Amp up the joy this Christmas with spectacular gift ideas for the guitarist in your life

Amp up the joy this Christmas with spectacular gift ideas for the guitarist in your life
(Image credit: Positive Grid)

Okay, so it’s that time of year again – it’s time to get your thinking cap on and come up with the ultimate gift for that special guitar player in your life. Now, trust us, we know how hard it is to think of a suitable present for a musician. We are a picky bunch, and we take our gear very seriously. So it’s no surprise that most gift-giving family members and friends simply opt for yet another guitar-theme mug or novelty item and call it a day. Well, we’re here to tell you that you can do better – and with zero effort! 

We believe that one of the best gifts you can give a guitarist is the gift of better tone – and that’s precisely what you’ll find in Positive Grid’s holiday gift guide. It’s a treasure trove of sonic delights, from state-of-the-art amplifiers to portable practice solutions, easy-to-use recording interfaces and accessories – and we’re here to give you the low down of our favorite Positive Grid items, so you can buy with confidence, safe in the knowledge that your guitar playing loved one will be thrilled with their gift. 

Positive Grid Spark amps

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Man holding a Spark Mini and a guitar

(Image credit: Positive Grid)

If there is one thing Positive Grid is known for, it’s their smart line of Spark amplifiers – and with three models available, there is most definitely a unit to suit every budget. These clever amps might look small, but don’t let their slight stature fool you, they are chock full of contemporary sounds, effects and handy learning tools that are sure to transform the practice routine of the recipient – they are also powerful Bluetooth speakers as well!

At the center of each Positive Grid model is its free Spark app, which grants the player access to 33 amplifiers and 43 effects ranging from face-melting overdrives to spacious reverbs and delays – and in case that isn’t enough, they can also access over 50,000 tones via the cloud, where they can share presets with other Spark users. 

Now, whether they are a beginner or a gigging professional, they still need to practice, and with features such as Auto Chords, which once fed a song from Spotify or YouTube, will instantly display the chord changes in real-time, or Smart Jam, which grants access to a virtual band that will play along with them, the Spark app will revolutionize how they practice and learn songs – guaranteed!

As we said earlier, there are currently three variations of the Spark amp and which you choose will come down to two factors: budget and application. 

The Spark 40 is the original and largest of the three, delivering 40 watts of power and is the crème de la crème of the Spark line, delivering the best sound overall. For those short on space, the Spark Mini is the ideal candidate. This smaller option produces a more reserved 10 watts but still delivers on tone, with plenty of volume for most practice situations. Lastly, for those seeking a truly portable solution, the Spark GO is the best option. This tiny 5 watt amp sounds surprisingly good despite its size and is small enough to fit in their pocket or gig bag. 

Positive Grid is currently offering a few “Black November” deals on all the amps and bundles – and for the first time, on the Spark GO – so now is the best time to grab one for a knock-down price. 

Accessories for existing Spark users

A collection of Spark amps and Spark Cab

(Image credit: Positive Grid)

Now, with over 500,000 Spark users worldwide, there is every chance your loved one is already an avid fan of these stellar amps. Well, in that case, you may want to opt for one of the accessories that will heighten their Spark experience. 

From a customizable grille to sturdy carry cases, extension cabinets, and wireless footswitches, there are plenty of accessories available that will transform their existing Spark amp and take their playing to the next level. 

It’s also worth noting that Positive Grid has just launched a new Spark GO travel case, which will help protect the amp when they are out and about. 

You can shop all the available Spark accessories here.  

Recording and software 

Positive Grid

(Image credit: Positive Grid)

Positive Grid doesn’t just offer industry-leading practice amps, they are also a force to be reckoned with in the recording space. Their award-winning guitar amp and effects software is beloved by home producers and studio professionals alike, while their RIFF recording device is a strong contender for one of the best guitar audio interfaces on the market. 

Now, for us, software is one of the best last-minute gifts you can buy as there’s no delivery to worry about and we guitarists are always looking for ways to improve our home recordings.

Positive Grid has lots of options to choose from, with the likes of BIAS FX2, OMNYSS, BIAS AMP2, BIAS Pedal and the much-celebrated Experience Jimi Hendrix pack all available with a discount for a limited time. 

Shop all recording and software items here.  

So, as you can see, Positive Grid has a wealth of options to satisfy even the most discerning of guitar players. So whether you're looking for a do-it-all amplifier that will make them feel as if all of their Christmases have come at once or a budget stocking filler, you'll find it in the Positive Grid holiday gift guide

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49