Blackstar St. James 6L6

^# 20

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$69.00 to $1,649.99 Price Tier: High-end

4.0 (1)

4 Critic Reviews

0 wishlisted

1 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

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Price

$69.00

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5.0 (2)

$1,649.99

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$1,649.99

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5.0 (4)

$1,484.99 Used

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5.0 (5)

$1,649.99 $1,499.00 $150.99 · All time low

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Average Price: $1,271

High-end/Boutique

$49

$150+

Price Tier

In the Amp Simulator Plugins category, Blackstar St. James 6L6 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Blackstar St. James 6L6". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Discover the Blackstar St. James 6L6 Amp Simulator Plugin, where cutting-edge technology meets the rich, nuanced tones of classic valve amplifiers. This plugin is expertly crafted to bring the authentic feel and sound of a real amplifier right to your fingertips, making it an indispensable tool for both live performances and studio sessions.

The St. James 6L6 model stands out with its unique ability to deliver both crystal-clear clean tones and the highest gain overdrive circuit Blackstar has ever designed. Channel II Voice I offers a faithful replication of its award-winning valve amp counterpart, delivering a "modern" preamp gain with a British-style passive tone stack. Meanwhile, Channel II Voice II is tailored for tight, articulate modern metal sounds, ensuring versatility across a wide spectrum of musical styles.

Integrated with the plugin is CabRig, Blackstar's next-generation DSP speaker simulator. This innovative feature allows you to experience the sound and feel of a mic’d up guitar cab with incredible detail and flexibility. Choose from a curated selection of 9 classic Blackstar speaker cabinets and 6 industry-standard microphones, all with effectively zero latency and no phase mismatch.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a budding producer, the Blackstar St. James 6L6 provides an unparalleled audio experience, making it the ultimate addition to your digital arsenal.

Key Features:

Authentic St. James 6L6 valve amp tones
CabRig advanced speaker simulation with zero latency
Supports standalone, VST, AU, and AAX formats
Built-in noise gate for pristine sound quality

Product specs

Type	Tube
Number of Channels	2
Output Power	50W (sag/2W settings)
Speaker Size	2 x 12" Celestion G12Z-70 "Zephyr"
Preamp Tubes	2 x ECC83
Power Tubes	2 x 6L6
Reverb	Yes
Amp Modeling	Cab Rig
EQ	3-band EQ
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	3 x 1/4" (8/16 ohms), 1 x XLR (cab rig out), 1 x 1/4" (line out/headphones)
Effects Loop	Series FX Loop with Level switch
USB	1 x Type B
Footswitch I/O	1 x 1/4" (channel, boost)
Footswitch Included	Yes, 2-button footswitch
Computer Connectivity	USB
Bias Type	Adjustable Fixed
Software	Cab Rig
Construction Material	Candlenut Plywood with Black Tolex
Power Source	Standard IEC AC cable
Height	21.06"
Width	26.96"
Depth	10.23"
Weight	37.03 lbs.

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Blackstar St. James 6L6 use?: The Blackstar St. James 6L6 amplifier uses 2 x ECC83 preamp tubes and 2 x 6L6 power tubes, offering a classic tube-driven sound with a modern touch.
How many channels does the Blackstar St. James 6L6 have?: The Blackstar St. James 6L6 features two channels, allowing for versatile sound options ranging from clean tones to high-gain distortion.
Does the Blackstar St. James 6L6 come with a footswitch?: Yes, the Blackstar St. James 6L6 includes a 2-button footswitch for easy channel switching and boost activation during performances.
What speaker configuration is in the Blackstar St. James 6L6?: The Blackstar St. James 6L6 is equipped with two 12-inch Celestion G12Z-70 "Zephyr" speakers, providing rich and dynamic sound projection.
Can the Blackstar St. James 6L6 be used for recording?: Yes, the Blackstar St. James 6L6 offers a USB connection and an XLR cab rig output, making it suitable for direct recording and integration with digital audio workstations.

Videos

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Science of Loud

This Amplifier Powers Differently... | Blackstar St. James 6L6 Combo

Science of Loud

This is the Guitar Amp I've ALWAYS Wanted - Blackstar St. James 6L6

Leigh Fuge

Hell Freezes Over! The Blackstar St. James 6L6!

Riffs, Beards & Gear

BLACKSTAR ST JAMES 6L6 COMBO AMP | Review | Guitar Interactive

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Damn those Leads! Blackstar St. James 6L6 review

EytschPi42

Blackstar St. James 6L6 Head 50w Guitar Amp Demo | Heid Music

Heid Music Co.

Reviews

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PROS

Clean channel delivers exceptionally clear and responsive sound
Versatile gain channel with aggressive, punchy tones
Lightweight design makes it highly portable
Reverb enhances tone quality significantly
Includes volume-reducing attenuation and buffered effects loop
Cab simulation on headphones for discreet practice
True standby switch effectively disables speakers
Handles a wide variety of guitar music styles
Capable of both high volume and quiet practice settings
High value for price with premium features

CONS

ABY pedal introduces unwanted noise on Channel 2
Modifying internal speaker connections can be cumbersome

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar St. James 6L6.

Build quality

0 0

An owner reported an "afternote artefact noise" when playing bass notes, which reappeared after repair, indicating potential recurrent issues with sound clarity.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The power supply, replacing the traditional transformer, is noted for causing issues, highlighting a possible weak point in the amp's design.
Source
0 0

The St. James 6L6 excels in clean and gain tones but reportedly struggles with crunch tones, making it a less versatile choice for certain rock styles.
Source
0 0

The St. James 6L6 includes a "switch mode" power supply, allowing it to function worldwide with various voltage systems, differing from traditional transformers.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners appreciate the lightweight design for gigging, but concerns about reliability persist, especially after recurrent noise issues post-repair.
Source
0 0

One potential buyer found a unit that wouldn't power on in a store, reinforcing concerns about power supply reliability issues.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The St. James was compared to the DSL40CR, with the latter being chosen due to fewer potential electronic failure points and a lower price.
Source
0 0

Despite being a 50W amp, it's noted that it should perform similarly in volume to a 60W amp, with the primary difference being the speaker configuration (1x12 vs. 2x12).
Source
0 0

The EL34 model is compared to Vox or Hiwatt for cleaner, edge-of-breakup tones, whereas the 6L6 is better suited for heavier rock, akin to Marshall or Orange.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The St. James 6L6 is loud enough for choir concerts, small gigs, pubs, halls, and churches, handling styles from Joe Satriani to 80s and classic rock.
Source
0 0

A germanium pre-amp running in front of the EL34 version can achieve glassy cleans and saturated breakup, optimizing its tonal range.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Replacing the stock speaker with a high-quality Celestion significantly enhances the amp's performance, especially in crunch and clean settings.
Source

Critic Reviews

Blackstar St. James 50 6L6 Combo Review | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

With its lightweight design and impressive tonal range, the Blackstar St. James 6L6 delivers a powerful performance that is both transportable and wallet-friendly. Musicians will appreciate its built-in reactive load and Cab Rig software, providing excellent versatility for recording and live settings. However, the clean channel can sound a bit harsh when pushed, and the cabinet's vibrations at high volumes could potentially cause disturbances. Still, for those looking for a solid tube amp with modern features, this combo is a strong contender.

positive

Full Review

BLACKSTAR ST JAMES 6L6 COMBO | REVIEW - Guitar Interactive Magazine

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Blackstar St. James 6L6 Combo is a standout for its lightweight design and rich tonal versatility, making it a top contender for both studio sessions and live performances. Its two-channel setup delivers impressive cleans and a high-gain channel that excels at both rhythm and lead tones. The innovative power scaling feature allows for greater flexibility in volume control, catering to various playing environments. However, while the amp is packed with modern conveniences, some purists may miss the raw character of traditional tube amps. Nonetheless, for those seeking a blend of modern technology with classic valve sound, the St. James delivers an exceptional experience that's hard to beat.

positive

Full Review

Blackstar St. James 6L6 Head review: Will this featherweight all-valve amp leave you feeling light-headed?

guitar.com

The Blackstar St. James 6L6 head combines lightweight portability with impressive tube tones, making it a desirable option for gigging musicians. Its clever design allows for easy transport, and it delivers a range of solid sounds from American cleans to British leads, enhanced by a versatile "cab rig output" for versatile setup options. However, some may find the onboard reverb lacking in depth, and its bass-heavy tones might not suit every player's taste. Ultimately, it’s a well-crafted amp that showcases modern innovation, though it may not appeal to purists seeking traditional amp characteristics.

positive

Full Review

Blackstar St James EL34 and 6L6 combo and head valve amps review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Blackstar's St. James 6L6 impresses with its lightweight design and versatile tonal options, showcasing a blend of classic and modern sounds. The innovative Cab Rig technology enhances its usability for recording and live performance. However, the need for a separate power supply for the logo light feels like an unnecessary hassle. Overall, this amp stands out as a strong contender for players seeking quality and innovation, making it a worthy investment for both stage and studio use.

positive

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Genre Usage

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Pricing and availability

Price History

Description

Product specs

FAQs

Videos

Reviews

PROS

CONS

Owner Insights

Build quality

Features and functionality

User experience

Comparisons

Use cases and applications

Mods and upgrades

Critic Reviews

Blackstar St. James 50 6L6 Combo Review | GuitarPlayer

BLACKSTAR ST JAMES 6L6 COMBO | REVIEW - Guitar Interactive Magazine

Blackstar St. James 6L6 Head review: Will this featherweight all-valve amp leave you feeling light-headed?

Blackstar St James EL34 and 6L6 combo and head valve amps review | MusicRadar

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