looking for a new amp any opinions

J

jackson111

New member
ok I have a blackstar stage 60 now that has an intermittent problem, and my tech is having a problem finding the cause. I really like the tone of the blackstar but I am a little apprehensive about getting another. I have been using a fender band master vm head with a 2x12 mesa cabinet and I was very surprised at the tone I could get out when I added my sonic stomp n the effects loop and set the lo contour to about 3 o'clock, it really thickened the tone up. I typically am not a fender guy always thought the amps were to bright sounding and never really cared for the overdrive, but I do think they have one of the best and most dynamic clean channels I have ever heard. any one have experience with the band master vm? I see fender doesn't make it anymore, so didn't know if they had problems with the heads or not. anyone else have any suggestions I should be looking at? what about a jet city 22h, I have also found a bogner alchemist head cheap.
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

If I had a Fender VM, I'd just get the Bogner Extasy pedals to run in front of it.
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

yeah I was very impressed by the band master VM. and like I said I have never liked any other fender I have tried. I will be on the lookout to score a used one. I will also have to see if I can find a delta blues and try that. a friend also suggested a peavey classic 30 so I may try that as well. thanks for the suggestions
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

Yeah that fender sounds pretty good. I would try to score that if that is what you really want. Don't settle!

If I had to make another suggestion I would say check out the Super Sonics they have nice cleans and take pedals pretty well if you like that Fender clean
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

I like the super Sonics as well but man they are expensive

Sent from my SCH-R530X using Tapatalk
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

If you liked the tone of your blackstar, you could always go for a Marshall DSL40C.
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

+1 on the Fender. I have been playing one for years and not only do they have amazing cleans but the make a great platform for effects.
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

Get a new amp tech. Blackstars are awesome. I had an HT100 that never failed me and it got crapped and kicked around for like 1 year without a hiccup.
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

+1 on Fender and send your amp to a reputable repair shop.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

I really like my blackstar I think it is extremely versatile, but I am so frustrated at this point I want to look for a brand with better customer service. I have gone back to the music store I bought it from and the manager is going to call korg to try to see if he can do anything. I even asked about the tech I am using and he told me he was an awesome tech but I am starting to wonder. he has had it twice for the same problem and he keeps telling me he cant find anything wrong. unfortunately hes the only tech I could find close to me. I will tell you blackstar has lost about ten users from my amp dying on stage. numerous local musicians really digged the sound, but afte seeing it quit twice and the problems I have had getting any response from the authorized tech and blackstar the have all ran from the brand
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

so you were playing your amp on stage
at full volume just rocking out
and it just stopped producing sound

when it cooled off then it starting working
till it just died in the midst of jamming again?


does this thing have an effects loop?

did you have anything jacked into the loop when it died
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

I had similar problem with my B*. Had to leave it with the authorized rpr. tech. and extra week so the intermittent condition would occur for him. Turned out to be a bad solder joint on a pcb mounted component. Was fixed under warranty and has been fine since. I'd question the tech. you use....either incompetent or impatient.

I also own a Fender Super Sonic 22 and recommend it highly. It too had a problem fixed under warranty which has not recurred. This amp has great versatility and the footswitchable loop allows insertion of a clean boost (I use an EQ pedal w/ slider increased volume) located at the amp for boosting either channel for solos. That way you only need the included footswitch in front of you on stage.

And if you prefer a brand new Bandmaster VM (with full 5 yr. warranty), they are still advertised on ebay.
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

ok figured I would give an update, finally heard from my tech amp still hasn't failed, but we did talk to korg and they want the amp sent back to them in new York. I spoke to a lady in customer service when she called and gave me an rma # and she said they would look it over and if thy cant find the problem they will replace it. so I will stick with th blackstar for now but I still like the bandmaster vm will probably be my next purchase
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

jackson111 said:
ok figured I would give an update, finally heard from my tech amp still hasn't failed, but we did talk to korg and they want the amp sent back to them in new York. I spoke to a lady in customer service when she called and gave me an rma # and she said they would look it over and if thy cant find the problem they will replace it. so I will stick with th blackstar for now but I still like the bandmaster vm will probably be my next purchase
Click to expand...

Don't blame Blackstar. Those amps sound amazing. Just remember, all amps can have issues and will need repair at some point. Especially when they are lugged around to gigs, played at high volumes, and add the issue of in consistent electric signals. Your problem is with the tech and not the amp.
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

If you decide to buy a new amp, my advice would be to get an amp with a good reputation; one that is known to have good dependability. It seems like all electronic stuff and even good tube amps can develop problems. That's why, for me, I place dependability and repairability at the top of my list of criteria for selecting an amp. I try to buy an amp that will be repairable for many years to come, without a scarcity of parts or even total unavailability of parts.

Evidently Blackstar amps have some special circuits going on in there to get that infinite tone thing going on. Some of that digital stuff is hard to fix and if the parts are not easily available then what do you do?

If money is a concern then I want to buy an amp that is known to have good dependability and repairability.

Good luck with your amp.
 
Re: looking for a new amp any opinions

DeathALT. said:
If you liked the tone of your blackstar, you could always go for a Marshall DSL40C.
Click to expand...

I agree with this idea. I have a DSL40c. Great amp. Marshall sent it to me free of charge, brand new, after my Marshall JMD 100 watt two twelve combo blew out three times in less than six months. That JMD was an awesome hybrid amp but I just didn't trust it anymore. Maybe I should have taken it to a different warranty repair place.
 
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