One For All

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

- Nick Guppy

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.