This video wasn‘t just about the amp which sounds great, it showed me that are so many good guitarists out there with so many great tones just from their fingers … I think that video is a little piece of art, also dedicaded to music itself. So, this video brought a lot of inspiration to me. I only just want to meet all those guitarists and want to hang around with them.
I just bought the 6L6 2x12 combo version. I LOVE IT. This video is filled with lots of great players who are all very different and it is really a pleasure to watch.
Left tubes and went to Quilter 5 years ago.. Played the EL34 version yesterday....this amp is awesome...great clean channel...a low gain dirty channel with boost I can actually use...and light...with the modern features I expect from a new amp (power switching and Cab sim outputs)....Thinking about a wet/dry rig with the Blackstar and the Quilter
I don't know if it's just me but I think these amps sound so much better with humbuckers. I work at Guitar Center and have been lusting over the St. James combo with the 112! And I'm not hurting for amps I've got a Tone King Imperial Mk 1 and a Dr Z Maz 18 Jr and I sure would love to add this amp to my stable! I always run my rig in stereo but have the ability to add two more amps to the chain and I think this is going to be my next purchase! Can't beat that Guitar Center discount!! 🎸🔊
Someone mentioned in this vid that "it's not a metal amp" - but there is a voicing switch in the 6L6 version that transforms it into a very high quality modern metal amp. I don't personally care for that since I'm not into modern metal, but for those who are, listen to other RUclips videos that demonstrate that voicing feature. You'll be very happy. I'm just glad it has the high gain sounds that it has with that switch off, and gives us the choice!
My dream tube amp. If there's one first tube amp I would have, this is it. But for now, I'll just put it in my wish list. Or dream list. Hoping to purchase this someday. Will also go to a local store soon and just test this out.
My question is this… what’s the serviceability of these units? I’m figuring a lot of SMD solid state components. Especially sporting the weight of these. Cheap to buy = expensive to service and maintain?
This is kind of the Colombo’s egg of tube amps! The only thing that worries me is that there are a lot of PCBs inside. I still prefer the point to point soldering, specially in the power section due to the heat that the tubes produce. Also, I’ve no seen the schematics but I would try to make it modular so, if the digital side fails you still can use the amp with a mike in front of the speaker
I'd like to hear the 6l6 versions through some of the Eminence American Series speakers, especially the higher efficiency ones. I don't really care for the tones I'm hearing from the el34 version, with the exception of the guy at 11:56. That cleaner tone sounds pretty good.
Hello Blackstar. Great Amps! I bought a St.James 50/6L6 which sounds great. But I'm not sure how the software architect works?! Is it only for the output for example the headphone or can I create also new sounds also for the AMP? I only hear on the headphone the difference, not on the amp?
Would love to try one EL34 and one 6L6 connected to an ABY switcher. However, Blackstar would have to have a “Buy one get one free” offer for me to afford such a setup!
If you want a US and UK 2 channel amp that and can live with great tones from a solid state amp...check out the Quilter Aviator Mach 3... or buy 2 of the Aviator Cubs (1 US and 1 UK) for the price of the Blackstar...
It is possible to record the head versions using XLR cab emulated output without plugging any real cabinet to speakear out (for silent recorsding purpose)? Or i risk to burn the head? Can i do the same with the combo?
Hi Bob, Thanks for your comment 🤘 On Channel I, on both models: The valve gain structure and voicing of this channel has been inspired by classic American amplifiers of the mid ’60s. It is very clean and bright, but with a solid low-end and controlled mids.
On Channel I, on both models, The valve gain structure and voicing of the channel has been inspired by classic American amplifiers of the mid ’60s. It is very clean and bright, but with a solid low-end and controlled mids. Also, on this channel the valve power stage is set to be tight, relatively clean and linear across the frequency range. This is one of the most popular choices for a ‘pedal platform’ as it provides a solid clean foundation to apply effects to.
Hey there! Yes we have an extensive network of warranty and non-warranty service centres in every country Blackstar is sold, you can find your nearest here blackstaramps.com/service-centres/
I've watched several vids on this amp. A couple of things got confused in this vid. To clairfy: (1) channel 1 on both amps, even with the power tube differences, are very similar. (2) both overdrives are british-flavored, so the 6L6 channel 2 probably sounds more like an EL34 amp than most 6L6 amps. (3) while there is some of overlap between the two amps' 2nd channel, the 6L6 is better for both traditional rock (ac/dc), 80s (van halen, ratt) & 90s hard-rock/metal, as well as modern metal (with the voicing switched)... meanwhile, the EL34 might be better for things like Stevie Ray Vaughan blues rock?... it seems similar to a Mesa Boogie Lone Star? It seems like they could have made one amp with 3 channels and gotten everything in one amp? Then given a power tube choice for preferred additional flavoring? (The power tubes themselves are probably NOT most of the reason for most of the differences between the tones of each amp!) So a huge question is this... which amp could most easily imitate the sounds that the other is better at... via pedals? I think something like a bluesbreaker pedal on channel one of the 6L6 version would be superior. Or, might I be wrong and some overdrive pedal with the EL34 matches or exceed the high gains of the 6L6? That's a great question!
Great question indeed and I’d like to see that addressed by a reviewer once they’re released. I honestly can’t decide which one sounds better or fits with my style because I like both blues and metal
@@thestumblingchef3146 after thinking about this some more... and correcting my several dumb typos in that original comment... I think the black-colored 6L6 is the better choice, then use pedals on the clean channel to achieve crunch/blues tones. I also LOVE the way the 6L6 can be converted to/from a modern metal amp... and a high gain 70s, 80s, 90s rock amp... at the flip of a switch, and didn't impose "compromises" on either goal by trying to do too much in channel 2 channel (that would have caused both goals to get mediocre).
@@robmcewen4621 yeah you can always use some kind of light overdrive pedal or dial back the volume knob a little for less crunch. It reminds me of EVH’s tone which is awesome. I did see another review on a British RUclips channel and they said they would go with the EL34 version. I’d really like to play these in person. Either way would probably be happy. I wonder what the price point is going to be on these.
Put the same people in a room NOT in Nashville…tell them that they are Joyo or HB products and make them look like Joyo products and see what they say. Maybe the same things maybe not. Interesting…but we know that an experiment like this is loaded and fraught with problems. Having said that Blackstar having never laid anything down I didn’t want to pick up.
The drives sound more like fuzzes and the mid range sounds brittle.... How did half these guys even get jobs as guitarists in Nashville? Maybe it's easier than I thought, or maybe it's all about looks.....
@@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender absolute nonsense. Have you looked any of them up?? I mean, for gods sake…Vince Gill? One of the best guitar players in the world. Jared James Nichols? Monster Blues player. Sadler Vaden, guitarist for the 400 unit. Are you kidding me? Laur Joamets, guitarist for Sturgill Simpson. One the the slickest country pickers of all time. I’m not sure what the fuck you’re talking about
@@MikaelLewisify sorry, its been a long time since i watched this video and was going from memory, but i guess it wasnt obvious i wasnt talking about vince gill, but as for everybody else if they are really as good as you say they are, then i think it says a lot about these amps and how bad they are to make great players sound like amateurs
This video wasn‘t just about the amp which sounds great, it showed me that are so many good guitarists out there with so many great tones just from their fingers … I think that video is a little piece of art, also dedicaded to music itself. So, this video brought a lot of inspiration to me. I only just want to meet all those guitarists and want to hang around with them.
🤘
That’s it. My first tube amp will be the EL-34 version. It sounds so good and the breakup is so satisfying on it. I wish I could play it right now.
👌🤘
I played a '50's Standard Les Paul through the EL34 version this weekend and it was a firebreathing monster!
I just bought the 6L6 2x12 combo version. I LOVE IT. This video is filled with lots of great players who are all very different and it is really a pleasure to watch.
some great playing and tones in here, great to hear a range of players and guitars
🙏🤘
Yeah, to me this was more interesting watching a bunch of different players try it, rather that just one guy playing his cheese.
Left tubes and went to Quilter 5 years ago.. Played the EL34 version yesterday....this amp is awesome...great clean channel...a low gain dirty channel with boost I can actually use...and light...with the modern features I expect from a new amp (power switching and Cab sim outputs)....Thinking about a wet/dry rig with the Blackstar and the Quilter
That unconventional output transformer tech is the bee's knees! Well done mate!
I don't know if it's just me but I think these amps sound so much better with humbuckers.
I work at Guitar Center and have been lusting over the St. James combo with the 112!
And I'm not hurting for amps I've got a Tone King Imperial Mk 1 and a Dr Z Maz 18 Jr and I sure would love to add this amp to my stable!
I always run my rig in stereo but have the ability to add two more amps to the chain and I think this is going to be my next purchase!
Can't beat that Guitar Center discount!! 🎸🔊
Someone mentioned in this vid that "it's not a metal amp" - but there is a voicing switch in the 6L6 version that transforms it into a very high quality modern metal amp. I don't personally care for that since I'm not into modern metal, but for those who are, listen to other RUclips videos that demonstrate that voicing feature. You'll be very happy. I'm just glad it has the high gain sounds that it has with that switch off, and gives us the choice!
My dream tube amp. If there's one first tube amp I would have, this is it.
But for now, I'll just put it in my wish list. Or dream list. Hoping to purchase this someday. Will also go to a local store soon and just test this out.
My question is this… what’s the serviceability of these units? I’m figuring a lot of SMD solid state components. Especially sporting the weight of these.
Cheap to buy = expensive to service and maintain?
!!!Amazing amp! Blackstar has nailed it again. !!!
🙏🤘
HT 5 with a green back speaker is really amaizng. these amps are beautiful sounding too!
This is kind of the Colombo’s egg of tube amps! The only thing that worries me is that there are a lot of PCBs inside. I still prefer the point to point soldering, specially in the power section due to the heat that the tubes produce. Also, I’ve no seen the schematics but I would try to make it modular so, if the digital side fails you still can use the amp with a mike in front of the speaker
I like what you're doing with these amps, very interesting!
I'd love to hear these amps through different speakers. I feel like the lightweight speakers are giving them a slightly hollow mid range.
I'd like to hear the 6l6 versions through some of the Eminence American Series speakers, especially the higher efficiency ones. I don't really care for the tones I'm hearing from the el34 version, with the exception of the guy at 11:56. That cleaner tone sounds pretty good.
I've got to demo one of these! So awesome!
By the end of this video, I was just hoping that you guys would let them artists keep their favorite amp.
Hello Blackstar. Great Amps! I bought a St.James 50/6L6 which sounds great. But I'm not sure how the software architect works?! Is it only for the output for example the headphone or can I create also new sounds also for the AMP? I only hear on the headphone the difference, not on the amp?
Better than Marshall? I have already 20 HT. BLACKSTAR seems to be able to do everything.. Thanks for the super video.
Thanks for watching! 🙏
I've been looking for a St. Hubbins.
Is there any chance of a future St James model with MIDI capabilities and independent EQ for each channel?
Love my Mesa Boogie Express 50, but it weighs 75lbs. I’ll have to check out the St James.
I love my Blackstar Sonnet 120.
Very nice!! Cool looks and sound
Glad you think so 👌
Definitely going to save for the 6l6 combo
Great choice 😎
This thing sounds amazing....wow
Great video for great products
Thank you! 🤘
so Blackstar finally managed to make their amps sound more like a Marshall.. thats great..
at 9:50 is that one of her songs? anybody got the name? those chords w that tone are right up my alley
Suena estupendo
Does this amps have the same harsh high end like before?Or thst is better version?
At 7:16 , I don't think, "super wolfy," was meant as a compliment. I'm surprised they didn't edit that comment out.
i'm almost sold on it but not quite sure. ...could you lend me one for a few decades so i can use it and be absolutely sure that i like it
No
If iw in the lotto i will get one unless a 10watt version is released
Would love to try one EL34 and one 6L6 connected to an ABY switcher. However, Blackstar would have to have a “Buy one get one free” offer for me to afford such a setup!
Maybe if you ask nicely down at your local music store they may let you try this out 👀🖤🤘🤘
If you want a US and UK 2 channel amp that and can live with great tones from a solid state amp...check out the Quilter Aviator Mach 3... or buy 2 of the Aviator Cubs (1 US and 1 UK) for the price of the Blackstar...
It is possible to record the head versions using XLR cab emulated output without plugging any real cabinet to speakear out (for silent recorsding purpose)? Or i risk to burn the head? Can i do the same with the combo?
The St James can be used without an actual speaker load and they also have protection to prevent damage by other common mis-use scenarios. 🤘
The 2 watts sounds a little starved , the 50 has more harmonic content: richer.
Lots of overdrive tones but aint hearing cleans at all. Nice look, lightweight is good 👍
Should send one to Fluff. These are his kind of cleans.
Hi Bob, Thanks for your comment 🤘 On Channel I, on both models: The valve gain structure and voicing of this channel has been inspired by classic American amplifiers of the mid ’60s. It is very clean and bright, but with a solid low-end and controlled mids.
So no cleans?
On Channel I, on both models, The valve gain structure and voicing of the channel has been inspired by classic American amplifiers of the mid ’60s. It is very clean and bright, but with a solid low-end and controlled mids. Also, on this channel the valve power stage is set to be tight, relatively clean and linear across the frequency range. This is one of the most popular choices for a ‘pedal platform’ as it provides a solid clean foundation to apply effects to.
Is it serviceable??
Hey there! Yes we have an extensive network of warranty and non-warranty service centres in every country Blackstar is sold, you can find your nearest here blackstaramps.com/service-centres/
Made in the UK?
All of our models are designed in Northampton, UK and manufactured in China
Vince Gill is probably using a real 59.
I've watched several vids on this amp. A couple of things got confused in this vid. To clairfy:
(1) channel 1 on both amps, even with the power tube differences, are very similar.
(2) both overdrives are british-flavored, so the 6L6 channel 2 probably sounds more like an EL34 amp than most 6L6 amps.
(3) while there is some of overlap between the two amps' 2nd channel, the 6L6 is better for both traditional rock (ac/dc), 80s (van halen, ratt) & 90s hard-rock/metal, as well as modern metal (with the voicing switched)... meanwhile, the EL34 might be better for things like Stevie Ray Vaughan blues rock?... it seems similar to a Mesa Boogie Lone Star?
It seems like they could have made one amp with 3 channels and gotten everything in one amp? Then given a power tube choice for preferred additional flavoring? (The power tubes themselves are probably NOT most of the reason for most of the differences between the tones of each amp!)
So a huge question is this... which amp could most easily imitate the sounds that the other is better at... via pedals?
I think something like a bluesbreaker pedal on channel one of the 6L6 version would be superior. Or, might I be wrong and some overdrive pedal with the EL34 matches or exceed the high gains of the 6L6?
That's a great question!
Great question indeed and I’d like to see that addressed by a reviewer once they’re released. I honestly can’t decide which one sounds better or fits with my style because I like both blues and metal
@@thestumblingchef3146 after thinking about this some more... and correcting my several dumb typos in that original comment... I think the black-colored 6L6 is the better choice, then use pedals on the clean channel to achieve crunch/blues tones. I also LOVE the way the 6L6 can be converted to/from a modern metal amp... and a high gain 70s, 80s, 90s rock amp... at the flip of a switch, and didn't impose "compromises" on either goal by trying to do too much in channel 2 channel (that would have caused both goals to get mediocre).
@@robmcewen4621 yeah you can always use some kind of light overdrive pedal or dial back the volume knob a little for less crunch. It reminds me of EVH’s tone which is awesome. I did see another review on a British RUclips channel and they said they would go with the EL34 version. I’d really like to play these in person. Either way would probably be happy. I wonder what the price point is going to be on these.
Did Vince Gill bring Chuck Ainsworth amp shopping?!
They have Dumble type quality to them - alot more affordable though
Get the series 1 el34 or the 6l6. Real tube with 4 channels. Never need another.
Seriously bruh, you ain't had pimento cheese, you are missing out.
Michael Carter..... 😂😂😂😂 susTAIN !
Lots of boomer bends, killer amp tho! Think ill be buying one whenever possible :)
🤘
i wanted to see Gus G react to it.. aww man next time i guess
Instead of a decibel meter, you should have a joy meter
Great idea Josh 👀
To be a bestseller, you have to launch a 5 watt amp
I got the Blackstar HT-5R recently. Great little amp.
@@TheRandyDowning Yeah that is nice amp !
8:30 to 8:50 is why emulations will never do.
lighter is not always the best for a speaker
:D
Too much noise with single coils
St.(Anger)James(Hetfield)
Put the same people in a room NOT in Nashville…tell them that they are Joyo or HB products and make them look like Joyo products and see what they say. Maybe the same things maybe not. Interesting…but we know that an experiment like this is loaded and fraught with problems. Having said that Blackstar having never laid anything down I didn’t want to pick up.
Single coil hum is always bad
Were these players paid for this? Be transparent.
No the players weren't paid for this, just invited down for an advance preview of the new amps 😊
Come and try an amp and put a pedalboard on it so you have no idea how the amp itself sounds...
The choice to add a pedalboard is completely optional, you'll still get great tones using just your guitar and the amp🤘
Crazy that you’d want to try an amp with the setup that you actually use, right? 😜
Would have been alot better hearing these Amplifiers in a Band environment ,
The drives sound more like fuzzes and the mid range sounds brittle.... How did half these guys even get jobs as guitarists in Nashville? Maybe it's easier than I thought, or maybe it's all about looks.....
Seriously? Take a deeper look into most of these players and you’ll see impressive catalogs.
@@MikaelLewisify im sure they can write good music, but as players they look like amateurs compared to everyone else in Nashville
@@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender absolute nonsense. Have you looked any of them up?? I mean, for gods sake…Vince Gill? One of the best guitar players in the world. Jared James Nichols? Monster Blues player. Sadler Vaden, guitarist for the 400 unit. Are you kidding me?
Laur Joamets, guitarist for Sturgill Simpson. One the the slickest country pickers of all time.
I’m not sure what the fuck you’re talking about
@@MikaelLewisify sorry, its been a long time since i watched this video and was going from memory, but i guess it wasnt obvious i wasnt talking about vince gill, but as for everybody else if they are really as good as you say they are, then i think it says a lot about these amps and how bad they are to make great players sound like amateurs
@@BobbyCulpepper.srv3fender still no idea wtf you are waffling about.
but does it do the JC120 or fender type clean tho?