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Versatile Workhorse of an amp
By: Dan
Submitted: 10/28/2016
Product Rating
Product Review
Pros:
3 channels good cleans and ODs
Quality digital reverb
Lots of ways to customize tone
Plenty of power
Cons:
The footswitch that changes amp channels is connected to the amp with a 9 pin DB9 cable, for those of us with little previous experience with this, a printer cable. The pins that this cable thread into are routinely threading out of the amp and pedal every time I take the cable off.
The footswitch itself does it's job well but is not great quality. My clean button went out in under a year.
Wish there was an individual EQ for both overdrive channels instead of one EQ for both channels.
Potential Upgrades
I almost immediately replaced the stock Celestion 70/80's with some Warehouse Guitar Speakers (ET 65 and Retro 30). The 70/80's combined with the amps overdrive were mid-heavy and the new speakers restored some low end and sweetened the clean tones. I don't consider this in the review grade as it is my personal tone preference.
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Not as great as I hoped
By: Ghawkins
Submitted: 8/27/2015
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
I've got years and years with all types of gear and live playing experience. I guess I let the other reviews put this unit up too high on a pedestal. Clean is decent and punchy. Honestly, the OD and distortion comes out as sounding... solid state? I dunno, but something doesn't quite sound right. Attempted changing speakers, and preamp tubes. Same. Maybe my hearing is just fried. In any case - sorry, not a huge fan. Has been relegated to practice rig. Also, this is a good lesson - as which tones you as an individual are happy with will be very subjective, always always demo a rig before mail ordering the thing.
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AMAZING AMP and LOTs of Tones
By: Jay Redman
Submitted: 3/4/2015
6 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
I play in a Classic Rock Band in Florida. Playing everything from Beatles to Van Halen. I don't need a board of boost n distortion pedals with this amp. EVERYTHING you can think of in just a finger tip away. This amp is built like a TANK, yeah it's very heavy but I play in Florida. Almost all of our gigs are outside, rain, heat and HUMIDITY. I have NEVER had a problem with this BlackStar and seriously thinking of buying a few more. I am constantly asked by fellow guitarists about my Blackstar and I tell every single one of them BUY ONE!!!
I have been playing guitar for more than 50 years and I have played and paid for everything you can think of. If you want the ULTIMATE versatile amp this is the one. Clean, Crunch and Super Drive is all there.
YEs, there is one drawback, the footswitch should be a 1/4" stereo cable but other than that, yes it's worth every penny.
I have had my HT Club 60 for over a year, 80 shows(mostly outdoors) and NEVER had a problem.
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As Advertised!
By: Russell Drake
Submitted: 2/6/2015
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
The Blackstar HT Stage 60 sounds great, was able to quickly dial in a plethora of tones, the clean channel is, well, clean, and the voice button lets you quickly shape sound you're looking for, the 2 OD channels are just awesome, and it's real easy to dial in a great tone, it's as quick and easy as it gets. The ISF knob is the secret sauce, gotta hear it to appreciate the nuances of American/British tone paradox.
I'm glad I got this amp, does what it says, and I can't wait to melt some faces!!!
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gerryv977
By: Gerry
Submitted: 7/21/2014
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My first all tube amp...
By: The Mando from Gilbert, AZ
Submitted: 2/25/2014
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Great Amp
By: Tom Bosco
Submitted: 1/30/2014
1 person found this review helpful.
Your general opinion of this product.
This is a kick a$$ amp. Plain and simple. Better sounding than a Marshall I used to own. The clean tone is great for blues leads and sounds terrific on the neck pick up of my PRS. The versatility is also amazing. All 3 channels are great and the tone can be finely shaped. Its a killer amp with no effects hooked up. The built in reverb is pretty good also. The emulator output in the back produced a great recorded tone too.
Seems to be well made. Not flimsy. So far its dependable but I've only had it a few days!
Its fairly heavy but not ridiculous.
Between bright cleans to great Overdrive.
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Find the tone trapped in your head!
By: Jeffrey Osborne
Submitted: 6/17/2013
1 person found this review helpful.
Your general opinion of this product.
This amplifier is a tone machine! It seems as though the guys at Blackstar really did their homework when making decisions where to cut costs. Yes, there are some components that could be better such as the stock tubes and speakers BUT those are the parts that we as consumers can change out ourselves so it did not bother me. Also, it is voiced very well and sounds wonderful in stock mode so unless you are a truly picky player, I doubt you'll even need to mod the amp whatsoever. All in all, I am really impressed and it has become my main stage amplifier. I play rockabilly, doom, and hardcore punk. Does everything supremely.
It is very well made and the design is flawless. I give it a four-star rating in quality because of the cheaper components, but they are installed very well and obviously undergo a great QA inspection.
Responds very well to every guitar I plug in! Easy to "follow the smoke to the riff filled land" and become one with this combo. I am a SG Standard guy through and through. Match made in HELL!
The tone options are incredible. I have been able to dial in any tone I can imagine aside from that mega Sunn fuzz. I think that's because it sounds TOO good and cannot achieve "bad" tone. Love the flexibility! I can use this thing at any gig with any group and be set. I run it with a Marshall 4x12 (picking up a Blackstar 4x12 ASAP) for that 3/4 stack sex appeal and depth.
Easy to dial in. Set to noon and adjust from there!
Man, a dark take on a vintage look. I could not be more pleased with the charisma of this amplifier.
I have only had her for a little over one month but I don't predict any reliability problems. Built like a tank and sounds just as bitchin'!
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Awesome
By: JGD317
Submitted: 3/31/2013
2 people found this review helpful.
It's heavy, well built. The tolex is tight all around and the grille is tight. I like that it has handles on the side as well as the top. The knobs and switches are high quality.
I've only had it for a few days, so time will tell. So far, so good!
Your general opinion of this product.
It may have been a bit much to purchase as an amp for a person just starting out playing guitar, but once you crank the volume and strike your first note, you'll be in love.
It does what an amp is supposed to. The footswitch is very responsive with no lag at all.
Since I'm a beginner, I'm probably not dialing it in as tight as an experienced player would, but as of now it sounds great to me. I do, however, find the bass to be sometimes overwhelming from time to time. The clean channel is great even when the volume is low. The OD channel sounds fine to me.
Perfect. The corner protectors are a nice touch.
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Almost - but not quite...
By: Chris M. from Thurmont, MD
Submitted: 2/19/2013
1 person found this review helpful.
I've had my Stage 60 for about a month now, and have taken the back off to examine tubes, speakers, etc. It's a clean design, clean build, and no corners were cut in construction. My biggest problem has been with the Seventy-80s that come stock. I have no idea how Celestion thought that these flabby, flaccid, almost-hit-the-tone-but-miss-on-most-levels noise boxes would be acceptable for anyone with ears. Stock tubes are unremarkable but inoffensive. However, the Celestion had to go. I'm anticipatin delivery of a Governor and Man-o-War today that should rectify the speaker issue.
Again, only had it for a month, but I have no problems with the overall build quality. You should be warned: this thing is a beast, and if you weigh less than the amp, you'll probably not want to gig with it - at least without wheels. Apparenty, the unit accepts a 10m thread for rollers.
Your general opinion of this product.
I've heard peopel extol the wonder of Blackstar's tone, and heard others bag on its circuits. My experience is that I have fairly well stopped playing my JCM800 2210 and this amp is my new mainstay. I've been waiting for my entire life to have this range of tone in one amp. The ISF feature alone is tantamount to replacing Mark II and rectifier. And - no offense to Marshall - it's lovely to have a clean channel that's honest to God CLEAN.
As stated, the HT-60 is an 80 lb. monster. Thank God it has built in handles on the sides. Apart from build, the controls are fairly intuitive and laid out in a manner that is extremely user friendly. I chose the HT-60 over the Soloist for three main reasons: 2x12 design, extra tone control on the clean tone stack, and the potential sonic advantages of picking up an extension cab and running it like a 4x12. I've no experience with the Soloist,but being a full-stack guy from way back, I felt a little more comfortable with more output options. I'm frankly glad I pulled the bigger trigger.
The tone is fairly ajustable between 60s Twin to modern Rectifier - and just about everything in between. I've found a general range of tones that I'm ecstatic with, but I haven't even begun to touch on everything the amp offers. I play everything from classical to blues, rock, hair and thrash metal, and there's room for all of them in this box. I've been so enchanted by the tone that I'm only using the amp's reverb. I haven't even bothered with EQ. Just all around wonderful for everything I've asked of it.
I've got to say, they do a bang-up job on fit and finish, inside and out. No complaints at all there.
It took me about twenty minutes from powerup to find a number of tones that just kept getting better the more I futzed with the dials. Still excited about it just writing this. As stated above, there's still room for improvement, but for this price point? Can't be beat.
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This amp just SMOKES!!!!!
By: Frank Patrick
Submitted: 3/1/2012
Time will tell... Only just got it, and since my equipment goes out to shows regularly, it it ain't roadworthy it will show. Seems to be a pretty well-built amp though.
This is a tone machine... With the voicing and ISF control I can dial in virtually ANY tone I want.... AND... All three channels have their own character, leaving nothing to be desired. This covers it all!
Time will tell... Only just got it, and since my equipment goes out to shows regularly, it it ain't roadworthy it will show.
Your general opinion of this product.
I've wanted to get a BlackStar for a while now... just wasn't certain which model. I LOVE THIS AMP! Right out of the box it sounds great... All three channels really deliver exactly what I am looking for!
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Finally Great Tone and Simplicity.
By: Mitchell R Hunter
Submitted: 1/3/2012
yes very well made and heavy
very nice different tones available.
have not had it long yet.
Your general opinion of this product.
Great Sounding amplifier.
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Great
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Exceeded My Expectations
By: TKHumbucker from Hilton Head Island, SC
Submitted: 10/24/2011
Very well built and solid. Try to pick it up and you will see what I mean!
Clean, Smooth, Chunky and wild. Lots of control. Where as a most amps do one thing well, this amp does several tones perfectly.
I have had it only a month but it seems like it will last.
Your general opinion of this product.
This is a high quality, high powered amp.
It feels like a monster of an amp
Many different tones. A very flexible amp.
Very good, no flaws
not applicable
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ht 60 stage is awesome!!
By: Dave
Submitted: 6/24/2011
top notch
the tone is awesome and there is alot of it and alot of different tones in it!
had it a moth so far so good
Your general opinion of this product.
i love this amp have had it about a month now and it sounds better by the day!!the speakers are a bit harsh ive been playing it through a cab with vintage 30's and that is much smoother
it plays well. it is heavy.
bright dark snappy chimey smooth harsh all that and eveything in between prolly the only thing it wouldnt do would be like death metal but it does get pretty heavy if you crank the gain and scoop it.
the finish is sweet one of the selling points for me and the pics dont do justice to the amp
the nobs turn nice and smooth!
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Best out of the box sound of any amp!
By: Shannon T. from Mesa, AZ USA
Submitted: 5/3/2011
Most definitely A+++++
Very punchy and responsive. Palm mutes, Octaves, soloing and everything in between has the exact sound I want. From mild overdrive to full on metal crunch but the British tones are amazing.
Haven't had it but a couple days but it seems like a very stout amp built with the highest quality. I'd recommend it toanyone.
Your general opinion of this product.
Blackstar is the best overall out of the box sounding amp I have ever played. I've owned Marshall's (Modded jcm900), Mesa Boogie, Peavey 6505+ and several others and nothing compares.
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Very bright and punchy. Clean was a little too bright at first but all in all a great amp for the price.
Gorgeous
No problems with tubes or anything. Sounded great right away and after a few days of playing the tubes are just getting better with nice warm tones. Took me about 30 minutes to dial in the exact sound I demand. Can't wait for a gig.
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Enjoyable and very awesome
By: TJ from Atown,CA
Submitted: 4/20/2011
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Enjoyable and very awesome
By: TJ from Atown,CA
Submitted: 4/20/2011
nice quality
nice warm clean tone. OD1 nice and muddy tone. OD2 a little harsh but brutal as well
sturdy as heck
Your general opinion of this product.
Bought product based strictly on Took a couple days to get dialed up. But once i did, purred like a kitten
great tone
nice
just like any tube amp needs a couple days of playing to get it warmed up
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Better Than Marshall
By: Rusty B.
Submitted: 4/1/2011
The Best ...
Tone is killer with Les Paul's
Only Had a few week.. But it is a great looking amp , the 2 x12 Is a monster as far as combo amp are concerned
Your general opinion of this product.
Well Built.. Sounds better than my Marshall MA100C ..Easier to deal with
Looks kinda like leather.. Nice looking , but i recommend a road case if you use it out and about
Many differant tones you can get.. all good
Jackson
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VERSATILE & AFFORDABLE
By: Patrick McGlaughlin from Columbus, Ohio. USA
Submitted: 2/4/2011
I would say this is built like old Peavey's as far a build quality. the Cabinet is MDF.
But in this price range you are not going to get a solid wood cabinet.
The tones I can get out of this are numerous. There are two voicings per channel and the ISF knob is a kewl feature that lets you change from BRIT tones to AMERICAN tones. Although I must admit I thought there would be more direct effect with this knob it is subtle. My only legitimate gripe would be that I think it would have been better off with independant EQ and reverb for each channel. But easy to overlook with 3 channels. I am still earning to tweak this amplifier. This is my first tube amp. And I may have gone overkill buying the HT STAGE 60 for Home hobby use. But WOW! I am impressed over all. I looked at several other leading brands in this price range. I have no regrets.
So far it has been a champ. It seems very well built. I am not crazy about the handle on top. I would not carry it by the handle. Good thing there side handles. This beast is HEAVY.
Your general opinion of this product.
Very Pleased with this product.
If you are in the market for a tube amplifier. Take a look at the Blackstar line. You will not regret it.
They are very versatile and the price point is dead on.
It is ALL Amp.
It is a tube amp. they are built for tone.
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The Action was very quick and frantic. I was excited to open it up. So yeah... There was a good ammount of "action" Arnold would have been proud of me. Shot out to the Gov! HAHA!
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Incredible tone!
By: Christopher from
Submitted: 10/6/2010
Very well made and dependable so far
From chimey wood sounds, to bluesy breakup fat bottom tone, Country twang, Alternative crunch, Classic rock tone and High end in the realm of Nickleback, and modern rock sounds. Don't expect it to do extreme high gain unless you use the effects loop with a pedal tailored to that application.
Have owned for a month now, too early to tell,but I would suspect by the build quality if you treat her right she will reciprocate.
Your general opinion of this product.
I have played through many amps and have owned nearly as many. I will make this short and to the point. For the price this amp really delivers some incredible boutique sounding cleans,crunch and on the verge of metal tones. The ISF really helps to dial in a sound to whatever song or genre you want to emulate. One of the strong suits I found was the effect loop and how well it preserves the tone of the amp when using effects. I use a Digitech drp 1000 and with the Blackstart it is a happy marriage of tone goodness. I have not been able to turn the volume past noon ( keep in mind you also have volumes on all three channels) This baby gets loud and the louder it goes the better the tube tone. I know $900 is still quite a bit of money to gamble on an amp many people are just hearing of, but I rolled the dice and came out a winner with this amp. Can not say enough good things about this amp. I have been playing nearly 20 years and this is by far the best sounding amp and it really helps you
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the one amp
By: Northern Stone
Submitted: 10/1/2010
If you dreamed it .. its in there! Tube tone is an obsession. Remember this puppy needs a lttle volume to truly shine. Push the channel volume up and use the master for levels.
So far so good. Preamp tube gone microphonic but that is not an issue with the amp itself.
Your general opinion of this product.
I found you can just plug into this thing and start playing... no need for extra petals.. the cleans and drive channels are so good! A huge range of tone at your finger tips.
This thing is an eye pleaser. Sometimes I just sit and stare at it!
Top notch!