Blackstar Club 40 MKIII Review - The Ultimate Versatile Tube Combo Amplifier!

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  • Опубліковано 10 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 115

  • @intheblues
    @intheblues  8 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for watching and for all the great comments so far! If you'd like to check this amp out you can by using these affiliate links! Thanks for your support.
    🛒 Sweetwater - sweetwater.sjv.io/WqrPY3
    🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3Veme4q
    🛒 Sky Music - bit.ly/48Lz9hF

  • @marions.120
    @marions.120 8 місяців тому +4

    I traveled with Marshall and hand wired Orange, kept blowing tubes and switched to a Blackstar Silverline. Never used a solid state amp before and It took a while, but I finally got it dialed in. So far so good!
    P.S. running it through a Marshall 4 X 12.

  • @MrBostechman
    @MrBostechman 8 місяців тому +1

    Had the MK1 20 watt and Mk2 40. Excellent amps. This series is by far the most versatile on the market. Takes pedals very well. There’s not much it can’t do. Perfect studio amp.

  • @pinkiewerewolf
    @pinkiewerewolf 8 місяців тому +5

    Blackstar is just killing it these days!
    The St James, now this, great stuff.

  • @DMSProduktions
    @DMSProduktions 8 місяців тому +6

    We used to sell the prev versions of this in my shop. Seriously good amp for the $! LOUD, & great clean channel with a bit of reverb!
    Rockin'! \m/

  • @jmeakin4
    @jmeakin4 8 місяців тому +4

    If 40W is too much for your needs (or 20W), keep in mind Blackstar's HT-5R MkII. Stellar tube tone at neighborly volume.

    • @nedim_guitar
      @nedim_guitar 8 місяців тому +1

      I've had one. I found it very dull and boring. It's too small and you don't get the low end and you don't feel the air being pushed in the room. I just felt no inspiration or fun or anything when I was playing it. Loud is more good, as JHS says, but it doesn't have to be ridiculous. The Blackstar Artist 15 is really good, loud for a 15 W and packs a great punch!

    • @KM-302
      @KM-302 7 місяців тому +1

      @@nedim_guitar Totally agree on the Artist 15

    • @BladeDoomer86
      @BladeDoomer86 Місяць тому

      Don't forget this one has a 4W mode!

  • @leoolivero963
    @leoolivero963 8 місяців тому +1

    Great review.
    I have the St. James 6L6; awesome amp for the $. Now, my understanding is that this Club 40 MK3 amp is identical to the MK2 version, but with cosmetic upgrades. I test drove the MK2 a year ago and was immediately hooked. Been eyeing it out ever since... this new version definitely looks better. If I didn't already have the St. James and a DSL40CR, I'd be jumping on this MK3.

  • @Neridog
    @Neridog 8 місяців тому +1

    Great video and great playing as always! I just got this amp myself and I love it. The clean sounds amazing and the voice options are great for mixing it up. The gain is crazy versatile. I myself barely put the gain past 9 o' clock and I get what I need. The features are amazing too. All that and it's LOUD. And price-wise it's pretty great too. 😎

  • @CZPavel-c1p
    @CZPavel-c1p 8 місяців тому +1

    This combo looks and sounds very good, the brand is quality. I have a 40 W modeling combo from her, I am satisfied with it. Very nice video, thank you. Greetings Pavel CZ.👍👍👍

  • @kmickp1166
    @kmickp1166 8 місяців тому

    I’ve had the mark 1 HT40 for 10 years and with this new model they have addressed the minor complaints I have, mainly relating the clean channel eg adding eq rather than just a tone knob. The dirty channel is fantastic and I dont need to use a pedal to get a great solo tone, similar to my Mesa Boogie where the solo tone is solely from the amp, also it’s really easy to dial in. I play mostly rock so this amp is perfect for me and at a price point which is hard to beat when you see the features that are included. I guess the only issue for some with be getting over brand bias, which I understand, but I have or have had Fender, Marshall, Vox,Boogie etc and Blackstar compares well!

  • @PXR5-PXR5
    @PXR5-PXR5 8 місяців тому +3

    Damm nice solo n tune Shane
    👍
    Amp sound really good.
    Thanx for the vid.

  • @DamianS1893
    @DamianS1893 6 місяців тому

    Shane, You and Pete Thorn have the best reviews of this Combo Amp... Greatly appreciate your Channel. Cheers from Florida ✝️👍🤙✌️

  • @michaelfessenden8601
    @michaelfessenden8601 8 місяців тому +2

    HT 1w and HT 5w are great for lower gains and like to see St. James.

  • @jplew138
    @jplew138 8 місяців тому +1

    I have their Silverline Special 50-watt.
    Now i want this 😊

  • @thejoshbtv
    @thejoshbtv 8 місяців тому +5

    The ISF feature is Blackstars biggest claim to fame. I'm surprised more companies don't do something similar.

  • @pyroman6000
    @pyroman6000 8 місяців тому +3

    Me likey that clean channel!!!!!! Quite versatile, and a really gorgeous sound. Having the voicing switch reminds me a bit of my Fender Bassbreaker 15- which has that switch for low/medium/high gain. Or the old Supersonic 60, where you could choose between the Bassman voicing or a Blackface voicing on it's clean channel. (and 2 gain controls on the Burn channel, so you could customize the dirty sound)
    Having Fendery AND Voxy cleans in one amp is a hell of a combo.
    Shane, You and Johan Segeborn have given me more terminal GAS... Thanks a lot, pal!

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 8 місяців тому +1

      Ok, let's go! \m/

    • @jplew138
      @jplew138 8 місяців тому

      Let's GO! 😁😁

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 8 місяців тому +1

      @@jplew138 Alright!

    • @jplew138
      @jplew138 8 місяців тому +1

      @@DMSProduktions 🤣🤣🤣

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 8 місяців тому +1

      @@jplew138 'Too dey I'm goink to pley...'

  • @jimmcdougall9973
    @jimmcdougall9973 8 місяців тому

    I have the original Club 40 and nothing comes close to it for value of money and versatility in a tube amp. It gives me exactly what I want in a tube amp and takes pedals very well. They’re not trying to be a Marshall, Fender or Vox. They’re all of them plus more.
    Nice review.

    • @TheSavagederek
      @TheSavagederek 8 місяців тому +1

      Except when they break down . There is literally nothing worth fixing inside them . They are cheaply built , hence why you can get a valve amp at such low cost .

    • @jimmcdougall9973
      @jimmcdougall9973 8 місяців тому +1

      @@TheSavagederek Mine is about ten years old and keeps giving. Price wise, was no different to other tube amps in its class. They are definitely not built cheaply. Any tube amp will give issues eventually. That’s why I own a Kemper.

  • @MrMoneyHelper
    @MrMoneyHelper 8 місяців тому +1

    Sounds like a solid state amp with a pedal on the overdrive channel. The clean channel sounds good, but still not so much like a tube amp. There is no sag or pump as the pick strikes the strings. The notes mostly don't bloom. It sounds like a good $200 solid state amp.
    I own the Stereo 10 ID Core V2. I like it for what it is, but it will never sound like a great tube amp. Mostly it is great as a stereo computer speaker.

    • @chrisgmurray3622
      @chrisgmurray3622 8 місяців тому +1

      Yeah... I agree. It's the actual sound that disappoints me.. sort of dry boxy.

  • @marcbolan1818
    @marcbolan1818 8 місяців тому +1

    Have an older HT Studio 20 and it is as loud as I need for gigs and studio. I don't even use my ACO30 or Marshall 50W anymore.

  • @phishfan
    @phishfan 8 місяців тому

    I'd love to see a review of the St. James combo, the lower-gain El34 blonde version.

  • @jamalabdul2009
    @jamalabdul2009 8 місяців тому +8

    I don’t get why Blackstar Amps aren’t more popular! This amp literally has everything you need to record or play live AND it’s a tube amp!! All this for $1k US🤯🤯

    • @stringlocker
      @stringlocker 8 місяців тому +3

      I had one. They're getting better. They lean too hard on the diode clipping. For the price they are a good deal.

    • @chrisgmurray3622
      @chrisgmurray3622 8 місяців тому

      Each to their own! I must admit that the two or three BlackStar amps I've tried, didn't sound any good to me... sort of dry carboard box tone. Many examples of these amps on UA-cam have sounded just the same to me, as far as I can tell. I suppose if you like that particular sound they all seem to have, you'll be all for them, but I can't stand the way they sound.

    • @donciseau
      @donciseau 8 місяців тому +1

      Excellent playing and tones!

    • @DerpRulesAll
      @DerpRulesAll 8 місяців тому +1

      They're too hit-and-miss.

    • @jlmcgrot
      @jlmcgrot 6 місяців тому +1

      Well, $1k isn’t cheap for basically an upstart Chinese amp company. They don’t have the legacy of a USA or UK made amp that may have moved production. I don’t have any experience with them. Just giving you my perception which I assume others share, since you asked.
      I’m shocked you said 1000. I’d never pay that for one. Maybe 300.

  • @barbmelle3136
    @barbmelle3136 8 місяців тому

    As usual Sir, great demonstration. Pretty much a direct competition for a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, even same price in the USA, The Blackstar has more tech features if you need them.

  • @jamesbarrick3403
    @jamesbarrick3403 8 місяців тому +2

    One would think in a $1000 tube amp they could spend an extra $20 and get a legit Celestion greenback or maybe a Vintage 30. Something people want. Not a speaker people are like oh... I'd need to replace this. $1000 amp guys.

  • @Dam-oH
    @Dam-oH 8 місяців тому +1

    This looks like the perfect product for my needs. Solid features for the price point. Sounds great from the video too.

  • @aapddd
    @aapddd 8 місяців тому

    I still have my mk1 ht-5 head. I got it really cheap, cheaper than most pedals. I run it at home through a 4x12. No practice amp can touch it. It is the most bang for buck that I ever bought. I change gear a lot, but this one is in my possession for over 7 years now. It isn’t going anywhere.

    • @robertcarey3383
      @robertcarey3383 8 місяців тому +1

      I have a Mk 1 ht-5 head also and they are thin in the mid frequency just like the one he is reviewing here. I also have a Blackheart 5-watt Little Giant with a Freidman small box pedal that sounds WAY better than the Blackstar with both of them running into 2x12s with vintage 30's. The Blackheart sounds so much better I now just use the Blackstar on the clean channel to plug in a drum machine. When I only had the ht-5 I was just like you thinking it was great but when I got the Blackheart and played both of them together you can instantly hear what you are not getting with the Blackstar.

    • @aapddd
      @aapddd 8 місяців тому

      @@robertcarey3383 I hear you. I also got a Bogner Goldfinger and of course the ht-5 can’t touch it. However that’s not the point I’m trying to make. I got the Blackstar for less than any Friedman pedal alone. That’s just amazing value. For home use, I don’t care it doesn’t sound like the Bogner. It sounds great for its purpose.

  • @mkrj2576
    @mkrj2576 8 місяців тому

    I’d like to hear this amp with the line out to a FOH “main” speaker vs the combo. It’d be a big selling point if it sound great through the mains. Keeping stage volumes lower is becoming more common place.

  • @BladeDoomer86
    @BladeDoomer86 Місяць тому

    Honestly, sounds like the perfect amp! Might have to shell out the dough

  • @robertmarzojty1703
    @robertmarzojty1703 8 місяців тому +1

    I have one of these amps, great.

  • @Mizzdr111
    @Mizzdr111 8 місяців тому

    I bet its real good. Love my Fly 3. sounds great, and batteries last a long time with sparse use. Good things do come in small packages.!

  • @LincolnCountyBand-st8yn
    @LincolnCountyBand-st8yn 8 місяців тому +1

    Hi Shane, I have the mk2 Club 40 and it's brilliant so I am wondering whats different with the new mk3 because they look pretty much identical.

  • @Rummy73
    @Rummy73 8 місяців тому +1

    Shane would a greenback or similar type of speaker help bring up the mids?

  • @marklisa17
    @marklisa17 8 місяців тому

    Seems like a really beautiful amp. The feature set is in line with more modern expectations.
    Time to start saving the pennies!!!
    Thx Shane for a another brilliant review for us mug Aussie's !😂😂😂

  • @donaldlaporte4227
    @donaldlaporte4227 8 місяців тому +1

    Great intro!!!

  • @andrewclemons8619
    @andrewclemons8619 8 місяців тому +1

    Sounds different. I kinda like it.

  • @narbonneguitars8590
    @narbonneguitars8590 8 місяців тому +2

    Your videos are really good but could you use a decibal meter in the future with new amps ...just because ik you can dial in a amp an make it sound great what ever the amp ...but volume in the 2 channels(clean an overdrive)...are what make guys like me on the other end of the video question will it serve as a pedal platform or great as it is...I like u are a blues an classic player...so hi gain isn't really my thing...

    • @mkrj2576
      @mkrj2576 8 місяців тому

      Agree and I’ve brought this up before. A decibel meter should be a standard feature in all product reviews.

  • @danyaeger6238
    @danyaeger6238 8 місяців тому

    Clean channel is nice, and the voice switch gives it sync good flexibility. Not really digging the drive channel, though. Blackstars always seem to be a little too fizzy in their breakup. I'd be interested green how the clean channel plays with gain pedals.
    $1k seems a little dear for an and without one if the big three logos on it.

  • @1man1guitarletsgo
    @1man1guitarletsgo 8 місяців тому +2

    I had one of the original HT Club 40s, and it was a perfectly good gigging amp. I also had (and still have) a Fender BDR, which is _so_ good that the Blackstar sounded rather sterile by comparison, so it had to go. I now have a 1999 Laney LC30, which is easily as good as the Fender, and which benefits from a proper spring reverb.

  • @doctorskull8197
    @doctorskull8197 8 місяців тому +2

    Outstanding demonstration! However, I need to know how much an amp weighs. Am I going to knock out my back lugging the amp back to my car at 2AM when the gig is done and I consumed multiple adult beverages?

    • @fastacesus8499
      @fastacesus8499 8 місяців тому +2

      27kg It's a massive no from me. Would rather get the DSL 40cr still heavy but lighter than this.

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 8 місяців тому +2

      Castors:Are we a joke to you?

    • @xoxb2
      @xoxb2 8 місяців тому

      He says in the middle of the video how much it weighs.

    • @TheSavagederek
      @TheSavagederek 8 місяців тому

      ​@@DMSProduktionsdo casters lift it into the motor , or upstairs into a gig ?

    • @DMSProduktions
      @DMSProduktions 8 місяців тому

      @@TheSavagederek No, BUT they still help a lot getting from 1 end to the other!
      I put castors on all of my boxes/combos.

  • @bobwreck3775
    @bobwreck3775 8 місяців тому

    I got the MKII. Its decent and can jam. But sometimes the volume levels just changes quickly. I assume if were to record it would be a problem. Maybe I got a slightly messed up one.

  • @nickmizell1141
    @nickmizell1141 8 місяців тому

    Great video, and Thanks to Sky music!! Can you give us a video tour of Sky music?

    • @intheblues
      @intheblues  8 місяців тому

      Hi Nick, here you go mate - ua-cam.com/video/Gy-MPzhmVl4/v-deo.html

    • @nickmizell1141
      @nickmizell1141 8 місяців тому

      @@intheblues Thank you sir!!

  • @danstringer7610
    @danstringer7610 8 місяців тому +2

    Do you like the Blackstar as much as your DSL 40cr?

    • @tommywallberg
      @tommywallberg 8 місяців тому

      I would guess he would 🤔

    • @intheblues
      @intheblues  8 місяців тому +1

      This is a versatile amp, but for what I do, the Marshall is better for me.

  • @deepzepp4176
    @deepzepp4176 5 місяців тому

    Is there a difference in tone, between the MKii and the MKiii?

  • @RevGerryRM
    @RevGerryRM 8 місяців тому

    Sounding great

  • @NehirF
    @NehirF 6 місяців тому

    Great video as always. I have the same amp and I want to change the speaker to celestion vintage 30 or Greenback. Which one do you prefer for this amp?

  • @KM-302
    @KM-302 7 місяців тому

    This new ht40 sounds great. Its definitely an ever improving evolution. The new ht20 sounds less than impressive! The bigger power section on the 40 seems to be its biggest strength.

  • @MRxr400
    @MRxr400 8 місяців тому +1

    top points for the clean to edge of break up tone. very nice

  • @PetefromSouthOz
    @PetefromSouthOz 8 місяців тому

    Hey Shane once again a great review. Pretty versatile Amp.
    Just a thought are you planning a Db Display so we can get an idea how loud things are in the room?

    • @intheblues
      @intheblues  8 місяців тому

      I'll get one at some point. I have amps up at small gig volume most of the time. :)

  • @anthonyward8587
    @anthonyward8587 8 місяців тому +1

    Great review once again Shane. Think i would rather the DSL 40

  • @Tumbadoraable
    @Tumbadoraable 8 місяців тому

    Hmmm a BOSS KATANA-Artist MkII lookalike

  • @Matthew_Scan
    @Matthew_Scan 8 місяців тому

    What do you think of the drive channel first voice I reckon it sounds muddy, voice 2 a lot cleaner but a lot more gain too, cleans are great though, I used to have the mk 1 50 head I played that actual amp if that’s the Sky music one

  • @mrskint55
    @mrskint55 8 місяців тому +2

    Sounds great . Only trouble I found with Blackstar amps (and I have owned three) unreliable.

  • @asmol82
    @asmol82 8 місяців тому

    To those it may concern: I've switched back to my pedalboard, which I call Nova System, and nothing else matters! © :P
    So it goes!

  • @DamianS1893
    @DamianS1893 6 місяців тому

    Review Blackstar HT 50 MKIII Head

  • @toddflowers8052
    @toddflowers8052 8 місяців тому +1

    How does it stack up against the Marshall DSL 40CR ? Thinking about selling mine after I get it repaired for the second time in a year.😑 Thanks Shane love this demo mate !!.

    • @melexdy
      @melexdy 8 місяців тому +2

      Really ? I rarely hear about DSL40 going bad, what kind of issue does your have?
      If anything Blackstar is worse than the Dsl series in terms of longevity. At least thats the word on the market.

    • @toddflowers8052
      @toddflowers8052 8 місяців тому +1

      @@melexdy First time it was a glue issue ,too much glue was melting and fouling up the electronics....this time the input jack has failed and the 20.watt channel stopped working again ( happened before....
      I love the amp.but it's been a pain to keep it working properly.

    • @melexdy
      @melexdy 8 місяців тому +1

      @@toddflowers8052 Damn you got a tricky one for sure.

    • @toddflowers8052
      @toddflowers8052 8 місяців тому

      @@melexdy Seems to be my luck ! 😆

    • @TheSavagederek
      @TheSavagederek 8 місяців тому

      Try doing that on the Black star . No chance , it's a skip job .

  • @eradley01
    @eradley01 8 місяців тому

    Whats your computer/micing/monitor/interface/camera, etc. setup for this video? I really want to figure a way to jam/record with my amp/computer and perhaps one day record a video for YT. Thanks...

  • @fernandes5986
    @fernandes5986 8 місяців тому

    I gotta have one.

  • @void_snw
    @void_snw 8 місяців тому +2

    Every single time I see a Blackstar amp I go "great, but I'd really like a presence knob to turn up" :(

    • @Neridog
      @Neridog 8 місяців тому +1

      haha I hear you, the presence and resonance knobs were amazing options to have on my old EVH amps. The eq on this is pretty solid though so I don't really miss them.

  • @MrMarkar1959
    @MrMarkar1959 8 місяців тому

    👍🏼i got a '71 Fender TFL 5005D sitting in the closet next to a '96 Mesa Boogie DC-3. a little 10W Marshall is too loud,,Apartment living sux,,and wearing headphones?!! dont need a big amp

  • @edwinwise6751
    @edwinwise6751 8 місяців тому

    I had the 1st issue of the club 40 and it was forgettable. Solid state preamp and a 70 / 80 celestian. It was to heavy for gigging . I had to give it away when I finally got rid of it .

  • @adamwatson6916
    @adamwatson6916 6 місяців тому

    They make great amps but i wish they would up their spaeaker game .
    Blackstar designed and Celestion 70/80s are both awful .
    Throw a cremaback in these amps . The H75 Creamback works well .
    I use a PRS 2 by 12 with H75 Creambacks with a HT5R MK2 and those speakers are the perfect Match .
    I have many different cabs and speakers and the Creamback H was the best of the bunch with the Blackstar .

  • @marekgitarzysta5193
    @marekgitarzysta5193 8 місяців тому

    One problem I have with Blackstars, no matter how good they sound (and they can sound pretty great): they're built like computer motherboards. For heat generators like tube amps having these small surface mount components all over the place is asking for issues. And it's ok, Mesa amps have issues, too - but even if difficult (crammed and tight) they can be repaired. But Blackstars will take serviceability up a notch, not in the right direction, though.
    And their marketing is not very transparent either: none of their "full tube amps" are full tube amps (maybe except some Artisan series???): they use transistor-based boosts, inverters in the audio path.... Again some of them sound great so why should you care? Well at least you should be aware and understand what you're buying and possible longevity issues should also be accounted for.

  • @cnilecnile6748
    @cnilecnile6748 8 місяців тому

    You had me until I hit the $1000.00 price tag.

  • @MercilessGuitar151
    @MercilessGuitar151 29 днів тому

    I hope they've worked out their qc issues. My ht5 mkii was junk. Nothing but trouble. It broke 3 different times in the first year, 3 different problems. I won't be buying anymore of their products.

  • @maxwellbowden9961
    @maxwellbowden9961 8 місяців тому +2

    It does sound good, but I got scared off by a couple of tech guys videos where the construction and components were questioned. Well, rubbished really.

  • @adamwinski6444
    @adamwinski6444 8 місяців тому

    How does it takes pedals ? I own HT20MK2 and It does not take pedals well

  • @stephaniemariemcdonald9096
    @stephaniemariemcdonald9096 Місяць тому

  • @jessetate9701
    @jessetate9701 6 місяців тому

    So what one

  • @leer.2137
    @leer.2137 8 місяців тому +2

    U spend all that money, and they don't put protective corners - that makes Blackstar look bad ! - I would spend dough on an amp that can take some road/gig wear - next?

  • @lowercase3635
    @lowercase3635 7 місяців тому

    One look at this thing screams matchless/ bad cat.

  • @57ebartley
    @57ebartley 8 місяців тому

    61 lbs, thats a pass for me.

  • @mfe3038
    @mfe3038 8 місяців тому +2

    First!

  • @vonmilash823
    @vonmilash823 8 місяців тому

    I just don't know about blackstar. They sound OK but if I'm buying a tube amp, I want a tube amp. Not a next generation valvestate.

  • @СергейСмирнов-ю6р
    @СергейСмирнов-ю6р 8 місяців тому

    перегруз - говно

  • @albatros1752
    @albatros1752 8 місяців тому

    only one imput , not interesting ........ not versatile it is just on other box for el instrument