I'm looking for a new amp and I came across a blackstar ID 60TVP head. I'm really considering getting it since I don't want to buy a new amp for a long time. I currently have a Marshall MG10 CF( terrible amp btw). I've never owned a head /cab so I have questions as to how low the volume can go. Another thing: can I use a blackstar head with a cab made by another company? Bear with me guys I know I sound like a noob.
blackstar head/cab for practice. yay or nay?
- Thread starter meza_666
- Start date
Re: blackstar head/cab for practice. yay or nay?
I had the 1 Watt and could not wait to return it. Sounded VERY Solid State, almost.
If anything, buy a used Blackheart. Built with high trace PCBs, Amps are built for mods. Not the Blackstar which I've read, once it's gone, it's gone.
but that's low volume.
I STRONGLY suggest if you buy another Cab with a head, match with the same speakers. Or do a LOT of research. Running an Amp with bad speakers is like driving a car with bad/wrong tires. It's the speakers, not the Cab. (Unless it's particle board MDF, or open or closed back) And can you combine with another matching Cab, will the Ohms pair up from Amp?
Generally, go for speakers which are tried and tested, Celestion, WGS, Eminence, JBL, Weber. Don't get into smaller production lines of Celestion.
Buying an empty Cab and building with your own speakers can be VERY educational. You can combine speakers, too. I had a Crate V Series 2X12 which allowed me to combine two different WGS (Warehouse Guitar Speaker) speakers at 8 Ohms, or run separate singles at 16 Ohms. It was almost like having 3 Cabs in one. I built that for almost $300 and sold it for about same. I wanted to keep it, but for $365 I bought a used Tone Tubby 2X12 which retails $899. Quintessential boutique gear. Hemp speakers. Alnico & Ceramic. That's a whole other discussion.
I had the 1 Watt and could not wait to return it. Sounded VERY Solid State, almost.
If anything, buy a used Blackheart. Built with high trace PCBs, Amps are built for mods. Not the Blackstar which I've read, once it's gone, it's gone.
but that's low volume.
I STRONGLY suggest if you buy another Cab with a head, match with the same speakers. Or do a LOT of research. Running an Amp with bad speakers is like driving a car with bad/wrong tires. It's the speakers, not the Cab. (Unless it's particle board MDF, or open or closed back) And can you combine with another matching Cab, will the Ohms pair up from Amp?
Generally, go for speakers which are tried and tested, Celestion, WGS, Eminence, JBL, Weber. Don't get into smaller production lines of Celestion.
Buying an empty Cab and building with your own speakers can be VERY educational. You can combine speakers, too. I had a Crate V Series 2X12 which allowed me to combine two different WGS (Warehouse Guitar Speaker) speakers at 8 Ohms, or run separate singles at 16 Ohms. It was almost like having 3 Cabs in one. I built that for almost $300 and sold it for about same. I wanted to keep it, but for $365 I bought a used Tone Tubby 2X12 which retails $899. Quintessential boutique gear. Hemp speakers. Alnico & Ceramic. That's a whole other discussion.
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Edgecrusher
Well-known member
Re: blackstar head/cab for practice. yay or nay?
Wait what... are you kidding? The 1 watt is a completely different amp... You are insinuating avoiding the whole blackstar line cause you didnt like 1 amp?
Wait what... are you kidding? The 1 watt is a completely different amp... You are insinuating avoiding the whole blackstar line cause you didnt like 1 amp?
come again? I dont think any manufacturer out there specifically build their amps with mods in mind. Even then arent we getting ahead of ourselves here.... The dude wants an amp suggestion and you are talking mods... wouldnt it be wise to try and steer him to right amp that doesnt need to be modded in the first place?
Nostalgic Distortion
New member
Re: blackstar head/cab for practice. yay or nay?
I'd say yea, they sound great & you can't beat the price!!! I loved the one I tried out, it was all stock & had the original tubes? As far as the mods thing goes I'm going to have to agree with Mr. Crusher, the O.P. is looking for a amp to play not to modify? I think some amps are mod friendly, that doesn't mean they are made to be modified??? For bedroom or practice the Blackstar will suit your needs just fine....
I'd say yea, they sound great & you can't beat the price!!! I loved the one I tried out, it was all stock & had the original tubes? As far as the mods thing goes I'm going to have to agree with Mr. Crusher, the O.P. is looking for a amp to play not to modify? I think some amps are mod friendly, that doesn't mean they are made to be modified??? For bedroom or practice the Blackstar will suit your needs just fine....
Re: blackstar head/cab for practice. yay or nay?
OP didn't clarify bedroom or stage. He did indicate 60W, that's a LOT for bedroom levels. Playing through a high watt valve amp at bedroom levels is like driving a Corvette as a golf cart.
MOD option is OK because one can always send it to a pro tech.
But I have read that once the PCB fries on a Blackstar, that's it. It becomes junk. There is no fixing it. Only replacement. I don't know if that is the case with the higher watt versions, or not. But an Amp built with high trace PCBs and/or hand wired is the best route. I have A/Bed direct with Blackheart (discontinued) and Blackstar 1W and Blackheart is SUPERIOR. IMO.
OP didn't clarify bedroom or stage. He did indicate 60W, that's a LOT for bedroom levels. Playing through a high watt valve amp at bedroom levels is like driving a Corvette as a golf cart.
MOD option is OK because one can always send it to a pro tech.
But I have read that once the PCB fries on a Blackstar, that's it. It becomes junk. There is no fixing it. Only replacement. I don't know if that is the case with the higher watt versions, or not. But an Amp built with high trace PCBs and/or hand wired is the best route. I have A/Bed direct with Blackheart (discontinued) and Blackstar 1W and Blackheart is SUPERIOR. IMO.
Wormhelmet
New member
Re: blackstar head/cab for practice. yay or nay?
The TVP is a solid state amp, but didn't understand your comment on it sounding very solid state as solid state amps can sound pretty awesome and usually the complaint about solid state is about dynamics in playing.
So, not only a solid state amp, but one that specifically models different tube characteristics giving the player the ability to mod his own amp like crazy without ever having to open it up. I agree with EdgeCrusher too - how is a 1 watt model anything like this one? They arent even the same series. There is a manufacturer warranty or if bought from a dealer, then extended warranty is usually available. I would imagine you can turn it down enough to play in a bedroom as its not necessary to crank up for power tube clipping as there aren't any real tubes in it. The demos sounded good.
The TVP is a solid state amp, but didn't understand your comment on it sounding very solid state as solid state amps can sound pretty awesome and usually the complaint about solid state is about dynamics in playing.
So, not only a solid state amp, but one that specifically models different tube characteristics giving the player the ability to mod his own amp like crazy without ever having to open it up. I agree with EdgeCrusher too - how is a 1 watt model anything like this one? They arent even the same series. There is a manufacturer warranty or if bought from a dealer, then extended warranty is usually available. I would imagine you can turn it down enough to play in a bedroom as its not necessary to crank up for power tube clipping as there aren't any real tubes in it. The demos sounded good.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: blackstar head/cab for practice. yay or nay?
So to finally get your questions answered, in theory you can use any cab or speaker size with any head. Just make sure the ohm ratings are matching. 8 ohm output on the head to an 8 ohm cab. Also make sure the cab can handle more wattage than the head can kick out. I have a 100 watt Marshall that I play at bedroom levels all of the time any amp can be played quietly. When I am doing this I am not looking for tube break up or the holy grail of tone I am just practicing. Congrats on your new amp going from a Marshall MG10 CF to a Blackstar ID 60TVP is a huge jump in tone hopefully you will be happy with your new setup.
So to finally get your questions answered, in theory you can use any cab or speaker size with any head. Just make sure the ohm ratings are matching. 8 ohm output on the head to an 8 ohm cab. Also make sure the cab can handle more wattage than the head can kick out. I have a 100 watt Marshall that I play at bedroom levels all of the time any amp can be played quietly. When I am doing this I am not looking for tube break up or the holy grail of tone I am just practicing. Congrats on your new amp going from a Marshall MG10 CF to a Blackstar ID 60TVP is a huge jump in tone hopefully you will be happy with your new setup.
Edgecrusher
Well-known member
Re: blackstar head/cab for practice. yay or nay?
Its one where Trace gets high before he prints it.
Its one where Trace gets high before he prints it.
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