One For All
Guitarist|June 2019

These three all-new pure class A combos from Blackstar put the output valve centre stage. Take your pick…

Nick Guppy
One For All

It's an open secret that some of the biggest guitar tones are often recorded on some of the smallest amplifiers, typically old ‘tweed’-type practice amps using just one output valve, in what’s called a single-ended circuit. Single-ended amps are pure class A as opposed to output stages that use pairs of valves, typically arranged in a class AB push-pull configuration using either grid or cathode bias. In a single-ended design, the choice of output valve plays a significantly elevated role in defining tone and response, something Blackstar has capitalised on with the all-new Studio 10 amps. Unveiled at this year’s winter NAMM Show, the Studio 10 range features three 1x12 combos, each with a different output valve: the 6L6, EL34 and KT88.

Each amp in the Studio 10 trio has different cosmetics reflecting its very different sonic character. The Studio 10 6L6 is finished in a smart cream vinyl and oxblood speaker grille cloth; the EL34 offering is covered in traditional black vinyl with a horizontal patterned salt-and pepper grille cloth; and the KT88 model is distinguished by British racing green vinyl, with a vinyl top bar behind the Blackstar logo and a diagonal striped black grille cloth, set off by gold piping.

Behind the control panels the electronics layout is broadly similar with two high quality printed circuit boards holding all the components including the valve sockets. All three combos have similar controls, although the circuits behind them have been individually tweaked and optimised for their respective purposes. There’s a single input jack, followed by controls for gain, tone, reverb level and a master volume, with a small button to switch on the overdrive/boost circuit.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 2019-Ausgabe von Guitarist.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 2019-Ausgabe von Guitarist.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS GUITARISTAlle anzeigen
QUICK CHANGE
Guitarist

QUICK CHANGE

As Gibson finally adds some Quick Connect pickups to its Pickup Shop line-up, Dave Burrluck revisits this simple no-solder method to mod your Modern guitar

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 2024
Return Of The Rack
Guitarist

Return Of The Rack

A revered rackmount digital delay makes a welcome comeback in pedal form.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 2024
Pure Filth
Guitarist

Pure Filth

This all-analogue preamp pedal based on Blues Saraceno's amp is a flexible powerhouse with a variety of roles.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 2024
Reptile Royalty
Guitarist

Reptile Royalty

From Queen to King - there's another Electro-Harmonix royal vying for the crown of octave distortion

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 2024
Tradition Revisited
Guitarist

Tradition Revisited

Line 6 refreshes its Helix-based modelling amp range by doubling the number of available amp voicings - and more

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 2024
Ramble On
Guitarist

Ramble On

Furch's travel guitar folds down so you can transport it in its own custom backpack and, the company claims, it returns to pitch when you reassemble it. Innovation or gimmick?

time-read
5 Minuten  |
November 2024
Redrawing The 'Bird
Guitarist

Redrawing The 'Bird

A fascinating reimagining of one of Gibson's more out-there designs, the Gravitas sticks with vintage vibe and mojo. Oh, and that sound...

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 2024
1965 Fender Jazz Bass
Guitarist

1965 Fender Jazz Bass

\"They made them later on, but it's not something I've ever seen this early.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 2024
Boss Cube Street II
Guitarist

Boss Cube Street II

Regular readers will know that the last time I took the Boss Cube Street II out, I was in rehearsal for a debut gig in London.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 2024
STILL CRAZY
Guitarist

STILL CRAZY

One of the most creative yet reliably great-sounding effects makers out there, Crazy Tube Circuits grew out of a fetish for old valve amps. We meet founder Christos Ntaifotis to find out more

time-read
8 Minuten  |
November 2024