Super light and all set to take flight– this EL34 combination varies from smooth to suggest.
First Look: Blackstar St. James (EL34)
Tag: Blackstar
<aNAMM 2022 Video Roundup
Miss our NAMM Videos? We have you covered! See them all here in one area to discover your next gear obsession.B3 Guitars Telstar
| NAMM 2022 Master contractor Gene Baker talks about his brand-new version that pays tribute to two traditional designs.Learn More: https://www.b3guitars.com/phoenix/Positive Grid Spark MINI Demo |
NAMM 2022 < iframe frameborder =" 0" elevation
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:100%;” width=” 100%” > Although the new Spark Mini is very portable, it loads a great deal of strike and also a lots of tech.Learn More: https://www.positivegrid.com/spark-mini!.?.!Earthboard EBII|NAMM 2022< period course=" rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id=" e1b3ab79d69ff52f5cc0d75a3994c156" design=" screen
: block; placement: family member; padding-top:56.25%;”
>< iframe frameborder =" 0" height=" car" lazy-loadable =" real "scrolling=" no "src =" https://www.youtube.com/embed/S3iwDgLnN6w?rel=0" style=" position: absolute; top:0; left:0; size:100%; elevation:100%;” size=” 100
%” > Check out a new way to fix your pedal-power problems utilizing a system that’s powered by unusual magnets.Learn More
: https://earthboardmusic.com/shop/ols/products/eartboard-ebii!.?.!Blackstar St. James|NAMM 2022< period course="rm-shortcode "data-rm-shortcode-id=" 929e1b83ce9921520c8879344d9b6855" design=" display: block; placement:
family member; padding-top:56.25%;” >< iframe frameborder=" 0" elevation=" vehicle" lazy-loadable=" real" scrolling=" no" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/RzqA7LHYyk8?rel=0" design=" position: absolute;
leading:0; left:0; size:100%; height:100%;” size=” 100%
” > Watch a trial of the British company’s brand-new line that supplies quite a punch in a light-weight package.Learn More: https://blackstaramps.com/stjames/La Bella Olinto Bass|NAMM 2022< iframe frameborder=" 0" elevation=" car" lazy-loadable=" real" scrolling=" no" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/4xeAY6l3jGA?rel=0" design
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:100%;” size= “100 %” > The well known stringmakers introduce a new 5-string bass that incorporates convenience with a classic appearance and also feel.Learn More: https://www.labella.com/bass/olinto-5-string/Imperial Electrical Zeppelin |
NAMM 2022 < iframe frameborder= "0" height =" car" lazy-loadable
=” real” scrolling= “no” src=” https://www.youtube.com/embed/w-WVKg2Wz_c?rel=0 “design= “setting: absolute; top:0; left:0; size:100%; elevation:100%;” size =” 100%” > Designer Ben Fulton admires 2 critical guitar heroes with a set
of amp-in-a-box stomps that cover British sector rock as well as Sunset Strip sludge.Learn More: https://www.premierguitar.com/videos/namm/imperial…Manhattan Prestige Basses|NAMM 2022< span course=" rm-shortcode"
data-rm-shortcode-id=”4172a22f2555f27f09ffda0536714949″ design=” display: block; placement
: family member; padding-top:56.25%;” >< iframe frameborder =" 0" elevation =" automobile" lazy-loadable =" real" scrolling=" no" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/a8j-HHkjNzQ?rel=0" style =" position: absolute; leading:0; left:0; size:100%; height:100% ;” size=” 100%” > Affordability and dependability come together in a new collection of low-end thump machines.Learn More: https://manhattanprestigebasses.com/instruments/Seamoon FX Funk Machine & Octatron |
NAMM 2022< span course=" rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id =" 1d75392a85a1d285d1ff9e4ee4c744e2" design=
” screen: block; setting: family member; padding-top:56.25 %;” > Legendary bassist Neil Jason introduces a trio of bass-centric pedals that use grinding distortion, joyous chorus, inventive
octaves, and also more.Learn More: https://seamoonfx.com/product/seamoon-funk-machine/Taylor Guitars 724ce & 722ce Demos|NAMM 2022
< span course=" rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id=" ee597ffac6a5b624dca7f68a3f78449f "design=" display: block; setting: loved one; padding-top
:56.25 %;” >< iframe frameborder=" 0" elevation=" vehicle" lazy-loadable =" true" scrolling=" no" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/eoJsdSBUFzY?rel=0" style=" placement: absolute; leading:0; left
:0; width:100%; elevation:100%;” size=” 100%” >
After discovering a set of home builder’s- grade Koa, Andy Powers went to deal with a new line of tools that sport an airy sound as well as an ultra-thin finish.Learn More: https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/724ce!.?.!Black Volt Amplification Earthcaster|NAMM 2022< span
course=” rm-shortcode” data-rm-shortcode-id=” e1fe7ac10dddd5252ae7b95c4cdfa328″ style=” display: block; position: loved one; padding-top:56.25%;” > Born out of a rustic principles as well as old-growth wood, the amp builders show off their new line of guitars.Learn More: https://blackvoltamplification.com/products/earthc…Gamechanger Audio Bigsby Pedal|NAMM 2022< iframe frameborder=" 0" height=" car" lazy-loadable=" true" scrolling=
” no” src= “https://www.youtube.com/embed/ahr1b5swhQk?rel=0″ design=” setting: outright; top:0; left:0; width:100 %; elevation:100 %;” size =” 100%
” > Watch how this new collaboration with Fender has actually made one of the most severe Bigsby moves much easier.Learn More: https://gamechangeraudio.com/shop/bigsby-pedal/Eastman Guitars Juliet Series|NAMM 2022
< iframe frameborder=" 0" elevation= "auto" lazy-loadable=" real "scrolling =" no "src =" https://www.youtube.com/embed/3sRMLtsLD2o?rel=0" style =" setting: absolute; leading:0; left:0;
size:100% ; height:100%;” width=” 100%” > Designer Otto D’Ambrosio crafted a new collection of offset solidbody guitars that balance a modern-day aesthetic with vintage vibes.Learn More: https://www.eastmanguitars.com/electric_solid_body!.?.!Audient Evo 16 & iD44MKII|NAMM 2022< span course =" rm-shortcode
” data-rm-shortcode-id=” 82b607ea9e57c40683f177633e47e032″ design =” display screen: block; setting: loved one; padding-top:56.25 %;” >< iframe frameborder=" 0" height=" automobile" lazy-loadable=" real" scrolling=" no" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/E4G7ggNArks?rel=0" design=" setting: outright; top:0
; left:0; size:100%; height:100
%;” width= “100%” > A pair of feature-packed interfaces that can cover full-band sessions as well as at-home demos.Learn More: https://www.premierguitar.com/videos/namm/audient-…Vola OZ MOTOR HOME TNC|NAMM 2022< period class =" rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id=" 945180ec02d6d476c2ffa414245320fa" style=" display screen: block;
setting: loved one; padding-top:56.25%;” >
< iframe frameborder=" 0" height
=” automobile “lazy-loadable= “true” scrolling= “no “src=” https://www.youtube.com/embed/UbBtFv4MDdg?rel=0″ style=” setting: absolute; leading:0; left:0; size:100%; height:100%;” size=” 100%”
> These pure shred equipments are streamlined, filled with beneficial features, and provide classic body shapes a contemporary makeover.Learn More: https://www.volaguitar.com/product/oz-rv-tnc/GTRS Intelligent Guitar|NAMM 2022< period course=" rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id=" 7dc650b6f5d5589531d7d4287a41c59b" style=" screen: block; setting: relative;
padding-top:56.25%;” > With lots of amp, cabs, and effects on board, these tech-heavy tools provide a boatload of choices under the
hood.Learn More: https://www.gtrs.tech/Eventide Dot9 Pedals- NAMM 2022
< period course =" rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id =" 8fc99adb119d9850736cb32e8b6afe24" design="display screen: block; placement: family member; padding-top:56.25%
;” > Watch exactly how a quartet of very personalized pedals cover every little thing from roomy ambient’ verbs to EVH-inspired micro-pitch delays.Learn More: https://www.eventideaudio.com/Dreadbox FX|NAMM 2022< iframe frameborder=" 0" elevation=" vehicle" lazy-loadable=" true" scrolling=
” no” src=” https://www.youtube.com/embed/sxulsOmIHwI?rel=0″ style =” position: absolute; top:0; left:0; width:100%; elevation:100%;” size=” 100 %” > Watch this trial of an intriguing take on an
” size =” 100%” > The timeless noise of a critical stompbox gets reduced down right into a micro-sized box.Learn More: https://www.ratdistortion.com/product/625/lil-rat-…Ernie Ball Music Man Tosin Abasi Kaizen|NAMM 2022< period class=" rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id=" 3f52208b767510d1b04b994494eaef23" design=" display screen: block; setting: family member;
padding-top:56.25 %;” >
Tosin Abasi shares the backstory on his wildly inventive partnership with Ernie Ball Music Man.Learn More: https://blog.music-man.com/news/ernie-ball-music-m…Martin D-28 Rich Robinson Demo|NAMM 2022< iframe frameborder
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:100%; height:100%;” width=” 100%” > Check out the origins rocker’s new namesake fear, which is a precise duplicate of his dad’s flattop.Learn More: https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/D-28-Rich-Rob…Abasi Concepts ēmi Series Guitars|NAMM 2022< period course=" rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id=" 516a38a9d9c985f0eb982a61c45a7ce7" style=" display screen:
block; position: relative; padding-top:56.25%;
” >< iframe frameborder=" 0 "height =" vehicle "lazy-loadable= "real" scrolling=" no "src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/dVJBJBLh3Sg?rel=0" style =" placement: outright; top:0; left:0; size:100
%; elevation:100 %;” size=” 100%” > Watch Tosin Abasi shred through the highlights of a triad of new models.Learn More: https://abasiconcepts.com/Two Notes Engineering Revolt Series |
NAMM 2022 The digitally-focused firm goes analog with a new line of tube-driven amp sim pedals for guitar and bass.Learn More: https://www.two-notes.com/en/revolt-guitar/Versoul Raya 12 & Swan 4|NAMM 2022
See exactly how the business took one of their standout versions and added a riches of high-end functions including a gold-leaf finish.Learn More: https://destroyallguitars.com/collections/197-versoul!.?.!Paoletti Guitars Stratospheric Loft Series SSS & Nancy Loft Series Demos|NAMM 2022 Watch just how a very long tradition of Italian wine making notified the style of a set of new guitars.Learn More: https://www.paolettiguitars.com/guitars/series/sig …NAMM 2022 Video Roundup
Ten 2×12 Cabs to Try
Zilla Fatboy 2×12
This oversized closed-back 2×12 aims to emulate the response of a 4×12 with added low-end punch and can be preloaded with a handful of different speaker options.
Starts at $432 street
zillacabs.com
Blackstar St. James 212VOC
This newly designed cab is up to 35 percent lighter than a normal 2×12 set up. It also has a removable rear panel and comes loaded with Celestion Zephyr speakers.
$749 street
Mesa/Boogie Rectifier Compact 2×12
Modern metal-ers will rejoice with this 120-watt closed-back cab that is constructed with marine-grade Baltic birch. The rear-mounted Celestion V30 speakers round out the package along with the twisted jute-dipped grille filters.
$749 street
Avatar 3D Vertical Forte Replica
The standout feature of this cab are the side vents, which give your sound a wider feel. It’s constructed with 13-ply void-less Baltic birch and is available with either customized speaker options or totally bare.
$698 street
Marshall ORI212A Origin
Classic styling meets modern construction in this retro-flavored vertical cab. The Celestion Seventy 80 speakers offer 160 watts of power, and the angled setup is decidedly British.
$549 street
Orange PPC 212
You can’t miss the trademark Orange vibe of this beefy horizontal 2×12 cab. Brit-style tones are right at home with a pair of Celestion Vintage 30 speakers and a closed-back design.
$899 street
Vox V212C
For fans of that unmistakable chime, this Vox cab not only matches the vibe of an AC30 but spreads the sound out a bit with its open back. A pair of Celestion G12M speakers aim to offer clarity and warmth.
$599 street
EVH 5150III 2×12 Extension Cab
Designed to King Eddie’s demanding specs, this straight-front cab is a powerhouse and features old-school tilt-back legs. Inside is a pair of Celestion G12H speakers and a very handy built-in head-mounting mechanism for the EVH 50-watt head.
$599 street
PRS HDRX 2×12
As a tribute to the sound of late-’60s rock guitar, the PRS HDRX line is vintage flavored and full of vibe. This closed-back cab features the decidedly British Celestion G12H-75 Creamback speakers and poplar plywood construction.
$899 street
MojoTone 2×12 West Coast Cab
The wood wizards in the cab shop at MojoTone offer a mind-boggling number of options, right down to the piping and Tolex. This one comes stocked with Celestion G12M-65 Creamback speakers and an oval-ported rear panel.
$774 street
Blackstar Introduces the St. James Amp Series
A lightweight, portable amp series developed after months of forensic examination of vintage valve amps.
The St. James series offers amps in two formats: an EL34 design creating classic British rock tones and a 6L6 model with crystal clean tones and higher gain, both available as Celestion-equipped combo or amplifier head with matching vertical 212 cabinet. Designed to be simple to use but highly versatile, these amps offer an intuitive two-channel setup that delivers Blackstar’s best-ever clean and overdrive tones.
These amps are ideal for gigging players in search of a great-sounding valve amp at less than half the weight of traditional valve-driven amplifiers, as well as studio players looking for elite tone with the convenience of built-in tools used for recording applications. The models’ light weight is attributable to several factors in construction and design, namely the candlenut wood cabinet and custom Celestion Zephyr speaker, all without sacrificing the all-valve signal path creating the sound and feel of a traditional valve amplifier.
Blackstar St. James 50 Watt 6L6 Combo Amp
Blackstar St. James 50 Watt 6L6 Amp Head
Blackstar St. James 50 Watt EL34 Combo Amp
Blackstar St. James 50 Watt EL34 Amp Head
Blackstar St. James Vertical 212 Cabinet Black
Blackstar St. James Vertical 212 Cabinet Fawn
Features
All four amp models feature two-channel 12AX7 preamp tube circuitry, along with three power switch options to fit the user’s need:
- the 50W full power setting, offering the loudest clean headroom;
- the SAG setting, proving the softer, vintage-feeling dynamic compression of a power supply ‘”sag,” most noticeable on the loud transients (attack) of the sweetest tube amps;
- and a 2W low power setting for recording or smaller gigs, delivering a more overdriven power amp tone by controlling HT (high voltage) and bias in the power stage, delivering a more natural tone than the usual “power soak” load resistor method often used.
See How These Players Reacted to St. James | St. James | Blackstar
For more information, visit: www.blackstaramps.com. Blackstar will be exhibiting at Booth 5723 (Hall D) at The NAMM Show, June 3-5, 2022, in Anaheim, CA.
U.S. MAP pricing is as follows:
- St James 50 Watt 6L6 Combo Amp: $1299.99
- St James 50 Watt 6L6 Amp Head: $1199.99
- St James 50 Watt EL34 Combo Amp: $1299.99
- St James 50 Watt EL34 Amp Head: $1199.99
- St James Vertical 212 Cabinet Black: $749.99
- St James Vertical 212 Cabinet Fawn: $749.99
10 Amps That Are Portable and Powerful
Naturally, when you are looking for a practice amp, something for the office, or a vacation companion, there are some sacrifices that will need to be made. Check out this list of 10 options that aim to balance power with portability.
ZT Amplifiers Lunchbox Reverb
Need a lot of power on the go? This 100-watt beast offers stage-level volume in a package that can fit in your carry-on. It’s loaded with a spring-style reverb, 2-band EQ, and a DI/headphone output that offers speaker emulation.
$499 street
Positive Grid Spark
This 40-watt combo offers a lot of tech under the hood. Alongside deep integrations with streaming services, the mobile app uses the company’s BIAS software to emulate your favorite amps and effects. It also offers handy learning tools like smart chord detection, looping, and more.
$299 street
Yamaha THR30II Wireless
The latest iteration of the THR series is a 30-watt, battery-powered wonder that models 15 different guitar amps and three bass amps. Bluetooth connectivity offers a way to edit presets via the mobile app and jam along with streaming audio. A big bonus is that it can also function as a recording interface via USB.
$549 street
Blackstar FLY 3
Even though this uber-portable setup only pumps out 3 watts, it offers a wealth of features that are perfect for practicing on the go. Along with Bluetooth, aux input, and a headphone jack, it uses Blackstar’s Infinite Shape Feature to get the most out of its 3“ speaker.
$75 street
Vox Adio Air GT
Even though the classic look of Vox is represented here, the Adio Air GT offers a cross-section of tones ranging from Texas-style dirt to over-the-top gain machines. It boasts 50 watts of stereo output, VET (Virtual Elements Technology), and 19 types of effects.
$329 street
Roland CUBE-10GX
Inside this 10-watt combo are three amp models (clean, crunch, and lead), a 3-band EQ, and a handful of effects including chorus, reverb, and delay. If you pick up the mobile app, you can access even more models including bass and acoustic amps.
$171 street
Orange Crush 12
Desktop rock in a little orange box. Designed to emulate the dirty channel of a Rockerverb, this mini marvel sports a no-frills setup that features a 3-band EQ, overdrive and gain controls, and a CabSim output that aims to mimic an Orange 4×12.
$99 street
Pignose 7-100
The OG of portable amps has been a staple for lo-fi rock since the ’60s. This solid-state setup not only runs on a handful of AA batteries, it has a preamp output that can feed a PA, DAW, or even a bigger amp.
$123 street
Boss Katana Mini
Decked out in sleek, modern style, this 7-watt combo houses a multi-stage analog circuit that fuels three different amp models (clean, crunch, and brown). Practice junkies will dig the cab-emulated output and aux input for jamming along with backing tracks.
$109 street
IK Multimedia iRig Micro
A recording interface is the magic ingredient in this 4-watt setup. Using a built-in iRig 2 HD, this micro combo functions as a fully formed audio interface for when you need to record on the run. Combine that with the company’s AmpliTube software and you get a deep well of tones.
$149 street