Blackstar HT 50 MII Amp
ISF?
You can break the ISF down into two main positions. Fully counterclockwise is the “American” setting and fully clockwise is the “British” setting.
The American setting is tighter, more focused, and percussive and the British setting is woodier, warmer and has a softer crunchy breakup. You can also set the ISF to anywhere between these 2 extremes to create new combinations.
60s/70s American Low Gain Drive and Blues Tones
Keeping the gain low with the ISF to the American side gives a lovely, soft breakup. If you pair this with a Telecaster style guitar, you get a great Rolling Stones style rock tone. Pair it with humbuckers and you can play all your favourite American blues licks.
60’s British Light Overdrive and Classic Rock ToneS
On the British side of the ISF, paired with a Telecaster, you get an early Led Zeppelin style tone. The bite from the Telecaster and the prominent mids of a British voiced amp make for a great rock tone.
If you choose a humbucker loaded guitar, you instantly get transported to the mid-1960s British Blues Invasion. Dust off those Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck licks!
70s British Classic Rock Tone
If you push the gain slightly, you get a rich, full classic rock tone. Think Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC. This tone calls for big riffs and big chords.
80s American Thrash Scooped Metal Tone
This is the only tone where the EQ has been changed. American metal tones are typically scooped in the mid-range so this tone has had the mid pushed back to about 3. The gain is halfway and the ISF all the way to the American side.
Pair this with a high output humbucker guitar and you’re straight into the middle of the 80s thrash scene.
80s British NWOBHM Metal Tone
If you shift the ISF to the British side and put the mids back in, you get a rich, warm British 80s metal style overdrive. Think Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and all your other favourite NWOBHM bands. This is a great British heavy rock tone and sounds great with humbuckers.
If you shift the ISF to the British side and put the mids back in, you get a rich, warm British 80s metal style overdrive. Think Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and all your other favourite NWOBHM bands. This is a great British heavy rock tone and sounds great with humbuckers.
About The Author
Leigh Fuge is a professional guitar player from Swansea in South Wales that has written and created content for many high-profile guitar brands and publications such as PMT, RSL Rockschool, Trinity College London, Guitar.com and more.
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