Blackstar - "Carry On" Travel Guitar Demo - 9 Months of Testing!!

[@SixStringAlliance]

So what do you guys like to use for practise at home or on the move? I’m loving the Blackstar guitar with my Boss Waza Headphones.

[@spitfiremusic3997]

Would love one of these guitars!

[@thesongacademy5017]

Guitar is really great sounding

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

I have a small acoustic. This would be fantastic!

[@Producelikeapro]

I just have to play my electric unplugged! I need this for travelling!

[@tomaskey6844]

I’ll be plugging into a Yamaha THR30II or Katana Artist. The Blackstar guitar and Katana arrive in a few more days.

[@makingmusiconline2309]

Glourious playing! You make that guitar sound *fantastic*. Which makes me feel good as I've just bought one on a Musician's Friend Stupid Deal of the Day. Many thanks.

[@MrBownze]

I bought one as well, since I missed it several months ago 😃

[@makingmusiconline2309]

@@MrBownze Same .. hoping that the $99 one was the ST (no coil split, poplar wood body fully painted, no case) but the $160 for the full one (previously $350-ish) seemed like a great deal!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you!! Enjoy your guitar, they’re a lot of fun to play.

[@Producelikeapro]

A fantastic review Jamie! I want one off these guitars!!!

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

Me too!

[@jlore6344]

The look of that with Jamie is so Spinal Tap (love it!)

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hahahahaha I didn’t think of that.. I should have made a Spinal Tap reference.

[@gr500music6]

Beautiful little guitar. Nice flannel shirt too !

[@SixStringAlliance]

It’s a great guitar!! Hahaha thanks,I like to keep the 90’s alive with my wardrobe choices in my videos!! 🤘🏻🤣

[@spitfiremusic3997]

Great looking and great sounding guitar!

[@SixStringAlliance]

I agree!

[@IAmSteveMarks]

Sounded Awesome Jamie! Fantastic review

[@SixStringAlliance]

Cheers Steve. It’s such an awesome little guitar with so many uses. I love it

[@thesongacademy5017]

Thanks for the wonderful review

[@SixStringAlliance]

Glad it was helpful!

[@loyolaschool]

Amazing review and love the old style straight guitar to amp demo - clean and driven. Thank you Sir

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks for watching

[@loyolaschool]

@@SixStringAlliance I just got mine in white ! Awesome sounds. Extremely Travel friendly. No more bad looks from flight attendants.

[@cheeksoffire]

bought one because of this review! thank you.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@mystriddlery]

How are you liking it so far?

[@djthiagogueri]

any updates?

[@jamesdavies1179]

As soon as they release this before I even knew it was designed by Gordon Smith I guessed, their DNA was all over the design. The neck joint that you praised is classic Gordon Smith it's one of my favorite features Their neck joints are a thing of beauty compared to say a Gibson with the big block sticking out.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Its a very well made guitar!! I just had a set up and fret job done and it plays incredible.. all set for my holiday!!

[@iwantappledumplings6187]

Another fantastic review

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you!

[@Gaba.Groove]

Thank you for this! I bought one and had it set up for 11's. Plays so nice now! ❤

[@SixStringAlliance]

Enjoy! Yeah they’re fantastic, I’m heading back to the UK at Xmas to see my family. I’ll take mine with me. Having them setup properly really transforms them.

[@markorollo.]

Being a wheelchair user and a bit of a short arse I find full size guitars too big for me, my Dad bought me an acoustic when I was a teenager that I still have but could never play because it's bigger than I am!! Another of my Dad's great ideas. guitars like this would be great for me, I've been looking at the hofner shorty deluxe but I like the look of this one too. I'm not ever going to be in a band or gigging. Just playing for my own enjoyment. And for those on my street if I 'forget' to plug headphones in. So they're all I need.

[@SixStringAlliance]

This is a great guitar. You won’t go far wrong choosing the Blackstar

[@ChrisFranklyn]

This would be perfect for hiding in your car during lunchbreaks at work to get some practise in :)

[@SixStringAlliance]

Definitely.. I’m driving from Sweden to the Uk with the family for Xmas, and this little guitar will go with me to maintain some practice.

[@tomaskey6844]

I ordered mine for exactly that reason! I sit in my driver seat for hours sometimes and this should kill time perfectly.

[@promixacademy6904]

Jamie you do the best guitar reviews!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Glad you like them!

[@eberlopez9825]

I bought the package with the fly3 amp. It has traveled with me at least 20 times on flights in the US on business trips. It’s a little heavy, when you carry it as a backpack you don’t notice it. The only modification I had to make was getting some fretends filed and a small tweak on the nut, G string sat too high. I love the instrument… I also use it when I’m traveling to a student’s house for lessons

[@SixStringAlliance]

Its a great guitar.. Mine could do with a proper set up a year on.

[@pmay222]

loved that intro trak.. i went back and listened again... wincy bit whitesnakey perhaps..? also a bit of a slash feel when he was in that velvet revolver perhaps..? but very good its not often i go back for more.. i think one of these will be my next guitar.. im really a lifetime amateur playing budget medium price guitars im happy with that, learning you tube riffs etc... but one of these will sit nicely beside my armchair for those moments of ROCK we all enjoy.... nice one

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you very much!!

[@JohnMoran]

@@SixStringAlliance is it your sng? is there a title to look up?

[@SixStringAlliance]

@@JohnMoran yeah man it’s my song. It doesn’t have a title, it was just a short piece I put together for the demo. I have literally 100’s of these ideas that I use for demos. Eventually I’ll maybe use a section from this in a song. I have around 40-50 completed tracks, and plan to put out a new album after the launch of the Six String Alliance guitar academy. I did put an album out probably 15 years ago, it has Richie Kotzen on it, but it went under the radar, so I’m also remixing those original tunes and re releasing those. There’s a few of those tracks on the channel. Look at two super old videos in my video list “Ceremony” and “The Nashville Song”, plus look for the Germanium Tumnus demo, that also features a performance of one of my original releases. I hope you enjoy them, and thanks for watching.

[@moorlova]

Thanks for this amazing review ! I do def want to get one ❤

[@SixStringAlliance]

You should! I use mine all the time at home and when travelling.

[@darlenesheffield9835]

Gorgeous little guitar!

[@SixStringAlliance]

It really is!

[@loyolaschool]

Quick question. How do you adjust the intonation ? The top of the pickup is obstructing the Philips head screw driver from reaching the screw head...

[@richardsmith5362]

I'm shocked at it's sze! Really enjoy your playing style...Thanks.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Glad you enjoy it! It’s a great guitar, I use it a lot at home as well as travel

[@peterjones4621]

Hi Jamie, I bought the Traveler Guitar, I wonder if I made a mistake not buying the BlackStar. Oh well, another guitar in my collection won't hurt so I guess I'm off to get a BlackStar. I also use the Boss Waza air on my other electric guitars but I can't get it to work on my Traveler guitar, not sure where to turn but I guess when I buy the BlackStar guitar it won't matter. I like the idea of pulling out a small guitar kept close by which makes it easier to practice, yeah, I'm definitely getting this travel guitar. Ahhh, your little daughter is adorable, it's great you're getting her into learning guitar so young, how I wish my parents had seen my intense love for music and piano when I was a young boy of six. Great review, love your backing tracks, peace,

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks for the comment Peter.. yeah I have to battle my daughter to use the guitar haha.. I think the Blackstar is the best, I just had it setup, frets levelled and it plays incredibly.. I'm off on holiday in 10 days and this will come with me.

[@Dave062YT]

Sounds great to be fair ,Very nice playing too .I went for a Hofner Shorty deluxe [2 pickup] myself but you cant go wrong with either.Very impressed with the quality of the Blackstar amd may gove one a go too.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Nice one!

[@daveroche6522]

Tip - spray a little bit of cheapo hairspray (a Poundstore/Dealz jobbie will do nicely) on the sting barrels - there's sufficient adhesive in it to help their retention (also excellent for securing various nuts 'n bolts on your eBike/eScooter). Happy strummin', Kiddies.....

[@samsschool3639]

Great review mate! Just missed a little bit of "Carry On My Wayward Son" would have been perfection considering the guitar name 😁

[@SixStringAlliance]

Cheers Sam!!

[@TimHoundDog]

thank you for this review. I feel like I just stole mine today on sale. might grab another as a gift

[@SixStringAlliance]

I'd like another.. My 7 yer old daughter has laid clim to this one and I have to ask her to use it haha

[@alexeynastenko5189]

Good evening James! Thank you for your very nice review of this guitar, I bought it and am very pleased! please tell me what you think, I ordered elexir 09-46 optima strings for this guitar, I named it Elizabeth! how will it sound with them? Best regards Alex!

[@SixStringAlliance]

I think those strings will be too light I’m afraid. Due to the scale length and tuning to standard, it’s designed for gauge 12 strings. I use 11-54 an£ they also work. 9’s will not work well

[@plapclips6799]

Very impressive guitar indeed!

[@SixStringAlliance]

I love it!

[@666lasta]

Great view, I bought same one, however when I change the string, I use D’Addario EXL145 nickel wound strings, 12-54 (Heavy) as they list on their official website, but it’s unable to tuning, I haven’t use the guitar for half year and was without strings , I hope I just used wrong string? Or the guitar is deformed?

[@SixStringAlliance]

hmmm that's interesting. I actually use a different gauge on mine, I use Ernie Ball 11-54 which work great. I hope you get it sorted. I love this guitar and use it a lot at home.

[@tomaskey6844]

I’ve always had trouble with the G string on my LTD Deluxe and just recently learned many people have trouble on other guitars.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Yeah the G string can be troublesome!!

[@ogs1mpson609]

I’ve found my next impulse buy.

[@SixStringAlliance]

haha fantastic.. They've just released a new model with a bolt on neck and new colours

[@ogs1mpson609]

@@SixStringAlliance nice, I’ll check it out. I bought a GS mini Koa plus for travel but even that takes up too much room in the car.

[@arbrechaman]

Very good demo. In your opinion is it possible to use Elixir electric 11-52 's chords. ?

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you.. maybe the 52 is a little lights on the bottom, but give it a try

[@JohnMoran]

Can anyone tell me, please, what tune he's playing at the beginning? It rocks.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hi John, it’s just a tune I wrote for this demo. Glad you like it.

[@kondorram9073]

Sweet

[@SixStringAlliance]

It’s a cool little guitar

[@BigDogDaddyD]

Great honest video. Thank you. You didn't give the total length. The website doesn't say either. Is it a secret?

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you.. I’m sure I mentioned the scale length, or do you mean the overall size of the guitar?

[@BigDogDaddyD]

@@SixStringAlliance The total length. Yes.

[@mystriddlery]

For anyone wondering I just saw the specs on guitar center says its 29" long

[@iancandler5446]

I’ve been looking at this original model but what’s true weight like? I’m disabled and weight is critical for me.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hi Ian, I’m not sure of the weight, but it’s manageable for my 7 year old so it’s not very heavy. It’s a great guitar

[@EscapeTheCloudsOfficial]

I've been thinking of getting one for travel gigs. I'm a solo musician who carries a lot gear (synths, pedalboard, electronic drums, etc.) and anything that can save some weight is welcome. I used to play a solidbody electric baritone ukulele, but this year switched to guitar for gigs since I was doing more drop-D heavier stuff. The added bulk wasn't fun lugging around on airports. Do you think this guitar would hold up and work for gigs?

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks for the comment.. yes I think it would work, although there are limitations with the amount of frets and it being single pickup. That being said the tuning stability is good, and the pickup sounds great. I use mine all the time from practise. It would definitely be worth you checking out.

[@locadeva]

totally mouthwatering!!! fantastic demo + review, thanks!!! only if it's NOT made in china :( otherwise i'd run grab one right now.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks for watching!

[@PhilMabey]

Curious, has anyone actually tried to carry this on to a package holiday flight? Any problems fitting into the overhead bins? Flying TUI (from UK) this year and officially only allowed 55cms length max carry on.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hi Phil if you watch the full video I talk about taking it to Germany on a flight. All in the demo. I used it for several months before making the video.

[@standodge5536]

I own the Epiphone Power Player Les Paul, and an LTD KH Jr. Both of these mini guitars won't stay in tune. Will the Black Star stay in tune? I'm frustrated beyond comprehension because I'm finding that travel guitars are pretty worthless. If any company can keep tune I'm all for it. I'm just finding that I can't finish a song without having to retune back to standard tuning.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Hi Stan, yes mine stays in tune.. I’m on holiday in the UK for Xmas and I have the Carry On with me. I absolutely love it!!

[@joshjabrica]

I bought an ST model recently and apparently the ST and your model only has 18 frets, not 19 frets as advertised.

[@SixStringAlliance]

Yeah this version only has 18 frets

[@undercrackers56]

I struggle to believe that budget/holiday airlines would allow this into the cabin. Has anyone flown with one of these with EasyJet, Jet2, Tomas Cook and so on?

[@SixStringAlliance]

I flew with again at Xmas, and then again in January from Sweden to the UK on Norwegian Airlines which is a budget airline. I also flew recently on a tour in Sweden, on a small propeller plane, an internal flight from Stockholm to Malmö and again I took it in the cabin with me. Absolutely no issues at all.

[@MegaMr28]

so did u ever experiment with that g string?

[@SixStringAlliance]

You’ve just reminded me to!!! But I just had the guitar setup, had the frets polished and levelled, and it’s playing like an expensive full size guitar!! Once again I took it on holiday, took it on the plane with me, in the over head in the cabin, absolutely no issues taking it on board. Lots of fun chilling in the sun playing guitar 😀🎸

[@demuthjesse]

Nice 7/4 track!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks!

[@theopoiesis]

WOW

[@SixStringAlliance]

🎸🎸🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@deniseshaw3871]

Is this quite wide at the nut ?

[@bethlehemeisenhour5807]

Interesting... We need a BASS too.

[@SixStringAlliance]

There is a bass available although I’ve not tried it

[@GaitaGospel]

Bom vídeo, bom você ter tocado em acordes ,é o meu caso que faço somente base para solar com a gaita, essa guitarra também é uma boa opção para musico que tocam nas ruas metrôs ou seja em lugares públicos, com um pequeno amplificador de alça. Congratulações do Rio de janeiro🟢🟡🎸

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thank you!! It’s a fun guitar.

[@deniseshaw3871]

Is this a C shape neck or a D ??

[@neilswan-h2z]

hows the balance? any neck dive?

[@SixStringAlliance]

I is a little neck heavy, but on a strap or in playing position it’s fine

[@neilswan-h2z]

ok thanks @@SixStringAlliance

[@qwrtw]

Hi can use 0.10 gauge?

[@SixStringAlliance]

Not recommended due to the scale length and tuning to standard.

[@attilio7]

Blackstar do it in red, and take my money!

[@SixStringAlliance]

I’m packing it in the car for our Xmas break travels!!

[@jasondavid3969]

Be cool to make it headless but give you more frets😜😎🇬🇧

[@SixStringAlliance]

That would be cool!!

[@KevinMillard68]

if they had a lefty version id buy one in a heart beat but after checking their site they dont care about us leftys so i guess iam out

[@wilmarzwon]

I just bought the leftie version on offer at Andertons!

[@SixStringAlliance]

Thanks for adding this info!!

[@loyolaschool]

I found the intonation to be an issue. Even got a resomax bridge. Just cannot intonate the guitar.

[@SixStringAlliance]

That’s a shame. I had mine setup, and it’s brilliant. I have no intonation issues.