The Blackstar Fly3 review

[@Gene_Cali]

I'm late to the party but I love this little amp. 2023 and it's still a proven winner for desktop practice amps. Thanks Phil. \m/

[@chickenlover657]

Hi. Can you get clear sound on it? All the reviews I watched so far the sound is kinda muffled.

[@Sorc47]

I got this amp a few weeks ago and I love it. All the other mini amps I have heard sounded pretty bad, but this one is amazing. The clean channel is really nice and if you push the gain, you get a sound that reminds me of the Blackstar LT-boost pedal with gain turned up. The distortion channel is where other mini amps seem to fail horribly, but the Fly sounds pretty good. And of course it also has delay.

[@thorinbane]

Traynor Darkhorse 15 and 2 watts...with a greenback sounds amazing!

[@rayana4250]

That guitar amp is the best damn thing since sliced bread! And sliced bread was f**king awesome!

[@deathvalleyjoyride]

I've had this amp for almost a year now. It kicks ass.
FYI, the $99 version comes WITH power supply and ext cab. Well worth the money.
This little amp can really crank it out too. Not a toy.

[@davix994]

How is the amp now? is it reliable?

[@mrtambourineman6107]

Hey buddy, answer the Question ffs!

[@doctoribanez]

It killed him is my guess

[@theblytonian3906]

@@davix994 They are super reliable. I have two. Fly 3 single in black, Fly 3 Vintage pack (Fly 3 +103 w/ PSU in Vintage Cream). Had them now for 3 and 3½ years respectively. Going strong. Wouldn't be without at least one Fly 3 for everything about them as a practice and learning tool. Portability, convenience, performance, price, as a package they still can't be beaten FMM.

[@tanmayjha7721]

@@theblytonian3906 thanks for the reply

[@tonychestnut904]

Love mine! Love the sounds, the portability, everything, even the battery life. Still on my 1st set of batteries months later.

[@michaelthornburg2491]

I've had my Fly3 for about 3 years and it is amazing. The clean and crunchy overdrive tones are incredible. Occasionally when I see the neighbors gone I will use the Fly 3 Headphone out jack and connect directly into my Fender Princeton Chorus amp . Unbelievable crunch tone.

[@williamkelly751]

Bought one based on this review...far exceeded my expectations. Love the delay.

[@alexanderfedorovich5107]

Do you still like it 2 years later???

[@williamkelly751]

I still love it!

[@eoinf2004]

@@williamkelly7514 years later sounds good to me😂

[@dimwitsadvocate6264]

Thank you for your take on this and the updates, William!

[@ricklavigne4466]

I have one with the extension cab and love it. The extra cab does make a difference.

[@gary_beniford]

I bought a blackstar fly early this year and it really is great. I used to take my guitar to work when things were slow and this was much easier to transport (it fits in the guitar case) and easy to hide if a customer showed up( just closed the case).

[@bendari]

I bought this amp about 6 months ago. Nothing on the market can touch this for tone,volume,and features period! I'm going to buy the union jack version next.I also have a Marshall MS-21 battery amp 1 watt but Blackstar Fly 3 blows it away! Don't just sit there order your Blackstar Fly 3 today! You'll be glad you did.

[@juanfurones1496]

Maybe you should try a Boss Katana mini. Awesome piece of an amp.

[@ShutUpAndMakeWine]

Battery life on this thing is amazing.
Got one about 5 months ago and while I don't play for hours each day, I have not had to replace the original batteries it came with it.

[@ShutUpAndMakeWine]

(and I found a compatible AC adapter om eBay for about $15)

[@ebfmusic7687]

Yeah….. I’m sold on this. I’m a huge Blackstar fan and this is definitely gonna be my next purchase! Thank you for making this video!

[@JustSueMe]

I picked up the Fly 3 a few months ago when I was on the market for a portable battery practice amp. Still amazed by how well this little thing sounds, especially for the price.

[@lbf6449]

Does it work with pedals?

[@JustSueMe]

@@lbf6449 Yes, it works just like any other amp. :)

[@swam4362]

I love the Fly 3. The only thing is that you can't REALLY use it for gigging. It is just a mini practice amp.
That being said, small venues you can absolutely use this thing. And it's great for busking. It has distortion, clean, gain, EQ, and delay knobs and buttons. Putting this with it's extension cabinet is great too. Gives you a great compact amp.

[@budlogan2682]

Your review was the one that finally convinced me to try the fly 3 out. You are absolutely correct, the rest are toys. This amp is legit. I could not believe the tones coming out of this thing. Plus, I got a smoking deal on a green set that came with the extra speaker and power supply! Excellent amp for late night practice or jamming around a camp fire. Thanks and keep up the great work! I love your videos.

[@thrashmastertim]

thanks for the great review. I've had one of these amps for about 8 or 9 months that sounds great. The tape Echo actually does sound like a tape Echo! and I love valve (tube) sound, and this amp reproduces it really well. FYI with the extension speaker that becomes a 6 watt amp and the sound quality is even better. definitely recommend the power supply. Thanks again Phil keep up the good work.

[@mikeadozenify]

Blackstar is a great company. I have the HT-1R & I absolutely love that amp. They make really solid & affordable amps. Huge fan of theirs.

[@Jonathan-L]

I bought one of these about 18 months ago just to find out what it was capable of, and I was pleasantly surprised. It's actually quite versatile, albeit with a few limits (like anything when you think about it). Although it's a combo amp, it's also a bit like a distortion pedal with delay & a speaker (but without the stomp button) which means you could use it as a preamp into a full size guitar amp, or into a PA system using the headphone socket as a line out. And here's a bonus; it's actually really nice sounding blues harmonica amp, great for home practise & jamming along to backing tracks via separate sound system. Of course, for harmonica I have the Fly-3 set to as clean as I can, but as loud as I can, plus a tiny bit of delay. I've used a cheapie Superlux D112C mic as well a a Greg Heumann Bulletini (with volume control). Of course the acoustics of the room or environment are big part of a small amp's overall sound. As small as it is, I think it would be okay as a busking amp as well. The only thing I don't like is the socket that Blackstar have chosen to link their secondary speaker, but I never intended to get the extra speaker so that doesn't matter. It came supplied with batteries and the batteries seem to last very well. Did I mention that these amps are also great for harmonica practice?

[@frankkramer9064]

I recently purchased one so that I wouldnt have to set my rig up to rehearse and it am thankful I did this ,, great little amp .. I ove the clean channel and the crunch . I also Ike the earbud plug in so That I can play silent at night .. great on board effects too . I doubt I wil have to change the batteries soon , So I didn’t buy the power supply ,, You wont go wrong purchasing one ,,,

[@Tomekkplk]

After seeing the original vid I went to my nearest GC and finally picked up a used starter guitar, with that same amp and a few goodies for $190. Even though I suck at playing, it sounds great and can fill a room easily

[@BLake-ul5pi]

Tomekkplk practice makes perfect!

[@johnhmaloney]

I've had a Fly 3 for a few months and I absolutely love it. Over they years, I've had a Marshall Micro Stack, an Arion Hot Watt II and a Danelectro Honeytone and the Blackstar is far better than all of them. My only slight complaint is that the speaker is a bit tinny, but that's unavoidable given its size and it sounds amazing through headphones.

[@DobsonjamesDobsonjames]

yep just got one was going to get a £25 Marshall practice amp but shop guy convinced me to get the blackstar SOooo glad I did

[@threedogsplus]

Sweetwater has the Fly3 pack with extension cab and power supply for $99... Ordered!

[@1dgabel]

Just remember this review is over 2 years old, it was the best little amp at the time. Today there are a lot of others to choose from. The Blackstar Fly 3 for bass is still the best amp in this size

[@wadeolder7193]

Great little amp. I put a db meter in front of one. 100 to 115 db depending on the settings.

[@mediumtalented9250]

I just got a Yamaha THR10x, and im blown away with these amps, the THR line would be a cool video.

[@DeadShred9]

I have had this exact Model for about a year now . I have been playing for about 35 yrs. and this is by far the best Practice Amp I have ever owned . I will never need another Practice amp unless it for some reason breaks !! Before the Yamaha THR 10-X. I had a 15 - Watt Blackstar that was exceptional as well . I sold it but wish I had kept it to use in my living room . I like a small practice amp in every room just to be able to plug in and play in a different atmosphere !! lol sounds silly but its easier then lugging the amp and guitar around the place . Great choice Enjoy the THR 10 -X is versatile as hell and does well with Equalizer pedals or overdrive pedals in front . Peace and METAL .

[@DavidHBurkart]

Thanks Phil. I needed a mini amp for my transient situation (just sold my house, awaiting retirement, prior to moving out of state). This amp ought to fit the bill.

[@mojo5904]

I watched the video at Sam Ash some time ago. You had the same reaction that I had when I first heard the FLY3. I love it so much that I had to buy the Blackstar HT-1R. In my opinion both amps are amazing. The tone of both is perfect to my ear. Clean. a little dirt. or full crunch, the tone is great. The response to sutile playing nuances is remarkable. I highly recommend it. From my limited experience with Blackstar I have to say they hit the mark.

[@MacedonianGrace]

Excellent I'm getting one today for 25quid with the extension cab. Already got the bass fly3.
Don't change the pickups colour on your gold Gibson black colour is better.
You can thank me and buy me a drink later.
Cheers

[@bozwellification]

Nice little amp. I had one but returned it for a Yamaha THR10, which I love and use daily (not a fair comparison though, as it's quite a bit more expensive).

[@dylancalkins5446]

Have one! $99 for Amp, Extension Speaker (makes the rig 6 watts from 3 watts) and power supply! Also MP3 Jack will play in stereo. Great for computer monitor/guitar amp jam alongs

[@joebowles06]

It is a bummer about the power supply, but the batteries on mine have lasted for months. I got it in the beginning of April and I'm still using the batteries it came with.

[@shawncondon8262]

Seriously this thing is awesome...was doing the research on the other micro battery powered offerings from Fender, Marshall, etc even bought the Orange and it didnt work new out of the box lol. Saw somebody mention this (only I've seen on any forums mention it) and bought it on a whim. Man this thing might be pound for pound the most I've ever gotten out of a $60 purchase on any piece of music gear. Is it a "proper" amp definitely not but with my Micro Amp + and a little compression I'd almost record with this thing...almost lol

[@franktomassini7268]

Hi Phil, loved your review on the Blackstar Fly3. Just bought one on line. It's a discontinued "Green" model, from Amazon. Looking forward to Rockin out with it.

[@Riverwind25]

Hi Phillip,
Thanks for the amazing review. I was looking for a practice amp and was willing to break the bank, but now I have a cool amp I can carry around with a great sound for 80$ !

[@geoffwhitemusic]

Oh man. Gotta love P-90s. Sound so rich and full.

[@shelbywolfe6774]

Believe it or not, this little amp takes pedals surprisingly well. I'll run a tube screamer into it and it gives it that extra push if you're trying to get a saturated tone! Obviously there's no effects loop, but i've found that running 2 or 3 pedals into it can be a lot of fun.

[@bubbasouth69]

I have the Bluetooth version and it absolutely rocks! I can also use it with my iPhone and turn it into a miniature karaoke machine.

[@vzguitars]

The fly 3 is absolutely amazing. I actually bought it as a travel speaker for my ipod, but after playing through it it became my main after 10pm amp. I actually think it sounds better than most 15-30w solid states at super low (you can easily hear the guitar over the amp) volumes for midnight practice. First thing I did is buy a power supply for it though. I don't think it responds to pedals well though, and am not a fan of the sound through headphones.

[@RocktCityTim]

If you buy the pair, the power adapter is included.

[@tvalla]

really? nice

[@MrJp5150]

Great vid as always, I have the set with the external speaker and the power supply, IT ROCKS !!!

[@RadioHamGuy]

First of all, thanks for the great vids! I saw your visit to Sam Ash and this little amp and it interested me. I just ordered the package, the amp, second speaker for stereo and power supply. I do have an old Roland Micro Cube that is great, I do a lot of jams in small rooms and campfire parties and garage parties and that works fine, but wanted to try this setup, if it works ok, will just be a little less to fit into the bag. For the price I know I can''t go wrong I guess. If not it will be fun to use in the practice room here by the computer. Looking forward to trying it out no matter what, looks great for the price level. Thanks for what you do, I enjoy!

[@RadioHamGuy]

Well I got the Fly with the second speaker and love them. Sounds great for my room and for my garage parties. Plenty of volume. Plus, I have a Rockman X100 with stereo line out and plug that into the line in on the Fly to get the full stereo sound, I added a simple line cord with volume control for more control of the volume, and it sounds just great in stereo with that Boston sound!

[@AsdeEspadas.Fernando]

RadioHamGuy have you tried it? what do you think of it in comparison of the roland?

[@nadiavoun7137]

Love my FLY3. And the Blackstar ID Core wow stereo is pretty awesome too.

[@DorinRocks]

The power consumption on the amps is pretty low, I mean I've been using it with the standard batteries that come with it for the past 6 or 7 months and it's still going strong. Not to mention that it sounds amazing for the size. I'm impressed.

[@rahulmalakar8288]

Hey bro, my amp ran 1 month ( I use 1 hr per day on an average ) with the standard batteries that come with it, but now it is not taking charge, a 3 hr charging would give me only 30 mins of output. What should I do?

[@DorinRocks]

Rahul Malakar change the batteries. Does are not rechargeable.

[@rahulmalakar8288]

@@DorinRocks ok thanks bro. I thought that those were rechargeable.

[@tonycarpaccio9550]

@@rahulmalakar8288 lol

[@420boyyy4]

Buy the power supply .

[@gplayer6602]

Hey Phil, I also had that amp and found out the power supply was $20 extra. I took it back and got the Id core 10 as it comes with a power supply for a little more. Great practice amp!
Thanks for the review!

[@ericzimmer2645]

Phil, I have the Fly3 also, and Blackstar does sell a power supply for about $20.

[@da3driccax327]

Yea he said he wishes it came with it.

[@ericzimmer2645]

+Da3dricc Ax3 (Daedric) i agree. At $20, the power supply is over a third the cost of the amp, which is ridiculous. I use the Fly3 as much or more than my regular amp, so I'd spend a fortune on batteries without it. Good little amp though..

[@ericzimmer2645]

+locomotivebrain that's strange. Single coil guitar, maybe? Honestly, I'd take it back under warrantee because I get zero hum or buzz.

[@threedogsplus]

Got my Fly3... It sounds amazing for 3 or 6 watts! Thanks for this video; I would never have considered this before!
I also got an epiphone with P90s and I'm really liking it too! Please do a video on the differences between different pickups... Hot humbucker, vintage buckers, P90s, and various single coils... I would love to hear your take on this!

[@jbobv32]

I bought one immediately after watching your review and I love it.

[@trDewy]

Hmm I might have to get one of those! I've been looking to upgrade my amp for a while now, I'm just using a crappy little Fender Frontman right now and this looks like a great amp to upgrade to. Thanks for the review Phil :]

[@tedgottinger121]

Pretty sad tinned able to say that a $60 amp is an upgrade. But I agree. The Frontman has a decent clean sound but the overdrive on it sounds like a wet fart.

[@snowdevil7727]

Orange Mini Crush is cool because it's so tiny and uses a single 9v. It doesn't look cheap and crappy either. I think it sounds fine for what it is and what I need it for: keeping it next to my computer to quickly play whenever I want. I'm not recording with it or playing for an audience, and it was only $45.

[@dimwitsadvocate6264]

Extremely helpful! Thank you for sharing!

[@padraigmahone4512]

Great review. Nice to get an idea of the physical size, too - I find it hard to visualise these things from just specs, seeing it in the hand really helps. The killer app version of this will be when they do one the size of the Positive Grid Spark Go. I've looked at the Spark, but it's just too overkill for what I want - which is basically a small, useable amp on the go I can slip into a case and also use simply as an outboard speaker for tablet / mp3 player travelling. The Go doesn't have a physical line-in, Blutooth only. My other gear all has blutooth, but I much prefer a cable as it doesn't leech battery life...

[@shahinnomani]

Hi Philip! Thx for the good review. Blackstar amps are brilliant considering the money you pay for them (if you're looking for warm bluesy tones of course). It would be great if you could do a comparison between your Fly3, and VOX mini 3. I've been toying with the idea of buying one of them and can't make up my mind. Tone-wise I'd take Blackstar no question, but the VOX mini 3 offers a lot of additional options.

[@ohyeeeeehya]

Hi Phil, Thanks for doing the Fly 3 Review! I purchased The IDCORE 10 and it is amazing. If you have a chance to review it I think everyone will love it! Thanks!

[@trwsandford]

I totally just bought a Fly 3.. not because of this video but because of your one in the store. I went for the package deal with second speaker and power supply in green.

[@dalepal]

The Blackstar Fly 3 sounds fantastic for a small 3W battery powered amp that you can easily take anywhere. I would consider getting the combo pack that includes the power supply and extension speaker.

[@bourbon]

You can get the power supply for the Fly 3 made by Blackstar on Amazon for $20. I suggest the extra speaker, too. It sounds even fuller and twice the volume.

[@RocktCityTim]

It does come with the power adapter if you buy the pair instead of just the head unit.

[@thetask1]

Bought a Blackstar Amp. Loving it. I think you sold a ton of them. They need to send you a cookie.

[@devinj]

One thing I can't recommend enough is the extension cab. $20 and makes it 5 times better!

[@kangaroofoot]

Lights And The Windows In the external speaker connection in the back?

[@greatvanzini]

The Ext. cab gives you the full 6 watts! Really meant for mini stadium use at that point! Or,,, as computer spkrs. Good review & spot on.

[@AJgeartalk]

Great video Phil. Amazing sound from such a tiny amp!!

[@bubbasouth69]

As I recall in your video from Sam Ash, you almost got the ID Core 10. I have the Fly 3 with Bluetooth (worth the extra $) and the ID Core 10. Both are awesome little amps and you can’t go wrong with either.

[@jonzu4]

Just bought one
The delay is pretty fun
Nice little amp.

[@fuzzcous]

Watched a review of the Gorilla GG-25 right after this to put your Sam Ash joke in perspective.
Hilarious.

[@fuzzcous]

Lol The clean wasn't too bad but the gain... Yikes.

[@ivanroberts2447]

Such a bargain, a gibson les paul for 399 dollars! if that was here in the UK it would be over a thousand pounds even second hand ,really love the amp too ,cheers phil great vid.

[@gary_beniford]

in the US I haven't been able to find one for less than 650. if I could find one for 400 I wouldn't hesitate.

[@danielmatthews5110]

I'm in the uk and I see those going for between £350-500 all the time... the standards and customs are the ones over £1k

[@gary_beniford]

Mister Knight Owl the melody maker was probably 500-600 retail so 300 is normal. phil has a 50s or 60s tribute which is 900 retail. but your right if you look hard you can find great deals.

[@TiberiusWallace]

Ivan, that's a 50's Trinute Goldtop, they were about  £600ish. The 2016 line up has the studios and tributes about the same price, some less.

[@gary_beniford]

Mister Knight Owl I have les paul studio with humbuckers I bought new this year for $1500. I would like to get a hollowbody guitar with P90s or a telecaster later this year.

[@doctoribanez]

This just popped up in my feed 5 years later lol. Just ordered a spark mini though. Hope it doesn't suck

[@psychofunksoldier02]

Just discovered your channel looking at Fender Bassbreaker videos and I'm really digging it!

[@soulshaker68]

I think that is very cool, I wish you would have popped a cab into that output to what it sounded like with bigger speakers.

[@TokyoBlue587]

I'm glad I bought one, love it so far!

[@Stratisfied22]

This amp sounds way better than the roland cubes to me. I was blown away at the tones and volume this little guy gets. It also has one of the best delays i've heard. Just a great product.

[@AndrewAviles]

Cool vid! I want to leave a mini amp and squier at my work to jam on breaks, I was torn between katana and fly 3. Got the fly3 pack with adapter and exta cabinet, same price as a just a katana and I always love stereo sound.

[@ukulanne]

The fly 3 is fantastic!

[@ai4nlp]

PLEASE Do a video of that CLASS 5! Cause your demos are AWESOME!!!

[@snowdiddley4634]

Awesome thanks Phil, bought mine today. 🎸🎸🎸

[@Rigel7WasAlreadyUsed]

GET OUT OF MY HEAD, PHIL! I just ordered one of these on a complete whim.

[@TheRustyGuitarist]

I've got the Epiphone P90 special that I picked up on a flash sale and love!! Saw the video where u bought that guitar and amp and immediately started searching for one but can't seem to find one under $600! :( Great video!!

[@Brylantor]

I think Blackstar are great. I switched from my Fender Blues Junior II to a HT 1

[@jazzcat1056]

Great review! Went with the cube since I didn't know about this amp.

[@tomprophet7097]

I bought one a few months ago great little amp

[@edwardippoliti626]

Sounds great ,I think I'll try one !

[@joepregiato1987]

Also has double A
batteries which you can easily find as rechargeable. Many of the other portable mini amps have the 9 volt rectangle batteries which are more expensive and I've never seen them as rechargeable

[@kevinpaul1719]

Nice amp! You are correct sir! I went and picked one up a few hours ago. I got a power supply. Great fun with the new MIM Strat I bought a few weeks ago. I put real Fender lock tuners on it and slapped a set of number 8 on. The titanium tremolo block and the brass blocks worth it?

[@memyself8026]

It's a great amp for travel or jamming quite. I checked it out at GC but ended up with the 20 watt Blackstar ID Core Series which is funny considering that is suppose to be my travel amp. The next Blackstar I want to check out is a ID260TVP.

[@guitardzan5641]

The BlackFly3.2 needs a USB charge port with a lithium ion battery. Agree?

[@jgmopar]

I still use my ZOOM Zoomfire 7010 little battery practice amp. lots of effects on that little thing and I think it sounds ok for plastic. I have had my eye on the Blackstar Fly3 with ext. speaker. I love these little gadgets and they seem to be cheap enough. Great review now I will have to go to my local ma and pa store to get one

[@cattleprods911]

Good review!

[@electricgeorge5589]

I have a Ly 3 and like it very much.

[@wasteddude9387]

Yo, Phillip. Guess what. Seven years from now, I bought the BlackStar Fly 3 Limited Edition combo stereo double amp package with the power supply and connecting cable between the amps for $99.99 at Amazon. I’m going to like the creme cab with the Brit flag grill too, but at this point, I will still be mulling over the $75 price. You will have moved on to something called a Spark Positive Grid by that time. But don’t worry. Your judgment in pretty much everything else remains reliable. Ignore my comment about the Fly 3’s superiority in seven years. I will not know you already agreed with me now. In any case, relax. You’re going to be very happy with your life and your RUclips presence in seven years. Despite your preference for the Spark Positive Grid. It’ll be a shame because in every other way, you will have done so well.

[@ronaranjo]

Hey Phil, great video, the overall quality of the videos has improved a lot, thanks for the efforts! It would be cool to see some videos from you checking up some digital modelers like the Atomic Amplifier, Kemper, Helix, Fractal Axe FX, etc. Are there any plans for that?

[@alimbo9436]

Just bought this baby in vintage white

[@panhandlegeardemos6837]

very cool! can't believe you found that guitar for THAT price!!

[@iaint1873]

Exactly the sort of size I want for travel - question is, what is it like for jazz? Ted Greene rather than blanket over amp.

[@kenlittlefield9105]

I just ordered the Fly pack
If there were amazon links i would have used them

[@fonzybrookestone727]

Those tuner clips are such an eye sore. Sweet looking guitar, then.....clip on tuner! You got a hell of a deal for that guitar too! The cream 90's do look better, but still, hell of a deal! Great job with that! That lil amp didn't sound bad either. I've never seen lil amps with delay, nice surprise.

[@Strabbs12345]

Great little amp for a quick practice session

[@troyhill1924]

Awesome review man 👍 I can actually tell what it sounds like, good job

[@gergemall]

Thank you for helping me make my decision

[@Bluelightbandit]

I have one of these and absolutely love it! Comes in great if the power goes out or you want to take it on vacation or something. I may be wrong but doesn't it take a special power supply? I tried using some supplies I had laying around and none of them seem to fit.

[@Sumbibebe]

Great video, I like that Fly.
The black P-90s are so cool and unique. I'd say you got the better looking Gibson!!