Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge 3W Rechargeable Mini Guitar Amp

The Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge is a compact 3-watt rechargeable mini guitar amplifier designed for genuinely portable practice. It takes the popular FLY 3 formula – Clean and Overdrive channels, Blackstar's ISF tone control and built-in tape-style delay – and adds an internal rechargeable battery with up to 18 hours of playing time.

Charging is handled through USB-C, so there is no need to keep replacing AA batteries. Built-in Bluetooth also lets you stream backing tracks and music wirelessly from a compatible phone, tablet or computer, while the MP3/Line In provides a wired alternative.

With a speaker-emulated headphone/line output and compatibility with the optional FLY 103 extension cabinet for a 6W stereo setup, this is an excellent portable practice amp for guitarists who want something small enough to take almost anywhere.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Blackstar
Series	FLY
Model	FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge
Condition	New
Output	3W
Speaker	1 x 3" full-range speaker
Channels	Clean and Overdrive
Built-In Effect	Tape-style delay
Wireless Audio	Bluetooth
Battery	Built-in rechargeable battery
Battery Life	Up to 18 hours
Main Appeal	Ultra-portable rechargeable guitar practice amp
Best For	Home practice, travel, lessons and playing on the move

What's Included?

• Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge Mini Guitar Amp

• Built-in rechargeable battery

• ✘ FLY 103 extension cabinet not included

Why Choose The Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge?

Up To 18 Hours Of Rechargeable Playing Time

The major advantage of the Charge version is its integrated rechargeable battery. With up to 18 hours of use from a charge, you can practise around the house, take the amp travelling or play away from a mains socket without continually buying AA batteries.

Recharge Through USB-C

USB-C charging makes the FLY 3 Charge considerably more convenient than earlier battery-powered mini amps. Plug it into a suitable USB charging source when required and it is ready to become part of your portable guitar setup again.

Clean And Overdrive Channels

The two-channel layout keeps operation straightforward. Use the Clean channel for clearer rhythm and practice sounds, then switch to Overdrive when you need crunch, rock rhythm tones or additional distortion.

Blackstar ISF Tone Control

Blackstar's patented ISF – Infinite Shape Feature – control lets you alter the overall character of the amp without complicated EQ controls. Move towards one end for a tighter American-style response or towards the other for a warmer British-inspired character, with plenty of usable positions in between.

Built-In Tape-Style Delay

The onboard delay has dedicated Delay Time and Delay Level controls, letting you add everything from short slapback-style repeats to more spacious lead and practice sounds without carrying an external pedal.

Bluetooth Music Playback

Connect a compatible phone, tablet or computer over Bluetooth and use the FLY 3 Charge for backing tracks, songs and general audio playback. It is particularly useful for practising along with lessons, playlists and jam tracks without adding another speaker to your setup.

Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge vs Popular Alternatives

Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth

The standard FLY 3 Bluetooth provides the familiar 3W output, Clean/Overdrive channels, ISF, tape delay and wireless audio playback, but relies on six AA batteries or an external DC supply for portable operation. The FLY 3 Charge is the more convenient choice if you specifically want a built-in rechargeable battery and USB-C charging.

Blackstar ID:CORE V4 Stereo 10

The ID:CORE V4 Stereo 10 is the better option if you want considerably more amp voices, effects, stereo speakers, programmable sounds and USB recording. The FLY 3 Charge wins when compact dimensions, rechargeable portability and immediate controls matter more than deep modelling features.

Blackstar BEAM Mini

The Blackstar BEAM Mini is a more advanced rechargeable desktop amp with substantially deeper modelling, effects, CabRig, USB audio and app integration. The FLY 3 Charge is the simpler choice for players who want a compact grab-and-go guitar amp without relying on software or extensive preset editing.

BOSS Katana-Mini X

The BOSS Katana-Mini X offers 10 watts, a larger 5-inch speaker, multiple amp variations, additional effects, Bluetooth and a rechargeable battery. It suits players wanting a more powerful portable practice platform, while the FLY 3 Charge is considerably more focused on maximum portability and straightforward operation.

Who Is The Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge For?

The FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge is particularly well suited to:

• Guitarists who want a genuinely portable practice amp

• Beginners needing a compact first amplifier

• Players who practise in different rooms around the house

• Travelling musicians

• Guitar teachers and students

• Guitarists who want Bluetooth backing-track playback

• Players wanting rechargeable operation instead of replaceable AA batteries

• Musicians looking for a convenient secondary practice amp

• Guitarists who regularly practise through headphones

• Players wanting something compact enough to keep close at hand

Looking for advice on choosing the right mini guitar amp, rechargeable practice amplifier or portable guitar setup? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Suitable Genres And Uses

The combination of Clean and Overdrive channels gives the FLY 3 Charge enough flexibility for everyday pop, blues, indie, country, classic rock and general guitar practice.

Higher Gain settings provide useful crunch and distortion for rock playing, while the built-in delay adds extra space to clean tones and lead sounds. Its real strength, however, is convenience: this is an amplifier designed to encourage you to pick up the guitar and play without setting up a larger rig.

Is A 3-Watt Guitar Amp Loud Enough For Practice?

For personal guitar practice, a 3-watt amplifier can be more than enough. The FLY 3 Charge is not intended to compete with a drummer or replace a full-sized rehearsal combo; its purpose is to give you a useful guitar sound from an amplifier small enough to carry easily.

The rechargeable battery makes that especially useful because you are not tied to a power socket. For bedroom practice, lessons, holidays, travelling or simply playing somewhere away from your main amplifier, the combination of compact size and rechargeable power is the real attraction.

Turn The FLY 3 Charge Into A 6W Stereo Setup

The FLY 3 Charge is compatible with the optional Blackstar FLY 103 extension cabinet.

Connecting the FLY 103 creates a 6-watt stereo system, expanding both your guitar sound and music playback. This is particularly useful if you enjoy using the amp as a compact desktop speaker as well as a guitar practice amplifier.

The FLY 103 is available separately.

Story & Context

Blackstar introduced the FLY concept as a way of producing a genuinely compact guitar amplifier without reducing the experience to a basic clean speaker box. The range combined familiar guitar-amp controls with features such as ISF tone shaping, overdrive and tape-style delay.

Bluetooth versions expanded the idea further by allowing the FLY to double as a wireless music speaker for backing tracks and everyday audio playback.

The FLY 3 Charge develops that concept by replacing the dependence on removable batteries with an integrated rechargeable power system. USB-C charging and up to 18 hours of battery life make it particularly well suited to the way portable electronics are now used, while the core FLY guitar controls remain familiar and straightforward.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Rechargeable mini electric guitar combo amplifier
Output Power	3W
Speaker Configuration	1 x 3"
Speaker Type	Full-range
Channels	Clean and Overdrive
Controls	Gain, Volume, ISF, Delay Time, Delay Level, OD Select
Tone Shaping	Blackstar patented ISF
Built-In Effect	Digital tape-style delay
Bluetooth	Yes – wireless audio playback
MP3 / Line Input	Yes
Headphone Output	Yes
Speaker-Emulated Output	Yes
Extension Speaker Connection	FLY 103 compatible
Stereo Expansion	6W with optional FLY 103
Battery Type	Built-in rechargeable battery
Maximum Battery Life	Up to 18 hours
Charging Connection	USB-C
Finish	Soft-touch matte black

Power & Charging Requirements

The Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge uses an internal rechargeable battery and charges through its USB-C Power In connection.

Blackstar specifies a suitable USB charger delivering a maximum of 5V / 1.0A.

Do not use laptop USB-C chargers or other high-powered USB-C chargers with the FLY 3 Charge.

Blackstar also recommends disconnecting the charging cable once the battery is fully charged and, for optimum guitar tone, using the amplifier with the charging cable unplugged.

Connectivity & Compatibility

Bluetooth provides the simplest way to stream music and backing tracks from compatible phones, tablets and computers.

A conventional MP3/Line Input is also provided for wired audio devices, while the speaker-emulated output can be used for headphones during quiet practice or for sending the amp's processed signal to suitable recording equipment.

Players who want a larger stereo setup can add the Blackstar FLY 103 extension cabinet, taking the system to a combined 6W stereo configuration.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Blackstar FLY 3 Bluetooth Charge takes one of the most useful mini practice-amp designs and fixes one of the biggest inconveniences of portable guitar amplifiers: constantly replacing batteries.

With up to 18 hours of rechargeable operation, USB-C charging, Bluetooth, two channels, ISF and tape delay, it is an exceptionally easy amp to keep nearby for spontaneous practice. It will not replace a larger rehearsal amplifier, but that is not what it is designed to do – its strength is making guitar practice convenient wherever you happen to be.

Best suited for: Travelling guitarists, beginners and anyone wanting a highly portable practice amp
Customers usually upgrade from: Headphone amps, basic mini amplifiers or practising completely unplugged
Most commonly paired with: Electric guitars, headphones, smartphones and the FLY 103 extension cabinet
Our tip: Keep it charged and within easy reach of your guitar. The real value of the FLY 3 Charge is how quickly you can start practising without setting up your main amplifier or pedalboard.
Showroom feedback: This is a particularly strong recommendation for customers who like the original FLY format but want rechargeable convenience rather than managing separate AA batteries.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Our Birmingham showroom is backed by a knowledgeable musician-led team who understand the products we sell and can help you choose the right practice amp, guitar or complete setup for the way you actually play.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

• A large Birmingham showroom where you can speak directly with our team

• Practical advice on guitars, amplifiers and complete practice setups

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next upgrade more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Blackstar FLY 3 Charge battery last?

Blackstar specifies up to 18 hours of use from the internal rechargeable battery. Actual running time will depend on how the amplifier is being used.

Does the FLY 3 Charge have Bluetooth?

Yes. Bluetooth audio allows compatible phones, tablets and computers to stream music and backing tracks wirelessly through the amplifier.

Can I practise through headphones?

Yes. The speaker-emulated output can be used with headphones, making the FLY 3 Charge useful for quieter or private practice.

Can I record from the FLY 3 Charge?

Yes. The emulated output can send the amp's processed sound to suitable recording equipment as well as being used for headphones.

Can I use the FLY 3 Charge with a bass guitar?

It is designed primarily as an electric guitar amplifier. For bass guitar, a dedicated bass amplifier is the better choice because it is designed to handle the lower frequencies and response of a bass instrument.

Can I connect guitar pedals?

Yes. Standard guitar pedals can be connected between your electric guitar and the FLY 3 Charge input. Bear in mind that the amp itself already includes Overdrive and tape-style delay for a simple portable setup.

Can I add another speaker?

Yes. The optional Blackstar FLY 103 connects directly to the amp and creates a 6W stereo system.

Is the FLY 3 Charge powerful enough for band rehearsals?

It is primarily a personal practice and portable amplifier. For rehearsing with a drummer or performing with a full band, a larger guitar amplifier such as the Blackstar ID:CORE, Debut or HT ranges is much better suited.