Jared James Nichols: The Enduring love for Blackstar Amps
In the realm of vintage gear, Jared James Nichols stands out not just for his prized posession, an authentic Klon Centaur, but also for his unwavering loyalty too Blackstar amplifiers.
Despite having access to a collection of highly coveted tube amps, the blues rock virtuoso openly expresses his fondness for Blackstar, a brand he has championed for several years. “ItS astonishing how extraordinary their gear is,” he shared in a recent conversation with Guitarist. “Sometimes, I sense that people raise their eyebrows, thinking, ‘Oh, Jared, are you still using those Blackstars?’”
A Commitment to Quality and Support
His response? A resounding “yes.” Nichols emphasizes his recognition for the brand’s unwavering support and the fact that he has never felt the urge to switch to another amplifier. “At home,I do have a 1968 Plexi and Leslie West’s old Sunn amp,a gift from Joe Bonamassa,but I’ve never played through my Blackstars and wished for a Deluxe,” he explained.
Interestingly, Nichols’ connection with Bonamassa extends beyond just amps. He recently disclosed that Bonamassa also gifted him his Klon Centaur, which he takes special care to safeguard while touring.
Signature Sound and New Collaborations
Nichols’ partnership with Blackstar has evolved into the creation of signature models, including the recently launched JJN guitar amp head and a matching plugin. “Blackstar amps shape my tone. They truly represent the sound I envision.It’s straightforward: Blackstar motivates me to perform at my peak,” he remarked during the launch,highlighting why he remains devoted to the brand-Blackstar’s sound is undeniably his sound.
The collaboration between Nichols and Blackstar has produced several notable products,such as the limited-edition JJN-20R MkII amp in 2020 and the JJN 3 practice amp released two years later.
For more insights from Nichols, along with fresh interviews featuring Wolfgang van Halen and Kiki Wong, be sure to check out issue 531 of Guitarist, available from Magazines Direct.
