Description
Blackstar St. James 50-Watt EL34 Tube Amp Head
Blackstar wanted to produce a range of heads and combos, that were the lightest available while still retaining the essential element found in traditional valve / tube amps. Lightweight amps with no trade-off in performance and tone are something guitarists have been requesting for ages making it the forefront during the design process of the new ST. James valve amps. Thus making them the lightest valve amps in the world.
Next, Blackstar wanted to be able to include everything within one box, to enable the output of authentic 'miked cabinet-of-a-hard-driven-valve-am-in-a-room ' sounds whether to be direct to stage box or recording device.
The St. James Series In Detail
The St. James heads and combos are highly versatile amplifiers suited to a wide range of playing styles and situations.
Channel I, all models
The valve/tube gain structure and voicing of this channel have been inspired by classic American amplifiers of the mid-’60s (Fender ‘black-face’). It is very clean and bright but with a solid low-end and controlled mids. Also, on this channel, the valve/tube power stage is set to be tight and relatively clean, and linear across the frequency range. This is one of the most popular choices for a ‘pedal platform’ as it provides a solid clean foundation to apply effects to.
Channel II for EL34 model
The EL34 models use a ‘classic’ valve/tube preamp topology for Channel II which is based on a much loved British ‘class A’ amplifier of the early ’60s (Vox AC-30 Top Boost). This is a low to medium gain preamp that can be used clean, warm, or mildly overdriven. Again, this is a very popular choice for a ‘pedal platform’ as well as for a great responsive crunch tone. When this channel is selected the valve/tube power stage is set as ‘open-loop’. This has a looser feel with a resonant bottom end and lively highs. The foot-switchable BOOST setting pushes the valve preamp harder with a +10dB clean boost, to take it from ‘chimey’ to ‘creamy’ and beyond.
Reliability
As with all Blackstar products the St. James amplifiers are designed for maximum reliability. All the amplifiers are thoroughly endurance tested on automatic test equipment to replicate many hours of real-life use in a few days of laboratory testing.
Cab Rig
CAB RIG is Blackstar’s next-generation DSP speaker simulator and begets a fundamental shift in the accessibility of professional recording and performing. CAB RIG awards budding musicians the ability to access previously unattainable technology, that has long been reserved for professional sound engineers and producers. Leading-edge advancements in the speaker cabinet and microphone simulation will allow any player to achieve unparalleled quality in their live sound and recorded music.
Warranty
Delivery & Returns
At Gear Club Direct, we want you to be happy with your purchase. We understand that there are times when once a product is received, it may not be what you needed or wanted after all. So, we will gladly accept your qualifying return within 15 days of the delivery date. After 15 days of the delivery date, all sales are final.
The Return Process
Customers are required to obtain a Pre-Authorization to return any product. To submit a request for a return, simply log in to your account and request a return and one of our sales representatives will contact you within 24-48 business hours. If you do not have an account with us, please open a help ticket, providing as much detail as possible and whether you are requesting a refund or an exchange. READ MORE