Best gifts for guitar players: 10 top gifts for 2023
9 min read
Best gifts for guitar players: 10 top gifts for 2023
Reviews
October 4, 2023
/
9 min read
Rikin Diwan
Table of Contents
Well, fear not, I'm going to take the stress out of buying the best gifts for guitar lovers with this in-depth holiday guide.
Why should you trust me? Well, I've been playing guitar, both acoustic and electric guitars, for over 25 years and have gone through my share of guitars, guitar amps, guitar pedals, and guitar gear. I also have a pretty particular design aesthetic more akin to midcentury modern furniture than the skull and flame ridden cliches printed across most guitar accessories. I also tried my best to find gifts that would appeal equally to both male and female guitar players.
Every gift in this guide is one that I either own or have had the pleasure to test over a period of time. Links below will either go to the manufacturer's site or to Amazon which has become one of the best places to purchase musical equipment — especially if you're a Prime member with easy shipping and returns.
Positive Grid Spark Go
Positive Grid Spark Go
The best gift 2023
The Spark Go by Positive Grid is a great addition to any guitarist's collection. It's a 5 watt travel companion with great sound, great design, 5 hour battery life, and a great accompanying app.
$129
Our Pick
Over the past few years, Positive Grid has come out with some of the most innovative yet miniature amplifiers in the game. In fact, you could even say that the smaller the amp the more innovative it likely is to be these days and the Positive Grid Spark Go is the smallest of the lot!
This portable amplifier paired with Positive Grid's 4.9 star rated Spark app is a perfect combo for any electric guitar player. One of my favorite features is the ability to dial the app into various presets from your favorite guitar players such as Jimi Hendrix or Zakk Wylde.
The Positive Grid Spark Go can be charged via USB-C and will last a claimed 8 hours. I was only able to get 5 hours out of it but that's still really respectable.
The Donner Hush 1 Silent Guitar
The Donner Hush 1 Silent Guitar has taken Instagram and TikTok by storm. It has one of the most unique designs with a tiny body, built in amplifier, attachable arms, a headless neck, and open gear tuners. And, if you have no idea what any of that means, just know that the guitar player in your life will truly appreciate that you found a gift that will truly set them apart.
We ranked The Donner Hush as one of the best travel guitars available and, while at $299 it might be a bit of a splurge for a gift, it makes for an affordable guitar given the quality design and materials that make up this inspired guitar. For the price, you'll also get a gig bag, a tuner, and quality in-ear headphones too.
The Donner Hush
The Donner Hush represents something that doesn't often come along in the world of guitars - a modern fresh take. It's a 6 string electric that can be disassembled and stuffed in a bag to make it perfect for travel.
$299
Top Pick
Fender Mustang Micro
If there's a theme to the best gifts for guitarists in 2023 it's almost certainly tiny innovation and the Fender Mustang Micro checks all the boxes for that much like many of the other gear on this list. The Mustang Micro is a headphone amplifier so if you ever find that the guitarist in your life is keeping you up late at night then this is as much a gift for you as it is for them. But trust me, they'll love it.
The Fender Mustang Micro plugs directly into an electric guitar or acoustic electric guitar and then allows you to plug a wired set of headphones directly into it to access multiple different amps (12) and effects (12). It's a terrific portable guitar practice tool. Fender made the decision to not allow bluetooth headphones so that you can instead connect your phone or laptop to it via bluetooth and play along at the same time. The Mustang Micro gets an impressive 5 stars from nearly 3k reviews so it's a no-brainer great gift idea this season.
Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amp
This pocket size gadget is a lifesaver - for you and your neighbors. Simply plug the Fender Mustang Micro into the 1/4" jack of your guitar and plug in your favorite pair of headphones. Pick from a selection of effects and amps and play all night long without keeping your neighbors awake.
$119
Silent Killer
D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner
Guitar tuners have come a long way and, yep you guessed it, have gotten much smaller over the years. The D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner really takes the prize as the most diminutive tuner available today.
A few weeks ago my regular guitar tuner snapped abruptly into two and so I went on the hunt to find a replacement. At less than $20 I had to give the D'Addario a go. I was shocked by just how small this guitar and bass tuner really is even compared to the previous clip on tuner I had.
Simply adjust the height and clip the Micro Headstock Tuner on to the headstock of any acoustic or electric guitar. Press the power button on top, press another button to adjust the rotation of the screen to your preference, and you're ready to get pitch perfect tuning via its piezo sensor. My only gripe with this tuner is that it's so small I'm afraid I'll lose it - that's not a real gripe, you should totally include this as a stocking stuffer this year!
D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner
Sweet Spot
This little guy is the best and smallest clip-on guitar tuner I've ever used. You're in for a shock when you unbox the Micro Headstock tuner - it's about the size of a nickel!
Sweet Spot
Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap
There once was a guitar that hit the floor. Now that guitar is no more. If only that guitarist had a friend who gave a crap. They would've given them an Ernie Ball Polylock guitar strap.
Do you see why I write a blog and not hit songs?
The Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap is one of those pieces of gear that you look at and wonder how no one had thought of that before. For decades we've been sold separate guitar strap locks but this takes on an integrated approach directly into the strap itself. It means that they'll always be able to play guitar without ever worrying about the safety of their instrument.
Ernie Ball straps are some of the most popular, highly rated straps available. The Polylock keeps that craftsmanships but adds an innovative locking mechanism at both ends of the strap. Although it's more expensive, we highly recommend getting the neoprene version of this strap as the regular version is much less comfortable.
Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap
Some folks like flames and skulls on their guitar straps - or at least guitar companies seem to think so. For the rest of us there's this insanely comfortable and smart neoprene strap from Ernie Ball. It features the company's Polylock technology which keeps your guitar safe while you enjoy the little stretch the strap gives as you bounce around stage - or your living room.
Safety First
Openhagen Guitar Mount
I came across the Openhagen Guitar Mount while doom scrolling on Instagram one night, checked the reviews on Amazon, and my guitars have been hanging on them ever since. Guitar stands are somewhat obscene looking but a nice guitar mount is a thoughtful gift idea for any player. Furthermore, unlike most guitar mounts, the Openhagen sits relatively flat against the wall and only opens when you need to hang the guitar on it.
Mounting the Openhagen is easy with just two screws to drill in and the best part is that you wouldn't know it's a guitar hanger when it's closed. The mount comes in both oak and walnut woods and has a soft cork-like padding to protect any electric or acoustic guitar.
Openhagen Guitar Mount
Guitars are meant to be seen but most guitar stands are obscene - see what we did there? The Openhagen guitar mount is a minimalist approach to keeping your guitar on display while taking up as little room as possible. It's midcentury finishes mean that it's not an eyesore when it's not holding your guitar up.
Simply Beautiful
Rombo Picks
Looking for an affordable gift for the guitar player in your life and one that they'll use each time they pick up their instrument? Guitar picks are a small but oddly personal tool for every guitarist. We get sentimental about our picks taking them with us wherever we go, treating them almost like fidget toys, even when our guitar is staying back at home.
These picks from Rombo Picks won our pick (unavoidable pun!) for being the coolest guitar picks. Rombo picks have a sensible design-first aesthetic, some varieties are made with recycled plastic, and above all else they make your guitar sound great.
Rombo Picks come in a variety of style and thicknesses and in gorgeous packaging to make the perfect gift.. If your guitar lover plays acoustic guitar go for a thinner pick <1mm. If they play electric guitar go for a medium pick (1mm-1.5mm). If they play electric guitar and love heavy metal go for the thickest picks Rombo offers.
Rombo Picks
Picks are a simple piece of gear that guitarists hold dear - that's why they make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift. These picks from Rombo are some of our favorite due to their beautiful and modern designs.
Top Picks
Boss RC-500 Loop Station
Guitarists love pedals and modern guitarist love loop pedals the most. The Boss RC-500 is absolutely one of the best loop pedals available today.
A loop pedal allows both guitarists to record a few bars of playing, whether with acoustic or electric guitars, and have it play back continuously so that they can layer additional tracks on top of it. You can do this multiple times over allowing you to effectively recreate the sounds of multiple musicians all playing at the same time.
Whether you're into Ed Sheeren or Reggie Watts the loop pedal can add some dynamic versatility to your playing. Loop pedals aren't just limited to the guitar either. Check out Kimbra for some fantastic vocal loops.
What makes the Boss RC-500 great is that it outputs really high quality audio. Other loopers, even more affordable ones from Boss, tend to downgrade the quality of the looping audio noticeably. This makes it usable enough for live playing but not passable for recording and production quality. The RC-500 fixes that and allows for up to 13 hours of recording.
Looping is quite tricky but the Boss RC-500 is a straightforward enough device for a beginner, is extremely durable, and has some fun effects built-in to keep any guitar lover occupied until the next big occasion comes along.
Boss RC-500
No modern guitar rig would be complete without a loop pedal. The Boss RC-500 is an upgrade from an entry-level loop pedal but this is a gift guide and that guitarist in your life deserves it! Boss makes both more affordable and more expensive loop pedals - all exceptional - should this one not fit your price point.
Loop Pedal
If you don't want to splurge you can still get them a great loop pedal with the Boss RC-1 at just $117.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
Looking for a slightly more unique guitar gift to really wow the guitar lover in your life? The Focusrite is a digital audio workstation (DAW) to plug in practically any instrument or microphone so that you can record them at high quality directly on your computer.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best selling DAWs yet it is extremely affordable at $199 for the most recent (4th gen) version. It allows for 2 guitars and 2 microphones to plugged in simultaneously.
If you're on a tighter budget you could also opt to buy the highly capable 3rd generation Scarlett 2i2 ($162) or the Scarlett Solo ($139) which is perfect for a songwriter or podcaster with one guitar and one microphone input.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
It's truly amazing how far audio redording technology has come. Focusrite leads the pack with their miniature workstations that help any guitarist and singer-songwriter get down their thoughts in the most portable package. Beautiful and useful - these will make a perfect gift
Hit Record
JOYO 2.4GHz Wireless Guitar System
If you forced us to pick the best gift for a guitar player in 2023 it would probably be the Joyo Wireless Guitar system. Not only is it a brilliant device but it costs just $39!
The day has finally come where guitarists no longer need to be limited by the length of the cable that extends from their guitar to their amplifier. Technology has finally made it possible for any at home guitarist to have a true wireless set up between their electric guitar or acoustic-electric guitar and their amplifier.
The Joyo 2.4GHz wireless guitar system makes this all possible for less than $50. There are a few similar devices available on Amazon but we weren't able to try them all. However, the Joyo checked all of our boxes because of it's high quality audio signal and no noticeable lag between playing and hearing the guitar over the amplifier.
This Joyo wireless guitar system plus the Positive Grid amplifier mentioned earlier would be a killer combo sure to earn you a lot of love from the guitarist in your life.
Joyo Wireless Guitar System
When I was a child this was the guitar gadget of my dreams - a simple and affordable wireless guitar system. The Joyo comes in a pair with one plugging into your guitar and the other your amp for true freedom to walk around while playing an amplified electric guitar.
Wireless Wonder
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some guitar gifts for kids?
Loog's new collaboration with Fender takes our pick as the best guitar gift for a kid who is just beginning to learn how to play the guitar.
Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $199
Also great is the Donner 30" kids guitar kit. This is actually the second guitar on our list after the Donner Hush-I Travel Guitar but in manyways this is a friendlier much more
Rating: 4.4
Price: $129 (not including a $25 Coupon currently)
BUY IT ON AMAZON
What are some affordable gifts for guitar players under $50?
If you're looking for affordable gifts for guitar players, there are many options available. But for 2023 our top pick, of all those above, would be the JoYo Wireless Guitar System. For any guitarist, playing wirelessly to their amp has been a lifelong dream and, at just $39. we think it's a dream for your wallet too.
What are some unique DIY gifts for guitar players?
There are many unique DIY gifts that guitar players will love.
- A personalized guitar pick holder using a wooden block and some screws
- A custom guitar strap using fabric and leather
- A guitar pedal board using a suitcase or a briefcase.
What are some great gifts for acoustic guitar players?
Acoustic guitar players will appreciate gifts that enhance the sound and playability of their instrument. Some great gift ideas include a high-quality capo, a guitar humidifier, or a set of fingerpicks. You can also get them a guitar strap that is specifically designed for acoustic guitars or a set of acoustic guitar strings.
What are some jazz guitar gift ideas?
Jazz guitar players will appreciate gifts that help them achieve the classic jazz sound. Some great gift ideas include a set of flatwound guitar strings, a jazz guitar instructional book, or a CD of classic jazz guitar performances. You can also get them a guitar stand that is designed specifically for jazz guitars or a set of jazz guitar picks.
What are some creative guitar pick gift ideas?
If you want to give a guitar player a gift that is both creative and practical, there are many guitar pick gift ideas to choose from. You can get them a personalized guitar pick holder, a set of custom guitar picks with their name or photo on them, or a guitar pick punch that allows them to make their own picks. We suggest heading over to Etsy for some of the more off-the-beat gifts; however, many look great but play like poop so maybe throw this in along with something else from our top picks above.
Shopping for the guitarist in your life is a painful experience. Mainly because you probably don't know much about guitars in the first place and everything you see has hot rod flames and strange names like "fuzzrocious forever".
Well, fear not, I'm going to take the stress out of buying the best gifts for guitar lovers with this in-depth holiday guide.
Why should you trust me? Well, I've been playing guitar, both acoustic and electric guitars, for over 25 years and have gone through my share of guitars, guitar amps, guitar pedals, and guitar gear. I also have a pretty particular design aesthetic more akin to midcentury modern furniture than the skull and flame ridden cliches printed across most guitar accessories. I also tried my best to find gifts that would appeal equally to both male and female guitar players.
Every gift in this guide is one that I either own or have had the pleasure to test over a period of time. Links below will either go to the manufacturer's site or to Amazon which has become one of the best places to purchase musical equipment — especially if you're a Prime member with easy shipping and returns.
Positive Grid Spark Go
Positive Grid Spark Go
The best gift 2023
The Spark Go by Positive Grid is a great addition to any guitarist's collection. It's a 5 watt travel companion with great sound, great design, 5 hour battery life, and a great accompanying app.
$129
Our Pick
Over the past few years, Positive Grid has come out with some of the most innovative yet miniature amplifiers in the game. In fact, you could even say that the smaller the amp the more innovative it likely is to be these days and the Positive Grid Spark Go is the smallest of the lot!
This portable amplifier paired with Positive Grid's 4.9 star rated Spark app is a perfect combo for any electric guitar player. One of my favorite features is the ability to dial the app into various presets from your favorite guitar players such as Jimi Hendrix or Zakk Wylde.
The Positive Grid Spark Go can be charged via USB-C and will last a claimed 8 hours. I was only able to get 5 hours out of it but that's still really respectable.
The Donner Hush 1 Silent Guitar
The Donner Hush 1 Silent Guitar has taken Instagram and TikTok by storm. It has one of the most unique designs with a tiny body, built in amplifier, attachable arms, a headless neck, and open gear tuners. And, if you have no idea what any of that means, just know that the guitar player in your life will truly appreciate that you found a gift that will truly set them apart.
We ranked The Donner Hush as one of the best travel guitars available and, while at $299 it might be a bit of a splurge for a gift, it makes for an affordable guitar given the quality design and materials that make up this inspired guitar. For the price, you'll also get a gig bag, a tuner, and quality in-ear headphones too.
The Donner Hush
The Donner Hush represents something that doesn't often come along in the world of guitars - a modern fresh take. It's a 6 string electric that can be disassembled and stuffed in a bag to make it perfect for travel.
$299
Top Pick
Fender Mustang Micro
If there's a theme to the best gifts for guitarists in 2023 it's almost certainly tiny innovation and the Fender Mustang Micro checks all the boxes for that much like many of the other gear on this list. The Mustang Micro is a headphone amplifier so if you ever find that the guitarist in your life is keeping you up late at night then this is as much a gift for you as it is for them. But trust me, they'll love it.
The Fender Mustang Micro plugs directly into an electric guitar or acoustic electric guitar and then allows you to plug a wired set of headphones directly into it to access multiple different amps (12) and effects (12). It's a terrific portable guitar practice tool. Fender made the decision to not allow bluetooth headphones so that you can instead connect your phone or laptop to it via bluetooth and play along at the same time. The Mustang Micro gets an impressive 5 stars from nearly 3k reviews so it's a no-brainer great gift idea this season.
Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amp
This pocket size gadget is a lifesaver - for you and your neighbors. Simply plug the Fender Mustang Micro into the 1/4" jack of your guitar and plug in your favorite pair of headphones. Pick from a selection of effects and amps and play all night long without keeping your neighbors awake.
$119
Silent Killer
D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner
Guitar tuners have come a long way and, yep you guessed it, have gotten much smaller over the years. The D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner really takes the prize as the most diminutive tuner available today.
A few weeks ago my regular guitar tuner snapped abruptly into two and so I went on the hunt to find a replacement. At less than $20 I had to give the D'Addario a go. I was shocked by just how small this guitar and bass tuner really is even compared to the previous clip on tuner I had.
Simply adjust the height and clip the Micro Headstock Tuner on to the headstock of any acoustic or electric guitar. Press the power button on top, press another button to adjust the rotation of the screen to your preference, and you're ready to get pitch perfect tuning via its piezo sensor. My only gripe with this tuner is that it's so small I'm afraid I'll lose it - that's not a real gripe, you should totally include this as a stocking stuffer this year!
D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner
Sweet Spot
This little guy is the best and smallest clip-on guitar tuner I've ever used. You're in for a shock when you unbox the Micro Headstock tuner - it's about the size of a nickel!
Sweet Spot
Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap
There once was a guitar that hit the floor. Now that guitar is no more. If only that guitarist had a friend who gave a crap. They would've given them an Ernie Ball Polylock guitar strap.
Do you see why I write a blog and not hit songs?
The Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap is one of those pieces of gear that you look at and wonder how no one had thought of that before. For decades we've been sold separate guitar strap locks but this takes on an integrated approach directly into the strap itself. It means that they'll always be able to play guitar without ever worrying about the safety of their instrument.
Ernie Ball straps are some of the most popular, highly rated straps available. The Polylock keeps that craftsmanships but adds an innovative locking mechanism at both ends of the strap. Although it's more expensive, we highly recommend getting the neoprene version of this strap as the regular version is much less comfortable.
Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap
Some folks like flames and skulls on their guitar straps - or at least guitar companies seem to think so. For the rest of us there's this insanely comfortable and smart neoprene strap from Ernie Ball. It features the company's Polylock technology which keeps your guitar safe while you enjoy the little stretch the strap gives as you bounce around stage - or your living room.
Safety First
Openhagen Guitar Mount
I came across the Openhagen Guitar Mount while doom scrolling on Instagram one night, checked the reviews on Amazon, and my guitars have been hanging on them ever since. Guitar stands are somewhat obscene looking but a nice guitar mount is a thoughtful gift idea for any player. Furthermore, unlike most guitar mounts, the Openhagen sits relatively flat against the wall and only opens when you need to hang the guitar on it.
Mounting the Openhagen is easy with just two screws to drill in and the best part is that you wouldn't know it's a guitar hanger when it's closed. The mount comes in both oak and walnut woods and has a soft cork-like padding to protect any electric or acoustic guitar.
Openhagen Guitar Mount
Guitars are meant to be seen but most guitar stands are obscene - see what we did there? The Openhagen guitar mount is a minimalist approach to keeping your guitar on display while taking up as little room as possible. It's midcentury finishes mean that it's not an eyesore when it's not holding your guitar up.
Simply Beautiful
Rombo Picks
Looking for an affordable gift for the guitar player in your life and one that they'll use each time they pick up their instrument? Guitar picks are a small but oddly personal tool for every guitarist. We get sentimental about our picks taking them with us wherever we go, treating them almost like fidget toys, even when our guitar is staying back at home.
These picks from Rombo Picks won our pick (unavoidable pun!) for being the coolest guitar picks. Rombo picks have a sensible design-first aesthetic, some varieties are made with recycled plastic, and above all else they make your guitar sound great.
Rombo Picks come in a variety of style and thicknesses and in gorgeous packaging to make the perfect gift.. If your guitar lover plays acoustic guitar go for a thinner pick <1mm. If they play electric guitar go for a medium pick (1mm-1.5mm). If they play electric guitar and love heavy metal go for the thickest picks Rombo offers.
Rombo Picks
Picks are a simple piece of gear that guitarists hold dear - that's why they make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift. These picks from Rombo are some of our favorite due to their beautiful and modern designs.
Top Picks
Boss RC-500 Loop Station
Guitarists love pedals and modern guitarist love loop pedals the most. The Boss RC-500 is absolutely one of the best loop pedals available today.
A loop pedal allows both guitarists to record a few bars of playing, whether with acoustic or electric guitars, and have it play back continuously so that they can layer additional tracks on top of it. You can do this multiple times over allowing you to effectively recreate the sounds of multiple musicians all playing at the same time.
Whether you're into Ed Sheeren or Reggie Watts the loop pedal can add some dynamic versatility to your playing. Loop pedals aren't just limited to the guitar either. Check out Kimbra for some fantastic vocal loops.
What makes the Boss RC-500 great is that it outputs really high quality audio. Other loopers, even more affordable ones from Boss, tend to downgrade the quality of the looping audio noticeably. This makes it usable enough for live playing but not passable for recording and production quality. The RC-500 fixes that and allows for up to 13 hours of recording.
Looping is quite tricky but the Boss RC-500 is a straightforward enough device for a beginner, is extremely durable, and has some fun effects built-in to keep any guitar lover occupied until the next big occasion comes along.
Boss RC-500
No modern guitar rig would be complete without a loop pedal. The Boss RC-500 is an upgrade from an entry-level loop pedal but this is a gift guide and that guitarist in your life deserves it! Boss makes both more affordable and more expensive loop pedals - all exceptional - should this one not fit your price point.
Loop Pedal
If you don't want to splurge you can still get them a great loop pedal with the Boss RC-1 at just $117.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
Looking for a slightly more unique guitar gift to really wow the guitar lover in your life? The Focusrite is a digital audio workstation (DAW) to plug in practically any instrument or microphone so that you can record them at high quality directly on your computer.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best selling DAWs yet it is extremely affordable at $199 for the most recent (4th gen) version. It allows for 2 guitars and 2 microphones to plugged in simultaneously.
If you're on a tighter budget you could also opt to buy the highly capable 3rd generation Scarlett 2i2 ($162) or the Scarlett Solo ($139) which is perfect for a songwriter or podcaster with one guitar and one microphone input.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
It's truly amazing how far audio redording technology has come. Focusrite leads the pack with their miniature workstations that help any guitarist and singer-songwriter get down their thoughts in the most portable package. Beautiful and useful - these will make a perfect gift
Hit Record
JOYO 2.4GHz Wireless Guitar System
If you forced us to pick the best gift for a guitar player in 2023 it would probably be the Joyo Wireless Guitar system. Not only is it a brilliant device but it costs just $39!
The day has finally come where guitarists no longer need to be limited by the length of the cable that extends from their guitar to their amplifier. Technology has finally made it possible for any at home guitarist to have a true wireless set up between their electric guitar or acoustic-electric guitar and their amplifier.
The Joyo 2.4GHz wireless guitar system makes this all possible for less than $50. There are a few similar devices available on Amazon but we weren't able to try them all. However, the Joyo checked all of our boxes because of it's high quality audio signal and no noticeable lag between playing and hearing the guitar over the amplifier.
This Joyo wireless guitar system plus the Positive Grid amplifier mentioned earlier would be a killer combo sure to earn you a lot of love from the guitarist in your life.
Joyo Wireless Guitar System
When I was a child this was the guitar gadget of my dreams - a simple and affordable wireless guitar system. The Joyo comes in a pair with one plugging into your guitar and the other your amp for true freedom to walk around while playing an amplified electric guitar.
Wireless Wonder
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some guitar gifts for kids?
Loog's new collaboration with Fender takes our pick as the best guitar gift for a kid who is just beginning to learn how to play the guitar.
Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $199
Also great is the Donner 30" kids guitar kit. This is actually the second guitar on our list after the Donner Hush-I Travel Guitar but in manyways this is a friendlier much more
Rating: 4.4
Price: $129 (not including a $25 Coupon currently)
BUY IT ON AMAZON
What are some affordable gifts for guitar players under $50?
If you're looking for affordable gifts for guitar players, there are many options available. But for 2023 our top pick, of all those above, would be the JoYo Wireless Guitar System. For any guitarist, playing wirelessly to their amp has been a lifelong dream and, at just $39. we think it's a dream for your wallet too.
What are some unique DIY gifts for guitar players?
There are many unique DIY gifts that guitar players will love.
- A personalized guitar pick holder using a wooden block and some screws
- A custom guitar strap using fabric and leather
- A guitar pedal board using a suitcase or a briefcase.
What are some great gifts for acoustic guitar players?
Acoustic guitar players will appreciate gifts that enhance the sound and playability of their instrument. Some great gift ideas include a high-quality capo, a guitar humidifier, or a set of fingerpicks. You can also get them a guitar strap that is specifically designed for acoustic guitars or a set of acoustic guitar strings.
What are some jazz guitar gift ideas?
Jazz guitar players will appreciate gifts that help them achieve the classic jazz sound. Some great gift ideas include a set of flatwound guitar strings, a jazz guitar instructional book, or a CD of classic jazz guitar performances. You can also get them a guitar stand that is designed specifically for jazz guitars or a set of jazz guitar picks.
What are some creative guitar pick gift ideas?
If you want to give a guitar player a gift that is both creative and practical, there are many guitar pick gift ideas to choose from. You can get them a personalized guitar pick holder, a set of custom guitar picks with their name or photo on them, or a guitar pick punch that allows them to make their own picks. We suggest heading over to Etsy for some of the more off-the-beat gifts; however, many look great but play like poop so maybe throw this in along with something else from our top picks above.
Shopping for the guitarist in your life is a painful experience. Mainly because you probably don't know much about guitars in the first place and everything you see has hot rod flames and strange names like "fuzzrocious forever".
Well, fear not, I'm going to take the stress out of buying the best gifts for guitar lovers with this in-depth holiday guide.
Why should you trust me? Well, I've been playing guitar, both acoustic and electric guitars, for over 25 years and have gone through my share of guitars, guitar amps, guitar pedals, and guitar gear. I also have a pretty particular design aesthetic more akin to midcentury modern furniture than the skull and flame ridden cliches printed across most guitar accessories. I also tried my best to find gifts that would appeal equally to both male and female guitar players.
Every gift in this guide is one that I either own or have had the pleasure to test over a period of time. Links below will either go to the manufacturer's site or to Amazon which has become one of the best places to purchase musical equipment — especially if you're a Prime member with easy shipping and returns.
Positive Grid Spark Go
Positive Grid Spark Go
The best gift 2023
The Spark Go by Positive Grid is a great addition to any guitarist's collection. It's a 5 watt travel companion with great sound, great design, 5 hour battery life, and a great accompanying app.
$129
Our Pick
Over the past few years, Positive Grid has come out with some of the most innovative yet miniature amplifiers in the game. In fact, you could even say that the smaller the amp the more innovative it likely is to be these days and the Positive Grid Spark Go is the smallest of the lot!
This portable amplifier paired with Positive Grid's 4.9 star rated Spark app is a perfect combo for any electric guitar player. One of my favorite features is the ability to dial the app into various presets from your favorite guitar players such as Jimi Hendrix or Zakk Wylde.
The Positive Grid Spark Go can be charged via USB-C and will last a claimed 8 hours. I was only able to get 5 hours out of it but that's still really respectable.
The Donner Hush 1 Silent Guitar
The Donner Hush 1 Silent Guitar has taken Instagram and TikTok by storm. It has one of the most unique designs with a tiny body, built in amplifier, attachable arms, a headless neck, and open gear tuners. And, if you have no idea what any of that means, just know that the guitar player in your life will truly appreciate that you found a gift that will truly set them apart.
We ranked The Donner Hush as one of the best travel guitars available and, while at $299 it might be a bit of a splurge for a gift, it makes for an affordable guitar given the quality design and materials that make up this inspired guitar. For the price, you'll also get a gig bag, a tuner, and quality in-ear headphones too.
The Donner Hush
The Donner Hush represents something that doesn't often come along in the world of guitars - a modern fresh take. It's a 6 string electric that can be disassembled and stuffed in a bag to make it perfect for travel.
$299
Top Pick
Fender Mustang Micro
If there's a theme to the best gifts for guitarists in 2023 it's almost certainly tiny innovation and the Fender Mustang Micro checks all the boxes for that much like many of the other gear on this list. The Mustang Micro is a headphone amplifier so if you ever find that the guitarist in your life is keeping you up late at night then this is as much a gift for you as it is for them. But trust me, they'll love it.
The Fender Mustang Micro plugs directly into an electric guitar or acoustic electric guitar and then allows you to plug a wired set of headphones directly into it to access multiple different amps (12) and effects (12). It's a terrific portable guitar practice tool. Fender made the decision to not allow bluetooth headphones so that you can instead connect your phone or laptop to it via bluetooth and play along at the same time. The Mustang Micro gets an impressive 5 stars from nearly 3k reviews so it's a no-brainer great gift idea this season.
Fender Mustang Micro Headphone Amp
This pocket size gadget is a lifesaver - for you and your neighbors. Simply plug the Fender Mustang Micro into the 1/4" jack of your guitar and plug in your favorite pair of headphones. Pick from a selection of effects and amps and play all night long without keeping your neighbors awake.
$119
Silent Killer
D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner
Guitar tuners have come a long way and, yep you guessed it, have gotten much smaller over the years. The D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner really takes the prize as the most diminutive tuner available today.
A few weeks ago my regular guitar tuner snapped abruptly into two and so I went on the hunt to find a replacement. At less than $20 I had to give the D'Addario a go. I was shocked by just how small this guitar and bass tuner really is even compared to the previous clip on tuner I had.
Simply adjust the height and clip the Micro Headstock Tuner on to the headstock of any acoustic or electric guitar. Press the power button on top, press another button to adjust the rotation of the screen to your preference, and you're ready to get pitch perfect tuning via its piezo sensor. My only gripe with this tuner is that it's so small I'm afraid I'll lose it - that's not a real gripe, you should totally include this as a stocking stuffer this year!
D'Addario Micro Headstock Guitar Tuner
Sweet Spot
This little guy is the best and smallest clip-on guitar tuner I've ever used. You're in for a shock when you unbox the Micro Headstock tuner - it's about the size of a nickel!
Sweet Spot
Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap
There once was a guitar that hit the floor. Now that guitar is no more. If only that guitarist had a friend who gave a crap. They would've given them an Ernie Ball Polylock guitar strap.
Do you see why I write a blog and not hit songs?
The Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap is one of those pieces of gear that you look at and wonder how no one had thought of that before. For decades we've been sold separate guitar strap locks but this takes on an integrated approach directly into the strap itself. It means that they'll always be able to play guitar without ever worrying about the safety of their instrument.
Ernie Ball straps are some of the most popular, highly rated straps available. The Polylock keeps that craftsmanships but adds an innovative locking mechanism at both ends of the strap. Although it's more expensive, we highly recommend getting the neoprene version of this strap as the regular version is much less comfortable.
Ernie Ball Polylock Guitar Strap
Some folks like flames and skulls on their guitar straps - or at least guitar companies seem to think so. For the rest of us there's this insanely comfortable and smart neoprene strap from Ernie Ball. It features the company's Polylock technology which keeps your guitar safe while you enjoy the little stretch the strap gives as you bounce around stage - or your living room.
Safety First
Openhagen Guitar Mount
I came across the Openhagen Guitar Mount while doom scrolling on Instagram one night, checked the reviews on Amazon, and my guitars have been hanging on them ever since. Guitar stands are somewhat obscene looking but a nice guitar mount is a thoughtful gift idea for any player. Furthermore, unlike most guitar mounts, the Openhagen sits relatively flat against the wall and only opens when you need to hang the guitar on it.
Mounting the Openhagen is easy with just two screws to drill in and the best part is that you wouldn't know it's a guitar hanger when it's closed. The mount comes in both oak and walnut woods and has a soft cork-like padding to protect any electric or acoustic guitar.
Openhagen Guitar Mount
Guitars are meant to be seen but most guitar stands are obscene - see what we did there? The Openhagen guitar mount is a minimalist approach to keeping your guitar on display while taking up as little room as possible. It's midcentury finishes mean that it's not an eyesore when it's not holding your guitar up.
Simply Beautiful
Rombo Picks
Looking for an affordable gift for the guitar player in your life and one that they'll use each time they pick up their instrument? Guitar picks are a small but oddly personal tool for every guitarist. We get sentimental about our picks taking them with us wherever we go, treating them almost like fidget toys, even when our guitar is staying back at home.
These picks from Rombo Picks won our pick (unavoidable pun!) for being the coolest guitar picks. Rombo picks have a sensible design-first aesthetic, some varieties are made with recycled plastic, and above all else they make your guitar sound great.
Rombo Picks come in a variety of style and thicknesses and in gorgeous packaging to make the perfect gift.. If your guitar lover plays acoustic guitar go for a thinner pick <1mm. If they play electric guitar go for a medium pick (1mm-1.5mm). If they play electric guitar and love heavy metal go for the thickest picks Rombo offers.
Rombo Picks
Picks are a simple piece of gear that guitarists hold dear - that's why they make the perfect stocking stuffer or gift. These picks from Rombo are some of our favorite due to their beautiful and modern designs.
Top Picks
Boss RC-500 Loop Station
Guitarists love pedals and modern guitarist love loop pedals the most. The Boss RC-500 is absolutely one of the best loop pedals available today.
A loop pedal allows both guitarists to record a few bars of playing, whether with acoustic or electric guitars, and have it play back continuously so that they can layer additional tracks on top of it. You can do this multiple times over allowing you to effectively recreate the sounds of multiple musicians all playing at the same time.
Whether you're into Ed Sheeren or Reggie Watts the loop pedal can add some dynamic versatility to your playing. Loop pedals aren't just limited to the guitar either. Check out Kimbra for some fantastic vocal loops.
What makes the Boss RC-500 great is that it outputs really high quality audio. Other loopers, even more affordable ones from Boss, tend to downgrade the quality of the looping audio noticeably. This makes it usable enough for live playing but not passable for recording and production quality. The RC-500 fixes that and allows for up to 13 hours of recording.
Looping is quite tricky but the Boss RC-500 is a straightforward enough device for a beginner, is extremely durable, and has some fun effects built-in to keep any guitar lover occupied until the next big occasion comes along.
Boss RC-500
No modern guitar rig would be complete without a loop pedal. The Boss RC-500 is an upgrade from an entry-level loop pedal but this is a gift guide and that guitarist in your life deserves it! Boss makes both more affordable and more expensive loop pedals - all exceptional - should this one not fit your price point.
Loop Pedal
If you don't want to splurge you can still get them a great loop pedal with the Boss RC-1 at just $117.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
Looking for a slightly more unique guitar gift to really wow the guitar lover in your life? The Focusrite is a digital audio workstation (DAW) to plug in practically any instrument or microphone so that you can record them at high quality directly on your computer.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best selling DAWs yet it is extremely affordable at $199 for the most recent (4th gen) version. It allows for 2 guitars and 2 microphones to plugged in simultaneously.
If you're on a tighter budget you could also opt to buy the highly capable 3rd generation Scarlett 2i2 ($162) or the Scarlett Solo ($139) which is perfect for a songwriter or podcaster with one guitar and one microphone input.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
It's truly amazing how far audio redording technology has come. Focusrite leads the pack with their miniature workstations that help any guitarist and singer-songwriter get down their thoughts in the most portable package. Beautiful and useful - these will make a perfect gift
Hit Record
JOYO 2.4GHz Wireless Guitar System
If you forced us to pick the best gift for a guitar player in 2023 it would probably be the Joyo Wireless Guitar system. Not only is it a brilliant device but it costs just $39!
The day has finally come where guitarists no longer need to be limited by the length of the cable that extends from their guitar to their amplifier. Technology has finally made it possible for any at home guitarist to have a true wireless set up between their electric guitar or acoustic-electric guitar and their amplifier.
The Joyo 2.4GHz wireless guitar system makes this all possible for less than $50. There are a few similar devices available on Amazon but we weren't able to try them all. However, the Joyo checked all of our boxes because of it's high quality audio signal and no noticeable lag between playing and hearing the guitar over the amplifier.
This Joyo wireless guitar system plus the Positive Grid amplifier mentioned earlier would be a killer combo sure to earn you a lot of love from the guitarist in your life.
Joyo Wireless Guitar System
When I was a child this was the guitar gadget of my dreams - a simple and affordable wireless guitar system. The Joyo comes in a pair with one plugging into your guitar and the other your amp for true freedom to walk around while playing an amplified electric guitar.
Wireless Wonder
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some guitar gifts for kids?
Loog's new collaboration with Fender takes our pick as the best guitar gift for a kid who is just beginning to learn how to play the guitar.
Rating: 4.2/5
Price: $199
Also great is the Donner 30" kids guitar kit. This is actually the second guitar on our list after the Donner Hush-I Travel Guitar but in manyways this is a friendlier much more
Rating: 4.4
Price: $129 (not including a $25 Coupon currently)
BUY IT ON AMAZON
What are some affordable gifts for guitar players under $50?
If you're looking for affordable gifts for guitar players, there are many options available. But for 2023 our top pick, of all those above, would be the JoYo Wireless Guitar System. For any guitarist, playing wirelessly to their amp has been a lifelong dream and, at just $39. we think it's a dream for your wallet too.
What are some unique DIY gifts for guitar players?
There are many unique DIY gifts that guitar players will love.
- A personalized guitar pick holder using a wooden block and some screws
- A custom guitar strap using fabric and leather
- A guitar pedal board using a suitcase or a briefcase.
What are some great gifts for acoustic guitar players?
Acoustic guitar players will appreciate gifts that enhance the sound and playability of their instrument. Some great gift ideas include a high-quality capo, a guitar humidifier, or a set of fingerpicks. You can also get them a guitar strap that is specifically designed for acoustic guitars or a set of acoustic guitar strings.
What are some jazz guitar gift ideas?
Jazz guitar players will appreciate gifts that help them achieve the classic jazz sound. Some great gift ideas include a set of flatwound guitar strings, a jazz guitar instructional book, or a CD of classic jazz guitar performances. You can also get them a guitar stand that is designed specifically for jazz guitars or a set of jazz guitar picks.
What are some creative guitar pick gift ideas?
If you want to give a guitar player a gift that is both creative and practical, there are many guitar pick gift ideas to choose from. You can get them a personalized guitar pick holder, a set of custom guitar picks with their name or photo on them, or a guitar pick punch that allows them to make their own picks. We suggest heading over to Etsy for some of the more off-the-beat gifts; however, many look great but play like poop so maybe throw this in along with something else from our top picks above.
Shopping for the guitarist in your life is a painful experience. Mainly because you probably don't know much about guitars in the first place and everything you see has hot rod flames and strange names like "fuzzrocious forever".
Let's jam...
in your inbox
Table of Contents
