Why do people HATE Blackstar Amps?

Are they valve amps? Solid state? Hybrid? Does it matter?
Many questions surround Blackstar Amps but the main one I try and answer in this video is "why do people hate them?"
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[@vladv5126]

"If we all liked the same amplifier it would be pretty boring" The entire "modern metal" scene, playing a 5150 boosted with a Tube Screamer into a Mesa cab with V30s: "And I took that personally"

[@dariohc6898]

Lol true

[@KeenanCrow]

Don’t forget mic’d with an SM57

[@vladv5126]

@@KeenanCrow damn. Giving away all the industry secrets here.

[@travisspaulding2222]

That's a great meme, but it isn't all that different than the majority of guitarists in hard rock and metal using JCM 800s in the 80s. What gets annoying is someone on 5150 boards asking for advice on settings, and 30 people saying "I put everything at 6 and use a TS9 as a boost." It's one thing to use the same amp and speakers, but jesus, try some different settings, lol.

[@nckhed]

It's the progressive movement towards everyone becoming the same in every single aspect in life. Same thoughts, same emotions, same feelings, same likes, same dislikes, etc. And, yes, it will create a very boring world with absolutely zero diversity in every sense of the word.

[@NeoAcoustix]

Blackstar Amps are LEGENDS for me. A couple of months after me&my wife escaped from Ukraine, leaving all our staff there, i emailed Blackstar Amps and asked them to let me pay monthly for the amp cuz we had nothing but 1 guitar, and with that amp i could at least start busking. And you know what? They just sent me the amp FOR FREE wishing all the best. Now, thanks to them, im able to make content again and i hope that i can appreciate them enough

[@p4fizzle]

That's bloody awesome man!

[@NeoAcoustix]

@@p4fizzle yeees mate))

[@SmoothCriminal69]

Major W to blackstar

[@tomminkler7640]

That is awesome! Kudos to them! And thanks for relating the story! (I hate to be a grammar freak wait no I don't but instead of "me & my wife" it's correct to say "my wife and I." Always put the other person first, and use I or me as you would regularly. Or you could say in this case "...I left the country with my wife...") Sorry you had to leave your country and best wishes getting settled where you are now.

[@NeoAcoustix]

@@tomminkler7640 Thank you for a great lesson! its always good to learn something new ) Thanks my friend ✌️

[@MichelleTaylor1]

I have owned and played most brands of amps over the past 30 years and even had a few endorsements. While touring in Europe things would break down all the time no matter what brand i was using....until I started using Blackstar. The Blackstar amps I have have been solid and great sounding no matter where Im taken them.

[@PhuketMyMac]

Were you paid by black star to say that?! Maybe… 😂

[@MichelleTaylor1]

Absolutely not! I tell it it like it is, as anyone that knows me or follows me in groups etc online will tell you. But I can understand how someone that hasn’t actually spent much time with these amps and instead just regurgitates online rubbish from fan boys of other brands that haven’t researched or understood the functionality of them would think that. 😂 And now the guy mentioned in this video (Fuff ) likes them…… maybe he’s opened his mind to these brilliant amps. ❤️💁🏼‍♀️ Some people just want great sounding reliable amps and are not bothered about the posing value of owning some other brand in order to hang out from your bedroom online.

[@MichelleTaylor1]

Very well explained! And kudos for enlightening many of the “online experts” of the facts, double standards, and pure naïveté of many people. ❤👍🏻

[@vyger6336]

I liked it when it worked but doesn't work anymore . : < (

[@TheBladepolisher]

@@PhuketMyMac What an idiot.

[@ApeLikeCreature]

Blackstar Amps are fantastic. I own 3 of them, and they all have excellent cleans, overdrives and distortions.

[@arsbadmojo]

Who hates Blackstar? That's crazy. I'll take any you don't want. Great amps.

[@andrewz.3432]

This title was really discouraging I'm about to purchase a blackstar amp. But hey people always gotta bitch about something.

[@koDaffi]

I know right. All I have is a small Fender amp from the 90s that came with a Starcaster. It was even in a house fire and I had to clean it up. It's no Marshall Orange or Blackstar but would love any amp. Dunno why people gotta be so picky.

[@kbkman7742]

Try and get one repaired

[@theblytonian3906]

@@kbkman7742 You must live in America.

[@theblytonian3906]

@@andrewz.3432 I own & use 5 Blackstar amps & 2 Fender amps. All solid state except my Blackstar Artist 30 Blonde, which has 6L6 tubes. I looked at a lot before choosing what I did. If I had to choose just one amp to keep, it'd be my Blackstar ID Series 260TVP. Love everything about it. Blackstar amps are right up there in their own right, but they're the new kid on the block, and the old gang don't like change or new faces. When I came back to guitar, I wasn't carrying brand baggage and approached the marketplace with a non-prejudicial eye. Obviously Blackstar got my money, so they must be doing something right.

[@tommyibanez3958]

Anyone taking tonal advice from Fluff is at very real risk of sounding like him

[@gorlagOv]

Ha

[@moonsuga]

I never liked his tones tbh, not sure if it his settings or just the way he plays

[@blackspine343]

@@moonsuga I hate his tone videos too... they're absolutely unhelpful

[@threepe0]

Well, that’s great if that’s the sound you’re going for. He’s gotten some great tones in some of his videos

[@ShredworthyDave]

Fluff tones all sound the same.

[@MichaeloStarzioni]

I bought HT-5R in 2010 and would buy HT-5R mkii now in a heartbeat. Perfect practice amp with a potential for small gig scenario and recording. Wonderful tone versatility and the mkii version is even better with the attenuator. It's been a huge part of my guitar journey.

[@reedmauriala1429]

Anyone who has owned or used an HT-5 for more than a month knows how great they work for bedroom jamming and practicing with headphones. GREAT amp!

[@rossbatten2912]

This was the feature that originally got me onto a Blackstar. Being able to plug in headphones to the emulated speaker out while still benefiting from the filter of the tube preamp is such a win.

[@notmrcrowley9757]

didn't even know people hated Blackstar lmao. Played so many shows with my HT 40, currently recording with it, has never let me down. Sounds great, doesn't break the bank, and is great for gigging with.

[@mikewatkins3533]

HT club40 rules👍😎🎸

[@mrcoatsworth429]

Adrian Smith played the HT5 on the Book of Souls album. So it can't be that bad.

[@notmrcrowley9757]

@@mrcoatsworth429 that's crazy didn't know that, it's definitely an amp that can do almost anything.

[@archbox8593]

Remember playing one in my guitar class. Ht40 has a killer drive sound 😍

[@mikewatkins3533]

@@archbox8593 hell yeah!!😎🎸

[@Wolfpunker]

I used to work as a sound engineer. Most guitarists don't know what they are talking about when it comes to the technical workings of their gear. It's nice to see one that actually takes the time to understand these things, big props.

[@late4suppa1]

And most sound engineers are guys who can't play guitar. Now that I know what my issue is I'll start studying wiring diagrams so I can get a better idea of what I'm talking about.

[@Wolfpunker]

@@late4suppa1 probably a good idea. You can never have enough knowledge.

[@late4suppa1]

@@Wolfpunker Ha ha, I can appreciate a smart ass reply to my smart ass comment. Touche

[@RohannvanRensburg]

Many guitarists think their guitar makes a bigger difference than their cab.

[@johnsavchak8202]

How much of a difference does circuitry make? Because I can tell the difference between a Soldano and a Fender... oddly. I'm not even anywhere near Eric Johnson.

[@Taylor-kd6lr]

I have two Blackstar amps and love them both. I like them both better than my Marshall DSL. They are both fantastic. Blackstar produces great amps.

[@WebbChannel1]

I am more of a collector than a player and that is why "perhaps" my opinion carries weight for the mere fact that at one time or another I have owned and played about 90% of all the tube amps out there. Right now I have Supros, Ampegs, Laney's and Marshall's - My FAVORITE amp is my BLACKSTAR HT20 head. Although I could only get $350.00 for it on a good day - this is one of my amps that is Not for sale. (BTW, my Marshall JCM 900 is my 2nd favorite amp). AND I plan to add the BLACKSTAR HT20 MK II to my collection at some point. KDH, Thank You for pointing out that MANY well respected "tube" amps have similar circuitry as the BlackStar tube amps. On a SIDE NOTE - I would like to add that my Fender Princeton Chorus 210 combo is probably one of the best sounding solid state amps I've heard. Bought it for 75 bucks. MY TAKE AWAY?... Buy your guitar gear with your EARS, Not with your Wallet.

[@mrrandomassduck]

"the future is now old man" Blackstar is great.

[@Callum-Morrison]

Great video. I love that you mentioned the solid-state circuit in front of the pre-amp of the JCM 900. A dude in my local scene once scoffed at someone's JCM 900 at a gig because of this exact reason before putting a TS9 in front of his JCM 800. I told him "dude, you basically did the exact same thing" and he just about popped a blood vessel trying to tell me I was wrong.

[@alexmurphy5289]

Guitarists like that are the worst

[@harryguitar8506]

Hate people like that in my mind if it sounds good it sounds good doesnt matter what it is

[@freepressright]

TS9, and it's many reproductions (even cheap ones) are the best and easiest preamp boosters on the planet. I have one on my pedal board for when I run an single channel tube amp at a show. Instant lead boost.

[@rmorris8544]

Yes. There's still a stupid amount of gear bias from know-nothings. Like people will go on about solid state Vs valve rectifiers without actually knowing what that thing does 🙄

[@PALongknife]

The series that raises an eyebrow is the Blackstar HT Venue series. They seem to be perfectly able to produce some solid rock and metal tones, but a quick look at the tube compliment is where things get interesting. The 50W has a pair of power tubes, the 100W has a quartet, as one would predict. But there are only (2) ECC83's (12AX7's) in the preamp section. This is a little unusual, given that a typical amp of this type would likely feature between 4 and 6 preamp tubes. This hints at the possibility of using solid state components somewhere in the signal path in the preamp, and not just as clipping diodes. My guess is they're using the (2) tubes for the primary gain stages across all channels, and using solid state components as drivers and phase inverters. Keep in mind, in a Class A\B amplifier, at least one dual-triode tube is used solely to drive the two portions (positive sine wave and negative sine wave) of the signal into the power section. Thus, in a Marshall JCM800, whose compliment of preamp tubes typically consists of (3) ECC83's, only two of them are used for the preamp's gain structure. Thus, the Blackstar HT Venue series could be thought of as a hybrid of a hybrid-- using a valve power section, and valves in the preamp gain structure, but solid state components in the portions of the preamp not contributing significantly in terms of gain or tone. Again, this is just a guess-- I haven't yet found a schematic. But if I'm right, then this design approach is actually pretty ingenious!

[@jeremyh8707]

Completely logical. B.S. is very probably using FETs or some other silicon just for the phase splitter. BFD. The typical 12AU7 is, by far, the LEAST influential element in any typical push pull topology. Aside from a damaged tube... one cannot hear a real difference. I've heard "purists" ( idiots) claim the pilot bulb is important. Funny... they never complained about the move from 5U4 rectified to diode bridge... 🤣🤣🤣

[@charleswidmore5458]

I was never lucky enough to own a Blackstar myself but I always thought they sounded pretty good when I heard them. Having just recently purchased a bass to learn on I am looking at getting a Blackstar Unity amp. They seem really solid and I have not read any negative reviews on them. So my vote is Positive on Blackstar's guitar and bass amps.

[@CarloRegadasGuitar]

People don't listen with their ears. They are too bothered about peer pressure and tend to repeat the same soundbites, as they don't have enough confidence in their own judgement to give their honest opinion, so the soundbites becomes the safer option. I'm a Blackstar endorsee and their equipment is excellent. I've caught many people out with blindfold tests before. Not only do they make quality equipment, they are an excellent company to work with. The quality of high gain amplifiers in 2021 is exceptional, it's almost impossible to not get a decent tone out of modern hi gain amplifiers. I'd question someone's abilities if they can only feel comfortable playing through a £3000 boutique amp. Equipment snobbery should be well and truly out of the window by now, even plugins sound killer in 2021. Excellent channel by the way mate. Carlo 👍🏼

[@Gizmo-st1ky]

Too many people listen with their eyes and not their ears... I think blackstar amps are great.

[@DMSProduktions]

Baa baaa! 'Nuff said!

[@REbornDArth]

agree. from what I take from the video, the Amp is solid. I like the tone a lot actually. But I am only doing stuff at home and more of the multi effect pre amp and or Plugin type. It's very good by now and sounds killer. And for me it is 1st quiter and still with awesome sound and 2nd I have more flexibility in less space and time.

[@kaindog100]

I’ve got a UK made Laney and love it. I’ve got Weber speakers in my cabinet but also plugged Tone Tubby and Jensen into it with great results. Speakers make a huge difference.

[@Marta1Buck]

@@Gizmo-st1ky too accurate.

[@hoggboyy]

You didn't have to play Thin Lizzy. But you did. And we thank you for it.

[@Dewydidit]

I'm always dismayed when I see an Irish guitarist and they DON'T play some TL!

[@Baz97__]

As long as you push a Blackstar amp with an overdrive pedal, you're golden. I've always thought Gus G's Blackstars sounded lovely, see any of his live solos.

[@johannessilver8653]

I have Blackstar Fly3 and ID Core II 40W as home practicing amps. Both great and I am happy.

[@Faust_s]

Dang same

[@georgel2519]

I don't hate them, I absolutely love Blackstar, and I don't give a single f*ck what people think about them. If they sound good, it's because they are good. Period

[@DMSProduktions]

True.

[@officialWWM]

Except. No.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@officialWWM Your name notes your authority on the subject!

[@officialWWM]

@@DMSProduktions at least Im not pretending to be something Im not! You cant even spell!

[@DMSProduktions]

@@officialWWM Heh! ;o)

[@TinyLegs15243]

PSA....Please note that tube amps can in some instances store lethal amounts of voltage in them well after being unplugged so always be careful handling the bare chassis and parts unless you know what your are doing.

[@freepressright]

It's been that way since the existence of tubes. Anyone who doesn't know that has zero business owning a tube amp.

[@toneranger]

Well said Brendan 👍🏻

[@BenState]

Most tube amps these days have drain resistors but yeah...

[@nickraschke4737]

Yes. My amp guy smacked me once when I looked like touching the exposed workings of my old Marshall. Cringed watching that part of this video.

[@Dr-Curious]

@@freepressright "Anyone who doesn't know that has zero business owning a tube amp." Are you FF nuts? You're talking about guitarists. Most don't know what a VOLT is, champ. Just don't open your amp unless you understand it. That's all.

[@noi5emaker]

I'm with you. Call it what you like. It's an amp. If you're going to be a snob, make sure your entire chain is tube (good luck with that!). People arguing about terminology have lost the plot.

[@pavanpatel4150]

I have owned a Blackstar Series One 50W head for a year now and it really is my favorite amp that I have ever played. I play it through a Marshall Silver Jubilee Cab (which obviously makes a huge difference) and push it with a Boss SD-1. You can get nice modern metal sounds out of it. Most of all, I like the DPR feature that lets me take it down to 5 watts. My only criticism is that it does not have an onboard reverb.

[@MOAB-UT]

Nice set up. I played one of those cabs at Sam Ash last weekend and wow- what a difference. I have a bad ear though so I can no longer play loud but it must be a treat to crank it up a bit. Just do protect your ears. Don't be like me- it's not fun (ringing all the time.) I just bought a Fractal FM9. If you have not heard of it, you will want to look into it (or don't- it is pricey and you will want one!) I can play the FM9 at very low volumes. It sounds amazing- pro level gear for this non-pro!

[@pavanpatel4150]

@@MOAB-UT It's an amazing cab indeed! I carry around earplugs on my keychain for band practice and concerts anyway. I'm in my mid-twenties and I don't want to suffer from hearing loss for the rest of my life. I have not tried the FM9, but I did buy a Line 6 Helix in April so I could go to band practice and play gigs without lugging a head and cab around. My Blackstar Series One head and Silver Jubilee cab sit at home now

[@guitarsimon1]

My favourite misconception is how nearly every guitarist thinks the sound is made exclusively by the valves, when 99% of amps use the same preamp valve and the same 3 power amp valves.

[@themechanix393]

But they do change the sound quite a bit... Try to swap some of your preamp valves for the same model of a different manufacturer. Doesn't turn a Marshall into a Mesa but still changes the amps feel

[@DMSProduktions]

@@themechanix393 True. The difference is not drastic, BUT different brands DO introduce different characters in the clipping they do!

[@nekrovulpes]

@@themechanix393 Wait until you find out 90% of the modern valve supply chain comes from the same factory with different logos printed on.

[@themechanix393]

@@nekrovulpes the switch from jjs to ruby's on my Engl was quite surprising

[@plumbummusic2051]

Any brand you switch there's going to be a difference, what you want from them is a matched pair and durabilty. Everything else regarding brands is marketing bullshit.

[@KingGrio]

I never knew Blackstar were hated. Is this what you call "KZbin drama" ?

[@Gajoobles]

No, it is what you call clickbait.

[@boarderking133]

Most of what this channel is I think... Drama

[@KM-302]

My thoughts EXACTLY 💯

[@brashreligion683]

i've heard people hate on this amp several times.

[@StratsRUs]

Tea

[@JohnnyBgood548]

I bought a Black star ID 30 for practice and it even has deep editing without computer software. It's really impressive considering not using an external pedal and it has a foot switch pedal for storing several effect combinations. The Blackstar tube amps are as good as anything else I've played and I've played them all! Would love to get the new St. James with the 6l6s. I've played it and it is exceptional. Blackstar amps can do it all!

[@genegarneau3822]

I love Blackstars amps. That is all play through. Was converted 6 years ago, never been happier. I get the sound I want, and it is fun.. I love all the different sounds you get in one amp. That is all that matters to me. The sound.

[@joshwhitty7024]

You are a rare breed of youtuber: you are a meal youtuber. You create the type of content that's perfect to eat a meal to

[@TheWolvesCurse]

yeah, most others are shitter youtubers, one watches their videos while on the bowl.

[@BAADAPPLE]

Lol

[@denismacfarlane255]

Chew tuber?

[@Ste_Va]

100% agree when I see he's uploaded i always save it for the late night snacking.

[@point_blank1686]

I have actually owned the blackstar ht100 for years and I will say if you put a 10 band eq in the loop it sound amazing. If you don't it could be super honky in the mid range and virtually no bottom end punch. Plus it hated drive pedals. I put a mxr 5150 and revv g3 in front of it and it made those pedals sound like crap. I'm super glad I traded it in on a peavey jsx. I would say its a good starter amp but you will end up moving on. Definitely would not buy another to be honest. But that's just my opinion. I would recommend a peavey valve king over this all day long.

[@markhunstein1320]

You're one of those KZbinrs who I always watch and enjoy whether I'm personally interested in the topic or not. Keep up the great content mate, I'll be here feeding the algorithm for ya

[@KDH]

❤️

[@sky-hakala]

Same

[@doriangrey4392]

Totally agree!

[@paperclipsquash]

also agree

[@cgoebbert]

New guy to the channel here and I have to say, I dig your approach. Looking forward to checking out more vids by you! Well done, mate!

[@johnarcher9480]

People hate Blackstar because they don’t know how to set up an amp.

[@philb4462]

I have a Blackstar HT-5RH and I love it. It's the best thing that ever happened to my guitar tone.

[@seanmckelvey6618]

Guitarists in general from my experience tend to be pretty "traditionalist" in regards to gear and most will simply parrot what they're told by someone else, without ever actually trying something and making their own minds up about it. I'm not trying to start any arguments or anything, but I think it's important to remember that equipment does not a player make.

[@jasmine2501]

IMO, most of this crap that we argue about is subtle tonal shit that nobody can really hear. We can't even really hear the difference if we're being honest. Blind tests are ALWAYS fun. And, the more adamant people are about this stuff, the funnier it is when they can't hear it in a blind test.

[@theblytonian3906]

This comment is right on the money. It's in the nature of many people to seek status through peer condoned gear brand association, particularly emotional thinking right brainers most attracted to arts (music).

[@jasmine2501]

@@theblytonian3906 there's nothing metal about brand loyalty. As far as I care, if you're gonna be that way, you should move to Boston and learn to play classical.

[@theblytonian3906]

@@jasmine2501 WTF?! What drugs are you on? How did you miscomprehend and associate my comment in any way with metal or brand loyalty to respond "there's nothing metal about brand loyalty"?

[@jasmine2501]

@@theblytonian3906 you are obviously the one taking drugs, and it's obviously not been healthy for your sense of humor. I was agreeing with you, but you're obviously too high to get it.

[@robbyclark6915]

I have a little Blackstar ID core stereo 40 and I absolutely love that amp! It sounds amazing! It has 6 amp settings from clean warm to super heavy OD. It also has a tone control that sounds good in every position. But the best thing is the effects! They are absolutely killer! There are tons on them, they are easy to use, easy to access, easy to modify and blend and they sound excellent. The stereo effect really punctuates everything with it absolutely filling the entire room with the sound of my guitar! It sounds like you’re wrapped in guitar goodness with it coming from everywhere. Yeah, I absolutely love my Blackstar.

[@musicallymediocre8838]

I went for the ID Core 40 head and I agree. The stereo effect is even better as you can place your speak cabs as far apart as you want. Also being able to switch your speakers out gives even more tonal options.

[@lanewishyoudtabitfortheles623]

i agree and if anyone gives it a chance i think they will be on board lane

[@horppymehu]

I have the 20 and it has great presence and volume in a band practise setting and its very pedal friendly

[@DoomKid]

I hear the reason many people hate Blackstar is because most schematics aren’t readily available online, contrary to Fender and Marshall and so forth. This means when and if you need repairs, especially to your solid state amp, you’re up shit creek for the most part. Otherwise all the reviews I’ve seen suggest they’re good for most genres - I’m deeply considering getting one of their 2x12 amps and just hoping that it either never breaks, or takes so long that all the repair info is readily available. Good vid by the way!

[@nudsh]

I had a Blackstar HT Club 40 for years and loved it. Of all the amps I owned, it was only beaten out in tone versatility by my Mesa JP2C. It could do every tone under the sun, all in the same little combo. I replaced the stock speaker with a Vint 30 and that made a really good amp into a great amp. I only gave it up to make space for my Synergy gear. I'd buy another one in a minute.

[@lantzstephenson8659]

love my blackstar club 40... omg, always wanted a mesa (literally since being a kid reading Guitar Player in the 70s)

[@GraemeSPa]

I had an HT60 all valve 2x12" combo. The best amp I ever played through - it could be as clear as a bell for acoustic and switch to AC/DC by the foot pedal - three channels with extra voice switiching. . My only problem with it was that it weighed a ton and I'm way past 60 now so slinging it into the car wasn't so easy - I needed a Katana. I sold the Blackstar to a guy, who was happay with it, but he called me after a couple of days wanting his money back - he said it didn't sound right. I went over to his place and tested it with his guitar and I got every sound from country tinkle to rock raunch without any problem. He said it sounded OK when I played it cos I played 70's music, but he plays 90's music and for him to get the tone he wants, he has to crank it up. So? - what's the problem?? "Well- ," he said - "the neighbours are complaining ".

[@kieranroberts9119]

I've got that amp it's great 👍👌

[@jwlycra]

@@kieranroberts9119 Same. I have the MkII 2x12 and its an awesom amp, people come to our gigs and make comments about how good it sounds.

[@KodyXXVll]

lol I have the HT Stage 60 MKII blackstar 2x12, and it's one of the best sounding amps i've ever had. Not quite as good as my marshall dsl100 jcm2000 junt, but it's right up there with it. i play 90's+ metal on it all day, with a baritone, normal, humbuckers, and single coils, tool, meshuggah, etc...it sounds phenomenal if you know how to dial in your tone with boost pedals, eq, tube screamers, etc...a nice bbe sonic stomp at the end of the fx loop sounds like taking a blanket off the speakers, amazing.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

I have a Blackstar HT100 and it absolutely sounds amazing! Had it re-tubed with all Tung Sol EL34s and I’ve had several friends that own Mesa Boogie heads that have been super impressed with the low end and mid range cut. It’s an absolute beast!

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

ht 20 is big enough for me, if its a bigger outside gig, it's too small but apart from that it blows the roof off. i thought changing valves did nothing? i though speaker was what changed the sound?

[@jibicusmaximus4827]

must be good if mesa players like it..

[@SonOfWalhall]

I have a "vanilla" HT100. Did new tubes make a difference?

[@Andrath]

@@SonOfWalhall They don't. Glen Fricker has a nice series about that.

[@kleetusdeloach6725]

Best 12 min ever. Hope that busts the myths for the cork sniffers. “if it sounds good, it is good” EVH🤘🏻

[@WayCoolStudios]

Bro, I like the way you broke that down and I would have to agree. People should be more worried about how the amp sounds and not what parts are in it!

[@jochem6292]

I love how he can get really snarky and still be objective and give all the information you need to form your own opinion

[@estwrios3983]

i think its because they are a relatively new and non-boutique amps and not considered to be among the prestigious expensive brands which rustles the jimmies of blooz dads and other gear obsessed people so its just a nocebo rather than being actually bad.

[@DMSProduktions]

Not THAT 'new' now. Been around since the '90s!

[@estwrios3983]

@@DMSProduktions no they havent according to this www.blackstaramps.com/uk/about-us either way 90s would be new for many older guitar players

[@DMSProduktions]

@@estwrios3983 Ok, early 2000s then, I thought I remembered them late 90s, must have been a bit more recently. Still, 17 years is pretty impressive. Be OUT of business by now if they made shite!

[@88Nikoli]

What is that in English mate ?

[@DMSProduktions]

@@88Nikoli MY thoughts exactly!

[@walterkersting6238]

With the HT series, the hate is built right into the name.

[@vincentgschwindjr4918]

I have an ID Core Stereo 100. I love this amp. For the price, you can't beat it.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

David Bowie recorded his last album with Blackstar amps and called the album Blackstar. I like the one I played.

[@YouTubecanbitemyhairybanger]

The album was called black star because that's what his lung cancer looked like on x-ray

[@torontotonto6189]

@@KZbincanbitemyhairybanger well i mean he probably got the name from the amp thought "oh this amp is like my cancer, a blackstar"

[@jazzspecialist99]

@@KZbincanbitemyhairybanger His biographer and one of the album engineers went on record on the BBC during an interview saying the album was named after the amp in the studio.

[@ledhendrix5054]

Ah there goes that tumble weed .........

[@jjs3287]

@@jazzspecialist99 Thats interesting for sure, Bowie was a music hero of mine and I also have a Blackstar amp, nice link.

[@Soper20]

I've been gigging with a Blackstar HT30 for several years and love it. Blackstar was originally pitched to me as being built by the former disgruntled employees of Marshall, whether thats true or not I honestly don't know but I love the amp and the sound regardless. I actually just purchased the new 100w Blackstar Silverline and absolutely love that thing!

[@nickgiles4152]

I dunno if they were disgruntled, but definitely ex Marshall. I know because their chief engineer offered me a job whilst at Marshall.

[@flatsixx]

I was told the same- it makes for a great marketing narrative if nothing else. I’ve got two Blackstar heads and a 10w 6L6 combo, which are all great. Collectors items? Probably not. But they can rip and deliver good tone.

[@anthonypate8657]

As former electrical engineer. It's all about amp classes. A B C D.the black star is a class D I think.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

The solid-state vs tube argument is getting antiquated. I’m hearing solid-state Amps over the past decade that sound as good as a tube-amp. They’ve come a long way. Your blackstar sounds great.

[@shadowofcallisto1560]

I have no issue with Blackstar amps. They just don’t work for the sound and style I aim for when attempting to compose music. You definitely make it sound rather good in your video so I may have to re-evaluate them in the future!

[@davethepius]

The term "hybrid" really came into play with bass amps in the 90's; almost specifically tube preamp/solid-state power amp. "All-tube" to me means tube preamp and tube power amp.

[@infinitesimotel]

Same here, as in ALL; not half or almost.

[@gustavofring9013]

The main thing I look for in an amp is reliability. I don’t really care about gear that much, I’m more of a “tone in the fingers” person, but the way black star amps are built it’s likely I’ll have to repair and or replace it, a headache and an expense I don’t want. I’d rather buy an all tube/valve Marshall or Fender which is not only more versatile, but potentially lifetime lasting or at least can go more than 20 years without needing maintenance beyond merely replacing tubes when needed.

[@BenState]

this

[@richardshank9583]

You are wise lol

[@skyrocketautomotive]

Great, constructive video. I've used a Peavey Heritage VTX 212 since I was around 14, that's an early 80's hybrid (Solid State Pre, Valve Power) and it's amazingly versatile. I've played everything from death metal to 60s style surf on it and no matter what tone I've needed, it's been capable of it. The parametric mid range EQ and active treble/bass controls on the rhythm channel certainly help! (as well as the Scorpion speakers no doubt) There seems to be a degree of snobbery surrounding this argument and all I can say from my experience is that many people are missing out on the capabilities of some hybrid amps purely because of their reputation. My Peavey has done everything I've needed for nearly 20 years of playing, recording, and gigging, it's also fantastically loud but maintains the same consistent tone from low pub venues to stages at festivals. I'm glad someone out there is offering a more middle of the road opinion, it's all about the application and what you personally need from the amp! Really like your content, chap!

[@AmadChima]

This is a great impression of Bradley Hall’s impression of KDH

[@GatoPaint]

ah yes Blackstar is like what Nickelback is to rock music, they receive hate just by doing what everyone else does 😂

[@ileutur6863]

If nickleback did what everyone does, they'd at least be listenable

[@88Nikoli]

If they were like Nickleback then they'd suck which is not the case , as they're good amps and Nickleback are absolute shit !!!! If everyone did the same thing as them , then I wouldn't listen to any music whatsoever !!!

[@lgv3051]

No man. Blackstar sounds good. Nickelback sounds bad.

[@caioxvr]

I'm also here to publicly reaffirm how bad Nickelback is.

[@MatthewFant]

What if everyone cared, and nobody cried. If everyone cares, and nobody lied. Most of my teen years were spent listening to nickel back. Love them. Don’t care.

[@ddbrock9675]

Honestly wasn't aware that people did hate Blackstar amps. I love my little HT1R

[@JamesWilson01]

Drop D shredding followed by riffage. You have my attention, sir!

[@JakeTerch]

It’s drop C, even more fun!

[@JamesWilson01]

@@JakeTerch Oh yeah, I forgot about the fan frets 😁🤘

[@epicmetalness]

i live on drop C#

[@HeathenwoodOfficial]

@@epicmetalness Black Sabbath sure do too at times

[@ciaransheridan9926]

Repping Thin Lizzy @ 3:45 I love it

[@HalfDeadGeezers]

Thin Lizzy. Yes. There is a band worse than Nickleback.

[@Daniel-dw9xt]

Are ya well

[@sunstrip_ave]

HOLY SMOKES it's not been a minute yet and my face is already melted!! Props, my man!

[@crazeyjoe]

Solid state OD pedals placed in front of a "all valve amp" then becomes a combined hybrid circuitry. I have been telling other guitarists this for years who preached as having "pure valve tone." Each guitarist responds in defense as I if am being illogical and unreasonable. At last, there is another voice of reason!

[@keithmitchellguitarlessons585]

I love Blackstar, I have 10 of them - I run 2 S1 50w in stereo. Amazing amps!

[@richard-ey6bn]

I only have one Blackstar HT 5 amp its great; pleasing to my ears clean and distorted .. An excellent amplifier, yes a positive,

[@Eddboy33]

Solid state amps are the secret to a great late 80s/90s extreme metal tone Everyone from Death to pantera and Acid Bath and Crowbar used solid state amps

[@JakeTerch]

Do you have a source on the Acid Bath amps? I’ve been DYING to figure out what was used on the records!

[@dervpool]

@@JakeTerch their guitarist recently did a video where he talked about his acid bath sound and he said it was a Boss Metalzone pushing an old Randall amp.

[@mack7235]

Even George Lynch and Def Leppard used solid states

[@BOBANDVEG]

@@JakeTerch randall and peavey

[@JakeTerch]

@@dervpool found that video, what an awesome channel seemingly run by Sammy so it seems the videos are safe from Rotten Records copyright claims. Thanks for the lead man!

[@christiangelin8361]

I get a Blackstar S1-45 for 10 years and I love it. It is very versatile, it can be used in many styles (for me heavy blues, southern rock, hard rock and classic heavy metal), and it delivers a wide range of sounds, with ISF, 4 channels and a good eq section. And the power reduction is great at home. The greatest is the 2×12 speakers. Just a headphones output is missing and I'd like a separate clean/crunch eq and a separate crunch/super crunch gain. But it's really a killer amp. Perhaps the only reason why some guys don't like it is that it doesn't have only one typical sound. It does a lot and does it well.

[@michaelmacinnis8421]

12AX7 preamps, and a rock solid state power output is a match made in heaven!

[@xXxblackendeyesxXx]

Played one in my local music shop. It was the best amp I've ever played on then and since. I didn't even know there was any hate for blackstar.

[@calumrife]

Same here! I played a 1st or 2nd gen 2x12 tube combo (don't remember which) also in my local shop, and was sold within a few minutes of playing it. I wanted one ever since, so I recently bought an ht20 mkII head almost 14 years later, and am in love with it.

[@glo2ube786]

personaly I refuse to buy an amp that refuses to supply a schematic. Its that simple. Go Google Blackstare amp and find a warranty place. I dare you to find a creditable repair tech that can repair on one beyond the obvious. Don't forget to Recycle!

[@stephenhanlin2388]

@@glo2ube786 🤔 Are they not worth the cost of repair in some cases?

[@jasonstallworth]

Dude, you have a new sub! And thank you for explaining all of this about amps!! I’ve played through the Blackstar Club HT 40 a few times and was really impressed. I believe that some people develop a cognitive bias based on what others (like KZbinrs) say, which drives their opinion.

[@curtvogue5720]

I used a Club HT 40 for years, nice amp. Upgraded to a Splawn Street Rod which sounds better but I've kept the HT 40 as a spare and will likely keep it.

[@smelltheglove2038]

To be fair, I dislike that guy “Fluff” more than I dislike black star amps. I mean the guy doesn’t even have the decency to appreciate the country he is from. What kind of privileged loser elitist hates his own country, especially one that people risk their own lives and lives of their own children just to get to?

[@josephbiron9103]

When you pulled the cover off that amp and explained the parts of a tube amp, you got my sub. Well done.

[@steveshalaby9131]

Me too. Dude knows his stuff.

[@superbroadcaster]

I owned a Blackstar for a month, one of the chunky club ones and I couldn't dial in a tone I liked to save my life. It sounded alright, but wasn't my tone. Found a Silvertone tube amp recently and I couldn't be happier. Get your tone and don't worry about branding.

[@Bleats_Sinodai]

Actually the discussion started with the HT1, which uses both a built-in overdrive for the gain channel, and transistors for the phase inverter, and actually claimed to be 100% tube. But, as an amp builder who uses a lotta silicon in my tube builds, I couldn't care less, as long as it sounds good.

[@corneliuscrewe677]

Honestly, I couldn’t care less what’s inside my little HT-1. I get a sound I dig out of it. Good enough for me.

[@jeramyfurr2494]

I had a ht-1

[@gammaphonic]

Overall, I like Blackstar amps. I’ve had an HT-5 since about 2008 I think. It’s a fantastic practice amp. The Artisan series are some of the best sounding amps I’ve ever played. If money wasn’t a problem, I’d buy and Artisan 30 in a heartbeat. I worked in a guitar shop for just over a decade, I used to sell HT-40s for fun. They’re the perfect amp for the gigging guitarist.

[@voodooch8ld55]

I got my hands on a Artisan 30 Head from a Musikstore. It sat there for years and they but it on sale several times, until I bought it for like 50% off. It’s the best thing ever, sounds amazing an buts the Marshall from our other guitarist to shame.

[@fallinghausen2707]

@@voodooch8ld55 Which Sounds are possible? Is it more like plexi-sound?

[@mattgilbert7347]

Artisans are handwired tho

[@genrlgadget]

I had an HT-5C for a couple of years and mostly loved it. It was the lifeless clean channel and the release of the Marshall Origin 20C that ultimately ended the love affair.

[@agnezabarutanski1963]

I own HT20 MkII Combo and I wouldn't change it for anything. It can handle blues, funk, modern distortion and any pedal. Absolutely loving it.

[@WillAlleymouth]

Blackstar is the Nickelback of amps. People hate it because everyone else hates it, but they are not quite sure why they hate it.

[@haeretean9012]

Word!! I'm one of the few death metallers who LOVE Nickelback!! Specially their love songs!!

[@alexmurphy5289]

I like nickelback...some of their early hits are great

[@soulfare333]

Nickelback sucks but black star is a good amp

[@WillAlleymouth]

@@soulfare333 why is that? Please enlighten me.

[@suburbanhomejustin]

@@WillAlleymouth They have one or two good albums early on, but everything else is ridden with horrible, and sometimes creepy lyrics, and they really like to overuse ideas (Dark Horse especially). I'd strongly recommend Rocked's two "Regretting the Past" videos he did on "Silver Side Up" (which is an album I agree has some okay stuff on it) and "All The Right Reasons". Cheers!

[@bipbipletucha]

I hate that the same people who refuse to have solid state components in their tube amps and yell at other people for having them are also paying ridiculous prices for vintage Tubescreamers.

[@DMSProduktions]

ALL valve amps contain 'solid state' components in them! WTF drugs are they on? Tone filter caps, coupling caps, resistors, chokes, rectifiers, switching diodes! These are ALL SS! They aren't 'valve' versions! Sheesh!

[@aliquidcow]

I have that same amp (Series One 200) and I really like it, but you are right that it is stupidly heavy. Not only does it weigh a ton, but the majority of the weight is on one end, which makes picking it up a real hassle. I had to get one of those hand truck things to get mine around.

[@castleanthrax1833]

Don't crap on Blackstar. I just got one delivered today and it sounds great. Just ask my neighbours.

[@danthegreaser71]

I have a Black Star HT5R 1x12 that I use at home for practice and I really think it’s a good sounding amp, I bought it mainly because it has a headphone Jack and I live in an apartment. I’ve had it about three years now and I’ve been able to dial in some pretty good tones with it and have had no trouble at all with it.

[@bdaquatics7584]

I feel the same way about EMG's. For YEARS people used them. They're on countless albums and I've even read major artists say in interviews not to try and record without them. Ever since fishmans came on the scene people have bashed EMG's. I use both. They both have their place in a mix. I see pickups the same way and artist sees a paint brush. It's just a tool. I don't get the hate. For anything. If a guy is shredding it should be celebrated

[@HearthVader]

I've got both and love em both. Fishmans are great, versatile, all that, but sometimes you just want 81 to go brrrrrrrrr 🤷‍♂️

[@bastianmaoro8278]

Fishman sounds good on ultra low tunings for the "tight" shit stuff , from E to B standard Fishman can sound "too tight" and the EMG smashes the Fishman like Khabib smashed Conor.

[@jessehutchings]

The only reasons I chose to stick with traditional pickups is because most of rock history was made without them and I hate buying batteries if I don't need to .. but I'm interested in trying them

[@jessehutchings]

I don't know who fishman is but I'm guessing he's like aquaman's derpy little brother

[@markpowers7823]

For what its worth, i bought the HT 20 mk2. I had purchased a new guitar, and while waiting for the store owner to write up bill of sale, my son plugged it into this amp. He played about 20 minutes, and fooled around with settings, sounds. From 30 foot away, this caught my attention and i really liked the way it sounded. Put it on layaway that day. I play for myself at home, and this amp for me is great. Love the distortion, clean, and the ISF switch really changes things. Like having 4 different amps. Ive had no problem at all with it. Buy what sounds good to you!

[@DominicAirola]

Was tempted to get one back when Gus G played them and I was impressionable.

[@JSustain]

Man, this was a really great and comprehensive opinion piece. Intelligence is such a wonderful thing to have.

[@sendtodevnull1269]

“If you put an overdrive in front of it, it’s the same thing.” Thank you. It’s a pretty simple concept.

[@donnysarian]

I use 2 Blackstar Series 1 heads both modded by my guitar tech with Mercury magnetic transformers and chokes and they are epically great. I use Genelex Gold Lion tubes. Tons of headroom and incredible sag, tone, clarity, definition and most importantly ... feel. I wouldn't trade or sell them for the world. I previously used two 100w Marshall Super Lead 1959 SLP heads but I've found through decades of playing many amps that Blackstar amps (the higher end models) are more consistent unlike Marshalls which are always hit or miss "Pot Luck".

[@Hywel1979]

literally the only thing that matters is "does it sound good?"

[@TriplicateTrey]

You have 28.6k subs, and 28k views So you have 100% viewership from your followers. That’s loyalty. I hope your numbers keep going up!

[@moogman5]

Because they're built like disposable toys (micro components vs standard or higher spec components) and they have a lot of fan boys who can't stop praising them

[@djay6651]

Blackstar is one of those pieces of equipment that of usually either/or. Either you hate 'em or you love 'em. I don't care how something is built, as long as it's built well and I like how it sounds.

[@B_Wolfen]

I got an HT1R and an HT5210 as I have my higher watt levels covered. They sound IMHO great with their tube aided technology, have nice features like the ISF (and quality speakers in the HT5210 !) , and a good sounding output to feed a DAW in the absence of an IR-cabsim. The HT5210 is, at it's 5W!!!, able to gig at club level. Good package overall. What I noted is that the gain level no big room for light crunch tones at the edge of break up, which the higher wattage amps may do better. But, come on, different horses for different courses. Blackstar is budget friendly, well made, others are as well. Make your choice with your ears, enjoy a good price point amp for an ok modern day life span, and Rock! Great balanced opinion vid, KDH.

[@var_guitar]

Disdaining solid state amps is a sign of a poor imagination. There have been lots of good fully solid state, non-digital amps released over the years.

[@a-nus]

Dimebag darrel made a pretty nice career on them too

[@var_guitar]

@@a-nus he certainly did!

[@wiziek]

Roland JC.

[@Powermad-bu4em]

George Lynch had a ton of solid state blended into his tone on the Dokken albums. I still consider his sound to be the benchmark of awesome.

[@chickenbites8877]

The SS Roland Blues cube sounds better than any valve amp I’ve heard

[@derrickmusedm]

7:45 was the perfect transition lol awesome tone bro!

[@ralphgarcia913]

As an American and New Yorker, we go by the word tubes. In a Honda Accord car engines, it contains 4 or 6 valves. So I think a lot of Americans mistakenly think it's related to solid state. I own Blackstar Fly 3 watt portable amp for traveling. However I love mid-delay sound. I also own Boss Kitana mini 7 watt portable amp. Both are good. I have a Marshall full stack but it's too heavy and have to take it outside on the lawn to play. It's too loud and it reverberates too loud against the wall. It's tube. Tube takes longer to warm up. My Favorite amp is the Acoustic lead series G120DSP amp. I love the Beatles Abbey Road George Harrison and Eric Clapton lead guitar sounds which I cam dial up almost instantly on it. On the Marshall I have to use a Keeley Abbey Chamber Verb pedal to get that Beatles and Clapton sound. Before I bought the Acoustic I think that the Blackstar takes tweaking on the knows to get the settings you want. Blackstar along with Boss the settings seem more complex. My guess is guitarists who complain about it are playing more than one genre. If you have to spend 10 seconds between the songs to adjust the settings it might be too much time. That's my comparison on it while I was buying my Acoustic amp. It's like seeing the girl and falling in love in first sight. You're going to be a little frustrated if you first blindly adjust it, strum a chord or pick a note and realize that's not quite the sound you want. The Acoustic lead series amp is like I can fall out of bed, plug in turn it on, touch one know, strum and that's the sound I want.

[@velascaux]

I don't hate what I don't own. The boys are back in Town...

[@trumpwatch9700]

I never thought people hated Blackstar. I love my Blackstar. This could be a largely directed cyber attack by a competitor paying some key people to influence. After all the tech's at Marshall left & took staff along from Marshall. I think someone might be paying online instigators and maybe even artists to smear the competitors. It's way more common online than you know. Regardless I plan to do a tube upgrade when these ones get older.

[@shanethomhamlet7873]

Great point. I've noticed a huge push on a much less expensive set of swords, I mean amps that get theese awsome reviews and actually sound great on most "paid" reviews. But while trying them in person I havnt found any that sound near close to the Utb.

[@juliusseizure324]

Has to be. Blackstar amps are badass.

[@BenState]

@@juliusseizure324 They're built like DVDs and have garbage components. Please update your knowledge.

[@richardshank9583]

Have you tried to work on one? They don't release schematics and techs that are willing to work on them due to that fact are few and far between and even then most of the time the repairs are so involved due to lack of diagrams that the only repair your typical guitar tech can do costs more than the amp is worth

[@lenbones7940]

Keep up the good work.. as you said sound is all subjective.. ive gotten crap for using a quilter ever since i got it... i sold my tube amp a month after becuz i found it had turned into something that sat there to look cool instead of being used and ive always felt that amps deserve to be played by those who enjoy them... if you dig blackstar then your opinion is vaild.. thats why music is such an awesome form of artistic expression... as artists we get to choose our tools and use them in a manner we see fit... key board blues lawyers seem to forget that hours spent playing usually with friends are a far better way to pass the time them simply criticizing others and brands... thats why teens with trash equipment in a garage always have more fun then a rich guy playing all top of the line alone in his home studio lol... and if i had to choose ill always choose hand me downs or what i can afford and playing with and in front of others to a hoard of expensive nonsense i could brag about :) keep up the good work buddy

[@Anthony-fr2ub]

I own a Marshall DSL40, but absolutely love my Blackstar HT-5, I play a american fender strat with Seymore Duncan Cool rails in the bridge and neck position, it's a realy good sounding amp. And their amps are much better priced, compaired to marshall, I am a marshal tube amp fan too, but this little amp, is just amazing, if you think it sucks, either your guitar, has got bad pickups, or you don't know what good tone is supposed to sound like.

[@terryosborne272]

Dimbag played solid state with Randall amps. His sound was just insane. RIP.

[@DMSProduktions]

Randall amps were bloody good, back in the 90s! Almost bought a hybrid 1 once myself.

[@terryosborne272]

@@DMSProduktions I have one myself from back then but it needs work again on it RD RG100 , Dimebag whammy, MXR 6band, MXR DD11 Dime Destortion, DR Dime strings and some other stuff. I want a Randell Satan that Ola had when he was with them but cant get one.

[@saltpeter7429]

I had a Boss Katana 50 for a while. Sold it out of necessity. I was very happy with it, in spite of it being SOLID STATE. If it sounds good, use it!

[@bernardfoshage9901]

Dimebag was a decent guitarist and shredder, but his tone was garbage.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@bernardfoshage9901 Subjective.

[@mfsoab]

It really doesn't matter what name is written on your gear, how (in-)expensive it is, or what's working inside of it, as long as it sounds/works the way you like it! Simple as that!

[@BenState]

fail. shit can sound amazing and cost a fortune when it fails. bad design can chew through tubes. please stop sprouting complete nonsense as though it is fact.

[@FennecFoxFurry]

That opening demo. Perfect fuzzy tone

[@joecaner]

Having just taken delivery of a Blackstar amp this week, the title of the video caught my attention. All I can say is that I can dial in some sweet tones without a lot of effort and it doesn't sound canned or contrived. It might not be your jam, but it works for me. YMMV

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

that's the thinnest Lizzy ever recorded.

[@Andrath]

I own a blackstar, and it's one of the most versatile amp heads I've got.