Blackstar HT Venue MK2 Guitar Amps - Serious Bang For Your Buck!

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👆 For more info on the Blackstar HT Venue mk2 Amps go here -
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In this video we used a Fender Elite HSS Strat, a Gordon Smith GS1000 & an Ibanez RG950WFMZ.
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[@f.garrettlondon7611]

Watching you guys is like inviting two good friends to come hangout in my living room and just happen to be giving me great gear advice. I really enjoy the channel. I can’t wait to order my ML-2 pro!

[@likeanuuk6612]

as soon as rob turned on that miku pedal captain lee is like "oh bloody hell not again..."

[@phreak1118]

I have 3 Blackstar amps. HT-1 metal, HT-5 metal, and HT Stage 100. They all have their purpose and I am very happy with all of them.

[@trevors7062]

I got the Blackstar ht club 40 and it rocks better than any fuckin Fender.

[@matijabo]

Have HT-5 metal for 5 years, and it's a small amp with heavy sound amp and build like tank! Love it!!!

[@pmolitierno]

@@trevors7062 Traded a Bassbreaker 15 combo for an HT40 MK1 and was very happy. I've upgraded the combo to utilize the HT100 MKII head and its GLORIOUS. It has an upgraded speaker (Eminence EM12) also to handle the power

[@psychojackjack2139]

I have been playing guitar 40 years, started when I was very very young. This is the best and most versatile amp, at this price point I have ever played. I love EVH amp gain sounds but they have too much hiss/noise. Not this amp. I highly recommend everyone to try the Blackstar HT 40, you will be VERY pleasantly surprised!

[@davidhartly9333]

GOT ONE BEEN PLAYING SINCE 78!!! AND MAN I PUT A VINTAGE 30 WORLD OF DIFFERENCE AMAZING BRO LOVE IT AN JENS KRUSE IN LA DOES MODS AS WELL HES THEE AMP MODS GURU!!! THE BEST!!! AN PRICES ARE REASONABLE!!! IM GETTIN THE 50 MK2 FOR SURE!!!

[@MrActionRadar]

@@davidhartly9333 were you yelling this out at us, or just plainly ignored your caps lock was on the whole time. P.s. my club 50 and Vt 212 is coming slowly in the mail.... Can't wait to try it out. Got it on huge sale.

[@ericknutson8310]

“How many overdrives do you need?” Yes I need that in a t shirt

[@zenccard]

This and some of your other videos just sealed it into stone and I purchased the Blackstar ht 40 in royal blue I have not been able to play it a ton but I can already tell that I am sold it’s an amazing amp and I’m very happy thanks to everyone at andertons amazing channel

[@sam_uelson]

I'm supposed to be finishing a 5000word university paper today, but I've just spent the last six hrs binge watching chappers and the captain videos. Totally worth it.

[@JKM395]

I watch these vids on my front porch with my dogs, Lee. Best of both worlds!

[@michaelborski2373]

Love the channel guy's. Always awesome info that later gets me into trouble with the wife. Got myself a Blackstar HT Stage 60 because of you 2 knuckleheads. Not disappointed. Thanks for your help!

[@CoolspyGaming]

Fluff LOVES Blackstar, and would probably want to die so that he could buried with this amplifier.

[@jacobreece1971]

He'd be dead because if Blackstar made oxygen he wouldn't breath it 😂 it would be to thin and fizzy

[@chrisjan4397]

"Truth is I do think its a simulation, but it's a good one so let's just go with it." Wise words Rob!!

[@Igornopolis]

Blackstar is awsome. MIK HT-100 head still kicking it and owning from spanky clean to brutalz and everything between.

[@MichelleTaylor1]

IMO alongside a Bassbreaker these MKII Blackstar’s have more “tone/warmth” and are much more versatile.Its great that a company listens to its customers and give them what they want with these new features 👍🏻💁🏼

[@KozmykJ]

Which Bassbreaker? The three are all quite different from each other.

[@MichelleTaylor1]

KozmykJ Hi 💁🏼 it was the 45 combo. It sounded nice but not quite as “warm” to me, plus of course it didn’t have all the voicing and channel switching that the Blackstar does. It didn’t even have reverb either. It didn’t have an emulated output or USB option either.

[@KozmykJ]

Yes these new ones have a lot more features in them. The little Artist that I was looking at didn't have all that DPR/USB/DI stuff and these news ones hadn't been announced. I forwent the switching of the H&K because of the solid state boost, The Egnater because of no DI or silent running. I'm not sorry about going Bassbreaker 15 at all though. Has a wide range of available sounds and tones, DI with silent running and a nice quiet FX loop. Only thing I missed from my last amp was the switching or lack of it. If I was gigging 6 string I'd certainly give these new Blackstars a look, as it is I only need it for home and light recording these days.

[@MichelleTaylor1]

KozmykJ The old saying “Horses for Courses” comes to mind 😉👍🏻💁🏼

[@KozmykJ]

Absolutely. Lot's of factors to juggle when choosing an amp. My previous amp had decent sounds, if a little quick to go high gain, channel switching up the wazzoo, DI, and silent running, but turned out not to be reliable. I won't point the finger cos it may have been a one off and the sellers were very good about it.

[@fergeraci]

I have a HT Venue 40 Mkii and I love it - I recorded all my videos with it and can say I find the dirty channel super sufficient, no need to put a boost in front of the amp for color or gain.

[@GStunna6]

Is it possible to start blending a room mic or something? How it sounds in the room is important to some peoples online purchases

[@lordundhimself1310]

That's a great idea

[@MrStephenlederle]

Damn it man, I love the Blackstar HT amps so much!

[@georgel2519]

That miku sound though!

[@whynotme5926]

Looks like gordon smith have raised their prices,not surprised.I have always liked their guitars,but just like a lot of companies now, they might price themselves out of business.These companies need to look at what is happening to gibson and what will happen to a lot of pedal companies, just a matter of time.

[@the_swoletariat1621]

They always try to challenge Rory, and he always beats them lmao.

[@jacobreece1971]

The_Swoletatiat and we love it 😂

[@thomasrobinson9614]

OMG I've watched too many Anderton's videos. I'm started to recognize Rob's solos.

[@TheVirginianRambler]

Thomas Robinson of course. He's a great guitar player, a little repetitive, but when you do demos, you want a similar vibe for each demo for showing tone. Not skill. The rant took a turn. Sorry

[@masterbeernuts9344]

Thomas Robinson dont worry - they're always the same

[@TheGoldenTuba]

1:04 - Good job captain! You are doing the right thing. We want you and the gang at Andertons to be healthy.

[@gerryloughran1676]

That's a great Gordon Smith the Captain playing ...Wow

[@tomholton235]

Those Gordon smiths are just great sounding straight up rock machines. Wish I had got one when I had the chance to for cheap.

[@Persigkeit]

"...apart from Big Trouble In Little China which is the best movie of all time." YES!

[@7Roeth]

When I see Rob play a strat I feel like Im watching a mouse discover the outside world for the 1st time.

[@the_swoletariat1621]

I just bought a new amp, and it was between the Bassbreaker 45 and the new Club 40. Honestly, the video made me realize that I made the right call with the Bassbreaker, and I’m glad I watched it. Thank you for putting this out so I could hear the separate characteristics!

[@KozmykJ]

I had a similar choice to make. Bassbreaker 15 vs Blackstar Artist 15 vs H&K 18 vs Egnater Tweaker 15. I went Fender. Best marriage of sounds and features. Very happy with it 8^)

[@the_swoletariat1621]

KozmykJ I’m really happy with my Bassbreaker too! I have to get casters for it since it’s so damn heavy though lol. Also, it has so much headroom so I need to eventually go to a place where I can rip it up and no one will care.

[@BrentODell]

I had a similar decision a couple years ago, but ended up with the Blackstar, and have been really happy with it. Fender was really tempting, though.

[@Robstafarian]

Contgratulations! You bought a tube amp, rather than a hybrid amp which pretends to be a tube amp.

[@psychojackjack2139]

You should have played this.new Blackstar. I have demoed them all. Bass Breaker does hold a candle to this amps versatility. Bass Breaker is too fizzy and can't get the harmonic overtones of this amp. The clean on this is also Fender or vox like. Best amp I have tried at this price point ever and I've been playing 40 years

[@sxnthwave]

About the "earning the gain with volume" thing, I have an amp from fender called an M80, it's 300 Watt amp with a 12 inch speaker. If you crank up the volume and roll back the gain you can play anything from AC/DC to Metallica or Guns n roses. It has some really nice clean tones, some nice crunch, and some really great high gain legato type tones. It's honestly my favorite amp to play on at home and I paid about 50 bucks (USD) for it a few years ago.

[@TheVirginianRambler]

Ryan do you mean 30w? 300w and one speaker would basically kill the speaker

[@sxnthwave]

It says 300 on the amp, check em out on google haha

[@skittlybeepbop13]

BOOM! The expanded Andertons cinematic universe just got larger...

[@angusyoung9594]

I left my wife because of this video.

[@Juansteffen]

Guys, I need a word of advice here... I own a beautiful (well that's what I think..) Peavey Valveking 112 and it's lovely for mid gain rock, but I want to get a new thing, brighter but without more gain. I like the vintage sound. Would a Blackstar ht 40 be a right choice? Thanks!!

[@michaelwebb4082]

Bruce Leroy! The Last Dragon was my all time favorite movie as a kid!

[@lennykrainie1903]

Have had a go at the mk1 ht40 a year back and very recently had a good go at the mark 2 ht40, immediately blown away when running my strat and pedals through it.

[@BandanaBoris]

I really like my Mk1 HT50Club , guess they have a bit more character to them. Although it's not a Gainweapon by any means .

[@leejaynes5918]

Great amps I've got a HT5 and that's a nice bit of kit! Blackstar are top amps in my opinion proper rocks! Nice playing Boyz 🎸🎸🎸

[@bengalvin9932]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look! head and cab look KILLER!1

[@andyreynolds5575]

Yes!! Exploding cups are back! So much tension when you guys take a drink ;-)

[@TMmodify]

I want to cry of happiness everytime I hear Bleed The Light

[@MatthewJohnCrittenden]

Sees Gordon Smith, likes. Had mine for 20 odd years, great guitars.

[@BenFentem]

That Gordon Smith is a sexy axe

[@aaronmarks1807]

As if Rob wasn't already cool. New found respect for the shout out to The Last Dragon....Sho'nuff.

[@johns4751]

Great amps. Fantastic demo! Wicked-slow to release here in the US (major dealers still haven't received their inventory).

[@jonnorris419]

Great playing and sounds sweet with that strat chappers

[@nami7810]

Captain lee has changed his first finger vibrato hasn’t he? 😁 am I the only one noticing? He’s went from clapton to Bb king! :))

[@danielgoepferich9548]

Random question, but do the Captain and Chappers still have the two guitars they modified a few years ago? Haven't seen them in forever.

[@TheVirginianRambler]

Daniel Goepferich i know chapman probably has his, somewhere in his house, with the other 100+ guitars of his.

[@ShrapnelTwo]

Another guitar modding video would be great!

[@stanislavmigra]

good question, I was searching thru older vids and saw Rob§s LTD and it is beast of a guitar, he could def take it for a ride again ...

[@iDealMedley]

used to hate ibanez but they've been coming out with great looking guitars lately

[@frankardos4211]

I know I know.....old vid. But........................I have the first HT Stage 100 and these amps are a diamond in the rough! They sound absolutely fantastic. throw a delay or pedal of your choice in the loop and the 3 killer channels sound great by themselves!!1 No joke. Great amps. I may check out these new ones. Thx fellas

[@bobivankenobi8451]

Blonde on top and orange underneath hahahahaha I see what you did there Rob 😁

[@jorgiewtf]

Ok, so I got the first iteration of the HT Stage 60 and I’ve honestly grown tired of it’s sound. Don’t get me wrong; for the money you really are getting a great bang for your buck but it’s just not the sound I’m looking for. To me, the low-mid range is always a little washy with very scooped lows no matter what you do. The ISF knob is kinda cool but has lost it’s appeal to me. One thing I will say with upmost convictions, the clean channels on Blackstars are god-tier! Right now I am looking to trading it in for a Marshall Orginal 50. It just seems to have much more of that classic sound I’m looking for. I watched this video hoping they’ve addressed my personal issues with I have with it on the MKII but they didn’t. I guess it just doesn’t suit my style. Just remember, it is a great sounding tube amp and I am in no way saying it’s anywhere near bad. Just my honest personal take on them.

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

The Cap mentioned that the original HT amps have a 'cocked wah' tone. I can concur on this............. at least my HT20 head had it on the clean chan. Anyway, I replaced the 2 preamp tubes (V1 and V2) with lower gain JJ's (12AT7 and 12AU7) and that 'fixed' the 'cocked wah' tone issue on the clean channel. Also took the mud out of the dirt channel. The U7 in the drive chan V2 position really tamed the gain.

[@LucasF280]

Are you guys throwing guitars out the window this Christmas ?!?!?

[@TheBaronDisco]

I want the Gordon Smith but in a single cut. Super slick looking.

[@redmcmannus]

Wow! I thought I was the only person that still loves The Last Dragon!

[@millershane71]

The human mind infinitely can not comprehend that.

[@Driftuner]

Rory, you deserve a raise..

[@GeeMorno]

"whhhooooohhhhhh!!!!! That was like a Pete Townsend thing!" LOL!

[@CanUSeeRJB1]

You guys should do an explorer shape guitar comparison video... Give people a better idea of which one is best for them if they love that shape.

[@Robstafarian]

If you like a narrower nut, like an old Fender, then check out the Schecter E-1 models.

[@CanUSeeRJB1]

Robstafarian I like their shape, but I typically avoid schecter. I'm also not looking for one myself, wanted them to do it for a friend.

[@ykitskanyenorth847]

BOOM!

[@colinmcdonald7591]

Lee's amp sounded very different than Rob's amp. That could be in small part due to the guitars, but the voicing was just really different on the captains amp. Rob's had a more open, less scooped sound on the OD channels. That said, the clean channel voicings were very very close to each other taking out the slight tonal differences between the guitars. I would imagine that also has a lot to do with the speakers and cabinet though. Love that 100W head. I would have liked to hear the tonal change when using lower power mode with things turned up. And one final comment, most Fender HSS strats come with the humbucker raised up too high so there is this pretty big jump from the neck/middle pickup volume to the bridge pickup volume. You have to either lower the bridge pickup a bit, or raise the neck and middle to match. On clean the jump is much more noticeable than when using OD.

[@philbert87]

10:50 Rob: How many overdrives do you need? The answer to life, the universe and everything - 42!!!

[@adrianhjordan1981]

Is it just me or could the clean sounds with the Strat have been a bit louder. Felt like we were missing a lot of low end that would have come back in with the volume higher...

[@enthused7591]

24:40 I agree Rob. A nicely summed up analysis lol.

[@bryanvasnier5249]

What was that riff à 15mn ? o-O It was amazing :o

[@marknorris3769]

sounds like rob is saying these amps are good value when the volume is pushed but not so much at lower volumes , meaning these amps aren't for everybody , when it comes to honest impartial reviews , rob rocks

[@gingercorki]

Great to see a gordon smith in your vids! my first proper guitar was a gordon smith

[@MrJamesJakub]

What's everybody's thoughts on this VS the Fender Bassbreaker series? Particularly the new BB 30R. Similar price points right? And both very versatile and affordable valve amps.

[@Joeobrown1]

I like the look of that Gordon Smith, wouldn't buy one myself only because i wouldn't be able to get past my hatred for the logo

[@De4Lth]

What the hell is that riff at 14:57?

[@robertmailloux3720]

My Boogie mk4 is infinite BUT this HT40 is my new gigging amp.I will not cry if it gets beaten:just buy another one.

[@pabysol887]

I gotta know! Is that a Schecter W Bigsby in the guitar rack on the right? The black guitar, second from the left!

[@KozmykJ]

I would go outside but I'd have to get out of bed... Currently trying to gather the enthusiasm to get some breakfast ... can't be arsed right now. As soon as Mr Afternoon Shift downstairs has stirred I can switch my new Bassbreaker 15 (purr chased from that Pandora's Box of a music shop Andertons) on and make a racket. I might get out of bed to do that ... then again

[@joescott7500]

been listening to the smiths?

[@KozmykJ]

Nope just KZbin oh and my mate just posted a song on Facebook. He was out of bed but still in his dressing gown. Did I inadvertently use some Smiths lyrics? Nothing against them but I was never a fan. Aye up. Nearly midday ... I guess I'l have to make the effort. 8^P

[@javiacustico]

okok this is cool, but you need to edit fast and release the greg koch video, extended version appreciated

[@bvdek]

that's gonna make one badass song 14:55

[@ssmetalrulz]

I have two questions about the HT 40 mk 2 combo.. would appreciate some help.. 1) Are the overdrive channels on this amp good for modern metal tones or will I need external overdrive pedals or something? 2) Does putting it in the 4W mode rob it off some tonal character? Cos I will be using this at home at a not very loud volume most of the time (occasional gigs and jams with band) Thanks !

[@Robstafarian]

The overdrive channel is a built-in overdrive pedal, like the original HT Venue and HT Metal amps.

[@ssmetalrulz]

Robstafarian yes.. but does it do a good job of producing nice saturated modern metal tones ? Or would you recommend using an external pedal with the clean channel on this amp ?

[@cooperray9879]

Could someone tell me what makes the mk ii sound better than the first one? Or does the first one sound decent too?

[@undercrackers56]

I love the sound of Blackstar combos. I had a Stage HT 60 which was amazing but not really transportable. I have had two ID 60's and an HT5. Blackstar stuff is good but they treat their customers with dismissive indifference. Blackstar need to get serious about support.

[@chrisjs6123]

Sensational amps. Love my Artist 15.

[@Zuhlsmann1]

I love Blackstar!!! I was wondering if you guys were gonna demo these amps!

[@MB-yw3pv]

only thing I dont like about some Blackstar amps is that there isn't individual EQ, especially when theres more then 1 gain channel

[@markdaisley6958]

Always on the run!! What a tune :) Didn't like the clean channels the gain channels smash it up though :) Are these ones chinese made or in blighty :)

[@Robstafarian]

They are made in China.

[@Amarbold8875]

Chappers has been watching Rick & Morty i see

[@tombarker2977]

Where is the opening riff from! I have heard it on your channel for 2 years now and don't know what it is lol

[@judosailor]

Tom Barker I like it a lot too. And I think I might’ve figured it out. I think the cord progression is DACD. But they are playing it 099, 098, 097 on the a D andG strings. That’s just picking it up by ear. So I would love to have someone that knows correct me or let me know if I got it right.

[@liamcook3186]

It’s taken from Hells Bells by ACDC

[@judosailor]

OK, so a few adjustments. If you play the D it is not a straight D major. You either have to not play the high Estring, or play it open and let the E ring. Also for what they are doing up higher on the neck, I think starting on the a string it is 099, 097, 0777. And yeah, it does sound a lot like Hells bells, but I don’t think it’s exactly the same.

[@mrmuscle4815]

Tom Barker don't quote me on this but I think it's a riff from robs solo career

[@genwt3916]

Quite simple really: DACG but played only on the 3 and 4 strings. With different variations across different videos of course

[@volodymyrmakovskyy1183]

How many overdrives do you need?! - the answer is "yes" Dying laughing lol

[@stoneysdead689]

So, you guys think this amp- the Club 40, is too much for the bedroom? I want a good tube amp and this is the only one I can find that I can afford- used I mean- but I'm a little concerned that it's considered a "gigging" amp- and everyone seems to stress that about it. Makes me think they're basically saying it's not a good bedroom practice amp- which is what I need. It sounded like Rob was getting some decent break up there at a low volume though.

[@tiffanydriessen]

Why does that intro jam sound so familiar? I can't figure out why.... Awesome video! I love the amps and enjoy your playing.

[@nightpandas7178]

Thierry Driessen the rhythm part is really close to the chord progression of hell's bells either in a different key or just different chord voicings

[@Mist_R]

Where them Prs guitars at? Pls pls!!!!

[@gbrielbuis6333]

“The truth is, this is a simulation...but a good one... and we should go with it!” This is a prophetic statement hahaha. It’s stands true for ISF and Reality hahaha

[@AllanGildea]

love yez guys - always fun.

[@guitarocd9984]

he really knows how to play guitar

[@RubyRoks]

Coming back to watch random videos and hearing a Miku never fails to make me laugh

[@musicman7773]

Sweetwater has a 60w 1x12 3ch on their site! I had to correct this👍

[@GStunna6]

It's Weird... As Soon As I Hear The Amp Bleed into the lapel mic and I hear the amps in the room... I'm ready to buy everything!!

[@4142Wilb]

Surprisingly with all the processing gear Fluff has at his disposal he couldn't somehow make any Blackstar sound like a winner...

[@JethrusBah]

Rob’s face at 25:53 and on... 😂

[@js6729]

Return of the Jedi love it! 😂😂😂

[@maiyanadavis4934]

I play blues rock and wanted to know your thoughts on these amps vs the Marshall DSL 40 watt?

[@jamesbowlin9666]

The dsl40 has a great sound but its got a more 70s classic rock tone/ the just high gain. Since you're doing blues and probably need a great clean channel sometimes I'd go with the blackstar. I love those amps the blackstar has the I.S.F knob to blend from american(fender/boogie tones) or the british(vox/marshall tones) The blackstar is the more versatile amp in this case. Your best bet is to go to a music shop that sell both. Grab a guitar similar to the one you play. Set the EQ on each amp to 12 o clock and play them both whichever one takes the least amount of time to get a good tone or whichever one makes your playing feel better and more at home pick that one. Just do research and testing, everyone's opinion is different. Hope you find the gear that suits your style. Pick gear cause you like it, not because a music shop employee says its what you need. Hope this helps.

[@unclesuperfly]

We need Drew from Blackstar & Damien from Fender revival tour..

[@paramediccpo]

Actually really like these

[@Bungee75]

Big trouble in Little China !!! Thank you @rob

[@teemusid]

You are not here to get 'it', Mr. Burton

[@SirAndrewHillier]

I have an HT Club 40 Deluxe (Mk1 I guess it would be called now), and I was getting SO frustrated that I couldn't get much gain out of it without a ton of fizz and feedback; now I know why... Sorry neighbors xD

[@Robstafarian]

Your hybrid amp's built-in distortion pedal is probably to blame. Bear in mind that no Blackstar HT Venue or HT Metal amp is representative of an actual tube amp.

[@c.e.f4916]

What model is that ibanez? and how much does it cost? Also whats this operation that lee keeps mentioning?

[@nickfit3]

Pickle Rick in the house!