Guitar Fresh’s Big List of Best Gifts for Guitarists – 2011 Edition

Dec 9

Hi all, here’s a BIG list of great guitar gifts. Some are affordable, and some are dream gifts. There’s sections for Apple Lovers, Metallica Lovers, Beginners, Gadgets, Recording, Do It Yourselfers, and a few more. Almost all the links below are to Amazon for more details, why, because Amazon is usually cheapest, and has the most reviews. I hope there’s something in here for everyone, lovers or music, guitar and those who love those who love guitar. Hope you enjoy!

For Apple Lovers

If you’re familiar with my site you know I love recording guitar through my iPhone, if you’re unfamiliar with this checkout my article on how to do it here as well as many more product overviews for doing so: Connecting Your Guitar to Your iDevice. Below is a bunch of great tools to get you started.

AmpliTube iRig Adapter for iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad

The new iRig interface adapter is the easiest way to get your instrument’s signal into iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad. Simply plug iRig into your mobile device, plug your instrument into the iRig, plug headphones or amplifier to the output and you are ready to rock! The iRig is the ideal companion not only to the mobile AmpliTube app, but also works with any other recording, processing or tuning app, including the new Garage band for iPad 2. Plus, you can also use the iRig with line level signal sources such as synthesizers, keyboards or mixers.

Review, pricing or

iKlip Universal Microphone Stand Adapters

iPhone: iKlip MINI is a universal microphone stand adapter for the iPhone and iPod touch to support your iOS device on stage, in the studio, at school or in the office. iKlip MINI securely supports your iPhone/iPod touch on any standard mic stand, pole or tripod (with diameters ranging from 11 - 20 mm /.43" - .79") placed on the floor or tabletop. Made of sturdy, durable thermoplastic, iKlip MINI is compatible with every existing iPhone and iPod touch, from the original models to the latest generation devices. iPad: Now you can take your favorite iPad music apps on stage for live performance. IKlip makes it easy to use your iPad or iPad 2 in any live setting - on stage, in the studio, at school or in the boardroom. With its adjustable multi-angle design, you can securely position your iPad for optimal viewing and accessibility, while all controls, buttons and connection ports remain free from obstruction. iPhone/iPod: Review, pricing or iPad: Review, pricing or

Guitar Sidekick

The Guitar SidekickTM is an innovative, patented system designed to hold a SmartPhone, MediaPlayer, recorder, or tuner on a guitar. It clips onto the strings between the nut and the tuning pegs, a strategic location that keeps the Sidekick from affecting the sound of your guitar. The system enables you to comfortably use any of the hundreds of music/guitar apps available for smart mobile devices positioning it at a perfect viewing angle. Review, pricing or

Blue Microphones Mikey 2.0 iPod Recording Microphone

The Blue Microphones Mikey turns your iPod or iPhone into a high quality mobile recording device. Mikey connects directly to your device and uses advanced recording technology to produce natural stereo recordings. It rotates up to 230 degrees for easy positioning. Additionally, three gain settings offer a wide range of sensitivity levels for different audio sources, from quiet speech to booming music. Review, pricing or

For Metallica Lovers

Okay, okay, I know some of you are tired of hearing about Metallica, but their stuff is cool. See below! There’s a Hetfield guitar further down the page too.

James Hetfield Black Fang Picks

Tortex. Preferring picks with a bright tone and biting attack, Hetfield looked to Dunlop for the perfect tool for his fierce downward picking style. Based on a vintage tortoise-shell pick, the Black Fang is made of tough, sturdy Ultex material with a defined tone and sharp attack.

Review, pricing or

Kirk Hammet Monster Picks

Tortex. Five picks with unique images. One pick modeled on Hammett's tour pick. Tin and pick art designed by Dirty Donny. Gauge - 0.88MM. Review, pricing or

Hammett Signature Wah Pedal

Now you can command the same killer wah tone as Kirk with the new Kirk Hammett Signature Wah. Developed in close collaboration with the metal guitar icon himself, it has been meticulously tuned and tweaked to deliver the wah-wah sound that revolutionized metal solos in the '80s and for all time to come. This is the legendary tone that Kirk dials in on tour, using his DCR1SR Crybaby Rack Wah. Dunlop's engineers took Kirk's EQ, volume and tone settings - reflecting decades of blazing Crybaby riffology - and reproduced them with exacting precision. The Kirk Hammett Wah is exceptionally even in response as you move from heel to toe, with a thick top end and full dynamic range. Dare to step into the footprint of a giant. Own a piece of the legend: the Kirk Hammett Signature Wah from Dunlop. Review, pricing or

Metallica Fan Club

Why join the Metallica fan club right now? Well, the boys are back in the studio making a new album to follow up Death Magnetic, and as usual they’ll be providing tons of insider information, video, and audio for fan club members. Love ‘em or hate ‘em they are always interesting and entertaining in the studio. Review, pricing or

Guitar Toys

Some of this is fun, some very useful. Checkout the vintage rerelease of the classic TubeScreamer, and yes, the Marshall mini stack can be attached to your guitar strap.

Pick Punch

Turn nearly anything into a guitar pick, with this simple tool. Make your own piece of art and never buy a guitar pick again! Makes the standard 351 guitar pick. Heavy duty, metal product. Punch: gift, hotel, credit, id, and practically any other plastic card.

Review, pricing or

Ukaleles

Now Mahalo Ukuleles are available in a rainbow of colors, and styles. Comes with it's own color-matched bag for easy and safe transportation to the Beach or the weekly lesson.

• Maple body construction
• Nato neck with 12-fret maple fretboard
• Mahalo gold-pegged tuning machines
• Gig Bag for added protection and ease of transport

Review, pricing or

Marshall MS2 Micro Amp

With the Marshall MS2 Practice Amp you can roam wherever you wish, without having to sacrifice your treasured Marshall tone! The MS-2 is the most portable Marshall ever and measures just 14cm x 11cm x 6 cm. For those players for whom a full stack is a must, Marshall's other version, the MS-4, stands at 25cm tall 11cm wide and 6cm deep. Review, pricing or

Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer Pro

 

The Ibanez TS808 Vintage Tube Screamer Reissue is back. This is the incomparable overdrive pedal that vintage gear hounds are always hoping to find. The 2004 TS808 reissue features the same famous square footswitch and the warm tones of the JRC4558 chip used in most of the original TS808s. Ignore look-alikes. If your tone is suffering from a lack of real warmth, the TS808 is the real, nongeneric prescription. Review, pricing or

Musician's Gear Powered Pedalboard and Gig Bag

The Musicians Gear Powered Pedalboard delivers plush protection and portability for your guitar effect pedals. Combines a built-in power strip on a removable pedalboard with a durable case equipped with a shoulder strap, exterior zipper pocket, and handle. The pedalboard is material-covered for easy hook-and-loop attachment of pedals.Includes AC adapter, power cords, Velcro for pedal attachment, LED power indicator, and special adapter for pedals that only accept 9-volt power.

Review, pricing or

Audio-Technica VHF Wireless Guitar System

Audio-Technica’s ATW251/G-T3 VHF 170.245 MHz Wireless Guitar System includes the ATW-R250 receiver, ATW-T201 transmitter and Hi-Z instrument cable. The system is designed to provide reliable performance, easy setup and clear, natural sound quality. It features easily accessible on/standby/off switch on the transmitter. The ATW-R250 is a non-diversity, single-channel receiver with advanced dipole antenna design for extended operating range, which improves operation by providing a ground element in addition to the usual signal element. The receiver also offers volume control along with AF peak, RF and power indicator lights. Rock out onstage without the hassle of wires using this guitar system that wirelessly connects your guitar to an amplifier.

Review, pricing or

RockStand Folding Multiple Guitar Stand (for 7 Guitars)

RockStand Folding Multiple Guitar Stand; Organize your Jam Space or Take it on the Road. You can leave all those tripods at home and just bring one of these stable, folding stands to the gig! They're foam-padded so they'll never scratch your instrument and they hold acoustic or electric guitars & basses. This is one of the coolest designs we've seen in years! Compact for easy storage in your closet our tour van.

Review, pricing or

GHS Fast-Fret String Cleaner

Fast Fret is a widely used product which extends the life of your guitar strings. Just glide it on with the applicator and wipe it off with the provided lint-free cloth. It keeps your strings extremely clean and allows you to play faster. It also reduces excessive finger noise. It's not a spray and contains no silicone. It?s a liquid in an applicator. Use it on strings, fretboard, back of neck. Lets fingers slide freely, keeps strings clean, is good for wood. A secret of the pros!

Review, pricing or

Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus Universal Power Supply

 

Used by top touring and recording musicians everywhere, the Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus is the industry standard power supply for all battery-operated guitar effects. With eight 9V completely isolated, regulated, and highly filtered outputs, Pedal Power 2 Plus will make your pedals sound consistently at their best. A custom designed, ultra-low noise toroidal transformer delivers quiet operation, free of hum and noise. Features two outputs that can be switched to power Line 6 modeling pedals, and two outputs with variable voltage "sag" to emulate dying carbon batteries for nailing that vintage sound in your wah, overdrive or fuzz. Plus, with its isolated outs, you can combine them to create 18V and more! Pedal Power 2 Plus is hand made in the U.S.A. and comes complete with cables, detachable AC power cord, and a 5-year warranty. Review, pricing or

For Music Explorers

A couple of my favorite learning tools for branching out your guitar playing (and voice). The fingerpicking book is amazing, I learned fingerpicking from it years ago and it will walk you through with great tunes and masterful instructions (comes with CD).

Set Your Voice Free: How To Get The Singing Or Speaking Voice You Want

With innovative techniques and enjoyable exercises that have worked wonders with his professional clients, the internationally acclaimed vocal coach demonstrates how to carry a tune, expand vocal range, and speak with ease, confidence, and effectiveness. Illustrations.

Review, pricing or

The Art of Solo Fingerpicking : How to Play Alternating-Bass Fingerstyle Guitar Solos (book and CD)

How to play alternating-bass fingerstyle guitar solos. Package includes 90-minute instructional tape, 14 solos, and measure-by-measure instruction. Teaches many styles. Review, pricing or

39 Progressive Solos for Classical Guitar: Book 1 (Thirty-Nine Progressive Solos for Classical Guitar)

39 outstanding classical guitar solos arranged with tablature for the first time. Includes: Bouree * Lagrima * Six Pavans * Canarios * Tarelton's Resurrection * Bach's B Minor Sarabande * and more. Review, pricing or

Easy Songs for Ukulele

 

  Play along with your favorite tunes from the Beatles, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, Simon and Garfunkel, and more! The songs are presented in the order of difficulty, beginning with simple rhythms and melodies and ending with chords and notes up the neck. You can also strum and sing along using the provided lyrics and ukulele chord diagrams. Songs include: I Walk the Line * Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da * Tom Dooley * We Shall Overcome * Your Cheatin' Heart * and more. Review, pricing or

Guitars

Some of these are for the rich, yes, but the Classical guitar below could be for a beginner or intermediate guitarist. This year, I’m posting only the best!

ESP LTD James Hetfield Snakebyte Electric Guitar Black

The James Hetfield Snakebyte is coiled and ready to strike. The modified EX body an all-mahogany and neck construction, ebony fretboard with 22 extra-jumbo frets, and venomous EMG active humbuckers. The metal logo headstock and fretboard snake inlay warns all who approach to tread lightly or be infected from an extremely heavy bite. It has a set-neck construction at 24.75" scale, with a mahogany body and neck, and an ebony fingerboard with 22 XJ frets. The Snakebyte comes with a bunch of high-end components, including Sperzel locking tuners, Schaller straplocks, a Tonepros locking bridge/tailpiece, and EMG 81 (bridge) / EMG 60 (neck) active pickups. Review, pricing or

Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar

The C5 is the first solid Canadian cedar top guitar in the Cordoba line. It features a 5 fan Torres style bracing with handmade real wood inlaid rosette, African mahogany sides and back and rosewood fingerboard.The C5 isideal for aspiring classical guitarists, as well as steel string /electric players interested in expanding their skills into the classical and Spanish realms. Cordoba padded Gig Bag with shoulder straps included.The Cordoba Iberia series features solid cedar tops and mahogany back & sides for a rich tone. With comfortable necks and low action, these guitars are fun and easy to play. At their entry-level price point, they are even easier on the wallet. Priced to compete with assembly line guitars, these handmade instruments offer players an increased level of quality and tone not commonly found in this price range. Top: Cedar Back: Mahogany Finish: lacquer Scale: 650MM Width at Nut: 52MM Country: Portugal Fingerboard: Rosewood Tuning Machine: Nickel Plated Neck: Spanish CedarBridge: Rosewood. Review, pricing or

Epiphone Tony Iommi Signature G-400 SG Electric Guitar, Ebony

This guitar bears the name of a legendary guitarist, one of the few that can be credited for helping to create an actual music genre. The Epiphone Tony Iommi Signature G-400 is truly a shredder's dream guitar. The all-Mahogany all-24-fret-access carved SG body has a set, Mahogany neck for maximum sustain with Rosewood fingerboard adorned with Tony's distictive "cross" inlays. It also brings to bear the hottest passive pick-ups available, Gibson USA Tony Iommi Humbuckers, to endow you with his authentic tone. That powerful, coveted sound has even more punishing sustain with the Epiphone LocTone locking Tune-o-matic bridge and Stopbar tailpiece. Review, pricing or

Taylor Guitars LKSM Leo Kottke Signature Model Jumbo Acoustic Guitar

 

The 6-string Leo Kottke Signature Model combines tropical American mahogany back and sides, Sitka spruce top, Indian rosewood binding, and special bracing to produce that unmistakable Kottke sound. The Jumbo delievers the extra-deep resonance and volume that come with larger sound chamber together with its own signature subtleties. With a huge presence, the Jumbo is perfectly suited for aggressive strumming. A Venitian cutaway in the Jumbo body allows better access to the upper frets. In the past, many players moving to acoustic guitars grew accustomed to the cutaways on their electric guitars, while others simply like the freedom of movement into the upper register that a cutaway allows. Now, cutaways are favored as much for their decorative appeal as for their function. Review, pricing or

For Do it Yourselfers

For those of you who like to mod, update, and tweak your guitars here’s a few goodies.

EMG JH James Hetfield Signature Humbucker Set

The JH James Hetfield Humbucker Set is a totally new dimension for EMG, the design being driven solely with the input of James Hetfield. After playing the 81/60 EMG combo for many years now James wanted something not only 'new' sounding, he wanted a set that also looked totally new. The neck pickup uses individual ceramic poles and bobbins with an enlarged core that gives it a more percussive attack, higher output and a fuller low-end response making it clean & fat and fast attacking. The bridge pickup uses the same larger/taller core coil but has steel pole pieces, again for a tighter more percussive attack with less mutual inductance for a cleaner low-end,. Based of the EMG 81 but brought to a whole new level. Both pickups feature an exclusive Black Nickel plated finish and come complete with EMG's revolutionary solderless installation wiring components. Review, pricing or

Solid Mahogany Guitar Kits

Guitarfetish Guitar kits represent a very cost effective way to build a custom, one of a kind instrument with your very own hands! Unlike most kits on the market- we've specified premium wood- featherweight Paulownia, Kiln Dried White Poplar or dense and toneful Basswood. Now- these are "KITS" in the truest sense of the word. You will have to hand-fit necks to bodies, and assume that every part of this adventure will require a moderate level of ability- This is not a jigsaw puzzle that goes together with little or no effort. All of the raw wood parts are NOT SEALED- That's right- no epoxy or poly sealer applied at the factory- You are getting pure, raw wood! You will need to sand, fill, prime and paint these. There are many, many ways to finish these kits and there are many, many online resources that should be able to assist. Review, pricing or

GIGmate Guitar Tool Kit & String Organizer

For pro guitar players at the gig, hobby guitarists at home, or beginners just starting their first guitar lesson, the GIGmate is the industry standard guitar tool kit. Don't settle for sub-standard copies. Includes all the tools needed to set up and maintain acoustic or electric guitars. Constructed from 600 dineer padded nylon, it's built to last and be able to suffer the "rigors of the road". Along with all the quality tools, your GIGmate comes with a six pocket guitar string organizer so you'll never have to hunt for those spare guitar strings again. You also get a Pick PocketTM for picks, business cards, and other guitar stuff and a Trem PokerTM. 30 day money-back guarantee. Makes the perfect guitar gift.

Review, pricing or

Farley's Journeyman Guitar Tool

This precision, American made all purpose guitar tool is the last one you need to buy. See and feel the quality right out of the package. It has been called "The Swiss Army Knife for Guitarists." Farley's Guitar Tool, crafted by JP Tool is tough. Guitar players who change strings often, or need to make action adjustments will appreciate all that the Guitar Tool has to offer. Farley's Guitar Tool combines a carbide string-cutting tool, a bridge pin puller (for acoustics), Philips and flathead screw drivers, and a variety of hex wrenches that fit most guitars. The carbide cutter is tough enough even for bass strings, and it is made to keep on cutting! Review, pricing or

For Recording

Not so much gear on this list, but sometimes you just need a good table in the corner of your room.

Korg PX5D Pandora Guitar and Bass Multi Effects Processor / Portable Recording Studio

The all new KORG Pandora PX5D Multi-effects Processor for Guitar and Bass is the first ever USB equipped Pandora. In addition to hundreds of great effects and practice tracks, the PX5D USB and bundled recording software provides a totally complete guitar/bass recording interface! The Korg PANDORA series is famous for packing dozens of realistic modeling effects and a multitude of versatile functions into a pocket-sized unit. Korg is proud to announce the new PANDORA PX5D, optimized to work with your computer as a powerful recording tool. This new multi-effect processor for guitar and bass is the first in the PANDORA series to provide a USB/audio interface for direct connection to your desktop or laptop computer. The PX5D can be plugged into a computer and used in conjunction with your audio sequencer software (or the included 'Ableton Live Lite 6 Korg Edition' recording software) to easily make CD-quality recordings.

Review, pricing or

Studio RTA Mix Station Maple

The Studio RTA Mix Station is a lightweight yet sturdy desk with a space-saving slide-out keyboard tray. 6-space rack built into upper tier doubles as a monitor or equipment stand. Wood construction. Includes cable management system and locking wheels. Lightweight yet solidCord management systemSlide-out keyboard trayRear privacy panel6-space rack in upper section4 casters (2 locking). Review, pricing or

Studio RTA Creation Station Studio Desk Cherry

 

2 large work surfaces Full-length monitor shelf Dual 4-space 19" rack bays Rear panel for cord management 4 casters (2 locking). The Studio RTA Creation Station Studio Desk is a complete computer-based home studio workstation. It features large casters (2 locking) for mobility and a large workspace for most synth keyboards and accessories. The inclusion of a monitor shelf, dual 4-space 19" rack bays, and a rear-mounted cable management panel makes the Studio RTA Creation Station a great addition to any pro or home studio. Review, pricing or

For Beginner Guitarists

If you’re a beginner you’ll need this stuff (though I’ve personally never liked tuners myself). Don’t buy a electric guitar strap that doesn’t clip on, it’s just matter of time before a non-clipping strap pops off and you’re guitar false and breaks. Also, D’Addario strings last for months—so super good value.

Korg CA-40 Large Display Auto Chromatic Tuner

The Korg CA40 Chromatic Tuner is a great value - with superior features like a large, easy-to-see, LCD needle-style display! The pocket-sized CA-40 features a refined design with a stand on the back that lets you place the tuner on any surface. With a wide range that covers A0 (27.50 Hz) - C8 (4186.01Hz), you can tune a variety of instruments with the CA-40, including wind, string, and keyboard instruments.  Included Items: Two AAA batteries. Review, pricing or

Guitar Strings

  

Classical, acoustic or electric guitar strings. Go with D’Addario, they sound great and they last a very long time. For a beginner guitarist strings that last make life much easier. Cheap strings and many other brands you’ll need to change more often. These can go months for a beginner. Classical: Review, pricing or Acoustic: Review, pricing or Electric: Review, pricing or

Electric Guitar Strap: DiMarzio 2" Nylon ClipLock Guitar Strap Black

The DiMarzio ClipLock Quick Release Guitar Strap system is the most secure and unique fastening method available. Introduced in 1982, these straps were the first to feature a heavy-duty plastic clip that allows you to easily change from guitar to guitar or to remove the strap for storage. They are strong enough to meet military specifications and easily hold 150 pounds, yet they release with a little fingertip pressure. The strap material is made from high quality nylon webbing identical to car seatbelts. The ClipLock? attaches securely to your guitar body with two sturdy brass bushings and extra-long screws (included). ClipLock? Quick Release Guitar Straps come in an assortment of colors. ClipLock? guitar straps have been used for years by Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen and many other professional musicians. They are the industry standard for strength, security and quality. Made in the USA. Review, pricing or

Acoustic Guitar Strap: Levy's Leathers 2 Jacquard Weave Hootenanny Guitar Strap

2" "60's Hootenanny" jacquard weave guitar strap with polypropylene backing. Adjustable to 54". Review, pricing or

Musician's Gear Tubular Guitar Stand Black

“Made to exacting specs with soft black neoprene rubber tubing to protect your guitar. Folds up for easy transport. Not for nitrocellulose-finish guitars.” i.e. it’s just a friggin’ $10 stand. Perfect for the beginner. Review, pricing or   Hope you’ve enjoyed this list, now get shopping!

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