BluGuitar Amp X: A Game-Changer at Namm 2024

In today's video, Paul Drew from The Studio Rats is at the NAMM show 2024 with the long-awaited BluGuitar Amp X. In this video, Thomas Blug explains all the features of this fantastic floor-based amp guitar processor.
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.
#bluguitar #bluguitarampx #namm2024

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

I love the fact that it will go to market when it meets his design criteria rather than an imaginary deadline.

[@zaphodrahja]

He wants it perfect for himself and his customers, he's very passionate about that.

[@MusicheadRick]

Germans are always so so slow😆

[@robertmazurowski5974]

The problem is it is supposed to be finished 3 years ago, then 2 years ago. He says every year it is going to be finished.

[@josearjona3728]

@@robertmazurowski5974 Sadly, this product gonna born dead IMO.

[@the92project]

That’d be great but they have already blown thru 2-3 deadlines they set themselves. Done with the hype

[@mydayis5]

Getting the product 100% right. Not just throwing it out there. That’s a company I want to give my business too!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Same here!👍 It is so refreshing to see a real musician building something that will be available to the general public and not cashing in on it. I wish all companies were like this!

[@LysanderLH]

What I have always liked about him, is that he is a guitartist. He understands from experience, not just an academic lab produced device.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I am convinced this AMP X will be a total jaw dropper and change the whole way we look at amps. companies like Line 6,Neural, Fractal should be worried i know i would be if i were them! 😁

[@Akasha92]

He also was sound designer for some famous amp producing brands. He designed the sounds we love. Now he brought all his knowledge to create the best product the guitar world has ever seen.

[@scottbronder]

Thomas is a mad genius. His products always deliver his pasion.

[@officialWWM]

Pity they don’t sound good.

[@Mike-fc5vp]

Genius ??? for what? this is old idea as old radio transistor@@officialWWM

[@MS-Patriot2]

@@officialWWMspend more time with them, they ARE quirky, I too was disillusioned initially.

[@das250250]

Tone deaf ,

[@officialWWM]

@@MS-Patriot2 I have the original Blu amp. I’ve spent hours with it but it’s now relegated to a shelf. I’ve never been able to get useable sounds out of it. It sounds like a cheap 80s solid state amp to me. Very harsh and fizzy.

[@ClaudeInsecte]

Thomas is putting everything into this unit. It's inspiring to see how passionate he is.

[@balderfanini]

He's gonna get my money, the passion for perfection Is contagious, what a great guy.

[@PrantoKoX]

Of ALL the innovative, practical, digital, virtual, emulating & modelling & replicating etc products of ALL times, this is the one I'd buy. And this is one guy I trust, the great Mr. Blug. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻💯

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Yes he has made it so evident this has nothing to do with making him money. Sure he wont turn money down after it is finished but it is not his motive.

[@timchalmers1700]

Not only is Thomas Blug a genius, he's also an incredible musician and guitarist. I love the music that he has put out.

[@JS-nf1sn]

How can you not want something he designs. Class act.

[@jebusgod]

correct but it looks like a toy

[@vitob5898]

Thomas Blug... saving guitar players backs all over the world! ... I for one thank you.

[@aapddd]

It’s starting to sound very promising. I love that they take their time to get the amp perfect, instead of other manufacturers that release too early just to cash out. It makes me trust this product so much more.

[@marcuscorbusier1]

Thomas is a genious ! It’s so good to see his passion in this project ! Can’t wait to have my AmpX

[@nedim_guitar]

Genius* 🤭 AmpX seems to be better than anything else out there... We'll have to wait and see.

[@pbosche]

@@nedim_guitarI always love the iron-knee of seeing that word misspelled.

[@nedim_guitar]

@@pbosche I enjoy it too. I once saw a graffiti "Think for yorself, qestion autority". I'm down with that, but you COULD question authority a little less and just get an education that could benefit you in the fight against the system? To be fair, that graffiti was in Sweden, written by a person who isn't a native English speaker. Or, they were just being sarcastic.

[@nedim_guitar]

@@pbosche I forgot to say, I love your spelling of irony. It's kinda funny too because I injured one of my knees about a week before your comment. But it'll be fine after a few weeks rest and rehab.

[@pbosche]

@@nedim_guitar ha, that’s fun-knee. Best with that rehab!

[@YOUCANTDOTHATONTELEVISION]

I love this guys passion. You can tell he really knows his stuff. I am looking forward for this to come out. I dont mind the wait.

[@jusstinbb]

Such a passionate designer, love your work Thomas

[@MercutioUK2006]

Holy grail of tone? If anyone can do it, Thomas can.

[@Adventuresingearland]

I’m so pleased the team have managed to get this to the point of going to market. Thomas is such a nice chap.

[@mcmSEA]

Huge Thomas Blug fan, I hope they land it succesfully this year! Thanks for posting.

[@stephenfell4338]

I can’t see Tommy Talker getting it done this year he need s a good marketing manager but he talks a good game hats off wish him luck in his journey

[@riffs66]

So wonderful and inspiring to see a man with such passion and enthusiasm. A brilliant player and a great mind that thinks differently 🙌🏼

[@OneMoreGrave]

Thomas and his team have really done something here. This is next level, coming from a tube/analog guy. I'm impressed!

[@bluzzjazz]

That sounds really good. Especially the dynamics at lower volume. Has a real warmth to it.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Yeah definitely and he is not done with it yet, Can you imagine the final amp?😱

[@NikolausBrocke]

This is awesome. I know Blueguitar for some years but now it's time to dig deeper. Again a German Guitar Genius.

[@tomatengarage5608]

That was an interesting video. I've been following Thomas Blug for a long time. I first knew him as a fantastic guitar player. Then I learnt that he designed a lot of the really good sounding Hughes & Kettner stuff, which means he's a great electronics engineer as well. It's almost unbelievable that one person can combine so many talents... You can tell (also in this video) that Thomas is really "on fire" for the whole subject. I could listen to him for hours. And I've already spent many, many hours on his KZbin channel... The Amp X has been in the queue for a long time. I was afraid that the whole project would be cancelled, because the last few crazy years have certainly not been easy for such a small team as Thomas has around him. Anyway, I'm very pleased that things are progressing and I don't think Thomas is exaggerating when he says it's worth the wait... So thanks for the good video, Paul! Thumbs up. I'm already looking forward to when you show us the Amp X in detail...! Best regards. Michael.

[@guloguloguy]

THANK YOU!!! Mr. THOMAS BLUG. I'M GLAD TO SEE THAT "ANALOGUE" EQUIPMENT IS NOT DEAD!!!...

[@TheChicagoTodd]

Paul....thx for this video. As a previous owner of a BluGutiar Iridium, and literally a "true believer" (aka fanboy) of St. Thomas of Tone, I'm so actually happy that Thomas is not putting something out unless its ready. Unfortunately, as a "true believer" for many years, this wait is painful, but necessary. As many has said, he is a mad genius. I've been saying this for about 2 or 3 years, I really think a lot of people don't understand this product. I think a lot of people are seeing but not hearing.....they see...."Oh, another modeler". Personally, I cannot wait!

[@andrewsmall4865]

Why did you move on from the iridium?

[@TheChicagoTodd]

@@andrewsmall4865 I made a mistake, and should have kept it. I have several different amps, so it wasn't like that was my only amp, but I did love it. I got rid of it back when we were expecting the Amp-X to drop....unfortunately, LOL....that was about 3 years ago. :-0 Obviously, this is taking much longer than some of us expected. That's ok, it's not like any of us are not playing until the Amp-X comes out! :-) I will definitely get one when they come out.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@TheChicagoTodd I agree the Iridium is a amazing unit. The only reason i do not own one is i am holding out for the Amp X. otherwise i would buy one right now. I heard a demo by Euge Valovirta and could not believe how close it was to his No.1 Marshall JCM 800! 😱 it was scary close!

[@TheChicagoTodd]

@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 Yep, and I know that he is working with Thomas in getting a near exact "recipe" in the Amp-X for his "Bad Boy".....so that will be cool!

[@MusicTherapyLaz]

Missed going by the BlugGuitar Amps booth... Thomas is the real deal and won't ever compromise on quality! Love his passion! 😎🎸🤘

[@diarrhea_splatter]

Man, so much worth the wait for this!

[@sleggarri]

I'm glad that we have great thinkers like Thomas Blug to take us to the next level in the music industry.

[@dustinmylesdiou2649]

this guy thinks of everything, every time. gr8 video!

[@michel51michabednarek85]

Miracle tone👍

[@jsauce666]

Amazing amount of passion comes from Thomas.

[@shorerocks]

I mean, you have to hand it to Thomas. This is awesome.

[@steviesynapse]

I’ve tried a lot of modellers in the past but got rid of them all, this sounds great and looks to be next level.

[@coopertulip]

I am sold already by his passion to what he does. With that passion, you actually can't do something wrong. It's as simple as that.

[@tutatis96]

Besides never actually release the product cause perfection is not achievable. In 10 years we still be here waiting due to his attitude

[@user-by6eb6zo7g]

Love hearing Thomas talk about how he makes everything work and makes use of the unique technology found in his amps. I had an original amp one for about a week an loved it, played the other versions and they are fantastic. Thanks for the video Paul

[@paulburton5150]

I love that this is a real passion project for him. Makes him the best salesman for the product.

[@tutatis96]

Yes for the product that will come out the next century due to his approach.

[@nikthefix8918]

@@tutatis96 Doesn't matter. The important thing is that someone is actually working on it 24/7 with a passion. Which ever way you choose to look at it, we all know that something fundamental is missing in DSP. As an electronics engineer myself, I can think of many reasons why his work could ultimately make a BIG difference.

[@tutatis96]

@@nikthefix8918 it does matter, perfectionism is an obstacle not a way. To me anyone has done more progress than him by a fast iterative production process, which gives more feedback and more funding leading to much better products.

[@terrybowen9810]

This sounds right down my alley. I love analog sound

[@nikthefix8918]

Digital control of analogue. I recon that's why the ADA-MP1 and JMP1 were so popular. The Sansamp PSA-1 too - remember that? I've still got one. The H&K Red Box sim was the best I found for recording. I had the Palmer and the Marshall SE100. They didn't match the Red Box.

[@slyfoxx2973]

Sweet! Keeping an eye peeled.

[@esmoroglu]

Interview and preview quality a la Studio Rats! Such a fun informative chat Paul. Congrads for Thomas, his resilience and determination needs a special documentary.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻⚡️⚡️⚡️👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼

[@pedalscapes]

Great stuff, thanks for that - love the Amp 1 - Thomas is a genius! 😎

[@jayboy6895]

Incredible. I love this. Thanks Paul.

[@TheStudioRats]

My pleasure!

[@jayboy6895]

@@TheStudioRats in case you missed it. Shawn and David Philips from LA Sound Design will be trying the reissue Soldano X88ir tomorrow. Not sure which stand yet. I’ll let you know when Shawn gets back to me. It would be great to see you guys hook up.

[@markinthemix6055]

I do appreciate the thorough detailed interview

[@ledhendrix5054]

Wow those Dynamics at that low Volume so Good , this is going to blow the competition out the Water , I would love one .

[@guitartommi]

Thomas is a really nice guy, an absolute, goal-oriented sound expert and a virtuoso on the guitar. I've had the pleasure of seeing him perform live.

[@TheStudioRats]

Yes he is great!

[@christophergray42]

This fella is amazing.. 🙌🤘🍻

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

and he loves Vintage Goldtops! 👍 Some of the very best sounding LP's i ever heard were Goldtops.

[@maurihrino8158]

He is definitely one of the best amp designer nowadays!

[@basilkatz700]

So much passion for his product. Appreciate that. Can´t wait what the final thing will be like.

[@r.llynch4124]

The word "gamechanger" get thrown around everywhere but THIS is a true gamechanger. I already signed up for the release and it will be totally worth the wait!! Good interview mate

[@montygibbon1905]

Not very fair to the players when the rules of the game get changed umpteen times per season.

[@r.llynch4124]

@montygibbon1905 I know what you mean BUT that's how products get evolved into better products for consumers. The technology changes very quickly.

[@montygibbon1905]

@@r.llynch4124 Yep. Sadly, I'm traumatised by the memory of amazing Gibson, Fender and Marshall products I sold in order to buy something "better" 😢

[@montygibbon1905]

Time travellin' back a year... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJ-5k6ODd6x1g9ksi=Gc5d2MS_RA8_xOQP

[@donniejean]

Yeah, all the money I spent through the years of the “game changer”. I don’t even know why I suscribe to half of them anymore. They take any amp, put 18 OD pedals in front of it to see how fast it chugs, then suckers like me think I have to have one.

[@nedim_guitar]

Amazing! It'll be fun to follow this until release.

[@steveg219]

This is an incredible feature set of all analog circuits with digital control. Take my money!!!

[@picksalot1]

Cool. Everything I've heard made by Blug sounds great. It is an interesting combination of Analog and Digital components and design. I look forward to future Blind Tests to comparisons of it to other forms of Simulators, Modelers, Profilers, Captures, Plugins, Tone Matching, etc. Before too long, the technology will exceed the limitations of our senses, and we won't be able to hear any meaningful differences.

[@nikthefix8918]

Hearing meaningful differences I already can't do at this stage (with amp sims etc) but feeling meaningful differences is another matter. It's how it feels to play rather than how it sounds on a recording which is the elusive quality being strived for. (IMHO) Listening tests will probably reveal nothing. Playing tests will reveal all.

[@picksalot1]

@@nikthefix8918 For me, it's the other way around. To each, his own.

[@saltyassassin]

With other builders, promising products soon to come.... It would sound like lip service. But this guy.... I believe it. He's a brilliant mad scientist! Can't wait to see the finished product!

[@tomatengarage5608]

...what I forgot to say: there are still many people who don't understand the product. It is NOT a preamp, not a modeller, not a multi-effects unit. This thing is a fully-fledged 100-watt tube amp. Period.

[@danielgreenberg4751]

Awesome idea! Looks really cool and sounds great. I can’t wait to see these on the market and to give one a go one of these days 😎🤘🏻

[@tonystartup3817]

Great job guys. Been a fan of Thomas for a while and always looking out for more information on the amp x

[@SuperdangerStudios]

Love his commitment to his vision. Was bummed wheh it got delayed a couple times but after watching this i get it. Great interview.

[@Goldsilver]

Please make a 20/20 or 50/50 stereo version.

[@lunastrat]

Love it, can't wait to use one.

[@MrRafaztar]

Awesome coverage

[@BeachJazzMusic]

That sounds amazing!

[@Martinez_productions]

Can’t wait to check this out in person

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Looks and sounds great.

[@JimmyD718]

Amazing 🎉😊

[@meenzergunsenum3229]

Hope he delivers this time. The low volume power stage saturation was impressive.

[@kmichaelp4508]

Ahhhhhh. This year. Really? One can only hope. Nice job Paul.

[@delamar6199]

Can't wait to get my hands on this thing

[@tierischguttennisspielen7766]

Go for it Thomas👍✌️💪🎸!

[@badtonestudio]

Love my iridium, I am so excited for this release. I will be getting an Amp X🤘

[@DBroce]

Wow. When he had it cranked a bit, it sounded amazing. Need to hear that in a closed environment.

[@matthewduncan9405]

I heard they got Euge Valvorita’s JCM 800 Bad Boy in here. Cant wait to hear it!

[@despot666]

Seriously? I will buy it just for that.

[@schaffner555]

Amazing and Genius!

[@user-vv7hb8ok2f]

BluGuitar have been working on this to be a product that you use for years and years, something that can be upgraded not replaced. It will be well worth the cost and the wait.

[@METALHAWK]

Wow! I am a happy Kemper Stage user. But this was awesome! Love the interview, and the sound really appears to be EXCELLENT (his marshall model sounded so incredible). As others say, his passion is pure and he is a genious... That is a actually a true new product and I wish the best to this man. I'd love to get one!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

I simply cannot believe there are some giving Thomas grief because he is taking his time to release the AMP X. What they would rather have him rush it out and it not be right? He knows what he is doing and knows great amp tone and i support him 101% in taking his time to get the product exactly as he wants it so buyers of the AMP X cannot bitch and moan! The longer it takes the better this will be!

[@qlyde]

This is super cool, it’s taking my favorite setup to the next level of analog power! All my best tones have always been using Tube Amps with the Helix in 4 cable method. Digital Effects, Pre & Post Tube Amp in the FX loop, coming out of a real 2x12 Cab. It always sounds amazing. It’s basically the same as using Strymon or any Digital Pedals with a Tube Amp, but the Helix has so many options and easy routing. It’s also really fun to use the digital preamps to bypass the tube preamp. With a Marshall tube amp you can simply use a model of a Fender Twin Reverb preamp but still pass through the analog power amp and cabinet, it completely changes the character of your single amp setup adding a lot of versatility.

[@danielebazzani]

I met Thomas at Hughes&Kettner like 20 years ago and he still was so good, I have to listen to this stuff.

[@markinthemix6055]

That is so funny l got in trouble with the noise police at the Thomas Bluge booth a few years ago. 😂

[@SunbearBluesBand]

Playing the AMP1 for a couple of years and I do not miss my Egnater or my Fender. Totally sold on the AMPX already.

[@GCKelloch]

I admire his commitment to his vision. I had a really great breif xonversation with him about this, and it's an interestimg concept. Of course, there are so many factors making up different guitar amp designs that it would be impossible to impliment eveything in analog. He'll need to define some limits if it will ever go into production.

[@TexasGuitarist]

You can see his love and passion for what he's doing.

[@majorpentatonic2310]

Great stuff 👏

[@TheStudioRats]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ren-shen]

How impressive!

[@jokermtb]

Incredible creation this amp

[@nj1255]

Thomas is a genius! He has definitely made some of the best sounding transistor amps I've ever played. The Amp 1 Iridium was already good enough, but the Amp X seems like it's on a totally different level altogether!

[@tonehammer7276]

Im really looking forward to this one! 👍🏻and i have used the Kemper for 11 years now

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I have the Iridium with the foot controller and it's just a fabulous piece of kit. I wish I had gone this route sooner. Having an amp that's got all the features of a traditional amp, all the power and for it to fit on my pedal board next to my Helix is the best rig I have ever owned. THIS looks even better. I have to have it!

[@johnvcougar]

Funny, I couldn’t stand the Strymon Iridium, I only really liked one sound on it, and playing it made me feel unnatural or something, I can’t really qualify it … just felt “wrong” to me. I’ve only just learned of the Blue thing, intrigued!

[@matthewsanford4171]

@@johnvcougarBluGuitar also has an Iridium but it’s called the Amp1 Iridium! So much better than what you’re talking about!

[@riffmondo9733]

I really want to check one of these out.

[@MoreMeRecording]

Buddy is a brilliant designer. This thing sounds like a crazy winner.

[@fernandoocaranza4510]

I'm waiting for this amp... And wating, and wating.

[@mullewap6670]

Sehr geil!

[@Nick-72]

WoW The Entry in TheEdge Style was Really Inpressive if we think that captured from a small Microphone ... This Guy is a Old Style Crazy Inventor and everytime he Launch a New Product is Really something Out of The Standard and so Cool.

[@Pulse2AM]

I like this guy! He knows what he wants and won't settle for less or at least give it his all.

[@fndrn8]

Dang! This thing is gonna great. Some of the magic behind effects pedals is the option to put them pre/post amp or gain section. sometimes you cant just throwing a pedal into the front of the amp. it has to be in the effects loop if you have that option on your amp. i was gonna finally get a kemper but i might wait for this.

[@franknguitars7671]

Have been excited abiut it since the fist announcement in 2020! So hopefully this is the yeat. For the expression- PLEASE make it in a way that we van have wah and volume on the right or left side. I am firmly in the “want expression on my left foot” camp

[@thelolguy007]

You gotta admire Thomas and his love and passion for his creations. I love my Amp 1 Mercury Btw - are you guys gonna visit the Jet Booth? 😉

[@MeTuLHeD]

I love it! This is all driven by HIS vision and HE is an excellent guitarist in his own right. He's a tone chaser and he will not be satisfied until it's something he loves to play. I have only one question. Will it have jacks for expression pedals? I'd love to be able to just plug in my Mission pedals.

[@lelandgaunt7130]

I had a chance to go to either Shot Show or Namm..I went to Shot instead. 🤘 I heard this guy play a few years ago and was impressed. I never really wanted to play like anyone else, but when I saw Blug play, thats how I wanted to play.

[@bartomiejfraczyk2590]

An artist in the engineering world

[@GuitarIv69]

I have the Iridium. Damn. I might have to need to get this. Blug is a great dude!

[@terrillmel]

This reminds me of the TC-electronic NOVA system, which just happens to be my favorite pedal option.

[@stevenlewis4376]

This guy is an actual genius. He could probably be a physicist. This amp sounds like it will be much better than all the other modelers. He has solved the main complaint players have, which is that modeling amps don't feel the same. A lot of people are going to get rid of their Kemper and get an Examp.