Blackstar Echo series
In this age of do-it-all modelling amps, it’s easy to forget that sometimes, simplicity is a good thing. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a stripped-back practice amp, and while these can bring back memories of the nasty distortion and flapping speakers of our first ‘guitar pack amps’, Blackstar’s new Echo 10 (£59.99) and 15 (£84.99) look like they’re bringing the ‘first amp’ up to snuff. Both feature two channels, Blackstar’s IFS controls and a three-inch speaker along with an analogue-style echo, while the 15 builds on the 10 by adding gain and tone controls.