Blackstar Fly 3 Watt Mini Amplifier Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- Review of the Blackstar Fly 3 Watt Mini Amp with Tom Quayle bit.ly/Blacksta...
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'I'ts brand new ( and just in time for the Christmas Gift market) Blackstar's cheeky Fly 3 three watt amp. But can you really boil-down that Blackstar 'Big stage' sound into a bedroom sized package?
Tom Quayle gives Santa a helping hand..... bit.ly/Blacksta...
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Just picked one of these up and i work for guitar center and have personally compared all the mini amps from the big names and blackstar has the crown for sure
Why companies always sell separate power supplies or foot controllers is just criminal. That's like selling a car and then saying "Oh! You need tires for that!"
@Braxton Curry Re PSUs, the ubiquitious they don't "always". But it's not exactly rocket science to figure out why. Price point minimisation in a hotly contested price sensitive arena. In the case of Blackstar's Fly 3, it's also a rational decision. It doesn't *need* a PSU to operate well, so the PSU truly is a non prerequisite *optional* extra. This is one of the product's key features and a strength.
Batteries including NiMH rechargables will run it just fine for many hours, and trust me when I say most owners will operate it this way. And if you do want a PSU, you have options. Packaged with the Fly 3+103 combo is of course best value. But unless you are running the satellite stereo config, you simply don't *need* a PSU, although you will need to buy batteries. 1.5v alkalines last an eternity on the Fly 3, and are cheap in bulk from the likes of Aldi. Similarly, much higher capacity NiMH work well for many hours.
I have the combo, and there's truly no need for the PSU with just the Fly 3. The +103 stereo combo pushes the batteries much harder, but batteries will work OK for it too. They just don't last as long and the amp will break up at high volume (as in set to MAX or near) once their voltage drops, more noticeably so with lower voltage NiMH. But hot off the charger or fresh out of the pack, batteries will provide sufficient grunt for multiple sessions of several hours each even with the 6W stereo combo before that occurs.
Footswitches. Obviously in the case of the Fly 3, there's no need. For others, again its the optional extra thing in order to contain price competiveness whilst maximising margin. Not everyone will want a footswitch just because an amp can take advantage of one. My Blackstar ID:Core 40 didn't come with one. I do get why, and agree that the accessory price for it is as irritating as theft. OTOH, albeit at a significantly higher pricepoint, their ID :Core 100 & 150 come with one. Fender does the same. i.e. Consumers have to buy one as an optional extra for their Champion 40, but the Champion 100 comes OOTB with one supplied. Suggests that they've both done their market research.
Accessories should be free.
@@theblytonian3906 obviously it was a rhetorical question.
@@digitos000 No it wasn't. In fact not a question but a statement, so wrong on both counts. You should pay closer attention. In the case of the Fly 3, what IS obvious is that it doesn't *require* a mains PSU to operate, and not everyone will want one nor want to pay for one if they're not going to use it permitting Blackstar to offer it at a more competitive price point in a hotly competitive segment in the marketplace. That *was* obvious, and like you, the OP would have benefited by engaging a synapse with his mouth. For those who want it all including a PSU with their Fly 3, you can have it in the Fly 3 Stereo Pack or buy as an accessory later- if you want to pay for it? In any case, he's actually errant in his generalised statement. Of the 5 amps I've bought this past 18 months including my Fly 3 (stereo pack), *all* came *supplied* with mains PSUs -two Fenders, two Blackstars, and one Boss, . It's just a matter of doing the homework first. Re footswitches. IME the larger wattage amps like my Fender 100 and Blackstar 100 come supplied with them. Should be obvious why the 40W category doesn't.
@@theblytonian3906 Obviously am not going to read your stupid comentary, and obviously it was rethoric, but i don't care, i just want to see you waste your time... Idiot
That is the best review I have seen of this product - by far. My compliments. Thank you!
Just picked this up today and I must say I am really pleased with it. My experience of tiny amps has not been good - in fact I’ve never found a good one before this - but this sounds very nicely defined, has lots of variation and just looks and feels very high quality. Off to Scotland for a week and going to take it with me, looking forward to it!
im loving the Fly 3 - got the 103 too - it's blown me away even without Mic'ing it up its the best 3W amp out there - good call on the pick dynamics.
nice playing and lovely guitar btw !
The guitar is a J.C Custom Shop guitar, hand made in the U.K
rip
Just got one today getting the extension later blows me away
Excellent review. I was on the fence about this amp but you pushed me off it and I ordered one. Great playing too!
That first channel tone sounds great! Obviously having a player like Mr Quayle helps ;-)
good review Mr Shredder but. ..
you never mentioned you can plug your phone into the thing and play along with the music. that is definitely one of the best feature.
and you forgot to say and the fact that you can buy a
second
speaker and make a 6 watt stereo system.that is true stereo , louder and pans your Pandora.
another really good feature that you forgot.
Did you even watch the video?
He talked about those features
I've got one of these, with the powered ex/cabinet, & I play my electric acoustic's through it , while the control's are a bit scratchy now, I'm very happy with it 😊
99.9% sure you were my guitar teacher while I was at uni in Leeds Tom, Very very good teacher.
Just bought this amp too.
This guy sounds great, and he's IN TUNE!
Yeah, being in tune helps. Why wouldn’t he not be in tune?
@@psyche5893There was this thing going around, where YT demo players were getting harshed for being out of tune.
i miced it with a sennheiser and played a show with it. it handles pedals well...
My Blackstar Fly has been my best song learning investment EVER. I can just set it on my destktop next to my computer keyboard and practice away... and that SOUND... way better than a little battery operated amp should sound.
Also, I have to say, I REALLY enjoyed the playing on this video...
Whats the duration of the battery
@@leogc300 They tend to last a LONG time, although I've never actually marked it on the calendar to see how long. I've had my Fly about 4 years and I use it for a couple hours a week, I think I have changed the batteries in it maybe 10 times. I don't run it real loud, though, either since I'm using it along side my monitor speakers on my computer rig to chart and learn songs. Batteries last a lot longer than I thought they would, that's for sure, but I'm positive if I used it with the Fly extension cab all the time or ran it louder, it would go through batteries a lot faster.
Jon Hiller hey thank you that was a really complete answer; btw does it sound good if you use it as a speaker for the phone?
@@leogc300 I've never actually tried that since I usually use it at my desk with my monitor speakers. I'm gonna have to give that a try one of these days.
They are currently selling the fly 3 including the extra cab kit, cable, power unit for $70 (cream color model).
This was a great review because it explains what settings on all the dials actually sound like as they are changed.
Where are they selling for $70?
@@Doowopsid i got mine at Guitar Center. Looks like they are $80 now. Still $30 off.
@@pay9011 Wow, thanks! I haven’t seen it at that price since I’ve been looking for a sale the past couple of weeks but I’ll keep looking. Thanks again for getting back to me.
@@Doowopsid No problem. Be aware it's the cream color, not black.
Amazon is showing a green limited edition set without a power supply for $99 not a sale price though.
Just a brilliant little bit of kit....a proper amp in miniature: I sold by Boss amp that I had indoors as hardly used it when i got one of these: perfect for home practice.
Excellent review! Very thorough, and covered everything I wanted to know. Great work guys!
I haven't seen a bad review yet. I just ordered one! It should be here Friday. I ordered the one that comes with the extra speaker.
It helps when Tom Quayle is playing the guitar for a review lol.
Just bought one and the power supply! Just waiting for it to arrive!
How much is power supply?
Un-bloody-real!
Definitely on my want list.
Amazing for an amp that small
Great review I'm sold I wore out my Fender Mustang micro- the output Jack cuts out
Give it a shot.
This is the best review I have seen of this amp and your playing is stupendous.
2:44 you said that it needs 7 AA batteries, but actually is 6.
reminded me of some live show. dr maury?
"you said that it needs 7 AA batteries, The lie detector determined that was a lie, you are the father" haha jkjk
Thats a good point. I was put off with 7 as my charger can only take 6 .
Yes I wondered about that too, I've got one with the extension cabinet it sounds great,& it takes 6 batteries not 7😮😊
Tom ! ! HAAAAAAA ! ! I had no idea who was going to be demoing the BS 3 Watt and still didn't until you introduced yourself. I started taking notice of the playing immediately and went woooooooah. My first thought was "Oh no, probably some 8 year old phenom" ! ! Anyway, back to the video . . . . .
Got mine today... it's awesome!!!
Daniele Acquavera where do u charge or connect for power?
Einer Jerem I use batteries or a DC charger
Daniele Acquavera does a normal adaptor will do, even if its not the blackstar power supply? i was thinking of gettin it this week. kind of you to reply.
@@playstarts no
Somehow it’s good for traveling time but when u increase gain or volume it gives humming or noise
This thing sounds thick af for a mini amp!! :o
Just bought the Blackstar 003W 2CH Compact Mini Amp With FX Sugar Skull version online. keen to use this.
my wife is always bitching to turn sound down.
Awesome amp I bought one few months ago
I'm thinking I might build a 4 x 3 stack for this.! Joking of course. I will plug it into a Marshall 4 x 12,,, not kidding! Just have to try. You know, because I can!
nice playing man!
the amp atruly looks pretty sick too I'm guna pick one up for a famley reunion I have coming up!
Can anyone recommend someone for online lessons? I know chords on guitar and I want to learn lead, hammer-ons, etc
how much playing time will the amp get with the batteries only?
if this had a blet thing like the marshall ms2 it'd be THE best mini amp.
Wow what neck pickup is in that guitar it sounded amazing?
I am beginner in guitar and I bought one used with the cabinet but to me every regulation gives the same tone sound plus it seems to be more sensitive with the thick strings than the thin ones.
WOW. I'd love to see this guy playing on stage with Eric Johnson. I think Eric would be more than impressed with his playing
This as a layer when recording to get the attack you get from it may be some secret sauce
Great review and an insane player! just got a new subscriber dudes!
sounds better than their tube amps!
Spanky! Just got one. Thanks!
Good review & playing
Got to choose between this and the THR 5
it's not the guitar it's the player
First timer with a amp: I just bought one plug it in turn it on, turned all dials on high...and nothing..I checked batteries all sitting right and nothing, it doesn't work; what am I doing wrong..
Did you figure it out? Maybe you just got a bad unit....
Small but great.
Thanks, great job!
nice review , good deal
Awesome demo.
Excellent review
Would this be a good amp for busking with an electric?
Also bought it for busking)
Yea it’s loud enough
Does the battery life drains if i leave them in while using the adaptor?
Great demo
BTW What does the amp sound like with a $200. +/- guitar, not a $5,000. one?
+japonaliya Tom Quayle could take a $200 guitar and it would still sound great .......
My point, so how can I judge a review of a guitar when it is played in a way that any guitar can sound good?
If the same playing happens on both guitars, problem solved.
He's obviously a good player and an experienced one. He plays a nice guitar through the amp and it sounds nice and states he think it sounds nice... It's a nice amp. A good guitar doesn't help a bad amp, methinks.
Great review, Great product.
What AC adapter should I get for that amplifier?
7 batteries? Mine uses 6 AA....or that is what i put in..and it plays...???????????????
i'm glad its very well priced in terms of the price
;-)
Does this amp work with an electro-acoustic guitar?
Why wouldn't it?
Kyle Tucker can u plug it in ? Lol
Cool!
Youyou A. you're cool, bc you're a chick that plays guitar :) haha
Youyou A. how long you been playing?
Youyou A. same here, self taught, around five years... marry me? lmao
Youyou A. yeah it's been awhile.. you should too!
It sounds nice but fo id rather get a mini Fender Tone Master for about half the price and it sounds nearly as good but doesnt have a delay effect. I only paid $50 for my Marshall MG15DFX so id have a hard time paying what they are asking for that little amp.
Trust me this is much better than the shitty fender one and the MG series of Marshalls are horrible, you're better trying to save your money up for an ID core from blackstar which is, I believe, around £150 for the 20w version.
+Conor Dowse Not a fan of Blackstar amps though this mini sounds pretty good. Mini amps and my MG are practice amps. i dont need top quality for home practice. This Blackstar is cheap enough but it still costs more than what I paid for my MG is all i was saying. I always try to buy used and i only paid $50 for my MG at a pawn shop 6-7 years ago.
paid $42 for a union jack fly with free shipping.
Don t know if I should buy the Blackstar Fly 3 or BOSS Katana.. i know at the time you made this review the Blackstar was not designed and on market. Then there is the Roland Cube Mini amp ??? any suggestions ??
I had the same doubt recently and went for Blackstar Fly Pack. You get the power supply and extension cabinet (really makes a difference if you need some additional volume) and still land below the price of Katana Mini. Keep in mind that Katana's power supply is sold separately. Both sound cool, I liked the Katana a tiny bit more but Fly is just enough for me.
yesterday i bought the Blackstar LT-Echo 10.. i forgot about the Blackstar Fly. but Its a Blackstar. i find that Blackstar has a bit a warmer sound than the Katana.. and it is cheaper ..and also a very good practice amp. small. not as small as the fly but stil a practice amp size.. i will receive it in a couple of days.. i can not put high volume because neighbors,, so i need a practice amp , where i can play with low volume and still hear the good sound.. I will see, but Blackstar Fly is so tiny i like the size and weight...
CAn I plug mic and guitar at the same time?
Can I use pedals and if so where do I plug in
What does he mean by power unit at 3:15? If I buy the amp online can't I start using it directly?
You can... With 6AA batteries... But if you don't wanna keep spending money buying 6aa batteries... Buy an adapter
Good choice with acoustic guitars?
Is delay goes "stereo" when we plug the extension cabinet?
+M. Erdoğan BÖRKLÜ Yes. Stereo delay + the aux input gives you stereo extension speakers.
6 or 7 AA batteries?can it work with just any adapter that is for the right in voltage, instead of the Blackstar expensive adapter?
you just need to figure out the amp draw and voltage
Yes you can but you need to buy its adapter separately.
It's a 3W amp. Check the voltage on the input near the DC line in. Then divide it into 3W. Multiply that by about 1.2. That's about how many amps your substitute power supply needs to put out at Fly's required voltage.
Stale question, but someone might read it searching for an answer. AA× 6, alkaline or NiMh. If you want to run on a mains adapter to match the Fly 3 spec uncommon input voltage, you will want the Blackstar or to source it as unbadged OEM from AliExpress (where I have seen it) if penny pinching.
Nice amp! nice chops too!
What kind of guitar is that Tom?
Fibenare Guitar.
faredrake
Thanks!
Does the line in/Aux jack, go through the delay?
No, bypasses all controls
How much is the power cord?
Hi great demo! Just out of curious can I use the amp with pedals?
Angel Martinez Yes
Angel Martinez I use my fly 3 with a line 6 pocket pod sounds great.
Would this be good for jamming along with acoustic guitars, or would it be drowned out?
I think it would cut through just fine. I have this little guy and it really is impressive.
This would certainly drown the acoustic guitars
How the battery's last long?
A "how long is a piece of string" question. Dependent upon two variables. 1. Battery chemistry, and if NiMh, capacity. 2. How hard your drive it. Crank up the volume to max and engage OD, and play time will be a reduced exponentially, but is still sufficient for many hours. Practicing scales, licks, impro clean at reduced volume will have you impressed at how Blackstar managed to have a single set of batteries last for so long. Most of the time I use 1.2v eneloop pro NiMh, but I've used and still use eneloop & 1.5v Alkaline occasionally.
very cool !
This or orange micro crush?
Aaaahhh, I'm in the same situation, I don't kwow... Help me ! Have you choose since one week ?
Blackstar
I love orange but blackstar wins in the mini amps the fly 3 is amazing the orange doesnt touch it
Blackstar
From what I've heard I'd have to say the fly 3
I too, have a diminutive package.
Is it possible to powered it by pedaltrain volto?
It's not powered with seven but six batteries only
£79 buys you the speaker, cabinet,& power supply,bargain of the year
Logan Quayle!
Nice
Two channels? No. Good kit though.
Yamaha Thr10x still sounds a lot better.
EvilMP5 absolutely. I have both & really apples & oranges. Cheap apples vs. really expensive oranges. I would compare these to like those little Danelectro amps. It pretty much destroy all those little mini amps. Way better than say the Vox Amplug. BUT if you do plug the little Amplug into a 4 x12 it is actually pretty cool.
EvilMP5 I have the Yamaha THX10 ("Metal" version) and I love it, but I'm looking more forward to jamming out on this little thing when mine arrives.
+Stratosfear12569 why? isnt thr10 small enough?
M. Erdoğan BÖRKLÜ Funny..
I've had this a while now, and the Yamaha is leaps better.. This sound great, but the OD leaves something in me wanting it just a little more saturated.. Reverb would have been nice along with the awesome delay, which saves this amp.
I see, I've tried I'd core and blown away with the stereo effects. Its really drives me schizophrenia! Im checking around me :)
Really good, and I'm wondering if the fly 3 goes stereo with extension cabinet?
7 batteries are not great solution.
Im gonna buy this nigga fo sheezy
Now the thing I find frustrating I'd that the reviewer is taking the opportunity to show off a bit. just review the amp and play something achievable and realistic by normal guitarists.
What kills me with all of these types of reviews is they never actually say the price. You say it is a great deal for the price and that it's a great price etc. but never say how much that is. I'm almost certain that a great price to you is different from what I consider great or what the average guy playing a $100 squier considers great. How much is it?
It's only £49.99, I dunno what it is in dollars or euros. It's a great little amp and well worth it.
Conor Dowse cool thanks for letting my know. I actually got a VOX mini 3 G2(for Christmas) that is about the same thing but has more features. It's a modeling amp so there are 11 different models of amps to use. Lots of effects like chorus, flanger, tremolo, delay, echo, reverb and there's a line in for an MP3 player so you can jam along with or connect to a computer for recording. Also a microphone input so you can sing and play at the same time or use it as an input for another instrument like keyboards. All of it can be run by plugging into a wall or with 6AA batteries for a 10hr battery life. Making it a perfect busking amp or take anywhere amp like camping or something. Love this little VOX mini!
To be fair, that can be said for every bit of info about the amp. He could just say "this is the blackstar fly" and go through his routine playing with it and tell us nothing more...
But that would be poor presentation. Price is a primary piece of info that should be given to the viewer in the review like the top speed, fuel economy, horsepower, torque, and price of a sports car.
The absence of price info is made that much worse in that he states it's "good for the price" but doesn't say the price. It's like saying "this BMW's horsepower is great for the displacement of its engine" but never giving the displacement.
actually, tom's finger sounds great, not the amp or the guitar 😊😊😊