Blackstar amplifiers have ranked as some of the best-selling of 2016, 2017, and 2018 on Reverb, thanks to the small yet mighty, battery-powered Fly 3 Mini series. Today, the brand is launching an entirely different lineup with the Silverline Series.
With vintage good looks and modern DSP tone-shaping, Blackstar is calling the new models a freshly-hued line of "zero compromise, boutique-level digital guitar amplifiers."
What exactly does this mean? Well, the brand is leaning into both its classic British tone roots—as seen in its all-tube, AC30-cloning Artisan 30—and the contemporary tone craft of its digital amps.
Each Silverline offers a range of digitally emulated tube response and tone. While no valves are actually on board, you can choose between KT88, 6L6, KT66, EL34, 6V6, and EL84 sounds. From there, there are six preamp voicings—Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1, and OD 2—with four preset locations to save your own dialed-in favorites, along with an onboard EQ that offers American and British amp tones.
In addition, there are enough built-in effects to bring rich modulation and delay without the use of pedals—and enough connectivity options to plug straight into a PA or record direct into your computer, with no third-party audio interface required. Blackstar's included Insider software allows you to further shape the amp's tones to your own personal satisfaction.
The Silverline Series includes five individual amps, including four combos and one head and cabinet configuration:
- Silverline Standard: 20-watt, 1x10 ($429.99)
- Silverline Special: 50-watt, 1x12 ($529.99)
- Silverline Deluxe: 100-watt, 1x12 ($679.99)
- Silverline Stereo Deluxe: 100-watt, 2x12 ($849.99)
- Silverline Deluxe Head: 100-watt ($529.99)
- Silverline 2x12 Cabinet: 140-watt, 2x12 ($479.99)
You can find the full line of amps on Reverb here.