Summer NAMM 2012: Blackstar Gus G Blackfire 200 signature amp
Four channels, 200 watts and integrated Fire and Fury overdrives
Launched from a garden shed in 2004, Blackstar has since seen some of the most rapid growth of any guitar brand. Now it's announced its first ever signature amp head: the Gus G Blackfire 200.
Built around the firm's KT88-equipped Series One S1-200 model, the most interesting feature of the new amp is the addition of integrated custom-voiced 'Fire' and 'Fury' overdrive channels, as featured on Gus G's signature HT Blackfire pedal.
That means a total of four amp channels, including Clean and Crunch options (each of which have two modes), so although it's aimed very squarely at the metal market, the Blackfire 200 should still be a flexible head.
In addition, there are the usual custom graphics. These can often make or break a potential purchase and while Gus has put his own stamp on the amp, the first images show he's kept things tasteful - opting for a couple of his 'Evil G' logos on the control panel, a brushed aluminium front and a cast metal Blackstar logo.
How much the new Blackfire channels will have to offer remains to be seen, but both the HT Blackfire pedal and and the S1-200 head have scored highly in our past reviews and there's almost certainly more on offer here than the customary flash paintjob.
For more information on the Blackstar Gus G Blackfire 200, check out the full press release below.
PRESS RELEASE: Blackstar have been working closely with guitar hero Gus G. (Ozzy Osbourne, Firewind) to create the ultimate heavy metal amp. Based on Blackstar's award winning Series One 200 amp design, this 200-watt, limited edition amplifier has been voiced in partnership with Gus G.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
Four switchable channels are offered: a Clean channel with Warm and Bright modes,
a Crunch channel with Crunch and Super Crunch modes, plus Fire and Fury overdrive channels specially voiced in partnership with Gus G. for a devastating full metal assault.
The Blackfire 200 features a custom cosmetic, including a brushed aluminium front panel complete with an 'Evil G' logo and a cast metal Blackstar logo.
Each model comes with exclusive Gus G. accessories including a signed certificate, an 'Evil G' key ring, trading card, pick, dust cover and a Firewind CD Few Against Many.
Specification:
- 200W
- Four channels
- Six modes (footswitchable)
- Gus G.'s Fire and Fury overdrive channels
- Series effects loop with effects level switch
- MIDI switching
- Advanced speaker emulated output
- Four-way footcontroller supplied
- Limited Edition
- Exclusive Gus G. accessories
Information taken from official press release, for more visit Blackstar
Submit a press release: email musicradar.pressreleases@futurenet.com
Connect with MusicRadar: via Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
Get MusicRadar straight to your inbox: Sign up for the free weekly newsletter
MusicRadar is the number 1 website for music makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, djs or producers...
- GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high- quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
- TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
- STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music making that no other music website can.
“Making that record was like pulling teeth!” Rock legends Rush remember the album that drove them half-mad
“Simple to use and versatile enough for any style of guitar playing”: Fender unveils the Champion II amp series, a trio of affordable solid-state modelling combos with onboard effects for players of all levels