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Marshall amplifiers are among the most recognizable in the whole world. Beginning as a small builder chasing tone. To become a major manufacturer of equipment used by many famous musicians.
Blackstar is another British guitar amp maker creating a good reputation. They are a newcomer when compared to brands like Marshall. But Blackstar’s offerings provide a magnificent line of products. Most of which can handle any style of music.
This makes it tough when comparing Marshall vs Blackstar amps. But in this Killer Rig article, we are going to pull back the curtain on both brands to help you decide which is best.
Quick Comparison
Marshall and Blackstar amps are both popular brands of guitar amplifiers, but they have some differences in sound and style. Here are some key points:
Marshall Amps:
- Tend to be more suited toward classic and hard rock.
- Sound more crunchy and have a more vintage-style saturated tone compared to Blackstar amps.
- Might not be good for really thick, scooped, metal sounds.
Blackstar Amps:
- Produce a more modern and darker sound.
- Better for modern metal and heavier styles.
- Will get you more gain/distortion.
- Sound fairly similar to Marshall’s, except maybe for the upper mids. They seem more compressed on the Blackstar.
In terms of price, there are both cheap and expensive options for both brands. Ultimately, the choice between Marshall and Blackstar amps will depend on personal preference and the style of music being played.
History of Marshall and Blackstar Amps
Marshall Amplification
Jim Marshall, the namesake of the company and a longtime road musician. Opened a shop in London that specialized in guitars and amplifiers.
After hearing guitarists complain that they couldn’t get the sound in their heads to come through their speakers. Jim decided to build his own amplifier. He tinkered with circuits and components to create something the world had never heard before.
Marshall’s first amplifier, JTM45, quickly became famous in the guitar community. Word spread so much that it didn’t take long for Marshall to open its first factory.
Eventually, Marshall became one of the most recognizable names in music equipment! Especially for guitarists who wanted an authentic rock sound.
Read our article on Are Marshall Amps Good?
Blackstar Amplification
In 2007, Blackstar Amplification was created by Paul Hayhoe, Bruce Keir, Ian Robinson, and Richard Frost. The four founders worked together at Marshall Amplification for years. All before they finally decided to join forces to create their own company.
Blackstar was conceptualized around 2004 and took 3.5 years of technical research and development to bring to market.
The company launched at the Musikmesse Frankfurt trade fair in March 2007. They quickly became a very popular manufacturer of guitar amplifiers.
Read our article on “Are Blackstar Amps Good?”
Differences Between Marshall vs Blackstar Amps
- Marshall amplifiers are more popular than Blackstar offerings.
- Although Blackstar amps are made by former Marshall designers, they are not knock offs and sound very different.
- Marshall amps suit the classic rock genre, while Blackstar offerings are better for modern metal and other heavier music styles.
- Marshall’s amps are made with a classic circuit design inspired by the tweed Bassman. Blackstar amplification are famous for patented innovation.
- Both companies have similar price ranges, but Blackstar generally has more affordable options.
Popularity
Marshall’s amps are more popular than Blackstar and for a good reason. They have been around for decades, and their sound is very recognizable. They are also well-built, with durable components that can withstand the test of time.
Blackstar amps are newer than Marshall. But they have begun to make a name for themselves as a reliable brand.
They also have more features and are known as suitable alternatives to Marshall amps.
Signature Sound
Marshall is known for its signature British tone. Its crunchy, beefy, and creamy tone is perfect for rock and metal music. The brand has been producing high-quality amplifiers since 1964. Countless rock stars have used their offerings over the years.
On the other hand, Blackstar amps were designed to be versatile and flexible, so you can get any tone you want.
Yes, Blackstar amps were made by former Marshall designers. But they don’t have the same signature British sound.
Instead, Blackstar amps are more geared toward musicians who want dark tones.
Music Style
Marshall amplifiers tend to be more suited toward classic and hard rock. While Blackstar models are better for modern metal and heavier styles. Still, there are many examples where both amplifiers can cover multiple genres well.
Marshall’s amps have become popular for their high-gain tone! When turned up loud, they become very crunchy.
It’s a sound desired in many music styles, but especially among rock ‘n’ roll players.
Blackstar amps are good for any genre. They’re popular among musicians with different styles. However, they’re best known for their take on metal and hard rock. This is because of their darker tones and more compressed sound.
Build
Marshall’s are made with a classic circuit based on the tweed Bassman. The company has used versions of it for many years. Recently, however, Marshall has begun to offer smaller tube amps. Designs that are quite different from their high-powered models.
The circuitry inside a Marshall gives it a specific sound that’s unlike anything else out there.
Blackstar amps are renowned for patented innovation. The first is the ISF (Infinite Shape Feature). It lets guitar players choose between a British or American voice.
Next is Dynamic Power Reduction. This one allows a player to get a cranked amplifier tone by scaling the power down to 10%.
Speaker Cabinets
Each company also provides a range of speaker cabinets. Here is a table to help you decide which cabinet would be a better fit for your sound:
| Feature | Blackstar Cabinets | Marshall Cabinets |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Material | Often uses MDF | Traditionally uses Baltic birch plywood |
| Speaker Types | Variety, including custom-designed | Primarily Celestion speakers |
| Cabinet Design | Straight and slanted designs | Iconic slanted cabinets |
| Impedance Options | Multiple, with modern features | Multiple, more traditional |
| Aesthetic | Modern, sleek design | Classic, vintage look |
| Price | Generally more budget-friendly | Usually higher-priced |
| Sound Characteristics | Tighter, focused sound | Warm, resonant tone |
Price Range
Both companies have similar price ranges. Blackstar generally has more affordable options available than Marshall does. Blackstar amps are also a good choice if you’re looking for the Marshall tone at a lower price.
Solid State Model Comparison
| Model | Wattage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall MG10G | 10W | $139.99 |
| Blackstar Debut 15E | 15W | $109.99 |
| Marshall MG15G | 15W | $169.99 |
| Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 | 20W (2 x 10W) | $209.99 |
| Marshall MG30GFX | 30W | $299.99 |
| Blackstar ID:Core 40 V3 | 40W (2 x 20W) | $229.99 |
| Marshall Code 50 | 50W | $399.99 |
| Marshall ORI50C | 50W | $899.99 |
Tube Model Comparison
| Model | Wattage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstar HT5R MKII | 5W | $549.99 |
| Marshall DSL5CR | 5W | $799.99 |
| Blackstar HT20RH MKII | 20W | $649.99 |
| Marshall ORI20C | 20W | $749.99 |
| Marshall 2525C | 20W | $1,949.99 |
Check out our guide for Best Guitar Amps under $500 here.
Marshall vs Blackstar Amps: Which One Is Better?
Both Marshall and Blackstar are great options for beginners! Even intermediate players looking for a quality amplifier.
There are many similarities between these two brands, for sure. But it ultimately comes down to preference when deciding which one you should buy.
Why Choose Marshall Amps?
What do you get when you buy a Marshall? A well-known brand in the music industry and one that’s been around for decades.
The company has a large variety of products available. All from budget-friendly practice amps to high-end models meant for professionals.
They also have excellent reputations for quality and reliability. Two important factors to consider if you’re buying an amp! Especially one that will be your companion on stage or in the studio for years to come. Heck, even one that will sit on your desk at home!
Check out the Marshall vs Vox comparison we made here.
Why Choose Blackstar Amps?
Blackstar amps are more versatile and have more modern features than Marshall. Blackstar amps also have more tone options.
This means you can fine-tune your sound from mild to wild with just one model.
They also have a reputation for being on the more affordable side of the market. Offering great value for money! Especially when considering that former Marshall experts designed them.
Check out our Marshall vs Orange comparison here.
Conclusion
Even if you were to consider the sound of Marshall and Blackstar amps as unique and exclusive to each other.
You must be careful to remember that this doesn’t mean one company is better than the other. Just because their tone is superior.
After all, tone and quality are subjective terms! What sounds good to you might not to another guitar player. Besides tones, you should also look at features, build quality, reliability, and reputation.
