First Look - Blackstar Silverline Standard

[@pyroman6000]

I found out that if you hold down the tap button, the ISF becomes your mids control; Treble becomes Presence; and Bass becomes Resonance. So those controls are actually there.

[@larrybahr48]

Good point!

[@aidantod33]

And individual playing. My personal favourite amp…will always have one of these..

[@chaoticembrace6984]

Ordered mine !!!!......this amp is badass !!!!!......it will finish 2019 as best new gear!!!!!!.....

[@crystalettuce]

love to see the DGT. killer playing as always.

[@stonecrazy]

In the hands of John Bollinger everything sound great!

[@OneGuitarist]

I’ve heard a lot of buzz and great things about this amp so far. Great video! I’m looking forward to testing one out soon. :)

[@wangbar1]

It’s awesome for all that it does.

[@thekitowl]

Robert Saunders do these sound any good at a low volume .

[@motokev2727]

The 100w, 1x12 sounds really good. Has the BIGGER CAB and is 1/2 open.

[@Obssy]

Just got one of those today. Can confirm it's a beast.

[@logan5437]

Great review John! I always look forward to your reviews because you cover every aspect that I would want to know about. Keep on rocking man.

[@hardrockrelics2157]

Always loved that PRS

[@mikes2270]

I played the 100W 1X12 combo tonight. It sounded beautiful. You just have to spend some time dialing in your tone with your particular guitar and style. And it only weighs 37 pounds versus my Marshall JCM800’s which are much heavier. I would be happy to gig with one. I think the Celestion speaker it comes with sounds fine, too. I wouldn’t bother to change it out.

[@BobEstremera]

Great review. But why is the 20W ($499) more expensive than the 50w ($299)?

[@greatpix]

John, major points for your wall poster!

[@TheMountainDemon]

Love the Sister Rosetta Tharpe poster in the back. I always know when John does a demo, I'm gonna like what's going on.

[@mixedfruitjam]

I currently use the Yamaha THR10 - would Blackstar Silverline Standard be a significant upgrade in sound and feel for me? I am looking to use it mainly at home. And I plan to use pedals as well.

[@comicblueswithjonygitar36]

The mp3 in is real selling point for the dinner gig set, I've seen guitarists do whole sets with backing tracks, never known what i needed. This is a selling point, my old amps don't have any modern inputs.

[@justa2]

Great review ! So good in fact that I bought one ! Just what I was looking for - some nice tones and easy to change sounds without going into a flipping menu !

[@JanT-qr3vt]

Can it be used as bedroom amp? My bluesjunior unfortunately is a bit too loud....

[@justa2]

Yes I would say so - depending how understanding other people are !

[@davidtexmex1616]

Sticking to my blues junior and pedal journey for now (& ever!)

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

after wasting several thousand dollars,you realize gear whoring is a curve and you end up back were you started or at least back when you got a decent amp and discovered how to make your own tasty,usable tone.

[@shckltnebay]

Too bad you dont have good amp instead new fenders suck

[@rogerthat8549]

@@shckltnebay Put a good speaker in it, the Blues Jr. is a real nice sounding amp. The only pre-amp gain on a Fender I ever liked, actually. Otherwise, you have to crank a vintage DR or Bandmaster until it sings a little.

[@shckltnebay]

@@rogerthat8549 I tried that, different tubes too. Peavey Classic 30 is a better amp but I have vintage Princetons and Champs too

[@rogerthat8549]

@@shckltnebay The Classic 30 is a sleeper. A real nice sounding amp.

[@eppleheid]

I always thought Blackstar took a bit of a liberty with their term 'Infinite Shape feature. It turns from left to right. Seems pretty finite to me! Glad to see they've dialed the logo back on the front of the amp though.

[@knotebender7093]

FWIW: There are different types of "infinity". An "open infinity" would be all numbers. A "closed or bounded infinity" is all fractions between zero and one. "Closed" has bounds but still has an infinite number of members. So, Blackstar can (somewhat) claim a closed infinity. Regardless of semantics, I like the control the ISF provides beyond the basic tone controls.

[@aldito7586]

A very "Calm" type of playing. But you know what - I like that. It's different. And it works...

[@timpage9195]

Got the 50 watt on layaway, looking forward to getting it out..i have Egnater and Bugera all tube heads, so this will be nice to play around with at the house

[@earthstrong-43.72]

Bugera and Egnater here too. How did you like/feel about the silverline? Does it fill a room like a tube amp?

[@timpage9195]

@@earthstrong-43.72 well i havent got it out yet, i would of but i came across an Orange CR 120 pro head,,used, but in mint condition so i bought it, and I'll tell ya, Its an amazing amp head, It has tube like tones and I'll never part with it..you should check one of them out, but am looking forward to getting the Blackstar off layaway next month,,ive tried to get away from those moldeling amps, have had some great Line 6 amps, but will see what the Silverline is all about soon

[@earthstrong-43.72]

@@timpage9195 please let me know when you do.

[@BloodBoughtMinistries]

holding in the tap button should turn the isf into the mid control. as well as the treble into presence and the bass into resonance. at least thats how my ID 30 works. maybe its the same for the silverline.

[@mrredritehand]

Love the amp and great playing!

[@paultaylor2968]

If John's in the video it's worth watching. I love the 100w deluxe head.

[@peterjohn8792]

Does it go quiet enough for home practice?

[@alanknott363]

What a great little amp, I love those sounds. Is it loud enough for jam sessions with mates, possibly a drummer too?

[@trevorhoughton491]

All the tube settings when he played Crunch channel sounded the same and he didn’t know what to say about that:) Great player trying to stay positive!

[@dantredogborsa7048]

I have the old version, the TVP one, and I can say for sure they don't sound the same

[@wangbar1]

I own one of these and the tube type settings definitely don’t sound the same. Pretty accurate to the real tubes they represent, actually. I have the tube amp counterparts to compare them with too.

[@pyroman6000]

I could definitely hear a difference. Maybe it's your phone or computer speakers? There are some other reviews where the differences are more obvious- but they don't have John playing on them! Some are more open sounding, some- like the 6v6- sound more compressed, etc. It's just another tool to help you get the sound to your liking. (no matter what the ads say it is, lol)

[@Andy-mb4tj]

Fender gdec junior

[@anthonygonzalez5840]

Cool just like old Line 6 spyder series lll

[@ДмитрийХохлов-с8в]

Please tell me - Yamaha THR - 10X or Blackstar Silverline?

[@kewlbns69]

all these yt gear reviews after a while sorta start sounding the same but maaaan this dude rips so hard! \m/

[@lperry65]

I’ve watched a few videos on these now, I like the sound and look. I’ve seen a lot of posts knocking them because they don’t have an fx loop in the “Standard format”, and I’ve not seen anyone demo this feature. Have any of you guys tried the fx loop, it’s not a show stopper as I have other gear with fx loops etc

[@pops71]

Great stuff as usual. Enjoyed seeing you on the NFL draft too

[@johnbohlinger]

ha, That was a fun gig

[@ksgtrpkr]

Excellent review showed me what I wanted to know. I am going to try one of these out to see if I like it or not. It would be great if it can cover several different gigs with one rig and minimal equipment. Free footswitch too if ordered/bought by the end of December. Going to Sweetwater now!

[@mrredritehand]

What do you think of your silverline blackstar?

[@donaldtrump2078]

Not real sure about wasting money on this line even though I do like some of the Blackstar Tube amps!

[@cliftongardner4367]

I'd like to try one; I love my ID:Core 10 as a practice amp. The V-type speaker and the ID's UI is the best on the market, IMO, but... 500 bucks for a 50-watt digital 1x12 combo... That's mighty optimistic.

[@Steve-nq8jc]

Especially with the katana mk2 at it's price point.

[@TheEchelon]

By Thomas Not if it sound better than the Katana. That's why Boss made the Nextone, which is very similar to this. Try it and make your own conclusions though.

[@MrGixxer1300r]

well done on the playing

[@timfletch]

YOUCH! 430 buckaroos for a 1x10 digi is gonna be atough sell. Wonder how much "better" they sound than the TVP line(and is the better just the new speaker?), or is it just a fancy pricier repackage with a new speaker? I'd love tvp version of this in a side by side. So many questions!

[@BloodBoughtMinistries]

Ive only found one TVP ID series vs a silervline. its the two head versions compared.

[@jonathanhardy5019]

does it have loud wiring, major background hum, like so many others of their products? One of their factories has horrible QC, and so many ID:_ amps have a horrible hiss, not covered by warranty. [mine included, unfortunately]

[@MrGlasstech]

I guess i was the lucky one i own id core 10 and 100 watt combos and never had any problems with any hiss sounds coming from my amps.

[@MrAMF50]

Wonder if you could review the Electro harmonic Dirt Road Special, so many good solid state analog amp available these days. thanks

[@Bobby_Digital37]

That multi delay was soooo good!!!!

[@scrimmerman]

Amp: "meh" John: Love ya man!

[@saymyname3097]

Plugging in your phone. If there are bass frequencies on the track is it damaging the amp, please explain tks

[@bluesman107]

“Its a loud 20watts” Mr Incredible: 20watts is 20watts!

[@scottd291]

How does it compare to the nextone

[@graemehill5998]

Gotta luv the Bol. 😁

[@LukeBass1000]

Also, is the compression coming from the speaker or is it KZbins trickery?

[@toshalazarus]

is this a washing machine? spin cycle, low medium, high! clean, muddy! fresh! are we at Sears? i want it! lets go !

[@SomeTimeGuitarist]

Blackstar has just re-packaged the Blackstar ID TVP series in new housings - How is this any different from the Blackstar ID TVP series ?? on the Blackstar ID TVP series you could never really shut down the noise gate, even though technically you could from the software, but you would still feel that there is a noise gate somewhere in the mix while paying, you could feel that in your fingers.

[@mh287]

New processor (same one in the axe fx) and upgraded speakers.

[@SomeTimeGuitarist]

@@mh287 How will a new processor help, processor will only process on programs written by people, if the sensitivity is set wrong for noise gate, it will continue to be wrong, yeah speaker upgrade is a good upgrade by the way, but that is the last in the chain, the problem is with the software written for the Amp.

[@mh287]

@@SomeTimeGuitarist the shark processor is used for an entirely different tone shaping method called dsp, the Kemper,axe fx, the neural dsp plugins all use it, not too mention more powerful processing can help with oversampling.

[@mh287]

@@SomeTimeGuitarist what all that means is they had to rework every thing from scratch, including the noise gate.

[@StormdriverOne]

They kept the same 6 preamp voices, EQ section, tube section, effects, control panel layout, lack of dedicated effects loop and weird patch switching from the previous generation that was designed almost a decade ago. Anyone who has played a TVP amp for any amount of time can see right through this marketing malarkey. This is a TVP with new clothes, some tone tweaks, a bit more power and a higher price tag.

[@supernoobsmith5718]

There is a MID tone control that you didn't touch on, you need to hold down a button to access it. That said, I am unimpressed. I'll keep my 100w Boogie. Just need an attenuator.

[@BloodBoughtMinistries]

its the tap button you must press and hold. also turns treble into presence and bass into resonance.

[@joelortiz2281]

How does it compare to the Katana?

[@colinmcnab6145]

@Jeremy Conner someone on here tests different speakers with a Katana. At the end of the review they concluded that the speaker with the amp sounds the best. Not all Celestions are great speakers.

[@xdx2653]

@@colinmcnab6145 well he asked how that amp is compare with katana .also celestion speakers are made for real amps not for cheap garbages

[@xdx2653]

this is superior compares to katana but still very expensive for solid state amp

[@StormdriverOne]

He liked the amp but he didn't quote the company marketing. He just played it and gave his thoughts. Probably one of the more honest demos I've seen yet. TVP amps have been around for almost a decade. Blackstar was just way too focused on solid state = valve volume instead of tone as they are now. It's surprising how many people think these features are new. Those of us with TVP amps know better. Some of the marketing for this series is ridiculous. A new processor, speaker and cab do not constitute a redesign from the ground up when all other features and flaws remain the same.

[@stevenolsen3162]

TVP in a Supro package...

[@steventhomas231]

I dont know if its just me but my clean tone on this amp is really bright. I cant seem to dial it out.

[@cruedevil71]

I feel old when I think of tubes amps going the way of the typewriter. I dont know if it will ever truly happen because apparently you cant kill vinyl and 2 inch tape still after all these years

[@OldRunt]

Tube amps aren't going away. Guitar center is full of them.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

it will never happen,these will always be a cheap alternative and nothing more.

[@jimmythefish]

This is like if the Chris Isaak Show did gear reviews.

[@djbmanifestomode]

I feel blackstar amps sound better with the gain below the middle and with a boost for sending it over.

[@jasonwilliamshuck]

i just got one of these for $320 in perfect condition form GC. i have a killer Kemper PowerRack rig, but wanted something small to use for rehearsals and also to run in tandem with my Fender Acoustisonic and Taylor T5 for a cool blended tone rig. exactly what i wanted at a really nice price as far as i'm concerned. the big 212 stereo amp sounds and feels amazing, but it was just too big and heavy and not what i needed. it sounds and feels more like a tube amp than the Katana i tried, but that's a sweet amp too and great price/performance.

[@TheGuitarModder]

What is that split coil neck pickup on that black telecaster? Never seen that before. Anyone tell me what make as bd model it is? Please!!

[@johnbohlinger]

That's an old Duncan Duck Bucker.. some days I love it, some days I hate it... you know... gear

[@TJRatfink]

cool amp-I'd totally buy one but I didn't hear a price-has one been set yet?

[@oskarileikos]

400-700 euros

[@franksterdevious87]

How does this amp differ from the idcore?

[@stephane522]

Hi! Is it possible to get 2 effects at the same time on this amp?

[@BloodBoughtMinistries]

only one modulation effects + one reverb + one dealy so 3 at a time, but yo cannot have say 2 modulations together eg. chorus with phaser.

[@Matthew_Scan]

Funny how people think this sounds shit and Helix and AX FX are the greatest things ever and they use the same processor chip 😂

[@swedeinla]

axe fx 3 is NOT this chip

[@Matthew_Scan]

The guy from Blackstar said said it’s the SHARC processor same as those

[@wangbar1]

Matthew Scanlon Who cares? If it sounds good, use it.

[@juanvaldez5422]

Matthew Scanlon helix sounds great

[@colinmcnab6145]

@@swedeinla if you want to be ripped off go buy a axe f3.

[@MichelleTaylor1]

Blackstar have been doing this with their ID TVP Series for 10 years. All the other companies are trying to keep up. ❤️👍🏻 However you really should do a bit more homework before talking about an amp, such as it’s history and the tech specs, features etc. I notice that you have the smallest of the amps too which is not going to show the the TVP’s full abilities or the features. Definitely not the best amp review I’ve seen of a new product. Anyone interested in these amps should check out the KZbin reviews/demos by Dawson’s or Andertons music shops for a more informative presentation.

[@Steve-nq8jc]

Na dude their trash!

[@MichelleTaylor1]

By Thomas 😂 You obviously haven’t a clue!

[@Steve-nq8jc]

@@MichelleTaylor1 👌

[@sugarlife485]

these sound like shit they are toys...just got a carr amp real deal

[@dantredogborsa7048]

@@sugarlife485 said the bald deaf guy 🤭

[@valvesound]

Could I use my pedals on that? Just plug in and turn off the Silverline effects?

[@lifelover5810]

why would you pay that to buy it to use your own pedals?

[@valvesound]

@@lifelover5810 Maybe it will sound better, maybe I'm loaded in cash and I can afford...

[@nickmartinez229]

@@valvesound if you were loaded in cash, you’d be looking at much higher caliber amps 😂

[@valvesound]

@@nickmartinez229 Who told you I don't have them already

[@djbmanifestomode]

I think that PSR? golden guitar may not be a great match despite the different tube configurations. I feel like I get those different tube configurations just by putting my mustang floor in front of it. I haven’t really played these amps yet though. I’m happy with my Blackstar tube amps and my idcore amps.

[@trip5156]

This amp are 20w or 50w?

[@steveh1273]

Can you make the screen jump around some more, that is just super, sooooo coool.

[@lguggenheim]

I think he got his sonic perception between American and British backwards when mentioning the ISF control.

[@comicblueswithjonygitar36]

Initially hoped this was real tube amp. The emulations don't do it, tiny bit of EQ difference but same solid state mush. Anyone know a tube amp that has mp3 input?

[@jamdalf4343]

Marshall DSL40CR 1x12 40watt Tube Combo Amp

[@aL3ks06]

Is this tube?

[@LukeBass1000]

As I understand it: "20 watts" means equivalent to a 20 watt valve amp etc.

[@RafaelGrigorian]

I has a really hard time deciding between 20w 10" or 50w 12" it was $100 difference. Ended up buying the 20w cause 50w for home use only is overkill, I jist wanted that 12" speaker :/, bit even the smallest one gets really loud, you can definetely gig in smaller spaces with that thing.

[@ShannonRamos]

First thought, need to put a piece of gaff tape or something over that usb cable hole so dirt and debris doesn't fall in there while transporting/gigging...

[@shckltnebay]

Or get am amp Cover lol

[@danlosgar9194]

Pretty nice amps but I this the Standard is priced high at $529 USD compared to the other Silverline models and yeah, Pyromann6K is right with the Tap feature.

[@robertbriquet]

there is a reason why solid state amps try to imitate tube amps.....

[@dantredogborsa7048]

and there is a reason why people want alternatives to tube amps 🤭

[@davidrussell8918]

I like transister amps. Just dont care for digital ones. At stage volumes they are abrasive .After a night of playing through one my ears hurt. Tube amps and good analog transistor amps have a warmer sound. I have a 1965 Standel studio model transistor amp with all germanium transistors it sounds just like a twin reverb. Peavey transtube bandits are also great amps.

[@wangbar1]

Dantré Dogborsa Exactly

[@wangbar1]

David Russell I own one of these and have no problem whatsoever.

[@mikemallett64]

Ok so what kind of tele is that? Custom?

[@flobeeonekinobee2353]

I like the clean, but the drives are a bit harsh

[@wangbar1]

With a strat, gain up the crunch channel and use the guitar’s volume knob for clean to scream. Works great.

[@miked9000]

so it is Blackstars version of the Yamaha THR

[@Timmlyboy]

the lack of effects loop kinda worried me but the reverb sounds good enough to me. hopefully they dont try to ask for an arm and a leg for this since it seems to sound better than most non-tube offerings by other companies imo

[@dantredogborsa7048]

From the inside software, you can turn the emulated output and MP3/line into FX loop

[@VangeliRock]

I gotta a blackstar ht stage60...love it...I may have to get this one too.

[@mbreinin]

Is that the world's thickest ES series guitar on the left?

[@Steve_9292]

Gibson ES-150 DC - made late 60's to early-mid 70's. Basically a fully hollow 335. Pretty sweet guitars actually!

[@oskarileikos]

Mark Agnesi had one on Guitar of the Day a couple of years back. Very cool sound!

[@Steve_9292]

+Oskarileikos Ah, but was it authentic? (Sorry, couldn't resist! xD)

[@ラウこ]

you think its better than the new boss katana mk2 ?

[@billtice5057]

I’m a big Blackstar fan! However this amp sounds crazy over compressed.

[@aahmed8239]

I think the Dawson's review is better .

[@jjthejjetplane]

It's KZbin 🙄. They compress videos. Wanna know how it sounds? Go hit your local Sam ash.

[@grantdavidphilpot9454]

That is unfortunately still thee problems about digital amps bit they still direct input great so compromise possibly

[@Matthew_Scan]

Bill Tice agree I played one the other day it’s not a patch on my Katana

[@azraelblick4117]

I'm hearing actual tubes in the chain. Is putting an Avalon or something between a mic and the interface fair in these kinds of reviews? That's a real nice Tele config!

[@miroslavfejt3483]

Tubey goddness in a digital platform...END THE VIDEO

[@guitarcrazyholman325]

The problem with things like this is that almost the second you buy it it's almost dropped value by like 25 50 percent. Better really want it because you will never get your money back from it

[@johnm3152]

As an early adopter, I concur !

[@user-pg1fe5cb5g]

Yup, bought a fender champion 100.....oh the regret. I coulda just bought a blues junior for the price and would have held better value (and sound) *disclaimer: i bought the blues junior. Champion is now a nightstand

[@SaintierSet]

Getting closer every day, by the time the last 4 tube factories shut down we should be really close.

[@Cheeso888]

Nah, these crunchy sounds are pretty bad.

[@GuitarBard96]

i love my id:30

[@thebeardedstate]

GuitarMeister honestly for the tone to price ratio I thought the were great

[@Jagersmom]

GuitarMeister I have an ID:60 and i absolutely love it!

[@tattooedsailor8666]

Why is this thing so damn expensive? You can get Katana MKII for $229.

[@DMSProduktions]

∞ HAH! Got the LOT of ya! Sounds good Johnny! \m/

[@veryveryveryhotboy]

No fx loop. Bummer :(

[@MrGlasstech]

On their id 260 tvp there is away to turn on a effects loop for pedals. I wonder if this new series does the same?

[@dantredogborsa7048]

@@MrGlasstech it does the same.

[@VladimirChe80]

just ID TVP amp

[@bobbyparks801]

And the knobs on top.Hard to reach,I like the knobs on the front they way I use my TVP

[@fretbuzz59]

One problem with this amp (and others like it) is that no one will be playing through it in 50 yrs. It'll have been in a scrap heap long before that (leaching chemicals into the ground).

[@csl4159]

fretbuzz59 why not? Sounds great

[@fretbuzz59]

@@csl4159 Because, like all modern devices, the next version will be even "better", or at least perceived to be, so this one will be discarded. I'm not even sure the construction will last 50 yrs.

[@Steve-nq8jc]

No fx loop me no likey also the price is ambitious! I don't hate the amp I think it sounds great! I'd like to hear a shootout between the 50w and the 50w katana. Goddamn Jon your playing is slick as always.

[@MrGlasstech]

On their id 260 tvp there is away to turn on a effects loop for pedals. I hope this amp has the same function.

[@dantredogborsa7048]

@@MrGlasstech there is.

[@evankeal]

I had to laugh when you were expecting a PRS to feedback.

[@bandicoot5412]

Right now(I'll get over it)but I need saturation metal, at this cosm of my life.

[@paulkielt9301]

Tube goodness? Are you kidding? That amp is just great for beginners who want to mask their imperfections with tons of effects.

[@TheSammyreynolds]

what the heck do you know?

[@edwardmonsariste4050]

Agreed. Sounds like a cheap Digitech RP pedal into a Peavey Bandit. This guy couldn’t get this amp to sound decent. It may be a different sounding amp when personally playing it, but this video makes it sound aweful.

[@veerchasm1]

Lookout Crate, here comes Black Star Silverline!

[@davidrussell8918]

Sounds like a typical fizzy digital modeling amp. $850 for the 60w 1 12! Ouch! Save your money buy a used fender mustang 3 for $150-$200 that do the same thing except for midi.

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

i back the mustang all the way,i love my mesa boogie's but i use my mustang every single day

[@davidrussell8918]

@@trillrifaxegrindor4411 yep , I have 2 fender tube amps a magnatone, but my mustang 3 is my everyday practice amp.

[@sugarlife485]

the only thing for this money you can get a real tube amp..the warmth etc

[@gibbytone75]

The price on these amps is TOO DAMN HIGH! LOL looks like a good back up for my tube amp though.

[@tattooedsailor8666]

My thoughts exactly! You can get Katana MKII for half the price.

[@strumlead8741]

Agree, or an original Fender Mustang 1 for under $150 and these sound amazing; much better the new Mustang amps

[@BrandonEht]

@@tattooedsailor8666 Yeah but you're getting a plastic cab with a cheap speaker. This is more a competitor to the katana artist or nextone

[@tattooedsailor8666]

@@BrandonEht I've actually jammed through Silverline a couple weeks ago. Killer amp no question about it. I really liked the EL84 sound. I still think there overpriced for what they are. $429 is a bit much for 10" 20 watt solid state amp. That's more then 100 watt Katana! The Katana stock speaker in 100watt is outstanding btw. I ran a V Type through it and went back to the stock. I wouldn't consider it a cheap speaker. I'm not sure what cab is made out of. Looks like same particle board they use in all the combos.

[@BrandonEht]

@@tattooedsailor8666 It's made out of plastic

[@brainstain2904]

I like the new Katana 2 by Boss for the money!

[@seanhershey3390]

So, this... or the new Katana?...

[@lowqualityguitarvideos]

katana

[@colinmcnab6145]

The Mk1 Katana's sound better than the Mk2. I have KTN 50 Mk1 and have a Silverline Standard 20 coming in the week hopefully it will be better than the Katana.

[@thekitowl]

Colin Mcnab interesting to see how the two compare . I can’t make my mind up.