The Blackstar FLY High Gain takes everything guitarists love about the award-winning FLY series and pushes it into heavier territory. Designed for rock and metal players, this compact 3-watt portable guitar amplifier introduces an all-new Nitro high-gain channel, delivering crushing distortion, tight low-end response and articulate lead tones from an amp small enough to fit in a backpack.

Whether you're practising at home, warming up backstage, travelling between rehearsals or simply looking for a great-sounding desktop amp, the FLY High Gain proves that huge tone doesn't require a huge amplifier. Despite its compact size, it offers impressive volume, exceptional clarity and the dynamic response Blackstar has become famous for.

Why Choose the Blackstar FLY High Gain?

Unlike many portable practice amplifiers that compromise on tone, the FLY High Gain has been engineered specifically for players wanting authentic high-gain sounds without sacrificing versatility.

Key Features

• 3 Watt compact guitar amplifier
• Three channels:
  • Clean
  • Overdrive
  • NEW Nitro High Gain
• Custom 3" full-range speaker
• Patented Blackstar ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
• Built-in Digital Delay
• AUX input for backing tracks and music playback
• Emulated Headphone/Line Output
• Battery or optional PSU operation
• Compatible with the Blackstar FLY 103 extension cabinet for stereo operation

Massive High-Gain Tone Anywhere

The biggest addition to the FLY High Gain is its exclusive Nitro channel.

Created for modern rock and metal players, Nitro adds an extra gain stage delivering:

• tighter palm-muted riffs
• aggressive rhythm tones
• singing lead sustain
• excellent note definition

Unlike many compact practice amps, the distortion remains controlled and articulate, making it suitable for everything from classic hard rock through to modern metal and progressive styles.

Three Channels for Maximum Versatility

Although built with heavier music in mind, the FLY High Gain remains incredibly versatile.

Clean Channel

Produces warm, detailed clean sounds ideal for:

• practice
• fingerstyle
• blues
• pop
• jazz

Overdrive Channel

Offers classic British-inspired crunch suitable for:

• classic rock
• indie
• punk
• blues rock

Nitro Channel

Purpose-built for:

• Metal
• Hard Rock
• Djent
• Alternative
• Modern Heavy Guitar

Switching between channels is simple, allowing one amplifier to cover a huge range of musical styles.

Blackstar ISF Tone Control

A standout feature across many Blackstar amplifiers is the patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF).

Rather than a traditional EQ, ISF lets you move continuously between two distinct tonal characteristics.

Turn one way for:

• tighter response
• scooped mids
• modern American-style tones

Turn the other for:

• warmer mids
• classic British character
• vintage rock sounds

This gives players enormous flexibility without needing multiple amplifiers or complex EQ settings.

Built-In Digital Delay

Integrated digital delay adds depth and ambience without needing external pedals.

Perfect for:

• solos
• ambient practice
• lead playing
• expressive clean passages

Simple controls allow quick adjustment of delay time and level so you can dial in everything from subtle slapback to spacious echoes.

Practise Without Disturbing Anyone

The emulated headphone output reproduces the sound of a miked guitar cabinet, making silent practice enjoyable while also providing a useful output for home recording.

Simply connect:

• headphones
• recording interface
• mixer

and continue playing any time of day without disturbing family or neighbours.

Jam Along With Your Favourite Tracks

Using the AUX input, connect:

• phone
• tablet
• laptop
• MP3 player

The external audio bypasses the amp's guitar EQ, allowing your backing tracks to remain clear while your guitar sits naturally over the top.

Ideal for:

• learning songs
• online lessons
• YouTube backing tracks
• rehearsing setlists

Expand Into Stereo

Want even more sound?

The FLY High Gain works with the optional Blackstar FLY 103 extension cabinet, transforming your setup into a 6 Watt stereo rig with improved spread and a larger soundstage.

Perfect for:

• desktop setups
• rehearsals
• home practice
• music playback

Who Is The Blackstar FLY High Gain For?

This amplifier is ideal for:

• beginners wanting inspiring practice tones
• metal guitarists
• travelling musicians
• students
• bedroom players
• backstage warm-ups
• content creators
• home recording enthusiasts

Its portability also makes it a superb second amplifier for experienced players needing quality sound away from their main rig.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blackstar FLY High Gain suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Its simple controls make it easy to use while offering enough tonal flexibility to grow with you.

Can I use headphones?

Yes. The emulated headphone output is perfect for silent practice.

Can it run on batteries?

Yes. The amp can be powered by six AA batteries or an optional DC power supply, making it highly portable.

Can I play backing tracks through it?

Yes. The AUX input allows you to connect phones, tablets and laptops.

Is it suitable for recording?

Yes. The emulated output can feed recording equipment or an audio interface.

What's In The Box?

• Blackstar FLY High Gain Amplifier
• Owner's Documentation

(Power supply available separately.)

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're purchasing from musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're just starting your guitar journey or adding another amp to your collection, we're here to help you choose the right gear with honest advice and friendly support.

Benefits of shopping with Fair Deal Music include:

• Expert advice from experienced musicians
• Competitive pricing
• Fast UK delivery
• Secure online ordering
• Friendly customer service
• Trusted independent UK music retailer

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

★★★★★

Best suited for
Rock and metal guitarists wanting serious high-gain tones in an ultra-portable practice amp.

Customers usually upgrade from
Basic 1-2 watt mini practice amps or entry-level desktop amplifiers with limited tone controls.

Most commonly paired with
Blackstar FLY 103 Extension Cabinet, Blackstar PSU Power Supply, quality instrument cable and closed-back practice headphones.

Our tip
Experiment with the ISF control while using the Nitro channel—it dramatically changes the feel of the distortion and helps tailor the amp to different guitars and pickup types.

Showroom feedback
Players are consistently surprised by how much punch, clarity and usable gain the FLY High Gain produces from such a compact enclosure. It's one of those products that regularly exceeds expectations after the first chord.