Guitar Guru's Christmas Gift Ideas
Posted on Saturday 09/27/08 by guitarguru
GUITAR GURU'S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE
It's that time of year again. Time to rejoice in our Lord's birthday. Time for Christmas cheer. Time to find just the right gift for that special guitar player. If it's just that time of year for you, this guide will help you through the bewildering maze of musical gear on the market today.
This year's guide is divided into 3 different price ranges: $10-$20, $20-$40, and $40-$100.
If your guitar player has been a really, really good boy or girl, or you're feeling very generous, take a look at my 2008 Heartland Gear Value Awards (
Electric Guitars-
Amps & Effects) elsewhere on this website. The Awards will give you recommendations for the best value in guitars, amps, and effects in several different price ranges.
No matter what kind of budget you have, you can be sure that these guitar related accessories will be a welcome addition to any musician's tool chest. All products can be purchased online at
musiciansfriend.com (most can be seen at larger music stores such as
Guitar Center).
(PLEASE NOTE: THIS WEBSITE, IT'S OWNERS, GUITAR GURU AND ALL AFFILIATED SITES OF HEARTLAND SCHOOL OF MUSIC ARE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH ANY SUGGESTED SHOPPING SITES LISTED HERE!)
All prices are current as of October 1, 2008. Pricing may have changed since I posted this review. Pricing is set by the website (company) selling the product, not by me or
THIS site. Click on the Christmas presents to the right of each review to see the most current pricing or to purchase the product.
$10-$20 GIFTS
Guitar Tuner: Korg CA30 Chromatic Tuner @ $19.95
I own three of these tuners. They are tough, steady, reliable, and easy to read. They are the only tuner that I recommend to my students. The CA30 is much more useful than other tuners in that it can tune all instruments in all tunings without a problem. Because it is Chromatic, it can accommodate guitars, bass, banjos, mandolins as well as special tunings. Don't waste money on anything else.
Guitar Stand: Pro Line Guitar Stand @ $ 14.95
A good inexpensive guitar stand that, if used properly, will keep your guitar from falling over. NOTE: No guitar stand can protect your guitar from falling drunks. I have personal history here. (falling guitar not the drunk part!)
Guitar Strap: Rock Steady Checkerboard Guitar Strap @ $12.99
I have several students who own this strap. It's sturdy, sylish, inexpensive, and it will hold your guitar up.
Guitar Capo: Kyser Quick Change Capo (in various colors) @ $19.95
Once again, this is the only capo that I will recommend to my students. I have 4 of these capos myself. I bought the first one about 9 years ago. THE THING WILL NOT DIE! Just like the Energizer bunny, it keeps going and going and going...
$20-$40 GIFTS
Guitar Tool Kit: American Recorder George Lynch Guitar Survival Kit @ $39.99
This is a great gift for any guitarist or bassist. It has everything needed to maintain an electric instrument and trouble shoot simple electrical problems in a compact carrying case.
Guitar Strap: Franklin 2.5 Black Leather Guitar Strap with Buck Backing @ $27.99
I'm a huge fan of Franklin straps. They are a quality leather strap at a reasonable price. Cloth straps are okay, but a good leather strap will last a looooong time. One of my leather bass straps is 35 years and counting. Leather straps cost a bit more, but they look better and last longer. A good investment!
Humidifier: Planet Waves Acoustic Guitar Humidifier with HTS @ $29.99
An acoustic guitar is made of wood, and as such should be cared for by keeping the air around it humidified properly to keep said wood from splitting. This little kit does the job nicely and protects your prize instrument from growing cracks down its sides or on it's front and back. For dry conditions (such as air conditioned or heated rooms), this is a must have survival tool for serious guitars and serious guitar owners.
Guitar Stand: Hercules GS412B Single Guitar Stand @ $39.99
Hercules has cornered the market on effective guitar stands, in my opinion. Their Auto Grab System is the safest way to hold a guitar. I've used these on several gigs and I love them and highly recommend them.
Guitar Gig Bag: Musicians Gear Elite Series Electric Guitar Gig Bag @ $29.99
I own a this very bag in the tweed (they come in a variety of colors), and I prefer them over more expensive bags. They are great looking, sturdy, lightweight, well padded, and hold your guitar firmly in place while you are in transit. A REAL BARGAIN AT THIS PRICE!! NOTE: This case will not stop a charging rhino should you attempt a safari with your guitar. For this, and other road adventures, I recommend a heavier hardshell road case for protection.
$40-$100 GIFTS
Guitar Strap: Franklin Strap 3 Caramel Leather Guitar Strap with Gold Stitching @ $44.95
Franklin makes the most comfortable leather straps for the money. I found this strap at Guitar Center one day. I use it on one of my go to guitars (an Epiphone Casino). This strap is comfortable, flexible, and good looking. Leather straps like this commonly cost three times as much. I have another of these straps that was a gift from my students. I use it everyday.
Guitar Stand: Hercules GS432B Tri Stand Guitar Stand @ $81.95
A student turned me onto this stand. He bought this very same stand and couldn't say enough about it. Later, we did some gigs together and he brought the stand along. It easily supports three instruments of any kind (bass, guitars, mandos, banjos) and holds them firmly with its exclusive Auto Grab system. In addition, it has a handy one-handed height clutch.
Humidifier: Oasis OH-6 Case Humidifier with OH -2 Digital Hygrometer @ $44.95
For me, this is the most efficient way to keep your beloved acoustic guitar from drying out and cracking. Get one for every acoustic you own.
Guitar Bag: Musician's Gear Durafoam Shock-Resistant Electric Guitar Case @ $49.99
If you want the advantages of a hard case without the weight of a hard case, this is the perfect solution. This case has plenty of storage, good protection, great price, and is about 40% lighter than a regular hard shell case. For constant touring by road, rail, or air, see below.
Guitar Case: Musician's Gear Electric Guitar Metal Flight Case @ $79.99
This case is a great way to keep your instrument from those dreaded baggage mangling conditions that exist on the road, and at a reasonable price. Road Ready makes a great ATA approved wooden case that sells for $199.99. This Musician's Gear metal flight case offers the same level of protection with metal construction at less than half the price of Road Ready.
These are my choices for the best guitar gifts of the Christmas (or anniversary/birthday/special day) season. If your wallet allows for a more generous budget, check out the other gear guides in this section. There are
electric guitars,
amps, and effects recommendations that will delight and excite any musician of any age or skill level. No matter what your guitar player needs or wants, he or she will be pleased with any of these recommended gifts. Merry Christmas and Happy Gift Giving!
