Hi Gilbert - Many thanks... If you have time, do check-out the rest of my journey on my channel play-list, I'm sure you will find video programmes of interest. As someone who has been making corporate and broadcast video/film productions for a living for decades I like to try and be as helpful as I can when reviewing equipment I've been checking out. Don't hesitate to share your own experiences... regards: Stu
Where this pedal really pays off is setting up a tone with a humbucker and then switching to a single coil - just engage the Spark set to the difference in output and now the single coil hits the front of the amp/chain at the exact same level as the humbucker, no more adjusting specific gain settings for each pickup. Perfect for coil split experimentation. And yeah other manufacturers make the same thing, but nobody else does it in the mini format for $60, cheers to TC Electronics for a great pedal and Stu for a great vid 🤘🎸
Thanks for that Socalwill9876... I had not thought about that... I do have that balance issue, just a little with my HSS Stratocaster but thinking about the split coli arrangement on my PRS McCarty, I must try that out. At present, my playing is in a recording environment where I have total control over what I'm doing but I would certainly look at that if playing with others live. Thanks again for the comment... Regards: Stu
Happy New Year Amin... many thanks again and regarding my holiday break... it was nice and quiet and I slept a lot... I got a chance to catch up with friends and I think I will be playing with a big model railway today we have in one of our offices, with a grandchild. We built the railway for a TV series - that was fun to do... little boys never really grow up Amin... ;-) What did you get up to? Regards: Stu
Thanks Stu. Great review, and helpful for me as I have the same amp! (And I’m also Scottish ;)) I’d struggled to boost during solos and have since found this pedal to be a great solution. I’d looked at using the amp foot switch to switch from clean to dirty channel but just wasn’t right. Curious to hear what you think about that, whether you use that channel at all and/or the optional foot switch?
@@sfmalone Greetings fellow Scotsman - are you still in Scotland? Good to hear that the review was helpful, I have featured this amplifier on a few video’s such as - ua-cam.com/video/hgXKNtEr0wM/v-deo.html - It’s a nice little amplifier and while I’ve sold off ones a lot more expensive, this little Blackstar is a wee Gem! However, it does have it’s short-comings and the distortion boost using the foot pedal is for me, one of them. (I touch on that in the link video above) I only use this amplifier for practising or demonstrating certain products as it’s a relativity affordable ‘Valve Hybrid’ type of amplifier but it’s not something I would use in a live performance (not that it's not capable). If I did, I would use a combination of my Boost and Tube-Screamer to help manage the volume changes on the type of guitars I use. Some folks simply roll-back the guitar volume which is fine if you're happy doing that. In regard to using the distortion channel button - I personally don’t like it and the louder you set the amplifier, to my ears, it just gets to muddy and fizzy - I prefer to use a Tube-Screamer along with the Boost to push distortion if needed, I can get more control over volume settings that way. I have 2 preferred amplifiers in the studio, both of which can be used for live work also. That’s the Bad Cat Black Cat for clean and crunch - ua-cam.com/video/sF_IjK0kmto/v-deo.html - and the Marshall SV20H for overdrive - ua-cam.com/video/rXmYNLipKMA/v-deo.html - Although I use an Attenuator to keep the Marshall's volume at reasonable levels - ua-cam.com/video/l_0WMdl6CnQ/v-deo.html I do realise, these come at a price, but it’s where my guitar journey took me after a couple of years trying to find the tones I was after. I have done various videos on overdrive pedals you might find useful as I tried to get more out of the little Blackstar during my 'Tone' journey… Tube-Screamer - ua-cam.com/video/fkGna4YmpkY/v-deo.html Timmy Overdrive - ua-cam.com/video/_2dqrYIsDdQ/v-deo.html Nobels ODR - ua-cam.com/video/-rw9k_L5-WI/v-deo.html Hope that helps… do chip-in with any comments and would be good to hear what you are doing yourself… regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel thanks for your helpful reply and links to your other videos which I I've already started to have a look through. Interesting to see your comparison between the Studio 6L6 and tweed Blues Jr, as that is my other amp! I love both, and have played through both live (using the emulated out of the 6L6). I prefer to use the Blackstar 'on the road' as it's easier than micing up, and I'm less worried about potential damage to the valves (which happened to my Blues Jr.). That said, I had some basic modifications done to the Fender and to my ear it now edges slightly over the Blackstar in terms of overall tone. I'm a big fan of Blackstar though having owned a number of their amps (I still have my HT-1 which IMHO is a fantastic little and surprisingly loud amp!) Still in Scotland, in Dunbar. Involved in putting together an annual music festival here - a great weekend of live music in 'Sunny Dunny' if you are in the area! Please excuse the plug! www.dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk/
@@sfmalone Hi Steve - As I was replying your message disappeared, might be because you put a web address on it? Anyhow... hope you get this. I had a look at the website, great to see such a passionate group of folks putting together a music festival which must be quite a highlight for the community. While I have just a small channel, I will certainly give it a couple of mentions. If time permits I must see if I can take a trip over, it would be good to see what your doing… it’s been a while since I was in sunny Dunny… ;-) so many thanks for the heads-up. Ah… yes, using the emulated out (I forgot about that) on the wee Blackstar. I did read somewhere that someone else using the BS6L6 direct out into a PA had issues with floor noise when the amp was cranked too high. I did consider some of the bigger Blackstar stuff but returned to an old flame - the recent Marshall 20 watt studio head offerings. As for the little Fender Blues… you’ve got to love them, they look just so nice… it just wasn't right for me, I really wanted to keep it, but along with my Fender Twin Reverb Tone Master (fabulous reverb and dynamic tone) I traded them in for the Bad Cat. I do remember the days (70s) when we carried various valves and spares for our Marshall’s and replacement modules for the PA power amplifiers - and today you can plug-in a multi-effects simulator and ear monitors and away you go… nice and easy… but somehow it just doesn't seem the same not having a wall of cabinets behind you and your ears bleeding from the volume… ;-) and I am constantly reminded of such folly now being as deaf as a door post… ;-( Best regards: Stu
The tc spark is a great boost. My favorite is the ep boost. I actually got to play an echoplex one tone and the preamp was so amazing I know why people love them
Hi Allen.. The ep boost was going to be my other choice but since I was already familiar with TC gear I went for that. I've never tried an Echoplex, now you have me curious... regards: Stu
Thank you for watching! If you benefit from what you see and hear, please give a ‘Thumbs Up’, ‘Subscribe’ & ‘Hit the Bell for Notifications’ it all helps the channel algorithms. Much appreciated! Do check-out my channel playlists… - Q&As Answering topical questions - Stu's Guitar Recording Journey - Unboxing Music Equipment Videos - Stu's Guitar Journey! (12 part Video Series) - Guitar Backing Tracks - Blues, Ballads and Cinematic - Stu's Guitar Channel short Trailer *Brought to you by Stu’s Guitar Channel - Enjoy Playing Guitar.
I gave mine away. Take that Boss GE-7 you have in the closet and use it. Tweak some of the frequencies to taste. Now you’re using the most powerful pedal there is. The MXR eq pedal will work too.
Thanks for chipping in... do you want to say why you decided the Spark Boost was not working out for you? Since I went onto purchase a Bad Cat Black Cat Combo, which has very nice edge of break-up tones, I find the TC Boost gives just a nice push to that crunchy tone where needed. Specifically using a Strat or Tele... Regards: Stu
Hi Mazukakai - You use this on an acoustic...? Have I got that right? I've never considered it being used this way... so, how do you use this and are you playing a specific style of music? Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel When I loop a guitar figure, I need to boost above it. Plus I use it when I fingerpick, to stay close to unity gain. Just playing good old tunes👍🏻
@@StuGuitarChannel Can't play a Hiwatt every day! But since I've JUST gotten back (after 7 hours on the road) with my refurbished 1981 Les Paul Deluxe and my refretted Guild Starfire V, the Hiwatt is warming up as I type! Love you're channel 🤘🏻
@@mazukakai Hi - Now there’s an amplifier - I always fancied one when I was starting out but never could afford it. I bet your LP sounds great through that. This Friday I will be reviewing an attenuator I had to get a hold off as I bring a Marshall head back into the studio… You just can’t beat these old valve amps. Speaking of fabulous valve amps, you might be interested in my review on the Bad Cat Black Cat - really beautiful edge of break up tones ( ua-cam.com/video/sF_IjK0kmto/v-deo.html ). Thank you for the kind comment, good to hear you are enjoying the channel. Don’t be shy and chip in anytime… regards: Stu
Thank you for this professional video explanation. You have a new subscriber looking forward to you new videos. Thank you.
Hi Gilbert - Many thanks... If you have time, do check-out the rest of my journey on my channel play-list, I'm sure you will find video programmes of interest. As someone who has been making corporate and broadcast video/film productions for a living for decades I like to try and be as helpful as I can when reviewing equipment I've been checking out. Don't hesitate to share your own experiences... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel Thank you Sir i will pleasure to met you and thank you for reply. Thank you Sir.
Where this pedal really pays off is setting up a tone with a humbucker and then switching to a single coil - just engage the Spark set to the difference in output and now the single coil hits the front of the amp/chain at the exact same level as the humbucker, no more adjusting specific gain settings for each pickup. Perfect for coil split experimentation. And yeah other manufacturers make the same thing, but nobody else does it in the mini format for $60, cheers to TC Electronics for a great pedal and Stu for a great vid 🤘🎸
Thanks for that Socalwill9876... I had not thought about that... I do have that balance issue, just a little with my HSS Stratocaster but thinking about the split coli arrangement on my PRS McCarty, I must try that out. At present, my playing is in a recording environment where I have total control over what I'm doing but I would certainly look at that if playing with others live. Thanks again for the comment... Regards: Stu
What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend stu also how was your holiday season ❤😊
Happy New Year Amin... many thanks again and regarding my holiday break... it was nice and quiet and I slept a lot... I got a chance to catch up with friends and I think I will be playing with a big model railway today we have in one of our offices, with a grandchild. We built the railway for a TV series - that was fun to do... little boys never really grow up Amin... ;-) What did you get up to? Regards: Stu
Thanks Stu. Great review, and helpful for me as I have the same amp! (And I’m also Scottish ;)) I’d struggled to boost during solos and have since found this pedal to be a great solution. I’d looked at using the amp foot switch to switch from clean to dirty channel but just wasn’t right. Curious to hear what you think about that, whether you use that channel at all and/or the optional foot switch?
@@sfmalone Greetings fellow Scotsman - are you still in Scotland? Good to hear that the review was helpful, I have featured this amplifier on a few video’s such as - ua-cam.com/video/hgXKNtEr0wM/v-deo.html - It’s a nice little amplifier and while I’ve sold off ones a lot more expensive, this little Blackstar is a wee Gem! However, it does have it’s short-comings and the distortion boost using the foot pedal is for me, one of them. (I touch on that in the link video above)
I only use this amplifier for practising or demonstrating certain products as it’s a relativity affordable ‘Valve Hybrid’ type of amplifier but it’s not something I would use in a live performance (not that it's not capable). If I did, I would use a combination of my Boost and Tube-Screamer to help manage the volume changes on the type of guitars I use. Some folks simply roll-back the guitar volume which is fine if you're happy doing that. In regard to using the distortion channel button - I personally don’t like it and the louder you set the amplifier, to my ears, it just gets to muddy and fizzy - I prefer to use a Tube-Screamer along with the Boost to push distortion if needed, I can get more control over volume settings that way.
I have 2 preferred amplifiers in the studio, both of which can be used for live work also. That’s the Bad Cat Black Cat for clean and crunch - ua-cam.com/video/sF_IjK0kmto/v-deo.html - and the Marshall SV20H for overdrive - ua-cam.com/video/rXmYNLipKMA/v-deo.html - Although I use an Attenuator to keep the Marshall's volume at reasonable levels - ua-cam.com/video/l_0WMdl6CnQ/v-deo.html
I do realise, these come at a price, but it’s where my guitar journey took me after a couple of years trying to find the tones I was after.
I have done various videos on overdrive pedals you might find useful as I tried to get more out of the little Blackstar during my 'Tone' journey…
Tube-Screamer - ua-cam.com/video/fkGna4YmpkY/v-deo.html
Timmy Overdrive - ua-cam.com/video/_2dqrYIsDdQ/v-deo.html
Nobels ODR - ua-cam.com/video/-rw9k_L5-WI/v-deo.html
Hope that helps… do chip-in with any comments and would be good to hear what you are doing yourself… regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel thanks for your helpful reply and links to your other videos which I I've already started to have a look through.
Interesting to see your comparison between the Studio 6L6 and tweed Blues Jr, as that is my other amp! I love both, and have played through both live (using the emulated out of the 6L6). I prefer to use the Blackstar 'on the road' as it's easier than micing up, and I'm less worried about potential damage to the valves (which happened to my Blues Jr.). That said, I had some basic modifications done to the Fender and to my ear it now edges slightly over the Blackstar in terms of overall tone. I'm a big fan of Blackstar though having owned a number of their amps (I still have my HT-1 which IMHO is a fantastic little and surprisingly loud amp!)
Still in Scotland, in Dunbar. Involved in putting together an annual music festival here - a great weekend of live music in 'Sunny Dunny' if you are in the area! Please excuse the plug! www.dunbarmusicfestival.co.uk/
@@sfmalone Hi Steve - As I was replying your message disappeared, might be because you put a web address on it? Anyhow... hope you get this.
I had a look at the website, great to see such a passionate group of folks putting together a music festival which must be quite a highlight for the community. While I have just a small channel, I will certainly give it a couple of mentions. If time permits I must see if I can take a trip over, it would be good to see what your doing… it’s been a while since I was in sunny Dunny… ;-) so many thanks for the heads-up.
Ah… yes, using the emulated out (I forgot about that) on the wee Blackstar. I did read somewhere that someone else using the BS6L6 direct out into a PA had issues with floor noise when the amp was cranked too high. I did consider some of the bigger Blackstar stuff but returned to an old flame - the recent Marshall 20 watt studio head offerings. As for the little Fender Blues… you’ve got to love them, they look just so nice… it just wasn't right for me, I really wanted to keep it, but along with my Fender Twin Reverb Tone Master (fabulous reverb and dynamic tone) I traded them in for the Bad Cat.
I do remember the days (70s) when we carried various valves and spares for our Marshall’s and replacement modules for the PA power amplifiers - and today you can plug-in a multi-effects simulator and ear monitors and away you go… nice and easy… but somehow it just doesn't seem the same not having a wall of cabinets behind you and your ears bleeding from the volume… ;-) and I am constantly reminded of such folly now being as deaf as a door post… ;-(
Best regards: Stu
The tc spark is a great boost. My favorite is the ep boost. I actually got to play an echoplex one tone and the preamp was so amazing I know why people love them
Hi Allen.. The ep boost was going to be my other choice but since I was already familiar with TC gear I went for that. I've never tried an Echoplex, now you have me curious... regards: Stu
Thank you for watching! If you benefit from what you see and hear, please give a ‘Thumbs Up’, ‘Subscribe’ & ‘Hit the Bell for Notifications’ it all helps the channel algorithms. Much appreciated! Do check-out my channel playlists…
- Q&As Answering topical questions
- Stu's Guitar Recording Journey
- Unboxing Music Equipment Videos
- Stu's Guitar Journey! (12 part Video Series)
- Guitar Backing Tracks - Blues, Ballads and Cinematic
- Stu's Guitar Channel short Trailer
*Brought to you by Stu’s Guitar Channel - Enjoy Playing Guitar.
I gave mine away. Take that Boss GE-7 you have in the closet and use it. Tweak some of the frequencies to taste. Now you’re using the most powerful pedal there is. The MXR eq pedal will work too.
Thanks for chipping in... do you want to say why you decided the Spark Boost was not working out for you? Since I went onto purchase a Bad Cat Black Cat Combo, which has very nice edge of break-up tones, I find the TC Boost gives just a nice push to that crunchy tone where needed. Specifically using a Strat or Tele... Regards: Stu
I use the spark mini for acoustic gigs, but I can't go past 9 o'clock without needing a feedback buster. Otherwise, it does great👍🏻
Hi Mazukakai - You use this on an acoustic...? Have I got that right? I've never considered it being used this way... so, how do you use this and are you playing a specific style of music? Regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel
When I loop a guitar figure, I need to boost above it. Plus I use it when I fingerpick, to stay close to unity gain. Just playing good old tunes👍🏻
@@mazukakai ah... I see... thanks for that... regards: Stu
@@StuGuitarChannel
Can't play a Hiwatt every day! But since I've JUST gotten back (after 7 hours on the road) with my refurbished 1981 Les Paul Deluxe and my refretted Guild Starfire V, the Hiwatt is warming up as I type! Love you're channel 🤘🏻
@@mazukakai Hi - Now there’s an amplifier - I always fancied one when I was starting out but never could afford it. I bet your LP sounds great through that. This Friday I will be reviewing an attenuator I had to get a hold off as I bring a Marshall head back into the studio… You just can’t beat these old valve amps. Speaking of fabulous valve amps, you might be interested in my review on the Bad Cat Black Cat - really beautiful edge of break up tones ( ua-cam.com/video/sF_IjK0kmto/v-deo.html ). Thank you for the kind comment, good to hear you are enjoying the channel. Don’t be shy and chip in anytime… regards: Stu