Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $124

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Unleash a world of sonic possibilities with the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2, a 20-watt powerhouse designed to elevate your guitar practice sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this combo amplifier offers an immersive experience with its Super Wide Stereo technology, filling your space with lush, panoramic sound. With six versatile amp voices ranging from classic clean to intense overdrive, you can customize your tone to perfection using Blackstar's patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), which effortlessly blends American and British tonalities.

The ID: Core 20 V2 is more than just an amplifier; it’s a creative hub. Built-in modulation, delay, and reverb effects allow you to add depth and dimension to your playing, while the revamped MP3/Line Input lets you jam along to your favorite tracks. Thanks to USB 2.0 functionality, recording directly from the amp to your computer has never been easier, making it an ideal choice for both practice and studio recording.

Dive deeper into your sound with the included Insider app, which offers extensive patch editing and storage capabilities. Share your creations with the online community or download new patches to inspire your next session. The intuitive interface ensures that crafting your unique sound is as straightforward as it is fun.

Key Features:

  • 20W (2 x 10W) 6-channel modeling combo amplifier
  • Six amp voices from clean to overdrive
  • 12 studio-quality effects in Super Wide Stereo
  • Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) for American and British tone shaping
  • USB 2.0 for direct recording and re-amping
  • Insider app for deep editing and community sharing
  • MP3/Line Input for jamming along with tracks

Product specs

Brand Blackstar
Model ID:Core Stereo 20 V2 2x10W 2x5 Programmable Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects Built-In Effects
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 20
Power Tube Type None
Reverb Digital Reverb
Speaker Configuration 2x10"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 suitable for?

The Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 is versatile and suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, and metal, thanks to its six different channels and built-in effects that provide varied tones.

Does the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 work well with pedals?

While the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 offers built-in effects and multiple channels, it can also complement external pedals. However, its primary strength lies in its onboard features, making it ideal for players who prefer a straightforward setup.

Is the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 loud enough for small gigs?

With a total output of 20 watts and stereo speakers, the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 is well-suited for small gigs and practice sessions, providing sufficient volume and clarity for intimate venues.

What connectivity options does the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 offer?

The Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 includes an auxiliary input, USB port for tone editing and recording, and an emulated headphone output, offering versatile connectivity for various playing and recording scenarios.

How does the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2's USB port enhance its functionality?

The USB port on the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 allows for tone editing and recording directly to your computer, making it a convenient option for home recording and accessing additional tonal options through software.

Subhadip Mondal

Subhadip Mondal

Ibanez RG421 + Blackstar ID Core 20 V2 | Killer Practice Guitar + Amp Combo

Video thumbnail for Ibanez RG421 + Blackstar ID Core 20 V2 | Killer Practice Guitar + Amp Combo by Subhadip Mondal

Ibanez RG421 + Blackstar ID Core 20 V2 | Killer Practice Guitar + Amp Combo

Subhadip Mondal

Subhadip Mondal

Video thumbnail for Гитарный комбик BLACKSTAR ID:CORE20 V2 by PopMusicRu

Гитарный комбик BLACKSTAR ID:CORE20 V2

PopMusicRu

PopMusicRu

Video thumbnail for Budget Gear - Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2 by Wombat Page

Budget Gear - Blackstar ID:Core Stereo 20 V2

Wombat Page

Wombat Page

Video thumbnail for Michelle Taylor & Blackstar ID Core 20 V2 by Michelle Taylor

Michelle Taylor & Blackstar ID Core 20 V2

Michelle Taylor

Michelle Taylor

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2.

Features and functionality

  • The Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 includes a 3-band EQ accessible through PC software, addressing concerns about its default bass-heavy amp models.

    Source
  • The Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 offers a true stereo experience, making it appealing for use with keyboards as well as guitars.

    Source
  • The Clean Bright channel is praised for its response to guitar volume knob adjustments and pairs well with onboard reverbs and external pedals.

    Source
  • Delay effects are considered less usable compared to other onboard effects, such as reverb, tremolo, and chorus, which are deemed solid.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users appreciate the software's features, allowing deeper tone customization compared to the amp's onboard controls.

    Source
  • The headphone output can be hissy, though this is infrequently used by some owners.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The amp's high-gain settings are less favored, with some users preferring an external RAT-type pedal for achieving punk tones like those of the Misfits and Offspring.

    Source
  • For those prioritizing simplicity in controls, the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 is favored over more complex amp models like the Fender Mustang LT25.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Pairing the amp with an MXR Dookie Drive pedal on a clean channel is suggested for approximating Billie Joe Armstrong's Dookie-era tone.

    Source
  • Catalinbread's Dirty Little Secret pedal is recommended for achieving a Plexi-like tone when used as a preamp through the FX return.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Utilizing an overdrive pedal before the amp to boost sound and maximize gain can enhance punk rock tones, though tube amps could offer a closer match.

    Source

User experience

  • Users transitioning from keyboard to guitar find the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2's diverse effects inspire practice and songwriting, even if not all features are immediately appreciated.

    Source
  • Owners have generally used the amp for low-volume practice settings, like college dorms, finding it effective for such environments.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dmos
dmos

129

Overall, nothing better for a beginner bedroom amp.

This amp was $99. It's an excellent bedroom amp, and although I am looking into an upgrade, I'm gonna keep this one. It sounds excellent for the price, and it has several different settings for Overdrive, Reverb, Crunch, Clean Warm and Clean Bright, Modulation, Delay, a tuner, and a headphone jack.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ichika uses Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2

Ichika

Guitarist, Bassist

Dios

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video, Ichika uses a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V2 aplifier with her Ibanez EHB1005MS bass to demonstrate the speed of her tapping.

See how Rolando Mora uses Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2

Rolando Mora

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In his video titled "¿Cómo Suena Una Guitarra De $100,000 En Un Amplificador De $3,000? ¡DURA PRUEBA!" on YouTube, Rolando Mora uses the Blackstar ID: Core 20 V2 amplifier for sound comparisons.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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