Blackstar Silverline Special 50W 1×12 Amp with FS-10 Foot Controller

I bought this amp new in 2021 after hearing another guitarist play one at a jam. I heard a big, warm sound, asked him what tube amp he was using, and was surprised when he showed me this Blackstar. It has been a versatile amp for clean tones, edge-of-breakup blues, classic rock, and higher-gain sounds.

The Silverline Special is a 50-watt, 1×12 modeling combo. Its Response control lets you choose among six different power valve responses—EL84, 6V6, EL34, KT66, 6L6, and KT88. It also has multiple amp voices and built-in effects, so there is plenty to explore without a separate pedalboard.

Included: the Blackstar FS-10 four-button foot controller and connecting cable, power cord, paperwork, and original amp box and packing. The FS-10 is an optional accessory sold separately for about $115 new. I also added sturdy side handles, which make the approximately 31-pound amp much easier to lift.

I plugged in and checked the amp, and installed Blackstar’s Architect software on my computer to confirm that it connects and works. A USB stick in the box contains the Architect installer, the amp and software manuals, and a copy of my original purchase receipt. Architect provides additional editing and preset management through a computer.

The packed box weighs approximately 40 pounds. Local pickup in the San Antonio area; no trades. Please see the photos for cosmetic condition.

I’ve left four of my own presets saved in the amp: a clean rhythm sound, a slightly dirty Stevie Ray Vaughan–inspired blues sound, a Duane Allman–inspired rock sound, and a higher-gain Eddie Van Halen–inspired lead sound. The included FS-10 foot controller makes it easy to switch sounds while playing.

Those are just my starting points, not fixed sounds. You can change the settings using the amp’s controls or connect it to a computer and use Blackstar Architect, which I find easier for detailed editing. If you’d rather start fresh, the amp can easily be returned to factory settings; the instructions are in the manual PDF on the included USB stick.

Here are a couple of youTube videos that do a good job of demonstrating this amp's capabilities

6min Explains Power tube selection

Starts out demo'g tones from dirty to clean