Blackstar ID:Core 20 V4 (How Good Is It?)

[@Timmyfigs]

We appreciate your honesty. Keep up the great work.

[@sovka8394]

you can’t deny that clean tone sounds amazing on this amp😌.

[@Mistaken.Identity]

I have this amp. Your review is quite honest. Rare to see these days because most of the KZbin channels look like an ad channel with sponsoring and endorsing. I think this amp has a few positive points, but nothing to exaggerate. This is just a simple 'practice' amp with some little tricks, that's all, nothing more. It is packaged as an all-in-one device with some sound options, simple fx, digital interface, tuner and live streaming. Since the physical editing options on the amp are limited, you can play around with the Architect software to get better and decent sound. But don't expect wonders either. It sounds 'good enough' for practicing, and maybe for some recording, that's all. Personally, I bought it because of the 1-watt power reduction option, so I can play without headphones and not disturb others. And the USB-C connection is a nice addition as it allows you to make quick recordings to your DAW. It is possible to record simultaneously both guitar sound with amp and cab-rig simulator and dry sound without effects via USB. While practicing, you can record dry guitar sound for later playback and editing. I think it's a 'good enough' amp to just plug in your guitar whenever you want to play quickly without much hassle, that’s it. But I think the price could be lower because it's not a huge improvement compared to the previous series.

[@mediastarguest]

Just purchased the Blackstar HT 1 MKII valve combo. Lives up to all expectations. No-brainer for home practice. For almost the same price as this modelling amp. Very few controls: simple, two channels, excellent reverb, light, small and convenient, but plenty of power, don't be put off by the minimum 1 watt rating. Beautiful, warm classic valve tones. I've had expensive Fender Princetown, Twin Reverb and Roland Jazz Chorus combos in the past but although obviously a totally different animal and not a gigging amp, the HT1's sound is so good compared with pricier, much larger amps.

[@Pikiah77]

I agree, I even prefer the HT1mkii over its bigger brother HT5mkii, purely for the simplicity of getting a good sound with less dials. Not only that, unlike the HT5, you can use the gain dial on the clean channel. Just a basic, great sounding amp, specially at low volumes.

[@kingthunder2801]

​@@Pikiah77love the Ht1, andy HT20! I had an older id core 40, and always got good sounds from it, although it really shines with the software.

[@wojtek7003]

I subscribed to your channel because you are genuine person and your opinions are so straight. I respect your opinions and I am aware that the honesty with which you evaluate reviewed equipment does not contribute to high earnings, all the more respect for you. Keep it up.

[@jollyca]

Thank you for this review and the work you're putting into bringing a bit of honesty into the world of "youtube gear reviews". One thing to point out - people are worked up about these amps because of KZbin influencers and... you know... money. I watched the whole thing because I wanted to get an opinion about this amp. I'm not particularly interested in it, but I know you profoundly disliked the V3, and I was curious about your thoughts on the V4. But here's what I heard: you toyed with it for 10 minutes, exploring it left and right, then you said "Why would you buy this, this is crap". At no point during the "playing around" you stopped to give an opinion about the actual sound you're playing, something like... you know... "This sound is dull", "This OD sounds bad", "This is too ". That would've added some context to "this is a pile of crap" - I get it, why is it a pile of crap though? Is it the sounds? Is it the build quality? The objective review I heard starts at 17:09 and ends at about 17:25. For the rest is just "This is rubbish", "this is an expensive paperweight", and "Look how cool the Roland Cube is".

[@daniellarson3068]

He predicted somebody would "have a go at me." There is something magic with those old Roland Cube amps. Maybe, it is the speaker.

[@RickMichaelis63]

Thank you so very much for the review Elmo always appreciate your opinion and honesty! 🙏✌️❤️🎶🎼🎵🎸

[@TahsinR71]

Consumer expectation in practice amp market has changed quite a lot. It’s not only about the sound anymore. Connectivity with computer, stereo sound, better effects, lighter weight, recording capabilities, using amp as an interface -- These all are important factors for today’s consumer in modelling amp market. I think this Blackstar covers all the ground- providing nice room filling big stereo sound and ample tweaking opportunities both in amp and in computer. I can also record my playing directly through a video on my phone as well. I can use my BIAS FX sounds through this amp as it supports dry signal interface capability. The sound is better than positive grid Spark and if you don’t need the app it is probably a better choice than the Spark. I think your review on the Blackstar is not Thorough - it misses to describe a lot of things the amp offers. You may not like the sound of it but other features you cant deny that are useful and makes guitar playing fun and easy. Having owned both Spark and Katana - I think the Blackstar ID Core V4 to me is the overall best amongst the three. Its the Jack of all trades in practice amp market right now with Spark and Katana continue to increase prices.

[@gigmandrew8975]

In your reviews, I am glad that you tell it like it is.

[@thatraymond]

I appreciate the honesty!

[@Wilsh966]

Great review Elmo. Refreshing honesty. You tube needs more like you

[@transmissionggb2820]

I also really respect your honesty and it helps me understand my frustration with my amp. you gave my Classic vibe Squire a great review after I just got one as my first Guitar buy so I really appreciate your feedback on these things. Am sure you said that guitar was one of your main 4 strats you go to or at that time anyway, so I can’t disagree with your opinion on this amp as I said it’s helped me understand what my problem with it was and it wasn’t just me that knew so little about it. thanks again.

[@johanjotun1647]

I can confirm that the ID core v2 is awesome my son and I are always carring it from my room to his i'm considering getting a second, it even works well for playing our synth thru.

[@quit293]

Love your honest reviews saved me $ from buying bad gear.

[@elmershiflett8154]

Hey Elmo I was considering this amp but after watching this I went with the fender lt25, glad I did

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad to be of help :)

[@ldhorricks]

i would never have this as any kind of main amp...but when I'm away on a project for a few months i can see this getting me by...I love my HT20RII.

[@prathamkamath3895]

Love your reviews

[@miyaaaaw]

I was about to buy the id:20 v3. Then I remembered I knew an honest KZbinr. Now I'm looking for a katana mini and a micro cube. 🤘🏻

[@spokes28]

Really appreciate your honest and frank reviews. I don’t really like amps with all the different effects, so I have been thinking about the Blackstar Debut 50r and would greatly appreciate your review and opinion of it.

[@stevepelham9010]

I agree. In my opinion the smaller Fly 3 is one little bag of fun. To bad that makers in general do not longer care about an line of consistens, one certain flavour. One model will turn out as to be splendid but the next model might as well be of something else. We are lucky to have you Elmo.

[@dennisjusto6574]

Thanks for the honest review.. was looking for an alternative for my HT-1R mkii and had my eyes on this.. Salute to you sir!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad I could help!

[@hemanth1145]

Thank you sooo much for your honesty

[@christiansiculo]

I use this amp as a speaker for my modeler using Aux input, perfect for home training

[@GermanEistee2000]

Hi, I would love if you could review the Boss Katana Go, especially considering that you didn't like the Fender Mustang Micro. Love you videos!

[@tweakrr99]

Thanks for reviewing! I prefer app based ecosystems like the Spark amps since the app is really great, but for people that don't like apps and want physical knobs, the blackstar is a good option

[@transmissionggb2820]

As someone that bought the V3 40 as a first time buyer of an amp to help my progress on guitar I now feel limited with it as I have managed to progress. The thing I don’t understand is that one is costing more than the V3 40w and the settings are exactly the same and I don’t use the more Technical stuff on it like the things you mentioned. I am now looking for something better as my ear is getting better too and I understand the limitations of this type of amp but it helped me start my midlife crises or if you like new hobby and I am looking at other options for a new amp that I don’t feel holds me back.

[@datooch]

I love how honest you are. Thank you! Being that I’m trying to find a good practice amp what would you recommend these days. I’m leaning towards the Spark Mini or if you know of one that has equivalent features but sounds better I’d love to know.

[@thatraymond]

I love my spark mini. It's the first digital amp I've ever really liked for what that is worth.

[@datooch]

@@thatraymond Awesome to hear! I ordered two days ago after far too much research. Even got a custom grille. Excited to use it!

[@kevinatkins7641]

I've got the V2 version of this amp, bought to replace an older Fender 'practice' type amp (can't remember the model) that sadly expired.. I play mostly clean, and have tended to rely on pedals if I've wanted effects in a cheap amp. Got to say, I agree with this review, particularly regarding the (unpleasant) resonance - the Fender sounded better, and if an amp can't do clean properly, no amount of tech / digital wizardry can ever make up for that shortfall..

[@SteveMavronis]

I used to have the original ID:Core 20 the modeling software at the time had an issue with Windows 10. I sold it to but their HT-1R combo tube amp which I still use. But I wouldn't mind getting one of the new Core 20's.

[@dimewylde6258]

Have you tried the Architect software that allows users to adjust the tones and sounds on these amps? It lets ya change out patches and edit sounds as well, just wondering since didnt see any mention of the Architect software being connected like other videos on these amps.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Nope

[@kingthunder2801]

Yeah, that's where this amp shines. You can control presence, resonance, and much more. Just listening to the amp by itself, it's much more limited. However, no amp has ever pleased everyone.

[@stevenbarton7474]

I brought a second hand Spark Mini and it's brilliant. Plus I got it at a much reduced price.

[@cliftongardner4367]

I had an ID:Core 10 V3, and I actually really liked it. But I also liked it for $100 USD, and at the new price of $160, it's a lot harder to recommend. The Fender Mustang LT25 is my new favorite at that price, even if it is a little more finicky. It's louder, fuller, has more features, and *can* sound much better, even if it can be finicky (especially on higher-gain models). But the 20-watt version is only $30 USD less than a Katana 50, and at that price... Why?? I agree with you there. Great video and demo as usual!

[@tymanngruter1808]

Elmo in stereo, perfect combination! The amp is nice to..... 😁

[@Najaboa]

How you tried any Eastcoast guitars? in particular the EastCoast ST1, ST2 Deluxe and L1?

[@fabiotini4647]

Great Elmo as usual. Honest opinion Is priceless. Why do you not likes very much Boss Katana?

[@MrPolevaulter]

I think it's a bit lifeless as well. Might be better with a cab. I have to buy the head at some point to try.

[@TheGlato]

I'm watching amp reviews and still can't find replacement for my roland 30x which I bought used for 85 euro

[@carlton2457]

Hey elmo, I got this stuff couple of days back.. whenever I turn to clean bright and over drive 2 I get some minor chattering noise.. what is that???

[@leothelio]

Hello Elmo. I'll repeat myself. I think the Blackstar Debut 50r might be worth looking at. It's an all analogue, 12" speaker amp. The price is quite okay, and I liked the sound. Have a good one.

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Hey I want to say you are dying breed. Thank you for being honest and keeping it real. Like you, I have and love the Black Star Fly 3. I was going to upgrade to ID Core 10V4. I want an amp to have that similar sound to the Fly 3. Can you recommend any please? I see other people playing it and they say they love it. Wonder how they are guying these guys to say it. I play alot of classic rock, i.e., AC/DC, Zeppelin, Beatles, Stones, 38 Special, that kind of stuff. Thank you very much for posting this.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@senseiruss]

Thanks for this honest assessment, Elmo; I was considering getting this amp, but I bought the Spark Mini - mostly because I needed a very small amp- I'm glad I chose the Spark - which I love!

[@paulanderson771]

Yup, I have a couple of Marshalls but I finally got my Spark 40 dialed in and I play it more than my amps now. It's just so convenient and I can run the backing tracks or whatever.

[@adiecummingsshredguitar9306]

I really don't know why so much hate for a great product

[@bobwreck3775]

I really like your playing!

[@donvape336]

Thank you for this.

[@bobjohnson5218]

Thanks for your honest review of this amp. Which practice amp then do you recommend?

[@BDizzleMySchnizzle]

I mean, ive heard worse but i cant really disagree with you either. Your honesty is refreshing.

[@therollband1290]

Solid state amps sound good for clean tones, that’s why they are popular with jazz musicians. Where they start to fail is with breakup and OD sounds.

[@marutfitness8064]

What is the difference between 40 w and 20 w ?? And which is better? .... And one more question, should i go for 20w v4 or 40w v3 ?

[@Alfredo78666]

Is there any chance to make the 40 watts?

[@adrianstoughton-cb9yo]

can u tell me if this amp is more versible than the vox vt20 I would like to know soon before next Friday cause I've been amp searching for a long time and I need to know if this amp is really worth investing or if the vox vt20 is

[@chessrootslove9916]

I bought the v3/20W used last year for $140 and use it as an 'set it & forget it' practice amp. I think it's fine for what it is, but I don't think they added anything new except slightly less out of date connect ability. Cheers, Elmo

[@bradleyclosson5042]

Those id cores are tricky to dial in. Basically you have to turn the mids all the way up and the bass all the way down to start dialing it in. You can get some killer tones from them with a little tweaking. My experience is with the 2x10 100 watt though. I thought it was a great amp. Now I'm using a Katana 100 head which I do like a little better except the BlackStar has way better delay and reverb which I really miss.

[@navrasicsi]

Do you think that the resonance was caused by the amp or by the room? I guess the latter one, because the mic did not pick it up (standing waves). Anyway, thanks for the honest review.

[@nikosmagnisalis6080]

It's very expensive! Same money as a Boss Katana 50!?!?!? There are so many options in this price area. Thanks for the video!!

[@brahmoone]

waaay overpriced

[@jasonholt4132]

Dude please review the quilter mach 3! Please

[@thestrongest3050]

Hey Elmo what do you think about the Blackstar Debut 15 E compared to this ?

[@MrPolevaulter]

I don't really like either.

[@thawthaw03]

Can you use delay and rev at the same time ?

[@VixV-1488]

Yes, you can. Each can be adjusted separately to suit your need, I have this amp 2 weeks now. I play it every day and found no issues tbh

[@thawthaw03]

@@VixV-1488 which one better this or line6 v20?

[@VixV-1488]

​@thawthaw03 tbh I didn't like the tone on the spider, but thats just personal taste, try out a few amps, for me I was happy with the V4, happy hunting 😊

[@miroslavzigic5399]

Is blackstar debut better?

[@jasujokelainen5073]

Very much so😊

[@Παθεια_Γνωστικα]

Btw, is it good for heavy metal music? Or something like death/thrash metal? I see it's good for blues, hard rock and something like that, but what about something heavier?

[@jimmyjames2022]

Thanks for sacrificing your time to review this Blackstar ID:Core 20 V4 ($400CAD in Canada, V3 was only $290CAD!). Part of the fun coming here is watching you agonize over trying to find some redeemable characteristic from something that can't possibly be redeemed. When I am judged after I die, I can only hope for 'someone' as fair as you.

[@KozmykJ]

Maybe Blackstar should stick to valve amps ?

[@Case_]

Even if someone doesn't agree with the conclusion (I'm not saying that's me, I'm just saying if someone doesn't), an opinion that's different from what countless others are saying should always be welcome as long as it is well-presented and backed by an honest test, because that allows the potential buyer to make a better buying decision. Review where everyone says and does the same thing are quite pointless. Great job.

[@RichardBoling-tk4pj]

Hi Elmo i was wondering if you could review an older Blackstar HT1 i know years ago you demoed a HT5 head and was not too impressed but ive read that the HT1 is alot better than the HT5 and supposed to be worlds better than these ID cores,i know its asking alot as you have to buy these yourself but ive been broke but been wanting to try one for ages and they are used for much cheaper than these and have 2 tubes i believe,thank you for your videos

[@johannessilver8653]

Wonder why already V4? Few years ago V2 and just recently V3 and now V4. Should I wait for V5 next year? Or is this just selling technics...buy every version every year ? That new 1 W mode feature hardly is a reason to buy this with that extra 100€. I already have V2 and yes - Micro Cube and Fly3.

[@Strato13]

I was kinda on the fence on this on this one, but meh.. I already own many amps (No, I'm not any good, but I love amps..) and in this range I have a marshall code 25, vox vt20x and a marshall mg30cfx for playing around on. But the Vox VT20X seems to compliment pedals better.

[@ghs2798]

Nice review but in my opinion this one sounds better than Boss Katana.

[@jimilipi5493]

I was lent a modeling blackstar, HT 60 I think... lots of light, but after a weekend I returned it. impossible to get a real sound out.🤮

[@AVM-Music]

I’ve had a few Blackstar practice amps (Core and Beam series) and they’re alright….just

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah. I don't see why people are so worked up about these amps.

[@Ibrahim-kb3xn]

Hey,man can you pleaseeee review cort kx100

[@scotchgod8478]

I went to the local guitarshop the other day and heard two of these things. Oh boy that sounded like a dentist drill or a roaddead cat🫣 Then listened to a decent valve amp and things were alright again.

[@MrPolevaulter]

😂

[@jollyca]

Lol, "I went into a guitar shop and listened to a 200 eur amp and my ears bled, I had to listened to a 1500 eur one to cleanse my soul"

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

Yet you will still buy one!😂

[@konwin97]

I noticed you really don’t seem to have anything good to say about most amps….Just out of curiosity, what is your ideal (as close to perfect) amp? Just wondering?

[@markopokupcic8525]

Q: What is a good amp?🤔 1. Good sounding speaker 2. Two footswitchable channels 3. FX loop 4. Aux in 5. Cab out

[@christophersheeler4380]

Rogue makes a good practice amp

[@utvolume]

Thanks. I was thinking about purchasing this amp but I’ll take a pass now. Just ran across your channel and enjoy your content. New sub.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@Trollberg]

Got v3 40w for $100 on sale very happy

[@franndiezzz]

heyy i’m thinking of buying that amp, do you recommend it? tyy

[@Trollberg]

@@franndiezzz it’s a steal if you can get it at clearance. If you pay retail try Vox amp

[@alfredski007]

it has some issues. The reverb changes also the mid tone in a nasty way. The equalizer is one knob, no bass mid high. Volume headphone is far to low. Things that you can modify with small investments. tried Nux and find Blackstar had more quality. It takes time to learn to operate the Blackstar. I am satisfied.

[@markwhitman4114]

Thanks for your honesty very refreshing, I don't always agree,but think everyone is entitled to an opinion. I hate the blackstar isf and have used blackstar amps and found them to have reliability issues but sound OK. I am a big fan of boss katana. I find alot of cheaper amps have good clean sounds but fail on the more distorted sound. Just got the boss dual cube has some good sounds but could be better wen pushed a bit use it for late night practice and listening to you tube works well for that application

[@guestguide2544]

I have a Boss 50watt Katana, playing clean it gives guitars weird resonances. Playing any guitar thru it I think, "this guitar sounds like crap". But change to my old solid state Fender Champ 25 made in Korea and all my guitars sound excellent.

[@TheCSteve]

Another thing to say is that the customer suppert only is there if you buyed an high end product .. I fixed my V1 Blackstar Id core by my self when it was standing here not working for feww years .. I've contacted the customer support and they send me the wrong parts bewhile it was gew months old they didnt gave me a new amp because it was dead. After i mensioned that i get a T-Shirt and the shirt was better quality then the amp hahaha .. But no jokes they leave me there with a death amp .. This year I tooke the amp and i opened it and the power button changed and i get a new power supply of high quality. (75 dollar britian power supply because it was 10V 🤡) And its working again but not thanks to the customer service and thats why people start to hate a brand like blackstar. My friend has a boss katana what was broke and withtin 12 days it was fixed .. Thats the difference ..

[@JacubWhite38]

What if it was like $120 lol?

[@markjones7365]

I agree with your comments regarding that amp,it sounds shite.I also have the fly 3,which is a good little anp.😊

[@brainycrunches2359]

You and your Cube fetish😂. I enjoy your channel because not every bit of gear you’re testing is a “game changer “ or “{name} killer”. Keep up the good work, there are still some people who appreciate honesty. I am really pissed about the fact that this doesn’t reflect in the channel growth.

[@outermarker5801]

Not an expert by any stretch but to me it sounds no worse than many other small amps...? I don't hear that awful small speaker 'boxy' effect, it seems to have decent tonal range top to bottom. And I like it's got modern USB-C connectivity What's so terribly awful? 🤷‍♂

[@BillyBlaze7]

ive been looking at these, it seems like its really just a one trick pony. the cleans sound like ass. dirty sounds are great but id rather have good cleans and use pedals for dirt

[@markmcdonald5711]

I bought a ID Core V2 about 6 years ago, I already had a Bugera V5 but I wanted an amp with some effects built in. I thought the ID Core was a decent practice amp for the money until I got an Orange Crush 12 last summer, the Orange has no effects but it sounds so much better than the Blackstar that I sold the ID Core and don't regret selling it.

[@Doug5524]

Well, I will not be having a go at you for what you say, as I agree with you, I also could hear a lot of hissing from the amp I would prefer Yamaha THR 10C

[@smartmammal9926]

NUX Mighty Space is more $ BUT, it has wireless, sounds good, has a nifty pedal (solid), a looper, good software, AND you can plug in an external cabinet and use it as a head. Review request.

[@smartmammal9926]

40 watt with the 2 x 6.5 is $230 US

[@daniellarson3068]

Good Review - I don't need a guitar amp. I got to wondering while listening to your review whether my little amp had the "British" sound or the "American" sound. I looked at the amp's nameplate and saw "Made in China."

[@johnnorth9355]

Sadly 5" speakers ? Says it all really. At 20 watts I would expect 10" at a minimum.

[@daniellarson3068]

You may have hit the nail on the head. I looked at my old Roland Cube. It looks like a 12" speaker.

[@hessamyoushani3174]

Elmoooooo

[@robertholtom9345]

Good review, atleast we both know now that these amps are plain rubbish, ha ha ha...I laughed when you were sighing and shaking your head. But seriously, I did'nt find anything really special either when I listened to you play and here this amp. Cheers and ROCK ON!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@Mark_olav]

Meni hetki tajuta että oot suomalainen. Hyvin sointuu enkku. 😂👍

[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

You are absolutely spot on with your assessment - overrated, overpriced and overhyped rubbish.

[@matzer8846]

Well ... i'm not as dissapointed as you 'cause i liked some of the clean sounds you got from this black box On the other hand ... horrible drive sounds ... so i get you ... there is just better stuff out there

[@paulanderson771]

Good review! The sound quality is just not there on the amp. The delays sounded unpleasant. Factory gain tones are almost always miss but they're salvageable. I'd honestly point people to Spark 40 or Spark Mini over this.

[@reconn9056]

I'm a little gobsmacked by this hatchet job review - I have this amp and I love it - sorry Elmo totally disagree

[@reconn9056]

You are a top man Elmo

[@ВадимКиселёв-м8о]

The theme of the channel is - micro cube is better)

[@ВадимКиселёв-м8о]

By the way - could you please make a demo of how classic stack sounds with humbuckers?)

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Probably better off getting a basic two channel amp that can make at least one good sound. Pedals are cheap now I would have loved to have that when I was a kid though. My first amp was a stereo, plugged into the RCA and maxed everything I’m not sure that amp is a good tool for a beginner though, and there are probably better options for someone with more experience

[@quitefranklyjosh]

I've watched several of this mans videos as I was recently in the market for an amp.... Unfortunately, I ended up deciding to completely ignore everything he said because it was ALL so NEGATIVE! Very rarely has he given any of these beginner to intermediate amps a positive review (where as other creators/reviewers have) which only results in more confusion and anxiety as a consumer. Sorry, but not everyone can afford high end amplifiers or "vintage" overpriced amps that provide subjectively "better" sound. This guy is an outlier in this space, other creators give much more cohesive and unbiased information for us beginner guitarists ( as most of us watching these videos are.....).

[@MrPolevaulter]

Negative? Like these 16 amps? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g53Gl4h6optrqacsi=yMnDpeuGgD949HgC kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGqVlKatnNaCndksi=x_uXZI-uDAQeUv8q And there are a bunch more I've liked.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

He's a guitar nerd that's why

[@brahmoone]

he's just telling Blackstar to lower the price 😂. But I completely agree with the resonance, I have a id core 10 v3 and there is a shit annoying resonance sound. I drilled out and replaced them with bigger speakers and it got better.

[@brettherrmann1033]

This guy is a joke man. Horrible guitsr player and worst demo I've ever seen. I just bought this amp and it shreds. Jokester man

[@zombiemontage]

Should just pick up a used Roland Cube and save some money with a better sounding amp that will last forever