SILVERLINE STANDARD & STEREO DELUXE

From humble beginnings in a garden shed in the mid-2000s, British amp company Blackstar has become one of the guitar-amplification world’s major players. Although problem-solving tech and form-factor innovations have brought the Northampton brand major successes in recent years, valve-amp knowhow has always been central to its identity, not least thanks to Blackstar co-founder and former Marshall technical director, Bruce Keir.

For Keir: “Amp design has always been about applying elegant engineering solutions to enhance the creative experience of musicians.” Blackstar’s new Silverline Series sees a number of these solutions coalesce in a stylish new range that combines affordability, versatility and broad appeal.

Let’s begin with the cosmetics–aren’t these the sexiest looking Blackstar amps to date? The smart silver-grey cabinets remind us of the White-branded amplifiers (named after Fender’s former production manager and vice president Forrest White) which were designed