Gift Ideas for the Guitar Player

Do you have someone in your family or group of friends that is obsessed with guitar? It is no doubt that they are in their own element whenever another band is playing, music is on or you just happen to stop into a music shop. You may not play guitar or have the slightest idea what some who does could ever want, so this article will cover the top gift ideas from the most expensive to the most affordable.

A New Guitar: As is if your decision couldn’t get any more difficult, you are now faced with trying to figure out what the difference is between not only an Acoustic or Electric, but even the makes and models. This is a rather difficult choice, because each player is different. If you do not know by now than they probably don’t have their exact specifications bookmarked on their computer, logged in their browsing history or hung on their wall. You will want to consult a very close friend, that also plays guitar, or simply offer to take your recipient shopping. If you take them shopping, than you may want to establish a limit or this may become a very unexpectedly expensive outing. Things to look out for that your recipient may not be aware of are or thinking about at the time include:

The guitar harmonics or chime. By simply bringing this to their attention is enough. You don’t have to know what this is or how it sounds, but you want the guitar to sound the same on the note as well as the chime. If it does not, than that means there is a problem with the neck and the guitar will never stay in tune. Not a good thing for a big purchase. Also pay attention to ‘the play’ of the guitar, the tuners, any effects/hook-ups and plug it in before your buy. Look to spend anywhere between $100.00 for a beginner set up to $3,000.00 for a signature model.

A New Amplifier: Amps are a players best or worst friend. They can drastically alter the sound of the guitar depending on the application. If you are looking to give them one that is easy to lug around and still puts out a good sound, than look into a practice amp. There are normally 10 or 15 watts and small enough take anywhere. If you want to give them a sound that replicates front row at their favorite concert, than try to stay in line with the same brand as their guitar and go for as many watts as you wish to afford. You can spend anywhere from $70.00 to $3,000.00

New Effects Pedals: These are pedals that enable the player to change the sound of the guitar while playing. Most songs use these effects, but only certain guitars can utilize these. Electrics can and only some acoustics have the ability to hook up to pedals. You will have to inspect your recipients guitar ahead of time to know if it is able to or not. Also you can get the name and model number off the guitar and have a local shop look it up. Pedals of interest will depend on the type of music they like. If they are into hard heavy metal, than look into pedals that specify they are for ‘metal’. The same goes for ‘blues’. If they are an acoustic player, than ‘loop’ pedals can make playing alone a little more exciting. You can expect to pay anywhere from $60.00 to $500.00 depending on the number or effects and brand. Remember they will an Amp to use pedals.

A New Case: Whether they have a hard case or not, this is always a very welcomed gift. Most of the time a hard case is not in the budget when one buys a new guitar, since they would rather spend the money on an upgraded model. You will want to know the model and make or the guitar may not fit in the case. Extra storage space on the inside is a good thing and closed compartments are a must. These prevent parts and things inside the case from banging around on the inside and ruining the finish. There are also different styles of hard cases. Some look like coffins (for the real hard rockers), some have very unique designs and others are simply meant to be as streamline as possible and less bulky. You will end up spending anywhere from $50.00 to $500.00 depending on how special the occasion.

Cables: These are normally a last minute thought for players even though they are something that can’t be done without. New Cables can be longer (15’ to 30’) to give your rocker room to move while playing or shorter (5’ to 10’) to make practice less tangled. You may even want to invest in wireless connections. These are more expensive but will remove the frustration when cables get twisted and confused. Expect to pay anywhere from $9.99 to $300.00.

Headphones: These can used for practice amps or even their music players. Perfect for the musically inclined recipient, noise canceling headphones can make for the perfect gift. It is not always the bigger the better for these, but you do want to look for quality. Many amps have the ability for a headphone jack where a new set can come in handy. Noise cancellation headphones are perfect for focusing on each and every note regardless what is going on around them. Expect to pay $50.00 to $300.00.

Capo: This is really for acoustic players and even if they already have one, a better one can’t hurt. A basic capo will clamp onto the side of the guitar and hold the strings down. The more expensive they get, the less string buzzing you will get while playing and the easier movement will be. Things to look for will be the shape so that it hugs the guitar versus one the is flat and non-conforming to the guitars neck. You will end up spending $10.00 to $30.00.

Strings: Something every guitar player needs more of. This is an affordable and simple buy. Where every player may be more in tune to a specific make, you can always buy multiple brands to be on the safe side. One thing to look out for will be if the strings are made for electrics or acoustics, because they are different. The price tag is fairly cheap, expect to spend $7.00 to $16.00 for each packet.

Music DVD: If you are not sure what to buy and really want to give a gift that has some meaning. Music DVD’s of a favorite artist are an easy buy and a great way for your music lover to study some of the greats. Look for unplugged concerts for acoustic players, solo sessions for electric players or even any concerts with extras. You will pay anywhere from $9.00 to $30.00 depending on the name and where you buy.

Hopefully this list will make buying for your local guitarist a little easier. You don’t have to know how to play or even what these gifts can do. As long as you know when your recipient likes and may be interested in, you can’t go wrong. Find more ideas for gifts and enjoyable articles at LiveLoveCoffee. Your online coffee house featuring a recent review of bunn coffee makers.