Updated by Bobby
Updated on September 21st, 2021
Added the Blackstar ID CORE V3 (replaced the V2). Also checked links for accuracy and made minor changes to article formatting.
QUICK HIT: A roundup featuring five of our top five Blackstar amp recommendations with tube and solid state variations both covered.
I like to recommend amps that are high value and that might even fly a bit under the radar.
Blackstar amps fit that description really well.
Not only are they great amplifiers, but they're also a little underappreciated in the market.
In this article, I'm highlighting the five highest-value Blackstar amps based on my experience with each one, which has involved a combination of testing them out at the Midlothian Guitar Center and chatting with people who have bought and used them.
Thus, the five amps I've recommended here are not based on speculation, but on actual use and experience with each amplifier.
I've tried to supply information that will help you decide which Blackstar amp is most ideally suited for you based on your skill level and how you want to use it.
Read more: How to Use a Guitar Amp
Best Blackstar Amps (our top 5 picks)
Amps | DETAILS | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Blackstar ID Core 40 (and 10) V3 | n/a | |
 | Blackstar ID Core 100 Combo | n/a | |
 | Blackstar HT5R | n/a | |
 | Blackstar HT Stage 60 | n/a | |
 | Blackstar HT Club 50 Mark II | n/a |
1. Blackstar HT5R
The HT Series is my go-to recommendation within the Blackstar Brand. the HT1, HT5, and HT5R are all run by tubes at the power and preamp levels. The "R" in the highlighted combo stands for reverb, which is omitted from the other two.
What I've found to be so remarkable about these amps is the onboard distortion.
It just sounds really heavy and satisfying, almost like Mesa-esque preamp response with a nice modern edge to it.
The HT1 has a limited control scheme. If you can spend a little extra, go with the HT5 or 5R. Flickr Commons image via Matthew Kraus
The HT series is also a bargain, getting you the HT5R for $500 brand new.
Of the three, I'd recommend going with the HT5 above the HT1, just because the 5 has multiple channels and a lot more control options.
IDEAL FOR: Metal and modern distortion tones
TONE
n/a
EQ/CONTROL
n/a
BUILD/STRENGTH
n/a
COST/VALUE
n/a
The Pros
- Tube-powered
- Multiple channels and voicings
- ISF control provides some additional versatility
- MP3 line in is great for practice
- Distortion tone quality is incredibly good
- Overdrive channel has its own master volume
The Cons
- Would like to see higher wattage for $500
2. Blackstar ID Core 40 (and 10) V3
The ID Core series is Blackstar's most popular practice amp, which ships with included amp and effects pedal models.
In this version, you have six amp sounds to work with and 12 different effects. Chorus, delay, and reverb are all included. We'd recommend this model as a good practice amp or something for beginners to get started with.
Outside of those scenarios, it has limited appeal.
IDEAL FOR: Practice, travel, and simple recording
TONE
n/a
EQ/CONTROL
n/a
BUILD/STRENGTH
n/a
COST/VALUE
n/a
THE PROS
- USB port makes it easy to record
- Six digital amp sounds/models
- Great price point
- Small and easy to transport
- Onboard effects pedal models
THE CONS
- Not useful outside of a beginner or practice context
- Tone control is limited
3. Blackstar ID Core 100
Every company that makes guitar amps will have a more affordable digital line like the ID Core series.
The 100 is at the upper end of that series, meaning it's louder, bigger, and offers a lot more control than the small practice amp variations.
If you value the control - digital effects and tweaking/recording options - over the "organic appeal" of tubes, the ID Core 100 could be a good fit for you. If you're more of a purist, we'd recommend spending a little more to get one of the next two options.
IDEAL FOR: Recording, intermediate players, and gigging
TONE
n/a
EQ/CONTROL
n/a
BUILD/STRENGTH
n/a
COST/VALUE
n/a
THE PROS
- 100 watts gives you plenty of volume
- Six digital amp sounds/models
- Three switchable channels (bank and save sounds)
- Three bands of EQ plus the ISF knob
- Onboard effects pedal models
THE CONS
- Everything is heavily digitized (solid state)
4. Blackstar HT Club 50
If you don't mind paying north of $500, the Club series is one of the nicest amps Blackstar has to offer.
Everything is tube powered, which gives both the clean and distorted modes a distinctly professional-sounding tone. It just feels like a much more "legit" amplifier than the cheaper options.
Some of the EQ and poweramp controls on the Blackstar HT Club 50.
We also like the included footswitch that controls the two footswitchable channels and the organization of the front panel.
Note that the Club 50 comes in a combo version as well.
Here's a closer look at the controls on the front (click to enlarge the image):
IDEAL FOR: Pro-level gigging and recording
TONE
n/a
EQ/CONTROL
n/a
BUILD/STRENGTH
n/a
COST/VALUE
n/a
THE PROS
- Entirely tube powered
- Digital reverb
- Two channels with four modes
- Distortion and clean tone both sound great
- Front panel is weirdly easier to use than similar amp heads
THE CONS
- Expensive
5. Blackstar HT Stage 60
Taking the high-end Blackstar argument a step further, the Stage 60 is a truly professional-grade combo (also comes in a head version) that does everything you could ask for in an amplifier.
It's easily the most flexible of the amps we've listed here with channel-specific gain and volume controls, and a ton of functionality built into the back panel.
The DI out is especially helpful for recording and or going straight into a PA system.
It's expensive, but it sounds fantastic and does everything possible to make the price tag worth your while.
IDEAL FOR: Pro-level gigging and recording
TONE
n/a
EQ/CONTROL
n/a
BUILD/STRENGTH
n/a
COST/VALUE
n/a
THE PROS
- Entirely tube powered
- Tons of control via the back panel
- Hard to get a bad sound out of it
- Distortion is better than almost anything you could get out of a pedal
- Massive amount of control (especially for a tube amp)
- Built-in DI is great for recording and/or live shows
THE CONS
- Expensive
The Blackstar Amps Series Lineup
The top Blackstar series would include the following four:
- The ID Core series (digital/solid state)
- The HT series (tube/low wattage)
- The Club series (tube/high wattage)
- The Stage series (tube/high wattage)
Generally, we'd say the ID Core and HT series (the two cheaper options) are better for beginners and hobbyists, while the Club and Stage series are better-suited for those that play in a more professional capacity.
Certainly, the nicer amps could also be enjoyed by someone who simply wants the better tone and control, regardless of their level of involvement in the music business.
While there are other models and lines, we believe these four series house the top Blackstar amps based on quality and cost, and are therefore the highest-value options.
Should I go with a different amp brand?
The main appeal of Blackstar is to the modern player who dabbles in a lot of hard rock, and perhaps even some metal.
It's not as ideal for blues styles or more subtle playing that relies heavily on clean tones. The Blackstar amps have good clean sounds, but they're better known for their take on distortion and the "dirty" channel.
If you're a modern player that uses a lot of gain and heavy distortion, Blackstar is good place to camp.
Your Blackstar Amp Experience
Do you own or have you owned a Blackstar amp? If so, let us know what the experience was like and how you got along with it.
Or maybe you're looking to buy one and you have questions about one of the amps mentioned here or something we left out. If so, drop a line in the comments section and I'll answer there as best I can.
Remember, you can support Guitar Chalk by shopping through the links above at no additional cost to you.
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Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
Written by Bobby on Amps and Roundups
Hello. I own 2 Blackstar HT 60 combos and have had used them a fair amount over the last 10 years–on tour, on television, etc. They’ve held up well, sound great and are very versatile. I recently put in Celestion Neo Creamback speakers which sound excellent and lighten the weight a bit. All in all, they’re very good amps which I can recommend without reservation.
Whoa, thanks for commenting Duane! And thanks for sharing your experience with the Blackstars. I think they’re very underrated.
Great to have you thoughts on this.
No love for the Silverline?
Thanks for your excellent article Bobby. I initially ordered and HT20 with the vertical 212 when I realized it was more oriented towards blues player and an alternative to the blues junior. In the end of found out the club 50 MKii head was on clearance and I changed my order for it along with its 212 venue cabinet. Can’t wait for it to get toy door step. I play all kinds ofusic from jazz tobmetal and this beast will me my go to from now on. I like the BlackStar because it’s sound a different than a Marshall, which I find sounds like everyone out there. Cheers
Thanks for sharing, Alex. So you haven’t gotten the MKII yet? I think that should be pretty powerful. Definitely not in the same vein as the Blues JR. Hope it works out for you.
I play rock & pop, and i had two experiences with blackstar amps. The first one with Artist 15 model was amazing. This amp works very well with pedals, and has the better clean tones i ever heard. My second experience was with HT5R Bronco model. This amp sound was very good in general, robust in Gain and materials, but clean tones were not what I was looking for in that moment. In both cases i used the ISF control to manage the diferent sounds i wanted, this is another special aspect from blackstar amps for me… you wil have three amps in one. I think this amps are ¨ The new Classics ¨ .
Hey, Lean. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.