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Blackstar
Ian Robinson and Bruce Keir, both former Marshall engineers, founded Blackstar Amplification in Northampton, England, in 2007, taking decades of amp-design experience with them into a new company. Blackstar expanded into the US in 2009 while keeping research and development in the UK, and it's built a following among players including Ozzy Osbourne's touring band and Richie Sambora. The range runs from headphone-sized practice amps to full valve heads, all still designed in-house rather than badge- engineered. New amp launches and signature models for players like Doug Aldrich and Jared James Nichols make up most of our Blackstar coverage. Here's everything we've written.
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Founded2007
Based inNorthampton, England
FounderIan Robinson and Bruce Keir
Articles here22
Makes
- Amplifiers
- Effects pedals
- Accessories
Known for
- HT Series
- ID:Core
- Series One
- Fly 3
- St. James
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Blackstar FAQ4 questions
Who founded Blackstar?
Ian Robinson and Bruce Keir, in Northampton, England in 2007. Both had worked at Marshall before setting up on their own, which is a large part of why the company arrived with a fully formed high-gain range rather than a single first product.
What does the ISF control on a Blackstar amp do?
It sweeps the tone stack between an American and a British voicing — turning it one way gives the tighter, scooped response associated with US amps, the other way the mid-forward British sound. It sits alongside the normal EQ rather than replacing it, so it is a character control rather than another tone knob.
Are Blackstar amps made in the UK?
Design and development are done in Northampton. Manufacturing is split: some higher-end models are built in the UK while the volume ranges such as ID:Core are produced overseas. Blackstar states the origin per model, so check the specific amp rather than assuming from the brand.
What is the Blackstar Fly 3?
A battery-powered 3-watt practice amp small enough to sit on a desk, with a tape-style delay and Blackstar's ISF control. It sold in very large numbers and is the model most likely to be someone's first Blackstar, which is why it turns up in beginner recommendations constantly.