DA100 Ruby

Doug Aldrich is widely regarded as one of the most respected guitarists in the world, boasting an impressive career with legendary bands such as Whitesnake, Dio, Burning Rain, Lion, Hurricane, House of Lords, Bad Moon Rising, and Revolution Saints. Since 2016, he’s also been a key member of the all-star rock supergroup, The Dead Daisies, all while releasing several solo albums.

While Doug has numerous signature products to his name, he has never before ventured into the world of signature amplifiers—until now. We’re proud to be part of this milestone in his story and welcome him into the Blackstar family.

Since February 2023, Doug has been performing with the HT Stage 100 MK III valve amp, paired with a modified HTV-412B MK III cabinet loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s. Doug loves the amp, quoting “it can cover anything from buttery clean tones to the ballsiest sound you have ever heard!” and asked us to make some key tweaks, to make it his dream amplifier.

Over the past 12 months, we’ve worked closely with Doug to develop the DA100. We’ve made a series of functional and sonic adjustments, resulting in an amp that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Key Details

• Innovative 100 Watt valve head designed in collaboration with Doug Aldrich
• 2 x ECC83 and 4 x EL34 valves
• Three footswitchable channels
• Six footswitchable voices
• Footswitchable Effects loop with adjustable tail lengths
• Boutique clean channel with expanded tone controls
• Two hot-rodded ‘Plexi’ style overdrive channels
• CabRig with 3x Doug Aldrich presets
• Patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF)
• Power Reduction down to 10 percent of full Wattage
• Presence, Resonance, Master Volume
• Digital Reverb with Dark/Light switch
• Speaker Emulated output with 1×12/4×12 voicing
• USB for recording
• 5-way Footcontroller included
• ‘Ruby’ red styling

DA100 Ruby & DA412B

Doug’s Pursuit of Perfection

“It feels like I’ve spent my entire life chasing the perfect tone. Over the years, I’ve owned dozens of amps – from modern to boutique, modded to vintage classics. Most of them were tube amps, and each had something special, but I was always searching for more.

I’ve been lucky to build great relationships with many amp companies and received several offers to create a signature amp. Yet, I never fully committed. I just wasn’t 100% sure… until now.”

– Doug Aldrich

Hot-Rodded Character

Over the past 12 months, we’ve worked closely with Doug to develop the DA100. We’ve made a series of functional and sonic adjustments, resulting in an amp that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Doug’s signature drive tones are legendary, and our R&D team partnered with him to craft a new OD Voice. This feature delivers a vintage, hot-rodded Plexi-style punch with the flick of a switch. Additionally, we fine-tuned the midrange to provide a chest-thumping resonance that makes every power chord hit with authority.

Switchable Effects Loop

The upgraded Effects Loop is now fully footswitchable, controlled by the included 5-way footcontroller. We’ve also added software customization, giving players precise control over effect “tails” when the loop is disengaged. Using our free Architect software, you can adjust tail length and store your settings directly in the amp, enabling seamless transitions during performances.

A Classic Cabinet

As a cornerstone of Doug’s signature setup, we’ve included his preferred cabinets loaded with iconic Celestion Vintage 30’s. This timeless combination guarantees every note is delivered with the rich, dynamic character that players crave.