Would you gig the Blackstar Debut 50 Get it here: Thomann - thmn.to/thoprod/562612?offid=1&affid=288 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZQrGV Andertons - bit.ly/3JFo0Ex
No.. i would and have with a ht40 and an ht60. But mainly.. the egnater vengeance halfstack 4/12 cab and 120 watts. Massive amounts of gain.. i dont need that much.. around 70 percent i use to achieve the brown sound.. or tone VH. Or jimmy page if i roll off the volume knob. Thats the problem with solid state. U cant roll of the volume knob and soflty it will cut out
not really the orange is a hell of a lot more cash in my country the orange crush 35 is $489 the Blackstar $320 at the orange price point has the boss katana 50watt, the fender lt50 and the GTX50 so the Orange isn't a consideration unless your clueless why this blackstar is worth a look is because its so cheap
@@beaumas why? there's so many good 100watt heads on the market already, Blackstar has been smart with the debut 50 as its right in the beginner range everyone can afford it for what you get a beginner doesn't need a 100watt head😀
I have this amp, I use it with a small pedal board(tuner, ts, analog delay, looper) and another delay in the fx loop for when I am on the od channel. Love this amp! I also have a HT1RH head with a small 10" cab, that sounds even better, specially on the od channel with humbuckers. Blackstar is great, nicely priced, good options and no firmware, usb, computer editor in sight 🎉 Edit: the isf knob is great, to the left: bright, fenderish - to the right more mid pushy marshally...
Feels like we're entering the phase of the return of the solid-state amp and I'm SO looking forward to it! Really great review, btw. I enjoyed every moment even though I am not probably the intended audience. More band stuff on the channel would be great to see! :D
I am with you there mate. Anything that sounds good IS good so it’s exciting to see affordable amps improving. Market competition means that this price point is being fought after. Great for us!
Great review! I watched several reviews on this amp, but yours was the most thorough. Playing it with the band convinced me that I can use it for small gigs. I really like the simplicity and the quality of the sound. I'm over 60 now, and I don't want to drag around my old twin reverb anymore, so I think this might fit the bill.
As a newbie guitar player I've been looking for exactly something like this just great sounds simple no frills amplifier thanks for the lovely review ......just purchased 🤘
Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU SO MUCH for actually demoing this with an actual band and an actual drummer, especially the clean channel… I think this is the only RUclips review I’ve found where someone did this, and it gave me a very accurate impression of how powerful this amp really is. Very good review otherwise, too; thanks!
Seems like a good alternative to people who want plug n play solid state practice/jam and maybe gig amp but don't want to be sucked into the katana time suck of tweaks, effects and do dads. My biggest complaint about the katana is too much to f around with and constantly thinking I needed, or could, tweak this or that but most of the time it didn't matter. I like options but a simple amp to plug into and not having "oh I can do this or that" running amok in the brain while you play is great.
I've bought it just after this video came out.(mainly because I didn't want to buy a katana since they are everywhere) and I have to say I love it! It's very loud,and you can get some awesome tones. also despite that i'm running it with trebles maxed out and "ISF" on the 12 o'clock it still doesn't sound painfully bright. thanks Andy for the recommendation❤❤❤
Hello and sorry to ask. I have also one (sounds great) but I have buzz when I plug any of my guitars. The more I turn volume / watts / gain up the more it buzzes. Do you have buzz also with it or not ? Thanks for your support.
I think its fantastic with amps like this, the Catalyst and the Katana being available for someone starting out. Way nicer than the typical el cheapo Crates that were available when I started back 30 something years ago.
I hear ya Jeremy. I do still have my 30+ yr-old Crate G40CXL though. Only use two pedals with it, Tube Works Tube Driver and DOD FX-90 Delay. I like this Blackstar. Wish the controls were on the front face. I stack gear so that's actually a dealbreaker.
@@tobiusmanning7336 Yup, that's a fact. As long as you can still see the knobs. Actually I've realized I hardly ever change my amp settings anyway, I just flip the switch. So being nit-picky I guess, imagine that from a guitar player!
Hmm that's a great price point and as you said clearly aimed at those considering the katana 50, this has an effects loop the 50 and 50ex do not but have katana's modelling ... Black start me up ! I'd probably go for this and a few effects pedals
Looking forward to playing this, I've never really got on with modelling amps, tried various ones over the years and although they are incredibly versatile they never quite feel like I'm playing the real thing. Also I don't want loads of Fx on my amp, all I need is reverb and possibly Vibrato. Key features for me are nice clean (at good volume levels) and a nice overdrive (don't need tons of gain either classic rock levels enough for me) and power reduction for home use.
Good review. Thats it for me; I'm getting one. I've put my Marshall Code 25 on Ebay becuase all the 'modelling' and software, and endless faffing around to get a sound I like, drives me nuts. I just don't have time for all that. Back to basics. Knob power!
Seems like a good amp for the price. I love that analog solid state is coming back, there’s no reason tubes need to be a thing imo. Quilter has been doing lovely work for years and is my preferred amp.
I like a tube amp but there should just simply be great sounding solid state amps on the market with no digital bs or menus. There always was in the past too. I like tubes but i dont want to have to deal with their maintenance, or picky volume issues. I want something i can play in my bedroom or on stage, work with my pedals, and perform in a gig scenario if i need it to. It doesnt have to be tube and for reliability id prefer it wasnt. It just has to sound the part.
@@TheGuitarGeek That would be awesome, it makes sense for amps that are adverised for practice/gigs to hear against the drummer. Thank you for great reviews.
Hmmmmm i bought all my amps over a 30 year period. Back in the day everything was a 100W lol. I dont think I will be in the market as my amps are still working fine, But its nice to know what's knocking about! And to be honest these days I plug straight into my DAW at home. Black start me up!!
I’m considering selling my current amp and buying either two of these or two of the Silvertone series for a stereo setup. The intro description sounds exactly what I’m looking for - we’ll see.
I’m currently using a Catalyst 60 as a pedal platform and this is looking like a strong contender to be a stereo amp to put next to it! Blackstart me up, yo! Great demo.
Blackstartmeup! 😉 Thanks so much for a VERY thorough and considerate review! I loved how you chose to sum up the amp with a checklist and also putting it through the paces with an actual band. Awesome! While I'm not a beginner guitarist, I am definitely one on a budget and I think this is the one to best suit my needs! Cheers!
Black start me up. Great video. I'm a huge fan of Blackstar and I will own a 50R as soon as I can convince my wife I need another amp after I just bought a Champion 50xl 6 weeks ago. Sounded great, loved the tones and simplicity. I'm also a big pedal guy and I love that it has an effects loop. Can't wait to run my Blackstar dual distortion pedal through it!
What really sold me on the amp was the last note on the first passage you played on the Les Paul. The way the note sustains and then fades is very musical not sterile like some affordable amps.
Really nice review of a really interesting amp. Not requiring (or even offering) a software interface is great. As you say, keep it simple and non-intimidating...and provide a nice break from all the screens we all live with. And thumbs up for the effects loop. Thanks for your thoughts on the sound (and volume) of the amp. Very helpful. My only regret: I can't think of a clever way to fit blackstart me up into a sentence.
I use Blackstar BEAM amps around the house and haven't switched on my ID Core 100 in a couple of years. The Debut 50R sounds like a great no fuzz amp and I'm tempted to switch over to one. These amps always Black start me up!
My Live Rock and Roll days over, and saying goodbye to a Orange TH-30, this amp intrigues me to use pedals, practice, record off a phone or direct into a computer, and hopefully again playing live in small venues. Seems this should be the tone quality, size and price I am looking for. Thanks for the review
Blackstar-t me up Lol I am really wanting this amp for playing at church with the worship team. I used to use a HD500X, but now using the NuX Amp Academy with stompboxes. But this amp might get me the sound I really want. Can’t afford the St James but this will do nicely! Love your videos btw.
I have the Blackstar Studio 20 valve and the Katana Mark II 50. Both are very well built with there own distinct tones. This Debut 50 lands somewhere in the middle and for $200 bucks it truly is a cool addition to the herd. Blackstart me.
blackstar hat ne menge gear auf den markt gebracht in letzter zeit, ich war bislang kein fan davon weil gerade die series one ohrentötende höhen hat die man ohne modden nicht in den griff bekommt und die amps auch immer etwas dünn untenrum klingen. die ganzen features und qualität der bauweise ist aber absolut vorbildlich, vielleicht haben sie dieses problem ja jetzt in den griff bekommen, cheers 🎸🎸
Hey Andy if you had to choose between this Blackstar and the Vox Mini Super Beatle you reviewed recently which would it be? Thanks for all the great reviews!🙏👏🙌✌️👋🤗
I was considering this one to replace my roland cube 60, and i think that it would do great, i mostly play at home in my office and play around with pedals and home recording :) The line Out, the looks and 2 channels + the 50w/5w option is nice! I' think this will definetely be my next amp :) (ideally i would have a Vox AC30 or a Fender Twin-reverb, but the price of the blackstar debut 50r is just so much cheaper and i honestly think it would be more fitting for my use.
My first amp was a VOX Vigilante 100w in 1993. After some Fenders amps (😐), Marshall DSL (☺) and Boss Katana (☹), I bought this "beginner" amp 2 month ago, and is one of my top (Marshall DSL is the other one, but now is my son's toy). Great work Andy, and Blackstar me up.
Excellent review. I will definitely check these out. I have a Fender Mustang I V2 20 watt and looking for an upgrade. Still debating a tube amp vs analog/SS. I do like the Supro Delta king 12 also. IDK. Guess I'll just have to go listen to them all. Blackstartmeup :)
An excellent review Andy. This is the sort of amp that we suit me down to the ground. No nonsense, would do everything I need, sounds very good to me at least! So Blackstart me up !.. 👍 Best wishes and Happy Christmas to all of you.
Im have the katana 50 but dont use it as much, propably because of to many options so om stuck playing With settings instead of playing. Maybe this could be a good alternative to black start me up playing more 😂
People are clueless when it come to the katana. Yes there are a Burt load of options but you can easily use it as a plug and play amp in now time. Don’t spend cash on another el cheapo amp
I don't really play metal so I can't say but I do rock out with my distortion pedals and they sound great. I would recommend this for practice/small gigs as it's very versatile@@sladegaming6625
Hello and sorry to ask. I have also one (sounds great) but I have buzz when I plug any of my guitars. The more I turn volume / watts / gain up the more it buzzes. Do you have buzz also with it or not ? Thanks for your support.
I’ve only heard your review, but think the clean sound is possibly better than that of the HT-5R (which I’ve owned). If I didn’t want the dirty channel too often, I think I’d chose this over the HT-5.
this is the kinda amps we need to see more of, basic stuff. Nothing crazy. Simple and easy perfect for newcomers and people like me who want a simple amp for live shows.
At one time I was running 12 pedals into a split dry/wet dual tube amp set up and then I snapped. I couldn’t take the complexity or setup anymore. Ever since then I’ve been on a quest for extreme simplicity. I think I’d be a very happy man with just an MXR Sugar Drive in front of the clean channel of this amp, and use the built in reverb which seems serviceable for my needs.
On the one hand there is this Blackstar, but on the other there is the Katana 100. Anything more than 100 watts will probably be taken care of by a PA, and while 100 will not be significantly louder than 50, it will give you more headroom. True, for the price difference (~170€) you can buy quite a few pedals, but my two alone cost 220€ (I'd rather have less but good ones). Right now I play a 40W modelling amp (120€) which I'm not happy with, but I didn't expext to. It's a crutch which I can live with for the moment and was bought with that in mind. So I'll soon write off 120€ versus the 220€ for the Blackstar. So, if your budget outlook cannot be changed by saving a little longer (or by winning a lottery:), the Blackstar looks quite inviting. Else you might consider a more long-term acquisition.
I have this amp, i'm a beginner, so i use it for home practice. I mean, even in the 5w setting at 25% volume it's loud plenty enough for home use. So, at full power i can imagine you can play in the open no problem.
Blackstartmeup, I'll never stop. Good amp, will recommend to a friends son who wants to move from a tiny freebie amp to something affordable for band practice and maybe a first low-level gig. I was going to recommend a Katana 50 mk2 as I have one, but I think this is very well pitched for the typical newer player who doesn't need complexity.
Blackstart me up! Been thinking about getting this amp. Not gigging regularly anymore and am long done with a back-breaking 100W valve 2x12 monster. So this seems like a good option for getting loud, or at least loud enough, when needed. It looks and sounds good, if a little thin. Maybe it sounds better in real life. Transistor amps are in a different league to where they were in the ‘80s when they got such a bad reputation. Really feels like we’re in a golden age of amps, like we still are with guitars, and we were with pedals a few years ago. So many options and pretty much all are good-to-great sounding.
03/29/2023: Hello, I am retired 77-years young, and I love your informative videos. May I ask you to do a video on the best "wireless" over the ear headphones that don't need a computer or Bluetooth phone. I seek to just plug in an adapter to headset jack on amp and play. I could only find Waza headset that simply had an adapter to plug in amp, but the price point is about $400.00. I am just a home hobbyist and do not wish to pay that much. My EART Guitar T-380, Modern Humbucker Pickups, Double Coil Split, Two Point Tremolo Bridge, stainless steel fret wires electric Guitar guitar only cost me that much. So, what do you think? Regards form Orlando, Florida 🙂
Just a suggestion, D’Addario sell an ear plug set for $50 that are great for blocking up to 20db. That might help with the amp tests. Always protect your hearing. You can’t buy new eardrums, yet.
Insanely great video, mate! Loved every second. Pure honestly sells and I dig every bit of it. I subscribed as I'm also a sound geek and guitarist. What better job in the world than to be able to play and talk about the one thing you love?!
Being all analog? That's potentially a dual amp stereo rig for just over $500?!! Pretty snazzy. Speaking of snazzy... That white offset guitar behind you looks ACE! Cheers Andy!
Black Bart champion cup… Loud enough to gig seems silly in an era of silent stages, will it keep up with drums and ride above the bass in a rehearsal ? Edits after full view All my questions were answered excellent demo🤗
OTOH, someone who plans to gig with this amp maybe be playing in a back yard or very small bar/pub or other place without any stage, let alone a silent stage. Not a fight, just a different perspective....
Regarding the clean headroom. ISF and EQ play a massive role in clean headroom. So the real issue with this kind of amp having shared EQ/ISF is if you set it for one channel the other might be compromised. So that brings me back to the obvious comparison to this amp. This on the surface seems like a great amp, it's basically a Peavey Bandit for less than half the price. The problem is you can get a Peavey Bandit cheaper secondhand knowing it is reliable and knowing it's already depreciated completely and the Peavey Bandit has independent EQ. I'd love to see a shootout because I think the Bandit still has this amp beat and the reality is if we are talking about affordable gigging amp the Peavey Bandit on the used market is a real option for a first affordable gigging/practice amp. Interestingly the Peavey Classic 30 is also in the price range on the used market, is a real tube amp, sounds amazing so if you were considering either the new Blackstar or the second hand Peavey Bandit, the smart purchase would most likely be a used Peavey Classic 30. This Blackstar Debut 30 will be a hell of a buy in the future on the used market. But for now it's in a hard place because I think the Bandit is possibly a better amp and cheaper used. And it's hard to look past the Classic 30 for similar money except that tube amps have ongoing maintenance costs and potential reliability issues to factor in.
I have a Bandit and they're great, the only problems are: a) they're quite heavier than the BlackStar, and b) because of its age my Bandit is crapping out and a lot of features no longer work. I basically use it as a clean pedal platform now.
Your points are well made, but I will say this is a good bit lighter than a Bandit and probably has better volume regulation. The Bandit I played went from almost off to screaming loud with very little in between on the knob. This amp seems like it would able to get those in between volumes better.
@@mr.d.572 Honestly (like a lot of amps) the clean channel is the strong point and also has a lot of range. Don't get me wrong the OD channel is great if you want to be in modern metal territory but for pretty much everything else the clean channel is the better choice. I've also felt this way with plenty of Blackstar amps, they often have an incredible clean channel that does a better higher gain sound than their higher gain channels and that kinda sucks because then what you really want is to be able to switch between various sounds on the same channel but that's impossible so it brings you back to the whole single channel pedal platform thing anyway.
@@Da_PublickOn the Bandit? I can't remember TBH and I don't have any amps at the moment as I sold my last Blackstar a few months ago and I'm not looking for a replacement at the moment.
Thanks for the review Andy, I am just getting back into playing and am enjoying your reviews as I am in the market for a new amp oh and Blackstartmeup!! :)
Excellent review as always! Certainly had that British voiced sound in my opinion. Would you recommend this for someone looking for clean to edge of breakup sound in a worship setting? I am concerned the headroom isn't there. I run a single coil Tele and gravitate towards Vox AC type tone.
Thanks! I think of you want something for the edge of breakup, this could be perfect. There’s headroom but not with humbuckers at high volumes. A tele would be great
If i wanted to buy an amp for me to do small gigs i would defo by it ... since you got the StJames ... hm ... buy it as a simple backup and party with buddies amp 👍
![Natanael Cano - Amor Eterno [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EO4prCs6WpM/mqdefault.jpg)
Would you gig the Blackstar Debut 50
Get it here:
Thomann - thmn.to/thoprod/562612?offid=1&affid=288
Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZQrGV
Andertons - bit.ly/3JFo0Ex
What is the Les Paul style guitar? An Eastman? You show what brands the other guitars are but not the LP?
Blackstar-t me up, I bloody would.
@@jameslanclos568Maybach Lester it looks like. Czech Republic made. Amazing guitars
Yes Indeed!@@he11bent6
No.. i would and have with a ht40 and an ht60. But mainly.. the egnater vengeance halfstack 4/12 cab and 120 watts. Massive amounts of gain.. i dont need that much.. around 70 percent i use to achieve the brown sound.. or tone VH. Or jimmy page if i roll off the volume knob. Thats the problem with solid state. U cant roll of the volume knob and soflty it will cut out
The all-analogue solid state idea seems to be going up against the Orange Crush series, and those are really good amps.
Yes that one too!
As someone who owns the supercrush 100, I would love to see Blackstar do a debut 100 head. That would be a super awesome shoot out!
Supercrush is. Bomb
not really the orange is a hell of a lot more cash in my country the orange crush 35 is $489 the Blackstar $320 at the orange price point has the boss katana 50watt, the fender lt50 and the GTX50 so the Orange isn't a consideration unless your clueless why this blackstar is worth a look is because its so cheap
@@beaumas why? there's so many good 100watt heads on the market already, Blackstar has been smart with the debut 50 as its right in the beginner range everyone can afford it for what you get a beginner doesn't need a 100watt head😀
I have this amp, I use it with a small pedal board(tuner, ts, analog delay, looper) and another delay in the fx loop for when I am on the od channel. Love this amp! I also have a HT1RH head with a small 10" cab, that sounds even better, specially on the od channel with humbuckers. Blackstar is great, nicely priced, good options and no firmware, usb, computer editor in sight 🎉
Edit: the isf knob is great, to the left: bright, fenderish - to the right more mid pushy marshally...
Feels like we're entering the phase of the return of the solid-state amp and I'm SO looking forward to it! Really great review, btw. I enjoyed every moment even though I am not probably the intended audience. More band stuff on the channel would be great to see! :D
I am with you there mate. Anything that sounds good IS good so it’s exciting to see affordable amps improving. Market competition means that this price point is being fought after. Great for us!
'Return?'
Where did they go? If anything, they've raised the stakes with convincing digital modeling.
Great review! I watched several reviews on this amp, but yours was the most thorough. Playing it with the band convinced me that I can use it for small gigs. I really like the simplicity and the quality of the sound. I'm over 60 now, and I don't want to drag around my old twin reverb anymore, so I think this might fit the bill.
As a newbie guitar player I've been looking for exactly something like this just great sounds simple no frills amplifier thanks for the lovely review ......just purchased 🤘
Let us know what you think,here,on this comment thread. I'll be back in a few days
Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU SO MUCH for actually demoing this with an actual band and an actual drummer, especially the clean channel… I think this is the only RUclips review I’ve found where someone did this, and it gave me a very accurate impression of how powerful this amp really is. Very good review otherwise, too; thanks!
My thoughts exactly. Just ordered one today based on that.
Seems like a good alternative to people who want plug n play solid state practice/jam and maybe gig amp but don't want to be sucked into the katana time suck of tweaks, effects and do dads.
My biggest complaint about the katana is too much to f around with and constantly thinking I needed, or could, tweak this or that but most of the time it didn't matter. I like options but a simple amp to plug into and not having "oh I can do this or that" running amok in the brain while you play is great.
Spot on 👍
Awesome !! Might consider the Blackstar over a Orange Crush pro 60 , Because it has almost the same specs but 3 times more Affordible !!
I've bought it just after this video came out.(mainly because I didn't want to buy a katana since they are everywhere) and I have to say I love it! It's very loud,and you can get some awesome tones.
also despite that i'm running it with trebles maxed out and "ISF" on the 12 o'clock it still doesn't sound painfully bright.
thanks Andy for the recommendation❤❤❤
Hello and sorry to ask. I have also one (sounds great) but I have buzz when I plug any of my guitars. The more I turn volume / watts / gain up the more it buzzes. Do you have buzz also with it or not ? Thanks for your support.
@@sebastiendeheaulme125 no mine doesn't have to much hum although I cannot compare it to anything since my previous practice amp had A LOT OF HUM.
I think its fantastic with amps like this, the Catalyst and the Katana being available for someone starting out. Way nicer than the typical el cheapo Crates that were available when I started back 30 something years ago.
I hear ya Jeremy. I do still have my 30+ yr-old Crate G40CXL though. Only use two pedals with it, Tube Works Tube Driver and DOD FX-90 Delay. I like this Blackstar. Wish the controls were on the front face. I stack gear so that's actually a dealbreaker.
@@markpell8979 It has to go on top lol
@@tobiusmanning7336 Yup, that's a fact. As long as you can still see the knobs. Actually I've realized I hardly ever change my amp settings anyway, I just flip the switch. So being nit-picky I guess, imagine that from a guitar player!
You're just mad because Crate made the Blue Voodoo. 🤣
Those Crates were great sounding amps imo. My first amp was a gx-10 i think? Wish i still had it.
Hmm that's a great price point and as you said clearly aimed at those considering the katana 50, this has an effects loop the 50 and 50ex do not but have katana's modelling ... Black start me up ! I'd probably go for this and a few effects pedals
Looking forward to playing this, I've never really got on with modelling amps, tried various ones over the years and although they are incredibly versatile they never quite feel like I'm playing the real thing. Also I don't want loads of Fx on my amp, all I need is reverb and possibly Vibrato. Key features for me are nice clean (at good volume levels) and a nice overdrive (don't need tons of gain either classic rock levels enough for me) and power reduction for home use.
Good review. Thats it for me; I'm getting one. I've put my Marshall Code 25 on Ebay becuase all the 'modelling' and software, and endless faffing around to get a sound I like, drives me nuts. I just don't have time for all that. Back to basics. Knob power!
Seems like a good amp for the price. I love that analog solid state is coming back, there’s no reason tubes need to be a thing imo. Quilter has been doing lovely work for years and is my preferred amp.
I like a tube amp but there should just simply be great sounding solid state amps on the market with no digital bs or menus. There always was in the past too. I like tubes but i dont want to have to deal with their maintenance, or picky volume issues. I want something i can play in my bedroom or on stage, work with my pedals, and perform in a gig scenario if i need it to. It doesnt have to be tube and for reliability id prefer it wasnt. It just has to sound the part.
I think this may be the best value ever on an amp. I wanna get one cuz it seems killer
Can't decide between this blackstar and the orange crush 35 rt. It's great to be spoiled for choice but, I've no idea how to make my decision!
I can't believe the clarity ang glass like sound on that clean channel..wow! Getting this soon, thanks!
Thanks for band practice test! Blackstart me up!
It was great fun. Hope to bring more of that to the channel!
@@TheGuitarGeek That would be awesome, it makes sense for amps that are adverised for practice/gigs to hear against the drummer. Thank you for great reviews.
I would get one of those amps. I got their ID core v3 40 watt for 100$ and I love it, sounds great!
I really like that you played it with a drumset. Good reference for how loud it can be, not just saying that it can get loud.
Hmmmmm i bought all my amps over a 30 year period. Back in the day everything was a 100W lol.
I dont think I will be in the market as my amps are still working fine, But its nice to know what's knocking about! And to be honest these days I plug straight into my DAW at home. Black start me up!!
Black start me up, got one last week for my small flat, it’s perfect and I love the clean on edge of break up.
I’m considering selling my current amp and buying either two of these or two of the Silvertone series for a stereo setup. The intro description sounds exactly what I’m looking for - we’ll see.
I’m currently using a Catalyst 60 as a pedal platform and this is looking like a strong contender to be a stereo amp to put next to it! Blackstart me up, yo! Great demo.
If you got one, how did you like it vs the catalyst? I have a catalyst coming today and if I don't like it, this seems like a good second runner up
Blackstartmeup! 😉 Thanks so much for a VERY thorough and considerate review! I loved how you chose to sum up the amp with a checklist and also putting it through the paces with an actual band. Awesome! While I'm not a beginner guitarist, I am definitely one on a budget and I think this is the one to best suit my needs! Cheers!
Black start me up. Great video. I'm a huge fan of Blackstar and I will own a 50R as soon as I can convince my wife I need another amp after I just bought a Champion 50xl 6 weeks ago. Sounded great, loved the tones and simplicity. I'm also a big pedal guy and I love that it has an effects loop. Can't wait to run my Blackstar dual distortion pedal through it!
What really sold me on the amp was the last note on the first passage you played on the Les Paul. The way the note sustains and then fades is very musical not sterile like some affordable amps.
Really nice review of a really interesting amp. Not requiring (or even offering) a software interface is great. As you say, keep it simple and non-intimidating...and provide a nice break from all the screens we all live with. And thumbs up for the effects loop. Thanks for your thoughts on the sound (and volume) of the amp. Very helpful. My only regret: I can't think of a clever way to fit blackstart me up into a sentence.
The amp is simply good and I can see a people picking one up
Excellent review, the fact it has an effects loop sold it to me, so Blackstartmeup! 🎸🎸
That Caline Reverb/Delay pedal really is a hidden gem. The amp is obviously great, no doubt about that!
I use Blackstar BEAM amps around the house and haven't switched on my ID Core 100 in a couple of years. The Debut 50R sounds like a great no fuzz amp and I'm tempted to switch over to one. These amps always Black start me up!
My Live Rock and Roll days over, and saying goodbye to a Orange TH-30, this amp intrigues me to use pedals, practice, record off a phone or direct into a computer, and hopefully again playing live in small venues. Seems this should be the tone quality, size and price I am looking for. Thanks for the review
Blackstar-t me up
Lol
I am really wanting this amp for playing at church with the worship team. I used to use a HD500X, but now using the NuX Amp Academy with stompboxes. But this amp might get me the sound I really want. Can’t afford the St James but this will do nicely! Love your videos btw.
I have the Blackstar Studio 20 valve and the Katana Mark II 50. Both are very well built with there own distinct tones. This Debut 50 lands somewhere in the middle and for $200 bucks it truly is a cool addition to the herd. Blackstart me.
I see this as a direct competitor to the Orange Crush. I avoid tube amps, and this thing sounds great. I'll have to grab one.
blackstar hat ne menge gear auf den markt gebracht in letzter zeit, ich war bislang kein fan davon weil gerade die series one ohrentötende höhen hat die man ohne modden nicht in den griff bekommt und die amps auch immer etwas dünn untenrum klingen. die ganzen features und qualität der bauweise ist aber absolut vorbildlich, vielleicht haben sie dieses problem ja jetzt in den griff bekommen, cheers 🎸🎸
It's good to know there are amps with those features and sound good at that price point. Black start me up!
Excellent review. I really like the sound of this little amp. The price makes it a no-brainer. Keep up the great content. Black start me up!
I would love to see a shootout between Quilter Superblock, H&K StompMan, and the new Laney 60 watt Foundation pedal! 😮😀🙏
Blackstar are doing well at the moment. This was a lovely video to (black) start me up this morning.
Hey Andy if you had to choose between this Blackstar and the Vox Mini Super Beatle you reviewed recently which would it be? Thanks for all the great reviews!🙏👏🙌✌️👋🤗
I was considering this one to replace my roland cube 60, and i think that it would do great, i mostly play at home in my office and play around with pedals and home recording :) The line Out, the looks and 2 channels + the 50w/5w option is nice!
I' think this will definetely be my next amp :) (ideally i would have a Vox AC30 or a Fender Twin-reverb, but the price of the blackstar debut 50r is just so much cheaper and i honestly think it would be more fitting for my use.
I think if you just need a good sounding amp, go for this one
Thanks! One of the best guitar amp demo's/ reviews I've watched. This could be my next amp purchase. Blackstart me up!
I'm into the concept and would love to hear it in person. The demos I've heard sound great.
My first amp was a VOX Vigilante 100w in 1993. After some Fenders amps (😐), Marshall DSL (☺) and Boss Katana (☹), I bought this "beginner" amp 2 month ago, and is one of my top (Marshall DSL is the other one, but now is my son's toy).
Great work Andy, and Blackstar me up.
Sounds pretty good. The cleans were clean enough for me..
My biggest consern with my first gig amp is going to be the volume of the clean tone and i was so close to buing this amp but now im second guessing
nice amp, not only for beginners.
Orange crush vs Blackstar Debut 50 would be a great follow up. Thanks.
Blackstar must do an upgrade to the id core 100/150 amps . These amps must have an option for 25/50/100w.
I had their ht5 at home and really liked it. I kinda miss it 😢
I just bought one from Sweetwater. I can't wait to jam out with it 👍🏻
Great Video you have earned my Sub. I just got the debut 100r and man what a great amp for the money.
Excellent review. I will definitely check these out. I have a Fender Mustang I V2 20 watt and looking for an upgrade. Still debating a tube amp vs analog/SS. I do like the Supro Delta king 12 also. IDK. Guess I'll just have to go listen to them all. Blackstartmeup :)
An excellent review Andy. This is the sort of amp that we suit me down to the ground. No nonsense, would do everything I
need, sounds very good to me at least! So Blackstart me up !.. 👍 Best wishes and Happy Christmas to all of you.
Im have the katana 50 but dont use it as much, propably because of to many options so om stuck playing With settings instead of playing. Maybe this could be a good alternative to black start me up playing more 😂
People are clueless when it come to the katana. Yes there are a Burt load of options but you can easily use it as a plug and play amp in now time. Don’t spend cash on another el cheapo amp
Just sold my Katana for that exact same reason - all those red/orange/green settings drove mad as I'm colourblind. This could be the replacement.
I bought this very amp a couple of weeks ago and I love it - I'm not gigging and I wanted something simple for my pedals. Sounds great!
Is it good for metal?
I don't really play metal so I can't say but I do rock out with my distortion pedals and they sound great. I would recommend this for practice/small gigs as it's very versatile@@sladegaming6625
Hello and sorry to ask. I have also one (sounds great) but I have buzz when I plug any of my guitars. The more I turn volume / watts / gain up the more it buzzes. Do you have buzz also with it or not ? Thanks for your support.
Hi, no I haven't noticed any buzz with my amp. It sounds like a gounding issue@@sebastiendeheaulme125
Blackstart me up! I'm new to electric and I just picked one of these up. Love it so far! God bless!
I’ve only heard your review, but think the clean sound is possibly better than that of the HT-5R (which I’ve owned). If I didn’t want the dirty channel too often, I think I’d chose this over the HT-5.
It sounds fizzy compared to the ht5 mkii on drive. The clean sounds ok
this is the kinda amps we need to see more of, basic stuff. Nothing crazy. Simple and easy perfect for newcomers and people like me who want a simple amp for live shows.
At one time I was running 12 pedals into a split dry/wet dual tube amp set up and then I snapped. I couldn’t take the complexity or setup anymore. Ever since then I’ve been on a quest for extreme simplicity. I think I’d be a very happy man with just an MXR Sugar Drive in front of the clean channel of this amp, and use the built in reverb which seems serviceable for my needs.
Simplicity is a beautiful thing!
Roughing it with a mini amp for 8 months and looking for something exactly like this! Blackstart me up!
Really love your approach to these videos. Informative, methodical, well thought out. Cheers!
On the one hand there is this Blackstar, but on the other there is the Katana 100. Anything more than 100 watts will probably be taken care of by a PA, and while 100 will not be significantly louder than 50, it will give you more headroom. True, for the price difference (~170€) you can buy quite a few pedals, but my two alone cost 220€ (I'd rather have less but good ones). Right now I play a 40W modelling amp (120€) which I'm not happy with, but I didn't expext to. It's a crutch which I can live with for the moment and was bought with that in mind. So I'll soon write off 120€ versus the 220€ for the Blackstar. So, if your budget outlook cannot be changed by saving a little longer (or by winning a lottery:), the Blackstar looks quite inviting. Else you might consider a more long-term acquisition.
I have this amp, i'm a beginner, so i use it for home practice. I mean, even in the 5w setting at 25% volume it's loud plenty enough for home use. So, at full power i can imagine you can play in the open no problem.
Sounds like it has more gain than the CR60 but the clean sounds better than the Orange to my ears
Blackstart me up. YAY, you listened to me. Thank you.
Blackstartmeup, I'll never stop. Good amp, will recommend to a friends son who wants to move from a tiny freebie amp to something affordable for band practice and maybe a first low-level gig. I was going to recommend a Katana 50 mk2 as I have one, but I think this is very well pitched for the typical newer player who doesn't need complexity.
I have the HT5 head with a 12" cab. Both 5 and 0.5 settings sound great.
The HT 5 was the first tube amp I ever used. I loved it
Apples to oranges mate 🤷♂️
Blackstart me up! Been thinking about getting this amp. Not gigging regularly anymore and am long done with a back-breaking 100W valve 2x12 monster. So this seems like a good option for getting loud, or at least loud enough, when needed. It looks and sounds good, if a little thin. Maybe it sounds better in real life. Transistor amps are in a different league to where they were in the ‘80s when they got such a bad reputation. Really feels like we’re in a golden age of amps, like we still are with guitars, and we were with pedals a few years ago. So many options and pretty much all are good-to-great sounding.
03/29/2023: Hello, I am retired 77-years young, and I love your informative videos. May I ask you to do a video on the best "wireless" over the ear headphones that don't need a computer or Bluetooth phone. I seek to just plug in an adapter to headset jack on amp and play. I could only find Waza headset that simply had an adapter to plug in amp, but the price point is about $400.00. I am just a home hobbyist and do not wish to pay that much. My EART Guitar T-380, Modern Humbucker Pickups, Double Coil Split, Two Point Tremolo Bridge, stainless steel fret wires electric Guitar guitar only cost me that much. So, what do you think? Regards form Orlando, Florida 🙂
Just a suggestion, D’Addario sell an ear plug set for $50 that are great for blocking up to 20db. That might help with the amp tests. Always protect your hearing. You can’t buy new eardrums, yet.
can't wait to put my cable in it. lets go blackstar!
Had I not JUST bought the Orange Super Crush 100, this Blackstar would blackstart me up right to the checkout lane. Great review video as per usual!
The Orange “crushes” this thing. You bought the better amp
@@Seeds-nl7qlYours seems to be the only critical take on this entire comment section. 🤔
Insanely great video, mate! Loved every second. Pure honestly sells and I dig every bit of it. I subscribed as I'm also a sound geek and guitarist. What better job in the world than to be able to play and talk about the one thing you love?!
Black star me everywhere. A new amp is always good
Black start me up!! Where was this 7 years ago when I started playing?? 😊. Great vid!!
Wish it had an on-board tuner (like the Orange 35 Crush) I'd definitely buy it then Blackstar
Being all analog? That's potentially a dual amp stereo rig for just over $500?!!
Pretty snazzy.
Speaking of snazzy...
That white offset guitar behind you looks ACE!
Cheers Andy!
Wish they’d make a 100 watt combo like the Orange Super Crush 100
Same
Incoming...
The blackstar debut 50 or the line 6 catalyst 60... Which one would you choose for cleans to play the blues.. 👍 Thank you......
It's decent cleans, but seems to lack some of the sparkle I like. Sounds pretty good on the gain channel.
Black Bart champion cup…
Loud enough to gig seems silly in an era of silent stages, will it keep up with drums and ride above the bass in a rehearsal ?
Edits after full view
All my questions were answered excellent demo🤗
OTOH, someone who plans to gig with this amp maybe be playing in a back yard or very small bar/pub or other place without any stage, let alone a silent stage. Not a fight, just a different perspective....
@@JimFeeley No offense taken 🤘🏽all perspectives welcome 👍🏽
It's okay but not quite the tones I'm after. Will stick with my Peavey Bandit for now even though it's falling apart. 😢😢😢
Blackstar me up.. from Italy. Thank you, very interesting video of this great amp
Once you Blackstartmeup, I'll never stop.
Id be super excited if this were a new a idea. But i have an old Peavey Bandit and it just rocks. Not going to change that one very soon
Regarding the clean headroom. ISF and EQ play a massive role in clean headroom. So the real issue with this kind of amp having shared EQ/ISF is if you set it for one channel the other might be compromised. So that brings me back to the obvious comparison to this amp. This on the surface seems like a great amp, it's basically a Peavey Bandit for less than half the price. The problem is you can get a Peavey Bandit cheaper secondhand knowing it is reliable and knowing it's already depreciated completely and the Peavey Bandit has independent EQ. I'd love to see a shootout because I think the Bandit still has this amp beat and the reality is if we are talking about affordable gigging amp the Peavey Bandit on the used market is a real option for a first affordable gigging/practice amp. Interestingly the Peavey Classic 30 is also in the price range on the used market, is a real tube amp, sounds amazing so if you were considering either the new Blackstar or the second hand Peavey Bandit, the smart purchase would most likely be a used Peavey Classic 30. This Blackstar Debut 30 will be a hell of a buy in the future on the used market. But for now it's in a hard place because I think the Bandit is possibly a better amp and cheaper used. And it's hard to look past the Classic 30 for similar money except that tube amps have ongoing maintenance costs and potential reliability issues to factor in.
I have a Bandit and they're great, the only problems are: a) they're quite heavier than the BlackStar, and b) because of its age my Bandit is crapping out and a lot of features no longer work. I basically use it as a clean pedal platform now.
Your points are well made, but I will say this is a good bit lighter than a Bandit and probably has better volume regulation. The Bandit I played went from almost off to screaming loud with very little in between on the knob. This amp seems like it would able to get those in between volumes better.
@@mr.d.572 Honestly (like a lot of amps) the clean channel is the strong point and also has a lot of range. Don't get me wrong the OD channel is great if you want to be in modern metal territory but for pretty much everything else the clean channel is the better choice. I've also felt this way with plenty of Blackstar amps, they often have an incredible clean channel that does a better higher gain sound than their higher gain channels and that kinda sucks because then what you really want is to be able to switch between various sounds on the same channel but that's impossible so it brings you back to the whole single channel pedal platform thing anyway.
@@Civic.What happens when you roll off the Gain on the Overdrive channel? I'm assuming it's automatically louder than the Clean channel.
@@Da_PublickOn the Bandit? I can't remember TBH and I don't have any amps at the moment as I sold my last Blackstar a few months ago and I'm not looking for a replacement at the moment.
Thanks for the review Andy, I am just getting back into playing and am enjoying your reviews as I am in the market for a new amp oh and Blackstartmeup!! :)
Great in review covering all bases as always. I would love to see you test the Black start me up Dept 10 Amped 2.
Blackstart me up! Excellent video. Helped me out a great deal.
Excellent review as always! Certainly had that British voiced sound in my opinion. Would you recommend this for someone looking for clean to edge of breakup sound in a worship setting? I am concerned the headroom isn't there. I run a single coil Tele and gravitate towards Vox AC type tone.
Thanks! I think of you want something for the edge of breakup, this could be perfect. There’s headroom but not with humbuckers at high volumes. A tele would be great
@@TheGuitarGeek Fabulous! Thank you sir! 😁
I was trying to decide between this amp and the silverline standard. Still not sure, but great video.
If i wanted to buy an amp for me to do small gigs i would defo by it ... since you got the StJames ... hm ... buy it as a simple backup and party with buddies amp 👍
Great thorough review thank you. I just ordered one.
Also sounds hell of a lot better than my first few solid state amps.
Finally, an analog amp, I knew they would come out eventually.
Black Start Me Up? Okie- Dokie It sounds like a good amp should with just the controls you need no gimicky stuff. Thanks
Just about to buy one based on this review. Thx buddy