Why You Need the Blackstar ID:CORE V4 Stereo 40

[@darryldoesit966]

I just ordered this 40 watter yesterday....found this video today, and so glad I did. This really made me feel totally condident in my purchase !!! THIS is the BEST demo/review ive watched for the Blackstar ID:Core V4 amps...Leighs playing is spectacular !!! Most thorough details for operation too. THX Leigh for posting this video, YOU ROCK.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Thank you so much for the kind words, glad that you enjoyed the video. When your amp arrives let me know how you’re liking it! It’s a great amp. Packs a punch for such a small amp!

[@Steven_SK]

Thanks!

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Thank you Steven!! You're the man!! Appreciate the love as always my friend!

[@daniyalahmed97]

Just picked up the ID core 150. I must say, it sounds absolutely fantastic! I'm a big fan of old analogue gear, but you have to admit they can be a pain to maintain. This thing really rocks as a practice amp that is incredibly reliable but sounds BIG. It'll fill the room FOR SURE. Very impressed with the sounds coming out of an amp that I literally traded 1 pedal for.

[@AK-ej8ps]

A fantastic summary of what this amp can do. Helped a ton with my purchase decision!

[@dodgedandle8311]

I’ve been keeping an eye on this Amp, From what I’ve heard and seen I’m impressed, Great Demo 👍🏻⭐️ what do you think this or the Katana ?

[@uphillracer]

Could it be used in a practice room along with crashing drums and bass?

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

It’s probably not loud enough for that. If you had a quiet drummer then it could work but it’s definitely not an amp that could be used over band volume without a mic infront of it

[@uphillracer]

@@LeighFugeGuitar ok, thanks!

[@RolandN]

Do you think this could also be used with an acoustic guitar as can the Boss Katana 50?

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

It's not a dedicated acoustic amp, nor does it have an acoustic setting... BUT.. I think you could probably get some cool results on the clean channels with an acoustic.

[@jamescreswell9037]

Just what Leigh said. I also play e-acoustics. The ID:Core series have no acoustic labeled voice setting as the Katana does, but it sounds just fine on both Clean voicings, and you can finesse the clean voicings until satisfied then download to the amp as a patch if wanting to retain one as an instant recall selectable 'Acoustic' voicing. IME ordinarily you wont even want/need to do that if your e-acoustic has a configurable pre-amp permitting you to shape the output signal EQ prior to hitting the ID:Core's pre-amp. Even with a passive sound hole pickup such as a Fishman Neo of Seymour Duncan Woody, the ID:Core has sufficient EQ shaping for me. I have a dedicated Fender Acoustasonic acoustic amp, yet most of the time I don't even bother with it in my home studio just using my ID:Core. That said, If you don't play electric but only acoustic, I'd consider a dedicated acoustic amp from NUX, Fender, Fishman -if you have deep pockets, or now, perhaps the Blackstar Acoustic:Core 30?

[@alfianbanjaransari4096]

Do you find the in-app tone controls incl the presence and resonance powerful enough for tone shaping? Thanks​@@jamescreswell9037

[@carlob95]

For the price of a pedal...pretty amazing

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Yeah, you get a lot of great features for the money!

[@arnabchakraborty7188]

Does Fender Mustang LT25 has this feature like blackstar ,where I can plug the amp to my phone and use the camera app to record guitar audio and video at the same time?

[@zil0706]

Great demo! I have recently bought squier affinity (sss) and this amp. But the moment I increase the gain( at the level which you have kept) the amp starts humming and it’s annoying. I am trying to find out the reason. Is it normal? Or there could be a defect.

[@carlosenriquemorales187]

Hi Leigh, I have an ID:Core 40 V3 Amp that I bought in November of 2022 & I love it...! Kinda bummed that the V4 has a 1 Watt button & the USB C connector plus circuitry that makes it louder than the V3's. Excellent video Lee as always you explain every detail in your review, thanks for taking the time to make, edit & post this video.

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Thanks so much for checking the video out, glad you enjoyed it. The v3 is killer too. I have the 20w v3, did a video on it about 2 years ago, it’s been my favourite practice amp in all that time. The v4 has a few nice new features that make it a little more versatile but it’s not a million miles from the v3

[@carlosenriquemorales187]

@@LeighFugeGuitar Yes I agree, I still love my V3 & the changes made on the V4 are minimal actually so like you already said it is not leaps & bounds above the V3.

[@theblytonian3906]

I wouldn't be "bummed". Whilst Blackstar include minor upgrades in each ID:CORE revision, whilst not to be dismissive of the features I think the V4 upgrades seem more NEW and IMPROVED marketing than actual serious substance. And to be fair, it's difficult to improve much upon excellence in the first place. USB C. Inevitable, and I well understand welcomed by many newbs, but makes no difference to me or many extant Blackstar users as I'm already set up with the USB Mini Blackstar have used across their ranges since forever. The 1W switch seems a bit gimmicky in a small practice amp like the ID:CORE to me. Rotating the volume switch and twiddling a couple of knobs can't be really all that hard can it? I've noticed since buying my V1 that the default voice patches in each new iteration seem to get darker and more gain, mids & metal focussed. Perceived prime new customer demographic targeted? V3 was really more of an upgrade over its predecessors with its accompanying 64bit Architect software and new DSP to take advantage of the features of the software than this IMO. I have a V1 & V3 in 40W flavour for basis of comparison BTW. An aside, I actually prefer the default voicings of the (original V1). Of course, all can be patched to preference. Very sceptical about the V4 new increased loudness claim. Presence/resonance lows and mids juggling config gimmick? Or? I'll wait until I get the chance to play with one in the flesh before casting my inarguably cynical perspective on the 'feature' in stone. It must be said all ID:CORES are superb practice amps& represent outstanding value. If a noob buying now, I'd probably pick up a V3 on runout pricing saving a motza over the V4 with which I could buy the ID:CORE's FS-11 footswitch and quality TS and TRRS cables with the $$$ difference (in my country). Far more utility to be gained from the footswitch than the USB C or 1W switch IMV. I own the FS-11 BTW. Didn't for years, but since buying it, I think of it as a must have for the ID:CORE which adds pragmatic utility one will use every day once out of the beginner ab initio amp stage. If I didn't already have an ID:CORE I'd have to buy one though. V1, 2, 3 or 4, best everyday practice amp for my purposes. Love them.👍👍

[@carlosenriquemorales187]

@@theblytonian3906 Hey, I couldn't agree more with you that these are great Amps for the money. I still love my ID:Core 40 V3, the minor changes that Blackstar came out with for the V4 are nice but they don't make me want to sell my V3 in order to get a V4. Like you said we have a great Practice Amps, so I will continue Rocking & Playing the Blues with my two Electric Guitars & my Blackstar ID:Core 40, Cheers.!👍👍

[@mr8ty8]

ID v3 is plenty loud. A dedicated USB cable solves the other issue. I would keep the v3.

[@Pailakordor]

Is it loud enough to play in a band practices??

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Probably not, it’s quite loud but if you have a loud drummer this amp might struggle

[@KennethCrickmore-sl8jl]

I bbought a used ID Core stereo 40 a few years ago. I don't really need the newer features since i just play at home and dont stream of anything like that I can go stealth with a good pair of headphones or total all out gonzo by plugging into the CD input from the headfnone jack with a 1/8" stereo jack at the amp to twin RCA'a into the surround receiver for a full deep bass from the subwoofer and the clear full range from the rest of the surround speakers. or soon as they are built a pair of tower cabs that will most likely be 4X10" with small amp boards for even more power. using a single to twin stereo 1'8 in jacks from amp to cabs. I like it loud and proud. I am a child of the 60's ans 70's. more louder is more better... LOL Wanna Play?? the custom Strat I built has 3 quad rail/coil humbuckers wired like a 50's Les Paul with coil splitting and the bridge tone also a P/P to activate the bridge and neck P/Ups together regardless of any other controls. and yes that measn 3 humbuckers,3 volume and 3 tone pots sporting chrome knobs and a chrome switch tip on the Fender 5-way blade selector switch. i used .047 oranfe drop tone caps and very light gage wires in the citcuit to save room in the already cramped control cavity. and as the P/ups only make a very small outpur current in the Millivolts. why do we need larger wire anyway. the traditional 18-22 gage was just what they had available back when they started building solid body guitsrs the wood was what they could easily get as with all the otyher "traditional parts and hardware they used back then. so I updated it all and added a lot besides. I designed it to my liking with all the grar i wanted and the way i wanted it to end up. total upgraded and custom paint and a Brushed Stainless steel pick guard for shiny and cool looking on the black and dark blue based stars ans planets paint job. naming it the "Stellarcaster" .. Wanna Play??

[@MasWardoyo23]

Nice the sound❤

[@Mahdi_ddA]

I have a Phone wallpaper with you play guitar really leigh you are my guitar hero ⭐🌟🌞🎸🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌞🌟You are an my inspiration

[@outermarker5801]

Great overview, thanks! Got my eye on this line as I'm looking for a modern combo. I'm hearing yet another ID Core is coming soon to include bluetooth, a feature I find most useful from experience with the new Boss Katana GO headphone amp. I hope Boss also upgrades their MK series with USB-C and Bluetooth. Can't bring myself to buy 'old tech' after getting their newest.

[@Mahdi_ddA]

I love songs like dylan liar liar feat bastille i hope this 2024 my dreams it comes true to play guitar with there 😊😊😊🎸🌞🌟⭐⭐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎸🌞🌟🌞🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Mahdi_ddA]

I love songs like back to your heart delta goodrem 🎸🎸⭐🌟🌟⭐⭐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😊😊🎸⭐🌞🌞🎸🎸🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😊😊I hope this 2024 my dreams it comes true to play guitar with her its my dream 😊😊i love uk And england really

[@brentfordsandy6271]

One mic doesn't cut it

[@crappyfellow]

What does the footswitch control?

[@jamescreswell9037]

Blackstar's FS-11 is purpose designed for the ID:Core series amps (all V revisions) the 10W excluded. It's a proprietary 'smart' footswitch. It has two programmable pre-selectable modes. !. Toggle up OR down sequentially through all six default or patched voicings; or 2. Toggle between any two pre-selected voicings AND toggle effects on or off for those voicings. I use mine predominantly in the second mode. Once out of the beginner player stage or if an intermediate player, this very reasonably priced footswitch is a must have/invaluable accessory if you have an ID:Core 20W or 40W amp.

[@crappyfellow]

@@jamescreswell9037 Thanks.

[@mannyfragoza9652]

i think the amp could be a big amp killer if they put in 8-inch or larger speakers

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

A 1x12 version of this amp would be cool, something in the 30-50w range!

[@mannyfragoza9652]

@@LeighFugeGuitar totally agree

[@Neshek023]

It is really 2x20 w. Not 40w

[@Mahdi_ddA]

Hi leigh im a guitarist i love this new amp its amazing really 😊😊😊i love uk And england 🌟🌞🌞⭐🎸🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🌞🌞⭐🎸🎸🎸⭐🌞🌞🌞🌟🌟🎸🎸🎸🎸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎸⭐🌞🌟🌞🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿My name is mahdi and im 22 years old and i love Your channel its amazing really i love songs like tate mcrae greedy i love uk And england 😊😊😊😊My name is mahdi and im 22 years old i hope this 2024 my dreams it comes true to play guitar with tate mcrae on tour its my dream 😊😊🌟🌟🌟🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎸🎸🎸

[@BillyBlaze7]

and good luck getting one from musicians friend lol

[@LeighFugeGuitar]

Do they not stock them?

[@BillyBlaze7]

@@LeighFugeGuitar lol well they say they have them but when you order one you find out they dont really

[@TheCSteve]

Dont buy it .. I have one here and its defect more times in a row on different things .. I called blackstar and they gave me T Shirt because they didnt have any parts .. GG .. Thanks for stealing my money ! I buyed a good one instead and learned a lot ..

[@kingthunder2801]

I had a 40 and a 100, never had any trouble. I just moved on to the HT1 and HT20.

[@TheCSteve]

@@kingthunder2801 Maybe i had a monday morning Amp .. Could be .. But i fixed the amp by my self so it works again because isaw those video's .. I put the new power suplly in the amp with a new power swich. and then i solder a new USB on the amp and it works .. Good thing is that i have now a Britisch power suplyy with the same specs as the original and i build it in the amp with a nice tube for the cable, now you dont have any power suply somewhere outside the amp. The support of blackstar was just not good and that is why i let in stand broke .. You can read it on thier own forums that i am not only one ..

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

Mine works fine, that said the reality is that this is the most awful thing I’ve ever experienced 👎🏽

[@TomClarkSouthLondon]

*BIGGEST PILE OF CRAP! I EVER WASTED MY MONEY ON.* 😢👎🏽💩

[@TheCSteve]

Marshall and Soldano are still better, but for a good budget amp you can check out the Bugera V22 Infinium. My friend has buyed one recent and it has a nice warm sound and full sound .. Maybe not many sounds like a katana amp but the sound it self is really nice. I have the katana Artist MK1 100 and maybe you can get it second hand. It has the waza speaker and sounds better then the cheaper katana .. And if you want to stay on Blackstar then only the HT versions are ok

[@zil0706]

Great demo! I have recently bought squier affinity (sss) and this amp. But the moment I increase the gain( at the level which you have kept) the amp starts humming and it’s annoying. I am trying to find out the reason. Is it normal? Or there could be a defect.