I have a 40 W modeling combo from her, I am satisfied with it. Very nice video, thank you. Greetings Pavel CZ.👍👍👍

  • @kmickp1166
    @kmickp1166 7 месяцев назад

    I’ve had the mark 1 HT40 for 10 years and with this new model they have addressed the minor complaints I have, mainly relating the clean channel eg adding eq rather than just a tone knob. The dirty channel is fantastic and I dont need to use a pedal to get a great solo tone, similar to my Mesa Boogie where the solo tone is solely from the amp, also it’s really easy to dial in. I play mostly rock so this amp is perfect for me and at a price point which is hard to beat when you see the features that are included. I guess the only issue for some with be getting over brand bias, which I understand, but I have or have had Fender, Marshall, Vox,Boogie etc and Blackstar compares well!

  • @thejoshbtv
    @thejoshbtv 7 месяцев назад +5

    The ISF feature is Blackstars biggest claim to fame. I'm surprised more companies don't do something similar.

  • @rumy6871
    @rumy6871 7 месяцев назад +1

    Shane would a greenback or similar type of speaker help bring up the mids?

  • @jplew138
    @jplew138 7 месяцев назад +1

    I have their Silverline Special 50-watt.
    Now i want this 😊

  • @narbonneguitars8590
    @narbonneguitars8590 7 месяцев назад +2

    Your videos are really good but could you use a decibal meter in the future with new amps ...just because ik you can dial in a amp an make it sound great what ever the amp ...but volume in the 2 channels(clean an overdrive)...are what make guys like me on the other end of the video question will it serve as a pedal platform or great as it is...I like u are a blues an classic player...so hi gain isn't really my thing...

    • @mkrj2576
      @mkrj2576 7 месяцев назад

      Agree and I’ve brought this up before. A decibel meter should be a standard feature in all product reviews.

  • @pyroman6000
    @pyroman6000 7 месяцев назад +3

    Me likey that clean channel!!!!!! Quite versatile, and a really gorgeous sound. Having the voicing switch reminds me a bit of my Fender Bassbreaker 15- which has that switch for low/medium/high gain. Or the old Supersonic 60, where you could choose between the Bassman voicing or a Blackface voicing on it's clean channel. (and 2 gain controls on the Burn channel, so you could customize the dirty sound)
    Having Fendery AND Voxy cleans in one amp is a hell of a combo.
    Shane, You and Johan Segeborn have given me more terminal GAS... Thanks a lot, pal!

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 7 месяцев назад +1

      Ok, let's go! \m/

    • @jplew138
      @jplew138 7 месяцев назад

      Let's GO! 😁😁

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@jplew138 Alright!

    • @jplew138
      @jplew138 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@DMSProduktions 🤣🤣🤣

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@jplew138 'Too dey I'm goink to pley...'

  • @MrMoneyHelper
    @MrMoneyHelper 7 месяцев назад +1

    Sounds like a solid state amp with a pedal on the overdrive channel. The clean channel sounds good, but still not so much like a tube amp. There is no sag or pump as the pick strikes the strings. The notes mostly don't bloom. It sounds like a good $200 solid state amp.
    I own the Stereo 10 ID Core V2. I like it for what it is, but it will never sound like a great tube amp. Mostly it is great as a stereo computer speaker.

    • @chrisgmurray3622
      @chrisgmurray3622 7 месяцев назад +1

      Yeah... I agree. It's the actual sound that disappoints me.. sort of dry boxy.

  • @NehirF
    @NehirF 5 месяцев назад

    Great video as always. I have the same amp and I want to change the speaker to celestion vintage 30 or Greenback. Which one do you prefer for this amp?

  • @phishfan
    @phishfan 7 месяцев назад

    I'd love to see a review of the St. James combo, the lower-gain El34 blonde version.

  • @marcbolan1818
    @marcbolan1818 7 месяцев назад +1

    Have an older HT Studio 20 and it is as loud as I need for gigs and studio. I don't even use my ACO30 or Marshall 50W anymore.

  • @jamalabdul2009
    @jamalabdul2009 7 месяцев назад +7

    I don’t get why Blackstar Amps aren’t more popular! This amp literally has everything you need to record or play live AND it’s a tube amp!! All this for $1k US🤯🤯

    • @stringlocker
      @stringlocker 7 месяцев назад +3

      I had one. They're getting better. They lean too hard on the diode clipping. For the price they are a good deal.

    • @chrisgmurray3622
      @chrisgmurray3622 7 месяцев назад

      Each to their own! I must admit that the two or three BlackStar amps I've tried, didn't sound any good to me... sort of dry carboard box tone. Many examples of these amps on RUclips have sounded just the same to me, as far as I can tell. I suppose if you like that particular sound they all seem to have, you'll be all for them, but I can't stand the way they sound.

    • @donciseau
      @donciseau 7 месяцев назад +1

      Excellent playing and tones!

    • @Da_Publick
      @Da_Publick 7 месяцев назад +1

      They're too hit-and-miss.

    • @jlmcgrot
      @jlmcgrot 5 месяцев назад +1

      Well, $1k isn’t cheap for basically an upstart Chinese amp company. They don’t have the legacy of a USA or UK made amp that may have moved production. I don’t have any experience with them. Just giving you my perception which I assume others share, since you asked.
      I’m shocked you said 1000. I’d never pay that for one. Maybe 300.

  • @jimmcdougall9973
    @jimmcdougall9973 7 месяцев назад

    I have the original Club 40 and nothing comes close to it for value of money and versatility in a tube amp. It gives me exactly what I want in a tube amp and takes pedals very well. They’re not trying to be a Marshall, Fender or Vox. They’re all of them plus more.
    Nice review.

    • @TheSavagederek
      @TheSavagederek 7 месяцев назад +1

      Except when they break down . There is literally nothing worth fixing inside them . They are cheaply built , hence why you can get a valve amp at such low cost .

    • @jimmcdougall9973
      @jimmcdougall9973 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@TheSavagederek Mine is about ten years old and keeps giving. Price wise, was no different to other tube amps in its class. They are definitely not built cheaply. Any tube amp will give issues eventually. That’s why I own a Kemper.

  • @barbmelle3136
    @barbmelle3136 7 месяцев назад

    As usual Sir, great demonstration. Pretty much a direct competition for a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, even same price in the USA, The Blackstar has more tech features if you need them.

  • @Matthew_Scan
    @Matthew_Scan 7 месяцев назад

    What do you think of the drive channel first voice I reckon it sounds muddy, voice 2 a lot cleaner but a lot more gain too, cleans are great though, I used to have the mk 1 50 head I played that actual amp if that’s the Sky music one

  • @1man1guitarletsgo
    @1man1guitarletsgo 7 месяцев назад +2

    I had one of the original HT Club 40s, and it was a perfectly good gigging amp. I also had (and still have) a Fender BDR, which is _so_ good that the Blackstar sounded rather sterile by comparison, so it had to go. I now have a 1999 Laney LC30, which is easily as good as the Fender, and which benefits from a proper spring reverb.

  • @doctorskull8197
    @doctorskull8197 7 месяцев назад +2

    Outstanding demonstration! However, I need to know how much an amp weighs. Am I going to knock out my back lugging the amp back to my car at 2AM when the gig is done and I consumed multiple adult beverages?

    • @fastacesus8499
      @fastacesus8499 7 месяцев назад +2

      27kg It's a massive no from me. Would rather get the DSL 40cr still heavy but lighter than this.

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 7 месяцев назад +2

      Castors:Are we a joke to you?

    • @xoxb2
      @xoxb2 7 месяцев назад

      He says in the middle of the video how much it weighs.

    • @TheSavagederek
      @TheSavagederek 7 месяцев назад

      ​@@DMSProduktionsdo casters lift it into the motor , or upstairs into a gig ?

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 7 месяцев назад

      @@TheSavagederek No, BUT they still help a lot getting from 1 end to the other!
      I put castors on all of my boxes/combos.

  • @bobwreck3775
    @bobwreck3775 7 месяцев назад

    I got the MKII. Its decent and can jam. But sometimes the volume levels just changes quickly. I assume if were to record it would be a problem. Maybe I got a slightly messed up one.

  • @Mizzdr111
    @Mizzdr111 7 месяцев назад

    I bet its real good. Love my Fly 3. sounds great, and batteries last a long time with sparse use. Good things do come in small packages.!

  • @aapddd
    @aapddd 7 месяцев назад

    I still have my mk1 ht-5 head. I got it really cheap, cheaper than most pedals. I run it at home through a 4x12. No practice amp can touch it. It is the most bang for buck that I ever bought. I change gear a lot, but this one is in my possession for over 7 years now. It isn’t going anywhere.

    • @robertcarey3383
      @robertcarey3383 7 месяцев назад +1

      I have a Mk 1 ht-5 head also and they are thin in the mid frequency just like the one he is reviewing here. I also have a Blackheart 5-watt Little Giant with a Freidman small box pedal that sounds WAY better than the Blackstar with both of them running into 2x12s with vintage 30's. The Blackheart sounds so much better I now just use the Blackstar on the clean channel to plug in a drum machine. When I only had the ht-5 I was just like you thinking it was great but when I got the Blackheart and played both of them together you can instantly hear what you are not getting with the Blackstar.

    • @aapddd
      @aapddd 7 месяцев назад

      @@robertcarey3383 I hear you. I also got a Bogner Goldfinger and of course the ht-5 can’t touch it. However that’s not the point I’m trying to make. I got the Blackstar for less than any Friedman pedal alone. That’s just amazing value. For home use, I don’t care it doesn’t sound like the Bogner. It sounds great for its purpose.

  • @mkrj2576
    @mkrj2576 7 месяцев назад

    I’d like to hear this amp with the line out to a FOH “main” speaker vs the combo. It’d be a big selling point if it sound great through the mains. Keeping stage volumes lower is becoming more common place.

  • @danyaeger6238
    @danyaeger6238 7 месяцев назад

    Clean channel is nice, and the voice switch gives it sync good flexibility. Not really digging the drive channel, though. Blackstars always seem to be a little too fizzy in their breakup. I'd be interested green how the clean channel plays with gain pedals.
    $1k seems a little dear for an and without one if the big three logos on it.

  • @eradley01
    @eradley01 7 месяцев назад

    Whats your computer/micing/monitor/interface/camera, etc. setup for this video? I really want to figure a way to jam/record with my amp/computer and perhaps one day record a video for YT. Thanks...

  • @danstringer7610
    @danstringer7610 7 месяцев назад +2

    Do you like the Blackstar as much as your DSL 40cr?

    • @tommywallberg
      @tommywallberg 7 месяцев назад

      I would guess he would 🤔

    • @intheblues
      @intheblues  7 месяцев назад +1

      This is a versatile amp, but for what I do, the Marshall is better for me.

  • @mrskint55
    @mrskint55 7 месяцев назад +2

    Sounds great . Only trouble I found with Blackstar amps (and I have owned three) unreliable.

  • @Dam-oH
    @Dam-oH 7 месяцев назад +1

    This looks like the perfect product for my needs. Solid features for the price point. Sounds great from the video too.

  • @toddflowers8052
    @toddflowers8052 7 месяцев назад +1

    How does it stack up against the Marshall DSL 40CR ? Thinking about selling mine after I get it repaired for the second time in a year.😑 Thanks Shane love this demo mate !!.

    • @melexdy
      @melexdy 7 месяцев назад +2

      Really ? I rarely hear about DSL40 going bad, what kind of issue does your have?
      If anything Blackstar is worse than the Dsl series in terms of longevity. At least thats the word on the market.

    • @toddflowers8052
      @toddflowers8052 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@melexdy First time it was a glue issue ,too much glue was melting and fouling up the electronics....this time the input jack has failed and the 20.watt channel stopped working again ( happened before....
      I love the amp.but it's been a pain to keep it working properly.

    • @melexdy
      @melexdy 7 месяцев назад +1

      @@toddflowers8052 Damn you got a tricky one for sure.

    • @toddflowers8052
      @toddflowers8052 7 месяцев назад

      @@melexdy Seems to be my luck ! 😆

    • @TheSavagederek
      @TheSavagederek 7 месяцев назад

      Try doing that on the Black star . No chance , it's a skip job .

  • @deepzepp4176
    @deepzepp4176 3 месяца назад

    Is there a difference in tone, between the MKii and the MKiii?

  • @andrewclemons8619
    @andrewclemons8619 7 месяцев назад +1

    Sounds different. I kinda like it.

  • @marklisa17
    @marklisa17 7 месяцев назад

    Seems like a really beautiful amp. The feature set is in line with more modern expectations.
    Time to start saving the pennies!!!
    Thx Shane for a another brilliant review for us mug Aussie's !😂😂😂

  • @PetefromSouthOz
    @PetefromSouthOz 7 месяцев назад

    Hey Shane once again a great review. Pretty versatile Amp.
    Just a thought are you planning a Db Display so we can get an idea how loud things are in the room?

    • @intheblues
      @intheblues  7 месяцев назад

      I'll get one at some point. I have amps up at small gig volume most of the time. :)

  • @jamesbarrick3403
    @jamesbarrick3403 7 месяцев назад +2

    One would think in a $1000 tube amp they could spend an extra $20 and get a legit Celestion greenback or maybe a Vintage 30. Something people want. Not a speaker people are like oh... I'd need to replace this. $1000 amp guys.

  • @robertmarzojty1703
    @robertmarzojty1703 7 месяцев назад +1

    I have one of these amps, great.

  • @donaldlaporte4227
    @donaldlaporte4227 7 месяцев назад +1

    Great intro!!!

  • @nickmizell1141
    @nickmizell1141 7 месяцев назад

    Great video, and Thanks to Sky music!! Can you give us a video tour of Sky music?

    • @intheblues
      @intheblues  7 месяцев назад

      Hi Nick, here you go mate - ruclips.net/video/Gy-MPzhmVl4/видео.html

    • @nickmizell1141
      @nickmizell1141 7 месяцев назад

      @@intheblues Thank you sir!!

  • @MRxr400
    @MRxr400 7 месяцев назад +1

    top points for the clean to edge of break up tone. very nice

  • @asmol82
    @asmol82 7 месяцев назад

    To those it may concern: I've switched back to my pedalboard, which I call Nova System, and nothing else matters! © :P
    So it goes!

  • @MrMarkar1959
    @MrMarkar1959 7 месяцев назад

    👍🏼i got a '71 Fender TFL 5005D sitting in the closet next to a '96 Mesa Boogie DC-3. a little 10W Marshall is too loud,,Apartment living sux,,and wearing headphones?!! dont need a big amp

  • @KM-302
    @KM-302 6 месяцев назад

    This new ht40 sounds great. Its definitely an ever improving evolution. The new ht20 sounds less than impressive! The bigger power section on the 40 seems to be its biggest strength.

  • @edwinwise6751
    @edwinwise6751 7 месяцев назад

    I had the 1st issue of the club 40 and it was forgettable. Solid state preamp and a 70 / 80 celestian. It was to heavy for gigging . I had to give it away when I finally got rid of it .

  • @void_snw
    @void_snw 7 месяцев назад +2

    Every single time I see a Blackstar amp I go "great, but I'd really like a presence knob to turn up" :(

    • @Neridog
      @Neridog 7 месяцев назад +1

      haha I hear you, the presence and resonance knobs were amazing options to have on my old EVH amps. The eq on this is pretty solid though so I don't really miss them.

  • @DamianS1893
    @DamianS1893 5 месяцев назад

    Review Blackstar HT 50 MKIII Head

  • @RevGerryRM
    @RevGerryRM 7 месяцев назад

    Sounding great

  • @anthonyward8587
    @anthonyward8587 7 месяцев назад +1

    Great review once again Shane. Think i would rather the DSL 40

  • @Tumbadoraable
    @Tumbadoraable 7 месяцев назад

    Hmmm a BOSS KATANA-Artist MkII lookalike

  • @fernandes5986
    @fernandes5986 7 месяцев назад

    I gotta have one.

  • @jessetate9701
    @jessetate9701 4 месяца назад

    So what one

  • @maxwellbowden9961
    @maxwellbowden9961 7 месяцев назад +2

    It does sound good, but I got scared off by a couple of tech guys videos where the construction and components were questioned. Well, rubbished really.

  • @adamwinski6444
    @adamwinski6444 7 месяцев назад

    How does it takes pedals ? I own HT20MK2 and It does not take pedals well

  • @adamwatson6916
    @adamwatson6916 4 месяца назад

    They make great amps but i wish they would up their spaeaker game .
    Blackstar designed and Celestion 70/80s are both awful .
    Throw a cremaback in these amps . The H75 Creamback works well .
    I use a PRS 2 by 12 with H75 Creambacks with a HT5R MK2 and those speakers are the perfect Match .
    I have many different cabs and speakers and the Creamback H was the best of the bunch with the Blackstar .

  • @marekgitarzysta5193
    @marekgitarzysta5193 7 месяцев назад

    One problem I have with Blackstars, no matter how good they sound (and they can sound pretty great): they're built like computer motherboards. For heat generators like tube amps having these small surface mount components all over the place is asking for issues. And it's ok, Mesa amps have issues, too - but even if difficult (crammed and tight) they can be repaired. But Blackstars will take serviceability up a notch, not in the right direction, though.
    And their marketing is not very transparent either: none of their "full tube amps" are full tube amps (maybe except some Artisan series???): they use transistor-based boosts, inverters in the audio path.... Again some of them sound great so why should you care? Well at least you should be aware and understand what you're buying and possible longevity issues should also be accounted for.

  • @cnilecnile6748
    @cnilecnile6748 7 месяцев назад

    You had me until I hit the $1000.00 price tag.

  • @leer.2137
    @leer.2137 7 месяцев назад +2

    U spend all that money, and they don't put protective corners - that makes Blackstar look bad ! - I would spend dough on an amp that can take some road/gig wear - next?

  • @lowercase3635
    @lowercase3635 5 месяцев назад

    One look at this thing screams matchless/ bad cat.

  • @57ebartley
    @57ebartley 7 месяцев назад

    61 lbs, thats a pass for me.

  • @vonmilash823
    @vonmilash823 7 месяцев назад

    I just don't know about blackstar. They sound OK but if I'm buying a tube amp, I want a tube amp. Not a next generation valvestate.

  • @СергейСмирнов-ю6р
    @СергейСмирнов-ю6р 7 месяцев назад

    перегруз - говно

  • @mfe3038
    @mfe3038 7 месяцев назад +2

    First!

  • @albatros1752
    @albatros1752 7 месяцев назад

    only one imput , not interesting ........ not versatile it is just on other box for el instrument